US6452910B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bridging apparatus for interconnecting a wireless PAN and a wireless LAN
Assignee: Cadence Design Systems Inc
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Filing: 2000-07-20
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Granted: 2002-09-17
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Expires: 2020-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A Wireless bridge conjoins two previously incompatible technologies within a single device to leverage the strengths of each. The Wireless bridge marries the Personal Area Network (PAN) technology of Bluetooth as described in Bluetooth Specification Version 1.0B with the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology described in the IEEE802.11 a specification to provide a wireless system level solution for peripheral devices to provide Internet service interactions. The invention brings together in a single working device implementations of these technologies so they do not interfere or disrupt the operation of each other and instead provide a seamless transition of a Bluetooth connection to Wireless Local Area Network/Internet connection. From the Wireless Local Area Network perspective the inventive wireless bridge extension allows a Bluetooth-enabled device to roam from one Wireless Access Point (bridge) to the next without losing its back end connection. The invention takes into account the minimum separation and shielding required of these potentially conflicting technologies to inter-operate.
Inventors
- 👤 Vikram Vij
- 👤 Carl A. Gerrard
- 👤 Bin Li
- 👤 Larry Gardner
- 👤 Sivasankar Chander
- 👤 Murthy Kunchakarra
- 👤 Tim McCoy
- 👤 Richard Swan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:05
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W92/00; H04W92/02; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/66; H04W84/00; H04W84/02; H04W84/10; H04W84/12; H04W84/18; H04W88/00; H04W88/08; H04W88/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; and said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; and said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The communication system recited in claim 1 further comprising a remote Internet-connected backend server for communicating with said local area network device and thus said personal area network devices via said wireless bridge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system recited in claim 1 wherein said first transceiver module and said second transceiver module operate at different frequencies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The communication system recited in claim 1 wherein said second transceiver module has a bandwidth sufficiently wide to provide substantially simultaneous communication with up to seven of said personal area network devices.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
The communication system recited in claim 1 wherein in each said personal area network device has a unique address and wherein said system comprises a plurality of said wireless bridge apparatuses for said two-way wireless communications over a plurality of distinct adjacent first areas; said local area network device maintaining substantially constant two-way data communications with each said personal area network device during roaming from one said distinct adjacent first area to another said distinct adjacent first area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The communication system recited in claim 5 , wherein each said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; each said first area being smaller than each said second area and being entirely contained within a corresponding second area.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
99 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; and said first transceiver module and said second transceiver module operate at different frequencies; wherein said first transceiver module operates at a frequency that is below 5 GHz and wherein said second transceiver module operates at a frequency that is above 5 GHz.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
99 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; and said first transceiver module and said second transceiver module operate at different frequencies; wherein said first transceiver module operates at a frequency that is below 5 GHz and wherein said second transceiver module operates at a frequency that is above 5 GHz.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: said second transceiver module has a bandwidth sufficiently wide to provide substantially simultaneous communication with up to seven said personal area network devices; and the bandwidth of said second transceiver module is at least ten times the bandwidth of said first transceiver module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
100 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: said second transceiver module has a bandwidth sufficiently wide to provide substantially simultaneous communication with up to seven said personal area network devices; and the bandwidth of said second transceiver module is at least ten times the bandwidth of said first transceiver module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
108 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; and a remote Internet-connected backend server for communicating with said local area network device and thus said personal area network devices via said wireless bridge; wherein said remote Internet-connected backend server cannot reliably communicate directly with said personal area network devices because of the limited coverage area of said personal area network devices.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
108 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; and a remote Internet-connected backend server for communicating with said local area network device and thus said personal area network devices via said wireless bridge; wherein said remote Internet-connected backend server cannot reliably communicate directly with said personal area network devices because of the limited coverage area of said personal area network devices.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
130 words
A two-way wireless communication system for data transmission between at least one personal area network device and a remote server located beyond the range of the personal area network device, the communication system comprising: a wireless local area network device in communication with said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network device and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
130 words
A two-way wireless communication system for data transmission between at least one personal area network device and a remote server located beyond the range of the personal area network device, the communication system comprising: a wireless local area network device in communication with said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network device and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The communication system recited in claim 10 further comprising an Internet connection for communicating with said remote server and thus said personal area network device via said wireless bridge.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system recited in claim 10 wherein said first transceiver module and said second transceiver module operate at different frequencies.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The communication system recited in claim 10 wherein said second transceiver module has a bandwidth sufficiently wide to provide substantially simultaneous communication with up to seven said personal area network devices.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
76 words
The communication system recited in claim 10 wherein in said personal area network device has a unique address and wherein said system comprises a plurality of said wireless bridge apparatuses for said two-way wireless communications over a plurality of distinct adjacent first areas; said local area network device maintaining substantially constant two-way data communications with said personal area network device during roaming from one said distinct adjacent first area to another said distinct adjacent first area.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The communication system recited in claim 12 wherein said first transceiver module operates at a frequency that is below 5 GHz and wherein said second transceiver module operates at a frequency that is above 5 GHz.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The communication system recited in claim 13 wherein the bandwidth of said second transceiver module is at least ten times the bandwidth of said first transceiver module.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The communication system recited in claim 11 wherein said remote Internet-connected backend server cannot reliably communicate directly with said personal area network device because of the limited coverage area of said personal area network device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
202 words
A two-way wireless communication system for data transmission between at least one personal area network device and a remote server located beyond the range of the personal area network device, the communication system comprising: a wireless local area network device in communication with said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: in said personal area network device has a unique address and wherein said system comprises a plurality of said wireless bridge apparatuses for said two-way wireless communications over a plurality of distinct adjacent first areas; said local area network device maintaining substantially constant two-way data communications with said personal area network device during roaming from one said distinct adjacent first area to another said distinct adjacent first area; and each said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; each said first area being smaller than each said second area and being entirely contained within a corresponding second area.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
202 words
A two-way wireless communication system for data transmission between at least one personal area network device and a remote server located beyond the range of the personal area network device, the communication system comprising: a wireless local area network device in communication with said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein: in said personal area network device has a unique address and wherein said system comprises a plurality of said wireless bridge apparatuses for said two-way wireless communications over a plurality of distinct adjacent first areas; said local area network device maintaining substantially constant two-way data communications with said personal area network device during roaming from one said distinct adjacent first area to another said distinct adjacent first area; and each said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; each said first area being smaller than each said second area and being entirely contained within a corresponding second area.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
171 words
A two-way wireless data communication system for use at a commercial site, the site having at least one kiosk through which a consumer may conduct a transaction for goods or services using a PAN device, the site also having a data server remote from the kiosk and too distant from the consumer's PAN device to communicate directly with the PAN device, the communication system enabling two-way real time data transfer between the PAN device and the remote server and comprising: a wireless local area network device connected to said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said PAN device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said PAN device and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
171 words
A two-way wireless data communication system for use at a commercial site, the site having at least one kiosk through which a consumer may conduct a transaction for goods or services using a PAN device, the site also having a data server remote from the kiosk and too distant from the consumer's PAN device to communicate directly with the PAN device, the communication system enabling two-way real time data transfer between the PAN device and the remote server and comprising: a wireless local area network device connected to said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said PAN device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said PAN device and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being entirely contained within said second area.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 wherein said first transceiver module and said second transceiver module operate at different frequencies.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 wherein said second transceiver module has a bandwidth sufficiently wide to provide substantially simultaneous communication with up to seven said PAN devices.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
72 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 wherein in said PAN device has a unique address and wherein said system comprises a plurality of said wireless bridge apparatuses for said two-way wireless communications over a plurality of distinct adjacent first areas; said local area network device maintaining substantially constant two-way data communications with said PAN device during roaming from one said distinct adjacent first area to another said distinct adjacent first area.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The communication system recited in claim 20 wherein said first transceiver module operates at a frequency that is below 5 GHz and wherein said second transceiver module operates at a frequency that is above 5 GHz.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The communication system recited in claim 21 wherein the bandwidth of said second transceiver module is at least ten times the bandwidth of said first transceiver module.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
57 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 further comprising: an Internet connection for communicating with said remote server and thus said personal area network device via said wireless bridge; wherein said remote Internet-connected backend server cannot reliably communicate directly with said personal area network device because of the limited coverage area of said personal area network devices.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 wherein said PAN device employs Bluetooth wireless protocol.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The communication system recited in claim 19 wherein said local area network device employs IEEE802.11a protocol.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
143 words
A two-way wireless data communication system for use at a commercial site, the site having at least one kiosk through which a consumer may conduct a transaction for goods or services using a PAN device, the site also having a data server remote from the kiosk and too distant from the consumer's PAN device to communicate directly with the PAN device; the communication system enabling two-way real time data transfer between the PAN device and the remote server and comprising: a wireless local area network device connected to said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said PAN device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said commercial site is a vehicle service station and said kiosk provides at least one gasoline pump.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
143 words
A two-way wireless data communication system for use at a commercial site, the site having at least one kiosk through which a consumer may conduct a transaction for goods or services using a PAN device, the site also having a data server remote from the kiosk and too distant from the consumer's PAN device to communicate directly with the PAN device; the communication system enabling two-way real time data transfer between the PAN device and the remote server and comprising: a wireless local area network device connected to said remote server; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said PAN device and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said commercial site is a vehicle service station and said kiosk provides at least one gasoline pump.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The communication system recited in claim 28 wherein said PAN device is a communication module mounted in a vehicle at said vehicle service station.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The communication system recited in claim 28 wherein said PAN device is a hand-held PDA.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The communication system recited in claim 28 wherein said wireless bridge apparatus is located in proximity of said gasoline pump.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for providing a data communication interface in a vehicle service station having a plurality of gasoline pumps located remote from a station Internet-connected backend server, the interface being between at least one wireless PAN device and the Internet-connected backend server; the method comprising the steps of: placing a wireless LAN transceiver and a wireless PAN transceiver within a data transfer bridge; locating said bridge within a first selected distance from said pumps, said first selected distance being within the maximum range of said PAN device; connecting said Internet-connected backend server to a LAN communications apparatus; locating said LAN communications apparatus within a second selected distance from said bridge, said second selected distance being within the maximum range of said LAN transceiver; and operating said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless PAN transceiver at different transmission frequencies to preclude interference therebetween.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for providing a data communication interface in a vehicle service station having a plurality of gasoline pumps located remote from a station Internet-connected backend server, the interface being between at least one wireless PAN device and the Internet-connected backend server; the method comprising the steps of: placing a wireless LAN transceiver and a wireless PAN transceiver within a data transfer bridge; locating said bridge within a first selected distance from said pumps, said first selected distance being within the maximum range of said PAN device; connecting said Internet-connected backend server to a LAN communications apparatus; locating said LAN communications apparatus within a second selected distance from said bridge, said second selected distance being within the maximum range of said LAN transceiver; and operating said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless PAN transceiver at different transmission frequencies to preclude interference therebetween.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 32 , wherein: said method is embodied in a set of computer instructions stored on a computer readable media; and said computer instructions, when loaded into a computer cause the computer to perform the steps of said method.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 33 , wherein said computer instructions are compiled computer instructions and stored as an executable program on said computer readable media.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
106 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being at least partially contained within said second area.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
106 words
A two-way wireless communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless personal area network devices; a wireless local area network device; and a wireless bridge apparatus having a first transceiver module for two-way data communication with said personal area network devices and having a second transceiver module for two-way data communication with said local area network device; wherein said wireless bridge apparatus provides a first coverage area for communication with said personal area network devices and a second coverage area for communication with said local area network device; said first area being smaller than said second area and being at least partially contained within said second area.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
100 words
A wireless bridge for 2-way data communication between at least one personal area network device and a local area network, comprising: a first transceiver module operating at a first frequency and configured to make two-way data communications with said at least one personal area network device in a first coverage area; and a second transceiver module operating at a second frequency configured to make two-way data communications with said local area network device in a second coverage area; wherein said first coverage area is smaller than said second coverage area and at least partially contained within said second coverage area.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
100 words
A wireless bridge for 2-way data communication between at least one personal area network device and a local area network, comprising: a first transceiver module operating at a first frequency and configured to make two-way data communications with said at least one personal area network device in a first coverage area; and a second transceiver module operating at a second frequency configured to make two-way data communications with said local area network device in a second coverage area; wherein said first coverage area is smaller than said second coverage area and at least partially contained within said second coverage area.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The wireless bridge according to claim 36 , wherein said first frequency is below 5 GHz and said second frequency is above 5 GHz.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-16 | 2006-03-18 | 2006-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-16 | 2010-03-18 | 2010-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-16 | 2014-03-18 | 2014-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |