Modular personal networks (MPNs) are disclosed that include multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Devices include security circuitry that prevents them from being used in a different MPN once the user has configured them. Devices not designed for use within an MPN can be included in the network using a bridge device. Devices can be integrated into items of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets. One item of jewelry, such as a bracelet, can support multiple replaceable modules with variable functions. Functions of the MPN can include communications, entertainment, medical monitoring, sports monitoring, personal organization, and games. Multiple users each with his or her own MPN can use them to collaborate in creation of music. An MPN can be used for mobile recognition and logging of wildlife.

Provided is a system with which devices participating in a particular network and devices that are not participating in the particular network can be easily distinguished from one another. A communication apparatus displays a list screen of devices existing in the surroundings of the communication apparatus. This list screen is displayed while identification information indicating whether or not the device is participating in the particular network is associated with the device.

Provided is a system with which devices participating in a particular network and devices that are not participating in the particular network can be easily distinguished from one another. A communication apparatus displays a list screen of devices existing in the surroundings of the communication apparatus. This list screen is displayed while identification information indicating whether or not the device is participating in the particular network is associated with the device.

This first communication apparatus is provided with: a first communication unit which, after establishing a link necessary for first near field communication with a communication counterpart existing within a first communication available range, performs the first near field communication with the link-established communication counterpart; and a second communication unit which performs second near field communication with a communication counterpart existing within a second communication available range that is narrower than the first communication available range. In a case where detecting that a portable storage medium with which the second near field communication is available enters the second communication available range, the first communication apparatus transmits, through the first communication unit, detection information which indicates that the portable storage medium enters the second communication available range to a link-established second communication apparatus. In a case where receiving the detection information from the first communication apparatus, the second communication apparatus limits the transmission and reception of data through the first near field communication with communication counterparts other than the first communication apparatus which has transmitted the detection information, while maintaining the establishment of each link with each of a plurality of link-established communication counterparts.

Disclosed is a way to expand the range of Internet of Things devices in a home, office, or structure to the range of a local WiFi network. This is accomplished by generating a network bridge for the devices using machine-to-machine protocols to communicate using the WiFi network backhaul channel. Transmissions in machine-to-machine protocol are tunneled through WiFi communications and extracted by the closest access point. Access points include radios for both WiFi and machine-to-machine protocols.

Techniques and systems are provided for interfacing one or more event detectors coupled by a common interconnect with a network interface. Interconnect signals indicative of events detected by the one or more event detectors using sensor data are propagated on the common interconnect. A monitor device indirectly or directly couple to the common interconnect monitors the interconnect signals. Information about a first event detector of the one or more event detectors is inferred, in part, from the interconnect signals and transmitted via the network interface.

A vehicle system includes a portable terminal and an in-vehicle device. The portable terminal is configured to perform short-range wireless communication. The in-vehicle device is configured to locate the portable terminal based on a reception strength. The portable terminal includes a transmission unit configured to change a channel among channels. A reception strength selection unit of the in-vehicle device is configured to select a particular number of reception strengths for consecutive ones of the channels. A terminal locator unit of the in-vehicle device is configured to prioritize a largest reception strength to locate the portable terminal based on the reception strength. An upper limit of the particular number is set to be higher as an interval for transmitting information from the antenna to the in-vehicle device is shorter, and a lower limit of the particular number is set based on a multipath reduction effect.

There is provided a radiation detector including: a radiation detection unit that generates and outputs a radiation image from an electric charge generated in response to emitted radiation; and a communication unit that operates as a master to perform wireless communication with a slave and that is prevented from being directly connected to a global network, in a case of transmitting the radiation image generated by the radiation detection unit.

A wireless hub device may receive wireless signals associated with a plurality of audio or visual output (A/V) devices for registering with a wireless hub system, wherein the plurality of A/V devices are configured into a plurality of zones. The wireless hub device may receive a command and transmit signals to a plurality of A/V devices in one of the zones so that the plurality of A/V devices are calibrated within the zone. The wireless hub device may receive a command and transmit signals to the plurality of A/V devices in the one zone so that an output level of the plurality of the A/V devices in the one zone is increased or decreased.

A communication method includes; transmitting, by a first wireless communication device, channel designation information designating a channel to be used for a second communication to a second wireless communication device through a first communication; activating, by the second wireless communication device, a communication function of performing the second communication through the designated channel, and transmitting, by the first wireless communication device, a connection request for the second communication using the designated channel to the second wireless communication device.