Modular, portable data processing terminal for use in a radio frequency communication network
First Claim
1. A system for use in a portable terminal utilizing a communication protocol stack having higher and lower layers, the portable terminal also comprising a communication module having a wireless transceiver and adapted to perform the functionality of the lower layers of the communication protocol stack, the system comprising:
- a memory adapted to store the higher layers of the communication protocol stack; and
a processor adapted to cooperate with the communication module to effect wireless communication by the communication module, the processor being adapted to perform the functionality of the higher layers of the communication protocol stack stored in the memory.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system for use in a portable terminal utilizing a communication protocol stack having higher and lower layers, the portable terminal also comprising a communication module having a wireless transceiver and adapted to perform the functionality of the lower layers of the communication protocol stack, the system comprising:
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a memory adapted to store the higher layers of the communication protocol stack; and a processor adapted to cooperate with the communication module to effect wireless communication by the communication module, the processor being adapted to perform the functionality of the higher layers of the communication protocol stack stored in the memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A portable terminal utilizing a communication protocol stack having a highest layer, at least one middle layer and a lowest layer, the portable terminal comprising:
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a base memory storing a first set of instructions comprising at least the highest layer of the communication protocol stack; a base processor adapted to perform the functionality of the first set of instructions stored in the base memory; a communication module comprising a module processor, a module memory, and a wireless transceiver; the wireless transceiver having a second set of instructions comprising at least the lowest layer of the communication protocol stack; the module memory storing the second set of instructions; the module processor using the second set of instructions in communicating with both the wireless transceiver and the base processor; and the base processor using the first set of instructions in communicating with the module processor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification