Abstract: A communication system comprises a processing system configured to support data, voice and video communications. A docking station is coupled to the processing system and is configured to provide power and data connections to a personal computer wireless device. The personal computer wireless device is configured to provide power, data, and analog connections. The docking station includes a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, such as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), phone. The docking station may include a keypad configured to initiate, or otherwise enable, VoIP phone call functions. The docking station is coupled to the processing system over at least one pair of low-voltage wires having an electrical current sufficient to power the personal computer wireless device. The pair(s) of low-voltage wires may provide sufficient electrical current to charge a battery in the personal computer wireless device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for providing payment information for a transaction subject in a location, the system comprising a database, user interface, a user device communicating with the user interface, a transaction subject input engine interactively facilitating each user input of data related to payment for a transaction subject and generating a database record related to the transaction subject, a transaction subject output engine having a query generator interactively facilitating each request and generating a query closely related to the transaction subject and location in view of applicable adjustment factors, and a response generator receiving the query and applying adjustment factors to relevant transaction subject payment data to generate a response including expected price information for the transaction subject in the location, whereby an expected price for a particular transaction subject at a specific location is determined as a function of a user request and application of applicable adjus

Abstract: A linear pixel-array processing systems uses a combination of digital and analog signal processing techniques to calibrate the gain and offset of each pixel in the analog domain. A plurality of fixed gain and offset values are applied in the analog domain to adjust the gain and offset of each pixel at high speeds (on the order of 25–50 MHz). By adjusting the gain and offset in the analog domain, the dynamic range of pixel conversion is improved such that the conversion range is fully utilized (over 90%, on the order of 95%–99%). The gain and offset values are determined with an algorithmic calibration routine that corrects for non-ideal effects in the signal path. A single processing channel can be multiplexed to process multiple pixel arrays to provide for a cost effective solution. In higher speed systems, the single processing channel can be extended to multiple processing channels for improved throughput.