Patent ID: 8195091

Claim:
A wireless communication system comprising: (a) a first portable wireless device ( 30 ) that further comprises (i) a RF digital transceiver, (ii) a first IR transmitter adapted to transmit a first IR request inquiry signal ( 331 ) and a first IR presence signal ( 332 ); (b) a second portable wireless device ( 40 ) that further comprises (i) a RF digital transceiver, (ii) a second IR transmitter adapted to transmit a second IR request inquiry signal ( 431 ) and a second IR presence signal ( 432 ); and (c) a wireless communication access point ( 50 ) that further comprises (i) a first RF digital transceiver ( 51 ) adapted to communicate with said first portable wireless device, (ii) a second RF digital transceiver ( 52 ) adapted to communicate with said second portable wireless device, and (iii) an IR sensor adapted ( 53 ) to receive said first and second IR request inquiry signals and said first and second IR presence signals; wherein the first portable wireless device and the first RF digital transceiver establish mutual communication only after the first IR request inquiry signal is detected at the wireless communication access point; and the second portable wireless device and the second RF digital transceiver establish communication only after the second IR request inquiry signal is detected at the wireless communication access point.