Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A data collection network supporting roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals within range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver (i.e., place it in a sleep state). The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves critical, the system clock frequency is increased.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: A communication management system operates with a packet switched local area network and includes a PSTN interface for communicating over a telephone line with a service provider central office. The system comprises means for establishing a logical channel over the packet switched local area network to support a real time communication session with a real time communication device in response to receiving session signaling from the real time communication device; means for controlling the PSTN interface to transition the telephone line to an off hook state in response to receiving session signaling; and translation means for providing digital audio over the logical channel, the digital audio representing a dial tone received on the telephone line from the central office and providing one of a plurality of dual tone multi frequency signals on the telephone line in response to receipt of data from the real time communication device corresponding to the one of a plurality of dual tone multi frequency signals.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: The present multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. Each communication space station may be coupled to a wide area network mobile telephone served by a wide area network service provider. The multi-media communication management system communicates with a wide area network controller through the service provider medium and automatically provides instructions to the wide area network controller to forward telephone calls that are directed to the mobile telephone to the system controller upon the mobile telephone being coupled to a communication space station.

Abstract: A communication management system operates with a packet switched local area network and includes a PSTN interface for communicating over a telephone line with a service provider central office. The system comprises means for establishing a logical channel over the packet switched local area network to support a real time communication session with a real time communication device in response to receiving session signaling from the real time communication device; means for controlling the PSTN interface to transition the telephone line to an off hook state in response to receiving session signaling; and translation means for providing digital audio over the logical channel, the digital audio representing a dial tone received on the telephone line from the central office and providing one of a plurality of dual tone multi frequency signals on the telephone line in response to receipt of data from the real time communication device corresponding to the one of a plurality of dual tone multi frequency signals.

Abstract: A real time communication device is provided for operation with a packet switched network interconnecting the real time communication device with a control unit and at least one other real time communication devices. The device may comprise a network interface for communicating over the packet switched local area network and means for establishing a logical channel over the packet switched network with an endpoint to support the exchange of real time streaming media with the endpoint during a media session. The endpoint may be an endpoint selected from the group of endpoints consisting of the control unit and the other real time communication devices. The device may further comprise means for providing a notice message to at least one subscription device. The subscription device may be selected from the group of subscription devices consisting of the control unit and a other real time communication devices.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically.

Abstract: The present multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of space station communication devices and with one or more communication medium service providers. The controller translates multi-media communications received from a multi-media service provider into the protocols required for use by the space station communication devices as well as any conventional telephone stations that may be coupled to the controller. The controller further records dynamic information relating each subscriber device to the communication space station that is serving the subscriber device for communication and control signaling. This enables the controller to receive communication signaling for a subscriber device and translate and route communication signaling to the communication space station serving the subscriber device.

Abstract: A real time communication device operates on with a packet switched network. The packet switched network interconnects the real time communication device with a control unit and at least one other real time communication device. The real time communication device includes a plurality of indicators with each indicator being uniquely associated with one of the other real time communication devices or with an outside line between the control unit and a central office of a local telephone service provider. A selection means is associated with each indicator. The real time communication device may establish a logical channel over the packet switched local area network with an endpoint. The endpoint is selected from the group of endpoints consisting of the control unit and the other real time communication devices and is the endpoint that is uniquely associated with an indicator selected from the plurality of indicators.

Abstract: The present multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. Each communication space station may be coupled to a wide area network mobile telephone served by a wide area network service provider. The multi-media communication management system communicates with a wide area network controller through the service provider medium and automatically provides instructions to the wide area network controller to forward telephone calls that are directed to the mobile telephone to the system controller upon the mobile telephone being coupled to a communication space station.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a housing and a reader module disposed in the housing for reading bar code indicia and producing an analog signal representative of the bar code indicia. A decoder is coupled to the reader module for receiving the analog signal and decoding the analog signal into decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. A central processor is coupled to the decoder and serves to receive and process the decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. The reader module and the decoder operate independently of the processor.

Abstract: A pager system which enables users to avoid having to pay monthly service charges. The pager system is particularly useful in that it can be coupled easily to an existing local area network (LAN) to provide paging capabilities within a local area (i.e., a campus) such as a building or set of buildings. Thus, businesses, universities, etc., who currently have a LAN or contemplate installing one can couple the pager system to the LAN in order to provide localized paging. Such localized paging is provided without the need to pay monthly service charges to paging service providers. A business, university, etc., incurs primarily only an initial cost to purchase the pager equipment. Therefore, the present system represents a substantial cost savings compared to WAN based paging service providers for those desiring localized paging.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a housing and a reader module disposed in the housing for reading bar code indicia and producing an analog signal representative of the bar code indicia. A decoder is coupled to the reader module for receiving the analog signal and decoding the analog signal into decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. A central processor is coupled to the decoder and serves to receive and process the decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. The reader module and the decoder operate independently of the processor.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a housing and a reader module disposed in the housing for reading bar code indicia and producing an analog signal representative of the bar code indicia. A decoder is coupled to the reader module for receiving the analog signal and decoding the analog signal into decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. A central processor is coupled to the decoder and serves to receive and process the decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. The reader module and the decoder operate independently of the processor.

Abstract: A data collection network supports roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals in range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver, i.e., place it in a sleep state. The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves more critical, the system clock frequency is increased.