Phillip L Miller

US Patent:

6431451, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Jun 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/609078

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA
George E. Hanson - Cedar Rapids IA
Darald R. Schultz - Cedar Rapids IA
Jeffrey S. Krunnfusz - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Intermec IP Corp. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23547201, 23546245

Abstract:

A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

US Patent:

6749122, Jun 15, 2004

Filed:

Dec 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/467255

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA
Alan G. Bunte - Cedar Rapids IA
George E. Hanson - Cedar Rapids IA
Ronald L. Mahany - Cedar Rapids IA
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA
Steven H. Salvay - Cedar Rapids IA
Arvin D. Danielson - Solon IA
Guy J. West - Cedar Rapids IA

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

23547202, 23546246, 455466

Abstract:

Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

US Patent:

6910632, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/188183

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US
George E. Hanson - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Darald R. Schultz - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Jeffrey S. Krunnfusz - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K007/10

US Classification:

23547201, 23546245

Abstract:

A data communications device includes a base unit having a first microprocessor and a data and communication module received by the base unit that includes a second microprocessor and a transceiver. The data and communication module is selected from a plurality of data and communication modules each having different types of transceivers. A program is stored in one of the base unit and the data and communication module to control communication of control signals and data between the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor according to a uniform data protocol that is understandable to the base unit.

US Patent:

7004395, Feb 28, 2006

Filed:

Mar 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/809108

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Alan G. Bunte - Cedar Rapids IA, US
George E. Hanson - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Ronald L. Mahany - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Steven H. Salvay - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Arvin D. Danielson - Solon IA, US
Guy J. West - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23547202, 23546246, 455466

Abstract:

Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

US Patent:

7080788, Jul 25, 2006

Filed:

Jul 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/622617

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Guy J. West - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Ronald L. Mahany - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Patrick W. Kinney - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23547201

Abstract:

Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network.

US Patent:

7383038, Jun 3, 2008

Filed:

Jul 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/622241

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Guy J. West - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Ronald L. Mahany - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Patrick W. Kinnney - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

H04M 3/00

US Classification:

455418, 455419, 4554321, 455522, 370352, 370356

Abstract:

Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher 1 vel communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network. The disclosed modular design also provides for automatic selection from a variety of available built-in and externally mounted antennas based on the particular type of radio transceiver(s) selected.

US Patent:

7510121, Mar 31, 2009

Filed:

May 22, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/419636

Inventors:

Steven E. Koenck - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Alan G. Bunte - Cedar Rapids IA, US
George E. Hanson - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Ronald L. Mahany - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Steven H. Salvay - Cedar Rapids IA, US
Arvin D. Danielson - Solon IA, US
Guy J. West - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

235472, 23546245

Abstract:

Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

US Patent:

7537167, May 26, 2009

Filed:

Jun 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/597917

Inventors:

Phillip Miller - Cedar Rapids IA, US

Assignee:

Broadcom Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G06K 7/10

US Classification:

23547201

Abstract:

Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network. The disclosed modular design also provides for automatic selection from a variety of available built-in and externally mounted antennas based on the particular type of radio transceiver(s) selected.