Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones

• US 7,586,907 B2
• Filed: 11/28/2006
• Issued: 09/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Morris, Michael D., Kubler, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Brian D
• Application Number:
  US11/604,976
• Publication Number:
  US 20070177584A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,015 Days
• Field of Search: 370/352, 370/353, 370/401, 370/466, 370/413, 370/412, 370/508, 370/519, 370/465, 370/252, 314/126
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/0908 using a phase locked loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/1615 Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely battery saving circuits associated with selective call operation H04W52/00; details of power consumption reduction in a PLL, H03L7/0802, H03L7/14, H03L2207/08, H03L2207/18; muting amplifiers by gain control see H03G3/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0802 using antenna selection H04B7/0868 takes precedence; antenna beam directivity switching H01Q3/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 : by adapting the transmission rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 : by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/12 : Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/14 : Demodulator circuits; Receiver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/156 : with demodulation using temporal properties of the received signal, e.g. detecting pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/48 : Routing tree calculation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1083 : In-session procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1095 : Inter-network session transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 : Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 : adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 : including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/14 : using intermediate storage
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/00 : Communication routing or communication path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 : Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0261 : managing power supply demand, e.g. depending on battery level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/04 : TPC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 : TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/46 : in multi hop networks, e.g. wireless relay networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/22 : Manipulation of transport tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 : Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 : Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.

Claims

1. One or more circuits for use in a handheld wireless communication device, the one or more circuits comprising:

at least one processor operably coupled to at least one memory and to radio frequency circuitry for communicating voice signals over a radio frequency network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

store first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

convert the first voice data from the queue to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

convert to second voice data a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketize received voice packets into the first voice data and packetize the second voice data into transmit voice packets,

adjust operation of the queue based upon a propagation delay of a communication network; and

wherein adjusting operation of the queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network, when variation of propagation delay rises above a certain level.

2. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

remove from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

3. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

4. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

5. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

capture image data from an imaging device; and

transmit the image data over the radio frequency network.

6. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor communicates via the radio frequency network at a relatively higher transmit power level within a relatively larger geographic area, and communicates via a second radio frequency network at a relatively lower transmit power level over a relatively smaller geographical area.

7. The one or more circuits according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processor communicates as slave via the radio frequency network.

8. The one or more circuits according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processor communicates as master with one or more peripheral devices via the second radio frequency network.

9. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the one or more circuits are disposed on a single integrated circuit.

10. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the one or more circuits further comprise interface circuitry that enables communication between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

11. The one or more circuits according to claim 10, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

12. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

13. The one or more circuits according to claim 1, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is measured by the at least one processor.

14. The one or more circuits according to claim 13, wherein measurement of propagation delay comprises calculating a round-trip delay to a second party of a call session, using a time from transmission of a packet to reception of a response packet from the second party.

15. The one or more circuits according to claim 14, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

16. The one or more circuits of claim 1, wherein the communication device and at least one access device communicate in each of a series of regular time intervals using bandwidth of a shared channel allocated by the at least one access device in response to requests received from a plurality of communication devices for each time interval.

17. One or more circuits for use in a handheld wireless communication device, the one or more circuits comprising:

at least one processor operably coupled to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

determine a propagation delay through the communication network;

convert first voice data received via the communication network to a first analog voice signal based upon the determined propagation delay,

packetize for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal,

adjust operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay of the communication network; and

wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network, when variation of propagation delay rises above a certain level.

18. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, further comprising:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

19. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

20. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

capture image data from an imaging device; and

transmit the image data using the radio frequency circuitry.

21. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the at least one processor communicates via a first radio frequency network at a relatively higher transmit power level within a relatively larger geographic area, and communicates via a second radio frequency network at a relatively lower transmit power level over a relatively smaller geographical area.

22. The one or more circuits according to claim 21, wherein the at least one processor communicates as slave via the first radio frequency network.

23. The one or more circuits according to claim 21, wherein the at least one processor communicates as master with one or more peripheral devices via the second radio frequency network.

24. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the one or more circuits are disposed on a single integrated circuit.

25. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the one or more circuits further comprise interface circuitry that enables communication between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

26. The one or more circuits according to claim 25, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

27. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

28. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is determined before a first voice packet is received.

29. The one or more circuits according to claim 17, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is measured by the at least one processor.

30. The one or more circuits according to claim 29, wherein measurement of propagation delay comprises calculating a round-trip delay to a second party of a call session, using a time from transmission of a packet to reception of a response packet from the second party.

31. The one or more circuits according to claim 30, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

32. The one or more circuits of claim 17, wherein the communication device and at least one access device communicate in each of a series of regular time intervals using bandwidth of a shared channel allocated by the at least one access device in response to requests received from a plurality of communication devices for each time interval.

33. One or more circuits for use in a handheld wireless communication device, the one or more circuits comprising:

at least one processor operably coupled to at least one memory and to radio frequency circuitry for communicating voice signals over a radio frequency network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

store first voice data representative of a first voice signal in a queue in the at least one memory,

transmit the first voice data from the queue for conversion to a first analog representation of the first voice signal,

receive second voice data converted from a second analog representation of a second voice signal,

depacketize received voice packets into the first voice data and packetize the second voice data into transmit voice packets,

adjust operation of the queue based upon a propagation delay of a communication network; and

wherein adjusting operation of the queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network, when variation of propagation delay rises above a certain level.

34. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

remove from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

35. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the voice data representative of the portion of the first voice data is delayed before removal.

36. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

37. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

capture image data from an imaging device; and

transmit the image data over the radio frequency network.

38. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the at least one processor communicates via the radio frequency network at a relatively higher transmit power level within a relatively larger geographic area, and communicates via a second radio frequency network at a relatively lower transmit power level over a relatively smaller geographical area.

39. The one or more circuits according to claim 38, wherein the at least one processor communicates as slave via the radio frequency network.

40. The one or more circuits according to claim 38, wherein the at least one processor communicates as master with one or more peripheral devices via the second radio frequency network.

41. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the one or more circuits are disposed on a single integrated circuit.

42. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the one or more circuits further comprise interface circuitry that enables communication between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

43. The one or more circuits according to claim 42, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

44. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein communication via the radio frequency network uses spread spectrum signals.

45. The one or more circuits according to claim 33, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is measured by the at least one processor.

46. The one or more circuits according to claim 45, wherein measurement of propagation delay comprises calculating a round-trip delay to a second party of a call session, using a time from transmission of a packet to reception of a response packet from the second party.

47. The one or more circuits according to claim 46, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

48. The one or more circuits of claim 33, wherein the communication device and at least one access device communicate in each of a series of regular time intervals using bandwidth of a shared channel allocated by the at least one access device in response to requests received from a plurality of communication devices for each time interval.

49. One or more circuits for use in a handheld wireless communication device, the one or more circuits comprising:

at least one processor operably coupled to radio frequency circuitry for communicating packetized voice data over a communication network, the at least one processor operable to, at least,

determine a propagation delay through the communication network;

transmit first voice data received via the communication network, for conversion to a first analog voice signal, based upon the determined propagation delay,

packetize for transmission via the communication network, second voice data representative of a second voice signal, and

adjust operation of a voice data queue based upon the propagation delay of the communication network; and

wherein adjusting operation of the voice data queue comprises adjusting queuing time according to a measurement of propagation delay of the communication network, when variation of propagation delay rises above a certain level.

50. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, further comprising:

removing from the second voice signal represented by the second voice data, a portion of the first voice signal representative of the first voice data.

51. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the portion removed comprises undesirable components of the first voice signal present in the second voice signal.

52. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the at least one processor is further operable to, at least:

capture image data from an imaging device; and

transmit the image data using the radio frequency circuitry.

53. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the at least one processor communicates via a first radio frequency network at a relatively higher transmit power level within a relatively larger geographic area, and communicates via a second radio frequency network at a relatively lower transmit power level over a relatively smaller geographical area.

54. The one or more circuits according to claim 53, wherein the at least one processor communicates as slave via the first radio frequency network.

55. The one or more circuits according to claim 53, wherein the at least one processor communicates as master with one or more peripheral devices via the second radio frequency network.

56. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the one or more circuits are disposed on a single integrated circuit.

57. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the one or more circuits further comprise interface circuitry that enables communication between the at least one processor and at least one user interchangeable circuit card.

58. The one or more circuits according to claim 57, wherein the interface circuitry is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card interface standard.

59. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the radio frequency circuitry communicates using spread spectrum signals.

60. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is determined before a first voice packet is received.

61. The one or more circuits according to claim 49, wherein the propagation delay of the communication network is measured by the at least one processor.

62. The one or more circuits according to claim 61, wherein measurement of propagation delay comprises calculating a round-trip delay to a second party of a call session, using a time from transmission of a packet to reception of a response packet from the second party.

63. The one or more circuits according to claim 62, wherein the transmitted packet is designated as a test packet.

64. The one or more circuits of claim 49, wherein the communication device and at least one access device communicate in each of a series of regular time intervals using bandwidth of a shared channel allocated by the at least one access device in response to requests received from a plurality of communication devices for each time interval.