Hybrid communication system for wireless data communication

(54) Title: Communication system and method (56) Published publications: EP A2 0 766 427, WO Al 9 948 312, US A 4 456 793, US A 4 456 793, US A 5 943 692, US A 5 910 946, US A 6,049,291 (47) Summary:

A system and method for establishing communication with any of a number of different wireless communication devices (10), including by providing cardholder receivers (24).

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SUMMARY

A system and method for establishing communication with any of a number of different wireless communication devices (10), including by providing cardholder receivers (24).

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a system and method for establishing wireless communication over either the Internet, via an Internet access facility, such as a computer, or alternatively with a compatible airborne network, depending on whether the wireless communication device and Internet access facility are relative. located within or outside a predetermined vicinity. The system includes automatic switching ability to determine the communication path with the wireless communication device depending on, at least in part, predetermined parameters, which may include the predetermined proximity range and recognition of a unique identifier assigned to at least the wireless communication device.

Description of the Related Art

At this time, it is well-noted that the wireless communications industry is experiencing a period of dramatic growth.

Although the number of subscribers is still relatively small, compared to the maximum available capacity, operators offer networks with excellent coverage, lower prices and an increased number of different additional opportunities.

As such, there is a recognized limit to traditional wireless communication capabilities. As such, even with the latest advances in wireless communication technology, there are also more opportunities to provide subscribers with vastly improved wireless communication standards.

In addition, with the increasing popularity of local or global computerized networks, individuals are increasingly relying on alternative communication and information gathering devices. However, each of these communication media is maintained essentially independent of one another, which means that a user must use the specific technology media that are applicable.

Furthermore, since the technologies are generally independently maintained, they do not take full advantage of the integration opportunities available due to advances in technology. For example, a medium of increasing popularity for wireless communication relates to the use of

Bluetooth (Bluetooth) technology. Such technology allows short-range wireless communication between devices, thereby providing greater capability and eliminating many cable limitations / requirements, which can limit expansion. However, despite the advantageous nature of such wireless communication protocols, the use of such technology is currently limited to traditional communication links which replace a more traditional switching solution. As such, the technology has failed to fully utilize the cross-fertilizing potential available through the expansion of such technology.

Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the field of a system and method that enables integration or cross-use of various generally related technologies to substantially increase the capabilities and productivity of the communications services provided. In particular, as will be described within the scope of the present invention, and which has not yet been contemplated in the art, such improved technology could include a hybrid communication system which will operate using standard flex page protocol in combination with Bluetooth or similar short-range message technology. Such an improved hybrid communication system would have the ability to automatically switch to message communication with the wireless communication device during, for example, the use of an Internet access equipment, such as ·· »

529 170 a personal computer (PC), if two transmitters including Bluetooth or equivalent technology are within the predetermined proximity range. Alternatively, such an improved system provided by the present invention could automatically switch to an airborne network message with the wireless communication device when it is outside the predetermined proximity area, which represents a significant saving for both the operator and the user. In particular, the operator could make money by freeing up limited bandwidth and thereby have the capacity to subscribe to more users, without having to upgrade the existing infrastructure on the hardware. Users, on the other hand, could make money because they would have the ability to send and receive large messages and e-mails wirelessly when they are within the aforementioned predetermined proximity area, at a cost no greater than the cost of their current network connection; plus the existing one-way messaging service.

Summary of the Invention

This invention relates to a hybrid communication system and method providing data communications including, but not limited to, voice, video and / or alphanumeric messages, either over a computerized network, such as the Internet using an appropriate connection option, such as a personal computer, or alternatively by means of an airborne network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular / searching network, satellite communication or other applicable type of communication network. The wireless communication device set forth above may include a viewfinder, a cellular telephone (mobile phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other applicable wireless communication device designed and designed to perform data communications.

The system and method of the present invention include a transceiver assembly operating on a recognized • · ·

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Η spread spectrum standard, which can perform short-range communications, such as Bluetooth technology. As is known in the communications field, Bluetooth includes a 2.4 GHz wireless data solution that uses a spread spectrum technology detailed above.

However, the term transceiver assembly, as used herein, refers to any type of card holding technology that works in the manner that Bluetooth technology does with is not limited thereto.

More specifically, the hybrid communication system and method of the present invention comprise the use of one or more wireless communication devices of the type set forth above, each having a transceiver connected thereto and operating on a short-range radio frequency (RF), each of the plurality of wireless communication devices including a unique identifier or code that can be recognized by another compatible transceiver, which also defines a portion of the aforementioned transceiver assembly. More specifically, a first transceiver, designed to operate using Bluetooth or equivalent technology, is connected to an Internet access device such as, but not limited to, a computer device or PC. A second transceiver is connected to the wireless communication device. Obviously, the system and method of the present invention relates to the provision of a plurality of network access devices or computers and a plurality of wireless communication devices where, for the sake of clarity, each of the aforementioned plurality of computers may be connected to a first transceiver and each of the aforementioned plurality of wireless communication devices may be connected to a second transceiver. The unique identifiers assigned to each of the plurality of wireless communication devices are unique in themselves and serve as an identification code for any of the appropriately programmed or configured first transmitters assigned with different units of the plurality of da ···

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S torer. Recognition and establishment of message communication may depend, at least in part, on at least one predetermined parameter. Such a predetermined parameter may be a proximity region where the first and second transmitters to recognize each other must be within a predetermined proximity range. At present, such a predetermined vicinity may generally be about 100 meters. However, it is emphasized that the proximity area is not limited to 100 meters and can vary widely based, at least in part, on technology advances and the specific applications of the present invention. Another possible predetermined parameter may be the unique identifier itself, if communication between any of a plurality of network access devices or computers must identify and accept the unique identifier or code of the wireless communication device as well as being within the predetermined proximity area. As stated above, the proximity area may be predetermined and determined based on available technology standards and may vary considerably.

The communication system and method of the present invention also include automatic switching capability, whereby data communication is established automatically with the access unit when at least one, or both of the aforementioned predetermined parameters (proximity and identification) have been established and wherein a first transceiver assigned to the Internet access unit and the second transceiver assigned to the wireless communication device are configured to recognize and accept each other to establish such communication.

Alternatively, the automatic switching capability of the present invention establishes data communication by means of a compatible airborne network, such as an applicable search / cellular network, satellite communication, etc., on either or both of the predetermined parameters between a given asset unit and a corresponding wireless ···: 529 170 (&amp;

communication device is not met. More particularly, and also by way of example only, the wireless communication device when in the acceptable proximity area of ​​a computer, both of which include a first and second transceivers listed above, may perform data communication over the network, such as the Internet, by means of the computer or other access devices. However, when the wireless communication device is located outside the established proximity area, the automatic switching ability will automatically provide data communication with the wireless communication device by means of the airborne network as indicated above. The wireless communication device assigned to the system and method of the present invention is therefore capable of operating over at least two distinct frequency ranges, depending on whether data communication is established with the computer or the Internet access unit or a search / cellular infrastructure capable of defining a compatible airborne network.

Other features of the system and method of the present invention include the transceiver assembly, whether it includes Bluetooth technology or its equivalent, includes a scanning capability wherein scanning for recognition of preferably a unique identifier assigned to each transceiver is performed and when the aforementioned predetermined parameters, including, for example, proximity range of 100 meters or other predetermined distance, is met, mutual recognition of the first and second transceivers is performed. Such scanning can therefore be termed as a find-me-follow-me procedure, which can occur on a substantially continuous basis.

In addition to the foregoing, the communication system and method of the present invention may also include configuration capabilities. This allows messages that would normally have been communicated through the airborne network to be stored until communication with a particular

529 170 of said plurality of wireless communication devices are established with an applicable computer including transceiver assembly technology of the above type. Then communication is established between the computer and the particular wireless communication device to which the message was originally sent. Alternatively, the configuration option may allow selective configuration of the system so that a stored message would be transmitted only during a predetermined time window. Such a configuration could, of course, be able to adopt a number of different other data controlling configurations.

One advantage of the hybrid communication system and method of the present invention, which may serve as an incentive, is the concept of profit sharing. More particularly, the system will enable the owner of a computer to determine which wireless communication devices may have access to the network, using his or her computer, assuming that both the computer and one of the plurality of wireless communication devices are assigned the same Bluetooth wireless network or equivalent transceiver assembly technology. The system may include security software that allows only wireless devices with permission to access the computer network. As a carrot for opening access to others, including strangers, profit sharing would include giving the service provider's system credit, in the form of money or other incentives, to the owner of the computer, which allows access to foreign wireless communication devices.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent as the drawings and the detailed description are taken into account.

Brief description of the drawings

For a complete understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description made in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

• · ·

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Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a hybrid combination system and method of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic view in flow diagram form of certain operation steps representative of and at least partially defining the system and method of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through the different views of the drawings.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

The present invention relates to a hybrid communication system and method in which communication is established with any of a plurality of wireless communication devices, generally designated 10 in Figure 1.

Such wireless communication devices may, of course, include a paging unit, a cellular or cellular telephone, a PDA, etc. More importantly, message communication can be established with any of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10, either partially a global or locally computerized network, such as, for example, the Internet 12, via Internet service providers 15, including one or more servers 16, or alternatively with a compatible airborne network, generally designated 14, also including suitable servers 18. The airborne network may be defined by any compatible search and / or cellular infrastructure, satellite communication 17 or other suitable communication device, depending on the type of wireless communication device 10 used or a number of other related factors.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a transceiver assembly is used to provide wireless short-range communication. For example, this transceiver assembly may be in the form of or include Bluetooth technology.

Specifically, Bluetooth technology is used for short-range communication between different devices and is the official name of a specification, which has become one of the fastest growing technology standards in recent times. In simple terms, Bluetooth is a specification for a global wireless technology standard, which allows devices to communicate with each other using a secure radio frequency. As such, the use of a Bluetooth transceiver enables at least one short-range communication without the burden of cables, but at a high data transmission rate, with no visibility requirements, which is typically necessary for infrared technology. In such an embodiment, the transceiver assembly may comprise at least one small, low-power radio transceiver mounted on a chip that communicates with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Because it operates on radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth eliminates the need for cables and can connect on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis.

In addition, at least the displayed Bluetooth transmitter has the enhanced ability to support voice and video data, as well as other data communications, thereby enabling it to be extended to hands-free voice communication. In one embodiment where Bluetooth technology is integrated, it can use a 2.4 GHz range, spectrum spectrum radio band, which is unlicensed and available in the near worldwide. In addition, the transceiver aggregate is preferably capable of transmitting through solid non-metallic objects, providing a functional range generally from 10 cm to 10 m, which is typically extended to a proximity range of about 100 meters, by increasing transmission efficiency, and being directional independent, and supporting both. isochronous and asynchronous services.

Even in the illustrated embodiment which incorporates Bluetooth technology, such a transceiver assembly permits connection and wireless communication via short-held, temporary networks and can normally support up to eight peripherals in a piconet, which can be defined as two ···

529 170} Q or more Bluetooth or equivalent technology units sharing on a common channel. Furthermore, the transceiver assembly may be designed to provide synchronous voice channels, which allow the assembly to reserve bandwidth to support digital voice data. As such, the system can support three or more simultaneous fully duplex voice conversations within a given piconet.

Even in this embodiment where Bluetooth or similar transceivers are used, authentication and encryption is preferably provided in its baseband protocol. For example, authentication can rely on a challenge / response protocol, which uses a unique identifier (password, PIN, etc.). Two devices communicating with each other within the applicable or predetermined proximity area must contain or have recognized the same unique identifier. This protocol allows for each device to authenticate the other automatically. After the device is authenticated, it is possible to encrypt the transmission for added security.

In addition, it is noted that Bluetooth or equivalent transmitted recorder technology integrated into the present invention may be designed to support voice, data and video information at approximately, but not limited to, 760 kbps. Because this data transmission speed is not favorable compared to today's wired speed, it is equal to or significantly better than the speed achieved with existing digital subscriber lines (DLS) or cable modem services. At this speed, the transceiver assembly can handle video or full stereo sound, and can provide fully resolved images, at a slightly lower frame rate while supporting voice and data streams.

Of course, notwithstanding the foregoing, it is emphasized that the system and method of the present invention use the term transceiver assembly, which in conjunction with ···

529 The present invention is intended to include the aforementioned Bluetooth technology or any other transceiver technology that uses an appropriate frequency and / or short-range communication standard, which may or may not have all of the functional features such as Bluetooth. As such, the system and method of communication of the present invention are not intended to be limited to Bluetooth technology, and the following specific description using and explaining certain features previously stated to be characteristic of a Bluetooth transceiver is not intended to be limited to: such technology.

Accordingly, the transceiver assembly of the present invention comprises at least one transceiver, preferably in the form of a transceiver chip operating on radio frequencies (RF), where such a first transceiver is connected to one or a plurality of network access devices such as a PC or similar computer unit generally indicated by 20. The transceiver assembly of the system and method of the present invention also includes at least one second transceiver also in the form of a radio chip connected to or incorporated within each of a plurality of wireless communication devices 10. Each of the wireless communication devices 10 may also include a unique identifier or code to facilitate recognition between the first and second transceiver chip. As explained in more detail below, the unique identifier can define a plurality of predetermined parameters, more specifically referred to as an identification parameter, which is used to establish message communication with appropriate units of a plurality of wireless communication devices 10. Each of the wireless communication devices 10, when recognized, becomes part of a piconet, generally designated 24, which may exist in a home, office, or other area, including one or more Internet access devices or computers 20. piconet

529 170) 2 can only be defined by the feature of the above transceiver assembly. At least one other predetermined parameter, which may be established, based on at least in part a short-range radio frequency standard on which the transceiver aggregate operates, is a predetermined proximity range. More specifically, the predetermined proximity area can currently be defined as about 100 meters. However, it is emphasized that the actual proximity range included in the present invention may vary considerably and is not limited to the specified 100 meters. Therefore, the predetermined proximity area permits data communication over the computerized network, such as the Internet 12, with the wireless communication device 10, by means of the computer 20, provided that the first transceiver assigned to the computer 20 and the second transceiver assigned to the wireless communication device 10 are compatible or configured to recognize each other. To achieve this identification parameter, the maximum distance between the wireless communication device 10 and the computer 20 must be within the predetermined proximity range, which of course may vary, as described above.

Each of the plurality of wireless communication devices is multifunctional in the sense that they can operate at least two, but possibly more, different frequencies.

Accordingly, as soon as the communication device 10 moves outside the predetermined proximity region of the picon network 24, an auto-switching function associated with the system and method of the present invention, preferably but not necessarily automatically, establishes communication between the wireless communication device 10 and the airborne network 14. As stated above, the airborne network can be defined as a suitable cellular / paging infrastructure, including server 18 ·· ·

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or other communications network, such as, but not limited to, satellite communications 17 and others.

The communication system and method of the present invention also include scanner capability, which is more specifically included in the aforementioned transceiver assembly. Functional features of the scanner capability of the present invention preferably provide continuous scanning, with the first and second transceivers continuously attempting to establish message communication between compatible configured computers and wireless communication devices 10. The scanning capabilities are supplemented when, for example, one of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10 moves within the predetermined proximity region of the piconet network 24 and includes a unique identifier or code recognizable by the first transceiver assigned to the computer 20. Upon recognition and when all predetermined parameters have been fulfilled, the computer 20 and one or more communication devices 10. The communication system and method of the present invention also include selective configuration capability that allows a user to configure his account to control the data transmission to a particular wireless communication device. Such selective configuration may be performed at a particular communication device 10 or alternatively via a website of the Internet service provider 15 and / or the individual service 16, at least if a computerized network of the Internet ··· type is used.

Referring now to Fig. 2 and only as an example, a method for operating and using a computer is now described.

..... the communication system of the present invention. More • ·

... specifically, during the operation, any of the plurality of wireless communication devices 10 such as at 30 is activated and, by the function of the continuous scanning capability, as indicated above, a first and second transceivers, tillord ···

529 170&gt; 7, the transceiver assembly of the present invention, provides a find-me-follow-me procedure in an attempt to recognize each other and establish message communication, such as at 32. If the aforementioned predetermined identification and proximity parameters are not met, the auto-switching capability of the present invention automatically works to find a suitable compatible airborne network, such as a cellular / paging, satellite or other suitable network, such as at 34.

However, assuming that the wireless communication device 10 locates an Internet access device or computer, as at 36, is then determined by the operational characteristics of the transceiver assembly and combined characteristics of the scanning assembly, whether the computer 20 is configured to recognize and communicate with the wireless communication device, indicated at 38. Configuration of both the computer 20 and the wireless communication device 10 is accomplished by appropriate programming of the first and second transceivers constituting the aforementioned transceiver aggregate. Next, assuming compatible configuration between the computer 20 and the wireless communication device 10 specified at 40, it is determined whether the computer 20 is configured to allow the particular wireless communication device 10 to access the Internet 12 as at 42. If the computer 20 is not so configured, the scanning capability is activated to continue searching for a computer that is compatible in allowing data communication to be established with the particular wireless communication device. However, if no computer can be located, again, the auto-switching capability that works to transmit data communication to an appropriate or compatible airborne network 14, as at 44, is activated. However, if the computer 20 is configured to access the computer-based network 12, data communication is established, which at 46, where voice, video, alphanumeric or other data can be transmitted

529 170 / S 'or received by the picon network 24, over the computer-based network 12, using the network service provider 15. If the connection is lost as at 48, the auto-switching capability returns to the scanning capability as at 49, 44 to continuously search for a compatible Internet connection. asset unit or computer 20 or alternatively switches to communication over an airborne network as at 34.

Alternatively, as explained above, if a predetermined parameter for establishing data communication within the picon network 24, between the computer 20 and the wireless communication device 10, is not established, such as by the fact that the wireless communication device 10 is located outside the predetermined proximity area, a search for a compatible airborne network 14, such as but not limited to a cellular, or a search network infrastructure and / or server 18, or other suitable airborne network, such as satellite communications. If such is not found, such as at 52, the auto-switching ability is reactivated, as well as the continuous scanning capability, such as at 32 and the procedure begins again. Alternatively, assuming that the wireless communication device is appropriately configured to establish communication through the airborne network 14, a decision is made, as at 54, whether the existing data communication can be established. If not, as at 56, the auto-switching and scanning capabilities of the system are reactivated above. Assuming that the existing communication is allowed as at 55, data communication can be performed, as at 58.

The system and method of the present invention may further comprise selective configuration options generally indicated above and indicated at 60 in Figure 2. This means that the reception of data by the airborne network 14 or the computer-based network 12 through

529 The 170 eZ computer 20 can be preconfigured by the user. More specifically, the user may configure a particular account to control data communication with the particular wireless communication device 10 as to how and when such data can be received on either the computer 20 or the airborne network 14. By way of example only, the user 10 can selectively configure the account using either a particular wireless communication device 10 or, alternatively, the home page of the Internet service provider 15, to establish communication and use of the transceiver assembly to provide only compatible recognition between specific computers 20 and certain wireless communication devices. 10th Alternatively, the user can control or regulate what type of data and / or at what time certain communication can be transmitted over the airborne network or over the Internet 12.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made in the described embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all features of the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting manner. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

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