U.S. patent application number 12/106738 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for adaptive omni-modal radio apparatus and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to MLR, LLC. Invention is credited to Charles M. Leedom, Eric J. Robinson, Joseph B. Sainton.
Application Number | 20080274767 12/106738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34841652 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080274767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sainton; Joseph B. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
Adaptive Omni-Modal Radio Apparatus and Methods
Abstract
The present invention provides, among other things, a
multi-modal device for facilitating wireless communication over any
one of a plurality of wireless communication networks operating
pursuant to differing transmission protocols and/or over differing
radio frequencies.
Inventors: |
Sainton; Joseph B.;
(Newberg, OR) ; Leedom; Charles M.; (Falls Church,
VA) ; Robinson; Eric J.; (Ashburn, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
1425 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
MLR, LLC
Palm Beach Garden
FL
|
Family ID: |
34841652 |
Appl. No.: |
12/106738 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11047665 |
Feb 2, 2005 |
7386322 |
|
|
12106738 |
|
|
|
|
09670696 |
Sep 28, 2000 |
6934558 |
|
|
11047665 |
|
|
|
|
09149292 |
Sep 9, 1998 |
6134453 |
|
|
09670696 |
|
|
|
|
08707262 |
Sep 4, 1996 |
5854985 |
|
|
09149292 |
|
|
|
|
08167003 |
Dec 15, 1993 |
|
|
|
08707262 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/552.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/10 20130101;
H04M 2215/725 20130101; H04M 2215/0116 20130101; H04W 88/06
20130101; H04M 15/55 20130101; H04W 28/18 20130101; H04M 15/44
20130101; H04W 48/16 20130101; H04M 15/7655 20130101; H04W 74/00
20130101; H04W 48/18 20130101; H04M 2215/2046 20130101; H04M
2215/7268 20130101; H04M 15/772 20130101; H04M 2215/7263 20130101;
H04W 72/0453 20130101; H04W 28/22 20130101; H04M 15/88 20130101;
H04L 12/14 20130101; H04W 80/00 20130101; H04M 15/745 20130101;
H04W 48/08 20130101; H04W 4/24 20130101; H04W 16/06 20130101; H04M
2215/0108 20130101; H04M 2215/0104 20130101; H04M 15/773 20130101;
H04M 2215/2026 20130101; H04M 2215/32 20130101; H04W 16/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/552.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1-23. (canceled)
24. An advanced cellular telephone for facilitating voice and data
communication over a plurality of wireless communication networks,
at least two of which are digital cellular networks using different
protocols for communication, comprising a housing small enough to
form a portable handset; an antenna supported by the housing for
transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy; a first display,
supported by the housing, for displaying information that is
visually perceptible to a user including information related to use
of the device to establish wireless communication links; a second
display, relatively expanded in size with respect to the first
display screen and supported by the housing, for displaying
information, that is visually perceptible to a user and that
includes information procured, in response to a user request, from
a remote computer with which the cellular telephone is linked
wirelessly via one of the wireless communication networks; memory
contained within the housing for storing an operating program and
data including network information, telephone numbers and text
messages; a touch-sensitive device for receiving user supplied
commands and data including said user requests for information; an
omni-modal communication circuit for accessing the wireless
communication networks using a communications protocol appropriate
to the wireless communication network accessed to establish a
communication link for voice or data communication over the
accessed network, the omni-modal communication circuit including a
transceiver, electrically connected to the antenna, for sending and
receiving radio frequency voice signals and data signals, digital
modulator circuitry for modulating digital voice signals and
digital data signals onto a carrier for transmitting by the
transceiver in accordance with a communications protocol compatible
with the communication network being accessed, digital demodulator
circuitry for demodulating digital voice signals and digital data
signals from radio frequency signals received by the transmitter in
accordance with the communications protocol compatible with the
communication network being accessed, and a processor for setting
up appropriate cross connections between the first and second
displays, memory, touch-sensitive device, digital modulator
circuitry and digital demodulator circuitry and transceiver to
cause the transceiver to access the plurality of wireless
communication networks, one or more at a time, for sending and
receiving both voice signals and data signals over the accessed
network and to receive user commands, to provide information to the
first and second displays, to carry out arithmetic calculations, to
request information from remote computers and to retrieve data from
memory; wherein the functions of information retrieval from remote
computers, data processing and placing or receiving telephone calls
may be carried out by selective access, under the control of the
processor, to the plurality of wireless communication networks
through operation of the omni-modal communication circuit.
25. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 24, wherein
said touch sensitive device further includes an incrementing button
and a decrementing button to cause the information displayed on
said second display to scroll up and scroll down when actuated,
respectively, by the user.
26. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 24, wherein
said processor includes a microprocessor, operating under the
operating program, to selectively set up the cross connections and
a data processing circuit for formatting data as required for
devices sending data to and receiving data from the omni-modal
communication circuit.
27. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 24, wherein
said transceiver includes a local oscillator, a receive mixer
connected to the local oscillator, an amplifier, a transmit mixer
connected to the local oscillator and to the amplifier, and a
diplexer connected to the amplifier, to the receive mixer and to
the antenna.
28. An advanced cellular telephone for facilitating voice and data
communication over a plurality of wireless communication networks,
at least one of which is a digital cellular network using a
protocol appropriate for communication on a cellular network and at
least one other non-cellular wireless communication network
operating on a different protocol, comprising a housing small
enough to form a portable handset; an antenna supported by the
housing for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy; a
display, supported by the housing, for displaying information that
is visually perceptible to a user; a touch-sensitive device for
receiving user supplied commands and data including said user
requests for information; an omni-modal communication circuit for
accessing the wireless communication networks using a
communications protocol appropriate to the wireless communication
network accessed to establish a communication link for either or
both of voice and data communication over the accessed network, the
omni-modal communication circuit including a transceiver,
electrically connected to the antenna, for sending and receiving
radio frequency voice signals and data signals, a processor for
setting up appropriate cross connections between the display,
touch-sensitive device, and transceiver to cause the transceiver to
access the plurality of wireless communication networks, one or
more at a time, for sending and receiving signals over the accessed
network, and a memory, connected with the processor, for storing an
operating program including instructions which cause the processor
to set up automatically connections to access the non-cellular
wireless communication network whenever the advanced cellular
telephone is called upon to provide a particular type of
communication service and for reverting to the cellular network for
access only when the non-cellular wireless communication network is
unavailable; and wherein the functions of information retrieval
from remote computers, data processing and placing or receiving
telephone calls may be carried out, under the control of the
processor, by selective access to the plurality of wireless
communication networks through operation of the omni-modal
communication circuit with preference given to the non-cellular
wireless network over the cellular network whenever one particular
type of communication service is desired.
29. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 28, wherein
the alternative wireless communication network is a wireless paging
network and the type of communication service, that causes the
processor to automatically prefer the wireless paging network
unless it is unavailable, is a paging service.
30. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 28, wherein
said processor includes a microprocessor, operating under the
operating program, to selectively set up the cross connections and
a data processing circuit for formatting data as required for
devices sending data to and receiving data from the omni-modal
communication circuit.
31. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 28, wherein
said transceiver includes a local oscillator, a receive mixer
connected to the local oscillator, an amplifier, a transmit mixer
connected to the local oscillator and to the amplifier, and a
diplexer connected to the amplifier, to the receive mixer and to
the antenna.
32. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 28, wherein
said touch sensitive device further includes an incrementing button
and a decrementing button to cause the information displayed on
said second display to scroll up and scroll down when actuated,
respectively, by the user.
33. An advanced cellular telephone as defined in claim 28, wherein
said processor includes a microprocessor, operating under the
operating program, to selectively set up the cross connections and
a data processing circuit for formatting data as required for
devices sending data to and receiving data from the omni-modal
communication circuit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to frequency and protocol
agile, wireless communication devices and systems adapted to enable
voice and/or data transmission to occur using a variety of
different radio frequencies, transmission protocols and radio
infrastructures.
[0002] Many communication industry experts believe that a personal
information revolution has begun that will have as dramatic an
impact as did the rise of personal computers in the 1980's. Such
experts are predicting that the personal computer will become truly
"personal" by allowing virtually instant access to information
anytime or anywhere. There exists no consensus, however, on the
pace or form of this revolution.
[0003] For example, the wireless communication industry is being
fragmented by the emergence of a substantial number of competing
technologies and services including digital cellular technologies
(e.g. TDMA, E-TDMA, narrow band CDMA, and broadband CDMA),
geopositioning services, one way and two-way paging services,
packet data services, enhanced specialized mobile radio, personal
computing services, two-way satellite systems, cellular digital
packet data (CDPD) and others. Fragmenting forces within the
wireless communication industry have been further enhanced by
regulatory actions of the U.S. government. In particular, the U.S.
government is preparing to auction off portions of the radio
spectrum for use in providing personal communication services (PCS)
in a large number of relatively small contiguous regions of the
country. The U.S. government is also proposing to adopt regulations
which will encourage wide latitude among successful bidders for the
new radio spectrum to adopt innovative wireless technologies.
[0004] Until the market for wireless communication has experienced
an extended "shake-out" period it is unlikely that a clear winner
or group of winners will become apparent. Any portable unit which
is capable of interacting with more than one service provider or
radio infrastructure would obviously have advantages over a
portable unit which is capable of accessing only a single service
provider. Still better would be a portable unit which could be
reprogrammed to interact with a variety of different service
providers. Previous attempts to provide such multi modal units have
produced a variety of interesting, but less than ideal, product and
method concepts.
[0005] Among the known multi-modal proposals is a portable
telephone, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,042 to Gillig et al.,
which is adapted to operate with either a conventional cordless
base station or cellular base station. U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,360 to
Suzuki discloses a cellular telephone which is capable of switching
between either an analog mode of operation or a digital mode of
operation. Yet another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,985,904 to Ogawara directed to an improved method and apparatus
for switching from a failed main radio communication system to a
backup communication system. Still another proposal is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,795 directed to a paging receiver which is
capable of scanning the frequencies of a plurality of radio common
carriers to detect the broadcast of a paging message over one of
the carriers serving a given geographic region. In U.S. Pat. No.
5,239,701 to Ishii there is disclosed a radio receiver which is
responsive to an RF signal containing a plurality of channel
frequencies, each having broadcast information, and a circuit for
producing a wide band version of the received RF signal and a
circuit for producing a narrow band version of the received RF
signal.
[0006] While multi-modal in some regard, each of the technologies
disclosed in the above listed patents is highly specialized and
limited to a specific application. The systems disclosed are
clearly non-adaptive and are incapable of being easily reconfigured
to adapt to different transmission protocols or different radio
infrastructures. Recently, Motorola has announced beta testing of a
system called "MoNet" which will allegedly allow users to operate
on whatever wireless network happens to be available using protocol
and frequency agile radio modems. The MoNet technology will be
integrated in both networks and mobile devices and will permit
first time users to fill out an electronic application, transmit
it, and receive a personal ID to allow the user to operate on any
of several mobile networks yet receive just one bill. Another
provider of an open system is Racotek of Minneapolis, Minn. which
offers client server architecture designed to be portable across
different mobile devices, host platforms, and radio
infrastructures.
[0007] While the limited attempts to deal with the fragmentation of
the wireless communication industry have had some merits, no one
has yet disclosed a truly self adaptive, omni-modal wireless
product which enables an end user to access conveniently various
wireless services in accordance with a selection process which is
sufficiently under the control of the end user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A fundamental objective of the subject invention is to
overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a truly
omni-modal wireless product and method which is adaptive to the
selectively variable desires of the end user.
[0009] Another more specific object of the subject invention in the
provision of a product which would be capable of utilizing any one
of the wireless data services within a given geographic area based
on a user determined criteria such as: (1) the cost of sending a
data message, (2) the quality of transmission link (signal
strength, interference actual or potential), (3) the potential for
being dropped from the system (is service provider at near full
capacity), (4) the security of transmission, (5) any special
criteria which the user could variably program into his omni-modal
wireless product based on the user's desires or (6) any one or more
combinations of the above features that are preprogrammed, changed
or overridden by the user.
[0010] Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide an
omni-modal wireless product which would allow for enormous product
differentiation. For example original equipment manufacturers
(OEM's) could provide specialized interface features for the end
user. Each OEM could provide specialized hardware controls
appropriate for various user groups.
[0011] Another object of the subject invention is to provide an
omni-modal wireless product which can allow for adaptive service
provider selection based on user experience with specific service
providers.
[0012] A more specific object of the subject invention is to
provide an omni-modal wireless product which would have the effect
of inducing intense competition for customers among various
wireless data service providers based on quality of service and
price by allowing the user to easily and conveniently identify the
service providers that best meet the user's performance
requirements.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a network of
omni-modal wireless products and service providers which is
designed to provide the most business and profit making potential
to the service providers who best meet the varying demands of the
greatest number of omni-modal wireless product users.
[0014] Still another objective of the subject invention is to
promote and encourage introduction of innovative technology which
will satisfy the desires of end users to receive the best possible
quality wireless service at the lowest possible cost by promoting
real time adaptive price and service competition among cell service
providers.
[0015] Another objective of the subject invention is to allow
wireless service providers to broadcast electronically as part of
any "handshaking" procedure with a omni-modal wireless product
information such as (1) rate information and (2) information
regarding system operating characteristics such as percent of
system capacity in use and/or likelihood of being dropped.
[0016] Still another objective of the subject invention is to
create a user oriented source enrollment and billing service in the
wireless data market by establishing uniform standard for
"handshakes" to occur between cell service providers and omni-modal
wireless products.
[0017] A more specific object of the invention is to provide a
standard chip or chipset including a radio transceiver specifically
designed to be used in all types of omni-modal wireless
products.
[0018] A still more specific object of the invention is to provide
a standard radio chip or chipset adapted for use in all types of
omni-modal wireless products including a variety of operational
modes including operation on the U.S. public analog cellular
telephone network (AMPS).
[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
standard radio chip or chipset for use in all types of omni-modal
wireless products including circuitry for both voice and data
communications over AMPS. Other supported communications protocols
would include CDPD which is a packet data service based on the AMPS
network.
[0020] These objects and others are achieved in the present
invention by an omni-modal radio circuit implemented by a standard
radio computing chip or chipset which can serve as a computer
(special or general purpose), or as an interface to a general
purpose personal computer. The chip preferably includes a modem and
associated processing circuits. So that it can perform at least
basic processing functions such as displaying data, accepting
input, etc., the chip may also incorporate at least a basic
microprocessor. The processor may provide only predetermined
functions, accessible through a standard applications programming
interface, or in more advanced designs the processor can run other
software or firmware added by the product maker. Exemplary
processor functions of the chip include radio network interface
control (call placement, call answering), voice connection, data
transmission, and data input/output. The chip can be used to
implement a variety of omni-modal devices and can provide computing
resources to operate fundamental communications programs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of an omni-modal radio
communications circuit according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of an advanced cellular
telephone implemented using an omni-modal radio communications
circuit according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of a personal
communicator implemented using an omni-modal radio communications
circuit according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a plan view of the front of a data transmission
and display radiotelephone implemented using an omni-compatible
radio communications circuit;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the back of a data transmission
and display radiotelephone implemented using an omni-compatible
radio communications circuit;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of a telephone/pager
implemented using the present omni-modal radio communications
circuit;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a block schematic diagram of a dual mode
cellular/cordless landline telephone implemented using the present
omni-modal radio communications circuit;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a method of operation of a
dual mode cellular/cordless landline telephone according to the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a personal computer
incorporating an omni-modal radio communications circuit;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram of a special purpose
radio data transmitting device implemented using an omni-modal
radio communications circuit;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a radio system selection
method by which information carriers are selected according to
varying specified criteria;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method of broadcasting
local carrier information to facilitate carrier selection by
customers for a particular information transmission task;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a handshake sequence for
arranging information transmission using the omni-modal device of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a modular implementation of the
omni-modal radio communications circuit of the present invention
installed in a cellular telephone;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modular implementation of the
omni-modal radio communications circuit of the present invention
installed in a personal computer;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram showing a system for
relaying paging signals to the omni-modal device of the present
invention using a cellular telephone system; and
[0037] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method of relaying paging
signals to the omni-modal device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] A preferred embodiment of a standardized radio processing
circuit 1 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The standardized radio
processing circuit 1, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B taken together,
maybe implemented on a single VLSI chip or on a set of VLSI chips
making up a chipset. As will be seen, this chip or chipset provides
a standard building block which can be used to make a plurality of
consumer products that provide data transmission capability. As
will be seen later with reference to FIGS. 2 through 8, by adding
minimal external components to the standardized circuit 1, a wide
variety of products can be produced. Also, as will be seen, the
standardized circuit 1 can be advantageously implemented on a
removable card with a standardized interface connector or
connectors, so that it can then be selectively inserted into and
removed from a variety of devices to provide the devices with radio
information transmission capability.
[0039] In terms of the preferred functional and operational
characteristics of circuit 1, it is particularly significant that
this circuit provides a multi-modal or omni-modal communications
capability. That is, circuit 1 can be adjusted by the user, or
automatically under stored program control, to transfer information
over at least two different radio communications networks, and
preferably all networks available in a particular area within the
frequency range of the transceiver of circuit 1.
[0040] Examples of radio communications networks which circuit 1
may be designed to use include commercial paging networks; the U.S.
cellular telephone network or Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS);
alternative cellular telephone network standards such as the
European standard; digitally modulated radiotelephone systems
operating under various encoding techniques such as TDMA, CDMA,
E-TDMA and BCDMA; Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD); Enhanced
Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR); ARDIS; Personal Cellular Systems
(PCS); RAM; global positioning systems; FM networks which transmit
stock prices or other information on subcarriers; satellite-based
networks; cordless landline telephones (such as 49 Mhz and
particularly 900 Mhz systems); and wireless LAN systems.
Preferably, circuit 1 is also designed to use the landline/public
switched telephone network (PSTN).
[0041] As another feature, the omni-modal circuit 1 may perform
local positioning calculations to accurately determine its location
by monitoring precisely synchronized timing signals which may be
broadcast by cell sites for this purpose. If such timing signals
were provided, the omni-modal circuit 1 could receive the signals,
determine the relative time delay in receiving at least three such
signals from different transmitter locations, and triangulate to
determine the distance of the omni-modal circuit to each of the
transmitters. If the omni-modal circuit 1 is installed in a
vehicle, this information may be used to determine the location of
the vehicle.
[0042] As will be seen, for each system which can be accessed by
circuit 1, appropriate cross connections are provided between the
radio circuit or landline interface, as selected, and voice or data
sources and destinations. The appropriate cross connections are
established under program control and include conversions between
digital and analog signal forms at appropriate points in cases
where a signal in one form is to be transmitted using a method for
which a different signal form is appropriate. The operating
parameters of the transceiver may be optimized by a digital signal
processor for either voice or data transmission.
[0043] In addition, a library of command, control and data
transmission protocols appropriate for each supported system may be
included in circuit 1, and the device can implement the correct
protocols by consulting a lookup table during transmissions to
obtain the data channel protocols appropriate to the system
selected. In another embodiment, the library of command, control,
and data transmission protocols may be replaced, or supplemented,
by information transmitted over the radio frequencies to the device
by the carrier, or information downloaded from a hardwired
connection to another device. Flash memory, EEPROMs, or
non-volatile RAM can be used to store program information,
permitting replacement or updating of the operating instructions
used by the device.
[0044] As examples, the library functions accessible by the device
(and also by external devices which may call the library functions)
may include the following: Select RF modulation frequency; select
RF modulation protocol; select data formatting/conditioning
protocol; transmit data in input stream using selected network and
protocol; select output; select input; select data/voice mode;
answer call; generate DTMF tones and transmit on selected network;
scan for control channels/available systems; obtain cost
information for current selected system; obtain cost information
for all systems; obtain operating quality information for current
system; obtain operating quality information for all systems;
request transmission channel in system; obtain signal strength for
current channel; obtain signal strength for all active systems; and
initiate a transmission on the selected network.
[0045] FIG. 1A shows a block schematic diagram of a preferred
embodiment of an omni-modal radio communication radio frequency
(RF) circuit. In the example shown, the RF circuit includes antenna
2, diplexer 4, amplifier 6, transmit mixer 8, receiver mixer 10,
programmable local oscillator 12, modulation selector switches 14
and 16, analog detector-demodulator 18, digital demodulator 20,
analog modulator 22, digital modulator 24, voice grade channel
output 26, digital output 28, voice grade channel input 30, and
digital input 32.
[0046] Voice grade channel output 26 is connected to analog
detector-demodulator 18 and digital output 28 is connected to
digital demodulator 20. Analog detector-demodulator 18 and digital
demodulator 20 are selectively connected to receiver mixer 10
through switch 14. Receiver mixer 10 is connected to both local
oscillator 12 and diplexer 4. Diplexer 4 is connected to antenna 2.
These components provide radio frequency receive circuitry that
allows selective reception and demodulation of both analog and
digitally modulated radio signals.
[0047] Voice grade channel input 30 is connected to analog
modulator 22 and digital input 32 is connected to digital modulator
24. Analog modulator 22 and digital modulator 24 are selectively
connected to transmit mixer 8 through switch 16. Transmit mixer 8
is connected to both local oscillator 12 and amplifier 6. Amplifier
6 is connected to diplexer 4 and diplexer 4 is connected to antenna
2. These components comprise radio frequency transmit circuitry for
selective transmission of analog or digitally modulated radio
signals.
[0048] The operation of the omni-modal radio communication RF
circuit shown in FIG. 1A will now be described in more detail.
Antenna 2 serves to both receive and transmit radio signals.
Antenna 2 is of a design suitable for the frequency presently being
received or transmitted by the RF circuit. In the preferred
embodiment, antenna 2 may be an antenna suitable for receiving and
transmitting in a broad range about 900 Mhz. However, different
antennas may be provided to permit different transceiver ranges,
including dipole, yagi, whip, micro-strip, slotted array, parabolic
reflector, or born antennas in appropriate cases.
[0049] Diplexer 4 allows antenna 2 to receive broadcast radio
signals and to transmit the received signals to the demodulators 18
and 20, and to allow modulated radio signals from modulators 22 and
24 to be transmitted over antenna 2. Diplexer 4 is designed so that
signals received from amplifier 6 will be propagated only to
antenna 2, while signals received from antenna 2 will only be
propagated to receiver mixer 10. Diplexer 4 thus prevents powerful
signals from amplifier 6 from overloading and destroying receiver
mixer 10 and demodulators 18 and 20.
[0050] The receive path of the omni-modal RF circuit comprises
receiver mixer 10, which is connected to, and receives an input
signal from, diplexer 4. Receiver mixer 10 also receives a
reference frequency from local oscillator 12. Receiver mixer 10
converts the signal received from diplexer 4 to a lower frequency
signal and outputs this intermediate frequency on output line 36 to
switch 14. Switch 14 is connected through control line 38 to a
microprocessor (not shown). Control line 38 selectively controls
switch 14 to pass the intermediate frequency signal on output line
36 to either analog detector-demodulator 18 or to digital
demodulator 20. This selection is controlled based upon the type of
signal currently being received. For example, if the omni-modal
circuit 1 is tuned to an analog communication system, switch 14
would be connected to analog detector demodulator 18. If, however,
the omni-modal circuit 1 is receiving a digital modulated signal
switch 14 would be in a state to allow an intermediate frequency on
output line 36 to be transmitted to digital demodulator 20.
[0051] Analog detector demodulator 18 receives analog signals
through switch 14 from receiver mixer 10 on output line 36. Analog
detector demodulator converts the RF modulated signal received as
an intermediate frequency into a voice grade channel or VGC. The
voice grade channel may comprise an audio frequency spectrum going
from approximately 0 Hz to approximately 4 KHz. Analog detector
demodulator 18 is designed for demodulation of analog radio
frequency signals. For example, analog detector demodulator would
be capable of demodulating a frequency modulated (FM) radio
signals. Analog detector demodulator 18 may also be capable of
demodulating amplitude modulated (AM) radio signals.
[0052] Digital demodulator 20 is designed to demodulate digital
signals received from receiver mixer 10 through switch 14. Digital
demodulator 20 is designed to demodulate digital signals such as,
for example, pulse code modulation (PCM), time division multiple
access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), extended time
division multiple access (E-TDMA) and broad band code division
multiple access (BCDMA) signals. The output 28 from digital
demodulator 20 could consist of a digital bit stream.
[0053] The transmit circuitry of the omni-modal RF circuit will now
be described in detail. Analog voice grade channel signals can be
received over analog input 30 which is connected to analog
modulator 22. Analog modulator 22 acts to modulate the received
voice grade channel onto an intermediate frequency signal carrier.
Analog modulator 22 would be capable of modulating frequency
modulation (FM) or amplitude modulation (AM) signals, for
example.
[0054] As can be seen in FIG. 1A, analog modulator 22 is connected
to, switch 16. The intermediate frequency output from analog
modulator 22 on output line 42 is sent to switch 16. Switch 16 is
connected to a microprocessor (not shown) in a manner similar to
switch 14 described above. Switch 16 is capable of selectively
connecting transmit mixer 8 to either analog modulator 22 or
digital modulator 24. When switch 16 is connected to analog
modulator 22 through output line 42, analog modulated signals are
transmitted to transmit mixer 8.
[0055] Digital input can be received by the transmit portion of the
RF modulator circuitry through digital input 32. Digital input 32
is connected to digital modulator 24 which acts to modulate the
received digital data onto an intermediate frequency RF carrier.
Digital modulator 24 may preferably be capable of modulating the
signal into a PCM, TDMA, E-TDMA, CDMA and BCDMA format. The output
44 of digital modulator 24 is connected to switch 16. Switch 16 can
be controlled through control line 40 to select the digital
modulated signal on output 44 and to selectively transmit that
signal to transmit mixer 8.
[0056] Transmit mixer 8 is connected to programmable local
oscillator 12 which is capable of generating frequencies that cover
the frequency spectrum of the desired communication systems.
Transmit mixer 8 operates in a manner well known in the art to
convert the intermediate frequency signal received from switch 16
to a radio frequency for transmission over a radio communication
system. The output of transmit mixer 8 is connected to amplifier 6.
Amplifier 6 acts to amplify the signal to insure adequate strength
for the signal to be transmitted to the remote receiving station.
Amplifier 6 may be connected to control circuitry to allow the
power output of amplifier 6 to be varied in accordance with control
signals received from the control circuitry. The output of
amplifier 6 is connected to diplexer 4 and, as described above, to
antenna 2.
[0057] FIG. 1B is a block schematic diagram of the input and
control circuitry of omni-modal circuit 1. As can be seen from FIG.
1B, the input and control circuitry comprises speaker 100,
microphone 102, voice processing circuitry 104, digital to analog
converter 106, analog to digital converter 108, first selection
switch 122, microprocessor 110, memory 112, data input 114, data
output 116, data processing circuitry 118, second selector switch
120 and modem 124.
[0058] Microprocessor 110 is connected to memory 112 and operates
to control the input circuitry as well as the programmable local
oscillator 12 and switches 14 and 16 shown in FIG. 1A Memory 112
can contain both data storage and program information for
microprocessor 110. Microprocessor 110 may be any suitable
microprocessor such as an Intel 80.times.86 or Motorola 680.times.0
processor. Memory 112 contains a program that allows microprocessor
110 to selectively operate the voice processing circuitry, data
processing circuitry and switches to select the appropriate
transmission channel for the communication signal currently being
processed. In this manner, microprocessor 110 allows omni-modal
circuit 1 to selectively operate on a plurality of radio
communication systems.
[0059] As can be seen in FIG. 1B, an externally provided speaker
100 and microphone 102 are connected to voice processing circuitry
104. Voice processing circuitry 104 has output 142 and input 144.
Voice processing output 142 is connected to switch 122. Similarly,
voice processing input 144 is connected to switch 122. Switch 122,
which may be an electronic analog switch, comprises two single pole
double throw switches which operate in tandem to selectively
connect voice output 142 and voice input 144 to appropriate data
lines. Switch 122 is connected through control line 146 to
microprocessor 110. Control line 146 allows microprocessor 110 to
selectively operate switch 122 in response to commands received
from the user or in response to a program in memory 112. In a first
position, switch 122 connects voice processing input 144 to voice
grade channel output 126. Referring to FIG. 1A, voice grade output
126 is connected to the output 26 of analog detector demodulator
18. In this manner, voice processing circuitry 104 is able to
receive demodulated analog voice signals from analog detector
demodulator 18. When voice processing input 144 is connected to
126, voice processing output 142 will be connected to voice input
130. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, voice input 130 is connected to
voice grade channel input 30 of analog modulator 22. In this
manner, voice processing circuitry 104 can transmit voice through
the transmit circuitry of FIG. 1A.
[0060] If switch 122 is changed to its alternate state, voice
processing input 144 will be connected to digital to analog
converter 106. Digital to analog converter 106 is connected to
digital input 128 which, referring to FIG. 1A, is connected to
digital output 28 of digital demodulator 20. Digital to analog
converter 106 acts to receive a digital information bit stream on
digital input 128 and to convert it to an analog voice grade
channel. The analog voice grade channel from digital to analog
converter 106 is sent through voice input 144 to voice processing
circuitry 104. Voice processing circuitry 104 can then amplify or
alter the voice grade channel signal to the taste of the user and
outputs the signal on speaker 100. Voice processing output 142 is
connected to analog to digital converter 108 which in turn is
connected to digital output 132. Digital output 132 is connected in
FIG. 1A to digital input 32 and to digital modulator 24. In this
manner, voice processing circuitry 104 is capable of transmitting a
voice or other analog voice grade channel signal through a digital
modulation system.
[0061] As noted above, omni-modal circuit 1 is capable of
transmitting data over a plurality of radio frequency communication
systems. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, data input 114 and data output
116 are connected to data processing circuitry 118. Data input 114
allows the processing circuitry to receive data from any number of
user devices. The format of the data received on data input 114 may
be variable or standardized depending on the circuitry provided in
data processing circuitry 118. For example, data input 114 may use
a standard RS-232 serial interface to receive data from a user
device. Data input 114 may also use a parallel twisted pair or HPIB
interface as well. Data output 116 similarly transmits data in a
format compatible with the equipment being used by the user. Data
processing circuitry 118 is connected to microprocessor 110 which
acts to control the formatting and conditioning of the data done by
data processing circuitry 118. For example, data processing
circuitry 118 may add protocol information or error correction bits
to the data being received on data input 114. Conversely, data
processing circuitry 118 may act to remove overhead bits such as
protocol or error correction bits from the data prior to its output
on data output 116. Data processing circuitry 118 is connected to
switch 120 through data output 150 and data input 152. Switch 120
operates in a manner similar to that described with respect to
switch 122 above. Switch 120 is connected to microprocessor 110
through control line 148. Microprocessor 110 operates to control
switch 120 to selectively connect the data output 150 to either
digital circuit output 140 or to modem input 156. Switch 120 also
operates to connect digital data input 152 to either digital input
138 or digital modem output 154. Modem 124 may be any standard
modem used to modulate digital data onto an analog voice grade
channel. For example, modem 124 may incorporate a modem chip set
manufactured by Rockwell International Corporation that receives
digital data and modulates it into a 4 KHz band width for
transmission over standard telephone systems. Modem input 156
receives data from data processing circuitry 118 through data input
152 and switch 120. The data received over modem input 156 is
modulated onto a voice grade channel and output on modulated modem
output 136. Modulated modem output 136 is connected to voice grade
channel input 30 of analog modulator 22 shown in FIG. 1A.
Similarly, digital modem output 154 receives demodulated baseband
signal from modem 124. The modulated data signal is received by
modem 124 from modem input 134, which is connected to voice grade
channel output 26 of analog detector demodulator 18. Modem 124 acts
to demodulate the data received over modem input 134 and outputs a
digital data stream on digital modem output 154. This digital data
stream is connected through switch 120 and data input 152 to data
processing circuitry 118. As described above, data processing
circuitry 118 conditions and formats the data received from the
modem and outputs the data to the user on data output 116. If the
user has selected a digital RF transmission system, it is not
necessary to use modem 124. In this case, switch 120 is operated so
that the digital data output 150 from data processing circuitry 118
is connected through digital output 140. Digital output 140 is
connected to digital input 32 of digital modulator 24 shown in FIG.
1A. Similarly, data input 152 to data processing circuitry 118 is
connected through digital input 138 to digital output 28 of digital
demodulator 20 shown in FIG. 1A.
[0062] As is readily apparent from the above discussion, FIGS. 1A
and 1B together depict a radio frequency communication system that
is capable of operating over a plurality of different radio
channels and is further capable of transmitting either analog or
digital data information signals as well as analog or digital voice
signals. The system is also capable of transmitting a 4 Khz voice
grade channel having both data and voice simultaneously
present.
[0063] FIG. 1B broadly depicts the operation of the circuit which
involves the selection by the microprocessor 110 of either a voice
or data call. Once this selection is made, the data is then sent to
the RF modulation circuitry shown in FIG. 1A. The RF modulation
circuitry is capable of modulating or demodulating either analog or
digital signals.
[0064] Circuit 1 is designed to facilitate product differentiation
by companies making use of circuit 1 as a standard building block
for radio voice and/or data communications devices. For example,
each manufacturer may provide specialized interface features for
the user, and specialized hardware controls appropriate for various
user groups. Circuit 1 is particularly advantageous in facilitating
these goals in that it provides microprocessor 110 and memory 112
that allow manufacturers to customize the operation of the circuit
with little or no additional components. Furthermore, circuit 1
could be pre-programmed with a series of primitives that would
allow a manufacturer to quickly and easily integrate the complex
features of the device into a use friendly consumer product.
[0065] Referring next to FIG. 2, a block schematic diagram of an
advanced cellular telephone implemented using an omni-modal radio
communication circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1 is depicted. The omni-modal
radio communication circuit of FIGS. 1A and 1B is shown in outline
form as reference number 1. Also shown in FIG. 2 are speaker 100,
microphone 102, digital data input 114, digital data output 116 and
universal digital input/output interface 158. As can be seen from
FIG. 2, the present radio communications circuit allows a cellular
phone to be constructed with the addition of minimal components.
The advanced cellular phone of FIG. 2 includes keypad 202, display
204 and interface connector 206. Keypad 202 and display 204 are
connected to interface connector 206. Interface connector 206
connects with the universal digital input/output interface 158
which connects to the omni-modal radio communications circuit 1
depicted in more detail in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Keypad 202 may be any
keypad used with telephone devices. Similarly, display 204 can be
any display used with standard cellular telephones or other
computing devices. For example, display 204 could be a
light-emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) as
commonly used with telephones, calculators and/or watches.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, keypad 202 and display 204 connect
through interface connector 206 to universal digital input/output
interface 158 of the omni-modal RF circuit. The universal digital
input/output interface 158 allows the omni-modal circuit 1 to be
connected with a variety of electronic devices including keypad 202
and display 204. It is contemplated that universal digital
input/output interface 158 may comprise one connector or a
plurality of connectors each having different data protocols
transmitted and received therein. For example, universal
input/output interface 158 may include a keyboard or keypad
interface circuit as well as a display interface circuit. The
keypad interface circuit would include necessary circuitry for
buffering key strokes and receiving key input data from a keyboard.
The display driver circuitry would include a memory and processor
necessary for the display of data stored in the display memory. In
this manner, the omni-modal circuit 1 is capable of interacting
with many different keypads and display devices. In one preferred
embodiment, the universal interface connector includes a serial
addressable interface wherein the components connected to the
serial interface have a unique address byte assigned to each
component. This allows the serial interface to communicate with a
plurality of devices sequentially. Keypad 202 for example may be
assigned an address byte of 001, while display 204 would be
assigned address byte of 002. When the universal interface desires
to communicate from microprocessor 110 shown in FIG. 1B with the
keypad or display, the appropriate address would be included in the
data sent to the universal interface connector. Keypad 202 and
display 204 would monitor the data coming across the universal
interface 158 and would respond only to those bytes having an
appropriate address corresponding to the selective device.
[0067] The advanced cellular phone of FIG. 2 includes digital data
input 114 and digital data output 116. This allows the phone to
transmit digital computer data without the need of bulky external
interface devices. For example, it is often necessary to use a tip
and ring interface emulator to communicate over a cellular network
from a computer or other data source. With the present invention,
however, it is only necessary to connect to the digital data input
114 and to the digital data output 116. The data protocol used on
these may be any protocol suitable for data communication, but in
the preferred embodiment would be a RS 232 serial interface. By
connecting a computer serial interface port to data input 114 and
data output 116, data may be transmitted using the omni-modal
circuit 1. The microprocessor 110 and memory 112 shown in FIG. 1B
would configure the internal circuitry of the omni-modal circuit
for data transmission.
[0068] Also shown in FIG. 2 are speaker 100 and microphone 102.
Speaker 100 and microphone 102 may be standard speakers and
microphones used on cellular telephones and are adapted to allow
the omni-modal circuit 1 to transmit voice communications over a
cellular radio network.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of a personal
communicator implemented through the use of the omni-modal circuit
1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 3, the personal
communicator includes omni-modal circuit 1, personal communicator
computing circuitry 302, telephone handset 318, and interface
circuitry comprising data input 114, data output 116, and universal
interface 158.
[0070] The personal communicator computing circuitry 302 includes
display 304, microprocessor 306, memory 308, input device 316, data
interface jack 310 and RJ-11 jack 312. As can be seen in FIG. 3,
the microprocessor 306 is connected to the display 304, the memory
308, the input device 316 and to the data interface jack 310 and
RJ-11 jack 312.
[0071] The personal communicator computing circuitry 302 acts to
allow the user to interface and process data in a manner known to
those of skill in the art. For example, display 304 may include an
LCD display panel and may be color or black and white.
Microprocessor 306 may include an Intel 80.times.86 microprocessor
or any other microprocessor manufactured by Intel or Motorola or
other computer processing chip manufacturers. Memory 308 includes
random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) necessary for
the functioning of the computing device. Input device 316 may be a
keyboard or a pen-based interface or other interface including
voice recognition that allows for data to be input to the personal
communicator computing circuitry 302. Microprocessor 306 is
interfaced through data interface jack 310 to data input 114 and
data output 116 of the omni-modal circuit. This allows the personal
communicator computing circuitry 302 to transmit data using the
omni-modal circuit 1. Also, as seen in FIG. 3, microprocessor 306
is connected through universal interface 158 to microprocessor 110
in the omni-modal circuit 1. This permits the microprocessors 306
and 110 to exchange control and operating information with each
other. Should the microprocessor desire to make a data call,
microprocessor 306 can instruct the microprocessor 110 shown in
FIG. 1B of the omni-modal circuit 1 to initiate a data call through
a designated service provider. In response to such command from
microprocessor 306, microprocessor 110 shown in FIG. 1B may
initiate a switching action and configure the omni-modal circuit 1
to transmit data over a selected service provider. To increase the
flexibility of the personal communicator computing device, an RJ-11
jack 312 is included. The RJ-11 jack is connected to the data lines
from the microprocessor 306 and allows the personal communicator
computing device to transmit data over a standard landline
telephone.
[0072] In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,
the omni-modal circuit 1 can transmit data over a landline
telephone line using RJ-11 jack 312 and modem 124 shown in FIG. 1B.
The microprocessor 306 of the personal communicator computing
device would transmit data through data interface jack 310 and data
input 114 to the omni-modal circuit 1. The omni-modal circuit 1,
would receive the data at the data processing circuitry 118 and
transmit the data through data output 150 and modem input 156 to
modem 124 shown in FIG. 1B. Modem 124 would then modulate the data
onto a voice grade channel and transmit the modulated data signal
on modem output 154 through switch 120 and data input 152 to data
processing circuitry 118. The data processing unit may then
transmit the data over data output 116 and into microprocessor 306
through interface jack 310 shown in FIG. 3. The microprocessor 306
may then route the data through auxiliary data output line 314 to
RJ-11 jack 312. In this manner, the personal communicator computing
circuitry 302 is able to send data over standard landline telephone
lines without the use of a second additional modem. The modem in
the omni-modal circuit 1 serves two functions allowing the personal
communicator user to send data through his standard landline wall
jack or over a wireless network depending on the availability of
each at the time the user desires to send the data.
[0073] Also shown in FIG. 3 is handset 318. In the preferred
embodiment of the personal communicator, the speaker 100 and
microphone 102 would be embodied in a separate handset 318. This
handset 318 would connect to the omni-modal circuit 1 through an
appropriate interface connection.
[0074] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a communication device 402 employing
the omni-modal circuit 1 of the present invention, and having an
integrated display device for conveying information to a user. FIG.
4A shows the front of the communication device 402 that could serve
as a cellular phone. The device 402 includes speaker 100, antenna
2, microphone 102 and key pad buttons 406. In this regard, the
external features of the device are similar to those of a standard
commercially available cellular phone. As shown in FIG. 4B, the
device is unique in that it incorporates an expanded display 404
and control buttons 408, 410, 412 for the display of information to
the user. For example, the display 404 could convey airline flight
information to the user while they are connected with an airline
representative. In response to a user request, the airline
representative could transmit flight information to the user's
communication device 402, which would then display this information
on the display 404. The user could then cycle through the
information using increment button 408 and decrement button 410.
When the user desired to select a given flight, they could indicate
assent by pressing the enter button 412. This information
would-then be transmitted digitally to the airline representative's
computer.
[0075] The capabilities of the omni-modal circuit 1 facilitate its
use in a device as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Since the device is
programmable through the use of microprocessor 110 and memory 112
(FIG. 1B), it is capable of switching between voice and data modes
of operation. This allows the user to conduct a voice conversation
and then to receive data for display on the integrated display
device. Alternatively, the omni-modal circuit could access another
communication service to receive data for display, or it might
receive data over a subchannel during the conversation. This would
be particularly advantageous if the user desired to continue a
voice call while continuing to receive data information, as in the
case of the airline flight selection example given above.
[0076] Referring next to FIG. 5, a block schematic diagram of a
telephone/pager device using the omni-modal circuit 1 is shown. As
can be seen from FIG. 5, the telephone/page device includes keypad
502, display 504 and control circuitry 506. The keypad 502 is
connected to control circuitry 506. Display 504 is also connected
to control circuitry 506. Control circuitry 506 is further
connected through universal digital input/output interface 158 to
the microprocessor 110 of the omni-modal circuit shown in FIG.
1B.
[0077] The combination telephone/pager device shown in FIG. 5 is
generally similar in design to the advanced cellular telephone
shown in FIG. 2. One particularly advantageous aspect of the
omni-modal circuit 1 is its ability to provide a great degree of
flexibility in the design and implementation of communication
circuits. For different implementations external to the omni-modal
circuit, the memory 112 shown in FIG. 1B can be reprogrammed to
provide different functions through microprocessor 110 for the
universal digital interface 158.
[0078] In FIG. 5, the telephone/pager implementation includes
control circuitry 506 which receives information through the
universal digital interface 158 from microprocessor 110. The
control circuitry can then determine whether or not a page signal
has been received by the omni-modal circuit 1 and if so it can
display the appropriate information on display 504. If, however,
control circuitry 506 receives information from microprocessor 110
that a telephone call has been received or is being used, then
control circuitry 506 can appropriately display the telephone
information on display 504. Similarly, control circuitry 506 can
receive information from keypad 502 and selectively process this
information depending on the current mode of operation. For
example, if the device shown in FIG. 5 is in pager mode, control
circuitry 506 may allow keypad input to cycle through stored paging
messages. If however, the device shown in FIG. 5 is in telephone
mode, control circuitry 506 may process the keypad information
received from keypad 502 as telephone commands and transmit control
signals through interface 158 to microprocessor 110 to cause a
telephone call to be placed. Further, control circuitry 506 can
actuate alarm 508 which may be a audible alarm such as a beeping or
a vibration generator. Alarm 508 serves to notify the user when a
telephone call or page is received.
[0079] FIG. 6A is a block schematic diagram of a dual mode
cellular/cordless landline telephone is disclosed. The dual mode
device includes key pad 602, optional display 604, handset 606, and
interface connector 608. The key pad 602 and optional display 604
are connected to microprocessor 110 (FIG. 1B) through interface
connector 608 and universal digital interface 158.
[0080] Key pad 602 allows a user to provide information to
microprocessor 110 for operating the dual mode device. For example,
the user may operate the key pad to indicate that a certain call
should be made on the cordless telephone network and not on the
cellular network. To the contrary, the user may specify that the
cellular network was to be used by operating the key pad 602 to so
indicate.
[0081] One particularly preferred embodiment of a dual mode device
may be programmed to allow for automatic selection of either a
cellular communications network or a cordless telephone landline
network. This is particularly advantageous in that a cordless
telephone landline network is often considerably cheaper to access
than is a cellular telephone network. Therefore, if the device will
automatically access a cordless telephone network whenever one
available, and use the cellular network only we absolutely
necessary, the user can achieve substantial savings while still
having a single, portable, communications unit that operates over a
large geographic area. If the user requests service while within
his home, for example, the cordless telephone system would be used
and the user would be charged a minimal amount. If the user were to
place a call while away from his home a greater charge would be
incurred. The user, however, would use the same communications
equipment regardless of where the service was used, and the service
selection would appear transparent to the user.
[0082] FIG. 6B is a flowchart of one method that may be used to
implement this embodiment. The process of FIG. 6B begins 650 by
determining if the user has activated the device to request
communications services 652. If the user has not requested
communication services, the devices continues to check for a user
request. If a user request is detected, the device then determines
if it is within range of a cordless telephone landline system 654.
If the device is within range of a cordless telephone landline
system, then the device services the user's request using the
cordless landline communication system 662 and the process
terminates 664. If the device is not within range of a cordless
landline network, then the device determines if it is within the
service range of a cellular phone system 656. If the device is
within range, the user's request is serviced using the cellular
phone system 660 and the process terminates 664. If the device is
not within range of a cellular system, then the device issues an
alert to the user to indicate that no service is available 658 and
the process terminates 664.
[0083] Although FIG. 6A and the above discussion focus on a dual
mode cellular/cordless landline telephone, it should be understood
that the a device in accordance with the present invention may
include the ability to access additional communication systems. For
example, it may be desirable to have a device substantially as
shown in FIG. 6A, but having the ability to access a personal
communication service (PCS) network in addition to the cellular and
cordless landline systems. This would allow the user to achieve
further cost savings while seamlessly moving throughout a given
geographic area.
[0084] Referring next to FIG. 7, a block schematic diagram of a
personal computer 702 incorporating an omni-modal circuit 1 is
shown. As can be seen in FIG. 7, computer 702 includes antennae 2
and an interface port 704 that allows for a integrated circuit card
to be inserted into the computer. As shown in FIG. 7, the interface
port 704 has installed therein a removable card 701 comprising an
omni-modal circuit 1. The omni-modal radio communications card 701
includes connector 706, which may include data input 114, data
output 116 and universal digital interface 158 shown in FIG. 1B.
This connector allows the omni-modal radio interface card 701 to
communicate with the computer through a corresponding mating
connector 708 inside the personal communicator. This allows the
microprocessor 110 on the omni-modal radio communications card 701
to communicate with the memory and microprocessor contained in the
computer 702. In a preferred embodiment, the omni-modal radio
communications card 701 is in the form of a PCMCIA card adapted to
interface into a standard slot in a portable or other computing
device. FIG. 7 also shows an optional telephone handset 710 which
may be interfaced to the radio communication interface card 701.
Optional handset 710 includes speaker 100 and microphone 102, and
serves to allow for voice communication over radio network service
providers that provide such capability.
[0085] The omni-modal radio communication card 701 also has an
external RJ-11 data jack 712. The external RJ-11 data jack 712
allows omni-modal communications card 701 to transmit data over a
telephone landline circuit using a common RJ-11 interface cable.
Omni-modal communications card 701 includes a modem 124 in FIG. 1B
for modulating digital data onto a voice grade channel suitable for
transmission over a landline telephone connection.
[0086] Therefore, the radio communications card 701 serves as a
modem to the personal computer and a separate modem card or
external modem is not necessary in order to transmit data over a
landline jack. The microprocessor 110 in the omni-modal circuit
card 701 allows the circuitry to select either landline
transmission via external RJ-11 jack 712 or cellular radio
transmission through antennae 2. This may be accomplished for
example through an analog switch circuit as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,972,457, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0087] FIG. 8 is a block schematic diagram of a special purpose
radio data transmitting device 801 that is implemented using the
omni-modal circuit. It is often desirable to be able to construct a
device that will be capable of operating to send data wirelessly.
For example, it may be desirable to include such a device in a
vending machine or gasoline pump. Device 801 may then relay data at
a predetermined time concerning the amount of consumables (e.g.
food, beverages, gasoline, etc.) still remaining in stock. In this
manner, it is not necessary to have a person physically inspect the
device and evaluate the remaining stock, which would be
considerably more expensive.
[0088] The omni-modal circuit 1 of the present invention can be
used to implement a system as described above. Referring to FIG. 8,
the omni-modal circuit 1 is connected to a data source 802 through
data lines 806 comprising data input line 114 and data output line
116. Additionally, microprocessor 110 (FIG. 1B) is connected to the
data source through universal digital interface 158 and control
line 804. The resulting omni-modal device 801 can be programmed to
access a selected communications service at a periodic interval and
to transmit data from the data source at that time. This function
can be included in the library of functions available on circuit 1.
After accessing the communications service, microprocessor 110 may
instruct data source 802 using control line 804 to transmit data
over data lines 806. Of course, the omni-modal device 801 will have
the circuits necessary to use a plurality of different transmission
networks. However, because of mass production and the availability
of predetermined designs it may be desirable to use the standard
building block circuit 1 to implement limited-purpose devices which
will be used with only one or two systems, even though these
limited purpose devices will use only a portion of the built-in
capabilities of circuit 1.
[0089] In addition to functions directly related to radio
communications and modulation, the library may desirably include
other functions which enable desirable computing features. For
example, data displaying, electronic mail storage, retrieval, and
composition, and other computing functions may be included in the
library. In addition, if a high powered processor is provided, the
library may be expanded to include substantial operating system
functions so that circuit 1 can be used to construct full-fledged
personal computers and personal communicators capable of running
third party applications programs.
[0090] As described above, circuit 1 will be capable of utilizing
any one of the wireless data services within a given geographic
area. The selection of the service to be used can be made manually
by the user, or can be selected automatically. Referring to FIG. 9,
circuit 1 may have a preprogrammed routine for selecting
information carriers based on varying criteria. As shown in FIG. 9,
the criteria for selecting a carrier may be varied by the user.
Possible criteria include the cost of sending a data message;
quality of transmission link (signal strength, interference actual
or potential); available bandwidth on a carrier for data
transmission (or transmission speed supported); potential for being
bumped off the system or having transmissions delayed (that is, is
the service provider at nearly full capacity); security of
transmission; or other special criteria which the user or the
device may establish based on the user's individual priorities. As
another example, the length of a data message to be transmitted may
be considered as a factor in selecting the carrier. If the length
of the proposed message is made known to circuit 1, this
information can be used in conjunction with pricing information to
determine the lowest cost route. For example, for very short
messages a paging service or cellular digital packet data (CDPD)
service might be selected. For longer messages, such as fax or data
file transmission, a circuit switched connection with high speed
data transfer capacity (such as AMPS cellular) may be more
cost-effective.
[0091] Information about the costs and services offered by carriers
in the area will be made available to the omni-modal circuit 1 for
use in this competitive selection process, either through
pre-programming by the user or selling organization or by
transmission of the information in a manner described elsewhere
herein.
[0092] The carrier may be selected by any one of the
characteristics of the available competing carriers. For example, a
given user may be price sensitive, and wish to always employ the
lowest cost transmission method. Another user may have
time-critical communications needs (e.g. securities trading or news
reporting) and may prefer the most reliable or the highest speed
transfer regardless of price.
[0093] In determining the cost of a particular transmission,
circuit 1 preferably first determines the type and quantity of data
to be transmitted. For example, if the user has selected a function
of transmitting a file or an electronic mail message, circuit 1
will determine the length of the message and file. This information
is then used in determining the projected cost of transmitting the
data on each system. For example, for a short E-mail message, the
expected cost for an AMPS cellular system will be the cost of
making a one-minute call. For a packet radio system, the expected
cost will be the length of the message divided by the number of
characters per packet, times the cost per packet. As long as the
basis for carrier charges is provided to circuit 1, the cost
factors relevant for any particular message can be calculated.
Thus, circuit 1 can intelligently predict relative costs of
transmitting over various networks and can operate with a low-cost
preference dependent on characteristics of an individual message.
Different low-cost transmission modes are appropriately selected
for messages having different characteristics.
[0094] A more sophisticated approach than pure low-cost selection
allows the user to assign weights to different competitive factors
(price, signal clarity, transmission speed or other factors)
depending on the individual preferences and needs of the user.
Based on the assigned weights, the circuit then calculates a
"score" for each available system and selects the system with the
highest score. As an example, a user may instruct the circuit to
select carriers based 60% on the ratio of the lowest price to the
price of the particular carrier and 40% on normalized signal
strength. If the cost to send the message on System I is $0.50
(signal strength 2), the cost on System II is $0.60 (signal
strength 4), the cost on System III is $0.85 (signal strength 5)
and the cost on System IV is $0.50 (signal strength 1) circuit 1
would calculate scores of:
[0095] System I: 0.60 (0.50/0.50)+0.40 (2/5)=0.76
[0096] System II: 0.60 (0.50/0.60)+0.40 (4/5)=0.82
[0097] System III: 0.60 (0.50/0.85)+0.40 (5/5)=0.75
[0098] System IV: 0.60 (0.50/0.50)+0.40 (1/5)=0.68
so System II would be selected. With the same systems available, if
the user preferred a selection based 80% on cost and only 20% on
signal quality, the scores would be
[0099] System I: 0.80 (0.50/0.50)+0.20 (2/5)=0.88
[0100] System II: 0.80 (0.50/0.60)+0.20 (4/5)=0.83
[0101] System III: 0.80 (0.50/0.85)+0.20 (5/5)=0.67
[0102] System IV: 0.80 (0.50/0.50)+0.20 (1/5)=0.84
and System I would be selected. Of course, the application of this
weighted selection criteria is not limited to, and is not
necessarily based on, price and signal strength. Any number of
criteria, including these or others, can be considered in a formula
to meet the individual user's needs. The criteria for a particular
user are stored in a user profile in the memory of circuit 1.
Preferably, a default user profile corresponding to the preferences
of a large number of users is established. Then, the individual
user can change his or her user profile to establish different
selection parameters and preferences at any time through
appropriate input to circuit 1.
[0103] Particularly desirable selection algorithms may also take
multiple factors into account by employing branching algorithms to
select the carrier. For example, one multistage selection process
based on multiple criteria would operate as follows. Initially,
systems which are incapable of performing the desired function
would be eliminated from consideration. For example, if the user
wants to place a voice call, data-only systems would not be
considered. As another example, if the user wants to send a fax to
a customer and a given network has no capability of transmitting
fax information to a specified telephone number, that system would
not be considered for the proposed task. Next, among the systems
available, circuit 1 may predict the lowest cost route based on a
formula accounting for the message length and the costs of the
available systems, including consideration of any long-distance
surcharges implied by the destination of the information transfer.
Finally, users may also prefer that circuit 1 automatically avoid
selecting carriers which are suffering performance degradations
because of capacity limits, or which have a particularly weak
signal at the location of the user. In this way, if the carrier
which would otherwise be preferred will not be able to provide a
fast, accurate information transfer at the time from the user's
location, the carrier that is the "next best" according to the
primary programmed selection criteria (cost in this example) may be
automatically selected. A tradeoff between signal quality and cost
may also be arbitrated by the weighting method described above.
[0104] Preferably, any one or combination of the above selection
criteria is available in the circuit 1 and the selection criteria
can be selected, programmed, changed or overridden by the user.
Adaptive service provider selection may be implemented based on
user experience. That is, the information transmission track record
of circuit 1 with a particular service provider (e.g. error rate,
dropped connections, transmission time) can be stored and updated,
and this information can be used as a weighted factor in selecting
service providers. In this way, service providers providing poor
services can be avoided in cases where more desirable alternatives
are available.
[0105] The market and consumer implications of the present
invention are substantial, in that the circuits and methods of the
present invention tend to introduce intense competition for
customers among various wireless carriers. The present invention
automatically identifies service providers that best meet the
user's performance requirements. In this way, service providers
that meet the varying demands of the most user will have a large
market share and maintain full usage of their available frequency
spectrum. The invention therefore allows the users to drive the
market by creating price and service competition among
carriers.
[0106] In addition, the omni-modal capability of the present
invention facilitates a free market for the use of frequency
spectrum. Circuit 1 can be activated to select a specified channel
frequency, but may be activated to use command, control, and data
protocols on that channel that are normally appropriate for
different channels, if the carrier controlling the frequency has
authorized another carrier to temporarily use the first carrier's
channel. As an example, a local AMPS cellular telephone carrier may
have open channels, which may be temporarily "rented" to a
Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) carrier which is experiencing heavy
traffic on its assigned channels. The SMR carrier may then direct
persons requesting SMR service to operate on the "rented" channel
but using SMR protocols rather than the AMPS protocols which would
normally be appropriate to that channel. This method of operation
maximizes the efficient use of available frequencies by allowing
carriers to shrink and expand the number of channels available
based on current demand. During rush hours, when AMPS traffic is
high, additional channels might be reallocated to AMPS by market
forces; that is, the AMPS carrier will rent additional channels
from under-utilized carriers to provide the services desired by the
public at that time. At other times, demand for other systems may
increase, and AMPS or other carriers may rent their under-utilized
bandwidth to carriers having a substantial demand. This might
occur, for example, if a network providing status reporting
services from remotely located equipment (vending machines, gas
pumps, etc.) is designed to transmit a large volume of data during
late night or early morning hours. If the remotely located
equipment is provided with an omni-tunable device, the status
report network can rent channels from other carriers and use
multiple channels to service its customers. In this way, economic
incentives are established to ensure that airwave channels are
assigned to their most productive use at all times, and the
anti-competitive effects of carrier monopolies established by FCC
channel assignments are reduced.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, one method for evaluating system
selection is shown. The process begins 902 with the determination
by the omni-modal circuit 1 of whether a data of voice service is
desired 904. If a data service is desired, the circuit 1 obtains
price information 908 for the available data service providers. If
a voice service is desired, the circuit 1 obtains voice pricing
information 906. Once this pricing information is obtained, the
circuit 1 evaluates the information to make a service provider
selection based on the criteria supplied from the user. Once this
selection is made, circuit 1 is configured for accessing the
selected service provider 912 and establishes a connection with
that provider 914. Once the user has completed his use of the
selected service provider, the process ends 916.
[0108] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing steps useful in a method
according to the present invention for "advertising" available
carrier services in a geographic area. In this method, wireless
service providers broadcast electronically, as part of any
"handshaking" procedure with an omni-modal product, information
such as rate information, information specifying system operating
characteristics such as system utilization, the likelihood of being
dropped, and other factors noted above which may be desirably
considered in carrier selection. This information may be broadcast
in each geographical region by a jointly operated or
government-operated transmitter operating at a predetermined
frequency. Circuit 1 may then be operated to scan the predetermined
"service advertising" channel and obtain necessary information for
use in selecting carriers. On a government-operated channel,
government-collected statistics on the operation of the various
carriers in the area may be transmitted as a consumer service to
further encourage service competition and assist users in selecting
the most appropriate carrier.
[0109] Alternatively, individual carriers may broadcast pricing
information on individual command channels. Pricing can be changed
on a dynamic basis to maintain a desired system load level. In
fact, in one preferred embodiment, an automated price negotiation
can be performed in which the circuit 1 transmits an indication of
the type and amount of information which is to be transmitted, and
the carrier responds by quoting a price for the transmission. Such
quotes can be obtained from multiple carriers and the lowest cost
transmission mode can be selected, or the quoted prices can be
factored into an equation that considers other factors in addition
to price, as disclosed previously. As part of this scheme, radio
carriers may implement a dynamic demand curve evaluation program in
which system load and profitability are constantly monitored. The
evaluation program may also monitor the percentage of requested
quotes which are not accepted. In this way, the radio carrier's
system can dynamically adjust prices to maximize revenue to the
carrier at all times, based on a real-time model of the current
demand curve for airtime service in the area.
[0110] One method in which system information could be distributed
to users is shown in FIG. 10. The process starts 1002 by contacting
a selected service provider 1004. The service provider provides
information to a central location as discussed above. Once the
information for the first selected service provider is complete,
the process determines if other service providers exist 1008. If
other providers exist, the process 1004 and 1006 is repeated for
each additional service provider. When service information is
compiled for all service providers, the process compiles and
formats the information into a standard reporting form the is
understandable to all mobile units 1010. The process then
determines the proper modulating frequency and protocol for the
desired geographic area 1012 and broadcasts this information to all
mobile users on the selected frequency and using the selected
protocol 1014. Once the information has been broadcast to the
users, the process ends 1016.
[0111] Referring next to FIG. 11, a flowchart showing a handshake
sequence for arranging information transmission using the
omni-modal circuit 1 of the present invention is shown. The process
begins 1102 with the omni-modal circuit 1 accessing a service
provider 1104 and receiving carrier cost information from the
service provider 1106. The omni-modal circuit 1 may also receive
additional information from the service provider such as signal
quality, system resources, and available bandwidth. The circuit 1
then stores the information received from the service provider
1108. The circuit determines if other service providers exist 1110
and, if they do, repeats the above steps to acquire cost and
availability information for each service within the omni-modal
circuit's range.
[0112] Once information has been acquired for all available service
providers, the information is evaluated 1112. This evaluation could
consist of a simple determination based on a single factor, or
could include more complex calculations relating to weighting of
given factors and qualities. The results of the evaluation are used
to select a service provider to process the users pending request
for services. A connection is established 1114 on the selected
service provider, and the user's request is processed, after which
the process ends 1116.
[0113] FIG. 12 is a view of a cellular radiotelephone 1200 which is
generally of the type and configuration described above with
reference to FIG. 2. However, radiotelephone 1200 is constructed
using a modular omni-modal circuit 1 constructed on a removable
card 1204 which is provided With a standardized connector or
connector (for example, a PCMCIA connector) 1205 to establish all
necessary interface connections to a plurality of receiving devices
in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 7.
[0114] As can be seen in FIG. 12, a telephone shell 1202 containing
a battery power supply, microphone, speaker, keypad, and antenna 2
has a receiving slot 1206 for receiving card 1204 carrying circuit
1. When card 1204 is installed in telephone shell 1202, connector
1205 mates with connector 1208 within slot 1206 and the external
components of the shell 1202 are operatively combined with card
1204 to create a functional multi-modal cellular telephone.
[0115] FIG. 13 illustrates the installation of the same card 1204
in a notebook sized computer 1302, whereby the computer 1302 is
provided with complete omni-modal network access. By using the same
card 1204 containing standardized circuit 1 to provide radio
network access for various devices, the user can avoid maintaining
multiple accounts or telephone numbers, yet can communicate by
radio using many devices. For example, a receiving slot for card
1204 could be provided in the user's automobile, and insertion of
card 1204 upon entering the car would activate cellular
communications capability in the car. The same card 1204 can be
readily transferred between the car, a portable handset shell as
shown in FIG. 12, and a computer as shown in FIG. 13 for data
transmission.
[0116] The omni-modal circuit of the present invention can perform
both page receiving and other functions, such as placing cellular
telephone calls. However, since only a single transmitting and
receiving circuit is provided, when the device is in use on a
non-paging communications network such as an AMPS cellular
telephone system, any pages directed to the device may not be
received. The present invention provides a solution to this
potential problem in which the paging system control is
interconnected with other network(s) such as the local AMPS
cellular system. It should be understood that while connection of
the pager system to the AMPS system is shown as an example, such
connections may be provided between any systems used by the
omni-modal circuit 1 to achieve similar objectives.
[0117] FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of a paging relay
system according to the present invention for use with omni-modal
circuits 1 that support pager functions and also a non-pager
network function such as cellular telephone operation. FIG. 14
shows a paging system 1400 which is connected in a conventional
manner by lines 1406 to a broadcast antenna 1408 which transmits
pager signals to pager devices such as the omni-modal circuit 1
shown in the Figure. In addition, FIG. 14 shows a cellular
telephone network office 1402 which is connected to control the
operation of the cellular telephone cell site transmitter 1412 by
lines 1410.
[0118] Significantly, the paging system 1400 is connected to the
cellular telephone network office 1402 by lines 1404 which permit
transfer of operational and control information between the paging
system 1400 and cellular telephone network office 1402. Because of
the connection of lines 1404, the paging system can determine
whether the omni-modal device 1 is engaged in a cellular call and
will thus be unable to receive a page.
[0119] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a preferred operation of the
pager and other (for example AMPS) systems interconnected as
described with reference to FIG. 14. In block 1502, the pager
system first determines by reference to stored records whether the
pager device which is to be contacted is an omni-modal circuit 1
which may be engaged in data transmission with another system at
the time of any given page. If not, the page can be sent by the
usual broadcast method in block 1504. If an omni-modal circuit 1 is
involved in the paging operation, the pager system then contacts
any connected networks which might be in use by omni-modal device 1
and inquires whether the device is in fact using such networks in
block 1506. If not, the omni-modal device is presumed to be
available for receiving a page and control transfers to block 1504
for transmission of the page by conventional methods. If circuit 1
is in use, the pager system determines whether delivery by the
alternate network may be accomplished in block 1508. This may be
determined by appropriate factors, including whether the network
(e.g. AMPS) is capable of and willing to deliver the page
information to circuit 1, and whether the user of circuit 1 has
subscribed to this service.
[0120] If delivery by the alternate network is not available,
control transfers to block 1510 which imposes a time delay. The
page information is stored, and after some appropriate period of
time, control transfers to block 1506 and the pager system again
attempts to determine whether the page can be transmitted by
conventional means.
[0121] If the alternative network is able to deliver the page and
this service is to be provided, control transfers from block 1508
to block 1512 and the page is transmitted over the alternative
system. In the case of the AMPS system, the page information may be
transmitted as a momentary interruption in an ongoing conversation,
as information provided on a command channel, as subaudible
information (e.g. in a band from 0 to 300 Hz), or by another
appropriate method.
* * * * *