Abstract: A BLUETOOTH device is provided wherein the output RF transmission power level during pairing is purposefully reduced from otherwise conventional or normal communication levels to a low power level, greatly reducing the range of possible interception. Security can be improved even more by further reducing the transmit power even below that defined for a class 2 radio to an extremely low power level. After the link keys have been passed and/or other pairing processes, the BLUETOOTH devices may safely return to normal power levels to continue communications. Thus, a BLUETOOTH device is forced to radiate in low power when pairing is performed. The user(s) may be directed to co-locate the pairing BLUETOOTH devices in any appropriate manner, e.g., through a display prompt on the BLUETOOTH device. In an alternative embodiment, a BLUETOOTH device may be required to transmit data keys (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for allowing wireless electronic badges to temporarily establish a wireless network (e.g., a piconet network) with a network security station mounted in a facility of an employer, a gym, a membership club, etc. The wireless electronic badges automatically exchange user code with the network security station, and receives relevant badge information for display and use by that particular secured facility. In a preferred embodiment, BLUETOOTH technology is used in the wireless piconet front ends of the electronic wireless badge and the network security station. The disclosed electronic wireless badge includes an LCD display, a display controller, an information exchange module, and a wireless front end (e.g., a wireless piconet network such as a BLUETOOTH network). The electronic wireless badge includes a unique user code which is passed to the network security station.

Abstract: Proximity regulation systems for use with a portable cell phone, a portable cell phone and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the proximity regulation system includes a location sensing subsystem configured to determine a location of a portable cell phone proximate a user by determining a mode of operation of the portable cell phone. A power governing subsystem is coupled to the location sensing subsystem and configured to determine a proximity transmit power level of the portable cell phone based on the location.