NORMAN, OK - The Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility in Norman, Oklahoma will launch research initiatives to provide factual answers for two key questions about wireless telephone use: can wireless telephones interfere with aircraft navigation systems or ignite gasoline fumes at gas pumps?
"People depend on their wireless phones in virtually every aspect of their lives, and they deserve to know the facts regarding these issues," said Hank Grant, Director for the Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility at the University of Oklahoma. "By providing information based on fact, we will address these issues in a way that benefits everyone."
The Center will investigate the potential for wireless phones to ignite fumes at gas stations. This issue gained prominence after a story that recently made the rounds on the Internet following an alleged incident in Indonesia. Just recently, several major petroleum companies have announced plans to ban the use of wireless phones and other devices at their stations.
"To date, there are no confirmed reports of phones causing any type of explosions, but clearly this issue needs to be investigated," Grant noted. "We will study the scientific data on the ignition point of gasoline and the potential for wireless phones to create the spark that would be needed to ignite gasoline fumes."
Another area that has prompted restrictive use of wireless phones is in airplane travel. For several years, passengers have been prevented from using their wireless phones either in total or partially aboard airplanes.
"Because of the huge number of travelers using wireless phones, we believe it is imperative to determine whether or not wireless phones can interfere with aircraft navigation systems," said Grant. "Our study will look at the state of the art of navigation systems, as well as the future evolution of those systems. Since most navigation systems will utilize satellite-based Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology in the future, our efforts also will focus on those systems."
By exploring the aircraft and gasoline issues, the Wireless EMC Center is once again demonstrating its leadership in wireless compatibility issues. The Center has also pioneered important research on interactions with pacemakers, hearing aids, and medical equipment, providing valuable information to government, manufacturers, and consumers.
The Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility was established at the University of Oklahoma, School of Industrial Engineering on the Norman campus in 1994. Its charter is to work with industry, government and business to investigate and resolve interactions and promote compatibility between wireless phones and other electronic devices. The academic independence of the Center assures that industry and business will have an independent resource for research, testing, information and expertise.
For more detailed information on Wireless EMC Center projects, visit
the website at:
http://www.ou.edu/engineering/emc .
| Contact: | Dr. Hank Grant, Director Wireless EMC Center The University of Oklahoma 100 E. Boyd, Suite R-208 Norman, OK 73019 Voice: (405) 325-2429 Fax: (405) 325-2556 E-Mail: hgrant@ou.edu |