Abstract: A cellular communication system hand-off protocol which helps minimize down time associated with a mobile device roaming among different cells in which different cells employ different communication channels (e.g., different frequency hopping sequences). In a preferred embodiment, each base station is configured to communicate its own particular hopping sequence to all other base stations via the system backbone. Each base station then provides to mobile devices which are registered thereto information regarding the particular hopping sequences employed by other base stations servicing cells into which the mobile device may roam. Such information includes the particular hopping sequences together with an indication of what location in the sequence the base stations are currently at in any given time.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for improving the performance of a cellular communication system using direct sequence spread spectrum techniques is disclosed. The apparatus and process enable dynamic modification of communication system parameters including PN code length, chipping rate and modulation technique for transmission of a data packet. Modification is based on proximity of the transmitter and receiver, noise level, transmitter and receiver capabilities and other factors. The system makes tradeoffs between data transmission speed and communication range to improve system performance.

Abstract: A network communication system in which access points providing wireless access to the system reroute misrouted information packets in the event the location of a mobile unit has changed. Regardless of whether a host computer or other network device is capable of updating in its position table the changing locations of the mobile units, information packets directed to the mobile units from the host computer or other network device are still properly delivered.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method which includes the introduction of a auxiliary receiver or transceiver which is included in a base station or mobile terminal in addition to a transceiver used to communicate between devices. The auxiliary receiver or transceiver serves to monitor conditions on available communication channels other than the channel currently being utilized for communication between devices.

Abstract: A cellular communication device for a cellular communication network which includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter for transmitting an RF signal at an output power level to one or more other devices in the cellular communication network; an RF receiver for receiving an RF signal from one or more other devices in the cellular communication network; and a gain control circuit for sampling the output power level to obtain a sampled output power level signal, digitizing the sampled output power level signal, and adjusting a gain of the RF transmitter based on the digitized sampled output power level signal in order that the output power level of the RF transmitter approaches a predefined output power level. The gain may also be adjusted in response to the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) in order to conserve battery power.

Abstract: A peripheral device for a computer, including a first portion including electronic circuitry and a light source for emitting light; a second portion selectively detachable from the first portion, the second portion including a light transfer medium for directing light from one end of the light transfer medium to another end; and wherein the one end of the light transfer medium is optically aligned with the light source when the second portion is attached to the first portion, and the light transfer medium directs at least a fraction of the light emitted from the light source from the one end to the another end for display from the second portion.

Abstract: A network cellular communication system with power based locator system in which the location of a mobile communication unit within the network can be determined approximately. In particular, the power based locator system includes a pre-stored map of locations of a plurality of base stations within the network and the respective network cell coverage areas for those base stations. Each of the plurality of base stations is able to change the size of its respective cell by varying transmitter and receiver power levels. By incrementally changing its respective cell coverage area, the base station can effectively narrow down the region in which a mobile communication unit is located. The region information is correlated with the pre-stored map of locations to determine approximately where in the cellular communication network the mobile communication unit is located.

Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) system which uses PN sequences to encode data so as to increase data throughput. In particular, a system for communicating a plurality of data values using multiple spreading sequences is provided. The system transmits data by selecting at least one of the multiple spreading sequences based on at least one data value included in the plurality of data values; and transmitting other data values included in the plurality of data values using the at least one of the multiple spreading sequences to spread the other data values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peripheral apparatus which enables users to communicate with a mobile device via radio as well as optical transmission substantially simultaneously. The peripheral apparatus includes a radio card which includes circuitry for conducting RF communication; and an antenna apparatus that is selectively detachable from the radio card, the antenna apparatus includes an optical device for conducting optical communications. When the antenna apparatus is attached to the radio card, the radio card is capable of radio and optical communications. The peripheral apparatus is particularly useful in that an available com port does not have to be solely dedicated for optical communications. Furthermore, the peripheral apparatus avoids the problems associated with employing external wires to connect an optical transceiver to the mobile device.

Abstract: A customer information terminal for use in a retail grocery store includes a housing defining an interior region, electronic circuitry including a microprocessor supported within the housing interior region, and a display screen supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry. The customer information terminal further includes a dataform reader module supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry for reading a dataform having encoded data relating to at least one of the following; an item offered for sale in the retail grocery store, a coupon for an item offered for sale in the retail grocery store, a customer identification number of a customer of the retail grocery store, and a recipe utilizing one or more items offered for sale in the retail grocery store.

Abstract: A system which phase modulates a carrier to produce a carrier signal which transitions in phase between predetermined phase states as a function of the data, wherein a rate at which the carrier signal changes phase during a transition between the predetermined phase states varies substantially sinusoidally. The phase modulation provides a constant amplitude modulated waveform having low side lobes. Such modulation method preserves the high noise tolerance capabilities associated with FH systems and the high data throughput capabilities of DS systems.

Abstract: A network communication system in which access points providing wireless access to the system reroute misrouted information packets in the event the location of a mobile unit has changed. Regardless of whether a host computer or other network device is capable of updating in its position table the changing locations of the mobile units, information packets directed to the mobile units from the host computer or other network device are still properly delivered.

Abstract: A shielding assembly for a PC board having ground trace segments on a surface of the board is disclosed. The shielding assembly includes a cover, shielding assembly, a sealing gasket and a fastener. The cover includes an integrally molded base portion and a fencing portion extending outwardly from a surface of the base portion. The fencing includes peripheral edges configured to overlie the ground trace segments. The sealing gasket is disposed between the fencing and the ground trace segments. The fastener mechanically couples the cover to the PC board surface.