Aura Communications Technology, Inc.

Aura Communications, Inc.

Radeum, Inc.

Vincent Palermo

Neal R Butler

Patrick J Cobler

Charles McAlister Marshall

Domenic F Terranova

Jeffrey R LaFranchise

Timothy E White

Stephen A Voegelin

Michael R Dynok

A base station (e.g., a central device including a transducer assembly of one or more orthogonal transducers) transmits a magnetic field at a known power level and direction. The magnetic field signal includes data information transmitted from the base station to a movable remote station. The remote station includes a transducer assembly of one or multiple transducer coils to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station. Location and orientation of the remote station (with respect to the base station) are determined based on the magnitude, amplitude, and/or phase of magnetic field signals received on each of the remote station's transducers. The remote station may transmit the location and orientation information (e.g., raw measured data or converted data) to the base station using the same coils as used by the remote station to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station.

Methods and apparatus to detect location and orientation in an inductive system

One aspect of the present invention is generally directed towards a system and method of tuning a transducer for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal. In an illustrative embodiment, a single transducer is coupled to a first or second circuit for either transmitting or receiving, respectively. Generally, electrical characteristics of the first circuit are adjusted to increase a magnetic field generated by the transducer. Conversely, electrical characteristics of the second circuit are adjusted to increase a signal generated by the transducer for receiving a magnetic field. Accordingly, a single transducer device can be tuned for either transmitting or receiving a corresponding wireless signal.

Wireless communication over a transducer device

An apparatus for portable communications including a wireless headset, attachment that mechanically and electrically connects to a cellular phone or other electronic device, and a base unit that includes an attachment interface to connect mechanically and electrically with the attachment to allow the base unit to receive electrical signals from the cellular phone. The base unit wirelessly transmits a representation of an electrical signals received from the cellular phone to the wireless headset. The apparatus may also include a clip to attach the integrated base unit to an article of clothing, such as a belt, worn by a person.

Transceiver device and fastener

A magnetic induction time-multiplexed two-way short-range wireless communications system, and related method, includes a first portable unit and a second portable unit. The first portable unit receives first unit input signals and provides first unit output signals. Also, the first portable unit includes a first unit transducer system for generating a first inductive field based upon the first unit input signals during a first time slot and for converting a second inductive field into the first unit output signals during a second time slot. The second portable unit receives second unit input signals and provides second unit output signals. Also, the second portable unit includes a second unit transducer system for generating the second inductive field based upon the second unit input signals during the second time slot and for converting the first inductive field into the second unit output signals during the first time slot.

Time-multiplexed short-range magnetic communications

A magnetic communication system includes a transmitter have a single coil transducer, and a receiver having a three orthogonally oriented coil transducers. The signal processing circuitry in the receiver adjusts the phases of the signals received by the three transducers to produce signals which are in-phase. The signals are then summed to provide an output signal from the receiver. The processing circuitry adjusts the phases of the incoming signals either serially or in parallel. Transmissions from the receiver to the transmitter are also phase adjusted in accordance with the same adjustments used in reception.

Diversity circuit for magnetic communication system

A system and method communicate signals between a portable unit and a communications system. The portable device communicates with a base unit using inductive coupling. The base unit is further connected to a wider communication system such as a telephone network. Multiple, orthogonally arranged transducers are used in the base unit to provide a more complete magnetic field and to prevent mutual inductance nulls which are otherwise present in a magnetic field. The use of short-range inductive coupling minimizes the power requirements and limits interference with other sources. The inductive coupling may also be used to recharge a battery in the portable device.

Inductive communication system and method

Electronic circuitry supports utilization of a series of pulses of varying width to tune a transducer (e.g., a coil that produces or receives a magnetic field) for transmitting or receiving. For example, a control voltage generator generates a sequence of digital pulses of varying pulse widths to produce respective control voltages. The control voltage generator applies a produced control voltage to a varactor element whose capacitance changes depending on a magnitude of the produced control voltage. The varactor element forms part of a tank circuit. Consequently, the series of pulse widths controls an operating frequency of the tank circuit at different times. The tank circuit includes an inductive coil that is tuned to produce or receive a magnetic or inductive field.

Methods and apparatus for tuning in an inductive system

Contents of one or more received messages can be analyzed to determine whether a transceiver device generating the inductive field has already been programmed with a unique communication code. If not, bidirectional communications can be established to program the transceiver device with a unique communication code over an inductive link. Orientation or position of a transceiver device can be used to initiate a process for programming a communication code. Generally, the communication code can define a unique relationship between two or more transceiver devices.

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Westford, MA, United States of America

Vincent Palermo