Data processing and communications device with interchangeable modules
First Claim
1. A data communications system comprising:
- a base module comprising first processing circuitry and first interface circuitry; and
a plurality of communications modules interchangeably couplable to the base module, each communications module comprising second processing circuitry, second interface circuitry and at least one of a plurality of wireless transceivers of differing types;
wherein the base module receives a selected one of the plurality of communications modules in an engaging position that communicatively couples the first and second interface circuitry and enables the base module to communicate via the selected communications module, characterized in that the first processing circuitry supports communication of data via at least one of the plurality of wireless transceivers regardless of which of the plurality of communications modules is selected.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.
3 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A data communications system comprising:
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a base module comprising first processing circuitry and first interface circuitry; and a plurality of communications modules interchangeably couplable to the base module, each communications module comprising second processing circuitry, second interface circuitry and at least one of a plurality of wireless transceivers of differing types; wherein the base module receives a selected one of the plurality of communications modules in an engaging position that communicatively couples the first and second interface circuitry and enables the base module to communicate via the selected communications module, characterized in that the first processing circuitry supports communication of data via at least one of the plurality of wireless transceivers regardless of which of the plurality of communications modules is selected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification