Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.