Abstract: A method to authorize, facilitate, and mediate transfer of DRM protected files from one portable multimedia player (1050) to another portable multimedia player (1080), while ensuring appropriate royalty payments are made to appropriate Copyright Owners A source i2i device includes a file transfer counting mechanism for monitoring and disabling the transfer of digital files between portable digital media devices, and further includes hardware for providing a secure Internet interface (1020) capable of connecting the source device a Credit Vendor server (1040) via a network-connected computer (1070) A Credit Vendor (1000) pays a fee to a DRM File Source Company (1010) to obtain virtual credits for transferring DRM files The user connects the source i2i device to the Credit Vendor server (1040) via a global computer network and downloads virtual credits, which authorize and enable the transfer of content between the source i2i device and a target i2i device The Credit Vendor (1000) then pays appropriate royaltie

Abstract: A microprocessor uses one or more output pins to pulse width modulate a charge pump network to achieve a boosted voltage on an output port. The boosted voltage is then used to drive an LED, which may have a higher voltage drop than that of the starting un-boosted voltage. The adjustment of either the frequency or duty cycle of the PWM signal allows for adjustment of the steady state output voltage. This allows for the adjustment of the brightness of the LED by firmware while supplying enough voltage drop required by the LEDs.

Abstract: A system for matching the currently tuned frequency of a signal transmitting device with that of a signal receiving device, including a transmitter having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the transmitter is currently tuned, and a signal receiving device having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the signal receiving unit is currently tuned. Each device has a channel selector function so that the frequency to which the device is tuned can be changed, thereby changing the color displayed.

Abstract: An improved amplitude equalizer for FM transmitters that compensates for undesirable frequency response characteristics in an audio source or in an FM receiver. In a preferred embodiment, the amplitude equalizer includes a pre-emphasis network including a set of components that can be selectively switched in and out of the network so that a transmitter operator may select the type of pre-emphasis most appropriate to the audio source for the transmitter and the system that demodulates and reproduces the audio signals transmitted.

Abstract: An AM/FM/SW receiver coupled with an FM transmitter for personal multimedia players for both listening and recording uses innovative antenna and shielding design and placement to raise the signal-to-noise ratio of the intended broadcast content to a level which is acceptable to the listener.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing an auto-off capability for a wireless transmitter, of a type having an audio plug which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter modulates signals from a baseband signal source onto a carrier and transmits the RF carrier to a receiver. The auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and eliminate the transmission of unmodulated RF carriers. The auto-off capability comprises turning power off to the transmitter circuit when baseband input signal is absent for more than a predetermined amount of time, and immediately turning on the transmitter circuit when baseband signal is present.

Abstract: Antenna system having as one element a conductors in an interconnecting cable, wherein that conductor is isolated at RF from the device at the opposite cable end, while also being tightly coupled to that device at audio frequencies and/or DC. Such an antenna is suited for use in wireless transmitters and receivers for transmitting a signal from an audio playback device to a remote audio out put device having multiple conductors interconnecting the wireless transmitter and media device, or multiple conductors interconnecting the receiver and headphones/speakers.

Abstract: A method for capture, aggregation, storage and transfer of Internet content for time-shifted playback on a portable multimedia device utilizing a content time-shifter system which is programmed and maintained via a web-based maintenance server, and schedules capture of content via on-line schedule listing and media listing services.

Abstract: A headphone receiver apparatus for use with low power transmitters includes a pair of headphone speaker enclosures connected by a headband. An antenna element in the form of a spring steel band or a plastic cable/antenna band where one of the conductors is utilized as the antenna is configured generally concentric with but offset from the headband and the user's head by at least 0.5 inches over at least some length of the antenna. Low-noise performance is improved by a low noise amplifier incorporated before the receiver IC, and a bandpass filter interposed between the low noise amplifier and the receiver IC. A base-loading inductor is used to tune the antenna element to resonance, with or without capacative end-loading. Lumped inductors, ferrite beads, or a parallel resonant LC circuit may be used to isolate the shield conductor at RF frequencies, and/or to reduce the loading of the other conductors.

Abstract: An electronic device having a unique audio sensing method that senses the event of no audio for a predetermined period of time. The sensed information is used by a microprocessor to bring the device into a low-power mode. The same method may be used to bring a device into active mode from a low-power mode.

Abstract: A pull-based method for disseminating marketing information to customers based on specific customer requests through a web based portal connected to a sever with a database of product information. The customer can receive the information via a variety of mediums from a distribution hub connected to the server. Information on consumer choices is stored on the server, which can be collated, ranked, and prioritized for use in tracking consumer requests for information.

Abstract: A circuit (FIGS. 2A-2D) and method of providing an auto-on and/or auto-off capability for an audio device, of a type having an audio plug (14) which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter (10) modulates audio signals from the audio source onto a carrier and transmits them to a receiver. The auto-on and auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and degradation of the transmitter circuit and comprises pinching off a FET (Q2) when the circuit is in an “off” state. This occurs when a pre-determined threshold in a capacitor is reached by not discharging that capacitor. The capacitor (C29) is discharged by dropping a comparator input below a pre-determined threshold limit when presented with an audio peak and wherein the drop in value causes the comparator output to go low, causing the capacitor to discharge and causing the FET (Q2) to supply power to the regulator.

Abstract: An audio circuit digitizes raw analog input and uses a digital signal processor (DSP) to filter, modulate, and mix the input to produce a multiplex composite signal. The multiplex composite signal is output from the DSP through a digital/analog converter (DAC), and modulates a conventional FM RF stage. In a first preferred, hydrid embodiment, the composite signal is output from the DSP through a digital/analog converter (DAC), and modulates a conventional FM RF stage. In a second preferred, fully digital embodiment, carrier modulation takes place in the DSP, and FM modulated RF is output via a fast DAC for final filtering and radiation.

Abstract: An Internet-based digital content recording system and method which obviates the need to utilize an analog system or to address the logistical demands of physically preparing a recording medium and ensuring that it is adequate to the task and set to commence recording at the appropriate time. The invention system allows radio listeners to record and enjoy a favorite radio program at any time, in any location. It opens the user's radio experience to include any online radio station around the world, including commercial, public, and personal stations. It provides this functionality through a seamless combination of online and hardware-based interfaces that deliver a consistent user experience.