Abstract: A headset is described. The headset includes a frame configured to be worn substantially behind the ears of a user. The frame includes a top surface having a first plurality of attachment features and a bottom surface having a second plurality of attachment features. A boom is mechanically coupled to the frame. The boom supports an electronic device. A band is configured to be worn substantially across the crown of the head of the user. The band can be detachably coupled to the first plurality of attachment features such that the boom is oriented on a first side of the frame in a first mode of operation. The band can be detachably coupled to the second plurality of attachment features such that the boom is oriented on a second side of the frame in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A technique for operating an ad-hoc wireless communication network includes providing 400 a plurality of price checking stations 102 having wireless communication capabilities, designating 402 one of the price checking stations 102 as a master station in the ad-hoc network, and designating the remaining stations as slave stations 100, and communicating with devices 104-110 deployed in the network using the wireless communications capabilities of the price checking stations 100, 102.

Abstract: A technique for resource utilization management for a communication device includes provisioning 500 priority applications to be run in a priority mode on the communication device, triggering 502 a priority mode for the communication device, and minimizing 504 resources to any applications on the communication device that are not provisioned priority applications.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic inventory balancing includes a scanning device 100 operable to read an item identifier. An inventory module 102 provides information including the item identifier with an indication that the item is being added or removed form stock. An inventory database controller 104 receives the information and changes a tally in the database indicating that the item has been added or removed from stock, in accordance with the information. A display 112 that displays the tally of the items to a user.

Abstract: A headset is described. The headset includes a frame configured to be worn substantially behind the ears of a user. The frame includes a top surface having a first plurality of attachment features and a bottom surface having a second plurality of attachment features. A boom is mechanically coupled to the frame. The boom supports an electronic device. A band is configured to be worn substantially across the crown of the head of the user. The band can be detachably coupled to the first plurality of attachment features such that the boom is oriented on a first side of the frame in a first mode of operation. The band can be detachably coupled to the second plurality of attachment features such that the boom is oriented on a second side of the frame in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a housing and a processor positioned within the housing for processing data related to the mobile device. An integrated display is coupled to the processor for displaying the data related to the mobile device. A micro-display is coupled to the housing. The micro-display includes an optical element that creates a virtual display having a larger appearance than the integrated display when the optical element is positioned proximate to an eye of a user.

Abstract: A device includes a memory, a wireless transceiver and a positioning system. The memory stores a first area in which a wireless network lacks coverage. The wireless transceiver is adapted to communicate with the wireless network. The positioning system determines a position of the device to determine whether the device is located within the first area. The wireless transceiver does not attempt to communicate with the wireless network if the positioning system determines that the device is located within the first area.

Abstract: A technique for operating an ad-hoc wireless communication network includes providing 400 a plurality of price checking stations 102 having wireless communication capabilities, designating 402 one of the price checking stations 102 as a master station in the ad-hoc network, and designating the remaining stations as slave stations 100, and communicating with devices 104-110 deployed in the network using the wireless communications capabilities of the price checking stations 100, 102.

Abstract: A technique for inventory monitoring using complementary modes for item identification includes; storing items in known locations within a defined area; tracking a user in the defined area; detecting that the user has removed an item from its known storage location; ascertaining a first identity of the item using first means; scanning the item to obtain a second identity of the item using second means different than the first means; correlating the results from detecting, ascertaining and scanning to determine if there is a discrepancy, and providing an alert if there is a discrepancy. If there is no discrepancy, checkout can proceed.

Abstract: A mobile unit comprises a housing and a processor. The housing includes a frame configured to magnetically couple with an accessory. When the frame and the accessory are magnetically coupled, data signals and power are exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory via a wireless communication where the wireless communication includes at least one of an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling and an optical coupling. The processor is disposed within the housing to process the data signals and control the power being exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory.

Abstract: A device includes a memory, a wireless transceiver and a positioning system. The memory stores a first area in which a wireless network lacks coverage. The wireless transceiver is adapted to communicate with the wireless network. The positioning system determines a position of the device to determine whether the device is located within the first area. The wireless transceiver does not attempt to communicate with the wireless network if the positioning system determines that the device is located within the first area.

Abstract: An improved portable shopping system with improved data presentation system for presenting customer desired data on a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes audio as well as video presentation components that are used to provide customer specific marketing files to promote the sale of identified items.

Abstract: A mobile unit comprises a housing and a processor. The housing includes a frame configured to magnetically couple with an accessory. When the frame and the accessory are magnetically coupled, data signals and power are exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory via a wireless communication where the wireless communication includes at least one of an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling and an optical coupling. The processor is disposed within the housing to process the data signals and control the power being exchanged between the mobile unit and the accessory.

Abstract: Described is a system, an apparatus, and a method for wirelessly communicating battery status. The apparatus may include at least one contact receiving power from a battery; a wireless component communicating with a wireless communication device joined to a surface of the battery; and a processor connected to the wireless component and monitoring the battery in order to one of generate and collect battery status information. The processor is capable of causing the wireless component to transmit the battery status information to the wireless communication device of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the geographic location of a user incorporates the sensing of a plurality of physical environmental parameters at the user's location. The parameter values are compared to corresponding parameter values associated with known locations, and a best-fit correlation is established. The identity of the determined location may be displayed to the user, or may be used to control a location-based operation, such as the unlocking of a safe, the transmission of an entry password, or the disabling of a piece of equipment. Persistence weighting values for different environmental parameters may be applied to improve the reliability of the correlation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securely provisioning and managing security data based on location are provided. In an installation having one or more secure locations, a physically secure container having a security data tag is provided in a secure location. Security data required to establish a secure application (e.g., secure communications with a network element or with one or more peripheral devices in the secure location), such as a digital certificate and/or cryptographic keys, is written into the security data tag. Each secure location within an installation may have different security needs and therefore the security data tags in different locations may store different sets of security data. When a reader or device requiring access to an application enters a secure location, the security data is read from the tag and used to establish a secure application.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. At least one shopping establishment kiosk cradle is employed to interface with a portable terminal which is also part of the system. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle. A home cradle for the portable terminal is also provided and is adapted to remain in the home of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved portable shopping system. The system is provided with improved data presentation system for presenting customer desired data on a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide customer specific marketing files to promote the sale of identified items.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.