Interface systems for portable digital media storage and playback devices
First Claim
1. A docking assembly coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device having an electrical coupling and an electrical charge storage element, the docking assembly comprising:
- a body having a support element and an electrical connector, wherein the support element is adapted to receive at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device, and the electrical connector is adapted to simultaneously engage the electrical coupling when the at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device is received by the support element;
at least one electrical circuit element adapted to conduct power from an external power source to the at least one electrical coupling for any of (1) powering the portable digital media storage and playback device, and (2) charging the electrical charge storage element; and
at least one communication element adapted to communicate a signal indicative of digital media content played by the portable digital media storage and playback device to a media signal reproduction system having an amplifier and at least one speaker, wherein the media signal reproduction system is adapted to reproduce the signal indicative of digital media content in user-perceptible form.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.
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Citations
60 Claims
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1. A docking assembly coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device having an electrical coupling and an electrical charge storage element, the docking assembly comprising:
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a body having a support element and an electrical connector, wherein the support element is adapted to receive at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device, and the electrical connector is adapted to simultaneously engage the electrical coupling when the at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device is received by the support element;
at least one electrical circuit element adapted to conduct power from an external power source to the at least one electrical coupling for any of (1) powering the portable digital media storage and playback device, and (2) charging the electrical charge storage element; and
at least one communication element adapted to communicate a signal indicative of digital media content played by the portable digital media storage and playback device to a media signal reproduction system having an amplifier and at least one speaker, wherein the media signal reproduction system is adapted to reproduce the signal indicative of digital media content in user-perceptible form. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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51. A docking assembly coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device having an electrical coupling and an electrical charge storage element, the docking assembly comprising:
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a body having a support element and an electrical connector, wherein the support element is adapted to receive at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device, and the electrical connector is adapted to simultaneously engage the electrical coupling when the at least a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device is received by the support element;
at least one electrical circuit element adapted to conduct power from an external power source to the at least one electrical coupling for any of (1) powering the portable digital media storage and playback device, and (2) charging the electrical charge storage element;
at least one communication element adapted to communicate a signal indicative of digital media content played by the portable digital media storage and playback device to a media signal reproduction system having an amplifier and at least one speaker, wherein the media signal reproduction system is adapted to reproduce the signal indicative of digital media content in user-perceptible form; and
.circuitry adapted to control operation of a user-perceptible display element. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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Specification