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

• US 7,912,016 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2005
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• 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): Wilson; Robert W
• Assistant Examiner(s): KAMARA, MOHAMED A
• Application Number:
  US11/183,704
• Publication Number:
  US 20050254475A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,073 Days
• Field of Search: 370/331, 370/328, 370/338, 370/401, 370/466, 455453-455, 455/419, 455/437, 455/423, 455/447, 455/522, 455/417, 235/383, 235/462.48, 235/472.02
• US Class Current: 370/338
• 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 provisions 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. A handheld communication device comprising:

a first radio frequency interface for transmitting and receiving digital information via a first wireless communication network using a first communication protocol and a first portion of radio frequency spectrum;

a second radio frequency interface for communicating with at least one peripheral device via a second wireless communication network using a second communication protocol and a second portion of radio frequency spectrum;

circuitry for converting between digital and analog representations of sound;

wherein the first radio frequency interface of the handheld communication device supports speech communication using the first wireless communication network;

wherein the handheld communication device transmits, to a first remote system using the first radio frequency interface, a request for information identifying a call route to a remote voice communication terminal accessible to the handheld communication device via the first wireless communication network;

wherein the handheld communication device, upon receiving the requested information, initiates a call connection to the remote voice communication terminal via the first radio frequency interface, using the requested information; and

wherein the handheld communication device begins communicating digital voice packets to the remote voice communication terminal using the first radio frequency interface and the first wireless communication network upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the remote voice communication terminal.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the handheld communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

7. The device according to claim 6 wherein the spread spectrum technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network employs a master-slave packet protocol.

9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second radio frequency interface transmits at a relatively higher power level using a third communication protocol for communication via a third communication network.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises one of the following:

a printer, an optical scanner, a card reader, or a stylus.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a visual display for displaying information to a user; and

a keypad for accepting input from the user.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an interface for receiving stylus input from a user.

13. The device according to claim 1 wherein the second wireless communication network is used for voice communication.

50. The device according to claim 1 wherein the remote voice communication terminal comprises a telephone.

14. A method of operating a handheld communication device, the method comprising:

establishing wireless call communication of digital information via a first radio frequency communication network using a first communication protocol;

enabling communication with at least one peripheral device via a second radio frequency communication network using a second communication protocol;

transmitting, to a first remote system, a request for information identifying a call route to a remote voice communication terminal accessible to the handheld communication device via the first radio frequency communication network;

upon receiving the requested information, initiating a call connection to the remote voice communication terminal, using the requested information; and

upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the remote voice communication terminal, begin communicating digital voice packets to the remote voice communication terminal via the first radio frequency communication network.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

converting between analog and digital representations of sound.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

accepting, from a user, input for establishing call communication.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein input from the user comprises manual input of one of the following:

key presses or stylus input.

18. The method according to claim 14 wherein the handheld communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

19. The method according to claim 14 wherein the first radio frequency communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

20. The method according to claim 14 wherein the second radio frequency communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

21. The method according to claim 14 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

22. The method according to claim 14 wherein the second radio frequency communication network uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

23. The method according to claim 22 wherein the spread spectrum technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

24. The method according to claim 14 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates using a master-slave protocol.

25. The method according to claim 14 wherein the handheld communication device transmits at a relatively lower power level when using the second radio frequency network, and at a relatively higher power level when communicating via a third communication network using a third communication protocol.

26. The method according to claim 14 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises an optical scanner.

27. The method according to claim 14 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises a card reader.

28. The method according to claim 14 wherein the handheld communication device and the at least one peripheral device use the second radio frequency network for voice communication.

51. The method according to claim 14 wherein the remote voice communication terminal comprises a telephone.

29. A system supporting digital speech and data communication, the system comprising:

at least one handheld communication device for transmitting and receiving digital information via a first wireless communication network using a first radio frequency interface, the handheld communication device comprising a second radio frequency interface for communicating via a second wireless communication network using a packet protocol;

wherein the at least one handheld communication devices is arranged to be communicatively coupled to at least one peripheral device via the second wireless communication network;

wherein the at least one handheld communication device supports speech communication using the first wireless communication network;

wherein the at least one handheld communication device transmits, to a first remote system, a request for information identifying a call route to a remote voice communication terminal accessible to the at least one handheld communication device via the first wireless communication network;

wherein the at least one handheld communication device, upon receiving the requested information, initiates a call connection to the remote voice communication terminal, using the requested information; and

wherein the at least one handheld communication device begins communicating digital voice packets to the remote voice communication terminal using the first wireless communication network upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the remote voice communication terminal.

30. The system according to claim 29 wherein the first wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

31. The system according to claim 30 wherein the at least one handheld communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

32. The system according to claim 29 wherein the second wireless communication network uses frequency hopping spread spectrum communication.

33. The system according to claim 29 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises one of the following:

a printer and an optical scanner.

34. The system according to claim 29 wherein the handheld communication device is arranged to establish voice communication via the second wireless communication network.

52. The system according to claim 29 wherein the remote voice communication terminal comprises a telephone.

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

at least one processor operably coupled to a first radio frequency interface for communicating via a first wireless communication network and a second radio frequency interface for communicating via a second wireless communication network, the at least one processor arranged to, at least;

establish wireless call communication of digital information via the first radio frequency communication network using a first communication protocol;

enable communication with at least one peripheral device via the second radio frequency communication network using a second communication protocol;

transmit, to a first remote system, a request for information identifying a call route to a remote voice communication terminal accessible to the handheld communication device via the first radio frequency communication network;

upon receiving the requested information, initiate a call connection to the remote voice communication terminal, using the requested information; and

upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the remote voice communication terminal, begin communicating digital voice packets to the remote voice communication terminal via the first radio frequency communication network.

36. The one or more circuits according to claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to, at least:

cause conversion between analog and digital representations of sound.

37. The one or more circuits according to claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to, at least:

accept, from a user, input for establishing call communication.

38. The one or more circuits according to claim 37 wherein input from the user comprises manual input of one of the following:

key presses or stylus input.

39. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the handheld communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

40. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the first radio frequency communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

41. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the second radio frequency communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

42. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

43. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the second radio frequency communication network uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

44. The one or more circuits according to claim 43 wherein the spread spectrum technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

45. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates using a master-slave protocol.

46. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the handheld communication device transmits at a relatively lower power level when using the second radio frequency network, and at a relatively higher power level when communicating via a third communication network using a third communication protocol.

47. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises an optical scanner.

48. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises a card reader.

49. The one or more circuits according to claim 35 wherein the handheld communication device uses the second radio frequency network for communication of voice information with the at least one peripheral device.

53. The one or more circuits of claim 35 wherein the remote voice communication terminal comprises a telephone.

54. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of code sections, each code section comprising a plurality of instructions executable by a processor, the instructions causing the processor to perform the following:

establish wireless call communication of digital information via a first radio frequency communication network using a first communication protocol;

transmit, to a first remote system, a request for information identifying a call route to a remote voice communication terminal accessible to the handheld communication device via the first radio frequency communication network;

upon receiving the requested information, initiate a call connection to the remote voice communication terminal, using the requested information; and

upon receiving a message indicating establishment of a call connection with the remote voice communication terminal, begin communicating digital voice packets to the remote voice communication terminal via the first radio frequency communication network.

55. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the instructions cause the processor to perform the following:

cause conversion between analog and digital representations of sound.

56. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the instructions cause the processor to perform the following:

accept, from a user, input for establishing call communication.

57. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 56 wherein input from the user comprises manual input of one of the following:

key presses or stylus input.

58. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the handheld communication device comprises a cellular telephone.

59. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the first radio frequency communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

60. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the second radio frequency communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

61. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

62. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the second radio frequency communication network uses a spread spectrum communication technique.

63. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 62 wherein the spread spectrum technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

64. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the second radio frequency communication network operates using a master-slave protocol.

65. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the handheld communication device transmits at a relatively lower power level when using the second radio frequency network, and at a relatively higher power level when communicating via a third communication network using a third communication protocol.

66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises an optical scanner.

67. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the at least one peripheral device comprises a card reader.

68. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the handheld communication device and the at least one peripheral device use the second radio frequency network for voice communication.

69. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 54 wherein the remote voice communication terminal comprises a telephone.