Abstract: A communication channel establishing method is provided that is used in a communication system including a base station that transmits a beacon on a predetermined communication channel and a communication apparatus that receives the beacon from the base station and establishes communication with the base station using the predetermined communication channel.

Abstract: A communication channel establishing method is provided that is used in a communication system including a base station that transmits a beacon on a predetermined communication channel and a communication apparatus that receives the beacon from the base station and establishes communication with the base station using the predetermined communication channel.

Abstract: An item selection signal input apparatus enabling an operator to communicate with a data processor is disclosed. This apparatus includes a variable format display panel, a transparent keyboard panel provided on a display screen, a memory for storing data representing a plurality of screen formats to be displayed, a display controller for selecting the screen format to be displayed next from the displayed screen and the panel selected by the operator and providing the same to the variable format display, an output device for providing to the data processor a message defined according to the entry from the keyboard and the displayed screen format, a driver for driving IC cards having back-up power, and a transfer device for distributing and transferring the contents stored in the IC card to the data memory, the display controller, and the output device. Data required for operation is stored in the IC card in advance. It is not necessary to receive data required for operation from the data processor.