Dual mode wireless data communications

• US 6,895,255 B1
• Filed: 10/20/2000
• Issued: 05/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Bridgelall, Raj
• Primary Examiner(s): Hudspeth, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, DAVID Q
• Application Number:
  US09/693,137
• Time in Patent Office: 1,670 Days
• Field of Search: 370/329, 370/338, 370/341, 370/345, 370/347, 370/348, 370/445, 370/443, 370/442, 370/449, 370/458, 370/401, 455/562.1, 455/552.1, 455/41.2, 455/450, 455/452.1, 455/454, 455/464, 455/509, 455/511, 455/74.1, 455/151.1, 455/154.1
• US Class Current: 455/552.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/00 Network planning, e.g. coverage or traffic planning tools; Network deployment, e.g. resource partitioning or cells structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A dual mode mobile unit is arranged to communicate in either a first or second data communications standard, such as combined Bluetooth and 802.11 operation. An interface unit converts received Bluetooth or 802.11 format signals into 802.11 frame format data signals to be provided to a digital signal processor which is programmed to process signals in either standard. The dual mode mobile unit can operate in the 802.11 standard to reserve a time interval for Bluetooth activity during which other 802.11 units will avoid-transmissions to avoid interference.

Claims

1. A method for operating a dual-mode mobile unit arranged to transmit and receive signals using first and second wireless protocols, comprising:

operating said mobile unit under said first wireless protocol;

reserving a transmission time interval in a frame of said first wireless protocol; and

operating said mobile unit under said second wireless protocol during said reserved time interval,

wherein said reserving a transmission time is repeated at a selected duty cycle.

2. A method for operating a dual mode mobile unit as specified in claim 1 wherein said selected duty cycle is varied based on the activity of radio traffic using said second wireless protocol.