Audio system with removable, active faceplate

• US 20040027002A1
• Filed: 08/05/2003
• Published: 02/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: DeLeeuw, William C.
• Granted Patent: US 6,856,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/10.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/082 to be used in vehicles H04B1/086 takes precedence; holding or mounting accessories B60R11/02

Abstract

An audio system with a removable faceplate. The system may include a base unit including at least one source of audio input and at least one speaker operable to provide audio output. In addition the system may include a removable faceplate that is an active device, and a connector allowing connection between the removable faceplate to the base unit. The faceplate may include an internal power source to provide power to the faceplate when removed from the base unit, a memory for storing data representative of audio signals, and a connector allowing connection to an output device.

Claims

1. An audio system, comprising:

a base unit including at least one source of audio input;

at least one speaker operable to provide audio output;

a removable faceplate, wherein the removable faceplate is an active device when removed from the base unit, the removable face plate having a host connector to allow the faceplate to connect to a host; and

a base connector operable to connect the removable faceplate to the base unit.