Audio device integration system

• US 20040151327A1
• Filed: 12/10/2003
• Published: 08/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ira Marlowe
• Original Assignee: Ira Marlowe
• Inventors: Marlow, Ira
• Application Number:
  US10/732,909
• Publication Number:
  US 20040151327A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/86
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/002 Programmed access in sequence to a plurality of record carriers or indexed parts, e.g. tracks, thereof, e.g. for editing; transfer of record carriers from magazine G11B15/68, G11B17/10; G11B17/22
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/003 with radio receiver
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/10 Indicating arrangements; Warning arrangements G11B15/04, G11B19/04, G11B27/34, G11B27/36 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/205 with control bus for exchanging commands between units

Abstract

An audio device integration system is provided. One or more after-market audio devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver, DAB receiver, or the like, is integrated for use with an existing OEM or after-market car stereo system, wherein control commands can be issued at the car stereo and responsive data from the audio device can be displayed on the stereo. Control commands generated at the car stereo are received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the audio device, and dispatched to the audio device for execution. Information from the audio device, including track, disc, song, station, time, and other information, is received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo, and dispatched to the car stereo for display thereon. One or more auxiliary input sources can be integrated with the car stereo, and selected between using the controls of the car stereo. Both an audio device and one or more auxiliary input sources can be integrated together, and a user can select between the device or the one or more auxiliary input sources by issuing selection commands through the car stereo. A docking station is provided for docking a portable audio or video device for integration with the car stereo.

Claims

1. A docking station for docking and integrating a portable audio device for use with a car stereo, comprising:

a base portion;

a bottom member connected to the base portion;

a top member connected to the base portion, the base portion, bottom member, and top member defining a cavity for receiving a portable device; and

an integration device positioned within the base portion for integrating the portable device with a car stereo.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top member is hingedly connected at an edge to the base portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a connector for connecting the integration device with the portable device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cable interconnected at one end to the integration device and at an opposite end to the car stereo.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integration device is wirelessly connected to the car stereo.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the integration device is connected to the car stereo by a Bluetooth wireless connection.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device comprises a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receiver, or satellite receiver.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the satellite tuner comprises an XM or SIRIUS satellite tuner.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integration device comprises a circuit board housed in the base portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is mountable in a vehicle trunk.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top member is pivotable away from the bottom member to allow access to the portable device.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integration device is connected to the car stereo using a Firewire, D2B, MOST, CAN, USB, USB2, IE Bus, T Bus, I Bus, or serial connection.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the car stereo is an OEM or after-market car stereo.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more auxiliary input ports connected to the integration device for integrating additional portable devices external to the docking station.

15. A method for docking and integrating a portable audio device for use with a car stereo, comprising:

providing a docking station having a base portion, a bottom member connected to the base portion, a top member connected to the base portion, and an integration device housed within the base portion;

inserting a portable device into the docking station and connecting the portable device to a connector on the base portion; and

integrating the portable device with the integration device for use with a car stereo.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising opening the top member away from the bottom member prior to inserting the portable device into the docking station.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising closing the top member to retain the portable device in the docking station.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising interconnecting the integration device with the car stereo with a cable.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising establishing a wireless connection between the integration device and the car stereo.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising establishing a Bluetooth wireless connection between the integration device and the car stereo.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising integrating a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receiver, or satellite receiver with the car stereo.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising integrating an XM or SIRIUS satellite tuner with the car stereo.

23. The method of claim 15, further comprising mounting the docking station in a vehicle trunk.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting the integration device to the car stereo using a Firewire, D2B, MOST, CAN, USB, USB2, IE Bus, T Bus, I Bus, or serial connection.

25. The method of claim 15, further comprising integrating the portable device with an after-market or OEM car stereo.

26. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting an external portable device to an auxiliary input port on the docking station and integrating the external portable device with the car stereo.