Abstract: Biometric data can be read by a biometric sensor attached to a wireless communication device, remote control, or reconfigurable apparatus. The biometric data is run through a pattern recognition program to extract a set of essential biometric features that are used to identify a user. A set of configuration settings corresponding the user is retrieved and used to configure the wireless communication device or reconfigurable apparatus. The biometric data can be transmitted by the wireless communication device to a controller or by the remote control to the reconfigurable device in order to off load the pattern recognition function. Configuration settings can be transmitted from the remote control based on identification of the user by biometric data. Configuration settings can also be sent to the wireless communication device based on identification of the user.

Abstract: One or more RFID tags (104) are integrated into a fire hose (102) to facilitate an individual's exit from a structure. A portable interrogator (106) worn by the individual interrogates the closest RFID tag (104). Each RFID tag (104) has location information stored therein which gets decoded upon interrogation by the portable interrogator (106). The RFID location information assists the individual in locating the hose (102) and following the hose towards its source point (110) and out of the structure.