Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: A universal radio having adjustable communication parameters such that the radio can communicate in different DS or FH type systems as well as DS-FH hybrid type systems which employ both DS and FH spread spectrum techniques. The radio is included in a mobile terminal and/or base station and can be adjusted by the user to employ communication parameters relating to various different cellular communication systems. Thus, the mobile terminal and/or base station can be used in combination with the cellular communication systems provided by different manufacturers.

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 the host computer 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: A cellular communication system in which dedicated repeater controller transceivers are included in base stations and wireless base stations. The repeater controller transceivers are configured to operate on a different channel as compared to communications received by or transmitted directly from mobile terminals. By utilizing a dedicated channel for communications between the base stations and wireless base stations, the contention areas formed by overlapping cell areas is effectively eliminated. The different channels may be based on differences in parameters using infrared communication techniques.

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 emergency routing protocol within a wireless communication network. A mobile device can establish a communication link to the system backbone even when, for whatever reason, it can no longer communicate directly with a base station. The emergency routing protocol enables a distressed mobile device to communicate with the system backbone through another mobile device serving as an intermediary. The intermediary mobile device forwards information destined to/received from the distressed mobile device to its intended destination.

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.