System for digital radio communication between a wireless LAN an a PBX

ES 2 397 829 T3

DESCRIPTION

System for digital radio communication between a wireless LAN and a PBX

FIELD OF USE.

This invention relates generally to an improved data communication system. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved system for wireless communication of digital data between a local area network ("LAN") telephone system and a switchboard (Private Branch Exchange ("PBX")). More specifically, this invention provides a system for connecting wireless digital devices to a PBX via Ethernet in order to access the voice messaging features of the PBX.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless LANs have been developed and are now used in retail warehouses for offices and large industrial facilities such as warehouses and factories. These LANs provide data communication between computers, printers, servers, and other devices without the hassle and expense of installing cables. In addition to data communication, some LANs provide voice communication between devices over LAN. Systems are also available to allow the LAN to communicate with a remote device using a telephony connection.

One problem with telephony communication coming from the LAN is the limited functionality of a telephone. A LAN phone does not provide voicemail, caller ID, and other PBX system functionality that has become indispensable to users of office telephone systems. Thus, because of the limited functionality of the LAN telephone system, another telephone system such as a PBX is required.

DACK D ET AL: "A SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE FOR PDAS AND PORTABLEPCS" ANNUAL REVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS, NATIONAL ENGINEERING CONSORTIUM, CHICAGO, IL, US, vol. 48, 1994, pages 692-699, XP000543217 ISSN: 0886-229X describes a simple communications interface to PDAs, subnotebooks, and other portable computers. The experience of various mobile multimedia trials is used to identify the key issues with mobile multimedia communication. These potential problems are addressed by using infrared communications, as proposed by the Infrared Data Communications Association (IRDA), to decouple the functions of the mobile phone and the mobile computing device and provide a simple and inexpensive communications interface. With a wireless PABX, data services using voice band modems were used over a digital voice path. Although the number of potentially redundant digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions was high, the method allowed direct interoperability with existing modem and fax systems. This system makes it possible to write simple applications to originate faxes, working peer-to-peer between mobiles to provide a simple, informal messaging application. Also, a system including a mobile phone, a modem was tested, and a mobile home appliance was tested.

EP-A-0 812 085 describes a radio communication system for mobile data. In order for the user to carry out a transmission of the data packet to a desired communication counterpart over a virtual network through a network system of the wireless circuit exchange type and a LAN without being affected by the exchange of address between an address of a physical network and an address of a virtual network, An exchange H-PBX performs a necessary address exchange to establish a communication channel between terminal equipment within the system using a conversion table, in a mobile wireless data communication system in which a circuit-type network system Wireless comprises a wireless mobile station, a wireless connection equipment and the exchange connects to a LAN through a TA and a router. The conversion table is a part of the exchange H-PBX.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved data communication system for connecting a wireless LAN or a WAN to a PBX.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for data communication between a host interface unit (HIU) for a wireless LAN or WAN and an ISP (Internet Service Provider).

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved access to generally available multimedia data files when communicating with the Internet via a wireless portable terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved HIU for a wireless LAN or WAN to route data between a PBX and a wireless portable terminal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved HIU for a wireless LAN or WAN to act as an Ethernet bridge to route communication data between an ISP and a wireless portable terminal.

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It is also an object of this invention to provide a wireless LAN or WAN connected through an access point through a HIU connected to a PBX over a Token Ring Network.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital telephone integrated with a register and to share radio communication between the register and an HIU.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a wireless portable terminal that uses a single processor to perform dedicated functions and provide radio communication, the high quality digital signal enables certain data processing functions, such as voice recognition. , to be done by the HIU in such a way that the MU requires only a single processor.

The present invention provides a system for digital radio communication as set forth in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mobile unit ("MU") or a LAN is connected via radio signal to an access point ("AP") that provides an Ethernet connection to a PBX. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the MU is a portable terminal that has a unique address on the systems and is supplied with both data and voice transmission channels. This allows the MU to access the voicemail features of the PBX and the PBX to access the data storage devices over the wireless LAN. (For the purpose of this description, the term "mobile unit" refers to any portable or stationary device that transmits data to an AP via digital radio communication).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portable terminal having an integrated machine code reader and a radio for communication with an AP connected to a PBX is provided with a display to illustrate help and instruction files associated with item identified with the machine code reader and to download data from the LAN.

Information accessed through the PBX can be downloaded to the handheld terminal and presented in any number of ways. The information may include messages from the PBX's voicemail server, email, or data from remote devices. The data can be presented in the form of a photo, text, audio, or as a video. The use of standard data protocols such as those commonly used on the Internet allows wide area accessibility over closed and commercial communications networks or any number of hardware platforms.

An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention includes machine-readable encoded tags that have one or more remote file locations, such as uniform resource locators ("URLs") such as universal resource locators ("URLs") used to reference sites on the net. These URLs are used by portable terminals to retrieve data files from various local and remote addresses available over the wireless communication network. Machine-encoded labels are preferably encoded with a high-density barcode such as PDF 417. These URLs can be displayed on the terminal screen in the form of a hyperlink presenting a request for data retrieval to a remote address by selection. This displayed hyperlink can be presented on the screen as a direct address (URL) to a highlighted title for the address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of a system employing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 It is a preferred embodiment of a portable terminal of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the basic subcomponents of a preferred embodiment of a portable terminal of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an alternate preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention used in a soft scan application;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portable terminal illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are various configurations of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a call prioritization system employing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

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FIG. 8A and 8B are general functional block diagrams of alternative preferred embodiments of the telephone system used in a portable terminal of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a preferred embodiment of a preferred cordless telephone used in the present invention.

FIG.9B is a preferred embodiment of a cash register and digital telephone;

FIG. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are functional block diagrams of a preferred embodiment of a telephone and an access point that connects to the host device bus;

FIG. 11 is an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention used in a self-scan application.

FIG. 12 is an alternative preferred embodiment of a terminal system for use by an operator to fulfill customer orders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, radio modules are used for digital data communication between MUs and APs connected to an Ethernet. A PBX connects to the Ethernet and the MU can communicate with the PBX directly or through an HIU that can provide routing or bridging functions. The MU can connect to remote computers or servers through the PBX and can also access the voicemail features of the PBX.

In another preferred embodiment, when the PBX is not available, the radio modules are connected to a HIU. The HIU has a minimum of two interfaces, one interface is for the telephone line connection and the second interface is for one or more radio signals from wireless devices. The HIU can be connected to Commonly Available Central Office (“CO”) lines, including but not limited to POTS (Old Analog Telephone Service), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and T-1 circuits. The HIU uses a protocol uses PIP (Point-to-Point Protocol) to communicate with the Internet or remote computers. The wireless devices can be mobile units, or a variety of other portable devices supplied with a means for radio communication. Stationary devices can be computers, printers, file servers, fax machines, LANs, and WANs. The HIU can be supplied with additional interfaces for Ethernet ports and wired “standard” type phone jacks can be added.

The mobile units of the present invention employ a wireless digital radio to communicate data to an HIU over a wireless network. The network may be a local area network, such as Symbol's spread spectrum frequency hopping communication network SPECTRUM24®, or a wide area communication network system, such as those employing the communication protocol of cellular digital packet data (CDPD) or a combination of LAN and WAN systems.

In a preferred embodiment, the AP is connected to an Ethernet and computing and data storage functions are performed by a computer or a server on the Ethernet, thereby reducing the computational memory and power requirements of the communicating MUs. with the system. When the system does not include a PBX, the APs are connected to an HIU, which is preferably connected to other remote networks through high-speed communication links such as commercially available T1, T2 or T3 telephony connections. Through such connections, the HIU can communicate with third-party servers that employ the TCP / IP standard and other standardized communication protocols to transmit / retrieve data.

In one of the preferred embodiments, the MU is a portable terminal that has an integrated machine code reader. Although the system will be described in terms of a portable terminal employing an integrated barcode laser scanner, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the machine code reader may be a radio frequency identification indicator reader, a radio frequency identification reader. CCD barcode devices that have imaging capabilities to record images and other types of machine code readers can decode the coded indicia on an item. The data collected with the portable terminals is communicated to a HIU.

The present invention will be described in terms of an improved data communication system for connecting a wireless LAN or WAN to a PBX or CO line. However, as noted above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be used in any environment in which data is communicated by radio from a remote device to an AP over an Ethernet.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the 12A-E's of the MU at location 10 communicate to a HIU 14 through multi-access points 13A and 13B. As described above, MUs communicate on LAN 10 with a SPECTRUM24® network. The network provides a transparent wireless connection to an Ethernet LAN 16 through multiple access points 13A and 13B. Preferably, each of the access points supports a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

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The SPECTRUM24® employs a frequency hopping modulation technique that offers a high capacity network using multiple access points that can be connected to an existing wired LAN fabric. The system employs more than 70 non-overlapping frequencies that minimize the probability that one cell will operate on the same frequency at the same time as another cell. The system is designed to work in the 2 to 2.5 Ghz frequency band.

The data collected by the HIU 14 through the Ethernet LAN fabric 16 (FIG. 1) is processed locally. To the extent that the received data requires a response, the HIU 14 retrieves the data, processes the information, and relays the data to the MU. In the event that the MU request requires the retrieval of data not stored in the HIU 14, the HIU 14 can retrieve data from external sources such as the addressable ID or network IP server 32 and PC 34 through a connection. Ethernet to a PBX 36 or a WAN. The MU can also be used to transmit data to other devices over the LAN. When the MU is supplied with a voice communication channel, it can be used as a telephone to communicate with other MUs over the LAN, or to remote locations through the PBX 36. The PBX 36 also provides communication between a MU 12A-E , 22A-D and remote devices connected over a telephone line, such as the Internet 40 or a server 42.

The HIU 14 may also use the wide area communication network 30 to communicate data to another host 24 at a related site 20. The two sites may not be linked to provide pass-through communication between a MU 12A located at the site. 10 and a MU 22A located at site 20.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the HIU 14 and HIU 24 communicate data over wide area network 30 with open standard protocols and data types such as that used by an Internet server. Such a system allows the HIU 14 to retrieve and use data from servers without complex data conversion and translation routines. In a preferred embodiment, the open architecture standard is also designed in the MU such that data files can be transparently retrieved by the MU 12AEs through the HIU 14. Regarding the sensitivity and confidentiality of the data , it is preferred that the systems employ encryption technology or use a secure closed communication link.

THE PORTABLE TERMINAL

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the MU is a portable terminal. Terminal 70 is supplied with a screen 72. The screen is preferably a CGA or VGA type video screen having a touch sensitive surface. The display will function as both a video display and a data input device. Terminal 70 may also be supplied with a pen 73 that can be used to operate touch screen 72 or an identification barcode reading device.

In a preferred embodiment, terminal 70 is also provided with a limited number of activation buttons 76, 77, and 78 to perform various user functions. Key functions can be defined on the screen of a touch-sensitive browser.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal 70 is provided with a voice communication system that includes a microphone 71 and a speaker 74. In an alternative embodiment, a connection port 74A is provided for a headset. The voice communication system can be used as a telephone or to receive voicemail messages and broadcast audio data through the HIU. Video messages can also be transmitted to the video screen 72. Furthermore, the voice over the portable terminal system can also be used to provide voice activated control commands over the portable terminal.

Reconnection of data is preferably accomplished by a pen barcode scanner 73 or an integrally mounted scanner 75. The scanner reads one or two dimensional barcodes such as the ubiquitous UPC code and the 417 PDF code. As an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the scanner is detachable from the terminal and is supplied with a short range radio link and its own battery supply or a wired connection.

The portable terminal 70 communicates with a PBX via the AP over the Ethernet or with a HIU via a wireless radio 80. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the radio 80 is a SPECTRUM24® PCMCIA Type II Symbol card that is communicates over the local area network employing a frequency hopping communication system conforming to IEEE P802.11-1997 The standard is available from the IEEE Standards Department, 445 Hoes Lane, PO Box 13311, Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331. The system uses data through at least one mega bit per second. Depending on the volume of data that is transmitted, a discrete communication system such as SPECTRUM ONE®, also available from Symbol Technologies, Inc., can be used. Furthermore, many other frequency bands and data coding schemes can be employed that provide adequate bandwidth and security.

The ergonomic design of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2 allows the terminal to be used in any horizontal configuration along the AA line, or in a vertical configuration relative to the AA line. The terminal is supplied with a reconfiguration key with a reconfiguration key parameter that allows the video system to automatically reconfigure its display to reflect user preference. The key to

ES 2 397 829 T3 reconfiguration 79A will automatically reconfigure the video screen to change the screen configuration from the first setting, eg landscape, to the second setting, eg portrait. The reconfiguration function allows a facility to connect the portable terminal to a fixed station in more than one arrangement.

FIG.3 illustrates the basic sub-component systems of the portable terminal shown in FIG.2. As shown, system 70 includes a CPU 701 that communicates with a radio 702, a scanning sub-system, a video sub-system 705, a telephone sub-system 706, a data entry device 707, a EAS tag activation / deactivation.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a portable terminal of the present invention. FIG. 4, the terminal 100 is supplied with a screen 110. The screen is a CGA, partial VGA or super VGA screen having a multi-contact navigation area 106 for scrolling through the entire video image. In addition, the terminal 100 is also supplied with a scanner 120 to read the barcode labels 122, three input buttons 101, 102 and 103, a speaker 104 and a microphone 105. The portable terminal 100 is equipped with a radio 108 and a rechargeable battery 107 within a cover, shown in FIG. 5. Also shown in FIG. 5 a main circuit board 111, the scan motor 120A, and the battery recharge terminals 107A and 107B that are connected to a recharge circuit (not shown). A separate circuit card 109 is also shown for the optional telephony application. A “circuit-is” battery overload protector is also included but not shown.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D and 6E illustrate various components of a system employing different configurations of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show MUs that connect to an Ethernet through APs. FIG. 6E shows MUs that connect to a Token Pass Ring Network through APs. The APs provide access to the Ethernet or Token-Ring Network through the APs. The APs provide access to the Ethernet or token-to-ring network and each AP can simultaneously accept up to 25 radio signals. The network can be part of a local area network or wide area network that includes a 630 PBX, or the APs can be connected to a HIU 600 that connects to a network that comprises a 630 PBX. HIU 600, the HIU 600 functions as a bridge or router for communications between the AP or between the APs and the PBX 630.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

FIG.6A shows a system where AP 610, 620 for MU 612 AC, 622 AC, HIU 600 and a server 640 are connected to the same Ethernet fabric. Communication between the MU 612 AC, 622 AC can go directly to the PBX 630 or one of the other devices over the Ethernet. Data can be processed on the HIU 600 or accessed from the 640 server. Telephone communications can be established with other devices on the network, such as between 2 MU 612 A and 622 A, without going through the PBX 630.

FIG. 6B shows a system where the LAN 670 is connected to an Ethernet over a WAN 650 through a HIU 600. In this configuration, the HIU 600 provides routing or bridging functions between the LAN 670 and the WAN 650. The PBX 630 is It is located on the WAN 650 and only communications with devices outside the LAN 670 are passed through the HIU 600 to the WAN 650. In addition to the LAN 670, other networks, such as the LaN 680 and the WAN 690 and devices such as the server 640 can be connected to the WAN 650 for communication with the PBX 630.

FIGS. 6C show a system where the PBX is not used and the HIU 600 provides the interface to the telephone system. The HIU 600 provides voicemail functions, as well as data storage and processing functions. Telephony communications with outside locations are connected to a CO 602 line. The CO 602 can be any commercially available system, such as POTS, ISDN or T1. Data can be accessed through MU 612 AC, 622 AC, from a server 640 in the local network as well as from remote devices accessed over the telephone system.

FIG. 6D shows a system where a 675 bridge or router is used to connect a 670 LAN with a 650 WAN that connects to the 630 PBX. MUs can communicate with devices on the 670 LAN without connecting to the 630 PBX. The 675 router only passes data from LAN 670 to WAN 650 when MU 612 AC, 614 AC, 616 AC over LAN 670 directs a device over WAN 650.

FIG. 6E shows a system where the HIU 600 is connected to a 654 Token Pass Ring Network. Radio communications with the MU 612 AC, 622 AC, are connected to the HIU 600 through AP 610 and 620. The HIU 600 provides data processing, routing and storage functions for communication with MU 612 AC, 622 AC. The Mu 612 AC, 622 AC can also access the other devices over the 654 Token Ring Network through the HIU 600 using the device network ID or IP addresses. This allows MU 612 AC, 622 AC to connect to a 630 PBX for telephone communication and voice messaging and other devices over the 654 Passwords Ring Network, such as the 655 server, 655 PC, 680 LAN and WAN. 690.

As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a MU may be a telephone or pager supplied with a high resolution screen for displaying text and graphics, and a two-way radio.

ES 2 397 829 T3 ways. In the context of the present invention, these interactive multimedia devices are used to communicate with devices on the local area network (such as PCs, printers and servers). Other system users and remote locations through a PBX or CO line. These devices also allow users to access voice messaging systems and provide the same functionality as a standard PBX phone.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4, the information is downloaded to the portable terminal 100 over the wireless network 130. The portable terminal is a DOS or Windows operating system that has a browser-type graphical user interface. The data displayed on the terminal screen will include "links" to other information. If the link is activated by the navigation keys 106 (or by touching the selection if a touch sensitive display area is used) the portable terminal will retrieve the additional data through the controller 150. The data stored in the controller is downloaded directly to the portable terminal. Alternatively, the "link" represents a data file stored on a remote source such as an Internet connection, in which case the controller 150 sends the request over a local area network and retrieves the data and routes and the data to the portable terminal. . The link can also include embedded keys and data request commands required by the remote server to retrieve the selected data field.

The structure discussed above allows the use of standard programming tools such as HTML 3.0 for the creation of an Intranet / Internet environment for the operation of the portable terminal 100 and for the case of retrieving and converting data files from external sources for use in the system.

Portable terminals could also be used to download audio data files. This would be especially useful for visually impaired users. Those users who have difficulty reading small prints could scan a barcode and receive the information through an audio output. In the event that a user requires assistance, the portable terminal could also be provided with a work telephone sub-system.

MOBILE UNITS

Each MU is supplied with a unique Internet Protocol (“IP”) address that can be the same as its network ID address to allow both intranet and Internet communication. In a preferred embodiment, the user can access voicemail features of the PBX by using the buttons on the MU to send commands. In another preferred embodiment, when a user requests information, a command is sent to the HIU controller which sends the request to the appropriate server or other network device. The information is then transmitted to the MU via the HIU. Although the data is transmitted using packed data communication techniques, the communication networks described above to provide adequate performance to establish a communication link in real time.

In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the MU 200 is used as a telephone to receive calls from another MU 202 on the LaN 210 or through the PBX 220. Using the characteristics of the caller ID of the PBX 220 or the ID address of the MU, the caller incoming can be identified. The identity of the caller is sent to the HIU 230 and compared to a table 250 of frequent callers that is programmed into each UM user. (In another preferred embodiment, a call is received by the MU directly from the PBX or other device on the local network and the priority table 250 resides in the MU's processor memory). Table 250 prioritizes the call according to the selections made by the user and the call is directed to the MU 200 or the voice mail system 260. The voice mail system 260 can reside in the HIU 230, the PBX 220 to a server over the network. Calls sent to the MU 200 can also be prioritized by assigning different rings for different priority calls. A high priority call would have one ring type, while a low priority call would have another ring type. Voice messages are indicated on the MU 200 by a flashing light or a message on the screen. Before accessing the voice messages, the user can press a button on the MU 200 that controls the HU 230 to display a message menu, showing the name of the callers and the time and date when the messages were received. The user can press a button on the MU 200 and command all the messages or only select the messages to be played.

The priority table 250 can also include links to data stored in the HIU 230 or in another device over the Ethernet, such as a server. The priority table 250 identifies who makes the call and if this is a priority call, the call is sent directly to MU 200 and triggers a distinctive ring based on the priority level assigned by the caller. At the same time, the MU screen displays a list of the caller's names and pertinent information related to the caller, such as their affiliation and title. If the user requires additional information, he presses a button and the screen will display a menu of additional information that the user can access. Such information may include product inventories, order statements, accounts payable and receivable, meeting notes, records of previous caller conversations, and personal information about the caller, such as the names of the caller's family members. who calls.

In order to provide hands-free operation of the MU, the MU can be supplied with a port for a microphone and a port for a receiver or a single port that combines both functions. This allows the user to carry on a conversation with the caller while viewing the MU screen and pressing the MU buttons to access data from remote files.

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When the MU is configured for voice communication, it can access the features of the PBX's voicemail system. The user can receive messages, pass messages, delete or save messages, register a new announcement or message, send calls to another location, change the address of their location, set message reminders, and broadcast messages over the network. The user can also use an online directory system on the PBX to connect to another user through the PBX extension or over the LAN.

Speech recognition by a computer requires a high-quality speech signal and a substantial amount of processing power to perform digital conversion and speech identification. Digital radio communication supplies a high quality voice signal that is not available with an analog radio signal. The high quality digital radio signal allows voice recognition processing functions to be switched from the MU processor to the HIU or to another device on the receiving end that has higher processing power. The present invention allows the MU user to use a speech processing system as a security check for sensitive files stored remotely.

The devices or letters to dictate the messages that will be saved as a text file. Through a MU, a user can dictate and send emails from remote locations or prepare letters using the system when the system does not have access to a keyboard.

As illustrated in Figure 8A this is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a telephone system employed in a terminal of the present invention. In FIG. 8A, a chip of a PCM CODEC (encoder / decoder) 330 is connected to a CT 8015 DSP (digital signal processor) chip 320 and a processor chip 6805 310. The chipset is connected to a communication portion of the terminal that is supplied with a data entry user interface 301, and a telephone program 302 stored in read-only memory. In the telephone program it uses a TCP / IP or other protocol stack 303 that communicates the packet switched data on the SPECTRUM24® 304 radio PCMCIA card. The audio input and output are configured to be positioned next to the user's ear and mouth similar to a standard telephone handset and provide an echo, such that the user can hear what is being said when He speaks into the microphone. This configuration is preferred in a system in which the terminal is being held on the user's head for use, such as that shown in FIG. Four.

The 6805 310 processor chip sends and receives data packets between the CT 8015 DSP 320 chip and the serial port 305. User interface software is designed to identify the selection of an IP address on the screen. Alternatively, user interface 301 could simply send a telephony request message and wait for a "phone communication channel open" command to be received from the controller over the wireless communication link .

The telephone program is a memory resident (TSR) program and handles present audio communication processing that includes processing user interface data, routing packets to and from the SPECTRUM24® network, and routing packets to and from the chip. CT 8015 local. The telephone program 302 also performs the handshake procedure with the CT 8015 320 chip.

Illustrated in FIG. 8B is an alternative preferred embodiment of the architecture that can be used in the device of the present invention to effect telephony application. The architecture illustrated in FIG. 8A is preferred in systems where the telephony application is to be added through a com 1 port. The architecture illustrated in FIG. 8B is preferred in systems where the application is to be built as an integral part of the system architecture.

THE PHONE.

FIG. 9A shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the MU is a digital cordless telephone 800. The telephone 800 is supplied with an 801 liquid crystal display ("LCD") that displays messages, caller identification, data and commands. user-entered and twelve-button passcode area for entering phone numbers and data. A headset piece 809 and a microphone 804 are used for voice communication in a preferred embodiment of the telephone 800, a port 822 is provided to connect the headset and microphone to allow the user to view the LCD 801 and operate in the area. 811 passwords while calling on the 800 phone. An 806 volume control button allows the user to control the volume for voice communication and the button can be configured as an alternate slider. Data is entered using key area 811 and as the data is entered, it is displayed on screen 801. When screen 801 is full, pressing the enter button 807 saves the data in the memory of the phone until they are transmitted by pressing the send button 813. This allows multiple screens of data to be sent in a single transmission. In addition to this, the telephone 800 is provided with an LED indicator ("light emitting diode") 810 that flashes to indicate that a call is being received. The 800 phone is also supplied with multiple audio announcements, including various rings and tones, and can be programmed to vibrate to announce a call or message. The 800 phone can be beamed to a host device. Telephone 800 can be wired to a host device, such as a cash register or PC, or an antenna 812 can be used for radio communication. When the wireless embodiment of the telephone is used, the telephone 800 is supplied with an 808 connection to recharge the battery in the telephone 800.

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The 800 phone provides access to a voice and data network through access points connected to an HIU or directly to an Ethernet network or Token Ring Network. The 800 phone connects to devices over the network using their network ID or IP addresses. The phone is supplied with an RS 232 815 serial port that can be used for a number of functions, including an alternate user interface via a VT 100 compatible terminal interface. When the 800 phone is being used as part of a System included, the serial port feature allows other devices or computer systems to control the phone's user interface. Serial port 815 can be used as a serial client bridge, concurrently with its use as a telephone. User can connect peripheral device to serial port 815 to access wireless network. Serial port 815 supports both chain and packet modes for serial client bridging, including data link, TCP, UDP, and Telnet support. When serial port 815 is used as a serial client bridge, the system can be reconfigured via phone 800, the user interface, or the serial command language of the serial client bridge.

A preferred embodiment of the telephone 800 has a plurality of dialing modes, including a partial network ID or an IP address, last redial numbers, speed dialing, and by name using voice recognition. The 800 telephone is also supplied with a Caller ID such that the caller's phone number and name and their location are displayed on the 801 LCD. Another preferred embodiment of the telephone 800 is also supplied with the caller ID such that the telephone number and caller's name and their location are displayed on the LCD 801. Another preferred embodiment of the telephone 800 is supplied with a mode An intercom station that can be programmed to broadcast a message over the entire network or to a plurality of designated addresses. The 800 telephone also has a "call waiting" feature that allows the user to switch between two concurrent calls. The 800 phone complies with the digital radio transmission standard including ITU H.323, IEEE 802.11. Truespeech 8.3 and G.711.

The telephone 800 illustrated in FIG. 9A comprises a key area 811 consisting of standard telephone keys (09, *, #) and an LCD display 801. These keys generate multi-tone frequency (“DTMF”) tones when pressed and can be used for dialing and other special tasks. A function button ("FCT") 817 is used in combination with a key area 811 to select a particular function. A “MENU” button 816 is used to access the phone's Menu mode that includes pager operation and system setup functions. A redial button ("RCL") 818 is used to redial the last number used and when this key is pressed repeatedly, the telephone 800 cycles through each of the last ten numbers dialed. When the send button (“SND”) 813 is pressed, the currently selected number is used to make the call. When the send button "RCL" 818 is pressed followed by a number from 00-99 (ie two digits), the speed dial entry corresponding to the two digits is displayed on the LCD 801. The user then presses the button. Enter “SND” 813 to initiate a call.

A name button (“NAM”) 819 is used to access the phone's name dialing feature. When the "NAM" button 819 is pressed, the LCD 801 displays a list of names listed alphabetically. The user can scroll through the names using the scroll buttons 806 or the scroll keys included in the "*" button 803 and the "#" button 802. The user can scroll the names starting with other letters by pressing the "NAM" button 819 followed by a key number 0-9 or the key area 811. The LCD 801 displays the names that begin with the letters associated with the numeric key (ie that is, pressing “6” will list the names that start with the letters M, N, and O).

A send button "SND" 813 is used to terminate the dialing sequence and initiate call processing setup. The “SND” button 813 can also be used to accept incoming calls or as a “flash” signal when the call is already established. Also, if the "SND" button 813 is held down for more than 2 seconds after the phone 800 is turned off, it causes the phone 800 to be turned on. An "END" button 814 is used to terminate calls and reject incoming calls. Holding the “END” button 814 down for more than 2 seconds causes the phone 800 to turn off.

A “HOLD” button 805 places the current call or puts the current call on hold and allows a second call to be made. The “HOLD” button 805 is also used to switch between two calls. The clear button (“CLR”) 820 is used to correct dialing and other entry errors. Pressing this button deletes the last characters entered. If the “CLR” button 820 is held down for more than 2 seconds, the entire input is cleared. A store button (“STO”) 821 is used to store numbers that have been entered using the key area 811 or are displayed on the LCD 801 by pressing the “RCL” button 818. The user can also dial a number and then press the “STO” button 821 followed by 2 digits (to assign speed dial addresses) to add the number to the speed dial index. Also, if the "STO" button 821 is pressed (along with two digits) when the user is connected to the caller, the number of the connected party is stored in the speed dial index. The format of the stored number is an IP address or an extension, depending on how the connecting party can be reached.

The 800 phone is supplied with a pair of 806 Up / Down scroll buttons that are used to scroll through the various lists and menus that are displayed on the 801 LCD. These buttons are also available.

ES 2 397 829 T3 used to control the volume for outgoing calls. The select button 807 is used to select a particular item on the LCD 801, such as items on a menu or names on a list.

Although the 800 phone is primarily driven by its IP address, or is primarily driven by its IP address, it may have additional addresses that are mapped to the IP address. Mapping can be done on the phone's processor or on a HIU. Additional address mapping is done for a variety of reasons ranging from the need to direct the 800 phone from a PBX to another remote site, to the convenience of the user. The starting point for operating an 800 phone is that each 800 phone has a unique IP address that is configured on the 800 phone as part of the configuration sequence. It also has a mask of your IP network and a default gateway address. The IP address, along with the MAC address, are “real” addresses for the 800 phone because the connection handling protocols (as defined in the International Telecommunications Standard) (“ITU”) H. 323) are based on IP addresses. IP addresses alone are not sufficient to connect the 800 phone to an external POTS system and / or a PBX. The 800 phone requires an "extension" address in order for it to be handled by non-IP phones. This extension address can range from one to five digits and is usually the least significant portion of a conventional 7 to 10 digit telephone number. Similarly, an extension address is required for the IP phone 800 in order for it to connect to these non-IP phones.

Each 800 phone has an extension number that can be mapped to an IP address and corresponds to other IP phones. Other extension numbers are the "real" address of a non-IP phone on a PBX. The number of digits in an extension is a constant for all phones and is set on a site-specific basis. Extension mapping to IP address or PBX line is also site specific and is the same for all phones. The mapping is downloaded to each phone 800 and stored in the phone's flash memory. When an extension is marked, the mapping will be transparent to the user. A gateway between a PBX (or POTS) and an IP telephony system contains the same mapping of extensions to IP addresses.

In addition to extensions, the system also maps "names" to an IP address or extension. A name can be a sequence of up to sixteen ASCII characters. These names are mapped to any extension or to an IP address. This mapping is global on a site-specific basis and is downloaded to each 800 phone and stored in the phone's flash memory. The names are selected in alphabetical order and the mapping is transparent to the user. Like extensions, names are an optional feature and do not require the operation of the IP phone. Phone users can use full or partial IP addresses or extensions instead of name mappings.

The 800 telephone is supplied with a locally defined “speed dial” mechanism. The 800 phone can maintain up to 100 “two-digit” speed dial numbers that are programmed by the user. Each number is mapped to up to twenty two characters and is stored in the phone's memory as a text string. Speed ​​dial mappings are local to each 800 phone and can be altered at any time by the user.

The 800 phone supports a variety of dialing mechanisms. These include: direct entry of full IP address, direct entry of partial IP addresses, direct entry of an "extension" operation, "speed dial", previous number redial, use of "name" which are internally mapped to an IP address, and "9" to access an outside line. The dialing process is initiated by pressing any of the dial-related buttons, including the "*" button or the "#" button 802, the redial button ("RCL"), any of the slide keys 806, or the “NAM” button 819. If the first password pressed is a numeric password (0-9), the 800 phone assumes that an extension is being dialed. The user enters the appropriate number of keys to identify the extension as defined by the site administrator. The number is displayed on the LCD 801. Errors can be cleared by controlling the “CLR” 820. As the key is pressed, the corresponding DTMF tone is generalized. The call setup process is started by pressing the “SND” button 813. The dialing process can be determined at any time by pressing the “END” button 814.

If the first key pressed is the 803 “*” button, the 800 phone assumes that an IP address is being entered. The user can enter a partial or full IP address using the ABCD format in which the values ​​A, B, etc. They are from 0 to 255 decimal places. The "points" are entered via the "*" button 803. Errors are corrected via the "CLR" button 820. The address is displayed on the LCD 801. DTMF tones are not generated although a “shutter” will be generated with each key pressed. If an illegal address is entered, a "whistle" is generated. The address value review is performed on each sequence of three digits (that is, the values ​​between each point). The addresses are terminated and the call setup process started by pressing the “SND” button 813. If a partial IP address is entered (that is, values ​​less than 4 “dots”), the 800 phone fills in the remaining portion of the IP address using its own IP addresses. The "filling" is done in groups of 8 bits. Thus, if the user presses the "*" button 803 followed by 1 to 3 digits (which have a value called "X" and which can be between 0-255) and then press the "SND" button 813, the resulting direction is ABC X, where AB C come from the phone's own IP address. Similarly if the user enters * X * Y and then presses the "SND" button 813, the resulting address is ABXY

ES 2 397 829 T3

If the first key pressed is the "RCL" button 818, the last number dialed is displayed on the LSD screen 801 (essentially, a "redial" command). When the user presses the "SND" button 813, the call setup process starts. When the user presses the "RCL" button 818 repeatedly, the phone 800 has cycled through each of the ten numbers dialed. The telephone 800 stores the address of each call made in a LIFO queue structure and the user can use the "RCL" button 818 to access this queue. When the desired number is found, the user presses the "SND" button 813 to start the call setup process. If the user does not want to use any of the numbers in the LIFO queue, pressing the “END” button 814 resets the phone 800 to pre-dial status.

Pressing the "MENU" button 816, the "NAM [E]" button 819, or other similar buttons places the telephone 800 in the corresponding mode. If the user presses the “RCL” button 818 and then enters 1 or 2 digits, the corresponding speed dial entry will be extracted and displayed on LCD 801. The user can scroll the speed dial values ​​up and down via the slide buttons 806. The user's selection of one of the listed numbers via the "SND" button 813 or the selected button 807 initiates the call setup process.

If the “NAM [E]” button 819 is pressed, a list of names is displayed on the LCD 801 in alphabetical order. The user can scroll through the names using the scroll keys 806 or by pressing the "FCT" button 817 plus the "*" button 803 or the "#" button 802. The user can "jump" to names that start with another letter by pressing the number key after pressing the “NAM [E]” button 819. Each number key has a set of characters associated with it. The names displayed are those that start with the first letter associated with the numeric key. For example, pressing the number key "7" results in names that start with the letter "P". The user can then scroll up or down to reach the desired name. Alternatively, when the user presses another numeric key, the names corresponding to the first key letter associated with that key are displayed. Pressing the same numeric key repeatedly results in a cycle of names beginning with the letters associated with that key. For example, pressing “7” after the NAM 819 button for names beginning with “P” after being displayed. When "7" is pressed again, names beginning with "R" are displayed. When passed again, names with the letter "S" are displayed. When pressed a fourth time, names beginning with "P" are displayed again. When the desired name is found, the user can press the select button 807 and / or the "SND" button 813. When the selected button 807 is pressed, the selected name and IP address are displayed. When the "SND" button 813 is pressed (with and without first pressing the select button 807), call setup processing starts. The naming process can also be started by pressing any of the slide buttons 806.

When the first key pressed is a "9" the telephone 800 connects to an external line (ie POTS line). The user then enters a standard phone number. After the dial tone is received, the user can dial a phone number using the DTMF tones generated by the 811 phone keys. In all cases, the user can end the dialing sequence at any time by pressing the “END ”814.

The phone 800 supports different call pickup modes that determine how calls are accepted or (rejected). These modes include: "auto responders", "single key reject" and "any key response". Whenever a call is received, the user is notified by selecting the ring tones and the address / name of the calling party displayed on the LCD 801. The user can reject the call by pressing the “END” button 814. From a caller's perspective, it appears that the call is simply not being answered.

The user can configure the telephone 800 for the different call reception modes. The "auto answer mode" answers the call after a single ring without user action. The call is immediately connected. The "simple key answer" mode requires the user to press the "SND" button 813 to accept a call. Pressing any other button (except the “END” button 814) has no effect. The “any key answer” mode allows the user to press any key to accept a call (except the “END” button 814). If a headband is used and the phone 800 is attached to a strap, this mode allows the user to just touch the phone 800 to answer a call.

The 800 phone can support two concurrent conversations. The user switches between two calls using the "HOLD" button 805. When the hold feature is used, the telephone 800 operates like "call waiting" on a conventional telephone but with few additional features. The user typically has an established call. A second incoming call is indicated via a tone sent to the 809 headset. At that moment, the user presses the key "HOLD" 805 and switches to the second call. The caller is identified to the user via the LCD 801 and the user can accept or reject the call via the “SND” button 813 or the “END” button 814. If the call is accepted, the second call is connected and the first call is put on hold. The user can switch back and forth between the two calls using the “HOLD” button 805. Alternatively, the user can place an existing call on hold by pressing the "HOLD" button 805 and initiate a second call without ending the first call. Each call is independent of each other and the status of each call

ES 2 397 829 T3 is displayed on the LCD 801. The call that is on hold receives a regular “beep” to indicate that the caller is still connected. In a preferred embodiment, a pre-recorded music can be sent to the user on hold. The 800 phone can support multiple conversations between IP phones and two concurrent calls when one of the calls is through a PBX or POTS line.

The 800 phone can be used for radio broadcast (or intercom) style communications. In this mode, the user can "radio broadcast" a message to any number of other telephones. The incoming message is immediately delivered to each user without the need for the user to receive the message to answer the call. Each 800 phone can be configured to radio broadcast a message and pre-empty current calls or to prevent radio broadcast of the message from interrupting the call. Radio broadcasting can be limited to the telephones or subset of telephones designated by the sender in order to minimize interruptions to parties who are not interested in the radio broadcast of the message. There are eight channels available for radio broadcasting messages and each 800 phone can be configured to accept messages on any number (including zero) of these "channels." Radio messages broadcast on channels that have not been selected are silently discarded.

Users can respond to radio broadcasts in several different ways. First, the user can listen to the message and take no action. Second, the user can call the person making the call. This can be done by conventional dialing or via the "FCT" button 817. Third, the user can make a "broadcast response" using the basic broadcast mechanism. After receiving a broadcast radio message, the broadcast radio channel becomes the default channel of the phone for 5 seconds to allow the user to easily reply to the broadcast message.

The telephone 800 supports a number of special functions that are accessible via the “FCT” button 817. The functions are transient operations and include infrequently used tasks for which a key would be located if more keys are available. Commands entered using the “FCT” button 817 do not effect the permanent configuration of the phone 800. When the user presses the “FCT” button 817, the list of available functions is displayed on the LCD 801. The user can scroll through the list and select a feature using the UP / DOWN buttons 802 and 803 to select the 807 button or enter the feature code via the 811 number keys. The 800 phone can support standard features , as well as user-specified functions. These functions include: radio broadcast mode, radio broadcast calls back, transfer calls, ringtone volume / type, volume level, answer mode, battery status, network status, and pager mode entry.

The “MENU” button 816 is used to access the pager functions and configure the phone 800. When the “Menu” button 816 is pressed, the LCD 801 displays a set of menus that can be used to send and display a page message, configure phone network parameters, perform diagnostics, examine statistics, etc. When in Menu mode, the 800 phone accepts calls. If the user “answers” ​​the call, the 800 phone exits Menu mode. The user can disable incoming calls completely via the “FCT” button 817. Some of the parameters that can be initially configured from the Menu mode included: IP Addressing, IP Addressing, Subnet Masking, Default Gateway, Wireless LAN Parameters, Identification ID (ie Extended Service Set "ESS") , and e Preferred Application Programming Interface ("API" or Basic Service Set "BSS").

Menu mode can also be used to set the volume and type of ringtone. Ring types include: audio (with various ring styles), vibrator motor, and flashing display. Menu mode is also used to control the answering mode of the 800 phone (i.e. auto, single password, any password), disable receiving calls, edit the quick display list, and specify the channels on the 800 phone that are capable of receiving radio broadcast messages and the default output channel.

The telephone 800 can also support a Telnet mode of operation in which a user signs over a remote system network directly as a user of that system. Telnet TCP / IP is the standard Internet protocol for remote terminal connectivity. In this mode of operation, the user establishes a Telnet connection to a host machine and uses the telephone 800 as a Telnet terminal. The 811 keys are mapped to a restricted subset of normal keys from a Telnet VT100 compatible terminal. When Telnet mode is enabled, the 800 phone is limited to one active phone call at a time. However, the user can switch back and forth between voice and data modes via the "HOLD" key, in the same way as switching between the two phone calls.

FIG. 9B shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the telephone 800 is connected to a cash register 825 by means of a cable 826. In an alternative embodiment, the telephone 800 is a cordless telephone and it communicates with the register 825 by means of a digital radio communication. The 825 register can also be supplied with a barcode scanner. The 825 register and the 800 telephone share the same radio for voice and data communication between the 825 register and the HIU or PBX.

[088] FIG. 10A illustrates a block diagram of a radio card 880 that is used as an AP to connect a plurality of radio signals to a host device. The radio card comprises radio circuits 831

ES 2 397 829 T3 for a frequency hopping spread spectrum radio, interface circuits 832 to interface in the radio circuits 831 with the other components on the card 830, the central processing unit ("CPU") 833 , 835 read-only flash memory (“ROM”), 834 static random access memory (“SRAM”), and 836 PCMCIA interface circuitry that also provide power management support and system integration functions. An ISA ("Industrial Standard Architecture") card 838 is plugged into a host device and comprises a bridge chip 839 that interfaces the radio card 830 with the bus 840 of the host device. The radio card 830 also has a connection for an antenna 837. The antenna 837 can be mounted on the radio card 830 or it can be connected to the internal or external antenna of the host device. The 830 radio card can be mounted on an ISA 838 card and can be connected to a PCMCIA port on the host device.

FIG. 10B illustrates a block diagram of the embodiment of the invention described in FIG. 9B, wherein the telephone 800 is connected to a host device 825 via a wired connection 826. The radio card 850 is located in the host device and comprises radio circuitry 851, a radio interface 852, SCRAM 853, flash ROM 854 , a CPU 855, and a PCMCIA interface 856. The radio card 850 has circuitry to support the 863 telephone. This circuit comprises a digital signal processor ("DSP") 858 and an encoder / decoder ("CODEC") 860, as well as circuitry for the phone's LCD 857 and key area 859. The DSP 858 provides a means for process voice communications and the CODEC 860 provides a means for encoding and decoding voice communications. The radio card 850 is connected via a bridge chip 871 to the bus 880 of the host device.

Voice communications are processed and encoded / decoded in the radio card 850 and transmitted over the radio as digital packets in accordance with the ITU H. 323 standard. These digital information packets are used to communicate with third-party servers that employ the standard. TCP / iP and other standard communication protocols to transmitted / retrieved data. This allows the phone user to communicate over the Internet and also allows the phone user to access sites on the Internet.

FIG. 10C illustrates a block diagram of a preferred embodiment, in which the telephone is a cordless telephone comprising a radio card 850 A stored within the telephone. The phone communicates by radio with a radio on the host device, such as the radio shown in FIG. 10 A. The host device is a computer that can also support other functions, such as a barcode scanner. The host device communicates with an HIU via radio communication or it can be connected to the HIU via a network, such as an Ethernet network or a Token Ring Network. The network can communicate with remote devices by telephone, through a PBX connected to the network, or through a central office line connected to the HIU. The telephone user can access the network or an external telephone line through the host device for voice and data communications.

Another preferred embodiment of the MU for the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11A. The scanner 120 is supplied with a screen 110, a plus key 103, a minus key 102, and two slide keys 106A and 106B. The terminal is also supplied with an information key 156 and a helper key 155. The information key can be used to provide information about a displayed item and the help key can be used to provide user help in the form of data displayed on the screen. When the terminal is supplied with voice functions, additional keys can be added for specific voice message functions and the help key can automatically open an audio communication line with an operator at a remote site.

FIG. 11B illustrates preferred embodiments of pager 900 for the present invention. Pager 900 comprises a digital radio (FIG. 10C illustrates a block diagram of the pager radio) connects to a LAN through an AP and supplies a one-way or two-way pager. Messages are displayed on a 902 LCD with time and date stamped and messages can be permanently stored in pager memory. The user is alerted by messages by means of a buzzer or vibrating announcement. The 900 pager can be connected to an HIU for communication within a LAN and it also communicates with remote devices when the HIU is connected to a PBX or Ethernet or Token Pass Ring Network or Office Phone Line Central. The user can reply to messages using a menu of responses programmed into the memory of the pager 900. The user scrolls through the menu and selects the response they want to send and then transmits the response. The pager 900 also comes with Internet paging capabilities and can be configured to display a message when an email is received on a PC connected to the network.

In a preferred embodiment, the pager is provided with a 5-way button 904 to read, review, delete, send, or edit messages. The 5-way button 904 has four positions that can be used to slide a cursor up / down or left / right and select items displayed on the LCD 902. The selected information can then be transmitted in response to a message or originate a message using the fifth position of the 5-way button 904. An on / off button 906 allows the user to turn off the pager 900 when it is not in use. The pager 900 can access the voicemail features of a PBX or a computer and display the messages on the LCD 902. The pager 900 can

ES 2 397 829 T3 will then save these messages and send them to another user or data storage device, such as your PC or a server over the network. This pager is also supplied with a multi-tone caller ID to distinguish between different priority calls and different callers. A separate tone can also be designed to distinguish phone messages from faxes and emails.

In another preferred embodiment the system automatically creates a linked page for scanned items including any associated information that matches the user's preference profile. The system will employ an adynamic page builder using a default template where a hyperlink to a data page is presented. In the event that the pages exceed the display display limitations (ie require more lines than available in a single screen) for the terminal in use, the page builder automatically creates a new "next page" link at the time. be displayed in the terminal. The dynamic page builder program also allows an override function in the event that a link to an external net page address is supplied. By using the network ID or IP address of the portable terminal, the HIU will retrieve the file from the device over the network or from a remote site via the PBX (eg, an Internet server) and send the information to the portable terminal. The information sent by the HIU will include any reformatting restrictions that are applicable to the target portable terminal that can only have a partial view screen capability. A command can be entered on the portable terminal to move the resulting collection of data to a designated location, such as a PC in the user's office or via email transmission. If the MU is a PC, the data can also be saved to a data collection item such as a smart card or floppy disk.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the HIU also provides data upload to remote devices from a MU. Thus, a user can send data generated using the MU or stored on a PC or server connected to the network to a remote site via the PBX. The user can also sign on the Internet from a UM and join a file to an email message.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a user can access a PC 45 (FIG. 1) through the HIU, or alternatively, the HIU makes a secured web page available to a user but accessible with a password.

L to FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention in which the voice headset 550 uses a narrow band radio to communicate data to and from a portable terminal 70. When a terminal is used for extended periods of time, a packet of expendable battery 560 can be supplied to supply the battery of terminal 70. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the terminal may be a consumable design for ease of use by the attendant. Examples of such expendable designs are illustrated in US Patent Nos. 5,514,861; 5,250,790; 5,543,610; 5,340,972; 5,191,197; 5,410,140; and 5,416,310; all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, a lightweight, easy-to-use barcode scanner is used, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The 560 strap can be supplied with all necessary terminal functions through the 561-564 modular packages. Battery 561 can be supplemented with a CPU component 562, a radio module 562, a memory card 563, and an audio / video module 564. These systems would communicate with a headband 550, a bracelet-mounted display, and a wireless ring scanner. It is preferred that these components employ a wireless communication data line that allows multi-channel communication to the CPU 562 component and that the strap module is connected using a flexible cable connector data bus.

The herein described embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide the preferred embodiments of the present invention as commonly contemplated by applicants. It would be obvious to a person skilled in the art based on the examples described herein without interference of the present invention of numerous modifications that can be made to the preferred described embodiments. For example, the portable terminal can take any number of forms including expendable solutions available from Symbol Technologies, Inc. and in other portable solutions described herein. Furthermore, the graphical user interface can also be implemented or can also be used as a number of different presentation schemes. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are merely examples and are not intended to represent every possible embodiment of the present invention.