VWGoA - Ex. 1001
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Petitioner
`1
`
`

`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`.
`
`..... .. 340/825.56
`
`1/1978 Werth etal. ............ .. 179/175.3
`4,068,104 A
`5/1978 Woods et al.
`364/200
`4,091,455 A
`..
`11/1980 Bruce et al.
`. 364/200
`4,234,919 A
`.
`12/1985 Hodelet al.
`.364/200
`4,562,533 A
`9/1988 Douglas et al.
`. 312/257
`4,772,079 A
`3/1989 Frimmel, Jr.
`.. 379/88
`4,817,130 A
`7/1990 Rice ......... ..
`375/1
`4,943,978 A
`2/1994 Frimmel, Jr.
`.. 379/88
`RE34,536 E
`8/1994 Harris ...... ..
`.. 381/86
`5,339,362 A
`4/1995 Shreve et al.
`395/500
`5,410,675 A
`..
`8/1998 Beckert et al.
`455/3.06
`5,794,164 A *
`9/1998 Hamanishiet al.
`5,808,373 A
`1/1999 Ross etal.
`5,859,628 A
`12/1999 Syrnanov et al.
`6,005,488 A
`4/2000 Kinzalow et al.
`6,052,603 A
`5/2000 Sadler
`6,058,319 A
`12/2000 Becker ...................... .. 381/86
`6,157,725 A
`6,163,079 A * 12/2000 Miyazaki et al.
`307/10.1
`6,175,789 B1*
`1/2001 Beckert et al.
`701/33
`6,278,697 B1
`8/2001 Brodyet al.
`. 370/310
`6,295,033 B1*
`9/2001 Chatzipetros eta
`. 343/713
`6,330,337 B1
`12/2001 Nicholson et al.
`381/86
`6,346,917 B1*
`2/2002 Fuchs et al.
`. 343/713
`6,374,177 B1*
`4/2002 Lee et al.
`..
`. 701/200
`6,389,332 B1
`5/2002 Hess etal.
`................... .. 701/1
`6,389,560 B1
`5/2002 Chew
`6,396,164 B1
`5/2002 Barnea et al.
`6,529,804 B1
`3/2003 Draggon et al.
`6,591,085 B1*
`7/2003 Grady . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`6,608,399 B2*
`8/2003 McConnell et al.
`6,622,083 B1
`9/2003 Knockeart et al.
`6,629,197 B1
`9/2003 Bhogalet al.
`............. .. 711/111
`6,648,661 B1
`11/2003 Byrne et al.
`340/995.19
`6,653,948 B1* 11/2003 Kunimatsu et al.
`6,993,615 B2*
`1/2006 Falcon ...................... .. 710/303
`7,288,918 B2
`10/2007 DiStefano
`2001/0044664 A1
`11/2001 Mueller et al.
`.............. .. 700/94
`2002/0084910 A1*
`7/2002 Owens etal.
`.. 340/825.24
`
`2002/0085730 A1*
`7/2002 Holland .................... .. 381/334
`2002/0091863 A1
`7/2002 Schug
`2002/0133610 A1
`9/2002 Hadland
`2002/0180767 A1
`12/2002 Northway et al.
`2002/0197954 A1
`12/2002 Schmitt et al.
`2003/0007649 A1
`1/2003 Riggs ........................ .. 381/86
`2003/0026440 A1*
`2/2003 Lazzeroni et al.
`381/86
`2003/0053638 A1*
`3/2003 Yasuhara ..... ..
`.. 381/86
`2003/0086699 A1
`5/2003 Benyarnin et al.
`........... .. 386/96
`2003/0156200 A1
`8/2003 Romano et al.
`2004/0091123 A1
`5/2004 Stark et al.
`2004/0145457 A1
`7/2004 Schofield et al.
`2004/0151327 A1
`8/2004 Marlowe
`2004/0266336 A1
`12/2004 Patsiokas et al.
`2005/0172001 A1
`8/2005 Zaner et al.
`2005/0239434 A1
`10/2005 Marlowe
`2007/0015486 A1
`1/2007 Marlowe
`2007/0293183 A1
`12/2007 Marlowe
`
`descriptions
`
`from www.
`
`“The New Delphi XM SKYFi Radio Add it to Any Car or Home
`Audio System,” product description from www.xn1radio.com (1
`page).
`Mobile Electronics: News, “Soundgate to Release New GM and
`BMW Interfaces,” Dec. 2, 2002, ME-Mag.com (1 page).
`“Welcome to Ventura Technology,” from www.venturatechnology.
`net (2 pages).
`product
`“Ventura
`Technology”
`venturatechnoogy.net (1 page).
`“Phatnoise Digital Media Players,” product description from www.
`phatnoise.com (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Jun./Jul. 1996 issue (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Jan. 1998 issue (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Feb. 1998 issue (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Jul. 1998 issue (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Sep. 1998 issue (2 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Nov. 1998 issue (12 pages).
`“Automedia,” magazine pages from Feb. 1999 issue (2 pages).
`“Car Stereo Review,” magazine pages from Jun. 1998 issue (5 pages).
`“Car Stereo Review,” magazine pages from Jan. 1999 issue (2 pages).
`“Car Stereo Review,” magazine pages fromApr. 1999 issue (3 pages).
`“Car Audio and Electronics,” magazine pages from Dec. 1998 issue
`(2 pages).
`“Car Audio and Electronics,” magazine pages from Apr. 1999 issue (2
`pages).
`“CarAudio and Electronics,” magazine pages from Jun. 1999 issue (2
`pages).
`“Carsound,” magazine pages from May/Jun. 1999 issue (2 pages).
`“Mobile Electronics Retailer,” magazine pages from Aug. 1997 issue
`(4 pages).
`“Mobile Electronics Retailer,” magazine pages from Jul. 1999 issue
`(7 pages).
`“Mobile Electronics Retailer,” magazine pages from Aug. 2000 issue
`(2 pages).
`“Cesmobile,” magazine pages from Jan. 1999 issue (3 pages).
`“The 12 Volt News,” magazine pages from Mar. 2002 issue (2 pages).
`“P.I.E. Millennium Price Guide Make the Precision Decision,” Pre-
`cision Interface Electronics, Inc. (6 pages).
`“PIE 1999 Price Guide,” Precision Interface Electronics, Inc. (4
`pages).
`“Design & Engineering Showcase Award,” award presented to Pre-
`cision Interface Electronics, Inc. for DPX Technology Digital Proto-
`col Converter FRDN/PC-KNW, 2000 International CES.
`“Design & Engineering Showcase Award,” award presented to Pre-
`cision Interface Electronics, Inc. for DPX Technology Digital Proto-
`col Converter GM9/PC-KNW, 2000 International CES.
`Invoice dated Jan. 28, 1998 from Precision Interface Electronics, Inc.
`for “Ford FCU-Sanyo Protocol,” and “Ford RCU Sanyo Protocol”
`Invoice dated Jan. 29, 1999 from Precision Interface Electronics, Inc.
`for “Ford NCU-Sanyo Protocol”
`Invoice datedApr. 26, 1999 from Precision Interface Electronics, Inc.
`for “9 Pin GM-Kenwood Protocol,” and “10 Pin GM-Kenwood Pro-
`tocol”
`Invoice datedApr. 27, 1999 from Precision Interface Electronics, Inc.
`for “9 Pin GM-Kenwood Protocol”
`Invoice dated May 27, 1999 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “10 Pin GM-Kenwood Protocol,” and “9 Pin GM-Kenwood
`Protocol .”
`Invoice dated Mar. 20, 2000 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “98-2000 Pre-Wired VW 6 DIS”
`Invoice dated Mar. 20, 2000 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “98-2000 Pre-Wired VW 8 DIS,” and “1998-2000 Audi to
`Pan 8 PC”
`Invoice dated Dec. 17, 2001 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “98-02 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury”
`Invoice dated Dec. 17, 2001 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “98-02 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury”
`Invoice dated May 29, 2002 from Precision Interface Electronics,
`Inc. for “95-01 GMC/Chev/Pontiac AUX,” and “98-02 Ford/Lincoln/
`Merc AU”
`Toyota/Avox Interface Rev. Eng., Peripheral Model TIAS, created
`Feb. 15, 1998 (1 page).
`GM/Kenwood Translator diagram, created Feb. 4, 1999 (2 pages).
`Ford/Audiovox Translator diagram, created Dec. 29, 1997 (2 pages).
`Component Side Silkscreen, created Dec. 31, 1997 (2 pages).
`Component Xray, created Feb. 4, 1999 (2 pages).
`
`
`
`..
`
`..
`
`............ .. 307/10.1
`
`. . . .. 455/42
`
`...... .. 307/10.1
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`KR
`KR
`W0
`W0
`W0
`
`2000-286874
`1020010035788
`1020010059192
`WO 2004/053722
`WO 2006/094281
`WO 2008/002954
`
`10/2000
`5/2001
`7/2001
`6/2004
`9/2006
`1/2008
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“Delphi XM SKYFI(TM) Radio,” product description from XM
`Satellite Radio web site (2 pages).
`
`2
`
`

`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`Page 3
`
`“SoundGate, Ventura Announce Sophisticated OEM-Integration
`Interfaces,” article from The 12 Volt News, Dec. 2002 (1 page).
`“XMDirect Smart Digital Adapter,” product description (3 pages).
`“Breaking Protocol A Look at BlitzSafe’s New DMX Protocol Con-
`verter Technology,” Nov. 1998 printout from http://www.blitzsafe.
`com/blitz_news/newsl01998/body_news101998.html (2 pages).
`“PIE Virtual Catalog,” printout from http://web.archive.org/web/
`19981205005802/http:/www.pie.net/sec12sb1.htm (2 pages).
`“The UniLink Project,” printout from website (2 pages).
`“CD Changer Interfaces,” printout from http://web.archive.org/web/
`19991012021952/soundgate.corn/cd-inter.htrnl (1 page).
`“Digital Obsessions A Spotlight on Audio Gadgetry,” ZDNet Music:
`The PhatNoise Car Audio System, printout from http://web.archive.
`org/web/20000817164605/music.gamespot.corn/features/
`phatnoise/ (3 pages).
`“Bypassing and Switching With the CD4053 CMOS Analog MUX,”
`printout from website (4 pages).
`“Device Profile: Phatnoise PhatBox Car MP3 Player,” Nov. 1, 2000,
`printout from http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/
`0,14179,2649276,00.html (4 pages).
`“The EZ Protoboard,” printout from http://web.archive.org/web/
`20010613095105/http:/www.2gusd.org/~edward/ezproto/ (2 pages).
`“TDIClub Forums: Reverse Engineering CD Changer Progress,”
`Apr. 3, 2001, printout from website (3 pages).
`“TDIClub Forums: Reverse Engineering CD Changer Progress
`Reports,” Apr. 5, 2001, printout from website (8 pages).
`“Multi Technology Equipment—Home of the Neo MP3 Player,”
`printout
`from
`http://web.archive.org/web/20010413222617/
`ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/ (1 page).
`“TDIClub Forums: Reverse Engineering CD Changer Protocol
`Update,” Apr. 18, 2001, printout from website (3 pages).
`“The Car CD Changer Interface Page,” printout from website (10
`pages).
`“SourceForge.net: Project Info—GNUlink,” printout from http://
`sourceforge.net/projects/gnunilinld (3 pages).
`“EZ Protoboard News,” printout from website (3 pages).
`“GNUnilink—For All Your AUX-IN Needs .
`.
`.
`,” printout from
`http://gnunilink.sourceforge.net/ (4 pages).
`“VWCDPIC News,” printout
`from http://web.archive.org/web/
`20020701101541/http:/www.2gusd.org/~edward/vwcdpic/
`(8
`pages).
`from http://web.archive.org/web/
`“VWCDPIC News,” printout
`20021009014959/http:/www.2gusd.org/~edward/vwcdpic/
`(10
`pages).
`“Neo Car Jukebox MP3 Player,” printout from website (3 pages).
`“Blitz Safe Offers XM Cables for Radios,” printout from website
`http://www.twice.com/article/CA190041.html?text:blitz+safe
`(2
`pages).
`“Integration Products May Impact Satellite Radio,” printout from
`website
`http://www.twice.com/article/CA
`200541.
`html?text:blitz+safe (3 pages).
`“OEM Integration Poised for Strong Growth,” printout from website
`http://www.twice.com/article/CA 200523.html?text:blitz+safe (3
`pages).
`Gilroy, Amy, “Blitz Safe Bows New SkyLink,” This Week in Con-
`sumer Electronics (TWICE), Nov. 24, 2003.
`Gilroy, Amy, “XM Exceeds Forecasts,” This Week in Consumer
`Electronics (TWICE), Nov. 24, 2003.
`“BlitzSafe
`News,”
`http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/
`news031124/body_news031124.htrnl, Nov. 24, 2003.
`“XM Satellite Radio Introduces XM Direct,” http://www.blitzsafe.
`com/blitz_news/news031 1 17/body_news031 1 17.htrnl, Nov.
`17,
`2003.
`http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/
`“Digital Audio Radio,”
`news052003a/body_news052003a.htrnl, 2003.
`“BlitzSafe Winner of 2003 Autosound Grand Prix Accessories Sup-
`plier of the Year,” Audiovideo Magazine, Mar. 3, 2003.
`“BlitzSafe Releases World’s First XM Satellite Radio, Auxillary and
`CD Interfaces for Landrover
`‘Freelander 2003’,” http://www.
`blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/news092002b/body_news09002b.html,
`Sep. 16, 2002.
`
`“BlitzSafe Releases World’s First XM Satellite Radio, Auxiliary and
`CD Interfaces for Lexus,” http://www/blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/
`news092002a/body_news092002a.html, Sep. 14, 2002.
`Pohlmarm, et al. “Satellite Radio A to Z,” http://www.blitzsafe.com/
`blitz_news/news072002a/body_news072002a.htrnl, 2002.
`“BlitzSafe Launches XM and Six Interfaces for the ‘Mini Cooper’,”
`http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/news062002a/
`body_news062002a.html, Jun. 25, 2002.
`“Digital Connect,” Mobile Electronics, May 2002.
`Solomon, Brett, “Selling 12V: OEM Integration,” Dealerscope, May
`2002.
`“XM Xtraz,” Mobile Entertainment, Apr./May 2002.
`“Blitzsafe Introduces New Line ofXM Digital Connect Cables,” The
`12 Volt News, Feb. 20, 2002.
`“XM Radio Losses Mount As Do Subscribers,” http://www.blitzsafe.
`com/blitz_news/news012002d/body_news012002d.htrnl, Jan. 24,
`2002.
`“Blitzsafe Expects 3 Mil. XM Subscribers Within Three Years,”
`http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/news012002c/
`body_news012002c.html., Jan. 2002.
`“XM Signs Over 30,000 Subscribers in First 8 Weeks,” XM Radio,
`Jan. 7, 2002.
`BlitzSafe Unveils the First DVD Interface, Automedia, Feb. 1999.
`“MBALP V.2A2 CD Changer Converter Mercedes Benz Model for
`1997 and 1996,” http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/pr02111996/
`body_pr02111996.html, Jun. 11, 1996.
`“CD Changer Converter—Porsche Model Year 1996,” http://www.
`blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/pr02071996/body_pr02071996.html.
`Feb. 7, 1996.
`“CD Changer Converter—Mercedes Benz 1996 MY,” http://www.
`blitzsafe.com/blitz_news/pr08231995/body_pr08231995.html,
`Aug. 23, 1995.
`Office Action dated Aug. 8, 2006, from co-pending U.S. Appl. No.
`10/732,909 (29 pages).
`Interview Summary dated Dec. 15, 2006, from co-pending U.S . Appl.
`No. 10/732,909 (3 pages).
`Interview Summary dated Jan. 3, 2007, from co-pending U.S. Appl.
`No. 10/732,909 (3 pages).
`Office Action dated Apr. 20, 2007, from co-pending U.S. Appl. No.
`10/732,909 (20 pages).
`Office Action dated Oct. 3, 2007, from co-pending U.S. Appl. No.
`10/732,909 (28 pages).
`Interview Summary dated Oct. 26, 2007, from co-pending U. S. Appl.
`No. 10/732,909 (3 pages).
`International Search Report of the International Searching Authority
`mailed May 12, 2004, issued in connection with International Patent
`Appln. No. PCT/US03/39493 (4 pages).
`International Search Report of the International Searching Authority
`mailed Sep. 24, 2007, issued in connection with International Patent
`Appln. No. PCT/US06/008043 (4 pages).
`Written Opinion ofthe International Searching Authority mailed Sep.
`24, 2007, issued in connection with International Patent Appln. No.
`PCT/US06/008043 (5 pages).
`International Preliminary Report on Patentability issued Oct. 16,
`2007,
`issued in connection with International Patent Appln. No.
`PCT/US06/008043 (1 page).
`Russian Official Action with translation, issued by the Patent Office
`of the Russian Federation on Dec. 24, 2007, in connection with
`Russian App. No. 2006101060 (21 pages).
`Written Opinion, mailed by the Australian Patent Office on Aug. 28,
`2007,
`in connection with Singapore App. No. 200601303-1 (6
`pages).
`International Search Report of the International Searching Authority
`mailed Sep. 25, 2008, issued in connection with International Patenrt
`Appl. No. PCT/US07/72182 (3 pages).
`Written Opinion ofthe International Searching Authority mailed Sep.
`25, 2008, issued in connection with International Patent Appl. No.
`PCT/US07/72182 (7 pages).
`Office Action dated Jul. 9, 2008, from co-pending U.S. Appl. No.
`10/732,909 (33 pages).
`* cited by examiner
`
`3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 1 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`
`
`I’
`
`. . - . . - - — . - . . - --¢l
`
`
`
`
`
`INTERFACE
`
`SATELLITE
`RADIO!
`DAB RECEIVER
`
`
`
`AUXILIARY
`INPUT #1
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`4
`
`

`
`U.S. Pat
`
`911
`
`t
`
`Feb. 10,2009
`
`Sheet 2 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`
`
`
`
`SATELLITE
`RADIO!
`DAB RECEIVER
`
`
`5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 3 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 2D
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`AUXILIARY
`INPUT #n
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
` :—:—jJ
`
`
`
`CD
`PLAYER
`
`6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 4 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIB. 2F
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`14
`
`
`
`
`
`SATELLITE
`RADIOI
`DAB RECEIVER
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`BUTTONS
`
`
`
`
`
`MP3
`PLAYER
`
`AUXILIARY
`INPUT #1
`
`L__?
`
`7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 5 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`F3113.
`
`2?}!
`
`10
`
`CAR
`HADIO
`
`20
`
`INTERFACE
`
`13
`
`CONTROL
`PANEL
`
`14
`
`17
`
`AUDIO
`
`DEVICE
`
`AUXILIARY
`INTEEEACE
`
`40
`
`‘9 «nu»
`
`AUXILIARY
`INTEfi§ACE
`
`#
`
`44
`
`45
`
`-,
`
`8
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`9
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`US 7,489,786 B2
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 7 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 381
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 8 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG 382
`
`JSL1
`
`JSH1
`
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`5.1
`
`11mL
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`
`11
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 9 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 10 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 302
`
`13
`
`Ax
`
`1<
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`2B
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`
`14
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 12 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG.
`
`4A
`
`100
`
`/
`
`RA
`
`ON?
`
`DIO
`
`YES
`
`105
`
`3‘%YL%%'F’6%°E=
`
`
`
`PONER-UP
`
`110
`
`115
`
`CONNECT AUDIO
`CHANNELS OF
`CD PLAYER
`TO RADIO
`
`UPDATE DISPLAY
`OF RADIO WITH
`DATA FROM
`
`PLAYER
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONIINUOUSLY
`IRANSNIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
`WAIT FOR
`OPERATION
`
`INSIRUETION
`FROM RADIO
`
`122i
`,
`I
`Y
`Y
`.
`I_____________________________________________________________.-_J
`
`104
`
`119
`
`114
`
`},»1oe
`
`! ! ! ! ! I
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT FORMATTED
`CONVERT INSIRUCTION
`INSTRUCTION T0
`Yo FORMAT
`co PLAYER AND
`RECOGNIZED BY
`
`no PLAYER
`EXECUTE
`
`15
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 13 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`F5113.
`
`‘IE3
`
`130
`
`/
`
`134
`
`
`
`WAIT FOR
`
`STANDBY MODE:
`
`POWER-UP
`
`
`
`______________________ !§§ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _. __ __"
`
`°A“0fl§°I°
`
`-
`
`YES
`
`135
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`TRANSNIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`SIGNAL
`
`
`WAIT FOR
`OPERATION
`
`INSTRUCTION
`FROM RADIO
`
`RADIO IN
`to PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`["
`
`"1
`149
`
`144
`
`152
`
`140
`
`145
`
`CONNECT AUDIO
`CHANNELS OF
`MP3 PLAYER
`TO RADIO
`
`UPDATE DISPLAY
`OF RADIO WITH
`DATA FROM
`
`PLAYER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONVERT INSTRUCTION
`T0 FORMAT
`RECOGNIZED av
`MP3 PLAYER
`
`TRANSMIT FORMATTED
`INSTRUCTION T0
`MP3 PLAYER AND
`EXECUTE
`
`L______________________________________________________________.__J
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 14 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`F3113.
`
`44C?
`
`160
`
`’/
`
` 184
`
`STANDBY MODE:
`WAIT FOR
`POWER-UP
`
`CAR RADIO
`ON?
`
`YES
`
`158
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`
`MODE?
`
`170
`
`175
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`TRANSMIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`SIGNAL
`
`WAIT FOR
`OPERATION
`INSTRUCTION
`FROM RADIO
`
`7
`
`CONNECT AUDIO
`CHANNELS or
`SATELLITE necaxven
`
`T0 RADIO
`
`UPDATE DISPLAY
`0F RADIO WITH
`DATA FROM
`
`SATELLITE RECEIVER
`
`173
`
`174
`
`13?
`
`L..............................................................._i
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSHIT FORMATTED
`INSTRUCTION T0
`SATELLITE RECEIVER
`AND EXECUTE
`
`cowvenr INSTRUCTION
`T0 FORMAT
`RECOGNIZED BY
`SATELLITE RECEIVER
`
`17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.10,2009
`
`Sheet15of21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`/-190
`
`194
`
` STANDBY MODE:
`
`
`
`WAIT FOR
`POWER-UP
`
`CAR RADIO
`ON?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
` SENSE
`CONTROL
`TRANSMIT CD
`PANEL BUTTON
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`
`SELECTION
`SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
` CONNECT
`AUXILIARY
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 16 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 4E
`
`220
`
`"
`
`
`
`CAR RADIO
`ON?
`
`
`
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`TRANSMIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`
`SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
`19
`
`
`
`DISCONNECT
`AUDIO CHANNELS
`OF CD PLAYER
`
`
`EXECUTE LOGIC
`OF BLOCK
`
`108 OF
`FIG. 4A
`
`
`
`SENSE AUX.
`MODE SELECTION
`FROM CONTROL
`PANEL OF RADIO
`
`19
`
`

`
`20
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 17 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG . 4F
`
`sum
`
`240
`
`1/
`
`
`
`
`
`STANDBY MODE:
`WAIT FOR
`POWER-UP
`
`
`
`CAR RADIO
`ON?
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`
`
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`TRANSMIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`SIGNAL
`
`
`SENSE AUX.
`EXECUTE LOGIC
`OF BLOCK
`MODE SELECTION
`188 OF
`FROM CONTROL
`FIG. 4C
`PANEL OF RADIO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISCONNECT
`AUDIO CHANNELS
`OF SATELLITE
`RECEIVER
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 18 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG . 46
`
`sum
`
`DAR RADIO
`°"?
`
`250
`
`If
`
`3T§,L‘A[}‘§YF'§,$,°E=
`POWER-UP
`
`
`
`
`
`RADIO IN
`CD PLAYER
`MODE?
`
`
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`TRANSNIT CD
`PLAYER PRESENCE
`
`SIGNAL
`
`EXECUTE LOGIC
`OF BLOCK
`138 OF
`FIG. 4B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SENSE AUX.
`MODE SELECTION
`FROM CONTROL
`PANEL OF RADIO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OISCONNECT
`AUDIO CHANNELS
`OF MP3
`
`PLAYER
`
`
`
`21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 19 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG . 5
`
`sum
`2/
`
`
`300
`
`
`
`305
`
`22
`
`PROCESS AND
`DISPATCH
`COMMAND T0
`AUDIO DEVICE
`
`WAIT FOR
`PREDETERMINED
`PERIOD FOR
`TRACK DOWN
`
`
`
`TRACK
`DOWN WITHIN
`PERIOD?
`
`
`
`
`
`DISCONNECT
`AUDIO
`DEVICE
`
`315
`
`
`
`22
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 20 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG. 6
`
`
`
` 322
`
`
`MONITOR
`CONTROL PANEL
`
`BUTTONS FOR
`
`AUXILIARY
`
`INPUT SELECTION
`
`‘‘f,—— 320
`
`
`
`
`
`CD
`PLAYER?
`
`MP3
`PLAYER?
`
`328
`
`334
`
`333
`
`23
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 2009
`
`Sheet 21 of 21
`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`FIG.
`
`7A
`
`408
`
`402
`
`
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`1
`AUDIO DEVICE INTEGRATION SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration
`system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
`audio device integration system for integrating after-market
`components such as satellite receivers, CD players, CD
`changers, MP3 players, Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB)
`receivers, auxiliary audio sources, and the like with factory-
`installed (OEM) or after-market car stereo systems.
`2. Related Art
`
`Automobile audio systems have continued to advance in
`complexity and the number of options available to automo-
`bile purchasers. Early audio systems offered a simple AM
`and/or FM tuner, and perhaps an analog tape deck for allow-
`ing cassettes, 8-tracks, and other types of tapes to be played
`while driving. Such early systems were closed, in that exter-
`nal 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
`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, MP3 players, CD
`changers, auxiliary input sources, and the like, to be easily
`integrated therewith. Thus, automobile purchasers are fre-
`quently forced to either entirely replace the OEM audio sys-
`tem, 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 fre-
`quently is not operable with an external device.
`A particular problem with integrating after-market audio
`systems with existing car stereos is that signals generated by
`the car stereo is in a proprietary format, and is 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 the car stereo.
`Thus, in order to integrate after-market systems with car
`stereos, it is necessary to convert signals between such sys-
`tems.
`
`It known in the art to provide one or more expansion
`modules for OEM and after-market car stereos for allowing
`extemal 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 manufac-
`tured by TOYOTA or an after-market car radio manufactured
`by CLARION, Inc. Thus, existing expansion modules only
`serve the limited purpose of integrating equipment by the
`same manufacturer as the car stereo. Thus, it would be desir-
`able to provide an integration system that allows any audio
`device of any manufacture to be integrated with any OEM or
`after-market radio system.
`Moreover, it would be desirable to provide an integration
`system that not only achieves integration of various audio
`devices that are alien to a given OEM or after-market stereo
`system, but also allows for information to be exchanged
`between the after-market device and the car stereo. 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
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`
`the car stereo for display thereby, such as at an LCD panel of
`the car stereo. Such information could be transmitted and
`
`displayed on both hardwired radio 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 panels.
`Additionally, it would be desirable to provide an audio inte-
`gration 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.
`Accordingly, the present invention addresses these needs
`by providing an audio integration system that allows a plu-
`rality of audio devices, such as CD players, CD changers,
`MP3 players, satellite receivers, DAB receivers, auxiliary
`input sources, or a combination thereof, to be integrated into
`existing car stereos while allowing information to be dis-
`played on, and control to be provided from, the car stereo.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration
`system. One or more after-market audio devices, such as a CD
`player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver (e.g., XM
`tuner), digital audio broadcast (DAB) receiver, or auxiliary
`input source, 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 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
`audio device. The formatted commands are executed by the
`audio device, and audio therefrom is channeled to the car
`stereo. Information from the audio 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 con-
`
`nected to the present invention. The information can be pre-
`sented as one or more menus, textual, or graphical prompts
`for display on an LCD display of the radio, allowing interac-
`tion with the user at the radio. A docking port is provided for
`allowing portable extemal audio devices to be connected to
`the interface of the present invention.
`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 ofthe car stereo. The
`invention can automatically detect the type of device con-
`nected to the auxiliary input, and integrate same with the car
`stereo.
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an inter-
`face 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 devices can be
`
`integrated with the auxiliary input sources, and a user can
`switch between the audio device and the auxiliary input
`
`25
`
`25
`
`

`
`US 7,489,786 B2
`
`3
`sources using the car stereo. Devices connected to the auxil-
`iary input sources are inter-operable with the car stereo, and
`are capable of exchanging commands and data via the inter-
`face.
`
`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:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the audio device inte-
`gration system of the present invention.
`FIG. 2a is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the audio device 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 embodi-
`ment of the audio device integration system of the present
`invention, wherein a MP3 player is integrated with a car radio.
`FIG. 2c is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the audio 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 embodi-
`ment of the audio device integration system of the present
`invention, wherein a plurality of auxiliary input sources are
`integrated with a car radio.
`FIG. 2e is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the audio device integration system of the present
`invention, wherein a CD player and a plurality of auxiliary
`input sources are integrated with a car radio.
`FIG. 2f is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the present invention, wherein a satellite or DAB
`receiver and a plurality of auxiliary input source are inte-
`grated with a car radio.
`FIG. 2g is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the present invention, wherein a MP3 player and a
`plurality of auxiliary input sources are integrated with a car
`radio.
`
`FIG. 2k is a block diagram showing an alternate embodi-
`ment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of auxiliary
`interfaces and an audio device are integrated with a car stereo.
`FIG. 3a is a circuit diagram showing a device according to
`the present invention for integrating a CD player or an auxil-
`iary 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 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.
`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 integrating a CD player with a car
`radio.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`FIG. 4b is a flowchart showing processing logic according
`to the present invention for integrating a MP3 player with a
`car radio.
`
`60
`
`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.
`
`65
`
`4
`
`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. 4fis a flowchart showing processing logic according
`to the present invention for 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 MP3 player and one
`or more auxiliary input sources with a car stereo.
`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.
`
`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 accord-
`ing to the present invention for retaining an audio device
`within a car.
`
`FIG. 7b is an end view of the docking station of FIG. 7a.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration
`system. One or more after-market audio devices, such as a CD
`player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver, digital
`audio broadcast (DAB) receiver, or the like, can be integrated
`with an existing car radio, such as an OEM car stereo or an
`after-market car stereo. Control ofthe audio device is enabled
`
`using the car radio, and information from the audio device,
`such as channel number, channel name, artis