Abstract: An improved media delivery apparatus is disclosed. The media delivery apparatus can, for example, be a portable speaker system. In one embodiment, the media delivery apparatus is used with a portable media player. According to one aspect, audio output characteristics of a media delivery apparatus can be controlled based on whether a removable component is attached or detached. Another aspect pertains to improved techniques to attach a removable component to a media delivery apparatus. According to still another aspect a portion of a housing of an electrical device, such as a media delivery apparatus, can be utilized as part of a connector or plug.

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 such as a headphone, earphone, etc. 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: A consumer electronic product that includes a media player arranged to process a selected one of a plurality of digital media files stored therein and a media delivery accessory unit detachedly connected to the media player arranged to broadcast the processed digital media file. When the consumer electronic product is in a DC mode, the consumer electronic product controls a transfer of an amount of charge between the media delivery accessory and the media player. In one embodiment, the amount of charge is sufficient to for the consumer electronic product to operate for a predetermined amount of time. In another embodiment, the amount of charge is sufficient for to maximize an amount of time that the media player and media delivery accessory can operate.

Abstract: A consumer electronic product (e.g., a portable media player ported to a media delivery accessory) is powered by a limited capacity DC power source (such as a battery or mini-fuel cell). The consumer electronic product limits the maximum allowable sound pressure level (SPL) that can be produced by the speakers. In one embodiment, the maximum allowable SPL is based upon an amount of stored energy available in the limited capacity DC power source.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improved interaction between media devices and accessory devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved interaction can operate to configure a user interface of a media device dependent on the type or condition of an accessory device. In the same or another embodiment, the improved interaction can exchange status information between a media device and an accessory device that can influence operation of either or both of the devices.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets, are disclosed. A computing device, e.g., a portable media device, can save media indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest to a user. The media indicia can thereafter be use to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith.

Abstract: Improved techniques to control utilization of accessory devices with electronic devices are disclosed. The improved techniques can use cryptographic approaches to authenticate electronic devices, namely, electronic devices that interconnect and communicate with one another. One aspect pertains to techniques for authenticating an electronic device, such as an accessory device. Another aspect pertains to provisioning software features (e.g., functions) by or for an electronic device (e.g., a host device). Different electronic devices can, for example, be provisioned differently depending on different degrees or levels of authentication, or depending on manufacturer or product basis. Still another aspect pertains to using an accessory (or adapter) to convert a peripheral device (e.g., USB device) into a host device (e.g., USB host). The improved techniques are particularly well suited for electronic devices, such as media devices, that can receive accessory devices.

Abstract: A portable power source is configured for use with an electronic device. The portable power source cooperates and communicates with the electronic device via a peripheral bus to which the electronic device is attachable. The portable power source includes circuitry to process a power request signal from the electronic device to determine whether a device connected to a bus interface of the portable power source is requesting power from the portable power source.

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: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: An identification transmission system for use in an amusement device includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter and a piezo-electric power source. The transmitter circuit is configured to broadcast a predetermined tone on a predetermined carrier frequency through the antenna. The piezo-electric power source is electrically coupled to the transmitter circuit and is configured to at least briefly provide power to the transmitter circuit. The piezo-electro power source includes a piezo-electric element, a striker, a storage capacitor and a voltage controlled switch. The striker is configured to move so as to at least briefly strike the piezo-electric element. The storage capacitor is configured to receive and store electrical charge from the piezo-electric element. The voltage controlled switch is configured to allow the storage capacitor to discharge through the transmitter circuit thereby providing power thereto after a predetermined amount of charge has been stored.

Abstract: A rotary feedback mechanism includes a first set of electrically conductive pads mounted to a first member and a wiper mounted to a second member. As the first and second members rotate relative to one another, the wiper sequentially contacts one or more pads of the first set of pads and provides an electrical signal to the contacted pad or pads. The electrical signal is communicated via the pad or pads to a controller, providing the controller with an indication of the angular position of the first member relative to the second member.

Abstract: An identification transmission system for use in an amusement device includes a transmitting antenna, a transmitter and a piezo-electric power source. The transmitter circuit is configured to broadcast a predetermined tone on a predetermined carrier frequency through the antenna. The piezo-electric power source is electrically coupled to the transmitter circuit and is configured to at least briefly provide power to the transmitter circuit. The piezo-electro power source includes a piezo-electric element, a striker, a storage capacitor and a voltage controlled switch. The striker is configured to move so as to at least briefly strike the piezo-electric element. The storage capacitor is configured to receive and store electrical charge from the piezo-electric element. The voltage controlled switch is configured to allow the storage capacitor to discharge through the transmitter circuit thereby providing power thereto after a predetermined amount of charge has been stored.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy skateboard device comprises a skateboard with a deck and front and rear truck assemblies pivotally connected to the deck. A toy figure has a lower body portion that is fixedly connected to the deck and an upper body portion that is connected for rotation with respect to the lower body portion. A torso drive mechanism is operably connected to the upper body portion of the toy figure to rotate the upper body portion with respect to the lower body portion. A steering mechanism is operably connected with one of the truck assemblies to tilt the deck with respect to the truck assemblies to thereby steer the skateboard. A drive mechanism is also operably connected to wheels of one truck assembly to propel the skateboard. A remote-control unit is configured to generate signals to remotely control movement of the toy figure, tilt between the deck and truck assemblies, and the speed and travel direction of the skateboard.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.