Abstract: A smartphone or other portable electronic device is used to control another electronic device using the existing audio output of the phone without modification. The audio link can be ultra-sonic, sub-sonic, or audible and, if the controlled device has an audio output, bi-directional communications may be achieved using the microphone of the smartphone. The smartphone acts as a control panel to program or operate the external device. In one disclosed example, the smartphone is used to control and tune a portable sports event radio using an acoustic link and tone pattern(s).

Abstract: A system for verifying the connection status of couplable elements employs a code member having a pattern defining a machine-readable optical code disposed thereupon. The code member is physically divided into a number of separate segments each having a portion of the pattern defined thereupon. These segments are affixed to a series of couplable elements so that when those elements are appropriately coupled together, the code segments will be in an aligned relationship so as to form a particular optically readable pattern of data indicative of proper coupling of the elements. Further disclosed are methods employing the system.

Abstract: A system for verifying the connection status of couplable elements employs a code member having a pattern defining a machine-readable optical code disposed thereupon. The code member is physically divided into a number of separate segments each having a portion of the pattern defined thereupon. These segments are affixed to a series of couplable elements so that when those elements are appropriately coupled together, the code segments will be in an aligned relationship so as to form a particular optically readable pattern of data indicative of proper coupling of the elements. Further disclosed are methods employing the system.

Abstract: A power distribution module is especially suited to vehicular applications. An input/output module port is adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path, with transceiver circuitry being operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form. The module is flexible enough to support a standard or user-defined commination protocol. An input is adapted for connection to a source of power. A plurality of controllable power switches are used to selectively route power from the source to a plurality of power output ports each port being associated with one of the switches. Control circuitry, operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, facilitates the sending and receiving of messages over the communication path and provides control signals to the switches in accordance with a message received.