Data communication system for assigning addresses to hand-held data terminals

US5371858A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Norand Corporation · US

Inventors

• Phillip Miller · Cedar Rapids, US
• Robert J. Traeger · Riemerling, DE
• Joseph J. Kubler · Nederland, US
• Keith K. Cargin, Jr. · Cedar Rapids, US
• George E. Hanson · Cedar Rapids, US
• Patrick H. Davis · Cedar Rapids, US
• Darald R. Schultz · Cedar Rapids, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 6, 1994
• Expiry date: Jul 31, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02D30/70
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, portable data devices can be coupled with a local area network at any of a multiplicity of points and integrated into the system on a dynamic basis. The preferred system is highly flexible and closely adaptable to changing needs of an individual user. For example, unitary multiple docking devices each receiving a plurality of hand-held computerized data terminals may be chained in a series to a single primary controller which may have a further LAN channel including an auxiliary unit which may supply charging power to a further series of multiple docking devices, added to the system as needed. A preferred auxiliary unit is capable of handling two-way communication without the provision of a direction control line in the channel.