Patent ID: 6236486
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B41J,H04B

Abstract:
A data communication system, comprising:a fixed position printer coupled via wires to a local area network, said printer having a receiving cavity disposed at an outer surface thereof, said receiving cavity further including a first optical communication port disposed on at least one surface of said receiving cavity, said first optical communication port being coupled to the printer to permit data communications therewith; anda handheld computer having a second optical communication port disposed at an outer surface thereof, and an RF communication port enabling said computer to communicate via a wireless connection to said local area network, said second optical communication port being coupled to said computer to permit data communications therewith, said computer being adapted for partial insertion into said receiving cavity to bring said first optical communication port into at least partial alignment with said second optical communication port enabling data communication over an optical medium between said first and second optical communication ports, thereby permitting direct data communication between said printer and said computer.wherein said RF communication port permits wireless communication between said printer and said local area network only when said computer is inserted in said receiving cavity.