Patent ID: 6330482
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: G05B,G06F,G06Q,Y02P

Abstract:
A data and communications system for providing interchange of data, comprising a host computer for processing data, a self-contained portable computer adapted to execute a program and for communication with said host computer, a communications link for data transfer and control between said host computer, a factory controller to control a factory environment, and a network of interface units to couple said self-contained portable computer, and wherein said network of interface units includes an infrared link for communicating with said portable computer, wherein said data and communication system further comprises a wireless network and wherein said infrared link includes at least one satellite unit coupled to the network of interface units for communicating with said self-contained portable computer, wherein the satellite unit includes a transmitter for transmitting data via infrared signals, a receiver for receiving data via additional infrared signals, an encoder/decoder to identify said satellite unit and to implement or remove the encoding protocol of the data, a controller unit for processing data relayed through the satellite unit and controlling the operation of the wireless network, and an interface circuit for interfacing the satellite unit to communicate with a communication network.