251results about "Docking-station type assemblies" patented technology

An FM transmitter and power supply / charging assembly electrically coupleable with an MP3 player. The assembly includes a modular docking unit having a main body portion with a docking cavity therein, wherein the main body portion contains the FM transmitter and power / charging circuitry, with coupling means in the docking cavity for connecting the MP3 player with the FM transmitter and power / charging circuitry, to accommodate FM transmission by the FM transmitter of audio content when played by the MP3 player in the docking cavity of the modular docking unit, and adapted for transmitting electrical power through the modular docking unit and the power / charging circuitry therein, for charging of a battery of the MP3 player and / or powering of the MP3 player.

An entertainment system comprising a base unit with a transceiver for interacting, at times, with a control unit via a communications link, and a control unit for controlling the base unit, the control unit being dockable with the base unit to establish direct electrical connection between them, and including a transceiver for interacting with the control unit via said link when undocked. The control unit is a separate aspect of the invention or system. The base unit may contain a tuner, preferably with bandless tuning capability, and may be designed to receive into a universal docking arrangement a digitally controllable auxiliary audio source such as a portable MP3 player or other device. The base unit may further provide alarm clock functionality with numerous features including a “fail-safe” volume control system and fail-safe alarm time setting capability.

A docking station for a portable media player. The docking station includes a docking connector to physically secure the portable media player and a communication interface to communicatively couple the portable media player to the docking station when the docking connector is physically securing the portable media player. A projection module operably linked to the communication interface and configured to receive video information from the portable media player via the communication interface projects a video image derived from the video information away from the docking station onto a viewing surface.

A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

Audio systems are disclosed and include audio docking stations, adapters for connecting to audio docking stations, electronic devices equipped with audio components, and non-electronic articles enabled for use with audio components. An audio docking station may include one or more earphones and an audio input. The earphones and / or audio input may be wireless or include retractable wires. An adapter may act as a sound pouch to connect to the audio docking station. The adapter may be located in clothing, furniture, electronic devices, protective covers or cases, or in other locations. An electronic device may also act as a docking station and include earphones and / or an audio input. Cavities may be pre-formed in the housing of the electronic device for storage of earphones and / or an audio input.

A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position. Both the base component and the docking component are preferably spring loaded such that actuating the latch releases the docking component and the base component from their respective closed positions, allowing them to spring into their respective open positions.

A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input / output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music / data / commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and / or the handheld device. The handheld connector docks are operative to transfer music / data / commands between the audio system controller and a handheld device disposed within the connector dock.

A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.

An entertainment system comprising a base unit with a transceiver for interacting, at times, with a control unit via a communications link, and a control unit for controlling the base unit, the control unit being dockable with the base unit to establish direct electrical connection between them, and including a transceiver for interacting with the control unit via said link when undocked. The control unit is a separate aspect of the invention or system. The base unit may contain a tuner, preferably with bandless tuning capability, and may be designed to receive into a universal docking arrangement a digitally controllable auxiliary audio source such as a portable MP3 player or other device. The base unit may further provide alarm clock functionality with numerous features including a “fail-safe” volume control system and fail-safe alarm time setting capability.

A support seat of an audio player includes a main body, and various adjusting members; the main body has speakers at two ends thereof, and a holding room for an audio player to be fitted in; the adjusting members can be firmly held in the holding room of the main body, and they have different shapes and sizes so as to cause change to dimensions of the holding room in respective ways when they are fitted in position in the holding room; thus, music can be played through the speakers after an audio player is connected with the main body of the support seat, and audio players with different sizes can be held steady on the support seat with help of suitable ones of the adjusting members.

A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

A multimedia notebook or laptop personal computer (PC) has an enhanced audio system. An external audio controller in a docking station is connected to the laptop PC's audio system using a digital-audio link. The digital-audio link uses digital signals that have high noise immunity. The high noise immunity allows the digital-audio signals to be routed through the inexpensive docking connector, which has many other noisy, high-speed signals. Dedicated, expensive, noise-prone, and difficult-to-connect analog-audio connectors between the laptop PC and the docking station are eliminated. Analog-digital converter audio CODEC's are placed in both the docking station and in the laptop PC. A master mixer in the laptop PC mixes digital audio from the external audio controller in the docking station with digital audio from an external audio controller inside the laptop PC. The master mixer also connects to a zoom-video audio port and to an internal PCI bus for storing and retrieving audio clips. Audio from external docking-station sources and from internal sources can be freely mixed with the master mixer connected to local mixers in the audio controllers. Audio can be simultaneously played to both internal and external docking-station speakers.

A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position. Both the base component and the docking component are preferably spring loaded such that actuating the latch releases the docking component and the base component from their respective closed positions, allowing them to spring into their respective open positions.

An accessory for a portable electronic device having a speaker uses an acoustic wave guide to passively amplify and direct the output of the device's speaker. The accessory has a housing with a docking cavity formed therein. The docking cavity has supportive sidewalls that are adapted to receive and support the portable electronic device in an upright position. A cable access channel is formed in the docking cavity that allows a connector and cable to be coupled to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is mounted in the docking cavity. An acoustic waveguide having a spiral shaped acoustic chamber is positioned in the housing such that an entrance to the acoustic waveguide corresponds to a hole in the docking cavity that is positioned to correspond to the location of the speaker of the device when the device is mounted in the docking chamber. The exit of the acoustic chamber corresponds to an exterior opening in a sidewall of the housing and the hole in the docking cavity. The housing can be provided with charging circuitry to charge the device when the device is mounted in the dock.

An audio system uses two frequencies to transmit a left and right audio signal to a pair of wireless earphones. Mono receivers in each of the earphones respectively receive the right or left audio signals and produce an audio output. The system includes a base that docks to the earphones such that they can be charged and configured to receive an audio output at the selected transmission frequency. The audio signal can be produced by the base or received from a portable electronic device to which the base is coupled. The base can also function as an FM transmitter for the device and utilize the device's controls and display.

A portable media reproduction system into which a portable media player can be inserted. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component wherein the size of the docking component can be adjusted to fit a given portable media player. The portable media reproduction system also includes a video output connector, a subwoofer, and a passive radiator.

A content selection interface for an entertainment system having apparatus for receiving signals broadcast on at least a first band and signals from at least one non-broadcast content source. The interface has a single content selector actuable by a user and a mechanism responsive to the content selector for selecting content from among the broadcast signals and non-broadcast content sources which presents the broadcast signals and non-broadcast content as successive adjacent positions in a sequence without the user having to manifest a change of source selection.

An entertainment system according to an embodiment of the present application includes a portable media device configured to produce an audible output signal, and a plurality of individual vibratory output signals representative of individual recorded tracks of a musical piece and a plurality of actuators positioned at various locations on a user's body, each actuator configured and operable to receive one of the plurality of individual vibratory signals and to vibrate based on the received vibratory signal.

An accessory for a portable electronic device having a speaker uses an acoustic wave guide to passively amplify and direct the output of the device's speaker. The accessory has a housing with a docking cavity formed therein. The docking cavity has supportive sidewalls that are adapted to receive and support the portable electronic device in an upright position. A cable access channel is formed in the docking cavity that allows a connector and cable to be coupled to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is mounted in the docking cavity. An acoustic waveguide having a spiral shaped acoustic chamber is positioned in the housing such that an entrance to the acoustic waveguide corresponds to a hole in the docking cavity that is positioned to correspond to the location of the speaker of the device when the device is mounted in the docking chamber. The exit of the acoustic chamber corresponds to an exterior opening in a sidewall of the housing and the hole in the docking cavity. The housing can be provided with charging circuitry to charge the device when the device is mounted in the dock.

A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.

An electronic device disposing structure includes a stand having a position limiting area, a sound receiving channel on the stand and including a sound inlet hole at a distal surface of the stand, a sound outlet hole at a bottom surface of the position limiting area, and a passage portion for interconnecting the sound inlet and outlet holes, and a sound emitting channel on the stand and including a sound outlet hole at the distal surface of the stand, a sound inlet hole at the bottom surface of the position limiting area, and a passage portion for interconnecting the sound outlet and inlet holes. The electronic device disposing structure combines a portable electronic device into the position limiting area, such that a microphone and a speaker respond to sound receiving and emitting channels respectively to achieve a hand-free effect and a sound amplification without requiring a circuit design.

A portable, data storage device, player, playback device, data streaming device, audio player, video player, audio and video player, satellite radio device, cellular phone (with an integrated audio and / or video player), PDA (personal digital assistant), PMP (portable media player), gaming device, handheld and / or mobile device, each embedded with inherent audio and / or video playing / playback capabilities, attached to a docking station or cradle via a single or plural audio / video connectors, wirelessly transmitting audio and / or video and / or control data via infrared optical signals to a set of remote wireless receiving device / s, speaker / s and / or video reproduction device / s.

A portable audio enhancement device is configured for enhancing audio signals, and may be utilized in an audio system. The audio system may include a portable audio source, the audio enhancement device, an audio playback device, and a loudspeaker. The audio enhancement device receives audio signals from the audio source and produces enhanced audio signals. The audio playback device receives the enhanced audio signals and outputs the enhanced audio signals to the loudspeaker for playback. Enhancement of the audio signals may be based on an analysis performed by the audio enhancement device by measuring sample audio signals derived from the sound outputted from the loudspeaker.

Provided is a case including a speaker for outputting sound using earphones, the case including a master earphone for receiving an audio signal from an external device through Bluetooth communication, a slave earphone separate from the master earphone to receive the audio signal from the master earphone through Bluetooth communication, and the case including a pair of coupling parts capable of individually accommodating the master and slave earphones, wherein the case further includes a charging unit for supplying power to the master and slave earphones, and the speaker for outputting the audio signal received from at least one of the master and slave earphones.

A speaker system with an enclosure that has a rear wall, first and second side walls, first and second front walls, a top end and a bottom end. Each of the walls has upper and lower edges. The side walls are attached at right angles to the rear wall. The front walls have leading edges and trailing edges. The leading edges are joined at an acute angle and the trailing edges are attached to the side walls. The top end is attached to the upper edges and the bottom end is attached to the lower edges. At least three speakers are mounted to each of the rear wall and the first and second side walls. Wiring connects the speakers to connectors that provide connection to a signal source. The acute angle between the front walls is at least approximately 45 degrees and / or less than or equal to approximately 75 degrees.

A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and / or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

A portable audio device with microphone and controller includes a generally portable housing; an aperture in the housing having sides sloped between 15 and 45 degrees relative to a central axis of the aperture with a large end that opens out of the housing and a small end that opens into the housing; a microphone inside the housing, in line with the aperture, so that sound enters the device and passes to the microphone; an audio output that provides an audio signal representing the sound; a meter on the housing that displays an input level for the microphone and an output level for the audio output; and a controller that controls the input level and the output level. An elastomer dampener for the microphone resists vibrations. Other inputs include an external connection for a musical instrument, second microphone or other input with a 48-volt power source.

A speaker includes a thermoacoustic module, an amplifier circuit board, and a frame. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The amplifier circuit board is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure by the at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The frame secures the thermoacoustic module and the amplifier circuit board.