Abstract: An earphone system (10) includes a first ear bud (12) having wireless communications circuitry, a second ear bud (14) having wireless communications circuitry and first electric cabling (16) having a first end provided with a first electrical connector element (18) releasably connectable with the first ear bud, a second end provided with a second electrical connector element (20) releasably connectable with the second ear bud and a third electrical connector element (22) disposed intermediate the first and second ends. The earphone system (10) has second electric cabling (24) having a first end provided with a fourth electrical connector element (26) releasably connectable with the third electrical connector element and a second end provided with a fifth electrical connector element (28) connectable an output connector element of an electronic device to receive an audio signal from the electronic device.

Abstract: An audio system (10) has a headphone unit (12) and a speaker unit (14). The headphone unit is configured to receive wirelessly transmitted input signals from which an audio output is derived. The headphone unit is provided with a first connector unit (20) and the speaker unit is provided with a second connector unit (22). The speaker unit is configured to permit the headphone unit to be docked with the speaker unit so that the first connector unit and second connector unit connect to enable transmission of signals from the headphone unit to the speaker unit to enable the speaker unit to provide an audio output based on wireless input signals received by the headphone unit.

Abstract: A home monitoring and control system has a base unit, a monitoring system that has at least one monitoring device to output monitoring signals and a portable unit. The base unit has a base unit communications system. The portable unit has an infra red remote device controller, a human I/O interface, a portable unit communications system and a processor. The base unit communications system connects with a telecommunications landline and communicates wirelessly with the portable unit communications system. The processor processes monitoring signals provided by the monitoring system and provides notifications when that processing indicates a predefined event. The human I/O interface displays such notifications. The portable unit communications system communicates with the base unit communications system using a DECT communications protocol and with a Wi-Fi network.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mitigating interference with a signal of a frequency hopping spread spectrum system are disclosed. A second signal is detected, and a property of the second signal is determined. At least one of a set of designated frequency channels used by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system is determined as having a property most similar to that of the second signal. The usage, by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system, of the at least one most similar designated frequency channel is then modified, for communication of data.

Abstract: A pet monitoring device 12 to be fitted to a pet 14 that is to be monitored includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals via a mobile telecommunications network 20. The location of the pet monitoring device 12 can be determined by reference to parameters associated with receipt of a signal 18 transmitted by the transmitter by at least one base station of the mobile telecommunications network 20 so that an authorised user can identify the location of the pet monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mitigating interference with a signal of a frequency hopping spread spectrum system are disclosed. A second signal is detected, and a property of the second signal is determined. At least one of a set of designated frequency channels used by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system is determined as having a property most similar to that of the second signal. The usage, by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system, of the at least one most similar designated frequency channel is then modified, for communication of data.

Abstract: A portable receiver (12) of an infant monitoring apparatus (10) that includes the receiver and an infant monitoring device (14) configured to transmit infant monitoring data from a first location at which an infant is located to a second location, remote from the first location, at which the portable receiver is located. The portable receiver (12) has receiver to receive infant monitoring data from the infant monitoring device, a non-contact temperature sensing device by which an infant's temperature can be sensed without touching the infant and a display to display temperatures sensed by the non-contact temperature sensing device.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises an electronic display, a processor coupled to the electronic display and configured by software to divide the electronic display into first and second display portions, a frame member including at least two surround members and a divider member. The frame member is secured adjacent the electronic display so that the surround members provide a surround to at least two opposite edges of the electronic display and such that the first display portion of the electronic display is on an opposite side of the divider member to the second display portion of the electronic display, and wherein the processor is configured by software to control the display to provide a first image in the first display portion and a second image in the second display portion, the second image being independent of the first image.