Abstract: A system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a functionality that is selectively configurable using a subscription service. The system further includes a first computing device including a first processor and a second computing device including a second processor. The first processor generates a subscription message including a request to enable the functionality of the article of PPE in response to determining a selection of the functionality. The second processor determines if credentials corresponding to the article of PPE and/or a user associated with the article of PPE are preregistered with the subscription service. The second processor determines a subscription status of the article of PPE corresponding to the functionality. The second processor transmits a configuration message based on the subscription status and preregistration with the subscription service.

Abstract: A voice-activated encoding method includes determining a voice power parameter based on a frequency domain representation of a voice signal from a voice microphone. The method includes determining an ambient power parameter based on a frequency domain representation of at least one ambient signal from at least one ambient microphone spaced from the voice microphone. The method also includes enabling encoding of an audio signal based on the voice signal in response to comparing the power parameters and a threshold value. A headset including a controller may use the method to determine whether to enable or disable encoding, transmission, or both of an audio signal to another device.

Abstract: A voice-activated encoding method includes determining a voice power parameter based on a frequency domain representation of a voice signal from a voice microphone. The method includes determining an ambient power parameter based on a frequency domain representation of at least one ambient signal from at least one ambient microphone spaced from the voice microphone. The method also includes enabling encoding of an audio signal based on the voice signal in response to comparing the power parameters and a threshold value. A headset including a controller may use the method to determine whether to enable or disable encoding, transmission, or both of an audio signal to another device.

Abstract: A communication device is presented that includes a receiver operatively coupled to a processor. The receiver receives communication data from other communication devices. The device also includes a speaker operatively coupled to the processor. The speaker is configured to output a sound wave based on an output from the processor. The processor determines a distance from another communication device transmitting communication data to the communication device. A volume of the sound wave is reduced in proportion to the distance between the communication device and the other device.

Abstract: A plurality of communication devices form a network, including a first communication device configured to send and receive communication data to and from other communication devices within the network using time division multiple access protocol; wherein the first communication device is configured to store data indicating whether another communication device is in a master state; wherein in advance of sending communication data, if another communication device is not in the master state, then the first communication device will enter the master state; wherein in advance of sending communication data, if another communication device is in the master state, then the first communication device will enter a lowest available time slot; and wherein all of the communication devices in the network synchronize to the communication device in the master state. Other embodiments are also included herein.