Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic feedback projection from a hand held pointing device is provided. The system includes a hand held pointing device that is capable of two way communication with appliance interfaces associated with appliances that are controllable by the hand held pointing device. The hand held pointer is capable of transmitting signals to the appliance interfaces and receiving response signals from the appliance interfaces. The hand held pointing device further includes a visible light projection apparatus for projecting light onto a remote surface. The projected light is displaced on the remote surface by a light projection modification apparatus such that the projected light creates images corresponding to the response signals from the appliance interfaces.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for tracking assets. The method comprises the steps of generating a magnetic field at the base station, receiving a radio signal transmitted from the remote station disposed at a location, and determining a distance from the base station to the location from the received radio signal transmitted from the remote station. In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of remotely sensing a magnetic field generated by a base station, measuring an intensity of the sensed magnetic field, and transmitting a radio signal from the remote station to the base station as an indication of a distance between the base station and the remote station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing performance of personal area network (PAN) systems that use electric fields as communication media between PAN transmitters carried by people and PAN receivers mounted on computers to which selective access is sought to be established. Multiple PAN receiver antennae are mounted on a keyboard, such that if a person with a PAN transmitter rests her arms on or near the keyboard, sufficient signal from the transmitter is sensed by one or more of the receiver antennae even though some of the signal is shunted away from the receivers through the arms. Also, a driven shield insulates a PAN receiver from nearby metal objects, e.g., a desk on which the PAN receiver is supported. Moreover, a multiple-electrode PAN transmitter reduces the deleterious effects on the signal from the PAN transmitter that can otherwise be caused by, e.g., loose metal coins that are present in a pocket in which the transmitter is carried.