Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly locating users in a venue via their respective portable device are taught. Wireless transmitter devices positioned at different locations in the venue are used. Each transmitter device transmits an identifier to the portable device. Some transmitter devices can be part of a wireless-power transmitter that is additionally capable of charging portable devices. A software on the portable device is able to determine the closest transmitter device and, by finding its identifier in a database, its location within the venue. Once the portable device is aware of its location, it can be used to control nearby external devices. Through information stored in the database, the software is also able to display the location of other users and usage statistics of the venue. Different methods of ensuring that portable devices are paired with the closest transmitter device are taught.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer and docking station and methods are provided for wirelessly charging or powering a portable device and automatically connecting to external peripheral devices. The station comprises at least one wireless-power transmitter for transmitting power and identification-related information, and at least one wireless-power receiver, connected to the portable device, for exchanging the power and the identification-related information to the portable device. The methods comprise pairing the at least one wireless-power transmitter with the at least one wireless-power receiver when the portable device is placed in a charging zone of the at least one wireless-power transmitter, exchanging the identification-related information for automatically and wirelessly connecting to the external peripheral devices, and attempting connecting to the external peripheral devices.

Abstract: A footwear including a retractable anti-slip mechanism is presented, the anti-slip mechanism comprising at least one retractable ground-engaging member disposed in a sole of the footwear and pivotally connected to a pivot member extending on a side of the footwear for selectively expanding the at least one retractable ground-engaging members under the sole to engage with the ground and retracting the at least one retractable ground-engaging members in the sole to prevent engaging the ground.