Abstract: There is provided an automatic gain control circuit for volume control receiving at least one audio signal input via either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The circuit includes an output signal regulator receiving a first portion of the at least one audio signal input, with the regulator being able to vary an amplitude of the first portion of the at least one audio signal input when a control signal from a circuit controller is received. The circuit controller may be powered by a DC generator; with the DC generator receiving a second portion of the at least one audio signal input. A signal from the output signal regulator may be passed through an acoustic generator. It is preferable that the first portion of the at least one audio signal input is substantially more than the second portion. It is also preferable that the output signal regulator varies the amplitude of the at least one audio signal input by reducing the amplitude. A corresponding method of volume control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for updating/modifying/upgrading the system configuration of a stand alone non-network connectible device. The method is performed while a portable device is docked to the non-network connectible device. System configuration update information is embedded within the ordinary data content that is received from the portable device during the routine operation of the stand alone non-network connectible device. Upon receiving the embedded system configuration update information the non-network connectible device decrypts the embedded information and updates the system configuration accordingly. Generation of the embedded system configuration update information is performed in the portable docking device, and installation is performed on the non-network connectible device without requiring a network connection in the stand alone device.

Abstract: There is provided several embodiments of the present invention, the invention being an automatic detection unit allowing for coupling of an external device with a host. The unit may connect to an external device either via wired or wireless means. The host may be activated from a standby mode by the external device and the external device may be identifiable by the host (or a verifier). Identification of the external device by the host allows identification of at least one data format type transmitted by the external device when data is transferred from the external device to the host. This may enable processing of the data by the host, such as, for example, storage, playback or both of the aforementioned.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic gain control circuit for volume control receiving at least one audio signal input via either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The circuit includes an output signal regulator receiving a first portion of the at least one audio signal input, with the regulator being able to vary an amplitude of the first portion of the at least one audio signal input when a control signal from a circuit controller is received. The circuit controller may be powered by a DC generator; with the DC generator receiving a second portion of the at least one audio signal input. A signal from the output signal regulator may be passed through an acoustic generator. It is preferable that the first portion of the at least one audio signal input is substantially more than the second portion. It is also preferable that the output signal regulator varies the amplitude of the at least one audio signal input by reducing the amplitude. A corresponding method of volume control is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided several embodiments of the present invention, the invention being an automatic detection unit allowing for coupling of an external device with a host. The unit may connect to an external device either via wired or wireless means. The host may be activated from a standby mode by the external device and the external device may be identifiable by the host (or a verifier). Identification of the external device by the host allows identification of at least one data format type transmitted by the external device when data is transferred from the external device to the host. This may enable processing of the data by the host, such as, for example, storage, playback or both of the aforementioned.

Abstract: A portable radio module for use with a plurality of different host apparatus, the radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal and able to be controlled by a user interface irrespective of the nature of the host apparatus. Also disclosed is a radio module for use with a plurality of host apparatus, the portable radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal able to be controlled by a user interface, and having a non-volatile memory for storage at least one radio station memory preset. The radio station memory preset is entered once only by a user and can be used with the host irrespective of the host.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a loud speaker with a volume control function, the apparatus having a recess for releasably receiving an audio device, a first connector on the apparatus for electrical connection with a second connector of the audio device to enable functional connectivity between the apparatus and the audio device, the apparatus including: (a) a volume control for controlling the volume of the loud speaker, (b) an electrical power connector for supplying electric power to the audio device, and (c) at least one functional connection for functional connection with the audio device for establishing a functional relationship between the first control means and the audio device, the recess being sized and shaped to receive therein the audio device, the recess being of dimensions such that the audio device does not extend beyond edges of the recess when the audio device is functionally engaged in the recess and the first connector and the second connector are engaged.