Abstract: A tool recognition system recognizes a tool selected for a surgical procedure. The tool includes a distal portion configured to perform at least part of the surgical procedure and a proximal portion including a first electronic module that stores tool-identifying electronic information. A surgical handpiece is configured to receive the tool and includes a second electronic module configured to communicate electronically with the first electronic module when tool is disposed in the handpiece. The first electronic module includes a coil that is configured as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna. The second electronic module includes a coil that is configured as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) interrogator antenna. In one embodiment, the first electronic module is a transponder that includes a RFID chip and a RFID antenna. Another embodiment includes a surgical tool recognition system for a drill and the tool includes a file.

Abstract: A tool for use with an electronic tool recognition system includes a tool blank with a distal tip configured for performing a procedure and a proximal handle encasing, fixedly, a proximal end of the tool blank. A tool-identifying apparatus including a mechanical resonator is embedded in a proximal end of the tool blank to provide a tool identifier. A conductive wire in electrical contact with the resonator provides the identifier to a processor. In another arrangement, conductive brushes in contact with slip rings provide the identifier to a processor. In another arrangement, a dental tool handle includes an insulating portion defining a recess in a proximal end of the handle configured to receive either a sensor or an information-managing chip.

Abstract: The invention uses altitude, determined from a GPS receiver, or GPS receiver with additional sensor input, to provide additional input to the map rendering application or to a pointer device. The advantage lies in improving the user experience in particular situations where map rendering using horizontal position from GPS plus a default altitude gives a distorted view when compared with the true viewing angle.

Abstract: RF receiver for GNSS signals, (e.g., GPS, Galileo, Glonass), composed of a single chip and a low number of external components, has a number of independent signal paths each including a separate IF stage and baseband down-converter. Each signal path is tuned to a specific IF band by selection of external IF filters. Conversion to IF involves a common local carrier generator.

Abstract: RF receiver (40) for GNSS signals, (GPS, Galileo, Glonass), composed of a single chip (45) and a low number of external components, has a number of independent signal paths (180a-180-c) each including a separate IF stage and baseband down-converter (160). Each signal path is tuned to a specific IF band by selection of external IF filters. Conversion to IF involves a common local carrier generator (RF-LO).