Automobile acoustic unit having integrated cellular phone capabilities
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In combination:
- a cellular phone having a socket; and
an automobile acoustic unit installed into an interior of an automobile, the automobile acoustic unit having a body that includes a front panel and two side walls that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front panel, the front panel having a front opening, the automobile acoustic unit comprising;
(a) an audio source for generating audio signals;
(b) a chamber extending from the front opening in the front panel and into the body in a manner parallel to and between the two side walls, the chamber receiving and storing the cellular phone;
(c) a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone; and
(d) a signal terminal provided inside the chamber for coupling the socket of the cellular phone to the circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automobile acoustic unit is provided for installation into an interior of an automobile. The automobile acoustic unit includes an audio source for generating audio signals, a chamber configured to receive and store a cellular phone, and a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In combination:
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a cellular phone having a socket; and an automobile acoustic unit installed into an interior of an automobile, the automobile acoustic unit having a body that includes a front panel and two side walls that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front panel, the front panel having a front opening, the automobile acoustic unit comprising; (a) an audio source for generating audio signals; (b) a chamber extending from the front opening in the front panel and into the body in a manner parallel to and between the two side walls, the chamber receiving and storing the cellular phone; (c) a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone; and (d) a signal terminal provided inside the chamber for coupling the socket of the cellular phone to the circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)
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8. In combination:
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a cellular phone; and an automobile acoustic unit installed into an interior of an automobile, the automobile acoustic unit comprising; (a) an audio source for generating audio signals; (b) a chamber configured to receive and store the cellular phone, with a signal terminal provided inside the chamber for coupling the cellular phone to the circuit; (c) a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone; and (d) a control panel having a socket for parallel connection to the signal terminal for on-line communication with a notebook computer via the cellular phone.
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12. A method of providing hands-free operation of a cellular phone having a socket, comprising the steps of:
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a. installing an automobile acoustic unit into an interior of an automobile, the automobile acoustic unit having a body that includes a front panel and two side walls that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front panel, the front panel having a front opening, the automobile acoustic unit further including a chamber extending from the front opening in the front panel and into the body in a manner parallel to and between the two side walls, the chamber having a signal terminal provided inside, the automobile acoustic unit also including an audio source for generating audio signals; b. positioning a cellular phone inside the chamber of the automobile acoustic unit with the socket of the cellular phone coupled to the signal terminal; c. providing the automobile acoustic unit with a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone; and d. coupling the cellular phone to the circuit. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An automobile acoustic unit installed into an interior of an automobile for use in retaining an audio source, and for controlling the output of audio signals generated by the audio source, the automobile acoustic unit further storing and controlling a cellular phone, the automobile acoustic unit comprising:
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a body that includes a front panel and two side walls that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front panel, the front panel having a front opening; a chamber provided in the body and accessible through the front opening, the chamber extending from the front opening in the front panel and into the body in a manner parallel to and between the two side walls, the chamber configured to receive and store a cellular phone; a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from a cellular phone; and a signal terminal provided inside the chamber for coupling a socket of a cellular phone to the circuit. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
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18. An automobile acoustic unit installed into an interior of an automobile for use in retaining an audio source, and for controlling the output of audio signals generated by the audio source, the automobile acoustic unit further adapted for storing and controlling a cellular phone, the automobile acoustic unit comprising:
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a body having a front opening; a chamber provided in the body and accessible through the front opening, the chamber configured to receive and store a cellular phone; a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from a cellular phone; a signal terminal provided inside the chamber for coupling a cellular phone to the circuit; and a control panel having a socket for parallel connection to the signal terminal for on-line communication with a notebook computer via a cellular phone.
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Specification