Abstract:
A data transceiver module (501) for digital data communications in a portable hand-held data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module (501) has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges. In further embodiments, the wireless access devices also support a second channel, a busy/control signal, for managing communication on the main communication channel and to overcome roaming and hidden terminal problems.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to battery powered hand-held data entry terminals (310) wherein a peripheral module may contain an automatically operating full image reader (313) and a wireless communication unit (312). The reader reads at least one full line of indicia and may comprise a laser bar code scanner or a flash type image reader. Preferably the reader has uniform resolution in orthogonal directions in the field of view so that an area image can be read at any arbitrary angular orientation and re-oriented as a stored digital image to a normalized orientation before decoding. The user interface (11, 12) may lie in a first longitudinally extended layer and the peripheral module (313) may lie in a second longitudinally extended adjoining layer. In normal reading disposition of the automatic reader (313), the user interface (11, 12) may be close to its normal orientation for user interaction therewith.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to battery powered hand-held data entry terminals (310) wherein a peripheral module may contain an automatically operating full image reader (313) and a wireless communication unit (312). The reader reads at least one full line of indicia and may comprise a laser bar code scanner or a flash type image reader. Preferably the reader has uniform resolution in orthogonal directions in the field of view so that an area image can be read at any arbitrary angular orientation and re-oriented as a stored digital image to a normalized orientation before decoding. The user interface (11, 12) may lie in a first longitudinally extended layer and the peripheral module (313) may lie in a second longitudinally extended adjoining layer. In normal reading disposition of the automatic reader (313), the user interface (11, 12) may be close to its normal orientation for user interaction therewith.
Abstract:
A communication network which uses an infrared backbone and having a radio frequency backup channel is disclosed. The infrared backbone is generally located on a ceiling in a hallway of a building (fig. 3) and comprises a plurality of hub access points (307). The hub access points (307) communicate data on the backbone in a relay fashion using modulated infrared light. If infrared communications fail, the hub access points (307) may, as a backup, communicate in the same fashion using low power radio frequency (RF) transmissions. In another embodiment, in an environment such as an airplane (figs. 11-12) having equipment sensitive to RF noise, a communication network is installed having communication pathways which adapt in response to such equipment as need be to minimize RF noise. For example, high-bandwith wired communication might be acceptable during some periods when the sensitive equipment is not in use. During other periods, the equipment may cause the communication pathways of the network to only utilize infrared transmissions or to enter an idle state. The access points use a sequential polling protocol and relay data throughout the network. Blocking and absorptive triangular shaped panels are used to absorb, deflect and contain infrared transmissions into cells.
Abstract:
A transceiver apparatus (110) for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal (7) and one or more peripheral devices (9, 13, 23). A separate transceiver (110) is connected to the computer terminal (7) and to each peripheral device (9, 13, 23). The transceivers (110) can be connected to the terminal (7) or the peripheral devices (9, 13, 23) either internally or externally. A low power radio (112) is used to communicate information between the computer terminal (7) and the peripheral devices (9, 13, 23). Different transceivers (110) can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. A microprocessor (120) is located inside each transceiver (110) and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device (7, 9, 13, 23) to know if other devices (7, 9, 13, 23) are communicating, which devices (7, 9, 13, 23) are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices (9, 13, 23). An Idle Sense communication protocol is used for information transfer between the computer terminal (7) and the peripheral devices (9, 13, 23).