Anthony Tonizzo

US Patent:

6337856, Jan 8, 2002

Filed:

May 20, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/082255

Inventors:

Jeffrey Alan Schanhals - Kentwood MI
Christopher Carl Steffes - Portland MI
Anthony Tonizzo - Kentwood MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI
Datalogic Corporation - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

H04L 1266

US Classification:

370352, 370353, 370354, 370355

Abstract:

A method and apparatus is disclosed for a multimedia data communications system. The data communication system is provided for use in a work environment to establish a connection between a data communication device and an access point in connection with a communication system and with a multimedia system providing a multimedia signal. The data communication system includes a data port associated with the access point, a multimedia conversion circuit associated with the access point and in communication with the data port for converting the multimedia signal from the multimedia system into a multimedia data signal for transmission to the data communication device and for converting a multimedia data signal from the data communication device for transmission to the multimedia device, and a device port associated with the data communication device so that a data link can be established between the data port and the device port. The data communication system also includes a processor associated with the access point for formatting data communications between both the communication system and the data communication device and the multimedia device and the data communication device for transmission over the data link. A method is disclosed for transmitting a signal having a multimedia component and a data component across a data link between a data communication device having a device port and a network access point having a network port.

US Patent:

62980475, Oct 2, 2001

Filed:

May 20, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/081726

Inventors:

Christopher Carl Steffes - Portland MI
Anthony Tonizzo - Kentwood MI
George William Vallillee - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc. - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

H04B 700

US Classification:

370310

Abstract:

A wireless data communication system for establishing a data link between a portable communication device and an interface circuit, such as an interface circuit to a LAN, includes a plurality of transceivers in communication with a control circuit. Each of the transceivers is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals within a defined transceiver space. The plurality of transceiver spaces combine to define a communication space. The control circuit detects the presence of a wireless signal within the communications space by sequentially scanning the transceivers to determine which transceiver is receiving the signal. Once the signal is detected, the control circuit automatically locks onto the transceiver receiving the signal, thereby enabling establishment of a wireless data link between the communication device and the interface circuit. The control circuit continues to monitor the established data link to determine whether data communications are disrupted. Upon detection of a disruption, the control circuit automatically attempts to retain the data link by re-initiating the scanning sequence.