There is provided a communication apparatus including an antenna unit configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal, and a wireless processing unit configured to process the wireless signal transmitted or received via the antenna unit. The antenna unit is configured or arranged to maintain a satisfactory communication characteristic regardless of arrangement and a direction with respect to an antenna of a communication partner apparatus that transmits or receives a wireless signal of high directivity.

The technology described herein is directed towards a portable or wearable device/peripheral that includes a mask for a passive metasurface. A transceiver transmits a wireless radio frequency signal towards the metasurface, whereby the metasurface reflects an altered instance of the incoming signal back to the transceiver. The radiation pattern of the reflected signal can be distinct per metasurface, providing a distinct signature of that particular metasurface for detection by a computing device expecting that signature. The mask protects the passive metasurface, as well as determines the appearance of the metasurface. For example, the mask can show a manufacturer's logo, a user's preferred personal color, pattern, and so forth. The mask can include visible functionality information, such as what direction and range the metasurface should be with respect to the transceiver. Various wearable designs for the devices are described, including rings and wristbands that incorporate masked metasurfaces.

The disclosure relates to a sports communication system for communication between members of a team, e.g., players and coaches of a sports team during a sports competition, that includes a wireless computer device in wireless communication with a receiver worn by a team member wherein the wireless computer device comprises: a display, a transmitter module, a microcontroller, a power supply, and an antenna. The receiver worn by the team member includes an antenna, a modulator, a microcontroller, a power supply, and a display, and the wireless communication is one-way communication from the wireless computer device to the receiver that does not even include a handshake from the receiver to the wireless computer device, and the communication between the wireless computer device and the receiver includes text messaging.