Data processing and communications device with interchangeable modules

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.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . A communication device comprising:
 a base module comprising a base module processor, the base module being operable to couple to one of a plurality of different communication modules, each of the plurality of communication modules comprising a radio transceiver, wherein the base module processor is operable to interface with communication modules employing different wireless communication protocols, thereby enabling the communication device to communicate using a plurality of different wireless communication protocols.   
   
   
       26 . The communication device of  claim 25  wherein the base module further comprises a keypad for receiving user input. 
   
   
       27 . The communication device of  claim 25  wherein the base module further comprises a visual display for displaying information. 
   
   
       28 . The communication device of  claim 25  wherein each of the communication modules is operable to communicate with a second communication device via its radio transceiver. 
   
   
       29 . The communication device of  claim 25  wherein the base module further comprises a base module memory that stores base module communication software that is used by the base module processor to support wireless communication by the radio transceiver of a selected communication module. 
   
   
       30 . The communication device of  claim 29  wherein the base module, using the base module communication software, supports wireless communication by the radio transceiver of the selected communication module regardless of which of the plurality of communication modules is selected. 
   
   
       31 . The communication device of  claim 25  wherein the base module processor is configured such that data is transferred between the base module processor and the communication module pursuant to a uniform data transfer protocol regardless of which of the plurality of communication modules is selected. 
   
   
       32 . A communication device comprising:
 a base module comprising a base module processor, and   a communication module configured to couple to the base module, the communication module being a selected one of a plurality of different communication modules, each of the plurality of communication modules comprising a radio transceiver, wherein the base module processor is operable to interface with communication modules employing different wireless communication protocols, thereby enabling the communication device to communicate using a plurality of different wireless communication protocols.   
   
   
       33 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the base module further comprises a keypad for receiving user input. 
   
   
       34 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the base module further comprises a visual display for displaying information. 
   
   
       35 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the communication module is operable to communicate with a second communication device via the radio transceiver. 
   
   
       36 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the base module further comprises a base module memory that stores base module communication software that is used by the base module processor to support wireless communication by the radio transceiver of the communication module. 
   
   
       37 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the base module, using the base module communication software, supports wireless communication by the radio transceiver of the communication module regardless of which of the plurality of communication modules is selected. 
   
   
       38 . The communication device of  claim 32  wherein the communication module further comprises a communication processor operable to control communications of the wireless transceiver. 
   
   
       39 . The communication device of  claim 38  wherein the communication processor is operable to exchange communication data with the base processor pursuant to a uniform data transfer protocol regardless of which of the plurality of communication modules is selected. 
   
   
       40 . The communication device of  claim 38  wherein the communication module further comprises a communication module memory that stores communication module communication software that is used by the communication processor to control communications of the wireless transceiver.