Abstract: A remote controlling device (12) having a first transceiver (9) and first processor (16) for controlling a remote controlled apparatus (18) having a second wireless transceiver (20) and a second processor (24). The processors can be programmed to measure a signal quality level of signals transmitted by the wireless transceiver(s) to redirect the remote controlled apparatus if the signal quality level falls below a predetermined threshold. The processor(s) can be further programmed to transmit control signals to redirect (56) the remote controlled apparatus toward the remote controlling device or to safely stop the remote controlled apparatus or to cause the remote controlled apparatus to meander so long as the signal quality level stays above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system (10) or method (50) for controlling remote controlled apparatus can include a remote controlled apparatus (18) and a remote controlling device (12). The remote controlling device can include a wireless transceiver (9) for controlling the remote controlled apparatus and a programmable memory (16) for storing profiles defining operation of the remote controlling device corresponding to the remote controlled apparatus. The wireless transceiver receives from the remote controlled apparatus data defining a profile or a selection signal for selecting among a plurality of stored profiles. The remote controlled apparatus can be an RC toy such as a car, boat or aircraft and the remote controlling device can be a phone or other transceiving device. The remote controlled apparatus can include a stored profile that can be modified using an exchangeable housing (26, 28 or 44) having a predefined set of mechanisms for activating switches on the remote controlled apparatus.

Abstract: A host device (500) is coupled to a peripheral device (104) which is initially not identified. To identify the peripheral device, the host device uses known information and information acquired from the peripheral device to determine the values of several electrical components (122) in the peripheral device. The host device applies different electrical conditions to the components by adjusting the state of I/O ports coupled to the peripheral device and measuring electrical conditions in response at other ports. Once sufficient information has been acquired, the measured values are used with known values of the system to calculate the values of the components in the peripheral device according to known electrical relationships.

Abstract: A peripheral component (104) is attached to a portable electronic device (102), and indicates an option class of the peripheral component by use of an option select circuit. The option select circuit causes an interrupt to be generated in the portable electronic device, which then determines the option class by changing the logic levels of various option select lines. If an inversion of the logic state of one of the option select lines is detected, then the portable electronic device knows an option select circuit is present, and determines the option class of the peripheral component accordingly.

Abstract: A stereo headset (104) with push-to-talk function can be interfaced with a wireless communication device (102) via a connector interface. The connector interface preferably includes a jack at the wireless communication device (102) and a compatible plug at the stereo headset (104). An electrical contact (310) at the connector interface can contemporaneously interconnect both electrical audio signals between the wireless communication device (102) and at least one of the speakers of the stereo headset (104) and electrical user input signals from an external push-to-talk user input device (232) to the wireless communication device (102).

Abstract: The invention concerns a connector (110). The connector includes at least one tunnel (124) having a first portion (126) and a second portion (128) and at least one pin (120). At least a portion of the pin is positioned within the tunnel. The first portion of the tunnel has a first inner surface (140). The first inner surface forces at least a portion of the pin in at least a first predetermined direction as the connector engages a corresponding connector (112). Contaminants are at least partially removed from at least one of the pin and the corresponding connector as the first inner surface forces the pin in the first predetermined direction.