MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED INTERACTION

• US 20120070017A1
• Filed: 11/21/2011
• Published: 03/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Dorogusker, Jesse L., Novotney, Donald J., Krueger, Scott, Hammerstrom, Jeff, Marriott, Greg, Lydon, Greg
• Application Number:
  US13/301,286
• Publication Number:
  US 20120070017A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/021 Aspects relating to docking-station type assemblies to obtain an acoustical effect, e.g. the type of connection to external loudspeakers or housings, frequency improvement
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/11 Transducers incorporated or for use in hand-held devices, e.g. mobile phones, PDA's, camera's
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/04 Circuit arrangements, e.g. for selective connection of amplifier inputs/outputs to loudspeakers, for loudspeaker detection, or for adaptation of settings to personal preferences or hearing impairments combinations of amplifiers H03F3/68; stereophonic systems H04S
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 7/00 Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control

Abstract

Methods and systems for improved interaction between media devices and accessory devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved interaction can operate to configure a user interface of a media device dependent on the type or condition of an accessory device. In the same or another embodiment, the improved interaction can exchange status information between a media device and an accessory device that can influence operation of either or both of the devices.

Claims

1. An accessory comprising:

a first interface configured to enable communication with a portable media device;

a second interface configured to receive one or more input commands from a user; and

a controller configured to;

receive, via the second interface from a user, a change in a volume setting for the portable media device; and

provide, via the first interface to the portable media device, a notification to update the volume setting for the portable media device.

2. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the first interface comprises a dock for physically receiving the portable media device.

3. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the accessory further comprises one or more speakers for outputting an audio signal received from the portable media device.

4. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the second interface is a wireless interface, and wherein the change in the volume setting is received via a remote control that is communicatively coupled with the wireless interface.

5. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the second interface comprises one or more input controls located on a face of the accessory.

6. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the volume setting for the portable media device is a volume level presented on a display of the portable media device.

7. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the notification is a signal indicative of the change in the volume setting.

8. A method comprising:

receiving, by an accessory, a change in a volume setting for a portable media device communicatively coupled with the accessory, the change in the volume setting being received via an input interface of the accessory; and

providing, by the accessory to the portable media device, a message to update the volume setting for the portable media device in accordance with the change.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the volume setting for the portable media device is a volume of the portable media device.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

modifying, by the accessory, an audio signal received from the portable media device in accordance with the change in the volume setting received via the input interface.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

receiving, by the accessory, a second change in the volume setting for the portable media device, the second change being received from the portable media device.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

modifying, by the accessory, the audio signal in accordance with the second change in the volume setting received from the portable media device.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein the message provided to the portable media device operates to prevent, enable, or alter display of at least one user interface component presented on a display of the portable media device.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein the message provided to the portable media device includes a device identifier of the accessory.

15. The method of claim 8 further comprising, prior to the receiving:

sending a private key identifier to the portable media device, the private key identifier being usable by the portable media device for authenticating the accessory.

16. An accessory comprising:

an interface configured to enable communication with a portable media device; and

circuitry configured to;

receive, from the portable media device, a notification to update a volume; and

in response to the notification, modify an audio signal received from the portable media device, the modifying causing the update of the volume.

17. The accessory of claim 16 wherein the interface comprises a dock for physically receiving the portable media device.

18. The accessory of claim 16 wherein the accessory further comprises one or more speakers for outputting the audio signal received from the portable media device.

19. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the circuitry is further configured to adjust a level or signal strength of the one or more speakers.

20. The accessory of claim 16 wherein the circuitry is further configured to adjust a level or signal strength of an audio output jack.

21. A method comprising:

receiving, by an accessory from a portable media device communicatively coupled with the accessory, a notification to update a volume; and

in response to the notification, modifying, by the accessory, an audio signal received from the portable media device, the modifying causing the update of the volume.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein modifying the audio signal comprises adjusting a level or signal strength of one or more speakers attached to the accessory.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein modifying the audio signal comprises adjusting a level or signal strength of an audio output jack.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein receiving the notification to update the volume comprises monitoring one or more signals provided by the portable media device indicative of a volume level.