Abstract: Implementations of the present specification provide a vehicle identification method and apparatus, a primary device, and a secondary device. In the vehicle identification method, after sending a low-frequency signal, the primary device receives a response signal sent by the secondary device for the low-frequency signal, and communicates with the secondary device to obtain identity information of a vehicle on which the secondary device is located, so that the vehicle can be identified. The response signal is sent from the secondary device after the secondary device receives the low-frequency signal and detects that the signal strength of the low-frequency signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the signal strength of the low-frequency signal rapidly attenuates as the distance increases, so that the primary device can determine the location of the vehicle on which the secondary device is located solely based on the received response signal.

Abstract: A wearable device and a method of indicating a hygiene status on a wearable device. The method may include obtaining a first gesture signal using an inertial sensor in the wearable device and matching the first gesture signal to one of a plurality of gesture signal patterns stored in the wearable device and associated with a multi-stage gesture. It may further include obtaining another gesture signal and matching it to another of the plurality of gesture signal patterns. It may then include determining, based on detecting at least two of the gestures in the multi-stage gesture that the multi-stage gesture has been completed and, as a result, setting the hygiene status to a clean state. The device may output a sensory signal using an output device indicating the clean state.

Abstract: A device and system for detecting dynamic strain. The device comprises a longitudinally extending carrier and an optical fiber embedded along an outer surface of a length of the carrier. The optical fiber comprises at least one pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) tuned to reflect substantially identical wavelengths. The system comprises the device and an interrogator comprising a laser source and a photodetector. The interrogator is configured to perform interferometry by shining laser light along the optical fiber and detecting light reflected by the FBGs. The interrogator outputs dynamic strain measurements based on interferometry performed on the reflected light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides a microcontroller unit for a short-range wireless transmission (such as IR or BLE) in a one-cell battery powered remote control comprising a voltage doubler for increasing an input voltage provided by the one-cell battery to increase distance of wireless transmission when the remote control is in use and for maintaining original output voltage when the remote control is idle; and a voltage detector for detecting voltage increased by the voltage doubler. The voltage doubler includes an oscillator, a logic control unit and multiple transistors with external capacitors connected to each other. When the voltage doubler is activated, the logic control unit turns on the multiple transistors on and off sequentially to increase the input voltage, at least twice, provided by the one-cell battery to increase the distance of the wireless transmission, and when the voltage doubler is deactivated, the original output voltage is maintained.

Abstract: Devices and methods associated with current measurements are provided. A current in a conductor portion may be measured by a current sensing element. An output signal indicative of the current may be generated based on the measured current and information regarding a current path.

Abstract: Devices and methods associated with current measurements are provided. A current in a conductor portion may be measured by a current sensing element. An output signal indicative of the current may be generated based on the measured current and information regarding a current path.

Abstract: Laser-based device and optical microphone having increased bandwidth. The system includes a laser microphone to transmit a laser beam towards a human speaker; to receive an optical feedback signal reflected back from the human speaker; and to perform self-mixing interferometry. An optical feedback signal bandwidth enhancer improves the bandwidth of the optical feedback signal, to improve the quality of remote speech detection that is based on the optical feedback signal. The bandwidth enhancement utilizes takes into account one or more of: the identity of the face-region hit by the laser beam; the skin color or shade; obstruction of the skin by hair or by accessories; ability to allocate increased processing resources for processing of the optical feedback signal; ability to modify modulation frequency of the optical feedback signal; Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) estimation; bandwidth estimation; acoustic-optical transmission channel estimation; or other suitable parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a light guide including a proximal end, a distal end, a display positioned near the proximal end, an ocular measurement camera positioned at or near the proximal end to image ocular measurement radiation, a proximal optical element positioned in the light guide near the proximal end and a distal optical element positioned in the light guide near the distal end. The proximal optical element is optically coupled to the display, the ocular measurement camera and the distal optical element and the distal optical element is optically coupled to the proximal optical element, the ambient input region and an input/output optical element. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An optically powered media conversion device for performing optical to electrical conversion is disclosed. The conversion device includes at least one optical coupler for receiving at least one optical signal comprising at least one wavelength, wherein the at least one optical coupler extracts energy from the at least one optical signal, and at least one detector for extracting data from the at least one optical signal and converting the optical signal to an electrical signal using a photovoltaic process. The conversion device further includes a transmitter for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal to a first device.

Abstract: A filtered laser array assembly generally includes an array of laser emitters coupled between external modulators and an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). Each of the laser emitters emits light across a plurality of wavelengths including, for example, channel wavelengths in an optical communication system. The AWG filters the emitted light from each of the laser emitters at different channel wavelengths associated with each of the laser emitters. Lasing cavities are formed between each of the laser emitters and a back reflector coupled to an output of the AWG such that laser output from the laser emitters is provided at the respective channel wavelengths of the reflected, filtered light. The external modulators enable high speed modulation of the laser output. The modulated laser output may then be optically multiplexed to produce an aggregate optical signal including multiple channel wavelengths.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an identification and communication system described herein comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one query unit comprises a query beam source operable to emit a query beam and at least one response unit comprises at least one detector comprising an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) comprising an amplifier operable to amplify the query beam. In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one response unit comprises at least one detector capable of detecting incident radiation having a power of about 100 pW or less. In some embodiments, a system comprises at least one component of a response unit disposed in a first housing mounted to a weapon and at least one component of a query unit disposed in a second housing mounted to the weapon.

Abstract: A remote control unit generates a first beam which a user points at one of a plurality of information appliances to select that appliance. After selecting the desired appliance, the user then actuates a button on a control keypad on the remote control unit to cause the unit to generate a second, modulated beam. The remote control unit modulates the second beam in accordance with a desired functionality of the information appliance to control the appliance accordingly.

Abstract: A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided regarding an optical communication system for both short- and long-range applications employing specialized diffusive elements. An interrogator unit can utilize a diffusive element that diffuses a portion of the laser beam for short-range applications. Other portions of the beam can have low divergence to enable long-range functionality as well. A response unit can utilize a diffusive retroreflector to help ensure sensors coupled to the interrogator unit detect a reflected beam. The interrogator unit can employ a plurality of sensors for sensing one or more response signals at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing the transmission of infrared (IR) signals outside of a reclamation receptacle. Techniques include using a reclamation receptacle having an IR transmitter configured to transmit IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in a closed configuration and configured to cease transmission of the IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in an open configuration. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be deposited in the reclamation receptacle. The RFID tag may receive the IR signals and generate a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the IR signals, wherein the RF signal indicates that the RFID tag is in the reclamation receptacle.

Abstract: Optical or electrical attenuation is provided at the infrared (IR) receiver of a first device, such as a remote control, together with a commensurate increase in output of the IR transmitter of an appliance, such as a set top box, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of IR communications with respect to any background infrared radiation, such as radiation from a plasma display screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for target identification are disclosed. An example method for target identification disclosed herein comprises establishing an optical communication link with a potential target, transmitting a first signal encoded with a first code to the potential target using the optical communication link, receiving a second signal from the potential target using the optical communication link, extracting a second code from the second signal, and identifying the potential target as a friendly asset based on the second code.

Abstract: An optically-connected system is disclosed for exchanging data among industrial automation devices, that is composed of a plurality of connection elements, where each element comprises at least two pairs of optical transmitters and receivers on the main side, and one optical receiver on the opposing main side, that are opposite with respect to another pair of transmitters and receivers in a following element; and where each one of the transmitters and receivers is adapted to communicate with industrial automation devices to cooperate for exchanging data between elements, sending one interrogation signal requesting an identity of the receiver and the receiver is adapted to send to each corresponding response signal containing characteristics of the receiver.

Abstract: An optical sensor system comprises one or more optical sensor devices, a master device and an electrical bus connecting the sensor devices to the master device. The bus comprises a signal daisy chain for the transmission of synchronization events. The sensor devices are adapted to detect a synchronization event at a signal input terminal, to time an optical activity based on this synchronization event and to provide at a signal output terminal a synchronization event delayed by an offset time with respect to the detected synchronization event. A property of the synchronization events provided by the sensor devices is indicative of an output value of the respective sensor device, corresponding to a state of an optical section to which the sensor is sensitive.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided regarding an optical communication system for both short- and long-range applications employing specialized diffusive elements. An interrogator unit can utilize a diffusive element that diffuses a portion of the laser beam for short-range applications. Other portions of the beam can have low divergence to enable long-range functionality as well. A response unit can utilize a diffusive retroreflector to help ensure sensors coupled to the interrogator unit detect a reflected beam. The interrogator unit can employ a plurality of sensors for sensing one or more response signals at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ancillary elements of an electric power distribution network, includes an optical fiber path associated with the ancillary elements to be monitored, respective optical branches branching from the optical fiber path, wherein each optical branch includes at least one passive optical attenuator operatively coupled to, and having an attenuation adapted to change in response to a change in operating conditions of the respective ancillary element, and an optical reflector; an optical radiation source adapted to inject optical radiation into the optical fiber path; and an optical receiver adapted to detect back-reflected optical radiation reflected by the optical reflector; the monitoring system being further adapted to recognize a position of at least one of the ancillary elements based on a characteristic of the back-reflected optical radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for reducing the instance of friendly fire by having the weapon aiming system include means for emitting an optical signal encoded with the identity of the targeting soldier. The encoded optical signal is received by an optical receiver on a targeted soldier where it is converted into a low power RF signal which is transmitted to a local repeater that retransmits it, optionally using at least one intermediate repeater, to a central monitoring station equipped with a computerized database. If the monitoring station determines that the doubly encoded signal includes the identities of two friendly troops, it transmits a “hold fire” signal back to the aiming system, and a suitable signal, such as a red LED indicative of a “hold fire” order is illuminated.

Abstract: In one aspect, identification and communication systems are described herein. An identification and communication system described herein, in some embodiments, comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one response unit comprises one or more detectors comprising one or more optical fibers operable to direct one or more signals received from at least one query unit to the one or more detectors. In some embodiments, at least one optical fiber is operable to receive a signal from at least one query unit through the side of the optical fiber. In some embodiments, at least one optical fiber comprises a fluorescent plastic fiber (FPF). In some embodiments, at least one optical fiber is disposed in a textile.

Abstract: In one aspect, identification and communication systems are described herein. In some embodiments, an identification and communication system comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one query unit is a handheld device. In some embodiments, the handheld device does not comprise a weapon and is not mounted on a weapon. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a flashlight. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a smart device in communication with the stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a display screen. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a query controller and the display screen is operable to display data provided by the query controller.

Abstract: A remote control method for remotely controlling a plurality of electronic apparatuses connected to an apparatus control device using a remote control device includes the following steps. The remote control device sends the apparatus control device control data necessary for an infrared control operation, which includes a port number, assigned to a port of the apparatus control device, associated with a selected electronic apparatus and an infrared code for the selected apparatus control device. The apparatus control device then receives the control data sent from the remote control device. The apparatus control device generates an infrared signal based on the infrared code included in the received control data. An infrared-transmitting unit, connected to the port specified by the port number included in the control data, transmits the infrared signal to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the infrared-transmitting unit.

Abstract: A method and system for an observation system for use in weapon aiming is disclosed. An observation scope displays azimuth and elevation adjustments. Meteorological information is gathered by one or more weather stations, which use weather sensors. A range finder determines a distance between the observation scope and a target. A ballistics processor determines a ballistic solution based on the distance and the meteorological information. The ballistic solution is provided to the observation scope.

Abstract: A drive circuit and method of controlling a quantum well modulator are disclosed. The drive circuit can be disposed in an optical transceiver having a quantum well modulator configured to retro-modulate an incoming optical signal. The drive circuit can include separate modulating and bias voltage sources. A level of the modulating voltage and the bias voltage can be determined based on an ambient temperature of the optical transceiver and can be adjusted to compensate for variations in the optical performance of the quantum well modulator. The quantum well modulator can be controlled in intervals. The modulating voltage can be applied to the quantum well modulator during a first interval. A current associated with the modulating voltage can be returned to the modulation voltage source during a second interval. A timing of the first and second intervals can be based on electrical properties of the quantum well modulator.

Abstract: A visible light communication apparatus enables an operator to visually recognize a communication state during visual light communication. The apparatus includes a light emitting section which emits visible light and which includes a modulator, a visible light emitter, a light emitting element and an emission control section which includes a controller and which controls an emission state of the visible light from the light emitting section. The apparatus controls the emission state according to the communication state. It is hence possible for the operator to visually perceive the communication state during the visible light communication.

Abstract: An automated system for the processing of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The automated system allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple individual tags through the use of multiple processing stations. A table is provided that is capable of moving the individual tags from one processing station to the next. Tables are also provided for receiving unprocessed tags for input into the system and processed tags for packaging. Individual tags are moved between the tables by a transfer mechanism.

Abstract: Among other things, systems to encourage compliance with hand washing procedures can include: an infrared emitter that projects a first infrared beam with a transverse cross-section having a first axis and a second axis that is shorter than the first axis, the transverse cross-section having a maximum length along the first axis, the infrared emitter modulating the first infrared beam to transmit a first identification signal; wherein the infrared emitter projecting the first infrared beam is placed such that the first axis of the transverse cross-section of the first infrared beam is substantially parallel to a boundary.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a data processor and data communication mechanism for: (a) transmitting, via an optical link, configuration and authentication requests/information for a second data communication link to an external device; and (b) transmitting other content data via the separate, second data communication link that is configured using the configuration data transmitted on the optical link. Data communication on the optical link is provided via modulated optical pulses from an illumination light source of the electronic device. The light source is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting configuration/authentication data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted configuration/acknowledgement data from the external device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic shelf label arranged to be wirelessly connected to an electronic labelling system, said label comprising a wireless communication interface adapted to receive information to be shown on a display, an internal controller controlling the communication interface, the controller being arranged to determine each time an information frame is received, whether or not the information frame is intended for the shelf label, said electronic shelf label being characterized in that the controller comprises an interface for communicating with a processor, which can assume a sleep mode in which no power is consumed, or an active mode in which the processor controls the reception of information from the system to the label, and the controller is arranged to transmit a wakeup signal to the processor if it determines that the processor should assume the active mode.

Abstract: It is possible to realize remote control in a reflection wave transmission system, and enhance operability for a mobile apparatus having a reflector. The mobile apparatus comprises a reflector and performs reflection wave transmission by carrying data on a reflection wave for unmodulated carrier. A reflection wave reader comprises an infrared light receiving section, receives and decodes a request signal sent as an infrared remote control command, transmits it to the mobile apparatus by an ASK modulated signal and then transmits the unmodulated carrier. The mobile apparatus transmits requested data by reflection wave. The mobile apparatus can be operated from an infrared remote controller and remote control distance can be extended.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for power management in wireless networks. Based upon receipt of an indication of the link margin of a receiving wireless device, a transmitting wireless device may adjust its transmit power commensurate with the link margin. The indication of the link margin may be transmitted from the receiving wireless device to the transmitting wireless device periodically. Alternatively, the receiving wireless station may provide the indication of the link margin in response to information received from the transmitting wireless device. In this instance, the indication of the link margin may be included in a piggyback acknowledgement (ACK) frame conventionally used to acknowledge receipt of the information transmitted by the transmitting wireless station.

Abstract: A method and device enables data communication via optical pulses from a light source of an electronic device. A data transfer interface is provided to support processing of selected data by a processor of the electronic device. The electronic device comprises an illumination light source, which is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted data. The transmission and receiving of the data is provided on a bidirectional duplex communication link created with a second optical receiver and an optical data transmission mechanism of a second electronic device.

Abstract: An optoelectronic module for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber including a housing having an electrical input for coupling with an external cable or information system device and for transmitting and receiving information-containing electrical signals over such input, and a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and receiving an optical signal; an electro-optic subassembly coupled to the information containing electrical signal and converting it to and/or from a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal; parametric data-collection means disposed in the housing acquiring environmental and/or operational data associated with the module; and a communication interface for wirelessly transferring the data to an external device, such as a portable terminal.

Abstract: A combat IFF system, for use in a combat exercise or on the battlefield, including a helmet-mounted passive IFF response unit and a weapon-mounted IFF interrogatory unit for each soldier. Infrared (IR) signals are employed for both challenge and response. The IR response signal is a very narrowly-targeted reflection of the relatively narrow IR transmit signal, thereby minimizing interception opportunities. The transmit and response signals are encoded in a transaction that cannot be compromised even when either or both signals are intercepted and decoded by the enemy. The combat IFF system includes biometric anti-spoofing features that prevent any use by an enemy in possession of captured units. Military radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is not required so there are no bandwidth limitations on simultaneous IFF transactions in the battlefield. A combat IFF transaction is completed in milliseconds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to remote optical control of holding beam-type, optical flip-flop devices, as well as to the devices themselves. All-optical SET and RE-SET control signals operate on a cw holding beam in a remote manner to vary the power of the holding beam between threshold switching values to enable flip-flop operation. Cross-gain modulation and cross-polarization modulation processes can be used to change the power of the holding beam.

Abstract: A device and method for operating an optoelectronic safety sensitive edge (100) for the safeguarded motor-driven movement of a gate having a closing edge (141). The device has a deformable, hollow, elastic profile (110), a light transmitter device with a light transmitter (121a), and a transmitter control system (121b), by means of which at least one operating parameter of the light transmitter (121a) can be adjusted, a light receiver device (122) with a light receiver, the light transmitter device and the light receiver device (122) being coupled optically and electrically by the transfer of dynamic signals, an optical, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?) within the hollow profile (110); and an evaluating device (130) with means for detecting an electric, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?), the evaluating device (130), generating a release signal in response to the detected, dynamic, electric coupling signal.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain-temperature sensing system includes first and second optical sources respectively generating first and second light signals having different wavelengths. Optical circulators direct the light signals to an external sensing cable for the respective generation of first and second Brillouin scattered light signals. First and second frequency mixers have a first input respectively coupled to the first and second optical light sources. The optical circulators direct the first and second Brillouin scattered light signals respectively to second inputs of the first and second frequency mixers. First and second transducers are respectively coupled to an output of the first and second frequency mixers and are respectively configured for generating first and second electrical signals indicative of a Brillouin frequency shift of the first and second light signals.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes are placed side by side at a front end of the remote control transmitter in a manner that their maximum radiation directions, i.e. radiation directions each giving a maximum radiation intensity, are each inclined at an angle within a range no larger than 5 degrees outwardly of the remote control transmitter 1 and symmetrically with respect to a bisector of a line segment which connects center points of the light emitting diodes. The inclination, within a range no larger than 5 degrees, of each of the light emitting diodes used as light sources for remote control does not cause significant reduction in the radiation intensity. Accordingly, it is possible to widen the transmittable angle within a range no larger than 10 degrees without significantly reducing the radiation intensity at a central portion of the radiation range.

Abstract: A distributed fiber optic sensor simultaneously interrogates the sensing fiber with two counter propagating light beams. One beam is set to a constant frequency. The second beam is modified to contain a “comb” of frequencies, with each frequency component in the comb offset by a predetermined amount. Each of the frequency components in the comb, herein referred to as teeth, is able to interact with the counter-propagating beam through the Brillouin scattering process. With proper selection of the comb characteristics such as the number of teeth, the frequency spacing of teeth, the spectral width of teeth, and the relative amplitude of the teeth, a representation of the Brillouin spectrum at each point in the fiber can be obtained simultaneously with a single pass through the fiber.

Abstract: A current sensing system comprises a current transformer; a burden resistor connected across a secondary of the current transformer; a piezo-optic sensor coupled to the burden resistor, comprising a piezoelectric transducer, an optical fiber and a first optical filter with a first bandwidth; and an optical interrogator, configured for sending an originating signal to the first bandwidth optical filter and receiving a resulting data signal and a second optical filter with a second bandwidth for filtering the resulting data signal.

Abstract: A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port.

Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a communication module having a communication port, and a wireless communication component. The automation component further includes a processor in communication with the communication module, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions are programmed to receive a component identifier via the communications port, generate a binding request based on the received component identifier, and communicate the binding request via the wireless communication component.

Abstract: A combat IFF system, for use in a combat exercise or on the battlefield, including a helmet-mounted passive IFF response unit and a weapon-mounted IFF interrogatory unit for each soldier. Infrared (IR) signals are employed for both challenge and response. The IR response signal is a very narrowly-targeted reflection of the relatively narrow IR transmit signal, thereby minimizing interception opportunities. The transmit and response signals are encoded in a transaction that cannot be compromised even when either or both signals are intercepted and decoded by the enemy. The combat IFF system includes biometric anti-spoofing features that prevent any use by an enemy in possession of captured units. Military radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is not required so there are no bandwidth limitations on simultaneous IFF transactions in the battlefield. A combat IFF transaction is completed in milliseconds.

Abstract: An addressable system for light fixtures is described wherein a plurality of light fixture modules is individually or collectively addressable for programming by remote control. The remote control may individually select each of the track control modules through visible and narrowly defined selected light followed by transmission of programming commands for programming of pre-defined scenes, functions or other user defined and desired effects. Each of the track fixture modules may be selected or de-selected through the use of laser light and a plurality of track control modules may be collectively programmed through the use of a track repeater module, all of the modules communicatively connected to each other and selectable by a visible narrow light source such that the user may readily activate or de-activate programming sequences.

Abstract: An addressable light fixture is described wherein a light fixture module is individually addressable for programming by remote control. The remote control may individually select each light fixture module through visible and narrowly defined selected light followed by transmission of programming commands for programming of pre-defined scenes, functions or other user defined and desired effects. Each of the fixture modules may be selected or de-selected through the use of laser light and a plurality of track control modules may be collectively programmed through the use of a repeater module, all of the modules communicatively connected to each other and selectable by a visible narrow light source such that the user may readily activate or de-activate programming sequences.

Abstract: A remote control for controlling consumer electronic devices and/or PC's. The remote control including a progress/status indicator for indicating the status of a download process or the status of an e-wallet.

Abstract: A method and system for the remote controlling of appliances includes an adaptive remote controller that adapts itself automatically to its environment so as to remotely control a plurality of appliances. The adaptive remote controller is RF based and has the capability of two way communication with appliances. The adaptive remote controller provides information, alerts and help to a user.