I-port controller

• US 7,493,142 B2
• Filed: 10/23/2006
• Issued: 02/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Struthers, Scott, Call, Ray, Curtis, Jerry, Berges, Jon
• Primary Examiner(s): MEHRPOUR, NAGHMEH
• Application Number:
  US11/585,039
• Publication Number:
  US 20070036384A1
• Time in Patent Office: 848 Days
• Field of Search: 455/422.1, 455/420, 455/517, 455/3.01, 455/186.1, 455/352, 455/3.03, 455/556.1, 455/444, 455/550.1, 455/575.1, 455/92, 455/95, 455/100, 709/208, 709/251, 709/201, 709/231, 709/246, 381/81, 381/85, 381/80, 381/77, 381/381, 381/386, 381/395, 340/3.71, 348/734
• US Class Current: 455/556.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/63 to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
• 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 2227/005 Audio distribution systems for home, i.e. multi-room use
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F

Abstract

A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device. The handheld connector docks are operative to transfer music/data/commands between the audio system controller and a handheld device disposed within the connector dock.

Claims

1. A wall mountable audio device connector dock for connecting handheld audio devices to a remote audio system, the connector dock comprising:

a body portion extendable within the wall;

a mounting frame connected to the body portion and disposable upon an external surface of the wall; and

a connector port mounted in the frame body portion, the connector port being electrically engageable to the handheld device and to the remote audio system to communicate signals between the handheld audio device and the remote audio system.

2. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 wherein the signals comprise music signals.

3. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 wherein the signals comprise data signals.

4. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 wherein the signals comprise command signals.

5. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 wherein the connector dock mounting frame is substantially flush mountable to a wall surface.

6. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wall engaging members connected to the body portion and adjustable to secure the connector dock to the wall.

7. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 further comprising a receiving circuit connected to the body portion and adapted for wireless communication with the handheld device, for communicating wireless signals to and/or from the handheld device.

8. The connector dock as recited in claim 7 wherein the wireless signals are operative to regulate the operation of the handheld device.

9. The connector dock as recited in claim 7 wherein the wireless signals are radio frequency signals.

10. The connector dock as recited in claim 7 wherein the wireless signals are infrared frequency signals.

11. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 further comprising a personal computer connection circuit in electrical communication with the connector port, for communicating signals including music/data/commands, between the handheld device and a remote personal computer.

12. The connector dock as recited in claim 11 wherein the personal computer connection circuit comprises an RS 232 signal input port.

13. The connector dock as recited in claim 1 further comprising a translating member engaged to the body portion and the connector port, for translating the connector port relative to the body portion to facilitate engagement and disengagement between the handheld device and the connector port.