System and method for hybrid wireless data communication

摘要

A system and method for establishing communication with any one of a variety of different wireless communication devices (10) including through the provision of a short range transceiver assembly so as to provide data communication from a sender to the wireless communication device (10) either over the Internet (12), utilizing an Internet access facility, such as a computer (20), or alternatively using an over-the-air network (14), compatible with the communication device (10). The wireless communication device (10) is stuctured to operate on either of at least two independent frequencies for communication with the computer (20) or with the over-the-air network (14), dependent on predetermined parameters including the acceptance of a unique identifier or code and/or the positioning of the wireless communication device (10), within a predetermined vicinity range relative to the computer (20). An auto-switching capability establishes data communication with the computer (20) or with the over-the-air network (14), dependent on whether the identification and vicinity parameters have been met.