1991 results about "Music player" patented technology

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. One example of a media device is a media player, such as a hand-held media player (e.g., music player), that can present (e.g., play) media items (or media assets).

The invention is a water resistant case for carrying a variety of devices, particularly portable electronic devices, such as portable music players. The case is allows a user to protect a valuable device from damage by water, abrasion and or impact, yet provides for full use of the features of an individual device while the device is protected by the case. The case is embodied as a water resistant or waterproof bag, or pouch with a window, an interior compartment, an exterior and sealable closures for sealing the storage compartment from the outside environment. The case typically provides a tactile sensitive window for viewing a screen and manipulating the controls of a device. In addition a capability is provided for input and output from the device, such as output to stereo headphones. Other accessory components allow securing the case to a person or vehicle. Thus, there is great flexibility in adaptation of components and adapting the case to particular applications.

A personal portable integrator is used to integrate the services of an arbitrary audio delivery device such as an MP3, CD, DVD, radio, or other media player, with the services of an arbitrary two-way communication device such as a mobile phone, or a two-way radio such as a walkie talkie, citizen band radio (e.g. CB), HAM radio, marine or aviation radio, and the like. The portable integrator receives and provides input and output signals from both the audio delivery device and the two-way communication device, thereby enabling a user to listen to music or other audio material and receive and place phone calls on a mobile phone simultaneously. The portable integrator provides these services by switching between the audio and communication devices, mixing signals received therefrom, and optionally enabling a user to reduce the volume or mute the signals as desired.

In today's increasingly populated, yet very busy world, there is a growing need to create community and enable an efficient flow of information through shared interactions; such as matching, alerting, gaming, and commerce. Interactions can be facilitated by advancing technology and the proliferation of wireless devices. Wireless devices and applications can facilitate the matching of people based on similar characteristics, token and data exchanges for gaming situations, or the sending of alerts to warn those entering hazardous areas. With the advent of inexpensive radio frequency (RF) chips and wireless communication standards of many forms, microprocessors (and computing ASICs), and flash memory embedded in many common devices, it is possible to increase the amount of automatic person to person interaction as people pass within RF range of the devices they carry with them or which may reside in fixed locations. The utility of the present invention will describe an application and system whereby current and future portable devices; such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, AM/FM radios, music players, key fobs, watches, video playback devices, etc. will seamlessly interact to share information. The utility to the user is derived from systems' ability to match, alert, transact commerce and gaming within a system requiring little to no user intervention beyond the initial configuration. It is anticipated that with the technology described within the current invention: two people will be able to meet in a public setting as they pass each other because they have shared commonalities; individuals will be alerted to hazardous circumstances, perhaps a convicted sex offender in the area, construction zone, or approaching accident scene; groups of people will enjoy gaming opportunities by playing virtual tag with electronic tokens, until the winner is finally tagged; and users will be able to purchase digital content, such as songs, videos, or other streamed or broadcast media, by merely pressing a button on the receiving device. The utility of the current invention will further describe the application and systems which can be made available in a highly portable device or embedded into a host of commercially available devices.

Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.

A method and apparatus for making inexpensive, form-fitted, protective cases of thermal plastic or polycarbonate material that can be easily printed with decorative imagery and/or electronic circuitry for a variety of products, such as portable music players or radios, cell phones, lap-top computers, and the like. The method involves creating a tool having substantially the same surface dimensions of a product. An element is then molded from bulk film of thermoplastic material using the tool. Once the element is molded, it is trimmed from the bulk film. The resulting apparatus is a protective case intended to form-fit over the surface features and dimensions of the actual product used to define the tool.

An isolated authentication device and related methods to provide a reliable means of authenticating the identity of its user to a network resource or server or other resource, and of authenticating the identity of a network resource or server or other resource to the device's user. The isolated authentication device may be attached to or in communication with a host device, such as a mobile telephone, personal digital or data assistant, GPS multifunction device, portable music player, wristband watch, personal computer, or similar device. A constrained operating system provides limited functionality, including authentication, data transfer, and cryptographic functions. Encrypted image, fingerprint, password, and/or personal identification number data is stored in read-only or protected nonvolatile memory. Input may be provided by means of a numeric or alphanumeric keypad, and images and information may be displayed on a screen. The device may be used to digitally sign a document, or a key to a lock.

An electronic device includes a transceiver, a solid state memory, a charge port, at least one speaker, and a software music player. The device is adapted by toggle interface to function as a telephone hands free earpiece, a wireless flash drive, or a wireless music player.

Cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants, portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/or free-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves are disclosed. In different embodiments, a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device's screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle are disclosed.

A carriage receives and secures a portable digital music player in a vehicle audio system. The carriage is mechanically engagable with a dock of the vehicle audio system. Access and control over a portable digital music player received and secured by the vehicle audio system may be provided.

Various embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system and computer readable medium for implementing a universal media interface and control protocol to control a universal media apparatus. The universal media interface and its control protocol facilitate communication, including issuance of generalized commands between a target device, such as an audio/video (“A/V”) device and a universal music player, thereby enabling the target device to play music from different types of music servers and specialized server processes.

A method and apparatus that permits a user to electronically make a notation of a recorded music selection that he or she would like to take a later action on. Such later actions might include purchase actions or information gathering actions as well as other actions. The user actuates a button on a portable music player that plays music stored on a removable storage medium (e.g., a minidisc) and the music player stores identifying information that identifies the currently playing track of music. By connection of the music player to a personal computer, the user can then download the marked tracks to the personal computer and carry out actions over the Internet with service providers to complete transactions or queries.

Systems and methods are disclosed for searching or finding music with music, by searching, e.g., for music from a library that has a sound that is similar to a given sound provided as a search query, and to methods and systems for tracking revenue generated by these computer-user interactions, and for promoting music and selling advertising space. These include, inter alia, systems that allow a user to discover unknown music, and systems that allow a user to look for music based directly on queries formed from sounds that the user likes. In some embodiments these queries are comprised of a clip or relatively small segment of a larger media file. A client server system comprising web graphical elements, advertisements and/or other affiliated revenue links, elements in support of the music query and a music player, a database, elements for matching music clips to clips from a library, and elements to present results.

A system and method for distributing digital copyright work having a copyright owner is described herein. The method comprises selecting, by a download customer, a digital copyright work for inquiry. A digital copyright work is associated with an advertising sponsor based on attributes at least partially selected by the advertising sponsor. Upon selection of said digital copyright work for download, the sponsoring advertiser is charged according to said attributes. The advertising sponsors is provided with the capability of full sponsorship or partial sponsoring. The association of digital copyright data with advertising sponsors is augmented by an analytical engine, which receives and aggregates data regarding rates of successful downloads, download charges paid by the download user, and other information. The digital copyright works may be music, movies, or graphics files that are typically downloaded onto a portable device, such as a cellular phone, portable music player, or personal digital assistant (PDA).

A belt clip apparatus is provided that attaches to a case for a portable electronic device (e.g., a music player, video player, cell phone, etc.) that both swivels and pivots on two different axes. Such a clip can attach to an article of clothing and allow the user to view the screen and access the controls of an electronic device without having to first remove the device from the article of clothing. In one embodiment, the apparatus can stand on a flat surface in either an angled portrait or landscape orientation when attached to the case, thereby allowing the user to choose the optimal orientation for accessing the controls or viewing a screen on a portable device mounted within the attached case. The angle formed between the case and the belt clip can be varied so that the user can optimize the viewing angle of the attached portable electronic device.

A portable music player includes an audio circuit for processing input audio signals to generate output audio signals and a set of speakers connected to said audio circuit for converting output audio signals into audible signals. A headset interface provides means for connecting a headset to said audio circuit for playback of audio signals through said headset. Audio profiles for said speakers and said headset are stored in memory. A control circuit selects an audio profile depending on whether a headset is connected with said headset interface, and configures said audio circuit based on the selected profile.

A compartmentalized protective case houses a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely therewithin. The compartmentalized protective case has a major compartment for receiving and housing an electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment constructed within the case receives and houses personal care items removably integrated therein. Personal care items can include at least one interchangeable replacement cell containing beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment is preferably provided as a removable pouch or may contain a restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys.