Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is an optical sensor which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the optical sensor confirms the removal and an alert is activated by the system.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is an optical sensor which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the optical sensor confirms the removal and an alert is activated by the system.

Abstract: Existing LAN's, whether wired or wireless, rely on a wired-network backbone for connectivity, creating higher installation costs and less flexibility. Wireless access points provide for easier installation and more flexibility, but still rely on the wired backbone for network communication. A truly wireless access point, with a wireless connection back to the rest of the network, provides the ultimate ease of installation and flexibility to configure the network. These wireless access points, applied to the home or office environment, provide wireless networks without the overhead of building a physical, wired network between all networked devices.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is an optical sensor which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the optical sensor confirms the removal and an alert is activated by the system.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is an optical sensor which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the optical sensor confirms the removal and an alert is activated by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and validating inventory data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor-based inventory data collection system, with an internal integrated scanner, for efficiently collecting and validating inventory data includes a central processor coupled to a memory bus. The internal integrated scanner allows an operator to use one hand to scan and count merchandise, leaving the other hand free to adjust and move merchandise as needed. Since the operator can use the system to scan and count merchandise with only one hand, the operator is able to efficiently take the inventory without frequently pausing to adjust or move the merchandise. The central processor is adapted to receive the inventory data and is operable to validate the inventory data using a plurality of program codes. At least one flash memory device is coupled to the memory bus. The flash memory is adapted to store inventory data as the data is entered into the device and also adapted to store the program codes.

Abstract: A system for supporting customer use of a wide-area facility which is under a common management or ownership includes a plurality of transceiver bases distributed throughout the wide-area facility which is under common management or ownership; a system controller in communication with the transceiver bases; and at least one wireless phone carried by a customer who is using the wide-area facility. The wireless phone communicates wirelessly with the plurality of transceiver bases so as to communicate with the system controller. The system controller transmits information to the wireless phone about the wide-area facility or about goods, services, attractions, exhibits or amenities within the wide-area facility.

Abstract: A wireless system, including a system controller, and a portable device with wireless connection to the wireless system, can be used to link customers to the operations of a business. This link can be used to increase customer efficiency in the use of the business, including scheduling appointments to avoid lines, viewing customer locations on an interactive map, and tracking the locations of other customers traveling in a group. This link also allows the customer to initiate searches for information or products and to make electronic purchases. The business can use the link to send information or advertisements directly to select customers.

Abstract: An AM/FM radio receiver is integrated with a wireless phone unit. Preferably, a wireless headset communicates with the integrated unit to selectively provide both commercial radio audio and wireless telephony. A microphone unit allows the user to conduct a wireless telephone call from the headset.

Abstract: An AM/FM radio receiver is integrated with a wireless phone unit. Preferably, a wireless headset communicates with the integrated unit to selectively provide both commercial radio audio and wireless telephony. A microphone unit allows the user to conduct a wireless telephone call from the headset.

Abstract: Attendance at a trade show can be made more efficient by providing a website that can be accessed prior to attending the show. Through the website, a schedule of exhibitors or events can be created, preferably based on user criteria defining exhibitors, products or services desired. This schedule can be kept and dynamically altered on a portable device with wireless communications capability that communicates with a wireless infrastructure providing a service area at said trade show. The wireless infrastructure can also be used for communication among trade show attendees, receipt of e-mail, information gathering, making purchases, etc.

Abstract: Communication modules and methods of using the communication modules are provided. One communication module comprises an interface circuit and a receiver. The interface circuit is configured to be coupled to a port of a first electronic device. The port is configured to receive data from a memory module. The receiver is coupled to the interface circuit. The receiver is configured to wirelessly receive at least one signal from a second electronic device and send the signal to the interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to send data associated with at least one signal received by the receiver to the port of the first electronic device.

Abstract: A headset for wireless communicating with a personal electronic device, such as a wireless phone, provides audio output based on an audio signal from the personal electronic device. A secondary battery in the headset provides power for the headset and is rechargeable from a primary battery in the personal electronic device, thereby allowing the user to recharge the headset in the field. Alternatively two secondary batteries may be provided. One of the secondary batteries can be used to power the headset, while the other is connected to the personal electronic device for recharging from the primary battery. When the battery in the headset becomes depleted, the batteries are exchanged.

Abstract: A personal electronic device, such as a wireless phone or personal digital assistant is separable from its primary battery when it is to be used. A smaller secondary battery within the device provides power during individual uses of the device. The secondary battery is recharged by the primary battery when the device is reconnected to the primary battery. Consequently, the device is lighter and less bulky when in use due to the absence of the primary battery unit. A belt clip is disposed on the primary battery unit so as to retain the primary battery unit on the user's belt or elsewhere when the device is separated. The separable portion of the device is releasably latched to the primary battery unit so as to be secured in place when not in use.

Abstract: A headset can be used to listen to music or other audio programming and can also be used conduct a telephone conversation. A microphone on a biased arm pivots between an extended position and a retracted position so as to be in place for conducting a telephone call, but out of the way when not in use. Extension of the microphone arm may signal the acceptance of an incoming call or may initiate a call being placed by the user.

Abstract: A headset case for a wireless headset allows the headset to be coiled for safe storage and convenient transport. A circuitry cabinet of the headset is secured to a rotating spool that is then rotated to wind up wired connections between the cabinet and the headphones of the headset. Finally, the headphones are secured on the case. Preferably, the case is integrated into an audio or telephone unit with which the headset is used.

Abstract: A power accessory for apportioning electrical current between an electronic device and a rechargeable battery used in connection with the device includes two current limiting circuits. The first current limiting circuit limits the current supplied to the device to the peak current that device may demand. Any remaining current from the first current limiting circuit is passed through the second current limiter to the recharge the battery based on a charging algorithm. When the battery is fully charged, the second current limiting circuit stops providing current to the battery.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device can operate in multiple modes, each at a respective current load. Monitoring a battery in such a mobile device includes acquiring a sensed battery voltage during a particular operating mode and converting the sensed battery voltage to a scaled voltage for a known battery discharge curve having a well-defined turn-off voltage. The known battery discharge curve is preferably one for a full current load. The scaled voltage is then compared with the well-defined turn-off voltage to determine the amount of energy remaining in the battery. Operating times for other operating modes can also be calculated and displayed for the user's information.

Abstract: A battery charger uses an unregulated DC transformer (100) as a power source for charging a battery pack (101) through a pass device (104). A charger controller (150) instantaneously computes a desired charging current value for maximizing the charging efficiency of the battery charger based on the present voltage of the battery pack (101), ambient temperature data received from a thermistor (121), and charging rates and other charging parameters received from a data-storage device (123) in the battery pack. The charger controller sends the calculated desired charging current information to a power controller (103). The power controller (103) monitors the instantaneous power dissipation of the pass device (104) and scales the desired charging current value to prevent excessive power dissipation in the pass device (104). By allowing the charging voltage to vary and dynamically adjusting the charging current, various types of batteries can be recharged without the use of an expensive tracking regulator.

Abstract: A power regulator (220) includes a power source output (303) for coupling to a power source. A switching circuit (345) controls the supply of power from the power source output to an energy storage circuit (334). An output (305) of the energy storage circuit has a controlled current in a current regulator mode. The output of the energy storage circuit has a substantially constant voltage in a voltage regulator mode.