Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones
First Claim
1. A multi-mode communication device comprising:
- a first receiver and transmitter for communicating via a first wireless communication network;
a second receiver and transmitter for communicating via a second wireless communication network;
at least one processor communicatively coupled to the first receiver and transmitter and the second receiver and transmitter, the at least one processor capable of establishing the communication of information via at least one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network;
wherein the at least one processor evaluates a cost of use of a communication network and establishes the communication of information based upon the cost; and
wherein the at least one processor directs delivery of buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the at least one processor to accommodate variations in propagation delays over a communication network.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
66 Claims
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1. A multi-mode communication device comprising:
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a first receiver and transmitter for communicating via a first wireless communication network; a second receiver and transmitter for communicating via a second wireless communication network; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the first receiver and transmitter and the second receiver and transmitter, the at least one processor capable of establishing the communication of information via at least one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network; wherein the at least one processor evaluates a cost of use of a communication network and establishes the communication of information based upon the cost; and wherein the at least one processor directs delivery of buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the at least one processor to accommodate variations in propagation delays over a communication network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A wireless network access device comprising:
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a first receiver and transmitter for communication via a first wireless communication network; a second receiver and transmitter for communication via a second wireless communication network; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the first receiver and transmitter and the second receiver and transmitter, the at least one processor capable of establishing communication of information between the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network based upon a call setup request received from one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network; a buffer for buffering digital voice data, the at least one processor directing delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the at least one processor to accommodate variations in propagation delays over a communication network; and a housing enclosing at least the first receiver and transmitter and the at least one processor. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of operating a communication device having a plurality of wireless communication interfaces, the method comprising:
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detecting an action by a user; determining a type of call based upon the user action; evaluating a cost of use of a communication network; selecting at least one wireless communication interface from the plurality of wireless communication interfaces based upon the type of call and the cost; establishing call communication via the at least one wireless communication interface; communicating information via the at least one wireless communication interface; buffering digital voice data received via the at least one wireless communication interface; and directing delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable to accommodate variations in propagation delays of information received via the at least one wireless communication interface. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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48. A system supporting communication over a plurality of wireless networks, the system comprising:
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first transceiver circuitry adapted for communication via a first wireless communication network; second transceiver circuitry adapted for communication via a second wireless communication network; a processing circuit for evaluating a cost of use of a communication network and managing operation of the transceiver circuitry in order to establish voice communication via at least one of the first and second wireless communication networks, the processing circuit selecting one of the first and second wireless communication networks based upon at least one of a mode of communication and the cost of use of the first and second wireless communication networks; a buffer for buffering digital voice data; and wherein the processing circuit directs delivery of buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the processing circuit to accommodate variations in propagation delays over the selected one of the first and second wireless communication networks. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50)
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51. A system supporting communication over a plurality of wireless networks, the system comprising:
at least one processor operably coupled to a first receiver and transmitter for communication via a first wireless communication network and to a second receiver and transmitter for communication via a second wireless communication network, the at least one processor operating to, at least; evaluate a cost of use of a communication network; select one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network based upon at least one of a mode of communication and the cost of use of a communication network; manage operation of the first receiver and transmitter or the second receiver and transmitter, in order to establish voice communication via the selected one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network; buffer digital voice data communicated via the selected one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network; and direct delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the at least one processor to accommodate variations in propagation delays over the selected one of the first and second wireless communication networks. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66)
Specification