Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by the controls. In response to user manipulation of the controls, the accessory sends the function codes to the portable electronic device that cause the device to perform the requested function. Preferably, the accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car auxiliary power outlet and has the controls on the protruding face of the charger body. The accessory may also include an FM transmitter for transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device to the car stereo.

Abstract: An FM transmitter accessory for a digital music player having a display screen uses a microprocessor to create image files that are transferred to the digital music player such that they are displayed on its screen. When a user input on the accessory is manipulated on the accessory to select a transmission frequency for the FM transmitter, the microcontroller generates a new image file that corresponds to the selected frequency and transfers the generated image file to the digital music player such that the selected frequency is displayed on the screen of the digital music player. In addition, by constantly generating new displays based upon user inputs, the accessory can display menus on the screen of the digital music player that can be manipulated by user to select between a number of displayed options.

Abstract: An adjustable member allows a docking connector for a portable electronic device to accommodate devices having different dimensions. The docking connector is designed to physically and electrically couple to the portable electronic device. The adjustable member alters a distance between a supporting sidewall of the docking connector and an electrical connector that couples to the portable electronic device. The adjust member is preferably a threaded shaft having a support pad for supporting a surface of the portable electronic device. A rotating knob allows a user to extend or retract the support pad on the shaft to engage the side of the portable electronic device. Thus, the docking connector can accommodate devices having different dimensions.

Abstract: Line anomalies on a line under test are detected by generating a test signal at a first power level and coupling the test signal to the line under test. A response level is received from the line under test at a second and third harmonic frequency of the first test signal. A second test signal is generated at an increased power level and coupled to the line under test and a response level from the line is received at a second and third harmonic frequency of the second test signal. The process is repeated by raising the power level of the test signal until a current level supplied to the line by a test signal exceeds an acceptable threshold level. The response levels are compared to stored data to locate any line anomalies present. The stored data represents harmonic response data obtained from the same line at a previous time. A graphical or mathematical representation of the response data is produced such that the response data can be easily compared to locate any anomalies.

Abstract: A charging accessory for a portable electronic device has an input/output port for providing electrical connections to an input/output port of the device. The accessory includes a charger for charging the battery of the portable electronic device and a discharging circuit for discharging the battery of the device. A processor in the accessory determines when the device battery is fully charged and fully discharged. A time stamp associated with a charging/discharging cycle and device identification information identifying the particular device upon which the charging cycle was performed is stored in a memory of the accessory. The charging accessory then automatically performs a discharging/charging operation for the device according to a predetermined schedule to recalibrate a battery level display of the device whenever the accessory is coupled to the device.

Abstract: A digital music player includes an audio file selector that selects a subsequent audio file to play from a collection of audio files based upon a desired relationship between an audio characteristic of a current audio file and an audio characteristic of the subsequent audio file. The audio selector digitally analyzes the audio files to determine their audio characteristics. A weighting procedure then assigns weights to the audio files in the collection based upon their audio characteristics and their relationship to the audio characteristics of the current audio file. A random selector then pseudo randomly selects the subsequent audio files from a weighted list of the files. The desired relationship can be a specified correspondence between a key or tempo of the current audio file and a key or tempo of the subsequent audio file. The audio selector is preferably implemented through a software macro which is downloaded into an existing digital music player.

Abstract: A pen or stylus for use with a finger activated computer touchpad uses capacitively coupled voltage signals to simulate the capacitive effect of a finger on the touchpad. In addition, the pen has buttons that can be utilized to capacitively couple control signals to the touchpad that are interpreted by application software as specific user-defined inputs. The pen has a conductive tip that is placed into contact with the touchpad. By biasing the touchpad electrodes with a properly timed voltage signal, the pen alters the charging time of the electrodes in the touchpad. This alteration in charging time is interpreted by the touchpad as a change in capacitance due to the presence of a user's finger. Thus, the pen can be used with touchpads that were designed to only detect finger movements.

Abstract: A holder for a digital audio player such as an Apple iPOD™ is designed to fit in a standard sized cup holder. The holder is configured to support the digital audio player at an easy to read angle and provides a slot for a cable such as a power cable to extend from the holder. The holder is constructed from relatively soft compressible foam that conforms to different sized cup holders and protects the digital audio player from damage. A plurality of support portions allows the holder to support various size digital audio players.

Abstract: A digital eye data bank contains digital eye information concerning a plurality of different eyes in the form of schematic eve models. Each model contains a quantitative and qualitative description of the optical performance of a human eye that can be used to simulate the eye's optical performance. Each schematic eye model is associated with at least one of an age, race, gender, geographic residence, or medical diagnosis of a group of individuals. The digital eye data bank also contains personal information such as body height, weight, education background, and physical, chemical, and mental status that may correspond to an eye condition associated with the eye model. The digital eye data bank is used to evaluate the performance of ocular instruments through computer simulation and predict a measurement outcome among a population of subjects.

Abstract: An adapter for connection to an earphone or headphone having a speaker which is housed in a relatively rigid casing utilizes an elongated hollow body having two open ends. One open end of the body is adapted to be positioned about the relatively rigid speaker casing of the earphone or headphone for connection thereto, and the other open end of the body is adapted to be positioned within the ear of a user. The hollow body has an interior shape which is shaped to conduct sound emitted from the speaker casing toward and through the other open end of the body.