Multi-directional infrared port and methods of using same

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between a master and slave device with multi-directional infrared transmissions are provided. The master device is equipped with a multi-directional infrared (IR) port in the form of either a PCMCIA communications card, an infrared domed housing or a plurality of IR ports, positioned multi-directionally, about a computing system configuration. The IR port has a plurality of IR pairs, infrared isolated therebetween, comprised of an infrared transmitter and receiver. From the master device, each of the IR transmitters transmit an attention pulse in a wide-angular pattern in a singular plane to attract the attention of the slave device regardless of its physical placement in relation to the master device. In response to the attention pulse, the slave device sends a reply. Thereafter, the reply is evaluated at each of the IR pairs according to various criteria to select the IR pair or pairs best suited for infrared communications with the slave device. Preferably, the IR pair is selected so that the most accurate, fastest and/or strongest signal strength communications are effectuated between the master and slave devices. Once the IR pair providing the desired infrared communication characteristic is selected, the physical placement of the slave device is stored and associated with that IR pair. Storage is preferably performed by a look-up table so that during subsequent communications between the master and slave device, the preferred IR pair can be quickly selected and communications established in a fast manner. A protocol for communicating between this invention and conventional devices is also described.