Telecommunications adapter providing non-repudiable communications log and supplemental power for a portable programmable device

• US 6,119,179 A
• Filed: 08/28/1998
• Issued: 09/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HIPPO, INC.
• Original Assignee: PDA Peripherals Incorporated
• Inventors: Whitridge, Frederick W., Hemingway, Brendan F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Thomas C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WANG, ALBERT C
• Application Number:
  US09/143,188
• Time in Patent Office: 746 Days
• Field of Search: 320/114, 235/380, 235/472.01, 375/222, 455/556, 455/557, 455/572, 709/302, 710/72
• US Class Current: 710/72
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A portable adapter that provides non-repudiable telecommunications services to bar-code reading hand-held computers and palm-top or tablet-type mobile computers is disclosed. The adapter provides supplemental power supply and processing capacity that supports API communications functions, such as interactive voice recognition, conference calling, data encryption, VoIP packetization and other signal-format conversions that are not implemented on mobile computers. In particular, the device automatically logs IP packet identifiers and DOV dialing and status signals, without the user having access to edit this information, thereby providing a "non-repudiation" record of all communications. The adapter also supports intensive use of the host computer'"'"'s serial port by supplementing the power available from the host computer'"'"'s battery, or replacing that battery with a connector. For plant inspection and inventory auditing, ground-based cellular communications are implemented for supporting on-site work, including conference calling to discuss apparent pilferage or imminent safety hazards, and removable WORM recording media for documenting these discussions. For repair shop use, a standard phone jack or 10-base-T connector allows the device to upload engine test-data, with reports or estimates dictated by the mechanic to the repair shop'"'"'s LAN server. For hospital use, the device includes removable WORM media for logging patient test results and examination reports. The hospital device also uses a dedicated local-area RF or IR transmitter, with location-specific encryption, to protect the privacy of lab reports received by the device, and to limit use of these devices to hospital'"'"'s own premises.

Claims

1. A communications adapter for supporting telecommunications operations for a portable device that has a program storage memory, a programmable controller, and a power supply, said communications adapter comprising:

a signal processing unit for converting an analog voice signal to digital data in substantially real-time, said signal processing unit compressing said digital data and arranging the compressed digital data into a plurality of packets, said signal processing unit further arranging a predetermined number of packets into a frame and providing timing and identification indicia to said frame;

a memory unit for storing application interface code that generates a read-only record of said timing and identification indicia such that a non-repudiable communications log is produced and operating system code that encrypts and decrypts said digital data; and

a power supply for supplying power to said signal processing unit and for providing supplemental power to said portable device.

2. The communications adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power supply of said communications adapter includes a battery selected from a rechargeable battery and a single-use battery.

3. The communications adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power supply of said communications adapter provides said supplemental power by docking said communications adapter to said portable device.

4. A method for supporting telecommunications operations by a communications adapter for a portable device that has a program storage memory, a programmable controller, and a power supply, said communications adapter comprising a signal processing unit, a memory unit, and a power supply, said method comprising:

converting, by said signal processing unit, an analog voice signal to digital data said in substantially real-time;

compressing, by said signal processing unit, said digital data;

arranging, by said signal processing unit, the compressed digital data into a plurality of packets and a predetermined number of said packets into a frame, said frame including timing and identification indicia;

storing, by said memory unit, application interface code that generates a read-only record of said timing and identification indicia such that a non-repudiable communications log is produced and operating system code that encrypts and decrypts said digital data; and

supplying power, by said power supply, to said signal processing unit and to said portable device.