Universal external multimedia adapter for use in a vehicle

• US 20080144705A1
• Filed: 12/15/2006
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Rackin, Mark H., Kerkemeyer, Bruce E., Burk, Michael T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,987,487 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 375/216
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus

Abstract

A vehicle audio/video media system includes an adapter apparatus in electrical communication with an audio/video head unit. The adapter apparatus includes a digital input receiving digital audio/video content from an external source. A digital-to-analog converter is coupled to the digital input and converts the digital audio/video content into analog audio/video content. An output device is coupled to the digital-to-analog converter. The output device transmits the analog audio/video content to the audio/video head unit.

Claims

1. An audio/video media system for a vehicle, said system comprising:

an audio/video head unit; and

an adapter apparatus in electrical communication with said audio/video head unit, said adapter apparatus including;

a digital input configured to receive digital audio/video content from a first external source;

a digital-to-analog converter coupled to said digital input and configured to convert the digital audio/video content into first analog audio/video content; and

an output device coupled to said digital-to-analog converter, said output device being configured to transmit the first analog audio/video content to said audio/video head unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said adapter apparatus includes an analog input configured to receive second analog audio/video content from a second external source, said output device being coupled to said analog input, said output device being configured to transmit either of the first analog audio/video content and the second analog audio/video content to said audio/video head unit.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said adapter apparatus is configured to:

receive first commands from said audio/video head unit; and

transmit second commands to at least one of the first external source and the second external source, said second commands being dependent upon said first commands.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said adapter apparatus includes a processor configured to receive the first commands and transmit the second commands.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said adapter apparatus includes a processor coupling said digital input to said digital-to-analog converter.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said processor is configured to receive first commands from said audio/video head unit, transmit second commands to at least one of the first external source and the second external source, receive third commands from said at least one of the first external source and the second external source, and transmit fourth commands to said audio/video head unit.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said second commands are dependent upon said first commands, and said fourth commands are dependent upon said third commands.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said first external source comprises a USB memory device.

9. A method of operating an audio/video media system in a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

coupling an adapter apparatus to an audio/video head unit;

providing said adapter apparatus with a digital input;

using said digital input to receive digital audio/video content from a first external source;

coupling a digital-to-analog converter to said digital input;

using said digital-to-analog converter to convert the digital audio/video content into first analog audio/video content;

providing said adapter apparatus with an analog input;

using said analog input to receive second analog audio/video content from a second external source;

coupling an output device to said digital-to-analog converter and to said analog input; and

transmitting either of the first analog audio/video content and the second analog audio/video content from said output device to said audio/video head unit.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising the further step of transmitting first commands from said audio/video head unit to said adapter apparatus.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising the further step of transmitting second commands from said adapter apparatus to at least one of said first external source and said second external source, said second commands being dependent upon said first commands.

12. The method of claim 9, comprising the further steps of:

providing a processor;

transmitting first commands from said audio/video head unit to said processor;

transmitting second commands from said processor to at least one of said first external source and said second external source;

transmitting third commands from said at least one of said first external source and said second external source to said processor; and

transmitting fourth commands from said processor to said audio/video head unit.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said second commands are dependent upon said first commands, and said fourth commands are dependent upon said third commands.

14. An audio system for a vehicle, said system comprising:

an audio head unit; and

an adapter apparatus in bi-directional electrical communication with said audio head unit, said adapter apparatus including;

a digital interface configured to receive digital audio content from at least one external audio source and to transmit digital commands to said at least one external audio source;

a digital-to-analog converter coupled to said digital interface and configured to convert the digital audio content into first analog audio content;

an analog input configured to receive second analog audio content from said at least one external audio source; and

an output device coupled to said digital-to-analog converter and to said analog input, said output device being configured to transmit either of the first analog audio content and the second analog audio content to said audio head unit.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said adapter apparatus is configured to receive first commands from said audio head unit.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said adapter apparatus is configured to transmit second commands to said at least one external audio source, said second commands being dependent upon said first commands.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said adapter apparatus includes a processor configured to receive the first commands and transmit the second commands.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein said adapter apparatus includes a processor coupling said digital interface to said digital-to-analog converter.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said processor is configured to receive first commands from said audio head unit, transmit second commands to said at least one external audio source, receive third commands from said at least one external audio source, and transmit fourth commands to said audio head unit, said second commands being dependent upon said first commands, and said fourth commands being dependent upon said third commands.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein said at least one external source includes a USB memory device.