Method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory

• US 20070233294A1
• Filed: 06/27/2006
• Published: 10/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Fletcher, Daniel R., Filson, John B., Novotney, Donald J., Archibald, John, Tupman, David, Holden, Paul, Twycross, Barry
• Granted Patent: US 7,895,378 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/94
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/10 Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6456 comprising keying elements at different positions along the periphery of the connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2105/00 Three poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/58 Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40117 Interconnection of audio or video/imaging devices home automation networks H04L12/2803; bitstream network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24

Abstract

A method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory is disclosed. The method and system comprises sending a play command to the media player; returning information about the media player; and providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player. In a system and method in accordance with the present invention a plurality of commands allow a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory. These commands are used by the media player to gather a list of supported sample rates from the accessory and to inform the accessory of the media player'"'"'s information.

Claims

1. A method for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory;

the method comprising;

sending a play command to the media player;

returning information about the media player; and

providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer the digital audio at a supported sample rate.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.

11. The connector interface system of claim 6 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

7. A connector interface system comprising:

an interface; and

a command set in communication with the interface which allows a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory, the command set for sending a play command to the media player;

returning information about the media player; and

providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

8. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein the interface comprises a wireless interface.

9. The connector interface system of claim 7 includes a plurality of signal contacts coupled to the interface.

10. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

13. The connector interface system of claim 12 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer the digital audio tracks at a supported sample rate.

14. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.

15. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory;

the program instructions for;

sending a play command to the media player;

returning information about the media player; and

providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer digital audio at a supported sample rate.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.