Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information in a light-based signal utilizing a fob device is disclosed. One method disclosed includes encoding transmission information data into a bar code format; generating a signal from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from the fob device. Alternatively, commercial information data may be transmitted to a light-based data receiving device by generating a signal from commercial information data and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from a fob device. Transmission information data may also be transmitted from a fob device by generating a first signal from a first encoded format; generating a second signal from a second encoded format; transmitting the first signal as light pulses from a fob device; and transmitting the second signal from the fob device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A notification channel based approach is used for near real time data streaming for voice. The notification channel also is used to carry small data payloads. The solution preferably includes three elements. The first element involves taking the voice input from the sender in small, digitized packets. The second element involves taking these time packets of voice data and sending them out in a sequential manner over the notification channel. At the receiving end these packets of voice data are played back through the codec supported by the platform as they are received. The third element lies in the fact that the notifications can be sent to as many recipients as required. This allows the sender to broadcast voice messages to a group of people and to implement a conference.

Abstract: A user is provided with a secure database containing information in diverse categories that relates to the user and that may be represented at least in part in bar code form and communicated with light from a mobile communications device. The diverse information is obtained from any combination of a variety of vendor and governmental computer systems, internet service providers, and communications devices. The user has access to the database using a mobile communications device for displaying, managing, and entering information, and for communicating information in bar code form with light. The user first selects the category that contains the specific item of information, and then selects the specific item of information. The specific item of information then is communicated in bar code form with light from the mobile communications device for scanning by a bar code scanner to obtain the desired good or service.

Abstract: A handwriting capture system includes a portable electronic tablet that capture pen strokes made on a standard pad of paper and transfer the captured pen strokes to a digital image capture device such as a personal data assistant or PDA using infrared communications circuitry. The portable electronic tablet is battery powered, and the handwriting capture system includes an infrared activated power switch to extend the useful lifetime of the battery by power up the electronic tablet and infrared communications circuitry only when the system is in use and otherwise by powering off the electronic tablet and much of the communications circuitry, in a manner that is entirely transparent to the user. An IR activity detector remains powered up when the system generally is powered off, and also furnishes power to at least the receiver section of the IR transceiver.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: Static display of a bar code on a display of a mobile communications device is disclosed. At least one element of the bar code is displayed on a mobile communications device in a color that is selected to be accepted or rejected by a bar code scanner. A second element can also be displayed in a second color that is selected to be rejected or accepted, respectively, by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: The note capture device enables a user of any type of image capture device to enjoy the advantages of handwritten notes while having access to the power and flexibility offered by standalone as well as networked computing devices for information storage, retrieval, modification, and communication. The major elements of the note capture device are a housing which contains preferably an electromagnetic digitizer tablet, a small notepad such as a Post-it® Notes product or a small paper pad overlying the region of the housing that contains the digitizer tablet, a pen that works in conjunction with the electromagnetic digitizer tablet in the housing, and a wireless or wired connection to a host computer. The notepad has a removable paper writing surface and the pen includes an inked tip of any desired type so that the user experiences a comfortable and familiar feel of pen/pencil on paper as he or she writes on the notepad.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information in a light-based signal utilizing a fob device is disclosed. One method disclosed includes encoding transmission information data into a bar code format; generating a signal from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from the fob device. Alternatively, commercial information data may be transmitted to a light-based data receiving device by generating a signal from commercial information data and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from a fob device. Transmission information data may also be transmitted from a fob device by generating a first signal from a first encoded format; generating a second signal from a second encoded format; transmitting the first signal as light pulses from a fob device; and transmitting the second signal from the fob device.

Abstract: A handwriting capture system combines an image capture device such as a PDA, notebook computer, set top box, smart television, or other type of smart appliance having an image capture capability and a built-in wireless transceiver, with an ink capture device such as, for example, a digital notepad using, for example, electromagnetic, resistivity, or laser digitizing technology and presenting a suitable writing surface such as, for example, a paper writing surface for conventional ink. Communications between the ink capture device and the image capture device is achieved with wireless technology.

Abstract: A user is provided with a secure database containing information in diverse categories that relates to the user and that may be represented at least in part in bar code form and communicated with light from a mobile communications device. The diverse information is obtained from any combination of a variety of vendor and governmental computer systems, internet service providers, and communications devices. The user has access to the database using a mobile communications device for displaying, managing, and entering information, and for communicating information in bar code form with light. The user first selects the category that contains the specific item of information, and then selects the specific item of information. The specific item of information then is communicated in bar code form with light from the mobile communications device for scanning by a bar code scanner to obtain the desired good or service.