Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling access of a mobile audio device to a cluster of compatible devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method to establish communications between a portable audio player and one or more audio players within a cluster. By way of example, users can use identifiers and matching to decide whether to accept or reject a requesting audio player to join the cluster. Further, the identifiers may be stored on the audio players for future reference. Also, directional exchange of information can allow a user to visually select members of the cluster. In a further example, a mobile audio device is configured to communicate within a cluster of audio devices. In addition, the broadcasting responsibility can be transferred among members of the group.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for distributing music to members of a music sharing group. In one aspect, the method can include identifying a mobile audio player device that introduces a music selection to another mobile audio player device. A signal comprising the music selection, a musical identifier that identifies the music selection and an identifier that identifies the transmitting device is transmitted from a first mobile device to a second mobile device. The second device stores the musical identifier and the identifier of the transmitting device in association with one another. In another aspect, the devices are enabled to connect over a wide area network and use the identifiers to obtain the music selection from a music distributor over the network. In yet another aspect, the transmitting device receives points or other compensation for introducing the music selection to the second device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for identifying a first mobile device that introduces a music selection to a second mobile device. In one aspect, the first device transmits a music signal to a second device. The music signal comprises a music selection, a music identifier and an identifier of the first device. The second device is enabled to store the identifier of the first device and the music identifier in association with each other. In another aspect, a computerized database is disclosed for the purposes of transacting with the second device, wherein transacting may include storing the music identifier, the first user identifier and the second user identifier in the database, providing a requested music selection to the first user, registering the first user as a broadcaster, awarding points for purchasers of the music selection broadcast by the first user, or storing and providing ratings of devices of a cluster.

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to the placement on meat surfaces of a dye-linked protease substrate bonded in a defined location to a solid, porous support. Proteases in the meat hydrolyze the substrate, which then releases the dye, which diffuses away so that the extent of diffusion can be determined by imaging. Alternatively, the amount of dye released can be determined by its mobilization into a liquid medium. The present methods and systems also relates to determining the amount of hydrolyzed protein that is present in post-mortem meat samples. Agents which bond to hydrolyzed proteins, but not to unhydrolyzed proteins, are generated, wherein such agents comprise antibodies or aptamers. Such agents are then used in quantitative assays comprising ELISA tests or lateral flow tests.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for identifying a first mobile device that introduces a music selection to a second mobile device. In one aspect, the first device transmits a music signal to a second device. The music signal comprises a music selection, a music identifier and an identifier of the first device. The second device is enabled to store the identifier of the first device and the music identifier in association with each other. In another aspect, a computerized database is disclosed for the purposes of transacting with the second device, wherein transacting may include storing the music identifier, the first user identifier and the second user identifier in the database, providing a requested music selection to the first user, registering the first user as a broadcaster, awarding points for purchasers of the music selection broadcast by the first user, or storing and providing ratings of devices of a cluster.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for distributing music to members of a music sharing group. In one aspect, the method can include identifying a mobile audio player device that introduces a music selection to another mobile audio player device. A signal comprising the music selection, a musical identifier that identifies the music selection and an identifier that identifies the transmitting device is transmitted from a first mobile device to a second mobile device. The second device stores the musical identifier and the identifier of the transmitting device in association with one another. In another aspect, the devices are enabled to connect over a wide area network and use the identifiers to obtain the music selection from a music distributor over the network. In yet another aspect, the transmitting device receives points or other compensation for introducing the music selection to the second device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling access of a mobile audio device to a cluster of compatible devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method to establish communications between a portable audio player and one or more audio players within a cluster. By way of example, users can use identifiers and matching to decide whether to accept or reject a requesting audio player to join the cluster. Further, the identifiers may be stored on the audio players for future reference. Also, directional exchange of information can allow a user to visually select members of the cluster. In a further example, a mobile audio device is configured to communicate within a cluster of audio devices. In addition, the broadcasting responsibility can be transferred among members of the group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for enabling communication and music transfer within a cluster of mobile audio playback devices. In one aspect, a method is disclosed for maintaining physical proximity between devices with a cluster of devices to enable audio signal transmission and communication between devices. In another aspect, a method is disclosed by which a member of a cluster can make a request for a music selection to be played within the cluster. In another aspect, an audio entertainment device is enabled for music transmission and reception within the cluster of devices coincident with communication and exchange of dynamic information.

Abstract: Individuals share music through portable audio devices that synchronously play music by transmitting music signals from one device to the other. Upon request, other individuals can join such a sharing group as a member, and these new members can either be accepted automatically, or through voting by existing group members. So that members of a group can converse, the fraction of ambient sound admitted by the earphones of the portable device can be manually set. In order to enhance the enjoyment of the music, wearable transducers, such as light emitting diodes, respond to signals related to the beat of the music. Signals can be automatically generated, or manually specified, and signals thereafter stored for playback with the music to which it is related.