U.S. patent application number 13/687612 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for interface of a media player with a media device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony M. Fadell, John Benjamin Filson, Stephen Paul Zadesky.
Application Number | 20130173035 13/687612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33415875 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130173035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fadell; Anthony M. ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
INTERFACE OF A MEDIA PLAYER WITH A MEDIA DEVICE
Abstract
A handheld media player includes a processor, a display coupled
with the processor, a memory for storing media, and a first user
interface. A media device includes a second user interface, a
housing having a surface, and a media connector for connecting the
media device to the handheld media player. The first user interface
is configured to be exposed to a user after the handheld media
player is connected to the media device. The first user interface
of the handheld media player acts as the primary user interface of
the media device when the handheld media player is connected to the
media device.
Inventors: |
Fadell; Anthony M.; (Portola
Valley, CA) ; Zadesky; Stephen Paul; (Mountain View,
CA) ; Filson; John Benjamin; (Mountain View,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc.; |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
33415875 |
Appl. No.: |
13/687612 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13294739 |
Nov 11, 2011 |
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13687612 |
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12611890 |
Nov 3, 2009 |
8078224 |
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13294739 |
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10423490 |
Apr 25, 2003 |
7627343 |
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12611890 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20130101;
H04M 1/72558 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; H04R 2205/021
20130101; H04M 1/72527 20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/94 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a media device with a handheld media
player, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the handheld
media player to the media device, the handheld media player
including: a processor; a display coupled with the processor; a
memory for storing media; and a first user interface, wherein the
first user interface is exposed to a user after the handheld media
player is connected to the media device, the media device having a
second user interface; and after connecting, controlling the media
device with the first user interface of the handheld media player,
wherein the first user interface of the handheld media player acts
as the primary user interface of the media device when the handheld
media player is connected to the media device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the media device includes: a
housing having a surface; and a media bay including: a media bay
opening in the surface of the housing; and a media bay connector in
the media bay opening, wherein connecting the handheld media player
to the media device comprises the step of: placing the handheld
media player into the media bay opening and connecting the handheld
media player to the media bay connector.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein a surface of the handheld media
player is flush with the surface of the housing of the media device
when the handheld media player is connected to the media
device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the media device includes a
computer that comprises a processor, the method further comprising
the step of; performing actions on the processor of the media
device in response to selections made on the first user interface
of the handheld media player.
5. A media device comprising: a housing having a surface; a
connector for connecting to a handheld media player, the handheld
media player including: a first user interface, wherein when the
handheld media player is connected to the connector, the first user
interface is exposed to a user; and a second user interface,
wherein the media device is adapted to be controlled via the first
user interface of the connected handheld media player acting as the
primary user interface of the media device when the handheld media
player is connected to the media device.
6. The media device of 5, wherein the media device is a
computer.
7. The media device of 6, wherein the computer is a notebook
computer.
8. The media device of 5, wherein the media device is a photo
display that includes a display for showing images.
9. The media device of 5, wherein the media device further
includes: a media bay including: a media bay opening in the surface
of the housing; and the connector in the media bay opening, wherein
the handheld media player is configured to be placed into the media
bay to connect to the connector.
10. A handheld media player comprising: a processor; a display
coupled with the processor; a memory for storing media; a first
user interface; and an interface for connecting to a media device
having a second user interface, wherein the first user interface is
configured to be exposed to a user after the handheld media player
is connected to the media device, wherein when the handheld media
player is connected to the media device, the first user interface
of the handheld media player acts as the primary user interface of
the media device and controls the media device.
11. The handheld media player of claim 10, wherein the interface
for connecting to a media device includes a media connector that
connects to a media bay connector of the media device, and wherein
the handheld media player is configured to be placed into a media
bay of the media device to connect to the media bay connector.
12. The handheld media player of claim 11, wherein the handheld
media player includes a housing having a surface, wherein the
surface of the handheld media player is flush with a surface of the
media device when the handheld media player is placed into the
media bay of the media device.
13. The handheld media player of claim 10, wherein the first user
interface of the handheld media player includes a touch pad.
14. A system comprising: a handheld media player including: a
processor; a display coupled with the processor; a memory for
storing media; and a first user interface; and a media device
including: a second user interface; a housing having a surface; and
a media connector for connecting the media device to the handheld
media player, wherein the first user interface is configured to be
exposed to a user after the handheld media player is connected to
the media device, wherein the first user interface of the handheld
media player acts as the primary user interface of the media device
when the handheld media player is connected to the media
device.
15. The system of 14, wherein the media device includes: a media
bay including: a media bay opening in the surface of the housing;
and the media connector in the media bay opening, wherein the
handheld media player is configured to be placed into the media bay
to connect to the media connector.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the handheld media player
includes a housing having a surface, wherein the surface of the
handheld media player is flush with a surface of the media device
when the handheld media player is placed into the media bay of the
media device.
17. The system of 14, wherein the first user interface of the
handheld media player includes a touch pad.
18. The system of 14, wherein the media device is a computer.
19. The system of 18, wherein the computer is a notebook
computer.
20. The system of 14, wherein the media device is a photo display
that includes a display for showing images.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/294,739, filed Nov. 11, 2011, entitled
"WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF MEDIA FROM A MEDIA PLAYER", which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/611,890, filed
Nov. 3, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,224), entitled "MALE PLUG
CONNECTOR," which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/423,490, filed Apr. 25, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,343),
entitled "MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM," the disclosures of which are herein
fully incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a media player.
More particularly, the present invention relates to improved
features for connecting the media player to external devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The hand held consumer electronics market is exploding, and
an increasing number of those products are including mechanism for
expanding connections thereto. By way of example, hand held
consumer electronic products may correspond to cellular phones,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), video games, radios, MP3
players, CD players, DVD players, televisions, game players,
cameras, etc. Most of these devices include some sort of connector
for making connections to other devices (e.g., Firewire, USB, audio
out, video in, etc.). Some of these devices have been capable of
connections to other devices through docking stations. For example,
cellular phones have included docking stations for charging the
cellular phones and PDAs have included docking stations for
communicating with a host computer. Other devices have been capable
of wireless connections therebetween. For example, cellular phones
use wireless connections to communicate back and forth (e.g.,
include wireless receivers).
[0006] MP3 music players in particular have typically made
connections to other devices through connectors. For example, the
MP3 music player known as the iPod manufactured by Apple Computer
of Cupertino, Calif. has included a Firewire connector for
communicating with a computer. The Firewire connector through a
cable connected to the computer generally allows data transmissions
to travel back and forth between the MP3 music player and the
computer. As should be appreciated, MP3 music players are
configured to play MP3 formatted songs. These songs may be uploaded
from the computer and thereafter stored in the MP3 player. As is
generally well known, the MP3 format is a compression system for
digital music that helps reduce the size of a digitized song
without hurting the sound quality, i.e., compress a CD-quality song
without losing the CD sound quality. By way of example, a 32 MB
song on a CD may compress down to about a 3 MB song using the MP3
format. This generally lets a user download a song in minutes
rather than hours.
[0007] Although current media players such as MP3 music players
work well, there is a continuing need for improved features for
connecting or coupling media players to one or more external
devices (e.g., input or output).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a docking
station that allows a media player to communicate with other media
devices. The media player (e.g., music player) having a first media
connector for connection to the docking station. The docking
station includes a housing and a media bay disposed inside the
housing. The media bay is capable of receiving the media player.
The media bay includes a media bay opening and a second media
connector. The media bay opening provides access to the media bay
connector. The media bay connector is configured for removable
engagement with the first media connector of the media player. The
first and second media connectors are configured to allow data and
power transmissions therethrough. The data transmission includes at
least two data formats. The docking station also includes one or
more outputs that are operatively coupled to the second media bay
connector. The outputs are configured to allow at least data
transmissions therethrough.
[0009] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a wireless
media player system. The wireless media player system includes a
hand held media player (e.g., music player) capable of transmitting
information over a wireless connection. The wireless media player
system also includes one or more media devices (e.g., tuning
devices) capable of receiving information over the wireless
connection.
[0010] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of
wirelessly connecting a hand held media player to another device.
The method includes selecting a media item on the hand held media
player. The method also includes selecting one or more remote
recipients on the hand held media player. The method further
includes transmitting the media item locally to the hand held media
player, and wirelessly to the selected remote recipients.
[0011] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a hand held
music player (e.g., MP3 player) that includes a transmitter for
transmitting information over a wireless connection. The
transmitter is configured to at least transmit a continuous music
feed to one or more personal tuning devices that each include a
receiver capable of receiving information from the transmitter over
the wireless connection.
[0012] The invention relates, in yet another embodiment, to a
connector for use in a media player system. The connector includes
a housing and a plurality of spatially separated contacts mounted
within the housing. A first set of contacts are appropriated for
Firewire transmissions, a second set of contacts being appropriated
for USB transmissions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media player, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a media player system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams of a docking station, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams of a docking station, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a media player system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a top view of a connector assembly, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a front view of a connector assembly, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6C is a pin designation chart, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7A is a perspective diagram of a stand alone docking
station, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7B is a top view of a stand alone docking station, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7C is a top view of a stand alone docking station with
its cover removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7D is a back view of a stand alone docking station, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7E is a side view of a stand alone docking station, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a media player docking station in
use, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 9A is a diagram of a cable adapter, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9B is a diagram of a cable adapter, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9C is a diagram of a cable adapter, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9D is a functional diagram of a cable adapter, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a notebook computer with a built-in
docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a desktop computer with a built-in
docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a boom box with a built-in docking
station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a photo frame with a built-in
docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a diagram of a family radio with a built-in
docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a of a wireless communication
system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a of a wireless communication
system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective diagram of a wireless communication
network in use, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps have not been described
in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a media player 100, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The term
"media player" generally refers to computing devices that are
dedicated to processing media such as audio, video or other images,
as for example, music players, game players, video players, video
recorders, cameras, and the like. In some cases, the media players
contain single functionality (e.g., a media player dedicated to
playing music) and in other cases the media players contain
multiple functionality (e.g., a media player that plays music,
displays video, stores pictures and the like). In either case,
these devices are generally portable so as to allow a user to
listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures
wherever the user travels.
[0043] In one embodiment, the media player is a handheld device
that is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being
pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device
and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user
travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky
and often heavy device, as in a laptop or notebook computer). For
example, in the case of a music player, a user may use the device
while working out at the gym. In case of a camera, a user may use
the device while mountain climbing. In the case of a game player,
the user can use the device while traveling in a car. Furthermore,
the device may be operated by the users hands, no reference surface
such as a desktop is needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the
media player 100 is a pocket sized hand held MP3 music player that
allows a user to store a large collection of music (e.g., in some
cases up to 4,000 CD-quality songs). Although used primarily for
storing and playing music, the MP3 music player shown herein may
also include additional functionality such as storing a calendar
and phone lists, storing and playing games, storing photos and the
like. In fact, in some cases, it may act as a highly transportable
storage device.
[0044] By way of example, the MP3 music player may correspond to
the iPod MP3 player manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino,
Calif. The pocket sized iPod has a width of about 2.4 inches, a
height of about 4 inches and depths ranging from about 0.72 to
about 0.84 inches.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the media player 100 includes a housing
102 that encloses internally various electrical components
(including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide
computing operations for the media player 100. In addition, the
housing may also define the shape or form of the media player. That
is, the contour of the housing 102 may embody the outward physical
appearance of the media player 100. The integrated circuit chips
and other circuitry contained within the housing may include a
microprocessor (e.g., CPU), memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), a power supply
(e.g., battery), a circuit board, a hard drive, other memory (e.g.,
flash) and/or various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. The
electrical components may also include components for inputting or
outputting music or sound such as a microphone, amplifier and a
digital signal processor (DSP). The electrical components may also
include components for capturing images such as image sensors
(e.g., charge coupled device (CCD) or complimentary oxide
semiconductor (CMOS)) or optics (e.g., lenses, splitters, filters).
The electrical components may also include components for sending
and receiving media (e.g., antenna, receiver, transmitter,
transceiver, etc.).
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the media player 100 includes
a hard drive thereby giving the media player massive storage
capacity. For example, a 20 GB hard drive can store up to 4000
songs or about 266 hours of music. In contrast, flash-based media
players on average store up to 128 MB, or about two hours, of
music. The hard drive capacity may be widely varied (e.g., 5, 10,
20 MB, etc.). In addition to the hard drive, the media player 100
shown herein also includes a battery such as a rechargeable lithium
polymer battery. These type of batteries are capable of offering
about 10 hours of continuous playtime to the media player.
[0047] The media player 100 also includes a user interface 103. The
user interface 103 allows the user of the media player 100 to
initiate actions on the media player 100 and provides the user with
output associated with using the media player (e.g., audio, video,
images, etc.). The user interface 103 may be widely varied. By way
of example, the user interface 103 may include switches; buttons,
keys, dials, trackballs, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens,
displays, microphones, speakers, cameras, and the like.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the media player 100 includes
a display screen 104 and related circuitry. The display screen 104
is used to display a graphical user interface as well as other
information to the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics). By way of
example, the display screen 104 may be a liquid crystal display
(LCD). In one particular embodiment, the display screen corresponds
to a 160-by-128-pixel high-resolution display, with a white LED
backlight to give clear visibility in daylight as well as low-light
conditions. As shown, the display screen 104 is visible to a user
of the media player 100 through an opening 105 in the housing 102,
and through a transparent wall 106 that is disposed in front of the
opening 105. Although transparent, the transparent wall 106 may be
considered part of the housing 102 since it helps to define the
shape or form of the media player 100.
[0049] In addition to the display screen 104, the media player 100
also includes a touch pad 110. The touch pad is an intuitive
interface that provides easy one-handed operation, i.e., lets a
user interact with the media player with one or more fingers. The
touch pad 110 is configured to provide one or more control
functions for controlling various applications associated with the
media player 100. For example, the touch initiated control function
may be used to move an object or perform an action on the display
screen 104 or to make selections or issue commands associated with
operating the media player 100. In order to implement the touch
initiated control function, the touch pad 110 may be arranged to
receive input from a finger moving across the surface of the touch
pad 110, from a finger holding a particular position on the touch
pad and/or by a finger tapping on a particular position of the
touch pad. The touch pad may be widely varied. For example, the
touch pad may be a conventional touch pad based on a Cartesian
coordinate system, or the touch pad may be a touch pad based on a
Polar coordinate system. Furthermore, the touch pad 110 may be used
in a relative and/or absolute mode. In absolute mode, the touch pad
110 reports the absolute coordinates of where it is being touched.
For example x, y in the case of the Cartesian coordinate system or
(r, .theta.) in the case of the Polar coordinate system. In
relative mode, the touch pad 110 reports the direction and/or
distance of change. For example, left/right, up/down, and the
like.
[0050] The touch pad 110 generally consists of a touchable outer
surface 111 for receiving a finger for manipulation on the touch
pad 110. Although not shown in FIG. 1, beneath the touchable outer
surface 111 is a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement
includes a plurality of sensors that are configured to activate as
the finger sits on, taps on or passes over them. In the simplest
case, an electrical signal is produced each time the finger is
positioned over a sensor. The number of signals in a given time
frame may indicate location, direction, speed and acceleration of
the finger on the touch pad, i.e., the more signals, the more the
user moved his or her finger. In most cases, the signals are
monitored by an electronic interface that converts the number,
combination and frequency of the signals into location, direction,
speed and acceleration information. This information may then be
used by the media player 100 to perform the desired control
function on the display screen 104.
[0051] The position of the display screen 104 and touch pad 110
relative to the housing 102 may be widely varied. For example, they
may be placed at any external surface (e.g., top, side, front, or
back) of the housing 102 that is accessible to a user during
manipulation of the media player 100. In most cases, the touch
sensitive surface 111 of the touch pad 110 is completely exposed to
the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch pad 110 is
located in a lower, front area of the housing 102. Furthermore, the
touch pad 110 may be recessed below, level with, or extend above
the surface of the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the
touch sensitive surface 111 of the touch pad 110 is substantially
flush with the external surface of the housing 102.
[0052] The shape of the display screen 104 and the touch pad 110
may also be widely varied. For example, they may be circular,
rectangular, triangular, and the like. In general, the outer
perimeter of the shaped touch pad defines the working boundary of
the touch pad. In the illustrated embodiment, the display screen is
rectangular and the touch pad 110 is circular. More particularly,
the touch pad is annular, i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. When
annular, the inner and outer perimeter of the shaped touch pad
defines the working boundary of the touch pad.
[0053] In addition to above, the media player 100 may also include
one or more buttons 112. The buttons 112 are configured to provide
one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or
issuing commands associated with operating the media player 100. By
way of example, in the case of an MP3 music player, the button
functions may be associated with opening a menu, playing a song,
fast forwarding a song, seeking through a menu and the like. In
most cases, the button functions are implemented via a mechanical
clicking action. The position of the buttons 112 relative to the
touch pad 110 may be widely varied. For example, they may be
adjacent one another or spaced apart. In the illustrated
embodiment, the buttons 112 are configured to surround the inner
and outer perimeter of the touch pad 110. In this manner, the
buttons 112 may provide tangible surfaces that define the outer
boundaries of the touch pad 110. As shown, there are four buttons
112A that surround the outer perimeter and one button 112B disposed
in the center or middle of the touch pad 110. By way of example,
the plurality of buttons 112 may consist of a menu button,
play/stop button, forward seek button and a reverse seek button,
and the like.
[0054] Moreover, the media player 100 may also include a hold
switch 114. The hold switch 114 is configured to activate or
deactivate the touch pad and/or buttons. This is generally done to
prevent unwanted commands by the touch pad and/or buttons, as for
example, when the media player is stored inside a user's pocket.
When deactivated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are not
sent or are disregarded by the media player. When activated,
signals from the buttons and/or touch pad are sent and therefore
received and processed by the media player.
[0055] The media player 100 may also include one or more connectors
for receiving and transmitting data to and from the media player.
By way of example, the media player may include one or more audio
jacks, video jacks, data ports and the like. The media player 100
may also include one or more connectors for receiving and
transmitting power to and from the media player 100.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the media player includes a
headphone jack 116 and a data port 118. The headphone jack 116 is
capable of receiving a headphone or speaker plug associated with
headphones/speakers configured for listening to sound being
outputted by the media device 100. The data port 118, on the other
hand, is capable of receiving a data plug/cable assembly configured
for transmitting and receiving data to and from a host device such
as a general purpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable
computer). By way of example, the data port 118 may be used to
upload or down load audio, video and other images to and from the
media device 100. For example, the data port may be used to
download songs and play lists, audio books, ebooks, photos, and the
like into the storage mechanism of the media player.
[0057] The data port 118 may be widely varied. For example, the
data port may be a PS/2 port, a serial port, a parallel port,
network interface port, a USB port, a Firewire port and/or the
like. In some cases, the data port 118 maybe a wireless link such
as a radio frequency (RF) link or an optical infrared (IR) link in
order to eliminate the need for a cable. Although not shown in FIG.
1, the media player 100 may also include a power port that receives
a power plug/cable assembly configured for delivering powering to
the media player 100. In some cases, the data port 118 may serve as
both a data and power port.
[0058] Although only one data port is provided, it should be noted
that this is not a limitation and that multiple data ports may be
incorporated into the media player. In a similar vein, the data
port may include multiple data functionality, i.e., integrating the
functionality of multiple data ports into a single data port.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the position of the hold
switch, headphone jack and data port on the housing may be widely
varied. That is, they are not limited to the positions shown in
FIG. 1. They may be positioned almost anywhere on the housing
(e.g., front, back, sides, top, bottom). For example, the data port
may be positioned on the top, sides, back, front surfaces of the
housing rather than the bottom surface as shown. Although it should
be noted that having the data port on the bottom surface provides
some benefits when connecting to other devices.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a media player system 150, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The media
player system comprises a media player 152 and one or more media
devices 154 that are connected via a media link 156. As mentioned
above, the term "media player" generally refers to computing
devices that are dedicated to processing media such as audio, video
or other images, as for example, music players, game players, video
players, video recorders, cameras, and the like. By way of example,
the media player 152 may correspond to the media player 100 shown
in FIG. 1. Media devices 154 are similar to the media player 152 in
that they process media such as audio, video or other images. The
media devices may be widely varied. By way of example, the media
devices may correspond to other media players, desktop computers,
notebook computers, personal digital assistants, video or imaging
equipment (e.g., cameras, monitors), audio equipment (home stereos,
car stereos, boom boxes), family radios (e.g., walkie talkies),
peripheral devices (e.g., keyboards, mice, displays, printers,
scanners), personal media devices (discussed in greater detail
below) and the like.
[0060] The media devices 154 and the media player 152 are
configured to communicate with one another through media link 156.
The protocol under which they communicate may be widely varied. By
way of example, the communication protocol may be a master/slave
communication protocol, server/client communication protocol,
peer/peer communication protocol, and the like. Using a
master/slave communication protocol, one of the devices is a master
and the other is a slave. The master controls the slave. Using a
client/server communication protocol, a server program responds to
requests from a client program. The server program may operate on
the media player or the media device. Using a peer to peer
communication protocol either of the two devices can initiate a
communication session.
[0061] The media link 156 may be wired and/or wireless. For
example, the media link 156 may be made through connectors and
ports or through receivers, transmitters and/or transceivers. The
media link may also be one way or two way. For example, in the case
of one way, the media player may be configured to transmit signals
to the media device but not to receive information from the media
device (or vice versa) or in the case of two way, both the media
player and media device may be enabled to receive and transmit
signals therebetween. The signals may be data (analog, digital),
power (AC, DC), and/or the like. In most cases, the data
corresponds to data associated with the media player as for example
audio, video, images and the like.
[0062] Both the media player 152 and the media device 154 include a
media terminal 158A and 158B, respectively. The media terminals 158
may provide a direct connection between the media player 152 and
the media device 154 (e.g., integrally formed with the media
device) or it may provide an indirect connection between the media
player 152 and the media device 154 (e.g., a stand alone device).
The media terminals 158 provide the media link 156 through one or
more connection interfaces. As such, the media player 152 may serve
the media devices 154 and/or the media devices 154 may serve the
media player 152. The connection interfaces associated with the
media terminals 158 may be wired or wireless connection
interfaces.
[0063] In wired connections, the media terminals 158 are configured
to physically connect so as to operatively couple the media player
152 to the media device 154. For example, the media player 152 and
the media device 154 may include a mating connection made up of
connector and port. By way of example, the connection interface may
include one or more of the following interfaces: PS/2, serial,
parallel, network (e.g., Ethernet), USB, Firewire and/or the like.
The connection interface may also include one or more remote, audio
(digital or analog), video (digital or analog), and/or charging
interfaces. In one embodiment, the media terminal 158B is a part of
docking station that permits the media player 152 to connect with
the media device 154. The docking station may be integrally formed
with the media device 154 thereby providing a direction connection
with the media player 152 or it may be a standalone device that
provides an indirect connection between the media player 154 and
the media device 152.
[0064] In wireless connections, the media terminals 158 do not
physically connect. For example, the media player 152 and the media
device 154 may include a receiver and transmitter for wireless
communications therebetween. By way of example, the connection
interface may include one or more of the following interfaces: FM,
RF, Bluetooth, 802.11 UWB (ultra wide band), IR, magnetic link
(induction) and/or the like.
[0065] In brief, FM (frequency modulation) is a method of
impressing data onto an alternating-current (AC) wave by varying
the instantaneous frequency of the wave. This scheme can be used
with analog or digital data. RF generally refers to alternating
current AC having characteristics such that, if the current is
input to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is generated suitable
for wireless broadcasting and/or communications. The frequencies
associated with RF cover a wide range of the electromagnetic
radiation spectrum as for example from about 9 kHz to thousands of
GHz. Bluetooth generally refers to a computing and
telecommunications industry specification that describes how mobile
phones, computers and personal digital assistants can easily
interconnect with each other using short range wireless connection.
802.11 generally refers to a family of specification for wireless
local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working group of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). UWB
refers to a wireless technology for transmitting large amounts of
digital data over a wide spectrum of frequency bands with very low
power for a short distance. IR generally refers wireless
technologies that convey data through infrared radiation.
[0066] FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams of docking stations 170 and 172,
respectively, in accordance with several embodiment of the present
invention. The docking stations 170 and 172 are hardware components
that include a set of connection interfaces that allow a media
player 174 to communicate with other media devices (not shown) that
are not usually taken along with the media player 174. That is, the
docking stations 170 and 172 make available additional
functionality that would not otherwise be achieved through the
media player 174 and/or the other media devices. The docking
stations 170 and 172 may be built into the media device (e.g., hard
wired) or they may be stand-alone devices that are connected to the
media device through a separate connection (e.g., cord). By way of
example, the media player 174 may generally correspond to the media
player shown in FIG. 1.
[0067] As shown, each of the docking stations includes a housing
178. The housings 178 are configured with a media bay 180 capable
of receiving the media player 174 for direct or indirect connection
to a media device. The media bay 180 includes a media bay opening
182 in the surface 184 of the housing 178. The media bay opening
182 is configured to physically receive the media player 174. In
other words, the media player 174 can be inserted into the media
bay opening 182. Once the media player 174 is inserted into the
media bay opening 182 (as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B), the
functionality provided by a media device operatively coupled to the
docking stations 170 and 172 becomes available for use by the media
player 174. Additionally or alternatively, the functionality
provided by the media player 174 may become available for use by
the media device operatively coupled to the docking stations 170
and 172. In most cases, a connector 186 of the media player 174
couples to a corresponding connector 188 within the media bay 180
when the media player 174 is placed in the inserted position. The
media player 180 essentially becomes a fixed location device when
coupled to the docking stations 170 and 172 through the media bay
180 (unless the docking station happens to be in another mobile
device). When the media player 174 is taken out, it becomes mobile
again. As should be appreciated, the docking stations 172 and 174
let a user simultaneously enjoy expansion possibilities with the
portability of a smaller device.
[0068] The media bays 180 of the docking stations 170 and 172 may
be widely varied. In most cases, the media bay openings 182 are
dimensioned to receive the media players 174. That is, the inner
peripheral surfaces of the media bay openings 182 are sized to
receive the outer peripheral surfaces of the media player 174
(allowing for some tolerances). In FIG. 3, the media bay 180 is
configured to receive the back end of the media player 174 while in
FIG. 4 the media bay 180 is configured to receive a bottom end of
the media player 174. In either case, the connector 186 on the
media player 174 is configured to connect with the connector 188 on
the docking station 170 and 172 when the media player 174 is
inserted in the media bay 180. The position of the inserted media
player 174 relative to the housing 178 may be widely varied. For
example, the media bay 180 may be configured to receive the entire
media player 174 as shown in FIG. 3 or it may only be configured to
receive a portion of the media player 174 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0069] The inserted media player 174 is typically retained within
the media bay 180 until it is removed from the media bay 180 (e.g.,
doesn't slide out). For example, a retention mechanism such as a
snap, a spring loaded latch or a magnet may be used to hold the
media player 174 within the media bay opening 182. The media player
174 may also be held within the opening 182 by the force of the
engaged connectors 186/188 or under its own weight (e.g., gravity).
An ejection mechanism may additionally be used to release the media
player 174 from the media bay 180 (e.g., to overcome any holding
forces). In some cases (as shown in FIG. 3), the user interface 175
of the media player 174 is completely exposed to the user so that
it is accessible to a user while inserted in the media bay 180. In
cases such as these, the user interface 175 (e.g., front surface of
the media player) may be recessed below, level with, or extend
above the external surface of the housing 178. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 3, the front surface 190 of the media player 174
is substantially flush with the external surface 184 of the housing
178.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a media player/docking station
system 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The system 200 generally includes a media player 202 and
a docking station 204. By way of example, the media player and
docking station may correspond to the media player and docking
station shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, the media player 202
includes a processor 206 (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured
to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with
the media player 202. For example, using instructions retrieved for
example from memory, the processor 206 may control the reception
and manipulation of input and output data between components of the
media player 202. In most cases, the processor 206 executes
instruction under the control of an operating system or other
software. The processor 206 can be a single-chip processor or can
be implemented with multiple components.
[0071] In most cases, the processor 206 together with an operating
system operates to execute computer code and produce and use data.
The computer code and data may reside within a program storage
block 208 that is operatively coupled to the processor 206. Program
storage block 208 generally provides a place to hold data that is
being used by the system 200. By way of example, the program
storage block 208 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access
Memory (RAM), hard disk drive, flash memory and/or the like. As is
generally well known, RAM is used by the processor as a general
storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to
store input data and processed data. ROM can be used to store
instructions or program code followed by the processor as well as
other data. Hard disk drives can be used to store various types of
data and can permit fast access to large amounts of stored data.
The computer code and data could also reside on a removable program
medium and loaded or installed onto the computer system when
needed.
[0072] In one embodiment, program storage block 208 is configured
to store an audio program for controlling the distribution of audio
in the media player 202. The audio program may contain song lists
associated with songs also stored in the storage block 208. The
songs may be accessed through a user interface 210 operatively
coupled to the processor 206. The user interface 210 may include a
display for visually displaying the song lists (as part of a GUI
interface) and a touch pad or buttons for selecting a song to be
played or reviewing and/or customizing the song lists, i.e., the
user may quickly and conveniently review the lists and make changes
or selections thereto.
[0073] The media player also includes an input/output (I/O)
controller 212 that is operatively coupled to the processor 206.
The (I/O) controller 212 may be integrated with the processor 206
or it may be a separate component as shown. The I/O controller 212
is generally configured to control interactions with one or more
media devices 214 that can be coupled to the media player 202. The
I/O controller 212 generally operates by exchanging data (and/or
power) between the media player 202 and the media devices 214 that
desire to communicate with the media player 202. In some cases, the
media devices 214 may be connected to the I/O controller 212
through wired connections and in other cases the media devices 214
may be connected to the I/O controller 212 through wireless
connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the media device 214 is
capable of being connected to the I/O controller 212 through a
wired connection.
[0074] The media player 202 also includes a connector 216 capable
of connecting to a corresponding connector 218 located within the
docking station 204. The docking station 204 is operatively coupled
to the media device 214 through transfer circuitry 220. The
transfer circuitry 220 may provide a direct or indirect link to the
media device 214. For example, the transfer circuitry 220 may be
hard wired to the media device 214 as for example when the docking
station 204 is integrated with the media device 214 or it may be
passively wired as through a cord that temporarily plugs into the
media device 214.
[0075] The connector arrangement 216/218 used to connect the media
player 202 and the docking station 204 may be widely varied.
However, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector arrangement
216/218 includes both power and data contacts. The power contacts
222 of the media player 202 are operatively coupled to a battery
224 of the media player 202 and the data contacts 226 of the media
player 202 are operatively coupled to the I/O controller 212. As
should be appreciated, the power contacts 222A of the connector 216
are configured to engage the power contacts 222B of the connector
218 so as to provide operational or charging power to the media
player 202, and the data contacts 226A of the connector 216 are
configured to engage the data contacts 226B of the connector 218 so
as to provide data transmissions to and from the media player 202.
The data contacts may be widely varied. For example, they may be
configured to provide one or more data transmitting functionalities
including Firewire, USB, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and the like. The
connectors may also include a variety of other contacts 230 for
transmitting other types of data as for example remote control,
video (in/out), audio (in/out), analog TV, and the like.
[0076] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams of a connector assembly pin
arrangement 235, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, the arrangement 235 includes a first connector
236 and a second connector 238. The connectors 236 and 238 may be
placed in a media player, docking station, at the end of a cord or
cable and/or the like. By way of example, the connectors 236 and
238 may generally correspond to the connectors 216/218 of FIG. 5.
The first and second connectors 236 and 238 each include a housing
240 and 242 and a plurality of corresponding contacts 244 and 246
that when engaged operatively couple the connectors 236 and 238
together. The housing is generally formed from an insulating
material such as plastic and the contacts are generally formed from
an electrically conductive material such as a copper alloy. In the
illustrated embodiment, the contacts 244 protrude from the housing
240 for insertion into corresponding contacts 246 that are recessed
within the housing 242 (e.g., male-female connection). In some
cases, the contacts 244 are configured to snugly fit into the
contacts 246 so that the connectors are held together. Additionally
or alternatively, the connectors 236 and 238 may include a locking
means for locking the connectors together. For example, one of the
connectors may include a latch that engages and disengages to and
from a portion of the other connector. The configuration of the
contacts may be widely varied (e.g., spacing, # of rows or columns,
etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts are spaced apart
in a single row. The connectors may be manufactured using a variety
of techniques. By way of example, the connectors may be
manufactured using techniques similar to those used by JAE of
Japan.
[0077] The signals carried by the contacts may be widely varied.
For example, a portion of the contacts may be dedicated to Firewire
signals while another portion may be dedicated to USB signals. The
contacts may also be used for grounds, charging, powering,
protocols, accessory identification, audio, line-in, line-out, and
the like. Additional contacts may be used for grounding the housing
of the connector. The number of contacts may also be widely varied.
The number generally depends on the signals needed to support the
devices using the connectors. In one embodiment, some of the
contacts are used to support Firewire while other contacts are used
to support USB. In this embodiment, the minimum number of contacts
corresponds to the number required to support these devices. In
most cases, however, the number of contacts tends to be greater
than this number (other signals are needed). In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the connectors includes at least 30 contacts,
including Firewire contacts, USB contacts, grounding contacts,
powering contacts, reserved contacts and the like. An example of a
pin count which may used can be seen in FIG. 6C. Although this pin
count is shown, it should be noted that it is not a limitation and
that any configuration of the functions described therein may be
used.
[0078] FIGS. 7A-E are diagrams of a stand alone docking station
250, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The stand alone docking station 250 allows a media player 252 to
communicate with other media devices (not shown). By stand alone,
it is meant that it is physically separated from but operatively
connectable to the media device (rather than being integrated
therewith). As shown, the docking station 250 includes a housing
254 that encloses internally various electrical and structural
components and that defines the shape or form of the docking
station 250. The shape of the housing may be widely varied. For
example, it may be rectangular, circular, triangular, cubical, and
the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 254 has a
rectangular shape. The housing 254 may be formed by one or more
housing components. For example, as shown, the housing 254 may be
made up of a top member 256 and a base member 258. The manner in
which the members 256 and 258 are connected may be widely varied
(e.g., screws, bolts, snaps, latch, etc.).
[0079] Within a top surface 260 of the housing as shown in FIGS.
7A, 7B and 7E there is provided a media bay opening 262 for
physically receiving a bottom portion 264 of the media player 252.
As shown, the media bay opening 262 has shape that coincides with
the shape of the media player 252, i.e., the bottom portion 264 of
the media player 252 may be inserted within the media bay opening
262. The depth of the opening 262 is generally configured to keep
the user interface of the media player 252 exposed to the user. The
opening 262 may be vertical or sloped. As shown in FIG. 7E, the
opening 262 is sloped so that the media player 252 rests in a
tilted position within the docking station 250. As should be
appreciated, a tilted media player 252 is easier to use (e.g., more
ergonomic). The slope may be widely varied. For example, it may
tilt the media player 252 about 5 to about 25 degrees and more
particularly about 15 degrees.
[0080] Inside the opening 262 there is provided a first connector
266 for engaging a corresponding connector disposed on the bottom
surface of the media player 252. The first connector 266 is
typically exposed through the housing 254 so that the media player
connector can engage it. By way of example, the connector
arrangement may correspond to the connector arrangement shown in
FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the media player connector
is a female port and the docking station connector 266 is a male
plug. The plug is generally dimension for a tight fit within the
port so as to secure the connection between the media player 252
and the docking station 250 (e.g., no interlock except for
connector). The first connector 266 is generally sloped to a
similar angle as the opening 262 so that engagement occurs between
the first connector and the media player connector when the media
player 252 is slid into the opening 262. As should be appreciated,
the sides of the opening 262 serve as guides for placing the
connectors in the correct engagement position.
[0081] The first connector 266 may be operatively coupled to one or
more second connectors, each of which may be used to connect to
some external device such as a media device, power plug and the
like. In some cases, the information passing through the first
connector 266 is directed to a single second connector while in
other cases the information is split into multiple second
connectors. For example, the contacts of a single connector 266 may
be split into different connectors such as one or more data lines,
power lines, audio lines and the like. The second connectors may be
similar to the first connector or they may be different.
Furthermore, multiple second connectors may be similar or they may
be different from one another. The second connectors are also
exposed through the housing. In some cases, the second connectors
are indirectly coupled to the docking station 250. For example,
they may be coupled to the docking station 250 through a cord or
cable that is attached to the docking station 250. One end of the
cord is coupled to the docking station 250 while the other end,
which includes the second connector is free to be engaged with an
external device. In other cases, the second connectors are directly
coupled to the docking station 250. For example, they may be
attached to a portion of the docking station 250 without using a
cord or cable. In cases such as these, the second connectors are
free to be engaged directly to an external device or they may be
coupled through a removable cord or cable. Alternatively or
additionally, the cord it self may be used to split information,
i.e., a Y cord or cable.
[0082] The internal components of the docking station 250 can best
seen in FIG. 7C. FIG. 7C shows the docking station 250 with the top
member 256 of the housing 254 removed. As shown, the internal
components include at least a first connector 266 and a second
connector 268 (both of which may correspond to a connector
arrangement shown in FIG. 6). The internal components may also
include an audio out connector 270. The connectors 266-270 are
connected via a flex cable 272. The connectors 266-270 are
positioned on one or more printed circuit boards 274 that are
attached to the base member 258 of the housing 254. The first
connector 266 is located at a position that places it within the
opening 262 of the housing 254 (as shown in FIG. 7B). The second
connector 268 and the audio out connector 270 are located at
positions that place them within openings 276 at the backside of
the housing 254 for external connection therefrom (as shown in FIG.
7D). Also contained within the housing 254 is a ballast 278
enabling the docking station 250 to support the media player 252
when inserted therein. An EMI shield may also be placed over the
flex cable 272 to provide shielding.
[0083] FIG. 8 is an illustration showing the docking station 250 of
FIG. 7 in use, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, the docking station 250 is operatively coupled
to a media device 280 through a cable 282, i.e., the first end of
the cable 282 is engaged with the second connector 268 of the
docking station 250 and the second end of the cable 282 is engaged
with a connector positioned on the media device 280. Furthermore,
the media player 252 is operatively coupled to the docking station
250 via the above mentioned connector arrangement, i.e., the media
player 252 is positioned in the media bay opening 262 of the
docking station 250 such that the connectors are engaged. Through
these connections, the media player 252 may communicate with the
media device 280, i.e., data and/or power may be passed
therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the media player 252
is a music player and the media device 280 is a desktop computer.
As such, the user, for example using the user interface on the
media player 252, may upload or down load songs between the media
player 252 and the desktop computer 280 via the docking station
250. When uploading and downloading are completed, the user may
simply remove the media player 252 from the docking station 250 and
walk away.
[0084] FIGS. 9A-9C are diagrams of cable adapters 300, 302 and 304,
respectively, that may be used with the docking station 250 of FIG.
7, in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention.
In all three figures, the cable adapters 300, 302 and 304 include a
docking station connector 306. The docking station connector 306 is
configured to be received by the second connector 268 of the
docking station 250. Although this connector arrangement may be
widely varied, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector
arrangement corresponds to the connector arrangement shown in FIG.
6.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 9A, the cable adapter 300 includes a cable
308. The docking station connector 306 is disposed at one end of
the cable 308 and a media device connector 310 is disposed at the
other end of the cable 308. The media device connector 310 may be
widely varied. For example, it may correspond to a power connector,
a Firewire connector, a USB connector and the like. It may also
correspond to a connector similar to the docking station connector.
In the illustrated embodiment, the media device connector 310 is a
Firewire connector. An example of a cable adapter 300 including a
docking station connector 306 using the pin count of FIG. 6C and a
media device connector 310 using a 6 pin Firewire is shown in FIG.
9D.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 9B, the cable adapter 302 includes a pair
of cables 312 and 314. The docking station connector 306 is
disposed at one end of the cables 312 and 314 and a plurality of
media device connectors 316 are disposed at the other ends of the
cables 312 and 314. Each of the media device connectors 312 and 314
may be widely varied. For example, they may correspond to a power
connector, a Firewire connector, a USB connector and the like. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first media device connector 316A
is a power connector and the second media device connector 316B is
a USB connector.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 9C, the cable adapter 304 is configured to
be used with a car stereo. The cable adapter includes a cable 318.
The docking station connector 306 is disposed at one end of the
cable 318 and a media device connector 320 is disposed at the other
end of the cable 318. In this particular embodiment, the media
device connector 320 is in the form of a cassette for insertion
into a cassette deck of the car stereo. The cable adapter 304 also
includes a power adapter plug 322 configured for insertion into a
car power jack (e.g., cigarette lighter). The power adapter plug
322 extends from the docking station connector 306. In order to use
the cable adapter 304, the user simply places the power adapter
plug 322 in the power jack (this supports the docking station as
well as provides power therethrough for powering or charging the
media player) and the media device connector 320 in the cassette
deck of the car stereo. The user may then select a song to be
played through the car stereo using the user interface of the media
player.
[0088] Although the cable adapters are shown as separate components
of the docking station, it should be noted that in some embodiments
they may be integrated therewith. That is, instead of having a
docking station connector, the ends of the cables may be attached
to the docking station.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 10-14, integrated docking stations will
be described in greater detail. Like stand alone docking stations,
the integrated docking stations allow a media player to communicate
with other media devices. However, unlike the stand alone docking
station, the integrated docking station is integrated with or built
into the media device. As should be appreciated, the electrical and
structural components of the integrated docking station are
typically enclosed via the housing of the media device, i.e., the
docking stations do not have their own housing. The housing of the
media devices also typically defines the media bay in which the
media player is placed for connectivity to the media device. That
is, the media devices themselves include one or more media bays for
receiving the media players. The media bays are typically
externally accessible to the media players so that media players
can be easily be inserted into or removed from the media bays. The
media bays may be any of those previously described. The
removability of the media players allows the media player to
support a variety of different types of media devices in a flexible
manner. By way of example, the media devices may correspond to
desktop computers, notebook computers, home sound systems, car
sound systems, portable sound systems, home theater systems, video
projectors, displays, audio or video recording equipment, cameras
(e.g., photos, video), telephones, and the like. They may also
include peripheral computing devices such as scanners, printers,
keyboards, and the like.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a notebook computer 350 with an integrated
docking station 352, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The notebook computer 350 includes a lid 354 and
a base 356. The docking station 352 is integrated within the base
356. The docking station 352 includes a media bay 358 that may be
placed anywhere on the base 356, as for example, the sides, top,
front, back or bottom surfaces. The media bay 358 maybe configured
to receive any surface of a media player 359 so long as a
connection is made between the media player 359 and the docking
station 352. For example, it may be configured to receive the back
of the media player as shown in FIG. 3 or it may be configured to
receive the bottom of the media player as shown in FIG. 4. In the
illustrated embodiment, the media bay 358 is configured to receive
the back side of the media player 359 thus exposing the user
interface of the media player 359 to the user. In some cases, the
user interface may be the primary user interface of the notebook
computer 350. For example, the touch pad of the media player shown
in FIG. 1 may be used to perform actions on the notebook computer
350. By way of example, the notebook computer may correspond to any
of those manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a general purpose
computer 360 with an integrated docking station 362, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The computer 360
generally includes a base 364 and a display 366 operatively coupled
to the base 364. The base 364 and the display 366 may be separate
components, i.e., they each have their own housing, as in
traditional computers or they may be integrated into a single
housing so as form an all in one machine (as shown). The docking
station 362 is integrated within the base 364. The docking station
362 includes a media bay 368 that may be placed anywhere on the
base, as for example, the sides, top, front, back or bottom
surfaces. The media bay 368 may be configured to receive any
surface of a media player 369 so long as a connection is made
between the media player 369 and the docking station 362. For
example, it may be configured to receive the back of the media
player as shown in FIG. 3 or it may be configured to receive the
bottom of the media player as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated
embodiment, the media bay 368 is configured to receive the bottom
side of the media player 369. In some cases, the user interface of
the media player 369 maybe exposed and in other cases, the user
interface may be completely covered within the media bay 358. Byway
of example, the general purpose computer may correspond to any of
those manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.
[0092] FIG. 12 is front view of a sound system 370 with an
integrated docking station 372, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. The sound system may be widely varied.
For example, it may be a substantially fixed or portable unit. In
the illustrated embodiment, the sound system 370 is a flat panel
unit that includes a base 374 and a pair of speakers 376. The
docking station 372 is integrated within the base 374. The docking
station 372 includes a media bay 378 that may be placed anywhere on
the base 374, as for example, the sides, top, front, back or bottom
surfaces. The media bay 378 may be configured to receive any
surface of a media player 379 so long as a connection is made
between the media player 379 and the docking station 372. For
example, it may be configured to receive the back of the media
player as shown in FIG. 3 or it may be configured to receive the
bottom of the media player as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated
embodiment, the media bay 378 is configured to receive the back
side of the media player 379. In some cases, the user interface of
the media player 379 may be the primary user interface of the sound
system 370 and in other cases, the user interface is secondary to a
user interface of the sound system 370.
[0093] FIG. 13 is a photo display 380 with an integrated docking
station 382, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The photo display 380 is configured to showcase one or
more images. For example, the photo display may be set on a desk or
placed on a wall to display one or more family photos in a
controlled manner. The photo display 380 generally includes a base
384 and a display 386 that is disposed in the base 384. The docking
station 382 is integrated within the base 384. The docking station
382 includes a media bay 388 that may be placed anywhere on the
base 384, as for example, the sides, top, front, back or bottom
surfaces. The media bay 388 may be configured to receive any
surface of a media player 389 so long as a connection is made
between the media player 389 and the docking station 382. For
example, it may be configured to receive the back of the media
player as shown in FIG. 3 or it may be configured to receive the
bottom of the media player as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated
embodiment, the media bay 388 is configured to receive the back
side of the media player 389. In some cases, the user interface of
the media player 389 may be the primary user interface of the photo
display system and in other cases, the user interface is secondary
to a user interface of the photo display system.
[0094] FIG. 14 is a mobile radio 390 with an integrated docking
station 392, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The mobile radio allows a user to connect to other users
in a local area, as for example when two parties are outdoors in
different locations. For example, the mobile radio may provide
voice communications, messaging (pager, email), digital one way
radio (one to one and group), digital two way radio (one to one and
group), data services (wireless web and private networks). In one
embodiment, the mobile radio 390 allows a media player 399 to act
as a mobile broadcasting station. For example, the user may
broadcast music from the media player 399 to other media devices in
a local area or within a local network. The mobile radio 390
generally includes a base 394 that includes the radio broadcast
components (e.g., antenna, transmitter, receiver, volume controls,
squelch controls, frequency controls, etc.).
[0095] The docking station 392 is integrated within the base 394.
The docking station 392 includes a media bay 398 that may be placed
anywhere on the base, as for example, the sides, top, front, back
or bottom surfaces. The media bay 398 may be configured to receive
any surface of the media player 399 so long as a connection is made
between the media player 399 and the docking station 392. For
example, it may be configured to receive the back of the media
player as shown in FIG. 3 or it may be configured to receive the
bottom of the media player as shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated
embodiment, the media bay 398 is configured to receive the back
side of the media player 399 so that the user interface is exposed
to the user. As such, the user may select a song and thereafter
broadcast it to other users in the network.
[0096] Although the mobile radio and media device are shown as
separate devices, it should be noted that they may be integrated
thus eliminating the need for a docking station. For example, the
radio broadcasting components such as receivers, transmitters,
microphones, speakers and the like may be built into the media
player as for example the media player shown in FIG. 1. The radio
broadcasting components may be widely varied. For example, they may
be associated with technologies including FM, RF, Bluetooth, 802.11
UWB (ultra wide band), IR, magnetic link (induction) and/or the
like.
[0097] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a wireless communication system 400,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
wireless communication system 400 generally includes a media player
402 and one or more media devices 404. The media player 402 is
configured to send media via a wireless communication link 406 to
the media devices 404 and the media devices 404 are configured to
receive the media sent by the media player 402 over the wireless
communication link 406. The media player is essentially configured
to act as a personal transmitting station so that the user can
transmit media stored on the media player to other devices. In some
cases, the media devices 404 may also send media to the media
player 402 and the media player 402 may also receive media from the
media devices 404. By way of example, the media may generally
correspond to audio, video, images, text and the like.
[0098] In order to send and receive media, the players and devices
402 and 404 generally include a transmitter, a receiver or a
transceiver as well as some sort of antenna. The media is generally
sent via the transmitter and the media is generally received via
the receiver. In one embodiment, the media player includes a
transmitter while the media devices include a receiver (for one way
communications). In another embodiment, both devices include a
transceiver (for two way communications). The antenna may be fully
contained within the players/devices 402 and 404 or they may extend
outside the devices (as shown). By way of example, the wireless
communication link may correspond to FM, RF, Bluetooth, 802.11, UWB
(ultra wide band), IR (infrared), magnetic link (induction) and/or
the like.
[0099] The media player 402 may be widely varied. In the
illustrated embodiment, the media player corresponds to the media
player shown in FIG. 1. The media devices 404 may also be widely
varied. These devices generally depend on the type of media being
sent by the media player 402. By way of example, the media devices
404 may generally correspond to a personal mobile radio 404A, a
personal tuning device 404B, a personal display device 404C, and
the like. Personal generally refers to the fact that these devices
pertain to a particular user. In one embodiment, these devices are
handheld devices that are sized for placement into a pocket of the
user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly
carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost
anywhere the user travels.
[0100] Personal mobile radios 404A generally include a microphone
and speaker (or audio jack) so as to allow voice communications.
The mobile radios may be based on push to talk (PTT) whereby
pressing a button opens the communication line from the mobile
radio to the media player. The mobile radios typically include an
antenna such as a rugged rubber duck that consists of a coiled up
element encased in rubber. The mobile radios may also include a
channel tuner for selecting which channel to receive and send
information, and a volume control dial for adjusting the volume of
the audio signal. The mobile radios may also include a small
display showing the selected channel, received signal strength,
output power and the like. Mobile radios are generally well known
and will not be described in greater detail.
[0101] Personal tuning devices 404B generally include a speaker (or
headphone jack) and a volume control dial so as to listen to audio
based media (e.g., music) being sent by the media player 402. The
personal tuning devices may also include an antenna and a frequency
tuner for selecting which channel to receive and send information.
In one embodiment, the personal tuning device 404B corresponds to a
radio (e.g., the media player may include an FM transmitter and the
radio may include an FM receiver).
[0102] Personal display devices 404C generally include a display so
as to view video or imaged based media being sent by the media
player 402. In some cases, the personal display device 404C
additionally includes speakers and volume control so that both
photos/video and audio based media may be received from the media
player. The video or photos may be produced by the media player
through a camera located thereon. The video or photos may also be
stored in a storage component located within the media player. In
one embodiment, the personal display device corresponds to a
television or TV (e.g., the media player may include a VHF or UHF
transmitter and the TV may include a VHF or UHF receiver).
[0103] The media devices may also include a media player 404D, a
notebook computer 404E or a general purpose computer 404F. The
second media player 404D may be similar to the first media player
402 or it may be a different device altogether. By way of example,
the second media player 404D may generally correspond to the media
player shown in FIG. 1. Both the notebook computer 404E and the
general purpose computer 404F may include the hardware necessary
for communicating over the wireless communication link (e.g.,
antenna, receivers, transceivers) or they may be connected to a
wireless hub 410 that includes the required hardware.
[0104] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a wireless communication
system 420, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The system 420 generally includes a media player 422 and
a media device 424 that connect via a wireless communication link
426. Both the media player 422 and the media device 424 may be
widely varied. For ease of discussion, the media device 424
corresponds to a second media player that is similar to the first
media player. Both media players include a processor 428 that is
operatively coupled to a user interface 430, a storage block 432,
input/output circuitry 434 and a communication terminal 436.
[0105] The processor 428 is configured to execute instructions and
to carry out operations associated with the media players 422, 424.
For example, using instructions retrieved for example from memory,
the processor 428 may control the reception and manipulation of
input and output data between components of the media players 422,
424. In most cases, the processor 428 executes instruction under
the control of an operating system or other software. The processor
428 can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with
multiple components.
[0106] The user interface 430 allows the user of the media players
422, 424 to initiate actions on the media players 422, 424 and
provides the user with output associated with using the media
players 422, 424 (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.). The user
interface 430 may be widely varied. By way of example, the user
interface 430 may include switches, buttons, keys, dials,
trackballs, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, displays,
microphones, speakers, cameras, and the like.
[0107] The storage block 432 provides a place to hold data that is
being used by the media players 422, 424. By way of example, the
storage block 432 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access
Memory (RAM), hard disk drive, flash memory and/or the like. In the
illustrated embodiment, the storage block includes at least a hard
drive.
[0108] The input/output (I/O) support circuitry 434 controls
interactions with one or more I/O devices 440 that can be coupled
to the media players 422, 424. The I/O support circuitry 434 may be
integrated with the processor 428 or it may be a separate component
(as shown). The I/O support circuitry 434 generally operates by
exchanging data (and/or power) between the media players 422,424
and the I/O devices 440 that desire to communicate with the media
players 422,424. In most cases, the I/O devices 440 may be
connected to the I/0 support circuitry 434 through one or more
connectors, wires or cables. By way of example, the I/0 devices 440
may be internal or peripheral devices such as other media players,
notebook computers, personal digital assistants, general purpose
computers, storage devices, additional user interfaces, audio
equipment (e.g., speakers, headphones), video or imaging equipment
(e.g., cameras), network cards, and the like. In the illustrated
embodiment, the 1/0 device 440 corresponds to a head set. The head
set may be connected to the media player through a headphone
jack.
[0109] The communication terminal 436 controls interactions with
one or more media devices 424 that can be coupled to the media
player 422 through a wireless link. The communication terminal 436
may include a transmitter, receiver or transceiver. In one
embodiment, the first media player 422 includes a transmitter and
the second media player 424 includes a receiver thereby providing
one way communication therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first media player 422 includes a first transceiver and the
second media player includes a second transceiver 424 for two way
communication therebetween. The transmitter is configured to
transmit information over the wireless communication link and the
receiver is configured to receive information over the wireless
communication link while the transceiver is configured to both
transmit and receive information over the wireless communication
link. The components of the receivers, transmitters and transceiver
are generally well known within the technological filed from which
they come (e.g., FM, RF, Bluetooth, 802.11 UWB, IR, magnetic link)
and therefore they will not be described in greater detail.
[0110] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method
450, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The method may be implemented by a media player, as for example the
media player shown in FIG. 15 or 16. The method generally begins at
block 452 where a media item is selected. This is generally
accomplished by user operating the media player via the user
interface of the media player. Depending on the application, the
user may conveniently move through a list of media items and
thereafter make a selection once the desired media item is found.
In the case of music, the user may scroll through a list of songs
until a desired song is found. In the case of images, the user may
move through a proof sheet until a desired image is found.
[0111] Following block 452, the flow proceeds to block 454 where
the remote recipients are selected. Remote recipients generally
refer to other devices that are capable of receiving the selected
media item from the media player. Selecting the remote recipients
may include selecting a signal channel as for example in the case
of a broadcast (e.g., FM) or selecting a desired address as for
example in the case of a network connection (e.g., Bluetooth). In
broadcasting, a media item is transmitted over airwaves for public
reception by anyone with a receiver tuned to the right signal
channel, i.e., the media item is cast or thrown in all directions
at the same time. In networking, a media item is transmitted to one
or more unique addresses, i.e., each media device has its own
unique address. When utilizing broadcasting, the user may simply
select a channel via the user interface of the media player. For
example, the user of the media player may select FM 98.1 and
therefore the user of the media device must select FM 98.1 in order
to receive the media item. When utilizing networking, the user may
select one or more addresses via the user interface of the media
player. For example, the user may enter one or more unique address
directly or the user may select one or more unique addresses from a
preexisting group stored in the media player. In some cases, the
unique addresses may be stored as a buddy list.
[0112] Following block 454, the flow proceeds to block 456 where
the media item(s) is transmitted. The media item may be transmitted
locally to the media player and/or it may be transmitted wirelessly
to the remote recipient. In most cases, the media item is
transmitted to both the media player as well as to the remote
recipients.
[0113] The various aspects of the method described above can be
used alone or in various combinations. The method is preferably
implemented by a combination of hardware and software, but can also
be implemented in hardware or software. The method can also be
embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium.
The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can
store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.
Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory,
random-access memory, hard drive, flash memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs,
magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves.
[0114] FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a personal transmitting
station 500 in use, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. By way of example, the personal transmitting
station 500 may correspond to the media player shown in FIG. 1. The
personal transmitting station 500 is wirelessly connected to one or
more personal media devices 502 through one or more wireless links
504. These devices 500 and 502 are connected via a wireless
communication signal such as any of those previously described.
[0115] Although the personal transmitting station 500 may be
configured to transmit several types of data to the personal media
devices 502, in the illustrated embodiment, the personal
transmitting station 500 is configured to transmit audio data in
the form of music 502 (e.g., the personal transmitting station
includes MP3 functionality for example) to one or more personal
media devices 502 acting as personal tuning devices. As such, the
user of the personal transmitting station 500 can perform disc
jockey functions, i.e., the user can determine what songs to be
played on both the personal transmitting station 500 as well as the
personal tuning devices 502.
[0116] In this particular illustration, a first skier 506 holds the
personal transmitting station 500 while second, third and fourth
skiers 508, 510 and 512 each hold personal tuning devices 502. As
shown, the first skier 506 is located away from the second, third
and fourth skiers 508, 510 and 512. The first skier 506 is located
on a first hill 514, the second and third skiers 508 and 510 are
located on a ski lift 516, and the fourth skier 502 is skiing down
a second hill 518. As should be appreciated, all of these locations
are within the broadcasting or networking range of the personal
transmitting station 500.
[0117] The personal transmitting station 500 is configured to send
a music signal to the personal tuning devices 502 held by the
second, third and fourth skiers 508, 510 and 512 and the personal
tuning devices 502 are configured to receive the music signal sent
from the personal transmitting station 500. The first skier 506 can
therefore effect changes to what is being listened to by the
second, third and fourth skiers 508, 510 and 512 by simply
selecting a different song to be played on the personal
transmitting station 500 (even though he is in a different location
than the rest of the skiers). For example, the first skier 506 may
end a first song and select a second song to be played therefore
causing the personal transmitting station 500 to send the second
song to the personal tuning devices 502.
[0118] Both the personal transmitting station 500 as well as the
personal tuning devices 502 include a means for outputting sound.
For example, they may contain speakers or jacks for coupling to
headphones. These devices may also include a means for adjusting
the volume. For example, they may contain dials or buttons for
increasing or decreasing the volume. In some cases, the personal
tuning devices may include a means for making song requests, i.e.,
text messaging or voice communications.
[0119] While this invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and
equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For
example, although the invention has been described in terms of an
MP3 music player, it should be appreciated that certain features of
the invention may also be applied to other types of media players
such as video recorders, cameras, and the like. Furthermore, the
MP3 music player described herein is not limited to the MP3 music
format. Other audio formats such as MP3 VBR (variable bit rate),
AIFF and WAV formats may be used. Moreover, certain aspects of the
invention are not limited to handheld devices. For example, the
touch pad may also be used in other computing devices such as a
portable computer, personal digital assistants (PDA), cellular
phones, and the like. The touch pad may also be used a stand alone
input device that connects to a desktop or portable computer. It
should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention.
For example, although the touch pad has been described in terms of
being actuated by a finger, it should be noted that other objects
may be used to actuate it in some cases. For example, a stylus or
other object may be used in some configurations of the touch pad.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be
interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and
equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *