WIRELESS PERSONAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK
A transceiver apparatus for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal and one or more peripheral devices. A separate transceiver is connected to the computer terminal and to each peripheral device. The transceivers can be connected to the terminal or peripheral device either internally or externally. A low power radio is used to communicate information between the computer terminal and peripheral devices. Different transceivers can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. The microprocessor is located inside each transceiver and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device to know if other devices are communicating, which devices are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices. An Idle Sense communication protocol is used for information transfer between the computer terminal and the peripheral devices, increasing efficiency in power management and compensating for transmission collisions.
The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/959,432 filed Oct. 28, 1997, now (U.S. Pat. No. ______ issued Mar. 19, 2002), which is a continuation of U.S. application No. 08/500,977 filed Apr. 4, 1996, (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,379 issued Oct. 28, 1997), which is the U.S. national stage entry of PCT Application No. PCT/US93/12628 filed Dec. 23, 1993, (published as WO94/15413 on Jul. 7, 1994). The Application No. PCT/US93/12628 claims priority to U.S. application Nos. 08/027,140 filed Mar. 5, 1993 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,854 issued Feb. 11, 1997), and Ser. No. 07/997,693 filed Dec. 23, 1992 (now abandoned). Said application No. 08/500,977 is a continuation in part of said application No. 08/027,140, which is a continuation in part of said application No. 07/997,693, which is a continuation-in-part of application No. 07/982,292 filed Nov. 27, 1992, (now abandoned).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONComputer terminals and peripheral devices are now used in practically every aspect of life. Computer terminals come in all shapes and sizes and vary greatly in terms of function, power and speed. Additionally, the number of peripheral devices which can be attached to the computer terminals is increasing. Many peripheral devices exist such as printers, modems, graphics scanners, text scanners, code readers, magnetic card readers, external monitors, voice command interfaces, external storage devices, and so on.
Computer terminals and peripherals have become dramatically smaller and more portable. Personal computers and peripherals are small enough to sit on the desk at work. Smaller still are lap top computers and notebook computers. There are computer terminals which are small enough to be mounted in a vehicle such as a delivery truck or on a fork lift. Still smaller are the hand held terminals typically used for their portability features where the user can carry the computer terminal in one hand and operate it with the other.
Despite the reduction in computer size, the computer terminal still must physically interface with the peripheral devices. Thus, there must either be a cable running from one of the computer terminal to each device or the computer terminal must be docked with the device while the information transfer is to take place.
In the office or work place setting, the physical connection is typically done with cables. These cables pose several problems. If there are many peripheral devices, there must be many cables attached to the computer terminal. In addition to the eyesore created by all of the cables, the placement of the peripheral devices is limited by the length of the cable. Longer cables can be used but they are costly and do not alleviate the eyesore created by having cables running in all directions. Additionally, there may be a limited number of ports on the computer terminal thus limiting the number of peripherals that can be attached.
Another problem exists when there are several computer terminals which must share the same peripheral device such as a printer. All of the computers must be hardwired to the printer. As discussed above, long cables can fix this problem at least from a physical connection perspective but there still remains a protocol problem between the different computers. This problem is especially severe when the various computers are of different types such as a mixed environment of IBM's and Macintoshes.
In the smaller computer terminal setting, the hand-held terminals and the potables, the cabling and connection problem can be more severe and cumbersome. Peripheral devices such as printers and scanners of all types have been reduced dramatically in size to match the smallness of the computer terminals. A notebook computer operator may wish to carry the computer and a cellular phone modem in a briefcase. Similarly, an operator may wish to have a hand-held computer terminal in one hand, a small portable printer attached to his belt, and a code reader in the other hand. The smallness of the computers and peripherals makes these demands possible but the required cabling makes these demands costly, inconvenient and even dangerous.
Physically connecting the computer terminals and peripherals severely reduces the efficiency gained by making the units smaller. An operator must somehow account for all of the devices in a system and keep them all connected. This can be very inconvenient. In the notebook computer and modem example, the operator may wish to have freedom to move around with the computer but without the modem. He may, for example, wish to work in various locations on a job sight and at various times transmit or receive information via his modem. If the modem and the computer are hard wired together, he must either carry the modem with him at all time or connect it and then disconnect it each time he wishes to use the modem. Similarly, the operator of the hand held terminal, code reader and printer will have the feeling of being all tied up while using the three devices simultaneously when all three devices are connected with cables.
The physical connections created by cabling can be expensive because cables frequently prove to be unreliable and must be replaced frequently. In portable environments, cables are subject to frequent handling, temperature extremes, dropping and other physical trauma. It is not uncommon for the cables or the connectors for the cables on the devices to need replacing every three months or so. Additionally, all of the cabling can be dangerous. An operator who is using, holding or carrying several devices and feels all tied up is not just inconvenienced, he may be severely limited in his mobility and flexibility as he moves about the work area. This loss of mobility and flexibility directly undercuts the entire reason for having small and portable computers and peripheral devices and greatly increases the likelihood of operator injury while using the computer and peripheral devices.
Furthermore, as the cables wear out and break, which, as mentioned, happens frequently, there are dangers which are associated with the electrical current running through the cables. If the cable or connectors break, the current could shock the operator or create a spark which could cause a fire or even an explosion in some work environments.
Attempts to alleviate or eliminate these problems have been made but have not been greatly successful. one solution is to incorporate a computer terminal and all of the peripherals into one unit. However, this solution proves unsatisfactory for several reasons. For example, the incorporation of many devices into one unit greatly increases the size and weight, thus jeopardizing the portability of the unit. Furthermore, incorporating all of the functions into one unit greatly reduces and, in most cases eliminates, the flexibility of the overall system. A user may only wish to use a hand-held computer terminal at times, but at other times may also need to use a printer or occasionally a code reader. An all-incorporated unit thus becomes either overly large because it must include everything, or very limiting because it does not include everything.
Another solution has been to set up Local Area Networks (LAN's) utilizing various forms of RF (Radio Frequency) communication. The LAN's to date, however, have been designed for large scale wireless communications between several portable computer terminals and a host computer. Therein, the host computer, itself generally a stationary device, manages a series of stationary peripherals that, upon requests to the host, may be utilized by the portable terminals. Other large scale wireless communications have also been developed which for RF communication between several computer terminals and peripheral devices, but all proving to be ineffective as a solution. For example, these systems require the peripheral devices to remain active at all times to listen for an occasional communication. Although this requirement may be acceptable for stationary peripheral devices receiving virtually unlimited power (i.e., when plugged into an AC outlet), it proves detrimental to portable peripherals by unnecessarily draining battery power. Similarly, in such systems, the computer terminals are also required to remain active to receive an occasional communication not only from the other terminals or the host but also from the peripherals. Again, often unnecessarily, battery power is wasted.
In addition, such large scale systems are designed for long range RF communication and often required either a licensed frequency or must be operated using spread spectrum technology. Thus, these radios are typically cost prohibitive, prove too large for convenient use with personal computers and small peripheral devices, and require a great deal of transmission energy utilization.
Thus, there is a need for a radio frequency communication network that supports the use of network peripherals which solves the foregoing problems relating to power conservation and portability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention solves many of the problems inherent The mobile network device participates as a slave to the first network pursuant to the first protocol and as a master to the second network pursuant to the second protocol, and resolves conflicts between the first and second protocols in communication systems having devices which use battery power. The present invention relates generally to local area networks and, more specifically, to a communication system for maintaining connectivity between devices on networks which have different operating parameters while limiting the power drain of battery powered devices.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile network device has a single radio unit which is capable of participating in a first and second radio network which operate using a first and second communication protocol. The mobile network device participates as a slave to the first network pursuant to the first protocol and as a master to the second network pursuant to the second protocol, and resolves conflicts between the first and second protocols.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile network device has a first radio transceiver for communicating with a main radio network and a second radio transceiver for communicating with a radio subnetwork. The mobile network device participates as a slave to the main radio network and participates as a master to the radio subnetwork.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a mobile network device has a single radio unit capable of participating in a first and a second radio network. The first and second radio networks operate using a first and second communication protocol, respectively. The mobile network device participates as a slave to the first network pursuant to the first protocol and as a master to the second network pursuant to the second protocol, enters a state of low power consumption when not communicating with either the first or second network.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an RF local area network contains a first network device which uses battery power to transmit data to a second network device. In order to conserve power, the second network device determines a range value between the first and second network devices and transmits that value to the first network device so that the first network device can identify an appropriate, and potentially lower, data rate for subsequent transmission of data. The first network device may also consider its own battery parameters along with the received range value and identify an appropriate power level as well as data rate for subsequent transmissions.
In another similar embodiment, the second network device determines the range value between the first and second network devices and, based on the range value, indicates to the first network device an appropriate, and potentially lower, data rate for subsequent data transmission to the second network device. The second network device may also consider battery parameter information received from the first network device and use that information along with the range value to indicate to the first network device an appropriate power level, as well as data rate, for subsequent transmissions by the first network device.
Many of the devices found in the illustrative network are battery powered and therefore must conservatively utilize their radio transceivers. For example, the hand-held computer terminal 7 receives its power from either an enclosed battery or a forklift battery (not shown) via a docking station within the forklift 14. Similarly, the code reader 9 operates on portable battery power as may the printer 13. The arrangement of the communication network, communication protocols used, and data rate and power level adjustments help to optimize battery conservation without substantially degrading network performance.
The overall communication network of the present invention is arranged into two functional groups: 1) a main communication network; and 2) a microLAN network. The main communication network in the illustrated warehouse embodiment includes a hard-wired backbone LAN 19 and base stations 15 and 17. A host computer 11 and any other non-mobile network device located in the vicinity of the backbone LAN 19 can be directly attached to the backbone LAN 19. However, mobile devices and remotely located devices must maintain connectivity to the backbone LAN 19 through either a single base station such as the base station 15, or through a multi-hop network of base stations such as is illustrated by the base stations 15 and 17. The base stations 15 and 17 contain a higher power transmitter, and provide coverage over the entire warehouse floor. Although a single base station may be sufficient, if the warehouse is too large or contains interfering physical barriers, the multi-hop plurality of base stations 17 may be necessary. Otherwise, the backbone LAN 19 must be extended to connect all of the base stations 17 directly to provide sufficient radio coverage. Through the main communication network, relatively stable, long range wireless and hard-wired communication is maintained.
Network devices that are mobile or remote (i.e., cannot be directly connected to the backbone LAN 19) are fitted with RF transceivers. To guarantee that such a network device will be able to directly communicate with at least one of the base stations 15 and 17, the fitted transceiver is selected to yield approximately the same transmission power as do the base stations 15 and 17. However, not all mobile or remote network devices require a direct RF link to the base stations 15 and 17, and some may not require any link at all. Instead, communication is generally localized to a small area and, as such, only requires relatively lower power, short range transceivers. The devices which participate in the localized, short range communication, form what is termed herein a “microLAN”. For example, the interaction between peripheral devices such as the printer 13, modem 23, and code reader 9 with the terminal 7 provide a justification for a microLAN configuration.
For example, the printer 13 may be located in a dock with the sole assignment of printing out forms based on the code information gathered from boxes delivered to the dock. In such an example, only when the forklift 14 enters the dock area should the printer 13 begin printing the collected code information. Within the dock area, communicating via the base stations 15 and 17 with the required high powered transceivers is avoided by establishing a microLAN on the dock. Specifically, instead of the high powered transceivers for communicating with the main communication network, the printer 13 is fitted with a low power microLAN transceiver for short range communication directly to the computer terminal 7 in the forklift 14. The computer terminal 7 is also fitted with a transceiver capable of direct, low power communication with the printer 13. Thus, when within microLAN radio range of the printer 13, the computer terminal 7 transmits the code information at a relatively low power level to the printer 13. While in range (whether printing or not), the computer terminal 7 and printer 13 together participate in a low power, microLAN network.
In the previous example, no communication was necessary between the microLAN devices and the main network. However, other microLAN configurations require at least some access to the main network. For example, because of battery constraints, the code reader 9 is also fitted with a microLAN transceiver. Whenever the code reader 9 is used, collected code signals and counterpart information are not directly exchanged with the host computer 11 via the main network. Instead, in the illustrated example, the computer terminal 7 is configured to be able to communicate not only within the microLAN but also through the main communication network. This is accomplished by fitting the computer terminal 7 with a transceiver(s) capable of communicating on both networks (see discussion related to
It is also possible for any two devices in the microLAN network to communicate to each other. For example, the modem 23 could receive data and directly transmit it to the printer 13 for printing. Similarly, the code reader 9 might choose to directly communicate code signals to other network devices via the modem 23.
In an alternate configuration, a microLAN base station 21 is provided which may be directly connected to the backbone LAN 19 (as shown) or indirectly connected via the base stations 15 and 17. The microLAN base station 21 is positioned in the vicinity of a other microLAN network devices and thereafter becomes a participant. Thus, microLAN communication flowing to or from the main communication network avoids high power radio transmissions altogether. However, it can be appreciated that a stationary microLAN base station may not always be an option when all of the microLAN participants are mobile. In such cases, a high power transmission to reach the main communication network may be required.
As briefly described above, in any microLAN, the participating devices (“microLAN devices”) need not all possess the transceiver capability to reach the main communication network. However, at least one microLAN device needs to have that capability to maintain overall network connectivity.
Prior to making a delivery, the truck enters a docking area for loading. As goods are loaded into the truck, the driver enters information regarding each loaded good into the storage terminal 31 via either the terminal 7 or the code reader 9 (
Similarly, if the truck 33 is used for service purposes, the truck 33 leaves the dock in the morning with the addresses and directions of the service destinations, technical manuals, and service notes which have been selectively downloaded from the host computer via the main network and microLAN to the storage terminal 31. Upon pulling out of range of the microLAN network in the dock, the storage terminal 31 and the computer terminal 7 automatically form an independent, detached microLAN. At each service address, the driver collects information using the terminal 7 either as the data is collected if within microLAN transmission range of the storage terminal 31, or as soon as the terminal 7 comes within range. Through the detached microLAN network such information is available on the computer terminal. Upon returning to the dock, as soon as the independent microLAN formed between the storage terminal 31 and the computer terminal 7 come within microLAN range of the microLAN devices on the dock, the detached microLAN automatically merges with the dock's microLAN (becomes “attached”), and the storage terminal 31 automatically transfers the service information to the host computer 11 which uses the information for billing and in formulating the service destinations which will be automatically downloaded the next day.
If during collection, the operator decides to power down the computer terminal 7 because it is not needed, the microLAN network becomes detached from the main communication network. Although it might be possible for the detached microLAN to function, all communication with the host computer 11 through the main communication network is placed in a queue awaiting reattachment. As soon as the detached microLAN comes within range of an attached microLAN device, i.e., a device attached to the main network, the queued communications are relayed to the host.
To avoid detachment when the terminal 7 is powered down, the code reader 9 may be designated as a backup to the terminal 7 for performing the higher power communication to the main communication network. As described in more detail below in reference to
In addition, if the computer terminal 7 reaches a predetermined low battery threshold level, the terminal 7 will attempt to pass the burden of providing main network access to other microLAN backup devices. If no backup device exists in the current microLAN, the computer terminal 7 may refuse all high power transmissions to the main communication network. Alternatively, the computer terminal 7 may either refuse predetermined select types of requests, or prompt the operator before performing any transmission to the main network. However, the computer terminal 7 may still listen to the communications from the main communication network and inform microLAN members of waiting messages.
In particular, the transceiver 110 contains a radio unit 112 which attaches to an attached antenna 113. The radio unit 112 used in microLAN slave devices need only provide reliable low power transmissions, and are designed to conserve cost, weight and size. Potential microLAN master devices not only require the ability to communicate with microLAN slave devices, but also require higher power radios to also communicate with the main network. Thus, potential microLAN master devices and other non-microLAN slave devices might contain two radio units 112 (or two transceivers 110)—one serving the main network and the other serving the microLAN network—else only contain a single radio unit to service both networks.
In embodiments where cost and additional weight is not an issue, a dual radio unit configuration for potential microLAN master devices provides several advantages. For example, simultaneous transceiver operation is possible by choosing a different operating band for each radio. In such embodiments, a 2.4 GHz radio is included for main network communication while a 27 MHz radio supports the microLAN network. MicroLAN slave devices receive only the 27 MHz radio, while the non-potential microLAN participants from the main network are fitted with only the 2.4 GHz radios. Potential microLAN master devices receive both radios. The low power 27 MHz microLAN radio is capable of reliably transferring information at a range of approximately 40 to 100 feet asynchronously at 19.2K BPS. An additional benefit of using the 27 MHz frequency is that it is an unlicensed frequency band. The 2.4 GHz radio provides sufficient power (up to 1 Watt) to communicate with other main network devices. Many different frequency choices could also be made such as the 900 MHz band, etc.
In embodiments where cost and additional weight are at issue, a single radio unit configuration is used for potential microLAN master devices. Specifically, in such embodiments, a dual mode 2.4 GHz radio supports both the microLAN and main networks. In a microLAN mode, the 2.4 GHz radio operates at a low power level (sub-milliwatt) to support microLAN communication at relatively close distances (20-30 feet). In a high power (up to 1 Watt) or main mode, the 2.4 GHz radio provides relatively long distance communication connectivity with the main network. Although all network devices might be fitted with such a dual mode radio, only microLAN master devices use both modes. MicroLAN slave devices would only use the low power mode while all other main network devices would use only the high power mode. Because of this, to save cost, microLAN slave devices are fitted with a single mode radio operating in the microLAN mode. Non-microLAN participants are also fitted with a single mode (main mode) radio unit for cost savings.
Connected between the radio unit 112 and an interface 110, a microprocessor 120 controls the information flow between through the transceiver 110. Specifically, the interface 115 connects the transceiver 110 to a selected computer terminal, a peripheral device or other network device. Many different interfaces 115 are used and the choice will depend upon the connection port of the device to which the transceiver 110 will be attached. Virtually any type of interface 110 could be adapted for use with the transceiver 110 of the present invention. Common industry interface standards include RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, 10BASE2 Ethernet, 10BASE5 Ethernet, 10BASE-T Ethernet, fiber optics, IBM 4/16 Token Ring, V.11, V.24, V.35, Apple Localtalk and telephone interfaces. In addition, via the interface 115, the microprocessor 120 maintains a radio independent, interface protocol with the attached network device, isolating the attached device from the variations in radios being used.
The microprocessor 120 also controls the radio unit 112 to accommodate communication with the either the main network (for main mode radios), the microLAN (for microLAN radios), or both (for dual mode radios). More specifically, in a main mode transceiver, the microprocessor 120 utilizes a main protocol to communicate with the main network. Similarly, in a microLAN mode transceiver, the microprocessor 120 operates pursuant to a microLAN protocol to communicate in the microLAN network. In the dual mode transceiver, the microprocessor 120 manages the use of and potential conflicts between both the main and microLAN protocols. Detail regarding the main and microLAN protocols can be found in reference to
In addition, as directed by the corresponding communication protocol, the microprocessor 120 controls the power consumption of the radio 112, itself and the interface 115 for power conservation. This is accomplished in two ways. First, the microLAN and main protocols are designed to provide for a low power mode or sleep mode during periods when no communication involving the subject transmitter is desired as described below in relation to
In order to insure that the proper device is receiving the information transmitted, each device is assigned a unique address. Specifically, the transceiver 110 can either have a unique address of its own or can use the unique address of the device to which it is attached. The unique address of the transceiver can either be one selected by the operator or system designer or one which is permanently assigned at the factory such as an IEEE address. The address 121 of the particular transceiver 110 is stored with the microprocessor 120.
In the illustrated embodiments of
Several alternate channel access strategies have been developed for carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) systems and include 1-persistent, non-persistent and p-persistent. Such strategies or variations thereof could easily be adapted to work with the present invention.
The slave device uses a binding protocol (discussed below with regard to
Alternatively, the slave may have data for transfer to the master. If so, the slave indicates as such to the master by transmitting a message during the time period 217 and then executes a backoff algorithm to determine how long it must wait before transmitting the data. The slave determines from the backoff algorithm that it must wait the time period 227 before transmitting the data during the time period 221. The slave devices use the backoff algorithm in an attempt to avoid the collision of data with that from other slave devices which are also trying to communicate with the master. The backoff algorithm is discussed more fully above in reference to
The idle sense messages of the master may also aid in scheduling communication between two slave devices. For example, if a first slave device has data for transfer to a second slave device, the first slave sends a message to the master during the time period 209 requesting communication with the second slave. The master then broadcasts the request during the next idle sense message. Because the second slave is monitoring the idle sense message, the second slave receives the request and stays activated at the end of the idle sense message in order to receive the communication. Likewise, because the first slave is also monitoring the idle sense message, it too receives the request and stays activated during the time period 215 to send the communication.
Communication between the master and slave devices is the same as that discussed above in reference to
The slave device thereafter initiates a binding protocol to attempt to regain synchronization with the master. While two time periods (241 and 245) are shown, the slave may initiate such a protocol after any number of unsuccessful attempts to locate an idle sense message. With this protocol, the slave stays active for a time period 247, which is equal to the time period from one idle sense message to the next, in an attempt to locate a next idle sense message. If the slave is again unsuccessful, it may stay active until it locates an idle sense message from the master, or, if power consumption is a concern, the slave may enter a power conserving mode at the end of the time period 247 and activate at a later time to monitor for an idle sense message.
In the event the master device remains outside the range of the slave devices in the microLAN network for a period long enough such that communication is hindered, one of the slave devices may take over the functionality of the master device. Such a situation is useful when the slave devices need to communicate with each other in the absence of the master. Preferably, such a backup device has the ability to communicate with devices on the main communication network. If the original master returns, it listens to the channel to determine idle sense messages from the backup, indicates to the backup that it has returned and then begins idle sense transmissions when it reestablishes dominance over the microLAN network.
The base station periodically broadcasts HELLO messages 261 indicating that it is available for communication. The master device monitors the HELLO messages during a time period 263, and, upon determining that the base does not need servicing, enters a power conserving mode during a time period 265. The master then activates for a time period to monitor the next HELLO message from the base. If the master has data to send to the base, it transmits the data during a time period 271. Likewise, if the base has data to send to the master, the base transmits the data during a time period 269. Once the data is received or sent by the master, it may again enter a power conserving mode. While HELLO message protocol is discussed, a number of communication protocols may be used for communication between the base and the master device. As may be appreciated, the microLAN master device acts as a slave to base stations in the main communication network.
Generally, the communication exchange between the master and the slave is similar to that described above in reference to
More specifically,
Upon receipt of the range value from the destination device at a block 321, the source microLAN device evaluates its battery parameters to identify a subsequent data rate for transmission at a block 323. If range value indicates that the destination microLAN device is very near, the source microLAN device selects a faster data rate. When the range value indicates a distant master, the source device selects a slower rate. In this way, even without adjusting the power level, the total energy dissipated can be controlled to utilize only that necessary to carry out the transmission. However, if constraints are placed on the maximum or minimum data rates, the transmission power may also need to be modified. For example, to further minimize the complexity associated with a fully random range of data rate values, a standard range and set of several data rates may be used. Under such a scenario, a transmission power adjustment might also need to supplement the data rate adjustment. Similarly, any adjustment of power must take into consideration maximum and minimum operable levels. Data rate adjustment may supplement such limitations. Any attempted modification of the power and data rate might take into consideration any available battery parameters such as those that might indicate a normal or current battery capacity, the drain on the battery under normal conditions and during transmission, or the fact that the battery is currently being charged. The latter parameter proves to be very significant in that when the battery is being charged, the microLAN slave device has access to a much greater power source for transmission, which may justify the highest power transmission and possibly the slowest data rate under certain circumstances.
Finally, at a block 325, an indication of the identified data rate is transmitted back to the destination device so that future transmissions may take place at the newly selected rate. The indication of data rate may be explicit in that a message is transmitted designating the specific rate. Alternately, the data rate may be transferee implicitly in that the new rate is chose and used by the source, requiring the destination to adapt to the change. This might also be done using a predefined header for synchronization.
Moreover, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having read the foregoing that various modifications and variations of this communication system according to the present invention are possible and is intended to include all those which are covered by the appended claims.
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A method of determining a location of a first wireless communication device, comprising:
- receiving a wireless communication signal at the device;
- determining a strength of the received signal; and
- generating an indication of a location of the device based on the strength of the received signal.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising performing a function based on the indication of the location of the device.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising transmitting the determined strength of the received signal to a second wireless communication device, and wherein the second device generates the indication of the location of the first device based on the determined strength of the received signal.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the second device is the device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received at the first device.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the second device has a fixed location.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the first device is operable to serve as a master device relative to the second device, and the second device is operable to serve as a slave device relative to the first device.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first device is operable to perform control functions controlling aspects of communications of the second device.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising the second device performing a function based on the indication of the location of the first device.
18. The method of claim 12 further comprising the second device executing an application that uses the indication of the location of the first device.
19. The method of claim 10 wherein determining the strength of the received signal comprises generating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
20. The method of claim 10 further comprising transmitting the indication of the location of the first device to a second wireless communication device.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the second device is the device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received at the first device.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the second device has a fixed location.
23. The method of claim 20 further comprising the second device performing a function based on the indication of the location of the first device.
24. The method of claim 20 further comprising the second device executing an application that uses the indication of the location of the first device.
25. The method of claim 10 wherein the first device is a mobile device.
26. The method of claim 10 further comprising generating an indication of the location of the device using a global navigation satellite system.
27. The method of claim 10 wherein the indication of a location of the device comprises a range value representative of a distance between the first device and a second wireless communication device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received at the first device.
28. A wireless communication device transceiver, comprising:
- a receiver operable to receive a wireless communication signal;
- a control unit operable to determine a strength of the received signal and operable to generate an indication of a location of the device based on the strength of the received signal.
29. The transceiver of claim 28 wherein the control unit is further operable to perform a function based on the indication of the location of the device.
30. The transceiver of claim 28 further comprising a transmitter, wherein the transceiver resides in a first wireless communication device and wherein the control unit is operable to cause the transmitter to transmit the determined strength of the received signal to a second wireless communication device.
31. The transceiver of claim 30 wherein the second device is a device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received by the first device.
32. The transceiver of claim 30 wherein the second device has a fixed location.
33. The transceiver of claim 30 wherein the first device is operable to serve as a master device relative to the second device, and the second device is operable to serve as a slave device relative to the first device.
34. The transceiver of claim 33 wherein the control unit is operable to perform control functions controlling aspects of communications of the second device.
35. The transceiver of claim 28 wherein the control unit is operable to generate a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
36. The transceiver of claim 28 further comprising a transmitter, wherein the transceiver resides in a first wireless communication device and wherein the control unit is operable to cause the transmitter to transmit the indication of the location of the first device to a second wireless communication device.
37. The transceiver of claim 36 wherein the second device is a device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received by the first device.
38. The transceiver of claim 36 wherein the second device has a fixed location.
39. The transceiver of claim 28 wherein the transceiver resides in a mobile device.
40. The transceiver of claim 28 further comprising global navigation satellite system functionality operable to generate an indication of the location of the device.
41. The transceiver of claim 28 wherein the indication of a location of the device comprises a range value representative of a distance between the first device and a second wireless communication device that transmitted the wireless communication signal received by the first device.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 14, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 3, 2009
Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany (Cedar Rapids, IA), Alan G. Bunte (Cedar Rapids, IA), Ronald E. Luse (Marion, IA), Guy J. West (Valenzuela City), Charles D. Gollnick (Sherwood, OR)
Application Number: 12/541,670
International Classification: H04W 64/00 (20090101);