Method and system for controlling power provided to an accessory
First Claim
1. A connector interface system for an accessory, the connector interface system comprising:
- an interface adapted to be coupled with a portable media player and to exchange a plurality of commands with the portable media player, the plurality of commands comprising;
a first command received by the accessory, the first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory;
a second command sent by the accessory, the second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory;
a third command received by the accessory, the third command for instructing the accessory to set a new power state of the accessory, the new power state being based at least in part on the current power state; and
a fourth command sent by the accessory, the fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power state setting by the accessory.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A connector interface system for an accessory, the connector interface system comprising:
an interface adapted to be coupled with a portable media player and to exchange a plurality of commands with the portable media player, the plurality of commands comprising; a first command received by the accessory, the first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory; a second command sent by the accessory, the second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory; a third command received by the accessory, the third command for instructing the accessory to set a new power state of the accessory, the new power state being based at least in part on the current power state; and a fourth command sent by the accessory, the fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power state setting by the accessory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A computer readable medium encoded with program instructions which when executed by a portable media player allow the portable media player to control power settings of an accessory, the program instructions including program instructions for:
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requesting information about a current power state of the accessory by the portable media player; receiving information from the accessory about the current power state of the accessory; and utilizing the information to set a new power state of the accessory by the portable media player. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An accessory comprising:
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a device; and an interface in communication with the device and adapted to communicate with a portable media player by exchanging a plurality of commands with the portable media player, the plurality of commands comprising; a first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory, the first command being receivable by the accessory; a second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory, the second command being sendable by the accessory; a third command for instructing the accessory to set a new power state of the accessory, the third command being receivable by the accessory; and a fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power setting by the accessory, the second command being sendable by the accessory. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A dongle comprising:
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a first connector adapted to be coupled to a portable media player; a second connector in communication with the first connector and adapted to be coupled to an accessory, wherein the dongle is configured to exchange a plurality of commands with the portable media player;
the plurality of commands comprising;a first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory, the first command being receivable by the dongle from the portable media player; a second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory, the second command being sendable by the dongle to the portable media player; a third command for instructing the dongle to set a new power state of the accessory, the third command being receivable by the dongle from the portable media player; and a fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power setting, the fourth command being sendable by the dongle to the portable media player, wherein the dongle is further configured to provide power to the accessory in accordance with the new power state specified by the third command. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for using an accessory coupled to a portable media player, the method comprising, by the accessory:
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receiving, from the media player, a request for information indicating power capabilities of the accessory; returning the requested information to the media player; receiving a power setting command from the media player, the power setting command instructing the accessory to set a power state of the accessory to a new power state determined by the media player; and setting the power state of the accessory to the new power state. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An accessory for use with a portable media player, the accessory comprising:
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an interface adapted to be coupled with a portable media player and configured to support an accessory protocol for exchanging with the portable media player commands and information related to power management; and a control module coupled to the interface, the control module being configured to; receive, from the media player, a request for information indicating power capabilities of the accessory; return the requested information to the media player; receive a power setting command from the media player, the power setting command instructing the accessory to set a power state of the accessory to a new power state determined by the media player; and set the power state of the accessory to the new power state. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification