Wireless transmission interface and method

• US 20050047071A1
• Filed: 08/26/2003
• Published: 03/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Musical Electronics Limited
• Original Assignee: Musical Electronics Limited
• Inventors: Tse Chun Hin, Bobby
• Application Number:
  US10/649,103
• Publication Number:
  US 20050047071A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.10
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers

Abstract

A wireless interface is provided for coupling an audio player having a digital flash memory to an in-car audio system. The interface comprises a holder having a power plug adapted to an in-car cigarette lighter, a restraint for the audio player, and an FM transmitter for broadcasting the audio signal to the usual in-car FM radio. The device permits audio in the flash memory to be played on the in-car system, and provides a convenient means of holding the audio player for touch operation.

Claims

1. A holder for a portable audio player adapted to a compressed audio format, the holder comprising a body, a power transmitting plug extending from the body and adapted for insertion into a vehicle cigar lighter socket, and a restraint adapted to hold a portable audio player, said holder further including an FM transmitter, a first connection to couple the audio output of said audio player to said transmitter, and a second connection to couple said transmitter to said plug.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein said holder includes a third connection to couple the power supply of said audio player to said plug.

3. A holder according to claim 2, wherein said third connection also couples a charging unit for said audio player to said plug.

4. A holder according to claim 1, wherein said compressed audio format is in MP3 or WMA format.

5. A holder according to claim 1, further including a transformer to provide a pre-determined voltage for said audio player.

6. A holder according to claim 5, wherein said transformer is adapted to supply said transmitter.

7. A holder according to claim 1, in the form of a cradle adapted to the shape of an audio player, the cradle having a front side exposing in use the audio player controls, and a rear side from which said plug extends.

8. A holder according to claim 7, wherein said cradle comprises a ‘

U’

shaped recess open at one side and adapted to retain the audio player except in the direction of entry/exit.

9. A holder according to claim 8, wherein said direction is defined by a mouth, which in use is arranged uppermost.

10. A holder according to claim 9, wherein said ‘

U’

shaped recess comprises an open fronted slot.

11. A holder according to claim 1, and further including a releasable latch to retain an audio player therein.

12. A holder according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter has an effective range of less than 1,000 mm.

13. A method of playing, in a vehicle, audio contained in a digital flash memory, the method comprising:

providing a holder for apparatus containing said flash memory;

providing said holder with an integral plug adapted for insertion into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket;

providing an FM transmitter in said holder and powered via said plug;

generating audio from said flash memory when on said holder;

broadcasting said audio from said transmitter;

receiving said audio on an FM radio; and

playing said audio on loudspeakers connected to said FM radio.

14. A method according to claim 13, further including the step of generating audio from said flash memory via an audio player adapted to MP3 or WMA formats.

15. A method according to claim 13, and including the step of powering said audio player via said plug.

16. A method according to claim 13, and including the step of charging a rechargeable battery of said audio player via said plug.

17. A method of playing compressed digital audio in a vehicle comprising the steps of:

coupling said audio to a transmitter;

transmitting said audio on the FM waveband;

receiving said audio on an in-car FM receiver; and

playing said audio on in-car speakers.

18. A method according to claim 17, and further including the step of converting said compressed digital audio to an analogue audio output, and coupling said output to said transmitter.