I||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`USll[l642483{lB1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`0’Hagan ct al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`*Jul. 23, 2002
`
`(54)
`
`l’()R'l‘ABl_.E DATA C()I.LEC'l'l()N Nl*l’I"W()RK.
`WITH TELEPHONE AND VOICE MAIL
`(jApA];1L1'ry
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATEN'[‘ DOCUMENTS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`:I:inIUtI1y P. (?"Hag£In, The W'oodlanrJs,
`[X (US); Yn_]iiim P. Wang, I~ort
`MYW5» FL (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`(73) Assignec: Tclxun Corporation, Holtsville, NY
`US
`(
`)
`issued on at continued pros—
`This patent
`ecution application liletl under 37 (‘FR
`l,53{d}, and is subject to the twenty year
`palenl
`tenTi provisions 01 35 U.S.C.
`l54(aJ(3)‘
`
`JP
`
`JP
`1},
`JP
`JP
`
`cl 5',‘
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`Fmt|3]c,1\t 1>A'['t;N'r [)0(__‘UMEN'I‘S
`f){I1208‘)1
`‘H1985
`
`mé(.;',‘8,.
`)_,1,;8‘,.,:_,
`5242237
`6162247
`
`Iuhwn
`8'”,m
`9,-I993
`stirm
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent
`is extended or adjusted under 35
`U'S'C' 154w) by 71 d“3"5'
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 08,867,076
`
`(32)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 2, 1997
`
`(63)
`
`iundc’ 37 CTR 147)
`.
`_
`_
`Related Uh‘ APP"c”t'"" "5""
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`ii1aIon— n—part of appl cat on No.lJ8t4‘J3,48f.I. |1l‘d on
`(.0 it
`Jiiii. 3]. llili-Ifii new abandoricchltvhicli is a continuatit;n—in—
`part of appigcatim N0‘ 03,.-332_5o2_ fflcd on (M, 3;_ l(}(),-4!
`now_Pat_. No. 5,521,350. which is a continuation-in-parl of
`3PPl'f‘i[l_:f°11n?)i(9- “3t'33['«439- “led 0“ -l“l- 3“’~ 1994- “°“’ P‘“-
`N“ 3”” 2‘
`"
`H043 7,t'00
`Int. Cl.7
`(51)
`455422; 455,t5(,4
`(52) U_5, C]_
`455,t31_1‘ 312‘
`(53)
`Fiek] of Search
`455,r”32.l, 3'l‘.-Z'5',"_;5't'R'.'i',"38.4, 550, 564, 566,
`$59, 575, 90, 67.4, 422, 450, 445, 452,
`455, 507, 517, 556. 561; 335382
`
`
`
`* cgmd by cxafnincr
`
`Prirtirtry i'_i'xrmtt]rrer——'l"|1anh (Tong Le
`(74) /li‘tomc__\', Ageiit, or Fit'm—Kenner, Otto, Boisselle &
`sktan LL11
`
`(57)
`
`ABS'l‘RAC'l‘
`
`Aportahle data terminal for use in a portable rlata collection
`network including a backbone network and a plurality ol‘
`access points coupled to the backbone network. The portable
`data terminal includes a keypad for inputting data; a harooile
`_,
`J
`-
`-
`-
`'
`,
`,
`1
`.
`,
`-
`,
`3
`,
`_
`_-
`_
`I."dd"'i tor mpuumi’ hdr.md."' mfurmdlwn ‘'0 .Rl
`lrdinmuvir
`lor wirelessly communicating at least one ()1 data input via
`the keypad and barcode information reacl by the harcode
`reader to the backbone network by way of at least one of the
`plurality of access points a speaker; and a voice circuit
`operalively coupled to the RF transceiver and the speaker for
`receiving voice data via the R["ltranseeiver,_antl for convert~
`mg the voice data into a voice signal Wl'I](.‘l'l 1S0lll[Jl.ll through
`the speaker.
`
`23 Claims, 9 l)rawin;-, Slicets
`
`BRIDGE TO
`OTHER NETWORKS
`
`
`
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 1 of 21
`Page 1 of 21
`
`

`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`Page 2
`
`4551'31.l
`
`U_S_ PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4.-7343565 A
`4,766,300 A
`4,835,615 A
`4,877,949 A
`4,940,974 A “
`4,952,966 A
`4,952,432 A
`4,996.-413 A
`5,010,5s0 A
`5,019,599 A
`332;-1,319 ,1
`5,080,456 A
`5,083,150 A
`5,128,769 A
`5,130,520 A
`5,131,053 A
`5,168,149 A
`5,184,005 A
`5,197,355 A
`5,200,597 A
`5,210,393 A
`5,235,167 A
`5,237,365 A
`5,243,666 A
`5,245,445 A
`5,258,604 A
`5,262,871 A
`5,272,538 A
`5,276,315 A
`3,278,397 A
`5,291,009 A
`5,293,238 A
`
`311933 SW1“ 3111-
`311988 C1‘1adin'|a,.1r.etaI.
`511989 Taniguchi el al.
`.
`1011989 Danlclson ct al.
`711990 Sojka
`81,1990 Ishida at a,’
`1911990 Ohtsuka cl a1.
`21991 M1:Danie|cta1.
`411991 Vincenl el ai.
`511991 Koenck
`5,1199; Mulch cl a]_
`111992 Kat’/. el al.
`111992 Nagaski el :11.
`711992 Aria clal.
`711992 Shepard ct .91.
`711992 Bu:-rnzolt et .11.
`1211992 Dvorkis (51:11.
`211993 Ukai el al.
`211993 Chadima, Jr. et :11.
`411993 Easlman et :11.
`511993 Metlitsky
`811993 Dvcnrl-:15 el al.
`811993 Miyazawa
`911993 Hascgawa ct al.
`911993 Fujisawa
`1111993 Bchrens el :11.
`1111993 Wilder cl 3.].
`1211993 Hornmn el :11.
`111994 Surka
`111994 Bark:-n cl al.
`311994 Ruustaci
`311994 Nakano el :11.
`
`5,296,690 A
`5,308,960 A
`1308966 A
`5309,24? A
`_’
`"
`5
`5,314,631 A
`,3 315 09,; A
`0.’
`"
`5
`5,319,181 A
`-"3-W143 1‘
`5.333393 A
`-fr341}.-973 1‘
`3,343,266 A
`5,349,172 A
`5,352,884 A
`5,354,977 A
`5,359,185 A
`5,386,271 A
`5,401,949 A
`5,406,063 A
`5,4-08.084 A
`5,414,251 A
`5,418,357 A
`5,420,535 A
`5,420,943 A
`5,448,293 A
`5,468,947 A
`5,468,950 A
`5,478,997 A
`5,484,994 A
`5,486,688 A
`5,496,992 A
`5,504,316 A
`5,778,314 A "
`5,857,156 A *
`
`311994 Chandler el :11.
`511994 Smilh ct a1.
`511994 Danielson :31 31.
`V1994 -I-mi
`Z
`511994 Katoh cl all.
`5,1994 Mawm at 3'
`I
`611994 Shellhamnmrclal.
`711994 1"!‘"°" ‘-" 3”’
`711994 I-_‘ 9‘ 31-
`311994 1*-n°“’l'?~‘> 0131-
`911994 D9011“
`911994 Roustaei
`1011994 Patrick et al-
`1011994 Ruustaei
`1011994 Hanson
`111995 Mackawa cl al.
`311995 Zicmacki 91 211.
`411995 Jelcn
`411995 Brandorff el al.
`511995 Durbin
`511995 Inoue el :11.
`511995 Konishielal.
`511995 Mak
`911995 Koganc cl al.
`1111995 Daniclson ct 131.
`1111995 Hanson
`1211.995 Bridge-lall -31 al.
`111996 Roustaci
`111996 Iima el al.
`311996 Madun el al.
`4119915 Bridglall at :1].
`711998 Sudo el al.
`111999 Anderson
`
`
`
`4551564
`4551.381
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 2 of 21
`Page 2 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`BRIDGE TO
`OTHER NETWORKS
`
`
`
`
`V 16
`
`RF
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`66
`
`68
`
`1 4
`M
`
`.30
`
`BARCODE
`READER
`
`62
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`50
`
`64
`
`MEMORY
`
`DISPLAY
`
`28
`
`52
`
`LED
`
`74
`
`72
`
`
`
`
`33.22:
`cm.
`
`POWER
`SOURCE
`
`as 76
`
`‘I
`
`voscl-:
`COMMUNICATION
`CKT.
`
`I
`
`42
`
`25
`
`45
`
`K
`
`PA
`
`THREE—WAY
`SWWCH
`
`07
`
`Figure 4
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 3 of 21
`Page 3 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 4 of 21
`Page 4 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`FROM
`MICROPHONE 42
`
`
`
`86
`
`A/D
`
`80
`
`88
`
`250
`
`
`
`
`
`COMP.
`MODULE
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
` 78
`
`DECOMP.
`MODULE
`
`32
`
`
`
`D/A
`
`Figure 5
`
`TO LOCAL
`BUS 62
`
`TO
`SPEAKER 38
`
`
`
`VOICE MAIL
`REPLAY STATE
`
`102
`
`
`
`104
`
`VOICE MATL
`SEND STATE
`
`
`
`
`100
`
`TERMINAL
`STATE
`
`34
`
`
`
`1 4
`
`
`
`
`
`INITIATE
`RECEIVE
`TELEPHONE
`TELEPHONE
`CALL STATE
`CALL STATE
`
`
`
`
`
`CONVERSATION
`STATE
`
`
`
`
`Figure 6
`
`110
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 5 of 21
`Page 5 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`Aaron
`Bill
`Chris
`Dan
`Edward
`Fred
`Return to Terminal State
`
`MESSAGES
`Bill
`Chris
`Aaron
`
`DURATION
`1 31
`1227
`1 :59
`
`Send Voice Mail
`Return to Terminal State
`
`figure 8
`
`DATA FIELD 134
`
`
`
`130
`\
`
`
`
`132
`
`HEADER
`
`CONVENTIONAL
`
`COMM DATA
`
`voIcE
`
`mm;
`
`135
`
`138
`
`140
`
`
`
`ANSWER
`
`142
`
`144
`
`
`
`Figure 9
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 6 of 21
`Page 6 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`
`
`START
`
`‘I02
`
`DISPLAY MENU
` TRANSITION
` RETURN
`?
`
`TO TERMINAL
`STATE
`
`
`
` TRANSITION TO
`
`TERMINAL STATE
`
`Figure 10A
`
`OUTPUT MESSAGE
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 7 of 21
`Page 7 of 21
`
`
`
`
`1 54
`
`TRANSITION TO
`SEND VM STATE
`
`YES
`
`TO SEND VM
`STATE
`?
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`104
`
`YES
`
` DISPLAY MENU
`
` RETURN
`
`TO TERMINAL
`STATE
`?
`
`
`
` INPUT MESSAGE;SEND MESSAGE
` RETURN TO
`
`TERMINAL STATE
`
`Figure 10B
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 8 of 21
`Page 8 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`112
`
` START
`
`
`
`DISPLAY MENU
`
`
`
` YES
`RETURN
`TO TERMINAL
`STATE
`?
`
`
` GENERATE RING
`
`
`
`
`
`PACKET
`
`186
`
`TRANSMIT RING
`PACKET
`
`
`
`
`
`GENERATE AND
`TRANSMIT HANG-—UF’
`
`PACKET
` RECEIVE
`? RETURN TO
`
`
`
`
`TERMINAL STATE
`
`GOTO CONVERSATION
`
`STATE
`
`
`Figure 10C
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 9 of 21
`Page 9 of 21
`
`ANSWER PACKET
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`START
`
`110
`
`
`
`OUTPUT DATA VIA
`
`OUTPUT CIRCUIT RECEIVE
`
`
`
`
`OPERATOR VOICE
`DATA
`?
`
`COLLECT AND SEND
`DATA VIA RF
`
`
`
`
`OPERATOR
`" HANG-UP"
`?
`
`YES
`
`GENERATE AND
`SEND HANG—UP
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE
`HANG-UP
`PACKET
`?
`
`PACKET
`
`RETURN TO
`TERMINAL STATE
`
`
`
`
` Figure 10D
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 10 of 21
`Page 10 of 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 23, 2002
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`
`
`GENERATE RING
`SIGNAL
`
`231
`
`
`
`GENERATE AND
`OPERATOR
`SEND ANSWER
`ANSWER
`PACKET
`9
`
`GOTO CONVERSATION
`STATE
`
`
`
`
`RETURN TO
`TERMINAL STATE
`
`2.36
`
`Figure 10E
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 11 of 21
`Page 11 of 21
`
`

`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`1
`POR'l'ABI.E DATA COI.I.EC'l‘lON NETWORK
`WITH TI'Z[.F.PH()NI‘l AND VOICE MAIL
`CAl’AIllI.I'['Y
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`Al’l’LICAl‘IONS
`
`This application is a continuation—in-part of application
`Ser. No. O8t'493,48U, filed Jun. 21, ]995, now abandoned
`which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
`081832.592, filed Oct. 31, l994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,521.
`366 and application Ser. No. 08;’280,489, filed Jul. 26, 1994
`now US. Pat. No. 5,572,006.
`
`TECHN I CAL FIELD
`
`invention relates generally to wireless
`The present
`networks, and more specifically to wireless networks includ-
`ing one or more portable data terminals.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In many industries portable data terminals are used to
`gather data from remote locations and relay such data to a
`central computing device. Usually the applications for such
`devices are for tracking the location and quantity of goods
`as they are moved throughout a manufacturing, distribution,
`warehouse, or retail facility, for example. Typical devices
`used in such applications include portable data terminals or
`portable pen computing devices known as workslates. In a
`batch data collection application, an operator will
`take a
`terminal into the facility and input data at various remote
`locations. The data may be hand input via a keypad or it may
`be electronically input through a barcode reader. When the
`operator has completed all of the data collection tasks, the
`operator transports the terminal to a docking station where,
`once connected, data is uploaded from the terminal a host
`computer.
`In a wireless network, or RF data collection application,
`each portable data terminal
`includes an R15 transceiver
`which transmits data to the host computing device within a
`very short period of time after the data is input
`into the
`terminal. If the data collection area is small, the RF trans-
`ceiver may communicate directly with a corresponding RF
`transceiver at the host computer. If the facility is larger, the
`portable terminal transceiver may communicate with one of
`a plurality of access point
`transceivers geographically
`spaced throughout
`the facility. The access points in turn
`communicate with the host computer through a hardwired
`network such as Token Ring or Ethernet.
`Aproblcm associated with such data collect ion systems is
`that there is not a convenient system for voice communica-
`tion among each person operating a data collection terminal
`andtor central managers, for example. While it has been
`possible in the past
`to communicate data information to
`another terminal or host computer via a keypad, barcode
`reader, or the like,
`it
`is desirable to provide for voice
`communication as well. For example, a person operating a
`terminal at one location in a facility may want to engage in
`conversation andfor leave a voice mail message with another
`person operating a terminal at a different location.
`Cellular telephones have been available which provide for
`wireless voice communications. I-Iowever, such technology
`requires its own specific communications network. Hence, it
`would be expensive and perhaps cost prohibitive to simply
`add a cellular telephone to a data collection terminal
`to
`permit voice communicatiorL~t. This would require. separate
`RF transceivers, access to commercial cellular service
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`*
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`0'5
`
`2
`providers, etc., each ofwhich would significantly add to the
`cost of owning and operating such a terminal.
`Accordingly, there is a strong need in the art for a portable
`data collection network which includes portable data termi-
`nals which provide for voice communication. In particular,
`there is a strong need for a network in which the terminals
`do not require a separate RF transceiver or access to com-
`mercial cellular service providers. There is a strong need for
`a network which permits voice communication over the
`same network links utilized for data communications.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to one aspect of the invention, a portable data
`terminal
`is provided for use in a portable data collection
`network including a backbone network and a plurality of
`access points coupled to the backbone network, the portable
`data terminal which includes a keypad for inputting data; a
`barcode reader for inputting barcode information an RF
`transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one ofdata
`input via the keypad and barcode information read by the
`barcode reader to the backbone network by way of at least
`one of the plurality of access points a speaker; and a voice
`circuit operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the
`speaker for receiving voice data via the R1’ transceiver, and
`for converting the voice data into a voice signal which is
`output through the speaker.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a portable
`data terminal is provided for use in a portable data collection
`network including a backbone network, and a plurality of
`access points coupled to the backbone network, the portable
`data terminal which includes input means for inputting data;
`an R1?‘
`transceiver for communicating with at
`least one
`device coupled to the backbone network via at least one of
`the plurality of access points.
`the RF transceiver being
`configured to communicate information in packets in accor-
`dance with a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol;
`a speaker; a microphone; and a control circuit, operatively
`coupled to the input means,
`the RF transceiver,
`the
`microphone, and the speaker, for selectively enabling the RF
`transceiver to transmit first data based on data input via the
`input means and second data based on a voice signal
`provided via the microphone, and for converting voice data
`received by the RF transceiver into a voice signal which is
`output through the speaker.
`According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
`portable data terminal is provided for use in a portable data
`collection network including a backbone network and a
`plurality of access poinLs coupled to the backbone network,
`the portable data terminal which includes a keypad for
`inputting data; a barcode reader for inputting barcode infor-
`mation; an RF transceiver for wirelcssly communicating at
`least one of data input via the keypad and barcode informa-
`tion read by thc barcode reader to the backbone network by
`way of at
`least one of the plurality of access points; a
`microphone; and a voice circuit operatively coupled to the
`RF transceiver and the microphone for transmitting voice
`data obtained from the microphone via the RF transceiver.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a portable
`data terminal is provided including input means for inputting
`data; an RF transceiver for transmitting data input via the
`input means to a remote location; a memory; a speaker; a
`control circuit, operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and
`the speaker, for receiving voice data via the RI’ transceiver,
`storing the voice data in the memory as at least one voice
`mail message, and for selectively converting the at least one
`voice mail message to a voice signal which is output through
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`
`TCL EXHIBIT 1008
`Page 12 of 21
`Page 12 of 21
`
`

`
`US 6,424,830 B1
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`3
`the speaker; a display for displaying indicia of the at least
`one voice mail message stored in the memory; and an input
`operatively coupled to the control circuit for selecting the at
`least one voice mail message to be converted based on the
`indicia on the display.
`According to still another aspect of the invention, a
`portable data collection network is provided.
`including a
`hardwired backbone network; a plurality of access points
`coupled to the backbone network; a plurality ofportable data
`terminals. each of the plurality of portable data terminals
`including input means for inputting data; an RF transceiver
`for communicating with at least one device coupled to the
`backbone network via at least one of the plurality of access
`points, the R1’ transceiver being configured to communicate
`information in packets in accordance with a carrier sense
`multiple access (CSMA) protocol; a speaker; and a control
`circuit. operatively coupled to the input means,
`the RF
`transceiver, and the speaker, for selectively enabling the RF
`transceiver to transmit data based on data input via the input
`means and to convert voice data received by the RF trans-
`ceiver into a voice signal which is output
`through the
`speaker.
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
`the invention. then. comprises the features hereinafter fully
`described and particularly pointed out
`in the claims. The *
`following description and the annexed drawings set forth in
`detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention.
`These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of
`the various ways in which the principles of the invention
`may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel
`features of the invention will become apparent from the
`following detailed description of the invention when con-
`sidered in conjunction with the drawings.
`
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1 is a block diagram of a portable data collection
`FIG.
`network in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable data terminal in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable data terminal
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the portable data
`terminal in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of a voice communi-
`cation circuit within the portable data terminal.
`FIG. 6 is a state diagram illustrating the operation of the
`portable data terminal in accordance with the present inven-
`tion.
`
`in
`
`FIG. 7 is an exemplary menu provided on a display of the
`portable data terminal when in an initiate telephone call state
`or voice mail send state in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 8 is an exemplary menu provided on a display of the
`portable data tenrtinal when in a voice mail replay state in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is an exemplary packet format for transmitting
`conventional data and voice information in accordance with
`the present invention.
`FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
`portable data terminal in a voice mail replay state.
`FIG. 1013 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
`portable data terminal in a voice mail send state.
`FIG. 10C is a llowchart illustrating the operation of the
`portable data terminal in an initiate telephone call state.
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`FIG. 10]) is a llowchart illustrating the operation of the
`portable data ten'ninal in a conversation state.
`FIG. 10E is a flowchart illustrating the operation ol’ the
`portable data terminal in a receive telephone call state.
`DES(.‘RIP'I'ION 01-‘ THE. PREI’ERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention will now be described in detail with
`reference to the drawings. In the drawings. like reference
`numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.
`FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a typical data collection
`network 10 which would be installed at a factory,
`warehouse, store or other facility where, for example, bar-
`codes are used to track the movement of commodities
`throughout the facility. A plurality of radio-frequency (Rt-‘)
`access points represented by 12a, 12b and 12c each comw
`mu nicate via radio frequency and a corresponding antenna
`13 with portable data terminals represented by 140 and 14b.
`As is described more fully below, each portable data termi-
`nal {referred to generally as 14) includes its own RF trans-
`ceiver and antenna 16 for communicating with an access
`point (referred to generally as 12}. When a terminal 14 is
`within a region of coverage of an access point 12 such that
`R1" communications between the access point 12. and the
`terminal 14 are relatively error—free, the terminal 14 will
`register with the access point 12 as is conventional.
`Data is communicated between an access point 12 and
`other access points or a host computer 16 via a backbone
`network 20. The backbone network 20 typically communi-
`cates data using an industry standard protocol such as
`Ethernet or Token Ring. A bridge 18 to other networks may
`also be commu nicatively coupled to the backbone network
`20 such that data may be communicated to or from a
`plurality of other networks via the bridge 18.
`It will be
`appreciated that this conventional architecture enables any
`portable data terminal 14 and to communicate data with any
`other portable data terminal 14 in the network 10, the host
`computer 16, or any other device on another network linked
`to the backbone network 20 via bridge 18. For example, the
`terminal 14:7 would transmit information to the temiinal 14.!)
`
`by first transmitting the information via RF communications
`to the access point 12 to which the terminal 14a was
`registered. That particular access point 12 would then for-
`ward the information along the backbone network 20 to the
`access point to which the terminal 14!; was registered. Such
`access point would in turn forward the information to the
`terminal 14b via RF communications.
`
`Similarly, a terminal 14 can communicate with any other
`device coupled to the backbone network 20 {c.g., the host
`computer 16, bridge 18, etc.) Devices which are coupled to
`the backbone network 20 can transmit
`information to a
`particular terminal 14 via the particular access point 12 to
`which the terminal 14 is registered.
`In the exemplary
`embodiment, devices within the network 10 transmit infor-
`mation in the form of information packets as is well known.
`Specifically, RF communications between the portable data
`terminals 14 and the access points 12 are carried out
`in
`accordance with a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA)
`packet based system protocol. Since multiple terminals will
`be registered with a given access point, an RF communica-
`tion channel
`is not continuously available between the
`access point 12 and a particular terminal 14. Thus, an access
`point 12 communicates with a particular terminal 14 only at
`such time when an Rt? communication channel is available.
`
`FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, respectively, a perspective and
`top view of an exemplary portable data terminal .14. The
`
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`terminal 14 includes a housing 24 preferably constructed of
`a suitable impact resistant plastic that provides both dura-
`bility and lightweight. Exposed on the housing 24 is a
`keypad 26 for permitting an operator to input data manually
`and to control various functions as is conventional. For
`example, operator may enter quantity information via
`numeric keys 0-9 included in the keypad 26. The terminal
`14 also includes a display 28 for displaying information
`relating to the operation of the terminal 14. Such display
`preferably is a liquid crystal display (LCD) capable of
`displaying several lines of alphanumeric characters as well
`as graphics. In addition, the display 28 may function as a
`touch panel display to allow the input of information in
`addition to or in place of the keypad 26.
`The terminal 14 includes a baroode reader 30 located at an
`upper end of the housing 24. An illuminator module 32
`functions to illuminate a barcode symbol to be read, and
`barcode scan optics and electronics located within the hous-
`ing 24 scans the barcode symbol. A detailed description of
`an exemplary illuminator module 32 and barcodc reader 30
`can be found in the aforementioned copending application -
`Ser. No. 08!493,480,
`the entire disclosure of which is
`incorporated herein by reference. Ascan button 34 included
`in the keypad 26 is used by the operator to activate the
`barcode reader 30 and initiate a barcode reading session. It
`will be appreciated that information which is input to the _
`terminal 14 via the barcode reader 3|] andfior the keypad 26
`may be stored and subsequently transmitted to the backbone
`network 20 (FIG. 1).
`The upper end of the housing 24 also includes a grated
`aperture 36 behind which a speaker 38 (FIG. 4} is posi-
`tioned. In addition, a lower end of the housing 24 includes
`a grated aperture 40 behind which a microphone 42 (FIG. 4)
`is located. The speaker aperture 36 is positioned near the
`upper end of the temiinal 14, forward of the display screen
`28, and the microphone aperture 40. is positioned near the
`lower end of the terminal 46, below the keypad 26. This
`arrangement enables an operator to hold the terminal 14 with
`the keypad 26 and display 28 adjacent his or her cheek. The
`spacing between the speaker aperture 36 and the microphone
`aperture 40 is such that the speaker 38 will be positioned
`near the operator’s ear, and the microphone 42 will be
`positioned near the operator’s month. When held in this
`position. the operator is able to verbally communicate as if
`the terminal I4 were a telephone handset as is described
`more fully below.
`Exposed on the left side of the housing 24 is a three-way
`switch 46. As is described in more detail below, the switch
`46 is used by an operator to select among dill'erent functions
`in association with sending anti receiving telephone calls
`ancllor voice mail messages with the terminal 14 in accor-
`dance with the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the
`switch 46 includes a thumb wheel 48 which may be rotated
`continuously in either a clockwise or counterclockwise
`direction. Rotation in a clockwise direction produces a first
`output and rotation in a counterclockwise direction produces
`a second output. In addition, the thumb wheel 48 may be
`depressed by an operator so as to move in a transaxial
`direction to produce a third output. As is discussed below, an
`operator may rotate the thumb wheel clockwise or counter-
`clockwise in order to scroll up or down through lines on the
`display 28. Depressing of the thumb wheel 48 is used for
`selecting an entry on the display 28. For example, the thumb
`wheel 48 may be used to select a recipient of a telephone ca II
`or voice mail message, or to initiate a telephone call or send
`a voice mail message, for example. In addition, the operator
`may depress the thumb wheel 48 as part ofa “push-to-talk"
`function as discussed below.
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`An exemplary switch 46 suitable for use in accordance
`with the invention is described in commonly assigned U.S.
`application Ser. No. 08l726,(t30. entitled "Programmable
`Mobile Device with Thumb Wheel", filed on Oct. 4, I996.
`The entire disclosure of application Ser. No. 08;’726.030 is
`incorporated herein by reference. However, it is understood
`that any suitable switch or switches for performing the
`functions described herein can be employed for purposes of
`this invention.
`The terminal 14 further includes the aforementioned
`antenna 16 which preferably is pivotally mounted to the
`housing 24. The antenna 16 may be a small whip antenna,
`telescopic antenna, etc. RF communications between the
`temtinal 14 and the access point 12 (FIG. 1) to which the
`terminal 14 is registered occur via the antenna 16 as will be
`appreciated.
`light emitting diode
`The terminal 14 also includes a
`(Ll.-ED) 52 for indicating receipt of one or more voice mail
`messages or an incoming telephone call. Although an LED
`52 is used in a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated
`that other types of display elements could be used without
`departing from the scope of the invention.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram is shown
`representing the electronic circuitry contained within the
`housing 24 of the terminal 14. The terminal 14 includes a
`processor 6|] which is programmed to control and to operate
`the various components within the terminal 14 in order to
`carry out the various functions described herein. The pro-
`cessor 60 may be, for example, an Intel 80486 or similar
`type microprocessor. The processor 60 is coupled to a local
`bus 62 within the terminal 14. The local bus 62 serves to
`communicate various control and data in.forrnation between
`the components within the terminal 14 using conventional
`techniques.
`The aforementioned keypad 26 allows an operator to
`input data to be communicated to the network backbone 20
`such as inventory data, patient information, etc. Such infor-
`mation is delivered to the processor 60 via the local bus 62.
`This information may then be sent to the host computer 16
`which serves as a central data location, for example. The
`barcode reader 30 is also coupled to the processor 6|] via the
`local bus 62. Barcode information is scanned by the baroode
`reader 30, and the decoded data is provided to the processor
`60 for further processing. For example, the scanned infor-
`mation may then be transmitted to the host computer 16. The
`display 28 is also connected to and controlled by the
`processor 60 via the local bus 62. As is exemplified with
`respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 discussed below, the display 28
`serves as a means for identifying information stored within
`the terminal 14 andlor received over the network backbone
`20via an access point 12. In addition, the display 28 displays
`the names of the operators of other terminals 14 with which
`the present operator may want
`to communicate with via
`telephone or voice mail.
`Each terminal 14 also includes a memory 64 for storing
`program code executed by the processor 60 for carrying out
`the functions described herein. The actual code for perform-
`ing such functions can be easily programmed by a person
`having ordinary skill in the art of computer programming in
`any of a number of conventional programming languages
`based on the disclosure herein. Consequently, further detail
`as to the particular code itself has been omitted for sake of
`brevity. The memory 64 also serves to store data which is
`input to the terminal 14 via the keypad 26 or barcode reader
`30, for example. In addition,
`the memory 64 stores the
`network addresses of the various devices (e.g., other termi-
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`7
`rials 14, host computer 16, etc.) with which the operator of
`the terminal 14 may want to communicate. The memory 64
`may also have stored therein “nicknames" associated with
`1110 corresponding network addresses. For example, the first
`name of the operator of a given terminal 14 isstored together
`with the network address of the terminal 14. When display-
`ing a list of possible recipients on the display 28,
`the
`processor 60 may display the “nickname" rather than the
`network address as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
`
`The network addresses stored in the memory 64 may be
`obtained using conventional wireless network techniques
`andfor be programmed into the terminal 14. The correspond-
`ing nicknames may be exchanged by including such data
`during an initialization routine in order that each terminal 14
`transmits infonnation regarding its nickname in combina-
`tion with its network address.
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`ill
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`to the VCC 76 and
`from the microphone 42 is input
`compressed so that it may be transmitted by the terminal 14
`via the RF transceiver 66. In addition, compressed sound
`data which is received via the transceiver 66 from another
`terminal 14, for example, is decompressed by the VCTC 76.
`The VCC 76 then outputs the received sound data through
`the speaker 33.
`FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the \/CC 76. The
`\/CC 76 includes a controller 78 programmed to control the
`operations of the VCC 76 using known programming tech-
`niques. The controller 78 may be a dedicated controller as
`shown. or may instead be part of the functions carried out by
`the processor 60. In addition, the VCC 76 includes a voice
`input circuit 80 and a voice output circuit 82. The VCC 76
`also includes a memory 84 for storing sound data. The
`memory 84 may be a dedicated memory separate from the
`memory 64, or alternatively may be part of the memory 64
`without departing from the scope of the invention.
`The microphone 42 (FIG. 4) receives audio sound waves
`from an operator ofthe terminal 14, and converts such sound
`waves into an electrical analog audio signal. In particular,
`the spoken words of the operator are convened to an analog
`audio signal which is input to the voice input circuit 80. The
`voice input circuit 80 includes an analog-to-digital (AID)
`converter 86 which converts the output of the microphone
`42 into digital voice data representing the spoken words of
`the operator. The digital voice data is output from the AID
`converter 86 into a compression module 88 included in the
`voice input circuit 80. The compression module 88 then
`compresses the voice data using conventional techniques