Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – With radio cabinet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-07-10
Wong, Don (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
With radio cabinet
C455S090300, C455S128000, C455S348000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259409
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to wireless communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to enabling a computer to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network and wireless devices.
BACKGROUND
Computer networks have permeated workplaces as an important tool. A computer network offers many advantages not available in the context of a single computer. For example, a computer network such as a Local Area Network (LAN) enables a group of people to share computer resources and to communicate ideas with each other. Moreover, people in different physical locations can work together on projects.
However, a typical network still has many problematic areas needing improvements. One of these problematic areas is the wiring infrastructure supporting the network. Specifically, in creating a network, using physical wires to connect network nodes comes inevitably with several limitations and complications. First, various types of wires exist that are not compatible with each other. As such, additional specialized connectors and network devices are necessary to create the network. Second, the transmission signal quality of the wire decreases as wire length increases. Thus, wire length cannot exceed the set maximum operable distance without transmission signal degradation. These disadvantages of the network wiring infrastructure motivate the creation and development of wireless network technology. An additional motivation for creating and developing wireless network is node mobility. That is, any node within a wireless network need not be placed in a fixed location as long as the node is within communication range of the wireless network.
All in all, by removing the need for wires, a wireless network transcends various physical limitations of physical wires. Moreover, wireless network advantageously offers node mobility.
For any wireless device, an antenna plays a pivotal role in wireless communication with the wireless network or other wireless devices. The antenna is typically attached to a computer such as a lap-top computer acting as a node within the network. Typically, this antenna is used to communicate data with another wireless device or a wireless network such as a wireless LAN.
In one prior art approach, an antenna is attached to a computer for wireless communication with a wireless network or a wireless device. In particular, this prior art approach is illustrated with FIG.
2
A. An antenna
210
is shown attached to a computer
205
externally. When in operation, the orientation of antenna
210
is adjusted to achieve at least adequate reception and transmission to a wireless network
200
. Specifically, in
FIG. 2A
, the wireless network
200
is depicted as a LAN
200
.
However, this prior art approach created at least three problems. First, the antenna used is prone to damage. Because the entire antenna protrudes outside of the computer, a user can easily bump off the antenna or break the antenna. Second, the antenna is cumbersome to set up for use. The antenna needs to be attached to the computer, then adjusted for orientation that offers at least adequate reception and transmission. Third, the antenna is inconvenient to store. The entire antenna needs to be removed from the computer first before the computer can be fitted inside a typical computer storage case.
In yet another prior art approach, as shown in
FIG. 2B
, a telescoping antenna
207
is put to use when pulled from a guide
209
of computer
207
and telescoped into an extended position. When not in use, telescoping antenna
214
is entirely folded within guide
209
of computer
207
. This prior art approach allows convenient computer storage because the folded antenna
214
does not protrude out of the side of computer
207
.
However, this prior approach creates at least three problems. In particular, the telescoped antenna in its extended position is vulnerable to accidental breakage. Also, this antenna is cumbersome to use. It is first pulled out and away from a computer and telescoped. Moreover, the antenna is obstructive to typing. Sometimes, the antenna positioned for acceptable reception and transmission might actually block a user from easily accessing the computer keyboard. As the antenna orientation is adjusted to achieve at least adequate reception and transmission, this antenna might block or obstruct a user from typing on the computer keyboard.
Thus, a need exists for a computer to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network or a wireless device without the computer antenna being prone to breakage. Also, a need exists for a computer to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network or a wireless device without being cumbersome to set up the computer antenna. In addition, a need exists for a computer to wireless communicate with a wireless network without obstructing a user from accessing the computer keyboard. Furthermore, a need exists for conveniently storing a computer having an antenna for wireless communication.
SUMMARY
The present invention advantageously enables a computer to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network or wireless devices without the computer antenna being vulnerable to breakage. Also, the present invention advantageously enables a computer to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network or wireless devices without being cumbersome to set up the computer antenna. In addition, the present invention advantageously enables a computer to wireless communicate with a wireless network or wireless devices without obstructing a user from accessing the computer keyboard. Furthermore, the present invention advantageously enables convenient storage for a computer having an antenna for wireless communication.
Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a pc card configured for insertion into a computer pc card slot. Additionally, a sliding assembly is housed within the pc card. This sliding assembly is operable for sliding into a retracted position and a protruded position. When in the retracted position, the sliding assembly is completely concealed within the pc card. When in the protruded position, the sliding assembly is partly exposed outside of the pc card. Furthermore, an antenna element is fitted inside the sliding assembly. When the sliding assembly is in the protruded position, this antenna element enables wireless communication of a computer with a wireless network and wireless devices.
In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented for a device acting as a node within a wireless network- without using a pc card configured for insertion into a pc card slot. A sliding assembly is directly housed within the device. This sliding assembly is operable for sliding into a retracted position and a protruded position. When in the retracted position, the sliding assembly is completely concealed within the device. When in the protruded position, the sliding assembly is partly exposed outside of the device. Furthermore, an antenna element is fitted inside the sliding assembly. When the sliding assembly is in the protruded position, this antenna element enables wireless communication of the device with the wireless network or other wireless devices.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures.
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patent: 5337061 (1994-08-01), Pye et al.
patent: 5357091 (1994-10-01), Ozawa et al.
patent: 5361061 (1994-11-01), Mays et al.
patent: 5563400 (1996-10-01), LeRoux
patent: 5918163 (1999-06-01), Rossi
patent: 6097934 (2000-08-01), Spall et al.
patent: 6104350 (2000-08-01), Ng et al.
patent: 6107971 (2000-08-01), Flegeo
Aldous Steven C.
Fulton Paul
Johnson Thomas A.
Price Tim Urry
Rios Carlos A.
3Com Corporation
Tran Thuy Vinh
Wagner , Murabito & Hao LLP
Wong Don
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