Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: A mobile device can connect with a wired or wireless network through an accessory transceiver. In some embodiments, the mobile device can receive user input through the user interface and can connect with a network using the accessory transceiver. The mobile device and the accessory transceiver can be physically coupled together using a cable or other connector (e.g., USB connector), or the mobile device and the accessory transceiver can be wirelessly coupled together using a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). Moreover, in to connect with one network and can use an accessory transceiver to connect with a different network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing device detection and operational mode negotiation entirely over extant high-speed data bus pins or terminals. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus are disclosed enabling detection, negotiation and serial/video data transfer over USB 2.0 data interface pins in order to consolidate pin count on the interface and associated connector. Existing USB detection mechanisms are also leveraged to the maximum extent so as to eliminate the need for additional detection protocols. This approach allows for smaller connector and parent device form factor, while still maintaining all of the functional capabilities required for that interface. The breadth of USB-capable devices supported by such an interface is also markedly improved over prior art techniques.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. An optical receiver is attached to the platform to look downward on the surface and is coupled to the central controller. The receiver is configured to read a predetermined reflective pattern located on the surface over which the toy vehicle moves. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle.

Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.

Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.

Abstract: An electronic device having a communications module with a first set of data rates can be enabled to use the communications module to process signals received from a source that uses a second set of data rates. The device may generate packets, frames, etc. at the first set of data rates using the communications module from the signals received from the remote source by sampling signals at one or more of the first set of data rates. The device may then reconstruct data or payloads originally transmitted in the signals at the second set of data rates from the packets generated at the first set of data rates. Thus, the device can process signals or transmissions at the second set of data rates using the first set of data rates without requiring additional receivers or communications modules to process the signals.

Abstract: A modular communication system that includes a battery operated portable multimedia player is used to remotely control a accessory unit arranged to provide an output audio stream to an audio output device. At a user's discretion, the multimedia player can also be used to provide the original audio source material that is, in turn, processed by the accessory unit for output to the audio output device or an accessory unit can be used to provide the audio source material from, for example, a radio tuner incorporated therein.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for testing media player accessories. One example includes an accessory validation system including hardware, firmware, and software. This example provides two test modes, referred to a sniff mode and an emulation mode. In the sniff mode, a test box may be inserted between an accessory and a media player. Traffic between the accessory and media player may be monitored and the presence of errors may be determined. In the emulation mode, the accessory validation system hardware emulates a media player. The emulator provides various types of responses to the accessory that would otherwise occur infrequently with an actual media player. The tests to be completed in these modes are compiled based on the category of functions that an accessory maker wishes to claim for the accessory. These category claims are then converted into a number of rules. From these rules, specific tests are generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable identification of an accessory device or other peripheral device via a serial communication link. An electronic device (e.g., a media player or portable media device) may identify an accessory device using a serial communication link when the accessory device is attached or coupled to the electronic device. Based on serial communications, for example, the electronic device may discover and identify an accessory device to determine whether one or more preferences or functionalities should be set or enabled. The electronic device may also discover whether an accessory device or its manufacturer, distributor, or retailer is authorized or licensed to enable certain functionalities or set certain preferences when connect to the electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: An arrangement for charging an electronic accessory (such as a wireless headset) using a docking station that obtains power from at least one of a power port and a data port of an attached electronic device (such as the pairing cellular phone). The docking station provides mechanical support and a convenient storage arrangement for the electronic accessory, as well as power conditioning. In another embodiment, the charging and storage functions for the electronic accessory are provided by a cigarette lighter plug employed to charge the electronic device.

Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.

Abstract: A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environment such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information.

Abstract: A wireless network system can be provided with a one-way communication link for communicating a beacon signal between beacon circuitries of two electronic devices. According to information stored in the beacon signal, the device that receives the beacon signal can activate a primary communication circuitry to enable communication of primary communication data signals with a primary communication circuitry of the device that transmitted the beacon signal. The beacon circuitries of the two devices may require less power than the primary communication circuitries of the two devices.