1 A
`
`--Aft) \
`
`«/,
`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`•
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`INVENTOR:
`
`IRA MARLOWE
`
`5
`
`TITLE:
`
`MULTIMEDIA DEVICE INTEGRATION SYSTEM
`
`10
`
`15
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
`
`11/071,667, filed March 3, 2005, now U.S. Patent No.
`
`, which is a continuation-in-
`
`part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/732,909 filed December 10, 2003, now U.S. Patent
`
`No.
`
`, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/316,961
`
`filed December 11, 2002, now U.S. Patent No.
`
`., the entire disclosures of which
`
`20
`
`applications are each expressly incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a multimedia device integration system. More
`
`25
`
`specifically, the present invention relates to a multimedia device integration system for
`
`integrating after-market components such as satellite receivers, CD players, CD changers, digital
`
`media devices (e.g., MP3 players, MP4 players, WMV players, Apple iPod devices, portable
`
`media centers, and other devices), Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receivers, auxiliary audio
`
`sources, video devices (e.g., DVD players), cellular telephones, and other devices for use with
`
`30
`
`factory-installed (OEM) or after-market car stereo and video systems.
`
`l
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`TOYOTA EX. 1110
`
`1 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`RELATED ART
`
`Automobile audio systems have continued to advance in complexity and the number of
`
`options available to automobile purchasers. Early audio systems offered a simple AM and/or
`
`FM tuner, and perhaps an analog tape deck for allowing cassettes, 8-tracks, and other types of
`
`5
`
`tapes to be played while driving. Such early systems were closed, in that external devices could
`
`not be easily integrated therewith.
`
`With advances in digital technology, CD players have been included with automobile
`
`audio systems. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often produce car stereos having CD
`
`10
`
`players and/or changers for allowing CDs to be played while driving. However, such systems
`
`often include proprietary buses and protocols that do not allow after-market audio systems, such
`
`as satellite receivers (e.g., XM satellite tuners), digital audio broadcast (DAB) receivers, digital
`
`media players (e.g., Apple iPod, MP3, MP4, WMV, etc.), CD changers, auxiliary input sources,
`
`video devices (e.g., DVD players), cellular telephones, and the like, to be easily integrated
`
`15
`
`therewith. Thus, automobile purchasers are frequently forced to either entirely replace the OEM
`
`audio system, or use same throughout the life of the vehicle or the duration of ownership. Even
`
`if the OEM radio is replaced with an after-market radio, the after-market radio also frequently is
`
`not operable with an external device.
`
`20
`
`A particular problem with integrating after-market audio and video systems with existing
`
`car stereo and video systems is that signals generated by both systems are in proprietary formats,
`
`and are not capable of being processed by the after-market system. Additionally, signals
`
`generated by the after-market system are also in a proprietary format that is not recognizable by
`
`2
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`2 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`the car stereo or video system. Thus, in order to integrate after-market systems with existing car
`
`stereo and video systems, it is necessary to convert signals between such systems.
`
`It known in the art to provide one or more expansion modules for OEM and after-market
`
`5
`
`car stereos for allowing external audio products to be integrated with the car stereo. However,
`
`such expansion modules only operate with and allow integration of external audio products
`
`manufactured by the same manufacturer as the OEM / after-market car stereo. For example, a
`
`satellite receiver manufactured by PIONEER, Inc., cannot be integrated with an OEM car radio
`
`manufactured by TOYOTA or an after-market car radio manufactured by CLARION, Inc. Thus,
`
`10
`
`existing expansion modules only serve the limited purpose of integrating equipment by the same
`
`manufacturer as the car stereo. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an integration system that
`
`allows any audio device of any manufacture to be integrated with any OEM or after-market radio
`
`system.
`
`Further, radio-frequency (RF) transmitters and cassette tape adapters have been
`
`developed for allowing music from a device external to a car radio, such as a portable CD player,
`
`15
`
`to be played through the car radio using the FM receiver or the cassette deck of the radio.
`
`However, such systems are often prone to interference, and do not provide high fidelity.
`
`Moreover, it would be desirable to provide an integration system that not only achieves
`
`integration of various audio and video devices that are alien to a given OEM or after-market car
`
`20
`
`stereo or video system, but also allows for information to be exchanged between the after-market
`
`device and the car stereo or video system. For example, it would be desirable to provide a
`
`system wherein station, track, time, and song information can be retrieved from the after-market
`
`device, formatted, and transmitted to the car stereo or video system for display thereby, such as
`
`3
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`3 of 138
`
`

`
`'Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`at an LCD panel of the car stereo or on one or more display panels of a car video system. Such
`
`information could be transmitted and displayed on both hardwired car stereo and video systems
`
`(e.g., radios installed in dashboards or at other locations within the car), or integrated for display
`
`on one or more software or graphically-driven radio systems operable with graphical display
`
`5
`
`panels. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a multimedia device integration system
`
`that allows a user to control more than one device, such as a CD or satellite receiver and one or
`
`more auxiliary sources, and to quickly and conveniently switch between same using the existing
`
`controls of the car stereo or video system. Still further, it would be desirable to provide a
`
`multimedia device integration system that allows for wireless integration of portable devices for
`
`10
`
`use with car audio and/or video systems, wherein full remote control of the portable device is
`
`provided at the controls of the car system.
`
`Accordingly, the present invention addresses these needs by providing a multimedia
`
`device integration system that allows a plurality of after-market devices, such as CD players, CD
`
`15
`
`changers, digital media devices (e.g., MP3 players, MP4 players, Apple iPod, WMV players,
`
`portable media centers, and other devices), satellite receivers, DAB receivers, auxiliary input
`
`sources, video devices (e.g., DVD players), cellular telephones, or any combination thereof, to be
`
`integrated into existing car stereo and video systems while allowing information to be displayed
`
`on, and control to be provided from, the car stereo or video system.
`
`4
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`4 of 138
`
`

`
`m i
`
`'Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a multimedia device integration system. One or more
`
`after-market audio devices, such as CD players, CD changers, digital media devices (e.g., MPS
`
`players, MP4 players, WMV players, Apple iPod devices, portable media centers, and other
`
`5
`
`devices), satellite receivers (e.g., XM or Sirius receivers), digital audio broadcast (DAB)
`
`receiver, or auxiliary input sources, can be connected to and operate with an existing stereo
`
`system in an automobile, such as an OEM car stereo system or an after-market car stereo system
`
`installed in the automobile. The integration system connects to and interacts with the car stereo
`
`at any available port of the car stereo, such as a CD input port, a satellite input, or other known
`
`10
`
`type of connection. If the car stereo system is an after-market car stereo system, the present
`
`invention generates a signal that is sent to the car stereo to keep same in an operational state and
`
`responsive to external data and signals. Commands generated at the control panel are received
`
`by the present invention and converted into a format recognizable by the after-market device.
`
`The formatted commands are executed by the after-market device, and audio therefrom is
`
`15
`
`channeled to the car stereo. Information from the after-market device is received by the present
`
`invention, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo, and forwarded to the car stereo
`
`for display thereby. The formatted information could include information relating to a CD or
`
`MP3 track being played, channel, song, and artist information from a satellite receiver or DAB
`
`receiver, or video information from one or more external devices connected to the present
`
`20
`
`invention. The information can be presented as one or more menus, textual, or graphical
`
`prompts for display on an LCD display of the radio, allowing interaction with the user at the
`
`radio. A docking port may be provided for allowing portable external audio devices to be
`
`connected to the interface of the present invention.
`
`5
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`5 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`In an embodiment of the present invention, a dual-input device is provided for integrating
`
`both an external audio device and an auxiliary input with an OEM or after-market car stereo.
`
`The user can select between the external audio device and the auxiliary input using the controls
`
`of the car stereo. The invention can automatically detect the type of device connected to the
`
`5
`
`auxiliary input, and integrate same with the car stereo.
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an interface is provided for integrating a
`
`plurality of auxiliary input sources with an existing car stereo system. A user can select between
`
`the auxiliary sources using the control panel of the car stereo. One or more after-market audio
`
`10
`
`devices can be integrated with the auxiliary input sources, and a user can switch between the
`
`audio device and the auxiliary input sources using the car stereo. Devices connected to the
`
`auxiliary input sources are inter-operable with the car stereo, and are capable of exchanging
`
`commands and data via the interface.
`
`15
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an interface is provided for integrating
`
`an external device for use with a car stereo or video system, wherein the interface is positioned
`
`within the car stereo or video system. The system comprises a car stereo or video system; an
`
`after-market device external to the car stereo or video system; an interface positioned within the
`
`car stereo or video system and connected between the car stereo or video system and the after-
`
`20
`
`market device for exchanging data and audio or video signals between the car stereo or video
`
`system and the after-market device; means for processing and dispatching commands for
`
`controlling the after-market device from the car stereo or video system in a format compatible
`
`with the after-market device; and means for processing and displaying data from the after-market
`
`6
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`6 of 138
`
`

`
`« >
`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`device on a display of the car stereo or video system in a format compatible with the car stereo or
`
`video system. The after-market device could comprise one or more of a CD changer, CD player,
`
`satellite receiver (e.g., XM or Sirius), digital media device {e.g., MPS, MP4, WMV, or Apple
`
`iPod device), video device {e.g., DVD player), cellular telephone, or any combination thereof.
`
`5
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an interface is provided for integrating a
`
`cellular telephone for use with a car stereo or video system. The system comprises a car stereo
`
`or video system; a cellular telephone external to the car stereo or video system; an interface
`
`connected between the car stereo or video system and the cellular telephone for exchanging data
`
`10
`
`and audio or video signals between the car stereo or video system and the cellular telephone;
`
`means for processing and dispatching commands for controlling the cellular telephone from the
`
`car stereo or video system in a format compatible with the cellular telephone; and means for
`
`processing and displaying data from the cellular telephone on a display of the car stereo or video
`
`system in a format compatible with the car stereo or video system.
`
`15
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an interface is provided for integrating
`
`an external video system for use with a car video system. The system comprises a car video
`
`system; an after-market video device external to the car video system; an interface connected
`
`between the car video system and the after-market video device for exchanging data, audio, and
`
`20
`
`video signals between the car video system and the after-market video device; means for
`
`processing and dispatching commands for controlling the after-market video device from the car
`
`video system in a format compatible with the after-market video device; and means for
`
`7
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`7 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`processing and displaying data from the after-market video device on a display of the car video
`
`system in a format compatible with the car video system.
`
`The present invention also provides an interface for integrating a plurality of after-market
`
`5
`
`devices for use with a car stereo or video system using a single interface. In one embodiment,
`
`the system comprises an interface in electrical communication with a car stereo or video system
`
`and an after-market device; a plurality of configuration jumpers in the interface for specifying a
`
`first device type corresponding to the car stereo or video system and a second device type
`
`corresponding to the after-market device; and a plurality of protocol conversion software blocks
`
`10
`
`stored in memory in the interface for converting signals from the after-market device into a first
`
`format compatible with the car stereo or video system and for converting signals from the car
`
`stereo or video system into a second format compatible with the after-market device, wherein at
`
`least one of the protocol conversion software blocks are selected by the interface using settings
`
`of the plurality of configuration jumpers. In another embodiment, the system comprises an
`
`15
`
`interface in electrical communication with a car stereo or video system and an after-market
`
`device; first and second wiring harnesses attached to the interface, wherein the first wiring
`
`harness includes a first electrical configuration corresponding to the car stereo or video system
`
`and the second wiring harness includes a second electrical configuration corresponding to the
`
`after-market device; and a plurality of protocol conversion software blocks stored in memory in
`
`20
`
`the interface for converting signals from the after-market device into a first format compatible
`
`with the car stereo or video system and for converting signals from the car stereo or video system
`
`into a second format compatible with the after-market device, wherein at least one of the
`
`protocol conversion software blocks are selected by the interface using the first and second
`
`8
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`8 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`electrical configurations of the first and second wiring harnesses. A plurality of wiring harnesses
`
`can be provided for integrating a plurality of devices.
`
`The present invention also provides a method for integrating an after-market device for
`
`5
`
`use with a car stereo or video system, comprising the steps of interconnecting the car stereo or
`
`video system and the after-market device with an interface; determining a first device type
`
`corresponding to the car stereo or video system and a second device type corresponding to the
`
`after-market device; loading a protocol conversion software block from memory in the interface
`
`using the first and second device types; converting signals from the after-market device into a
`
`10
`
`first format compatible with the car stereo or video system using the protocol conversion
`
`software block; and converting signals from the car stereo or video system into a second format
`
`compatible with the after-market device using the protocol conversion software block.
`
`The present invention further provides a multimedia device integration system that allows
`
`15
`
`for the wireless integration of a portable audio and/or video device with a car audio and/or video
`
`system. The portable device could comprise a CD changer, CD player, satellite receiver (e.g.,
`
`XM or Sirius), digital media device (e.g., MP3, MP4, WMV, or Apple iPod device), video
`
`device (e.g., DVD player), or a cellular telephone. The portable device includes a wireless
`
`interface and an integration subsystem positioned within the portable device. The wireless
`
`20
`
`interface establishes a wireless communications channel between the portable device and the car
`
`system, and allows for the wireless exchange of control commands, data, video, and audio
`
`signals between the portable device and the car system. The integration module receives control
`
`commands issued at the car system and transmitted over the wireless channel, processes same
`
`9
`
`ME1\5677906.I
`
`9 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`into a format compatible with the portable device, and dispatches same to the portable device for
`
`execution thereby.
`
`The integration module also receives data from
`
`the portable device
`
`(including, but not limited to, track information, song information, artist information, time
`
`information, and other related information), processes the data into a format compatible with the
`
`5
`
`car system, and transmits same over the wireless channel to the car system for display thereon.
`
`Optionally, the integration module could be positioned within the car system.
`
`The integration module could also include a voice recognition subsystem for acquiring
`
`spoken commands from a user, converting same into control commands compatible with the
`
`10
`
`portable device, and dispatching the processed control commands to the portable device for
`
`execution thereby. The voice commands could be received at the car audio and/or video system
`
`(i.e., using a microphone connected to the car audio and/or video system or some other vehicle
`
`component), or at the portable device (i.e., using a microphone connected to or forming a part of
`
`the portable device). Additionally, the integration module could include a speech synthesizer for
`
`15
`
`generating synthesized speech for conveying data generated by the portable device to a user.
`
`The synthesized speech could be channeled to the car audio and/or video system by the
`
`integration module to be played through the car audio and/or video system.
`
`The present invention further provides a multimedia device integration system that allows
`
`20
`
`for the integration of a portable audio and/or video device with a car audio and/or video system
`
`using a docking slot provided in the car system. The portable device includes an integration
`
`module positioned within the portable device and an external interface for allowing electrical
`
`communication with the car system via the docking slot. Optionally, the integration module
`
`10
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`10 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`could be positioned within the car audio or video system. The integration module could also
`
`include a voice recognition subsystem for acquiring spoken commands from a user, converting
`
`same into control commands compatible with the portable device, and dispatching the processed
`
`control commands to the portable device for execution thereby. Additionally, the integration
`
`5 module could include a speech synthesizer for generating synthesized speech for conveying data
`
`generated by the portable device to a user.
`
`11
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`11 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`These and other important objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the
`
`following Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connection with the accompanying
`
`drawings, in which:
`
`5
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the multimedia device integration system of the
`
`present invention.
`
`FIG. 2a is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`10
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a CD player is integrated with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2b is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a MPS player is integrated with a car radio.
`
`15
`
`FIG. 2c is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a satellite or DAB receiver is integrated with
`
`a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2d is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`20
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a plurality of auxiliary input sources are
`
`integrated with a car radio.
`
`12
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`12 of 138
`
`

`
`'Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 2e is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a CD player and a plurality of auxiliary
`
`input sources are integrated with a car radio.
`
`5
`
`FIG. 2f is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`wherein a satellite or DAB receiver and a plurality of auxiliary input source are integrated with a
`
`car radio.
`
`FIG. 2g is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`10 wherein a MP3 player and a plurality of auxiliary input sources are integrated with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2h is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`wherein a plurality of auxiliary interfaces and an audio device are integrated with a car stereo.
`
`15
`
`FIG. 3 a is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a CD player or an auxiliary input source with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 3b is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present invention for
`
`integrating both a CD player and an auxiliary input source with a car radio, wherein the CD
`
`20
`
`player and the auxiliary input are switchable by a user.
`
`FIG. 3c is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a plurality of auxiliary input sources with a car radio.
`
`13
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`13 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 3d is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a satellite or DAB receiver with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 4a is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`5
`
`integrating a CD player with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 4b is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a MP3 player with a car radio.
`
`10
`
`FIG. 4c is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a satellite receiver with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 4d is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a plurality of auxiliary input sources with a car radio.
`
`15
`
`FIG. 4e is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a CD player and one or more auxiliary input sources with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 4f is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`20
`
`integrating a satellite or DAB receiver and one or more auxiliary input sources with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 4g is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a MPS player and one or more auxiliary input sources with a car stereo.
`
`14
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`14 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`allowing a user to switch between an after-market audio device and one or more auxiliary input
`
`sources.
`
`5
`
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`determining and handling various device types connected to the auxiliary input ports of the
`
`invention.
`
`FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a docking station according to the present invention for
`
`10
`
`retaining an audio device within a car.
`
`FIG. 7b is an end view of the docking station of FIG. 7a.
`
`FIGS. 8a-8b are perspective views of another embodiment of the docking station of the
`
`15
`
`present invention, which includes the multimedia device integration system of the present
`
`invention incorporated therewith.
`
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the components of the docking station of FIGS. 8a-
`
`8b.
`
`20
`
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein the interface is incorporated within a car
`
`stereo or car video system.
`
`15
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`15 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 11a is a diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention for integrating a cellular telephone for use with a car
`
`stereo or video system; FIG. lib is a flowchart showing processing logic for integrating a
`
`cellular telephone for use with a car stereo or video system.
`
`FIG. 12a is a diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention for integrating an after-market video device for use
`
`with a car video system; FIG. 12b is a flowchart showing processing logic for integrating an
`
`after-market video device for use with a car video system.
`
`FIG. 13a is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein configuration jumpers and protocol
`
`conversion software blocks are provided for integrating after-market devices of various types
`
`using a single interface.
`
`FIG. 13b is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the multimedia device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein wiring harnesses and protocol conversion
`
`software blocks are provided for integrating after-market devices of various types using a single
`
`interface.
`
`FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing logic of the multimedia device integration
`
`system of the present invention for integrating after-market devices of various types using a
`
`single interface.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`1 6
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`16 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing logic of the multimedia device integration
`
`system of the present invention for allowing a user to specify one or more after-market device
`
`types for integration using a single interface.
`
`5
`
`FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing logic of the multimedia device integration
`
`system of the present invention for allowing a user to quickly navigate through a list of songs on
`
`one or more after-market devices using the controls of a car stereo or video system.
`
`FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
`
`10
`
`plurality of external devices are integrated using a single interface.
`
`FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein
`
`wireless integration is provided between a car audio and/or video system and a portable audio
`
`and/or video device using a wireless transceiver and an integration module positioned within the
`
`15
`
`portable device.
`
`FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein
`
`wireless integration is provided between a car audio and/or video system and a portable audio
`
`and/or video device using a wireless transceiver and an integration module positioned within the
`
`20
`
`car audio and/or video system.
`
`17
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`17 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
`
`docking slot is provided in a car audio and/or video system for receiving a portable audio and/or
`
`video device, and an integration module is positioned within the portable device.
`
`5
`
`FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
`
`docking slot is provided in a car audio and/or video system for receiving a portable audio and/or
`
`video device, and an integration module is positioned within the car audio and/or video system.
`
`FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein
`
`10
`
`wireless integration is provided between a car audio and/or video system and a portable audio
`
`and/or video device, and the portable device includes an integration module having speech
`
`synthesis and recognition capabilities.
`
`FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein
`
`15
`
`wireless integration is provided between a car audio and/or video system and a portable audio
`
`and/or video device, and the car audio and/or video system includes an integration module
`
`having speech synthesis and recognition capabilities.
`
`FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`20
`
`wirelessly integrating a portable audio and/or video device for use with a car audio or video
`
`system.
`
`18
`
`MEl\5677906.1
`
`18 of 138
`
`

`
`Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a multimedia device integration system. One or more
`
`after-market devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, digital media player (e.g., MPS player,
`
`MP4 player, WMV player, Apple iPod, portable media center, or other device), satellite receiver,
`
`5
`
`digital audio broadcast (DAB) receiver, video device (e.g., DVD player), cellular telephone, or
`
`the like, can be integrated with an existing car radio or car video device, such as an OEM or
`
`after-market car stereo or video system. Control of the after-market device is enabled using the
`
`car stereo or car video system, and information from the after-market device, such as channel,
`
`artist, track, time, song, and other information, is retrieved form the
`
`after-market device,
`
`10
`
`processed, and forwarded to the car stereo or car video system
`
`for display thereon. The
`
`information channeled to the car stereo or video system can include video from the external
`
`device, as well as graphical and menu-based information. A user can review and interact with
`
`information via the car stereo. Commands from the car stereo or video system are received,
`
`processed by the present invention into a format recognizable by the after-market device device,
`
`15
`
`and transmitted thereto for execution. One or more auxiliary input channels can be integrated by
`
`the present invention with the car stereo or video system. The user can switch between one or
`
`more after-market devices and one or more auxiliary input channels using the control panel
`
`buttons of the car stereo or video system.
`
`20
`
`As used herein, the term "integration" or "integrated" is intended to mean connecting one
`
`or more external devices or inputs to an existing car stereo or video system via an interface,
`
`processing and handling signals, audio, and/or video information, allowing a user to control the
`
`devices via the car stereo or video system, and displaying data from the devices on the car stereo
`
`19
`
`ME1\5677906.1
`
`19 of 138
`
`

`
`"Express Mail Label No.: EV623706889US
`
`or video system. Thus, for example, integration of a CD player with a car stereo system allows
`
`for the CD player to be remotely controlled via the control panel of the stereo system, and data
`
`from the CD player to be sent to the display of the stereo. Of course, control of after-market
`
`devices can be provided at locations other than the control panel of the car stereo or video system
`
`5 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, as used herein, the
`
`term "inter-operable" is intended to mean allowing the external audio or video device to receive
`
`and process commands that have been forma