A channel (20) for accommodating a fully or partially cylindrical body (22) is formed above a visual display unit (16) in a multimedia communications terminal (10) having a console-like housing (12). This body (22) comprises a central body element (26) in which a video camera is installed, and at least one projection (28; 30) on which a rest (42) for a telephone handset (44) is integrally formed, or a card reader for telephone calls is also installed.

This invention generally relates to a system level scheme utilizing an intelligent keyboard, hereafter called an Intellikeyboard, which can operate as a universal compute, command, and control module that interfaces either through wired or wireless means with a number of intelligent appliances, personal computers, work-stations, servers, televisions, printers, smart devices, intelligent devices, telephones, or other devices. The Intellikeyboard has the ability to transmit and receive voice, text, graphics, and other data through either wired or wireless means. The Intellikeyboard may work in tandem with a local or network server to perform standard computing functions, serve as a command and control unit, perform standard telephony functions, transmit and receive electronic mail, voice mail, video, and audio. The invention also anticipates the need for multichannel and sequential/simultaneous tasking and interface with numerous intelligent appliances and devices.

This invention generally relates to a system level scheme utilizing an intelligent keyboard, hereafter called an Intellikeyboard, which can operate as a universal compute, command, and control module that interfaces either through wired or wireless means with a number of intelligent appliances, personal computers, work-stations, servers, televisions, printers, smart devices, intelligent devices, telephones, or other devices. The Intellikeyboard has the ability to transmit and receive voice, text, graphics, and other data through either wired or wireless means. The Intellikeyboard may work in tandem with a local or network server to perform standard computing functions, serve as a command and control unit, perform standard telephony functions, transmit and receive electronic mail, voice mail, video, and audio. The invention also anticipates the need for multichannel and sequential/simultaneous tasking and interfaces with numerous intelligent appliances and devices.

A method for making a personal gastronomic decision or receiving instruction involving price, availability, safety and convenience information for food, such as for dining. The method involves sending an inquiry from a display device to a central server and transmitting the inquiry from the server to an information source. On receiving an action from the source to the server, the method involves personalizing the action for a particular user, interfacing the action with the display device from the server, and displaying the action. The display device may be a mobile device such as a Palm Pilot or a cell phone. The display device may have a tactile, audible, or visual interface. Any language may be translated, and any of the steps may be performed at a desired time.

A method and apparatus in which multiple Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless data transmissions are simultaneously provided between a wireless device and a server, including providing multiple antennas, multiple T/R units, multiple processors and multiple I/O ports on the wireless device. The method includes receiving multiple IP data packets on the I/O ports at substantially the same time, and sending multiple data packets from the wireless device to the server, whereby the transmission rate between the wireless device and the server is increased.