Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is the non-provisional of U.S. Ser. No. 60/515,111, filed Oct. 28, 2003, incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to facsimile machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to wireless facsimile machines that operate in wireless telephone networks or with cordless telephone systems. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Consumers of modern telephony services have a wide range of products and services available to them. Among these is the conventional wire-line telephone that provides access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”). The classic telephone-set includes a base and a handset. The two are connected together by a cord that carries duplex audio and signaling information. The base is further connected to the PSTN with a twisted pair of wires running from the user&#39;s telephone location to a telephone company central office. In addition to providing voice communications, the PSTN widely supports and communicates facsimile image through the use of facsimile machines by consumers. Various technologies for encoding, transmitting, decoding and reproducing facsimile images are known. The dominant standard for communicating facsimile images is the CCITT Group 3 facsimile protocol specification. CCITT Group 3 standards are recognized and have been adopted worldwide, which enables consumers to communicate facsimile images on a worldwide basis. In the United States, the vast majority of facsimile machines are directly connected to the PSTN with twisted pair wires via the familiar RJ-11 jack interface, although cellular telephone network based facsimile machines are known. Many embodiments of facsimile machines are known, including stand-alone machines, personal computer based machines, and integrated peripheral devices, which include a facsimile machine function. 
   Over the years, many more convenience features have been added to telephone systems and telephone services. Cordless telephones were developed, which eliminated the cord between the base unit and the handset, but did not eliminate the twisted pair of wires connecting the base to the central office. In a cordless telephone, the cord is replaced by a pair or radio transceivers, one in the base and one in the handset, that allow the user to move freely within the radio coverage range of the transceivers. As noted above, cellular telephone networks have also been developed and deployed. Technically speaking, “cellular” is term specifically applied to AMPS based wireless telephones that operate in certain 900 MHz radio bands, as allocated by the FCC. Thus, the term “wireless telephone” will be used hereinafter to describe any telephone system that operates from a radio network, which includes that familiar cellular telephone, as well as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, T-Mobile, Nextel, AMPS, DECT and other systems, which are familiar to those skilled in the art. Wireless telephone networks eliminate the need for interconnection of the telephone terminal unit to the PSTN by a twisted pair of wires. Rather, a network of fixed radio transceivers replaces the wire-line network. Each wireless telephone handset contains a radio transceiver that communicates wirelessly with the wireless network. Wireless telephone networks greatly expand the roaming ability of the users as compared with cordless telephones because the network allows roaming of terminal units between several fixed radio transceivers. 
   The advent of cordless telephones and wireless telephone service, as well as the dramatic increase in other telephony services, including facsimile communications, has changed the way people use telephones and their expectations about the convenience of service. Most homes and offices have multiple telephone services, including wired telephones, cordless telephones, wireless telephones, as well as facsimile machines. In addition, many users travel frequently and desire to carry their telephony identities with them, and maintain access to the various services that are enjoyed at home or in the office. While there now exists technology to tightly integrate wired, wireless and cordless voice services, in particular, see co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,105 to Liu, the inventor of the present invention, for WIRELESS NODE MULTIPLE HANDSET CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. However, the facsimile machine has not kept pace with the voice terminal devices, especially in terms of portability and integration between various service types. Essentially, there are fixed location machines that are coupled via twisted pair, and wireless telephone facsimile machines that are essentially terminals on a wireless telephone network. The drawback of the wired machines is the requirement of fixed location service access. The drawback of the wireless telephone terminal is the high cost of operation, dedicated nature of the service function, and the lack of interoperability as to location and interconnection options. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved apparatus and method of communication wirelessly with facsimile machines across various communications environments, with portability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An apparatus for communicating data, including facsimile data, via first wireless signals and second wireless signals is taught. The apparatus includes a facsimile machine coupled to a switch, a first transceiver operable to convert the first wireless signals with the switch, and a second transceiver operable to convert the second wireless signals with the switch. The switch is selectable to a first state wherein the facsimile data is coupled between the first transceiver and the facsimile machine, and a second state wherein the facsimile data is coupled between the second transceiver and the facsimile machine, and a third state wherein the data is coupled between the first transceiver and the second transceiver. 
   In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is further adapted to operate from a rechargeable battery. A portable housing is provided, which encloses the apparatus, and, a rechargeable battery receptacle is formed within the housing for receiving the rechargeable battery. In another embodiment, the first transceiver is a wireless telephone transceiver adapted to communicate according to a wireless telephone network protocol. In a refinement to this embodiment, the apparatus is further adapted to receive a subscriber identity module containing user service profile data. The apparatus includes a subscriber identity module interface that is coupled to the first transceiver for receiving the subscriber interface module and communicating the user service profile data therewith. The switch may be a digital switch of an analog switch. 
   In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the second transceiver is a cordless telephone transceiver adapted to communicate according to a cordless telephone protocol. In another embodiment, the second transceiver is a cordless telephone transceiver adapted to communicate according to a multiple-handset cordless telephone protocol. In a further refinement of the invention, the apparatus includes a corded handset coupled to the switch, and the switch is selectable to a fourth state wherein the data is coupled between the corded handset and the first transceiver or the second transceiver. 
   In a particular embodiment of the invention, wherein the first and second wireless signals are communicated through a first and second wireless system, respectively, and the first and second wireless systems require registration of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the switch. The controller operates to automatically select a preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver and attempt to register therewith. Upon successful registration therewith, the controller sets the switch to the corresponding one of the three switch states. In a refinement to this embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the controller. Actuation of the actuator selects the preferred one or the first transceiver of the second transceiver. In another refinement, the controller operates to automatically select the non-preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver in response to a failed registration attempt to register with the preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver. The controller may operate to periodically retry the attempt to register. 
   The present invention also teaches a method of communicating data, including facsimile data, via first wireless signals and second wireless signals in an apparatus that includes a facsimile machine, a first transceiver and a second transceiver coupled through a switch. The method includes the steps of coupling facsimile data from converted first wireless signals between the first transceiver and the facsimile machine when the switch is set to a first state, and coupling facsimile data from converted second wireless signals between the second transceiver and the facsimile machine when the switch is set to a second state. Also, coupling data from converted first wireless signals and converted second wireless signals between the first transceiver and the second transceiver when the switch is set to a third state. 
   In a specific embodiment of the foregoing method, the first transceiver is a wireless telephone transceiver, and the method includes the further the step of communicating according to a wireless telephone network protocol. In another embodiment, the method includes the further step of reading user service profile data from a subscriber identity module coupled to the first transceiver. In another embodiment, wherein the second transceiver is a cordless telephone transceiver, the method includes the step of communicating according to a cordless telephone protocol. In another embodiment, wherein the second transceiver is a cordless telephone transceiver, the method includes the step of communicating according to a multiple-handset cordless telephone protocol. 
   In a specific embodiment of the method, wherein the apparatus further includes a corded handset coupled to the switch, the method includes the further step of coupling data through the switch, between the corded handset and the first transceiver of the second transceiver when the switch is set in a fourth state. In another specific embodiment, wherein the first wireless system and the second wireless system require registration for service, the method further includes the steps of communicating registration signals with a preferred one of the first wireless network or the second wireless network, and upon successful completion of registration, setting the switch to the corresponding one of the three switch states. In a refinement to this method, the further step of selecting the preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver is added. Inn another refinement, the method includes the further step of selecting the non-preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver in response to a failed registration attempt to register with the preferred one of the first transceiver or the second transceiver. Inn yet another refinement, the step of periodically retrying the communicating registration signals step is added. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a drawing of a cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a section view of a cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram of a cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of a cordless telephone handset according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram of a corded telephone handset according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present invention. 
   While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 1 , which is a drawing of a cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus is capable of communicating voice and facsimile data over either a wireless telephone network, or a cordless telephone system. In addition, the apparatus is capable of automatically registering on either system, based on a user preference. Single and multiple handset cordless systems are supported, and, the apparatus can act as a host to a cordless system when the primary telephony resource is a wireless telephone network. In host mode, voice and facsimile services are fully supported. A compact enclosure  2  is provided, which enables portability while traveling, yet still allows sufficient space for user-friendly controls and full-sized paper handling, such as US letter paper or A4 DIN sized paper. A wireless telephone antenna  4  and a cordless telephone antenna  6  are present on the exterior of the enclosure  2 . The antennas  4 , 6  are flexible and can be oriented to optimized radio performance. In an alternative embodiment, both antenna elements are enclosed in a single ray dome. In another alternative embodiment, the antennas  4 , 6  are disposed within the housing  2 , which yields a very clean appearance. A scanner paper feed slot  8  is present on the top of the housing  2  near the rear, and provides a location for the user to insert documents that are to be scanned and transmitted by facsimile. Note that in an alternative embodiment, a multiple sheet paper feeder may be provided for the convenience of sending multiple pages in a single operation. A received document paper output slot  10  is also present in the top of the enclosure, which is where received documents are output from the apparatus. A sharp edge is provided along one or both sides of the slot  10 , to enable the user to cleanly tear pages from a roll of paper (not shown) disposed inside of the housing  2 . 
   The housing  2  in  FIG. 1  presents the user interface for access and operation of the apparatus by a user. A conventional telephone-style keypad  18  is provided for entering telephone numbers, programming alphanumeric characters, and operating various functions of the apparatus. A liquid crystal display  12  is provided, which presents the current status of the apparatus, as well as date, time, telephone number, and function menu information. Such menu displays are understood by those skilled in the art. Also, other display technologies, such as LED or plasma displays, may be employed, as are understood by those skilled in the art. A multiple-position rocker switch  28  is provided to enable the user to navigate through a function menu display in the apparatus. An on/off switch  26  is provided for powering the apparatus on and off. Several dedicated function keys are provided in the user interface, to provide convenient access to frequently functions. A FAX/START key  20  enable the scanning and transmission of a document to a predetermined telephone number. A STOP/EXT key  22  terminates any operation in progress, including facsimile reception and transmission. A MENU key  24  causes the user interface to enter the aforementioned menu mode for access and control of various machine functions. A PAUSE key  30  is used to temporarily pause various functions, without terminating the operation completely. A SET key  32  is provided for selecting from a menu of choices in the various function menus. A COPY key  34  is provided, which enables a stand alone copy mode, where documents can be scanned and printed locally, without facsimile transmission. 
   The housing  2  in  FIG. 1  also presents an AC power adapter connector  14 , which allows the user to draw current from a wall-plug transformer-adapter when such power is available. In addition to powering the apparatus, the connector  14  allows the user to recharge internal storage batteries (not shown). An external RJ-type connector  16  is provided, which enables the connection of a local corded telephone handset to the apparatus. The corded handset (not shown) enables the user to conduct voice communications with the apparatus. The illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 1  includes utilization of industry standard subscriber identity modules (“SIM”). A SIM is a postage-stamp sized integrated circuit device that includes random access memory. The SIM card  17  is basically a tiny computing device that accesses stored data and computer functions. Within the SIM card  17  is stored a user&#39;s unique identity and various parameters of personal information. Also includes, is personal data, such as a telephone book list of names and numbers, etc. The SIM cards are portable and enable each user to transfer their identity from one telephone device to another. The SIM card  17  is inserted into a compatible receptacle  15  disposed on the front of the housing  2 , which enables any given user to transfer their identity and personal information. SIM card technology is known to those skilled in the art. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 2 , which is a section view of the cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The section view is cut through the housing  2  and reveals various internal components as well as the paper handling paths within the apparatus. The key actuators  30 ,  32 ,  34  are visible, as well as the display  12 , which are disposed on the top of the housing  2 . Within the housing, a package of electronics  54  is disposed beneath the user interface. A rechargeable storage battery  56  is provided to power the apparatus during portable operation. An access cover (not shown) is provided on the bottom of the housing to enable changing of the battery  56 . The cordless and wireless telephone transceiver circuits  58  are also disposed within the housing  2 . EMR shielding is provided around the transceivers  58  to reduce radio interference issues. 
   The paper handling paths are apparent in  FIG. 2 . In the illustrative embodiment, a roll of thermal paper  36  is supported within the housing  2  on a spindle  38 . A set of drive rollers  46  transport the thermal paper  36  across a thermal print head  48 , which is driven under control of the electronic circuits  54 . The design and operation of thermal printers is known to those skilled in the art. As documents are printed, the thermal paper is ejected from the print slot  10  in the housing. As each page of a facsimile or copy is completed, the user tears the page along the edge of the slot  10 . The paper scanning mechanism is also visible in  FIG. 2 . The original document  51  is fed into the paper input slot  8 . A set of drive rollers  50  grip the document  51  and drive it past a scanner head  52 . Document scanners are known to those skilled in the art. As the document  51  is driven by the drive rollers  50 , it is ejected from an exit slot  9  at the back of the housing. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 3 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  2  of the present invention functions as a cordless telephone facsimile terminal in  FIG. 3 . A typical application of this mode of operation would be where a user is at their home or office and wireline PSTN access is available, yet cordless portability is desired. A cordless telephone base unit  61  is coupled to the PSTN  60  via a conventional twisted pair metallic connection. The cordless base unit  61  may be any of those known to persons skilled in the art, including open protocol standards as well as proprietary systems and protocols utilized by particular manufacturers. This generalization respecting cordless telephone protocols is applicable to all the functional embodiments described herein. In  FIG. 3 , a single channel, single terminal cordless system is illustrated. Cordless radio signals  62  couple the cordless base unit  61  to the cordless antenna of the apparatus  2 . The wireless antenna  4  is not used in this mode of operation. Facsimile messages are received and transmitted from the apparatus  2  to the PSTN  60  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the cordless base  61 , the cordless antenna  6 , and the cordless radio signals  62  as a communications channel. A corded handset  70  is coupled to the apparatus  2  so that the user can access voice communications through the cordless environment when desired. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 4 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where that apparatus functions as a terminal unit in a multiple handset cordless telephone system. A cordless base unit  61  establishes a cordless telephone radio network  63  that supports multiple terminal units. The cordless base unit  61  is coupled to the PSTN  60  via a conventional twisted pair metallic connection. Plural cordless telephone handsets  68  communicate using cordless radio signals  66  into the cordless network  63 . The plural handsets  68  can communicate amongst each other or into the PSTN  60 . The apparatus  2  of the present invention functions as a single cordless terminal in the multiple terminal cordless network  63 , which communicates via cordless radio signals  66  through the cordless antenna  6 . The wireless antenna  4  is not used in this mode of operation. Facsimile messages are received and transmitted from the apparatus  2  to the PSTN  60  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the cordless base  61 , the cordless network  63 , the cordless antenna  6 , and the cordless radio signals  66  as a communications channel. A corded handset  70  is coupled to the apparatus  2  so that the user can access voice communications through the cordless network  63  when one of the plural handsets  68  isn&#39;t otherwise available. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 5 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus  2  functions as a cordless terminal in cooperation with a wireless and cordless node  67 . The wireless and cordless node is the device described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,105 to Liu, the inventor of the present invention, for WIRELESS NODE MULTIPLE HANDSET CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM. The wireless node  67  communicates wireless telephone signals  65  with a wireless telephone network  64 , which are the telephone resource available to the apparatus  2  of the present invention. The wireless node  67  communicates cordless telephone signals  62  through the cordless antenna  6  of the apparatus  2 . The wireless antenna  4  is not used in this mode of operation. Facsimile messages are received and transmitted from the apparatus  2  to the wireless network  64  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the wireless node  67 , the cordless radio signals  62 , and the cordless antenna  6  as a communications channel. A corded handset  70  is coupled to the apparatus  2  so that the user can access voice communications through to the wireless network  64  when desired. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 6 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus  2  functions as a cordless terminal in cooperation with a wireless and cordless node  67 . The wireless and cordless node is the device described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,105 to Liu, the inventor of the present invention, for WIRELESS NODE MULTIPLE HANDSET CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM. The wireless node  67  communicates wireless telephone signals  65  with a wireless telephone network  64 , which are the telephone resource available to the apparatus  2  of the present invention. The wireless node  67  establishes a multiple terminal unit cordless telephone network  63 . Plural cordless telephone handsets  68  communicate using cordless radio signals  66  into the cordless telephone network  63 . The plural handsets  68  can communicate amongst each other or into the wireless telephone network  64 . The apparatus  2  of the present invention functions as a single cordless terminal in the multiple terminal cordless network  63 , which communicates via cordless radio signals  66  through the cordless antenna  6 . The wireless antenna  4  is not used in this mode of operation. Facsimile messages are received and transmitted from the apparatus  2  to the wireless network  64  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the wireless node  67 , the cordless radio network  63 , and the cordless antenna  6  as a communications channel. A corded handset  70  is coupled to the apparatus  2  so that the user can access voice communications through to the wireless network  64  when desired. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 7 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus  2  functions as a stand-alone wireless telephone facsimile terminal unit. The apparatus  2  communicates using wireless telephone signals  65  through its wireless antenna  4  with a wireless telephone network  64 . The cordless antenna  6  is not used in this mode of operation. Facsimile messages are received and transmitted from the apparatus  2  to the wireless network  64  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the wireless telephone signals and the wireless antenna  4  as a communications channel. A corded handset  70  is coupled to the apparatus  2  so that the user can access voice communications through to the wireless network  64  when desired. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 8 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus  2  functions as a wireless and cordless node in addition to a wireless facsimile machine. The apparatus  2  communicated wireless telephone signals  65  with a wireless telephone network  64  via wireless antenna  4 . The wireless telephone network is the PSTN telephone resource in this embodiment. Facsimile messages are transmitted and received from the apparatus  2  to the wireless network  64  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the wireless telephone signals  65  as a communication channel. In this mode of operation, the apparatus  2  functions as a wireless and cordless node device as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,105 to Liu, the inventor of the present invention, for WIRELESS NODE MULTIPLE HANDSET CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM. A cordless telephone handset  72  communicates with the apparatus via cordless telephone signals  62  via cordless antenna  62 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 9 , which is a system diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus  2  functions as a multiple handset wireless and cordless node in addition to a wireless facsimile machine. The apparatus  2  communicated wireless telephone signals  65  with a wireless telephone network  64  via wireless antenna  4 . The wireless telephone network is the PSTN telephone resource in this embodiment. Facsimile messages are transmitted and received from the apparatus  2  to the wireless network  64  according to the CCITT G3 protocol, using the wireless telephone signals  65  as a communication channel. In this mode of operation, the apparatus  2  functions as a multiple handset wireless and cordless node device as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/781,105 to Liu, the inventor of the present invention, for WIRELESS NODE MULTIPLE HANDSET CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM. The apparatus  2  sets up a cordless telephone network  63  using cordless telephone signals  66 . Multiple cordless telephone handsets  68  communicate within the cordless telephone network, and can communicate amongst one another or into the wireless network  64  via the apparatus  2  using both the cordless antenna  6  and the wireless antenna  4 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 10 , which is a functional block diagram of a cordless and wireless facsimile apparatus  2  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A wireless antenna  4  couples signals to and from a wireless transceiver  80 . The wireless transceiver  80  modulates and demodulates encoded wireless telephone signals to the base-band. A wireless processor  88  converts the base-band signals to a wireless audio signal portion and a wireless control signal portion. The signals are duplex signals. These portions may be analog or digital depending on the radio technology employed, which may be any of those known to people skilled in the art. The wireless control signals are coupled to a controller  90 . On the cordless side of the apparatus  2 , a cordless telephone signal antenna  6  couples cordless telephone radio signals to a cordless transceiver  86 . The cordless transceiver  86  modulates and demodulates the encoded cordless signals to the base-band. A cordless processor  92  converts the cordless signals to plural cordless audio signals and cordless control signals. In the case of a single channel cordless implementation of the present invention, then there is a single connection between the cordless processor  92  and the switch  82 . The signals are duplex signals. The cordless control signals are coupled to the controller  90 . The controller  90  operates to provides functionality by execution of suitable source code that is programmed into a memory portion of the controller  90 . Control signals to and from both the wireless processor  88  and the cordless processor  92  enable the call progress functions of the apparatus  2 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of processors, microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), signal processors, or other programmable devices may be used to embody the wireless processor  88 , controller  90  and cordless processor  92 . In fact a single such device may embody all three, or discrete devices may be used for each, and so forth. 
   The wireless audio signals and the plural cordless audio signals are coupled to switch  82 , which serves to cross connect any two of these signals upon command of the controller  90 . The technology utilized in the switch  82  will depend on the nature of the audio signals, which are controlled by the protocol and technology of the transceivers. Analog signals lend themselves to circuit switching, while data signals lend themselves to multiplexed switching. A telecommunications cross-point switching device may be used, or a digital switching device. In fact, the controller  90  can be used as the switch  82  in certain applications. Those skilled in the art are familiar with various technologies suitable for implementing the switch  82 . In operation, as voice calls are processed, the controller  90  directs the switch  82  to couple calls from the wireless side to the cordless side or from different audio signals on the cordless side depending on the nature of the call. In the case where a corded handset  70  is in use, then the switch  82  couples the duplex audio to an audio circuit  84 , which is coupled to the handset  70 . The audio circuit  84  adjusts signal levels and impedances to match the handset  70  requirements. Call switching is at the control of controller  90 , which operates in accordance with the aforementioned object code and user selections through the user interface  96 . 
   The facsimile machine functions of the apparatus  2  are implemented using a page scanner  100  and a thermal printer  94 , both of which are coupled to the controller  90 . Various scanner and printer technologies known to those skilled in the art can be applied to the teachings of the present invention. The two principle characteristics preferred are compact size and low power consumption for battery operation. The modem functions required in the CCITT G3 protocol convert the modulated tones and signals through the analog audio channel into digital data. These modulation and demodulation functions are carried out in the wireless processor  88  or cordless processor  92  depending on the channel in use for facsimile transmission in each given facsimile call. In the illustrative embodiment, these functions are implemented as digital signal processing code, so the same code can be executed in the both processors  88 ,  92 . Inn an alternative embodiment, the modem functions are carried out in the controller  90 , the choice of which is a design decision. Those skilled in the art are knowledgeable in the area of CCITT G3 modulation and demodulation coding schemes. 
   The user interface  96  is provided in accordance with the design described with respect to  FIG. 1  herein. The components include contact closure actuators for user access, indicators and a display. The implementation of such a user interface is known to those skilled in the art. A storage battery  58  is coupled to provide power to the various circuits in apparatus  2 . A battery charging terminal  14  is present to allow connection of an external power supply for charging the battery  58  or for directly powering the apparatus  2  and its various circuits. The apparatus  2  in  FIG. 10  also includes a SIM card interface circuit  98  with a SIM card interface slot to accept a SIM card  17 . The slot (not shown) accepts a discrete SIM card, and the interface  98  is coupled to transfer SIM card data with the controller  90  and wireless processor  88 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 11 , which is a diagram of a cordless telephone handset  68  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The cordless handset  68  illustrated is suitable for use with the wireless and cordless facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The handset  68  includes a cordless antenna  102  that communicates cordless telephone radio signals with the cordless antenna on the facsimile apparatus (not shown). A earphone  104  is provided to couple audio signals to the user. A display  106  provides visual feedback to the user. A cordless telephone keypad  108  is provided, and is of the type known to those skilled in the art. A microphone  110  is used to couple user audio into the system. Battery charging contacts  112  couple with battery charging terminals  116  disposed on a charging cradle  114 . The charging cradle  118  receives primary power though a connector  118  that couples with a cable  120  to a wall-plug transformer  122 . The internal functions and circuitry of the cordless telephone  68  comply with the specifics of the cordless protocol implemented with the wireless and cordless facsimile apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12  is a diagram of a corded telephone handset  70  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The telephone handset  70  is suitable for corded connection to the wireless and cordless facsimile apparatus of the present invention. The handset includes the earphone  124  and microphone  130  that are typically employed in a telephone handset. In the illustrative embodiment, a data signal is coupled through the cord  132  in addition to the audio signals. The data signals are coupled to the controller in the apparatus of the present invention and enable the communications of data to the display  126  and telephone keypad  128  in the handset. This is a convenience feature, so the user can use the wireless and cordless facsimile apparatus of the present invention in the same manner as a voice telephone, when such service is desirable in addition to facsimile service. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 13 , which is a process flow diagram illustrating the telephone resource preference and selection processes according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process begins at step  140  and proceeds into an idle loop  142 , from which all of the software processes flow. At step  144 , at test is made to determine what resource preference has been specified. The specification of cordless or wireless resource can be by default programming or by a user specified preference. In the case the preference is set to “cordless”, then the process is biased to access the cordless service for facsimile communications by proceeding to step  146 . At step  146 , the process attempts to register the apparatus with the available cordless resource, which may be a single or multiple handset cordless base of a wireless node. If the registration succeeds, then flow proceeds to step  150  where the mode of the apparatus is set to cordless facsimile mode. The cordless mode is displayed at step  152 , such as by illuminating a cordless icon on the display, and flow returns to the idle loop at step  154 . On the other hand, at step  148 , if the cordless registration attempt fails, then flow proceeds to step  156 . At step  156 , the process attempts a wireless registration, since the cordless service is not presently available. If the wireless registration fails at step  158 , then flow proceeds to step  162  where the mode is set to off-line, and, the status is displayed at step  164 . On the other hand, at step  158 , if the wireless registration has succeeded, then flow proceeds to step  160 . At step  160 , the mode is set to wireless node and facsimile terminal, and flow proceeds to step  164  where the status is displayed. 
   In  FIG. 13  at step  144 , if the resource preference is set to “wireless”, then flow proceeds to step  168 , where the wireless preference bias is implemented. At step  168 , the apparatus attempts a wireless network registration. If the registration succeeds at step  170 , then flow proceeds to step  152  where the status is displayed, such as by illuminating a wireless icon on the display. The process then returns to the idle state at step  154 . On the other hand, at step  170 , if the wireless registration attempt fails, then flow proceeds to step  174 . At step  174 , the process attempts a cordless registration, since the wireless service is not presently available. If the cordless registration fails at step  176 , then flow proceeds to step  162  where the mode is set to off-line, and, the status is displayed at step  164 . On the other hand, at step  176 , if the cordless registration has succeeded, then flow proceeds to step  178 . At step  178 , the mode is set to cordless facsimile terminal, and flow proceeds to step  164  where the status is displayed. From step  164 , regardless of how this step is reached, a timer is set at step  166 . The purpose of the timer  166  is to cause the resource preference selection process to be re-executed at a later time, because the preferred resource was not available for registration. In a practical environment, the apparatus may move of the preferred resource may later become available. The timer  166  causes the process to be re-executed so that the preferred resource can later be accessed and set as the default mode. 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 14 , which is a process flow diagram showing the cordless system incoming call processing according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process in  FIG. 14  is entered when the resource is set to cordless and a call is received by the wireless and cordless apparatus of the present invention. The process starts at step  180  and proceeds to step  182 , which is the aforementioned idle loop. At step  184 , a test is mode to determine if a call is being received from the cordless system. If not, flow loops to step  182  and further waits for an incoming call. If a call is incoming at step  184 , then flow proceeds to step  186 . At step  186 , a cordless system handshake is executed to answer and connect the incoming call. At step  186 , the CCITT G3 CED tone and V.21 synchronization processes are executed. These processes are understood by those skilled in the art, as a proper answer sequence for and incoming facsimile message call. At step  190 , a test is made to determine if the calling facsimile machine has properly replied under the CCITT G3 protocol. If not, then the call is not from a facsimile machine. Accordingly, flow proceeds to step  192  where the user is alerted that the call is a voice call and flow proceeds to step  196  where the audio is routed to the handset of the apparatus. A voice call is then in process. At step  200 , a test is made to determine if the call has been terminated, such as be one of the telephones hanging up. If the call has not been terminated, then flow returns to step  196  and the call continues. If the call is terminated at step  200 , then flow proceeds to step  202  where the apparatus returns to the idle state. On the other hand, at step  190 , if the calling facsimile does respond according to the CCITT G3 signaling protocol then flow proceeds to step  194 . At step  194 , the facsimile message is received, stored and printed on a page-by-page basis. At step  198 , a test is made to determine if the call is terminated. If not, flow returns to step  194  and further pages are received. If the call is terminated at step  198 , then the apparatus returns to the idle state at step  202 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 15  is a process flow diagram of the cordless mode outgoing call process according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process begins at step  210  and proceeds to the aforementioned idle loop at step  212 . At step  214  a test is made to determine if the user has initiated a facsimile transmission operation. If not, flow returns to the idle state at step  212 . If the user has initiated a facsimile transmission operation at step  214 , then flow proceeds to step  216 . At step  216 , the scanner is enabled and the currently loaded document page is scanned into memory for subsequent transmission. At step  218 , a test is made to determine if another document page has been presented from transmission. If another page is ready, then flow returns to step  216  and that page is scanned to memory. On the other hand, at step  218 , if there are no more document pages, then flow proceeds to step  220 . At step  220 , a call request is processed in the cordless system. If a cordless system resource is not available at step  222 , then flow proceeds to step  237  where the user is alerted, and the error is suitable handled at step  238 , such as setting a retry timer, etc. On the other hand, at step  222 , if a cordless resource is available, then flow proceeds to step  224 . At step  224 , a call is placed to the predetermined destination telephone number. If the call is not answered at step  226 , flow proceeds to steps  237  where the user is alerted and a suitable error handler processes the state at step  238 . On the other hand, at step  226 , if the call is answered, then flow proceeds to step  228 . At step  228 , the CCITT G3 handshake is executed with the answering facsimile machine. If the facsimile machines do not connect at step  230 , then the user is alerted at step  237  and the error is handled at step  238 . On the other hand, as step  230 , if the facsimile machines do connect, then flow proceeds to step  232 . At step  232 , the document pages are transmitted to the receiving machine. At step  236 , as test is made to determine if the call has been terminated. In not, flow returns to step  232  for continue transmitting pages. On the other hand, at step  236 , if the call has been terminated then flow returns to the idle state at step  239 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 16 , which is a process flow diagram showing the wireless network incoming call processing according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process in  FIG. 16  is entered when the resource is set to wireless and a call is received by the wireless and cordless apparatus of the present invention. The process starts at step  240  and proceeds to step  242 , which is the aforementioned idle loop. At step  244 , a test is mode to determine if a call is being received from the wireless network. If not, flow loops to step  242  and further waits for an incoming call. If a call is incoming at step  244 , then flow proceeds to step  246 . At step  246 , the wireless network call is answered and a test is made to determine what the preferred answer mode of the apparatus is. The two options are facsimile answer or voice answer, based on the user&#39;s preference. If the preference is voice answer, then flow proceeds to step  258 , which will be more fully discussed below. On the other hand, at step  246 , if the answer mode preference is set to facsimile answer, then flow proceeds to step  248 . At step  248 , the call is coupled to the facsimile process in the apparatus. At step  250 , the CCITT G3 CED tone and V.21 synchronization processes are executed. These processes are understood by those skilled in the art, as a proper answer sequence for and incoming facsimile message call. At step  252 , a test is made to determine if the calling facsimile machine has properly replied under the CCITT G3 protocol. If not, then the call is not from a facsimile machine. Accordingly, flow proceeds to step  254  where the user is alerted that the call is a voice call and flow proceeds to step  258  where the audio is routed to the handset of the apparatus. A voice call is then in process. At step  262 , a test is made to determine if the call has been terminated, such as be one of the telephones hanging up. If the call has not been terminated, then flow returns to step  258  and the call continues. If the call is terminated at step  262 , then flow proceeds to step  264  where the apparatus returns to the idle state. On the other hand, at step  252 , if the calling facsimile does respond according to the CCITT G3 signaling protocol then flow proceeds to step  256 . At step  256 , the facsimile message is received, stored and printed on a page-by-page basis. At step  260 , a test is made to determine if the call is terminated. If not, flow returns to step  256  and further pages are received. If the call is terminated at step  260 , then the apparatus returns to the idle state at step  264 . 
   Reference is directed to  FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram of the wireless mode outgoing call process according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process begins at step  270  and proceeds to the aforementioned idle loop at step  272  At step  274  a test is made to determine if the user has initiated a facsimile transmission operation. If not, flow returns to the idle state at step  272 . If the user has initiated a facsimile transmission operation at step  274 , then flow proceeds to step  276 . At step  276 , the scanner is enabled and the currently loaded document page is scanned into memory for subsequent transmission. At step  278 , a test is made to determine if another document page has been presented from transmission. If another page is ready, then flow returns to step  276  and that page is scanned to memory. On the other hand, at step  278 , if there are no more document pages, then flow proceeds to step  280 . At step  280 , a call is placed in the wireless network. At step  282 , if the call is not answered, flow proceeds to steps  290  where the user is alerted and a suitable error handler processes the state at step  294 . On the other hand, at step  282 , if the call is answered, then flow proceeds to step  284 . At step  284 , the CCITT G3 handshake is executed with the answering facsimile machine. If the facsimile machines do not connect at step  285 , then the user is alerted at step  290  and the error is handled at step  294 . On the other hand, as step  285 , if the facsimile machines do connect, then flow proceeds to step  288 . At step  288 , the document pages are transmitted to the receiving machine. At step  292 , as test is made to determine if the call has been terminated. In not, flow returns to step  288  for continue transmitting pages. On the other hand, at step  292 , if the call has been terminated then flow returns to the idle state at step  296 . 
   Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof. 
   It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: 7