Wearable access point

A portable access point comprises a wireless LAN transceiver that selectively establishes a plurality of Ethernet wireless links with a plurality of wireless client devices, respectively. A wireless WAN transceiver establishes an Ethernet data connection with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from at least one of said wireless client devices to said ISP and receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from said ISP to said one of said wireless client devices. A routing device routes Ethernet data packets between said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless WAN transceiver. A control module controls operation of said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless WAN transceiver. A first storage device stores operating system and application instructions for said control module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to access points for networks, and more particularly to portable access points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, a functional block diagram of a wireless router100according to the prior art is presented. The wireless router100includes a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) transceiver102, which uses IEEE 802.11 to communicate with multiple wireless client devices (not shown). The wireless LAN transceiver102communicates with a routing module104and with a processor106. The processor106communicates with system storage108and with a WAN (Wide Area Network) Ethernet port110, which provides an RJ-45 connector for connecting to a cable modem, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem, or any other suitable WAN connection. The wireless router100is powered via a power cable socket112that receives power from an electrical outlet, usually through a transformer (not shown).

The routing module104also communicates with a firewall114and a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server116. The routing module104communicates packets between the WAN Ethernet port110and the wireless LAN transceiver102, subject to firewall114restrictions. The firewall114protects against malicious traffic, and may also allow for parental control. The routing module104can also send packets between wireless devices communicating with the wireless LAN transceiver102. The DHCP server116answers requests received by the wireless LAN transceiver102for IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. These IP addresses are dynamically assigned to wireless devices as they attempt to connect to the wireless router100.

The firewall114may also provide NAT (Network Address Translation) capability for sharing a common IP address among the multiple wireless devices communicating with the wireless LAN transceiver102. The processor106controls operation of the wireless LAN transceiver102, the routing module104, system storage108, the WAN Ethernet port110, the firewall114, and the DHCP server116. The processor106retrieves instructions from system storage108, and may also store operating parameters in system storage108. The processor106may also function as a web server to provide a convenient interface to client devices for updating various settings of the wireless router100. The firewall114and DHCP server116may be implemented as functions of the processor106.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable access point comprises a wireless LAN transceiver that is capable of establishing a plurality of Ethernet wireless links with a plurality of wireless client devices, respectively. A wireless WAN transceiver establishes an Ethernet data connection with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from at least one of said wireless client devices to said ISP and receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from said ISP to said one of said wireless client devices. A routing device routes Ethernet data packets between said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless WAN transceiver. A control module controls operation of said wireless LAN transceiver and said wireless WAN transceiver. A first storage device stores operating system and application instructions for said control module.

In other features, a charging connection provides power from the power source to an external battery-powered device. The wireless LAN transceiver includes a sleep mode that stops transmission and waits for a resume signal to be received, and wherein the control module places the wireless LAN transceiver in the sleep mode to conserve power. The control module places the wireless LAN transceiver in the sleep mode when packets have not been received at the wireless LAN transceiver for a first period of time.

In further features, the control module monitors a state of charge of the power source, the first period of time varying in accordance with the state of charge. The control module monitors a state of the power source to determine a power saving feature level. A second storage device is used for storing at least one of backup data and media information. The second storage device includes a universal file system to allow the second storage device to appear as a removable storage device to the wireless devices.

In still other features, the wireless WAN transceiver includes a Bluetooth transceiver operable to communicate with a Bluetooth mobile phone that can establish a data service with the ISP. The wireless WAN transceiver includes a digital cellular transceiver operable to communicate with the ISP via a data service of a mobile telephony service provider. A belt clip permits wearing of the portable access point. A firewall protects the wireless devices from malicious activity. The firewall provides Network Address Translation (NAT) for the wireless devices. A DHCP server leases Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to the wireless devices.

In other features, an expansion port is operable for connecting to a headset. The expansion port is operable for connecting to physiological sensors. The physiological sensors include at least one of a thermometer, a blood glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope, a pedometer, an ECG recorder, and an EEG recorder. The expansion port includes at least one analog to digital converter for converting analog physiological data to a digital format. The expansion port includes at least one preamplifier to boost a signal level from one of the physiological sensors.

In further features, a Global Positioning System receiver determines a physical location of the portable access point, wherein the control module is operable to transmit the physical location to a remote site when an alarm condition is detected. A display displays information pertaining to collected data from the physiological sensors. An input device accepts input from the input device to determine when to sample data from the physiological sensors. A web server module provides a secure web interface to authorized users for accessing collected data from the physiological sensors.

In still other features, the control module receives media information, and at least one of records and streams the media information. Media information is received from the satellite radio tuner and the AM/FM tuner. An audio port is operable to connect to at least one of headphones and a stereo system. The portable access point also includes a microphone, a speaker, an input device that receives information including telephone numbers, and a display for displaying the telephone numbers and call status. Wired ports communicate with wired network devices.

A portable access point comprises providing mobile access point that supports a wireless local area network (LAN) and a wide area network; selectively establishing a plurality of Ethernet wireless links with a plurality of remote wireless client devices, respectively; selectively establishing an Ethernet data connection with a remote Internet Service Provider (ISP); receiving and forwarding Ethernet data packets from at least one of said wireless client devices to said ISP; receiving and forwarding Ethernet data packets from said ISP to said one of said wireless client devices; routing packets between said wireless LAN and said wireless WAN; controlling operation of said wireless LAN and said wireless WAN; and storing operating system and application instructions.

In other features, the method further comprises providing power to an external battery-powered device. The method further comprises operating in a sleep mode until a resume signal is received from one of the plurality of wireless devices.

In further features, operating in sleep mode is performed when packets have not been received from the plurality of wireless devices for a first period of time. Operating in sleep mode includes monitoring a state of charge and varying the first period of time in accordance with the state of charge. The method further comprises monitoring a state of charge to determine a power saving feature level. The method further comprises storing at least one of backup data and media information.

In still other features, the method wherein the establishing includes communicating with a mobile phone capable of establishing a data service with the ISP. Establishing includes communicating directly with a data service of a mobile telephony service provider. The method further comprises protecting the wireless devices from malicious activity. The method further comprises providing Network Address Translation (NAT) to the wireless devices. The method further comprises providing IP address leases to the wireless devices.

In still further features, the method further comprises receiving data from physiological sensors. The physiological sensors include at least one of a thermometer, a blood glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope, a pedometer, an ECG recorder, and an EEG recorder. The method further comprises converting analog physiological data into a digital format. The method further comprises boosting a signal level from one of the physiological sensors.

In other features, the method further comprises determining a physical location and transmitting the physical location to a remote site when an alarm condition is detected. The method further comprises displaying information pertaining to collected data from the physiological sensors. The method further comprises accepting input to determine when to sample data from the physiological sensors. The method further comprises providing a secure web interface to authorized users for accessing collected data from the physiological sensors.

In further features, the method further comprises receiving media information, and at least one of recording and streaming the media information. Receiving includes receiving media information from a satellite radio tuner. Receiving includes receiving media information from an AM/FM tuner.

A portable access point comprises wireless LAN transceiving means for establishing a plurality of Ethernet wireless links with a plurality of wireless client devices, respectively. Wireless WAN transceiving means establishes an Ethernet data connection with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from at least one of said wireless client devices to said ISP and receives and forwards Ethernet data packets from said ISP to said one of said wireless client devices. Routing means routes Ethernet data packets between said wireless LAN transceiving means and said wireless WAN transceiving means. Control means controls operation of said wireless LAN transceiving means and said wireless WAN transceiving means. Storing means stores operating system and application instructions for said control means.

In other features, charging means provides power from the charge storage means to an external battery-powered device. The wireless LAN transceiving means includes a sleep mode that stops transmission and waits for a resume signal to be received, and wherein the control means places the wireless LAN transceiving means in the sleep mode to conserve power. The control means places the wireless LAN transceiving means in the sleep mode when packets have not been received at the wireless LAN transceiving means for a first period of time.

In further features, the control means monitors a state of charge of the charge storage means, the first period of time varying in accordance with the state of charge. The control means monitors a state of the charge storage means to determine a power saving feature level. Second storage means stores at least one of backup data and media information. The second storage means includes universal file means for allowing the second storage means to appear as a removable device to the wireless devices.

In still other features, the wireless WAN transceiving means includes Bluetooth transceiving means for communicating with Bluetooth mobile means for establishing a data service with the ISP. The wireless WAN transceiving means includes digital cellular means for communicating with the ISP via a data service of a mobile telephony service provider. Belt clip means allows wearing of the portable access point. Firewall means protects the wireless devices from malicious activity. The firewall means provides Network Address Translation (NAT) for the wireless devices. DHCP means leases Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to the wireless devices.

In still further features, expansion port means connects to a stereo system. Expansion port means connects to a headset. Expansion port means receives data from physiological sensors. The physiological sensors include at least one of a thermometer, a blood glucose meter, a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope, a pedometer, an ECG recorder, and an EEG recorder. The expansion port means includes at least one analog to digital converting means for converting analog physiological data to a digital format. The expansion port means includes at least one preamplifying means for boosting a signal level from one of the physiological sensors.

In other features, Global Positioning System means determines a physical location of the portable access point, wherein the control means is operable to transmit the physical location to a remote site when an alarm condition is detected. Display means displays information pertaining to collected data from the physiological sensors on the display means. Input means accepts input to determine when to sample data from the physiological sensors. Web server means provides a secure web interface to authorized users for accessing collected data from the physiological sensors.

In further features, the control means receives media information, and at least one of records and streams the media information. Satellite radio tuning means receives satellite radio media information. AM/FM tuning means receives AM/FM media information. Audio port means connects to at least one of headphones and a stereo system. The portable access point also includes microphonic means for receiving audio information, speaker means for producing audio information, input device means for receiving user information including telephone numbers, and display means for displaying the telephone numbers and call status. Wired LAN means communicates with wired network devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIG. 2, a functional block diagram of an exemplary system according to the principles of the present invention is presented. A portable access point202is shown communicating with various client devices204. Device204-1may be a personal computer, device204-2may be a printer device, device204-3may be a digital camera, and device2044may be a laptop computer. Additional or fewer devices may be connected to the portable access point202, and may be of many different types. The portable access point202communicates with the Internet, represented graphically at210, via an Internet Service Provider. The portable access point202may communicate with the Internet210via GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA2000 (indicating a 3G service using Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), WiMax or I.E.E.E. 802.16, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) broadband wireless access based on 3G, or any other suitable wide area network mechanism.

Alternately, the portable access point202may communicate with the Internet210via the scheme depicted inFIG. 3. InFIG. 3, the portable access point202communicates with a mobile phone220via a short-range wireless protocol such as Bluetooth. Alternately, a physical connection could be established between the mobile phone220and the portable access point202. The mobile phone220communicates with a wireless service provider222, which in turn communicates with the Internet210. The portable access point202uses the mobile phone220as a data service conduit to the wireless service provider222.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the portable access point202allows the wireless devices204to communicate with each other, and to communicate with hosts on the Internet210. The portable access point202may provide IP addresses via DHCP to the wireless devices204. The portable access point202may also include NAT capability to allow an IP address visible to the Internet210to be shared by the wireless devices204. The portable access point may also include a firewall to protect the devices204from malicious activity, and may include a web server for easy configuration of the portable access point202.

The portable access point202may further include storage such that media and/or data information can be stored in the portable access point202. This information may include pictures from the digital camera204-3or backup files from the laptop computer204-4. The information may also include recorded or downloaded audio/video content and/or physiological information, discussed in further detail below. The portable access point202is powered by a portable power source, such as a battery. Solar power or a hand crank may also provide power to the portable access point202. The portable access point202may be configured so as to be worn on a user's belt, placed in a briefcase, or located in a purse.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a functional block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a low-power portable access point300according to the principles of the present invention is presented. The portable access point300includes a processor302that communicates with system storage304. The system storage304includes instructions for the processor302, and also includes operating parameters. Based on instructions from system storage304, which may include an operating system and application programs, the processor302directs operation of a routing module308, a wireless LAN transceiver310, a DHCP server312, a firewall314, a wireless WAN transceiver316, and a battery pack320. The routing module308communicates with the DHCP server312, the firewall314, the wireless WAN transceiver316, the wireless LAN transceiver310, and the processor302.

The wireless LAN transceiver310can communicate with multiple wireless devices (not shown) via a wireless networking protocol, such as IEEE 802.11, proprietary extensions of IEEE 802.11, and/or other suitable wireless networking protocols. The wireless WAN transceiver316establishes a connection to the Internet (not shown) as discussed inFIGS. 2 and 3. In the implementation ofFIG. 2, the wireless WAN transceiver316may implement a suitable wireless packet data protocol such as GPRS, CDMA2000, and/or UMTS. In the implementation ofFIG. 3, the wireless WAN transceiver316may implement a Bluetooth (or other suitable short range wireless network) protocol to communicate with a data-enabled mobile phone. Alternately, the wireless WAN transceiver316may be replaced with a wired connection to the mobile phone.

The routing module308, as controlled by the processor302, allows packets to be communicated among and between wireless devices connected to the wireless LAN transceiver310and the Internet via the wireless WAN transceiver316. Additionally, the routing module308may route packets to and from an optional wired network connection (not shown), such as Ethernet. The DHCP server312assigns IP addresses to wireless devices requesting such addresses through the wireless LAN transceiver310. The processor302may also be capable of requesting a DHCP lease from the ISP (Internet Service Provider) via the wireless WAN transceiver316. The routing module308communicates with the DHCP server312, the firewall314, the wireless WAN transceiver316, the wireless LAN transceiver310, and the processor302.

The firewall314protects wireless devices connected to the wireless LAN transceiver310from malicious activity, and may also filter malicious activity originating from the wireless devices. The firewall314may implement other functions such as parental controls, intrusion detection, MAC (Media Access Control) filtering, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) filtering, time/date restrictions, and IP address filtering. The firewall314may further offer Network Address Translation (NAT) capability to allow the wireless devices to share a single Internet-visible IP address. The portable access point300may be configured to attach to a user's belt via a belt clip330. An optional charging connection332may be adjacent to, or integrated with, the belt clip330. The charging connection332allows another device to be charged from the battery pack320. This device may be a mobile telephone, a PDA, or any other battery-powered device.

The processor302communicates with a universal file system306, which in turn communicates with a storage device307. The universal file system306allows the portable access point300to be connected to any wired or wireless client device (e.g., desktop or laptop computer) running any major operating system (e.g., Windows, MacOS, Linux. OpenBSD, etc.). The universal file system306can make the storage device307appear as a removable storage device to the client operating system. The user can then easily transfer multimedia files (data/audio/video) between the portable access point300and the remote device via standard file transfer operations such as drag-and-drop.

The battery pack320communicates with a power input322, to which a user of the portable access point300can connect a power source to charge the battery pack320. The processor302may direct charging of the battery pack320, or the battery pack320may have built-in circuitry that controls its charging. The processor302may also be able to monitor the charge remaining in the battery pack320and/or modulate its output voltage. The battery pack320provides power to the modules within the portable access point300. The battery pack320may operate in conjunction with buck or boost converters (DC to DC) to provide various voltages to different modules. The power input322may accept the output of a transformer, or may accept mains voltages (such as 125V 60 Hz AC) so that an outboard transformer does not need to be carried.

The processor302controls power consumption to maximize the operating time from the battery pack320. The processor302may monitor a state of the battery pack320to determine how aggressively to implement power saving features. One such feature is to either power down or place a module in a sleep mode. This decision may be made based on the length of time since the module was last used. The length of time may vary in accordance with the state of charge of the battery pack320; i.e., when the battery pack320has less charge, a module is powered down after a shorter period of time.

For instance, the processor302may power down the wireless WAN transceiver316when packets have not been communicated to the Internet for a period of time. If incoming connections from the Internet are expected, the wireless WAN transceiver316may also support a sleep mode whereby the wireless WAN transceiver316awaits a wake signal from the WAN. Alternately, the processor may power down the wireless WAN transceiver316when the firewall314determines there are no open TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connections between the wireless devices and the Internet.

The processor302may also place the wireless LAN transceiver310in sleep mode when packets have not been received at the wireless LAN transceiver for a period of time. The wireless LAN transceiver310may be in a sleep mode until it receives a wake-up signal from a wireless device. In sleep mode, the wireless LAN transceiver310does not need to perform any transmission or decoding; only the receiver must be powered.

If the system storage module304is not being used, it can be directed to go into a sleep mode where it draws only enough power to maintain its contents. A storage technology such as flash RAM would require no power to maintain its state. The DHCP server312and firewall314may be implemented as functions of the processor302, and the processor302may cease executing these functions to conserve power. The processor302may reduce its operating frequency, or may itself enter into a sleep mode. In such a sleep mode, the processor302would wait for a wake signal to be received from the wireless LAN transceiver310. Additionally the portable access point300may have an on/off switch to allow all functions to be turned off to save power.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a functional block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a more richly featured portable access point400according to the principles of the present invention is presented. In this example, portable access point400includes mobile phone capability, which uses a display402to communicate information to a user, an input device404to receive information such as phone numbers from the user, a speaker406to provide audio information to the user, and a microphone408to receive audio information, such as the user's voice. A processor410controls the display402, the input device404, the speaker406, and the microphone408, using an operating system and applications retrieved from a system storage module414.

The display402may include a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, may be color, and may be capable of full-motion video. The display402may display dialed telephone numbers and/or call status. The input device404may include buttons, a touchpad, scroll wheels, and/or a touch screen. The speaker406may include a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and/or an amplifier. The microphone408may include an ADC (Analog to Digital converter) and/or an amplifier.

The processor410may also communicate information to the user via a set of indicators416. These indicators may display the status of a wireless LAN transceiver418or a wireless WAN transceiver420. The wireless LAN transceiver418is capable of communicating with a plurality of wireless devices and may attach to an external antenna422, which may or may not be removable. The wireless WAN transceiver420communicates with a mobile telephone service provider that offers data service and may attach to an external antenna424, which may or may not be removable. A routing module426allows packets to be directed between and among devices communicating with the wireless LAN transceiver418and the wireless WAN transceiver420. The routing module426may also route to one or more wired ports428for connecting to devices with a wired LAN capability, such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3).

A DHCP server440and a firewall442communicate with the routing module426. The DHCP server440provides IP addresses (in the form of a DHCP lease) to wireless devices connecting to the wireless LAN transceiver418or to devices connecting to the wired ports428. The firewall442filters packets and protects the wired and wireless devices from malicious activity. The processor410communicates with a storage device444that is capable of storing media information and/or user data. The media information may have originated from a variety of sources, such as on-board recording, or uploading from a user device such as a computer or media player. This content may be downloaded to wireless devices, or provided as streaming content by the processor410. In addition, the processor410may provide such content to the display402, the speaker406, or an audio port446. The processor accesses the storage device444via a universal file system module445, as described above with respect toFIG. 4.

The audio port446may allow the connection of headphones or may allow connection of the portable access point400to a stereo system. The portable access point400may also include an AM/FM tuner448and/or a satellite radio tuner450, either or both of which may utilize external antennas, represented as452and454, respectively. The processor410directs the tuning of the AM/FM and satellite radio tuners448and450, and may stream their media to wireless devices via the wireless LAN transceiver418or may store their content in the storage device444for later upload or playback.

An expansion port460allows the portable access point400to communicate with additional devices, such as a headset, an automobile phone connection, or physiological sensors as discussed below. A battery pack470provides power to the portable access point400. The battery pack470can be charged by a power cord connected from a mains receptacle to a charging connection472. The charging connection472may receive a DC voltage that is appropriate for charging the battery pack470, or may have to transform incoming AC or DC into an appropriate DC voltage for the battery pack470.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a functional block diagram of an exemplary portable access point500tailored to physiological monitoring applications according to the principles of the present invention is presented. The portable access point500includes a processor502, system storage504, a routing module506, a wireless LAN transceiver508, a DHCP server510, a firewall512, a wireless WAN transceiver514, a display516, an input device518, a storage device520, indicators522, a battery pack524, a charging connection526, and optional antennas530and532, all of which operate similarly to modules described above with respect toFIG. 5. In addition, the storage device520may incorporate a universal file system, described above with respect toFIG. 4.

The portable access point500contains an expansion port534which is adapted to be connected to various physiological sensors and recorders550. These sensors can include a thermometer550-1, a blood glucose meter550-2, a blood pressure monitor550-3, a stethoscope550-4, a pedometer550-5, an ECG (Electrocardiogram) recorder550-6, and an EEG (Electroencephalogram) recorder550-7. Many other types of physiological sensors can be connected, including but not limited to, mass sensors (such as digital scales), pulse oximeters (for measuring oxygenated hemoglobin proportion in blood), spirometers (for measuring air capacity of the lungs), and/or sensors for measuring international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (PT/INR).

These physiological sensors provide physiological data to the expansion port534, which is optionally processed by the processor502and stored in the storage device520. This information can be retrieved by a wireless device connected to the wireless LAN transceiver508, or may be available through the Internet via the wireless WAN transceiver514. The expansion port534may include ADCs to convert analog data from sensors into digital data. In addition, the expansion port534may include preamplifiers to boost the amplitude of incoming analog signals and/or level shifters to receive digital signals from a wide variety of digital logic families.

Physiological sensors550may alternately communicate with the wireless LAN transceiver508if they have wireless capability. The input device518may allow users to, for example, enter how often certain readings are to be taken or identify the various sensors connected to the expansion port534. Data being recorded, data that has previously been recorded, information pertaining to when data should be uploaded, and interpretations of readings can be conveyed to the user via the display516. Additionally, an optional secure web server allows physiological data to be accessed remotely, such as by clinician or hospital staff.

The portable access point500may additionally include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver556having an optional external antenna558. When the processor502detects an alarm condition, the processor502can obtain the current physical location of the portable access point500using the GPS receiver556. The alarm condition may be derived from abnormal readings from a physiological sensor550, or from manual input from the user, such as to the input device518. The processor502may periodically update its physical location information, so that if the GPS receiver cannot locate a signal (such as when inside), at least recent position information is available.

Upon detecting the alarm condition, the processor502generates an alarm message that contains the position information. The position information can help Emergency Medical Services to locate the patient. The alarm message may also include stored patient information, and historical and/or current physiological sensor550readings. The portable access point500then sends the alarm message wirelessly to a pre-programmed address. The alarm message is preferably encrypted, and may be sent in any suitable format (e.g., Short Message Service text message, email, eXtensible Markup Language message, etc.). The alarm message may also contain authentication information to prevent forged alarm messages.