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

• US 8,467,376 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2004
• Issued: 06/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Corporation (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Kubler, Joseph J., Morris, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Ajit
• Application Number:
  US10/760,322
• Publication Number:
  US 20040151164A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,441 Days
• Field of Search: 370/474, 370/80, 370/9.42, 370912-913, 370352-356, 370/338, 370/465, 455/5.1, 455/89, 375/107, 375/200
• 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. A phone supporting voice communication via a wireless packet network, the phone comprising:

at least one processor for processing outgoing digital voice data converted from a first voice signal to produce packets for transmission via the wireless packet network;

the at least one processor operably coupled to a radio transmitter for transmitting the packets via the wireless packet network;

the at least one processor operably coupled to a radio receiver for receiving packets via the wireless packet network;

the at least one processor for selectively processing the packets received via the wireless packet network to produce incoming digital voice data for conversion to a second voice signal;

wherein the phone supports concurrent, bidirectional voice communication;

wherein the at least one processor monitors the first voice signal for a lack of speech for a minimum period of time; and

wherein the at least one processor controls a signal level of one or both of the first voice signal and the second voice signal depending upon an amount of delay between transmission of the packets received via the wireless packet network and conversion of the incoming digital voice data to the second voice signal.

2. The phone of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one interface for accepting input from a user; and

the at least one interface for providing feedback to a user.

3. The phone of claim 2 wherein the at least one interface comprises a keypad.

4. The phone of claim 2 wherein the at least one interface comprises a display.

5. The phone of claim 1 further comprising:

a handset having a microphone for transducing sound into the first voice signal, and a transducer for converting the second voice signal into sound.

6. The phone of claim 1 wherein the at least one processor buffers incoming digital voice data for an adjustable amount of time to avoid the occurrence of a gap in the second voice signal.

7. The phone of claim 6 wherein the adjustable amount of time is based upon a propagation delay.

8. The phone of claim 6 wherein the adjustable amount of time is based upon a test packet.

9. The phone of claim 1 wherein the phone transmits and receives packets comprising digital data not related to the establishment or receipt of a voice call.

10. The phone of claim 1 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using an Internet protocol (IP).

11. The phone of claim 10 wherein the Internet protocol is the transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol (IP).

12. The phone of claim 1 wherein the wireless packet network communicates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

13. The phone of claim 1 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

14. The phone of claim 1 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

15. The phone of claim 1 further comprising:

an interface for receiving information representing an image for transmission via the wireless packet network.

16. The phone of claim 1 further comprising:

a circuit card interface for accepting a removable circuit card.

17. The phone of claim 16 wherein the removable circuit card comprises a wired network interface card.

18. The phone of claim 16 wherein the removable circuit card interface is compatible with the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard.

19. The phone of claim 1 wherein the minimum period of time is approximately 200 milliseconds.

20. The phone of claim 1 wherein transmission of packets containing digital voice data is interrupted when a lack of speech for the minimum period of time is detected.

21. The phone of claim 20 wherein an indication of a change in speech activity is transmitted following the detection of a lack of speech for the minimum period of time.

22. The phone of claim 21 wherein the indication is a group identifier.

51. The phone of claim 1, wherein the phone does not receive dedicated bandwidth on the wireless packet network for the communication of packets containing digital voice data.

54. The phone of claim 1, wherein the phone adjusts the amount of digital voice data packetized and transmitted over the wireless network, in accordance with a predetermined voice threshold.

57. The phone of claim 1, wherein the redundant transmission is performed within two or more successive transmission intervals over the wireless packet network.

60. The phone of claim 1, wherein the outgoing digital voice data is transmitted redundantly over the wireless packet network.

23. A phone circuit supporting voice communication via a wireless packet network, the circuit comprising:

at least one processor for processing a first digital representation of sound converted from a first voice signal to produce packets for transmission via the wireless packet network;

at least one interface for communicatively coupling the packets to a transmitter compatible with the wireless packet network;

the at least one interface for communicatively coupling packets from a receiver compatible with the wireless packet network;

the at least one processor for processing the received packets to produce a second digital representation of sound for conversion into second voice signal;

wherein the phone circuit supports concurrent, bidirectional voice communication;

wherein the at least one processor monitors the first digital representation of sound for a lack of speech for a minimum period of time; and

wherein the at least one processor controls a signal level of one or both of the first voice signal and the second voice signal depending upon an amount of delay between transmission of the packets received via the wireless packet network and conversion of the second digital representation of sound to the second voice signal.

24. The circuit of claim 23 wherein the wireless packet network operates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

25. The circuit of claim 23 wherein the wireless packet network operates using an Internet protocol (IP).

26. The circuit of claim 25 wherein the Internet protocol is the transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol (IP).

27. The circuit of claim 23 further comprising:

at least one interface for receiving input from a user; and

the at least one interface for providing feedback to a user.

28. The circuit of claim 23 further comprising:

an interface for receiving information representing an image for transmission via the wireless packet network.

29. The circuit of claim 23 further comprising:

a circuit card interface for accepting a removable circuit card.

30. The circuit of claim 29 wherein the removable circuit card comprises a wired network interface card.

31. The circuit of claim 29 wherein the removable circuit card interface is compatible with the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard.

52. The circuit of claim 23, wherein the phone circuit does not receive dedicated bandwidth on the wireless packet network for the communication of packets containing digital representations of sound.

55. The phone circuit of claim 23, wherein the at least one processor adjusts the amount of the first digital representation of sound packetized and transmitted over the wireless network, in accordance with a predetermined voice threshold.

58. The circuit of claim 23, wherein the redundant transmission is performed within two or more successive transmission intervals over the wireless packet network.

61. The circuit of claim 23, wherein the first digital representation of sound is transmitted redundantly over the wireless packet network.

32. A method of operating a phone supporting voice communication via a wireless packet network, the method comprising:

processing outgoing digital voice data converted from a first voice signal to produce packets for transmission via the wireless packet network;

sending the packets for transmission via the wireless packet network;

receiving packets via the wireless packet network;

selectively processing the packets received via the wireless packet network to produce incoming digital voice data for conversion to a second voice signal;

controlling a signal level of one or both of the first voice signal and the second voice signal depending upon an amount of delay between transmission of the packets received via the wireless packet network and conversion of the incoming digital voice data to the second voice signal;

wherein the phone supports concurrent, bidirectional voice communication; and

wherein processing the outgoing digital voice data comprises monitoring the outgoing digital voice data for a lack of speech for a minimum period of time.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

accepting input from a user; and

providing feedback to a user.

34. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

transducing sound into the first voice stream; and

converting the second voice signal into sound.

35. The method of claim 32 wherein processing outgoing digital voice data comprises buffering incoming digital voice data for an adjustable amount of time to avoid the occurrence of a gap in the second voice signal.

36. The method of claim 32 wherein the adjustable amount of time is based upon a propagation delay.

37. The method of claim 32 wherein the transmitted and received packets comprise digital data not related to the establishment or receipt of a voice call.

38. The method of claim 32 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using an Internet protocol (IP).

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the Internet protocol is the transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol (IP).

40. The method of claim 32 wherein the wireless packet network communicates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

41. The method of claim 32 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using a direct sequence spread spectrum technique.

42. The method of claim 32 wherein the wireless packet network communicates using a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

43. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

receiving information representing an image for transmission via the wireless packet network.

44. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

accepting a removable circuit card.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein the removable circuit card comprises a wired network interface card.

46. The method of claim 44 wherein the removable circuit card is compatible with the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard.

47. The method of claim 32 wherein the minimum period of time is approximately 200 milliseconds.

48. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

interrupting transmission of packets containing digital voice data when a lack of speech for the minimum period of time is detected; and

refraining from interrupting transmission of packets containing digital voice data when a lack of speech for the minimum period of time is not detected.

49. The method of claim 32 further comprising:

transmitting an indication of a change in speech activity following the detection of a lack of speech for the minimum period of time.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the indication is a group identifier.

53. The method of claim 32, wherein the phone does not receive dedicated bandwidth on the wireless packet network for the communication of packets containing digital voice data.

56. The method of claim 32, wherein the phone adjusts the amount of digital voice data packetized and transmitted over the wireless network, in accordance with a predetermined voice threshold.

59. The method of claim 32, wherein the redundant transmission is performed within two or more successive transmission intervals over the wireless packet network.

62. The method of claim 32, wherein the outgoing digital voice data is transmitted redundantly over the wireless packet network.