VWGoA - Ex. 1003
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Petitioner
`1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 4, 2002 Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 4, 2002 Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Accessory 12 Volts
`Cons’ranT 12 Vo|’rs
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`Chassis ground 2
`Righf audio signal "ouT” To bus - To wireless headphones
`r‘ Leff audio signal “ouT" To bus — To wireless headphones
`signal ground - Audio "out" ground
`Right audio signal "in" from The bus
`* LefT audio signal “in" from The bus
`Signal ground - Audio “in" from The bus
`Chassis ground 1
`No connection a’r This Time
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`DaTa Read/Write — SPI
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`A/V
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 4, 2002 Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 4, 2002 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`F/6./0
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`RF REMOTE CONTROL
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`5
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Jul. 4, 2002
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`AUTOMOTIVE MULTIPLE MEDIA SYSTEM
`
`[0001] The invention relates to a multiple media system
`which permits occupants in different parts of a vehicle to
`enjoy different programs. More particularly, it relates to a
`system having a bus extending from an in-dash head unit for
`the serial connection of modules for additional
`inputs,
`outputs, and control media.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The term head unit general refers to the central unit
`in an automotive audio system, which typically includes a
`radio tuner and a cassette tape player and/or a CD player.
`This makes a variety of programming available for the
`vehicle occupants. However all occupants must listen to the
`same music or other program even where front and rear
`speakers are provided.
`
`al.
`[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,811 to Huemann et
`describes an automotive audio system which includes a rear
`control console for plugging in headphones with separate
`volume controls, and for disconnecting the rear speakers, so
`that the rear occupants can listen to music or other fare
`without interfering with the output of the front speakers.
`Controls in the rear are provided to select a medium other
`than that being played in the front. Thus, if the driver is
`listening to the radio, the rear selection may be any available
`media, i.e., the radio, a cassette tape, or a CD. If the media
`choice is other than the one selected by the driver, then the
`rear controls can be used to seek other stations or advance
`to another selection.
`
`[0004] Huemann employs a standard audio processor
`which selects one of the inputs; controls loudness, bass, and
`other functions, and supplies left and right output channels
`for both the front and rear. The front channels are fed
`
`through a front amplifier to the front speakers. The rear
`channels as well as the outputs of the tuner, cassette player,
`and CD player are fed to a multiplexer or switch whose
`output is fed to a rear amplifier then through a rear switch to
`either the rear speakers or the headphones. A microproces-
`sor, subject to control signals from both the front seat control
`and the rear seat control, selects the media for the front and
`rear, and directs the rear output to the speakers or head-
`phones.
`
`[0005] The system permits some control of media selec-
`tion from the rear, subject to dominance of the front control
`when there is a conflict. However the system is fully
`integrated and is thus confirmed to the originally supplied
`media without
`the possibility to expansion. There is no
`provision for adding media,
`in particular audio/video
`sources, which can be controlled from the front and rear.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The invention relates to an expandable system
`having a bus which permits the serial additional of modules
`for additional inputs and outputs, the bus running through
`each module. The head unit has circuitry configured to
`recognize when these inputs and outputs have been added to
`the system, as well as a display and manual controls which
`allow the vehicle driver at least some control over the entire
`system.
`
`a cassette player and a CD changer. The bus is a bundle of
`parallel lines including power, ground, audio in, audio out,
`and data read/write lines. The bus begins with a cable at the
`back of the head unit, which cable is terminated at a plug.
`Modules for RF remote control, RF headphones, and an
`audio/video selection may be added serially, in any order.
`The head unit is fully operative regardless of how many
`modules have been added, including none.
`
`[0008] A consumer who wants a large system without a
`large initial investment may thus begin with just the head
`unit, which may be connected to the vehicle’s OEM speak-
`ers. He may then buy additional modules as desired for RF
`remote control, headphones, and an A/V system.
`
`[0009] The A/V system begins with an A/V interface
`module having plugs for serial incorporation in the bus. The
`interface module in turn is connected to an A/V source
`selector module which serves as a switching unit between
`various A/V inputs and a monitor, subject to control at the
`head unit or an RF remote control unit.
`
`[0010] The fully expanded system offers enormous versa-
`tility for a traveling family. The front seat occupants may be
`listening to the radio or a CD, while the back seat occupants
`can play a video game or watch a movie, subject to their own
`control. However the front seat occupants also have the
`option of listening to the audio output from A/V sources, or
`of turning off the A/V sound to convey an oral message. The
`rear seat occupants can also listen to a CD of their own
`choice, or the radio, with the proviso that
`they cannot
`override the driver’s choice.
`
`[0011] Additional advantages will be apparent from the
`drawings and description which follow.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
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`[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the multiple media system
`according to the invention;
`
`[0013]
`
`FIG. 2 is a diagram of the lines in the bus;
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 shows some of the bus connections to the
`RF remote module;
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 shows some of the bus connections to the
`headphones module;
`
`[0016] FIG. 5 shows some of the bus connections to the
`A/V interface module;
`
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic of the main head unit plug
`and the speakers;
`
`[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective of the of the A/V
`interface module, source selector module, and adaptor har-
`ness therebetween;
`
`[0019]
`
`FIG. 8 is a rear view of the source selector module;
`
`[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic of the integrated circuit chips
`in the head unit;
`
`[0021]
`unit;
`
`FIG. 10 is a plan view of the face plate on the head
`
`[0022] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the infrared remote
`control unit;
`
`[0007] The head unit has conventional features such as a
`tuner and CD player, as well as auxiliary inputs for adding
`
`[0023]
`unit; and
`
`FIG. 12 is a plan view of the RF remote control
`
`6
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Jul. 4, 2002
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`[0024]
`phones.
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`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the RF head-
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`[0025] FIG. 1 shows the back of the head unit 10, which
`is configured to fit in the dashboard of a car as the replace-
`ment for an OEM head unit. Auxiliary plugs 12 are con-
`ventional RCAplugs provided for connection to an auxiliary
`audio source 13 such as a cassette tape deck or an MP3
`player. A CDC port 14 receives the plug of a CDC (compact
`disc changer) 15 which may be added to supplement the CD
`player in the head unit 10. The main port 16 receives the
`main plug 50 (FIG. 6) which provides (inter alia) the main
`power and ground connections and the speaker connections.
`The bus cable 17 carries all the lines for connecting to
`peripheral system modules which can be serially connected
`beginning at plug 18. These include but are not limited to an
`A/V interface module 30 having a first bus plug 32 and a
`second bus plug 33, an RF remote module 60 having a first
`bus plug 62 and a second bus plug 63, and an RF headphones
`module 70 having a first bus plug 72 and a second bus plug
`73. All plugs are 13 pin plugs, the first plugs 32, 62, 72 being
`male and the second plugs 33, 63, 73 as well as the main bus
`plug 18 being female. Either one or all of the modules 30,
`60, 70 may be installed, and they may be installed in any
`order. The bus is continuous through all modules.
`
`[0026] The A/V interface module 30 is connected to a
`source selector module 40 by an adaptor harness 35 which
`will be further described in conjunction with FIG. 7. The
`source selector 40 provides a switched connection between
`the TV monitor 42 and an A/V source such as VCR 44, tuner
`46, and game station 48. The A/V sources supplied with
`twelve volt power independently of the bus.
`
`[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the bus includes an accessory
`twelve volt line B1 which is a switched battery source, a
`constant twelve volt line B2 which is an unswitched battery
`source, and a chassis ground line B3 which is the power
`ground. Lines B4 and B5 are the right and left audio signal
`“out” lines for the wireless headphones, and line B6 is the
`corresponding ground. Lines B7 and B8 and the right and
`left audio signal “in” lines from the A/V units, and line B9
`is the corresponding ground. B10 is another chassis ground
`and B11 has no connection at this time (but allows for future
`addition). B12 is the data ground and B13 is the data
`read/write line which carries virtually all information not
`otherwise accounted for to and from the modules. This
`
`includes polling information, control commands from the
`head unit to the modules, and commands from the modules
`to the head unit. Each one of the peripheral modules is a
`digital data source which is assigned a time slot for com-
`munication with the master microprocessor in the head unit.
`
`[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, the RF remote module 60 taps
`into the power and ground connections B1-B3 as well as the
`data read/write lines B12, B13 (B12 is always present with
`B13 but has been omitted for simplicity). Audio in/out lines
`B4-B9 are not necessary insofar as this is basically a
`command module having a receiver which receives digital
`RF signals from RF remote unit 65 (FIG. 12).
`
`[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the RF headphones module 70
`taps into the power and ground connections B1-B3, the data
`read/write lines B12, B13, and the audio signal out lines
`
`B4-B6 (B6 has been omitted for simplicity). The module 70
`includes a transmitter which transmits RF signals to a
`receiver in the headphones 75 (FIG. 13).
`[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the A/V interface module 30
`taps into the power and ground connections B1-B3, the data
`read/write lines B12, B13, and the audio signal in lines
`B7-B9 (B9 omitted for simplicity). This permits the audio
`signals from the selected video source to be played over the
`front and/or rear speakers.
`[0031] FIG. 6 shows the plug 50 which provides positive
`and negative signal wires for each of the front and rear
`speakers 52, 53, 54, 55. The plug also has connections for
`the battery, ground, ignition, and power antenna, and may be
`connected to an adaptor plug which attaches to the car’s
`wiring harness.
`[0032] FIG. 7 shows the A/V interface module 30 with
`first and second plugs 32, 33 for the bus. The first interface
`plug 34 mates with the second interface plug 36 on the
`adaptor harness 35, which carries the left and right audio
`lines from the RCA plugs 37, 38, as well as the data
`read/write and data ground lines to the control plug 39. The
`plugs 37, 38, 39 mate with complementary ports in the front
`of source selector module 40, a staple A/V switching unit
`e.g. a model BF-2000 of Hexa-Chain, Co., Ltd. Referring
`also to FIG. 8, each set of ports L1, R1, V1 etc. receives the
`audio and video inputs of an A/V source such as VCR 44
`(FIG. 1), and outputs the video signals to monitor 42 via one
`of the ports V1, V2, V3. The audio signals from L1, R1 etc.
`are transmitted through the audio plugs 37, 38 and are
`picked by audio “in” lines B7, B8 on the bus for amplifi-
`cation in the head unit and transmission to the front and/or
`rear speakers via main plug 50, or to the headphones 75 via
`the audio “out” lines B4, B5 and headphones module 70.
`[0033] FIG. 9 is a highly schematic rendition of the
`circuitry in the head unit, showing only the integrated
`circuits (IC’s) without the associated interconnections and
`interfaces to the outside. Proceeding from the upper left, the
`there are two IC’s for the tuner, which IC’s process the
`antenna signals for the chosen band (AM or FM). The CDC
`IC processes signals from either the CD player in the head
`unit or the CDC unit 15, and the auxiliary IC processes the
`input from the auxiliary audio source 13 such as a tape deck
`or MP3 player. There are three IC’s associated with audio
`signals on the bus; one for processing incoming signals from
`the selected A/V source 44, 46, 48, one for switching
`between audio input and output, and one for processing
`audio signals transmitted to the headphones module 70.
`There is a preamplifier circuit for each pair of speakers (front
`and rear), and an associated voltage inverter circuit. The
`speaker signals may be further amplified by an internal
`amplifier (shown at lower right), or be transmitted to an
`external amplifier for the more decibel-oriented audiophile.
`[0034] The master microprocessor performs all of the
`system selection functions as may be selected by the manual
`and remote controls, and sends and receives signals to the
`various peripherals in clocked time slots. It also polls the
`system to see what peripheral modules have been installed
`and their status. Each of the modules has a slave micropro-
`cessor which provides this information. Finally, the display
`driver IC controls all of the indicia which appear on the head
`unit display.
`the display panel 20 is
`[0035] Referring to FIG. 10,
`hinged to the head unit 10, and can swing down in known
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`7
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`US 2002/0084910 A1
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`Jul. 4, 2002
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`fashion to receive a CD for playing in the head unit. The
`plate 20 includes an LCD 21 which provides the driver with
`status information including mode selected, frequency or
`track, active modules (22), selected A/V source (23), and the
`time. A rotary volume control 25, central select button 26,
`track button 27, and band button 28 are operated as
`described below to control the system.
`
`[0036] The infrared remote control unit 58 shown in FIG.
`11 operates to duplicate many of the functions of the manual
`controls, and may also be configured for mounting on the
`steering wheel. The unit 58 transmits infrared analog signals
`which are received by the head unit, and is therefore
`somewhat directional. The RF remote control unit 65 shown
`in FIG. 12 transmits digital RF signals which are received
`by the RF remote module 60, and is not directional. The
`headphones 75 (FIG. 13) receive RF signals transmitted by
`the headphones module 70, and are likewise not directional.
`
`System Operation
`
`[0037] The system may be turned on by pressing any
`button on the display panel, and is turned off by pushing the
`power button. The loudness and mute buttons operate con-
`ventionally, but the volume knob is a rotary encoder which
`also controls other functions. Pressing the select button
`moves the unit through the volume, treble, bass, balance,
`and fade functions, which are indicated in the display. The
`volume knob is used to adjust the selected function. Pressing
`the mode button moves the unit
`through the tuner, CD
`player, CDC, A/V source selector, and auxiliary modes. If
`the selected module is not connected to the head unit, for
`example the auxiliary unit, it will not appear in the display.
`Pressing the display button causes the time display to blink,
`whereupon the time can be adjusted. The display button and
`the track button are also used to sequence the user through
`different CD time modes.
`
`[0038] When the tuner mode has been selected, pressing
`the band button 28 changes the radio between three FM
`bands and two AM bands; each band stores up to six preset
`stations. Pressing the track button 27 up or down for less
`than two seconds causes the radio frequency to move up or
`down one step; pressing the button for over two seconds
`causes the tuner to seek the next station. Pressing the scan
`button causes the tuner to pause at each station for five
`seconds, and pressing it again causes it to stop at the station
`being played. Aselected station may be stored as a preset by
`pressing one of the six preset buttons for two seconds; the
`preset station number appears on the display when the
`station is stored. Astation in a selected band may be recalled
`by pressing one of the preset buttons for less than two
`seconds. Pressing the AS/PS button for more than two
`seconds causes the six strongest stations in the selected band
`to be stored. Pressing AS/PS for less than two seconds
`causes the stored stations to be scanned, and pressing it
`again causes the scanning to stop.
`
`[0039] The mode automatically advances to CD when a
`CD is inserted, and can also be switched using the mode
`button. Pressing the top or bottom of the track button
`advances to the next or previous track, and holding the
`tracks button puts the CD into fast forward or reverse. The
`CD can be paused by pressing the bottom of the band button.
`The program buttons for the radio tuner also serve functions
`for the CD player including intro (INT) which previews all
`tracks, random (RDM) which plays all tracks in random
`order one time, repeat (RPT), and program (PGM) which is
`used with the track button to program up to 24 tracks into
`
`memory. The CDC mode operates similarly, but includes the
`options of selecting a disc by pressing the program buttons
`marked D.DN or D.UP. In the A/V mode, the A/V source can
`be selected by pushing the A/V button.
`
`[0040] The IR remote unit 58 depicted in FIG. 11 also has
`a select button to select the functions VOL> TRE> BAS>
`BAL> FAD, a volume rocker, a tuning rocker, a band select
`for AM or FM, a CD pause/play button (upper right), and
`program buttons for the tuner, which once again double as
`function buttons for the CD.
`
`[0041] The RF remote depicted in FIG. 12 (unlike the IR
`remote) can operate the system from anywhere in or near the
`vehicle since it is not limited to line of sight with the head
`unit. Its operation is similar to that of the head unit and IR
`remote already described, and may be used to control any of
`the tuner bands, the CD, the auxiliary input, the CDC, or the
`A/V inputs, except where such control conflicts with the
`inputs at the head unit. For example, where the driver is
`listening to a CD in the head unit, the rear seat occupants
`could control any of the A/V inputs, but could not interfere
`with the driver’s enjoyment of the CD.
`
`[0042] Further details of the system design and operation
`are within the skill of the art and therefore have not been
`elaborated. What has been described is exemplary and not
`intended to limit the scope of the claims which follow.
`
`1. A multiple media system comprising
`
`a head unit comprising a radio tuner, at least one of a
`cassette player and a CD player, a display, manual
`controls, a front amplifier, a rear amplifier, and a master
`microprocessor,
`
`a pair of front speakers connected to said front amplifier,
`
`a pair of rear speakers connected to said rear amplifier,
`
`a bus connected to said master microprocessor and com-
`prising at least one power line, at least one ground line,
`left and right audio signal out lines, left and right audio
`signal in lines, and a data read/write line, said bus
`extending from said head unit in a cable ending at a
`plug, and
`
`at least one module connected to said head unit by said
`cable, said bus extending through each said module via
`a pair of opposed plugs, each said plug of each said
`module being mateable with one of said plugs of a
`further said module, one of said plugs of each said
`module being mateable with said plug on said cable.
`2. Asystem as in claim 1 wherein said at least one module
`is a remote control module having a receiver, said system
`further comprising a remote control unit having a transmitter
`which transmits signals to said receiver, said receiver in turn
`transmitting signals to said head unit via said bus.
`3. A system as in claim 2 wherein said receiver is an RF
`receiver and said transmitter is an RF transmitter.
`
`4. Asystem as in claim 1 wherein said at least one module
`is a headphones module which receives audio signals from
`the head unit via the audio out lines in the interface bus, said
`system further comprising a pair of headphones which
`receive the audio signals from the headphones module.
`5. A system as in claim 4 wherein said headphones
`module comprises an RF transmitter and the headphones are
`wireless headphones which comprise an RF receiver.
`
`8
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`

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`US 2002/0084910 A1
`
`Jul. 4, 2002
`
`6. Asystem as in claim 1 wherein said at least one module
`comprises an audio/video interface module which is con-
`nectable to an audio/video source.
`7. A system as in claim 6 further comprising at least one
`audio/video source which is connected to said interface
`module and thereby subject to control by said head unit via
`said bus.
`
`8. A system as in claim 7 further comprising a source
`selector module connected between said interface module
`and said at least one audio/video source, and a TV/monitor
`connected to said source selector module.
`
`9. A system as in claim 7 wherein said at least one
`audio/video source comprises at least one of a VCR, a DVD,
`a TV tuner, and a game station.
`10. A system as in claim 1 wherein said microprocessor
`polls the bus upon system start up to detect what modules are
`installed and configures the system accordingly.
`
`11. A system as in claim 10 wherein the installed modules
`are indicated on the display.
`12. A system as in claim 1 wherein said head unit further
`comprises an auxiliary audio input.
`13. A system as in claim 12 further comprising an
`auxiliary audio source connected to said auxiliary audio
`input, which source provides signals which can be amplified
`in the head unit and made available on the bus.
`
`14. A system as in claim 1 wherein said head unit further
`comprises a CDC input for a compact disc changer.
`15. A system as in claim 14 further comprising a compact
`disc changer connected to said CDC input, which compact
`disc changer provides signals which can be amplified in the
`head unit and made available on the bus.
`
`9