Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for tracking an object using RFID tags in combination with a wireless communication device. A radio frequency module is included for modifying a wireless device to both receive and send RF signals. Typically, the wireless device is a cell phone or smart phone. The module enables the wireless device to read identifying information from an RF signal and displaying such to a user. The system presents an inexpensive method of providing an RFID reader for tracking objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing an advantage to a hotel by supplying discounts and promotional opportunities to a hotel guest by the use of the hotel keycard. The keycard can access offsite attractions and be used to facilitate transactions among cooperating entities. Purchases made using the keycard offsite can be charged to a hotel guest's room. By using the hotel keycard a hotel guest can take advantage of prearranged discounts by simply presenting the keycard.

Abstract: An auto extendable antenna and method of operation at a wireless communication device (100) is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a set of reception parameters during a communication session. The processor (106) of the wireless communication device monitors the set of reception parameters for the communication session. The method further includes adjusting at least one physical dimension of the antenna (104) based on the set of reception parameters. An antenna system (108) of the wireless communication device adjusts at least one physical dimension of the antenna of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system (11) for reducing microbes such as bacteria or germs on a portable electronic device (10) can include a portable communication device having a sensor (32) for detecting a condition of the portable communication device and a light source (30) selectively activated for germicidal reduction based on the condition. The condition can include a charging status for the portable communication device or a position for a flip on the portable electronic device, or any number of other operating or environmental conditions. The light source can be an ultra-violet light source such as a UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C light emitting diode. The system can optionally include a charging base (34) having a light source (36) such that the source operates as a anti-bacterial light source when the portable electronic device is being charged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus form electrical connections between electronic circuits and conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into textile material (130). Electronic circuits (128), such as semiconductor dies, are connected to a carrier (132) and electrical connections (136) are made to conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132). Conductive stitching (202, 204, 206, 208) provides electrical contacts for both the conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132) and the conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into the textile material (130). Optionally, a thin, flexible substrate material (132) is perforated during the stitching process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (300) of providing information about a communications device. The method includes the steps of establishing (312) a communications connection between a first mobile communications unit (128) and at least a second mobile communications unit (130), transmitting (314) from the first mobile communications unit to the second mobile communications unit a condition of at least one operational parameter of the first mobile communications unit and informing (316) a user of the second mobile communications unit of the conditions of the operational parameters of the first mobile communications unit. The operational parameters of the first mobile communications unit can include a signal strength, a battery level, a location, an audio configuration, an alert configuration, a conference indicator and a phone type indicator.

Abstract: A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.