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`US 20030007649Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Riggs
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0007649 Al
`Jan. 9, 2003
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) VEHICLE REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE
`FOR CONTROLLING MULTIPLE
`ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Brett D. Riggs, Placentia, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
`2040 MAIN STREET
`FOURTEENTH FLOOR
`IRVINE, CA 92614 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/173,449
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 14,2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/552,981,
`filed on Apr. 21, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part
`of application No. 09/442,627, filed on Nov. 17, 1999.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/108,711, filed on Nov.
`17, 1998.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ....................................................... H04B 1/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 381/86
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a
`vehicle to electronic devices. The interface device is capable
`of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as
`steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar con(cid:173)
`trols, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding
`control signals to the electronic devices. In one aspect, the
`device is programmable such that the interface device emits
`signals corresponding to the same signals that would be
`emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction
`with the different electronic devices. In one embodiment, the
`device is an interface between the fixed controls and a
`replacement stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the
`device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands
`and generating corresponding IR signals in order to control
`the electronic devices. In still another embodiment, the
`device is an interface between the fixed controls and mul(cid:173)
`tiple electronic devices, such as an audio and video com(cid:173)
`ponent.
`
`100, IOI
`
`\_\
`
`16'0
`
`HAND-HELD
`REMOTE CONTROL
`
`150
`
`PROGRAM/RUN
`MODE
`SELECT
`
`NON-
`VOLATILE
`MEMORY
`
`144
`
`MICRO-
`CONTROLLER
`
`U1
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`142
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`I 0
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`106, I 14, !JO
`
`STEREO
`CONTROLS
`
`156'
`
`LOCAL STEREO
`CONTROL
`INDICATOR
`"D4"
`
`16'2
`
`HAND-HELD
`REMOTE LEARN
`INDICATOR "D2"
`
`104
`
`AFTER MARKET
`STEREO
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 2
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 2 of 13
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 3
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 4
`
`

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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 5
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 6
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 7
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`START
`
`250
`
`AWAIT CONTROL SIGNAL
`FROM STEERING WHEEL
`
`252
`
`254
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`MATCH RECEIVED CONTROL
`SIGNAL WITH PREVIOUS
`STORED SIGNAL CONTROL
`
`256
`
`260
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`RECALL CORRESPONDJN°G
`REMOTE SIGNAL PATTERN
`FROM MEMORY
`
`262
`
`OUTPUT
`SIGNAL
`
`264
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 9
`
`

`
`INDICATORS
`
`LED
`
`158\
`LEARN VOICE
`COMMAND "o\ //
`INDICATOR
`
`/162
`HANDHELD REMOTE
`'o\ //
`LEARN
`INDICATOR
`
`112
`
`154
`_)
`IR DATA TO AFTERMARKET
`-:::::_
`------..._ TRANSMITTER RADIO
`
`MICRO
`CONTROLLER
`
`"'
`334
`IR DATA
`IN FROM REMOTE, !60
`
`142
`
`10§~04 5
`3 1\
`2
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`1 0
`VOICE COMMAND
`SELECT SWITCH
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`RECOGNITION
`MODULE
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`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 10 of 13 US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`~~~~~~~-F-IG_.~7
`
`J02
`
`/JJO
`
`NO
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`MOOE
`
`POSITION VOICE
`COMMAND
`SELECT SWITCH
`
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`VOICE COMMAND
`READY
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`PATTERN
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`INDICATE READY
`FOR REMOTE
`CONTROL SIGNAL
`
`J/2
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`J/4
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`NO
`
`J/6
`
`STORE REMOTE
`CONTROL SIGNAL
`
`ASSOCIATE VOICE
`COMMAND WITH
`REMOTE CONTROL
`SIGNAL
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 11
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 11 of 13 US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`J22
`
`TRANSDUCE, DIGITIZE,
`AND COMPARE AUDIO
`REMOTE CONTROL
`INPUTS
`
`.___-~-~
`
`J24
`
`MATCH WITH
`STORED VOICE
`COMMAND
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`J26
`
`SEND SERIAL SIGNAL
`TO MICRO-CONTROLLER
`CORRESPONDING
`TO VOICE COMMAND
`
`J28
`
`MATCH SERIAL
`SIGNAL WITH STEREO
`REMOTE CONTROL
`SIGNAL
`
`JJ2
`
`TRANSMIT WIRELESS
`REMOTE CONTROL
`SIGNAL VIA THE
`IR
`DATA TRANSMITTER
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 12 of 13
`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Figure 9
`
`406a
`
`406b
`
`~
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`0 s v"'
`VJ" " UJ
`
`"'c
`
`Output Signal
`Transmtlter
`
`154
`
`156
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`404
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`M1croccntroller
`
`Local Stereo
`Control Indicator
`
`Component Mode
`Indicator
`
`Hand-Hf e:dJ' 162
`
`Remote Learn
`Indicator
`
`----~-
`
`408a
`
`First
`Ho rid-
`Held
`Remote
`Conlrcl
`
`Ser.and
`Hand-
`Hefcf
`Remo le
`Conirol
`
`408b
`
`144
`
`Non-Volatile
`Memory
`
`152
`
`Signal Detector
`
`L __ Stage
`
`150
`
`Program/Run
`Mode Select
`
`402~0-mponent
`I ~~de Select
`, _____ __,
`
`106. 114. 130
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 13
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 9, 2003 Sheet 13 of 13 US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Figure 10
`
`Component Mode Selection Process
`
`Start
`
`Await User Activated
`Input Signal
`
`500
`
`502
`
`504
`
`Input Signal Sensed?
`
`No
`
`lnterupt Device Control
`
`f 506
`
`508
`
`Await Signal Release/
`Await Signal Sequence
`
`510
`
`No
`
`ReleaselSeque nee
`Achieved?
`
`512
`
`Switch
`Controlled Device
`
`End
`
`514
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 14
`
`

`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Jan.9,2003
`
`1
`
`VEHICLE REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE FOR
`CONTROLLING MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC
`DEVICES
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part applica(cid:173)
`tion of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/552,981 filed Apr.
`21, 2000 which was a continuation-in-part application of
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/442,627,filed Nov. 17,
`1999 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
`No. 60/108,711, filed on Nov. 17, 1998.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention relates to motor vehicle
`accessories and, in particular, concerns a remote control
`interface that is configured to manage, control, and operate
`a plurality of audio and/or video components.
`
`[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
`
`[0005] Motor vehicles, such as automobiles, recreational
`vehicles, boats, and motorcycles, are often equipped with a
`factory-installed entertainment system prior to shipment.
`Factory-installed entertainment systems include audio and/
`or video components, such as stereos, video cassette players,
`compact disc (CD) players, digital video disc (DVD) play(cid:173)
`ers, television receivers, satellite receivers, and traditional
`radio receivers. Over time, motor vehicles have been
`equipped with increasingly more sophisticated entertain(cid:173)
`ment systems that tend to provide increased sound perfor(cid:173)
`mance, increased visual performance, and more operational
`features, such as ease of access and use.
`
`[0006] Typically, the electronic system control (ESC)
`devices for the above-mentioned entertainment systems are
`positioned adjacent the driver's seat of the motor vehicle in
`a manner such that the driver may easily access and operate
`the control devices while driving the motor vehicle. Unfor(cid:173)
`tunately, even though the control devices are typically
`positioned somewhat adjacent the driver's seat, the control
`devices are generally not within the driver's field of view.
`Often, the driver is required to look at the control devices
`and remove at least one hand from the steering wheel or
`steering control mechanism of the motor vehicle to manipu(cid:173)
`late the control devices. This particular situation may create
`a potentially dangerous hazard, and, in some respects,
`numerous accidents have occurred as a result of the driver
`diverting attention away from safely operating the motor
`vehicle to accomplish some other task. Additionally, the
`typical location for the control devices may be relatively
`inaccessible to some of the passengers. For example, if the
`control devices are located adjacent the driver in the front
`seat of a passenger automobile, the passengers in the back
`seat may not be able to access the control devices to adjust
`the operation of the entertainment system. Therefore, the
`passengers usually ask the driver to adjust the electronic
`system control settings, which may further distract the driver
`from safely operating the motor vehicle.
`
`[0007] To address these particular issues, motor vehicle
`manufacturers currently offer local electronic system control
`devices that are positioned in more favorable locations for
`the driver and/or the passenger(s) to access. For example,
`many current production automobiles incorporate local con(cid:173)
`trols mounted on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle,
`wherein the local controls typically comprise push-button
`
`switches that allow the user to control a particular setting or
`operation of the entertainment system, such as volume
`adjustment, radio channel reception settings, or playing
`format adjustments. Similarly, motor vehicles may also
`incorporate local electronic system controls that are easily
`accessed by the passengers. For example, some larger
`vehicles incorporate and position electronic system control
`buttons adjacent the backseat passenger location in a manner
`such that the passengers may adjust the operation of the
`entertainment system. As a result, these types of local
`controls may reduce the likelihood that the driver's attention
`will be diverted away from the path of travel of the motor
`vehicle or from the safe operation of the motor vehicle.
`
`[0008] Unfortunately, even though the above-mentioned
`local electronic system control devices may improve the
`flexibility of adjusting the operation of the entertainment
`system, the local control devices are generally rendered
`inoperable when the factory-installed entertainment system
`is replaced with an after-market entertainment system. In
`one aspect, the owner of a motor vehicle may become
`dissatisfied with the factory-installed entertainment system,
`and the owner may choose to replace the factory-installed
`entertainment system with a different after-market entertain(cid:173)
`ment system.
`
`[0009] Typically, replacement entertainment systems are
`of higher quality and offer greater and/or different perfor(cid:173)
`mance characteristics than factory-installed entertainment
`systems. In addition, after-market entertainment systems are
`typically less expensive than comparable factory-installed
`entertainment systems and offer a more economical replace(cid:173)
`ment in case the original entertainment system is stolen or
`damaged.
`
`[0010] Unfortunately, installing an after-market entertain(cid:173)
`ment system may render the local electronic system control
`buttons inoperable. Typically, the local control devices are
`connected to the original entertainment system via a hard(cid:173)
`wired assembly that is specifically designed to connect the
`local control devices to the particular factory-installed enter(cid:173)
`tainment system. As a result, the replacement entertainment
`system may not be properly configured to readily connect or
`easily interface with the hardwired local control devices.
`
`[0011] One possible solution to the above-mentioned
`problem is to provide a handheld wireless remote control
`device along with the replacement entertainment system.
`For example, the replacement entertainment system may be
`adapted to receive wireless control signals from the hand(cid:173)
`held remote control device in a manner such that the person
`holding the handheld remote control device may then con(cid:173)
`trol the operation of the replacement entertainment system
`without touching the controls on the front face of the
`entertainment system. Although a handheld remote control
`device may allow for people positioned remotely from the
`entertainment system to control the operation of the replace(cid:173)
`ment entertainment system, the handheld remote control
`devices are generally unsatisfactory for many motor vehicle
`drivers and passengers.
`
`[0012]
`In particular, the handheld remote control device
`may be easily misplaced, lost, or not readily accessible to the
`occupants of the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is in
`operation. Moreover, the handheld remote control device
`often requires the occupants of the motor vehicle to specifi(cid:173)
`cally point the device in the direction of the replacement
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 15
`
`

`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Jan.9,2003
`
`2
`
`entertainment system wireless receiver in a manner such that
`the wireless receiver may receive the appropriate wireless
`signal to adjust the operation of the entertainment system.
`[0013]
`If the driver of the motor vehicle is using the
`remote control, the driver may have to divert attention away
`from the path of travel of the vehicle and the operation of the
`vehicle, locate the appropriate control buttons on the hand(cid:173)
`held remote control, and then point the handheld remote
`control in the direction of the entertainment system receiver.
`Therefore, while the above-described handheld remote con(cid:173)
`trol device may allow for the remote control of a replace(cid:173)
`ment entertainment system, the remote control device may
`not provide the desirable convenience of utilizing local
`control devices positioned in the motor vehicle that are
`adapted to be used in conjunction with the factory-installed
`entertainment system.
`[0014] Conventional factory-installed control devices are
`typically configured to only operate and control one factory(cid:173)
`installed device. Additional after-market control devices
`usually require their own remote controller for operation and
`control. Therefore, the user would have to operate multiple
`control devices with more than one controller. For the driver,
`this situation is inconvenient and further diverts attention
`away from operating the motor vehicle.
`[0015] Recent advances in voice recognition technology
`and motor vehicle quieting have made it possible to imple(cid:173)
`ment voice activated controls in motor vehicles. In one
`aspect, the 2000 S Type Jaguar offers such a system as a
`factory option. A voice recognition system is able to recog(cid:173)
`nize the sound pattern of a spoken word or phrase and enact
`a corresponding action, such as turning on high beams,
`locking a door, increasing the volume of a stereo, etc.
`However, as a factory installed feature, typical voice com(cid:173)
`mand systems suffer the same limitations as local electronic
`system controls, wherein the factory-installed features work
`well with the factory-supplied components but typically will
`not readily function with after-market equipment. Some
`replacement entertainment systems are available with
`included voice recognition features. However, these enter(cid:173)
`tainment systems tend to be quite expensive and the voice
`recognition feature only works with that particular enter(cid:173)
`tainment system.
`[0016] From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that
`there is a need for an entertainment system that allows for
`existing local control devices to be utilized in conjunction
`with a replacement entertainment system. In addition, there
`is a need for a local electronic system control device that
`may be adapted to interface with an existing factory-in(cid:173)
`stalled hardwired control network. Furthermore, there is also
`a need for a method to economically retrofit a voice recog(cid:173)
`nition system to effectively control a variety of after-market
`entertainment systems. Furthermore, there is a need for an
`ESC device that will allow the user to control multiple
`entertainment devices with the same set of local controls.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0017] The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the
`multi-unit interface system described hereinbelow. In one
`aspect the multi-unit interface comprises at least two elec(cid:173)
`tronic devices, at least one control located remotely from the
`at least two electronic devices, and a remote interface circuit
`coupling the at least two electronic devices to the at least one
`
`control. As such, the remote interface circuit allows a user to
`alternatively control the at least two electronic devices.
`Advantageously, the user can conveniently control multiple
`electronic devices without having to reach for the actual
`electronic device.
`
`[0018] This promotes convenience and safety because the
`driver will not have to remove a hand from the steering
`wheel in order to control the electronic device, and the driver
`is less likely to be distracted from driving when doing so.
`Also, passengers can likely stay in their seats when control(cid:173)
`ling the electronic units making it unlikely that the passen(cid:173)
`gers would unbuckle their safety belt to control the elec(cid:173)
`tronic unit.
`
`[0019]
`In one embodiment, the aforementioned needs may
`be satisfied by an electronic system for a vehicle, wherein
`the electronic system comprises at least one pre-existing
`entertainment component for the vehicle and a pre-existing
`user interface for the vehicle, wherein the pre-existing user
`interface controls the at least one pre-existing entertainment
`component in response to a first plurality of user activated
`inputs. In addition, the electronic system may further com(cid:173)
`prise at least one additional entertainment component added
`to the vehicle and a control interface added to the vehicle,
`wherein the control interface enables the pre-existing user
`interface to control the at least one additional entertainment
`component with the first plurality of user activated inputs.
`
`[0020]
`In another embodiment, the aforementioned needs
`may be satisfied by an entertainment system for a vehicle,
`wherein the entertainment system comprises a first compo(cid:173)
`nent positioned within the vehicle so as to provide a first
`plurality of entertainment signals to occupants within the
`vehicle and a second component positioned within the
`vehicle so as to provide a second plurality of entertainment
`signals to the occupants within the vehicle. Additionally, the
`entertainment system may further comprise a plurality of
`occupant activated switches positioned within the vehicle,
`wherein the occupant activated switches produce control
`signals in response to occupant activation that control the
`operation of the first component, and an interface device
`positioned within the vehicle that receives the control sig(cid:173)
`nals from the plurality of occupant activated switches,
`wherein the interface device can be activated by an occupant
`so as to use the control signals produced by the plurality of
`occupant activated switches to control the operation of the
`second component in response to the occupant selection of
`the second component.
`
`[0021]
`In still another embodiment, the aforementioned
`needs may be satisfied by a method of controlling both an
`existing entertainment device and an additional entertain(cid:173)
`ment device in a vehicle with a user interface originally
`configured to control the existing entertainment device,
`wherein the method comprises adapting the user interface to
`selectively send control signals to the additional entertain(cid:173)
`ment device. In addition, the method may further comprise
`sending control signals from the user interface device to the
`existing entertainment device in response to user manipu(cid:173)
`lation of the user interface device, detecting whether the user
`has selected the additional entertainment device, and send(cid:173)
`ing control signals from the user interface device to the
`additional entertainment device in response to user selection
`of the additional entertainment device and user manipulation
`of the user interface. These and other objects and advantages
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 16
`
`

`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Jan.9,2003
`
`3
`
`of the present invention will become more fully apparent
`from the following description taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] These and other aspects, advantages, and novel
`features of the invention will become apparent upon reading
`the following detailed description and upon reference to the
`accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar elements
`have similar reference numerals.
`[0023] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a typical vehicle
`dashboard incorporating local stereo control buttons located
`on a steering wheel of the dashboard and located adjacent
`the backseat and further including an interface device and a
`replacement stereo control unit or receiver;
`[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B are top isometric illustrations of
`a motorcycle incorporating local stereo controls mounted on
`the handlebars of the motorcycle and an interface device that
`allows for the communication of signals from the local
`stereo controls to a replacement stereo receiver;
`
`[002S] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
`basic configuration of the remote stereo control interface
`device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
`[0026] FIG. 4A is a schematic electrical diagram of the
`circuitry of one embodiment of the remote stereo control
`interface device;
`
`[0027] FIGS. 4B and 4C are partial schematic illustra(cid:173)
`tions illustrating alternative configurations of local stereo
`controls;
`[0028] FIG. SA is an exemplary flow chart illustrating the
`operation of a microcontroller of the remote stereo control
`interface device in a program mode;
`
`[0029] FIG. SB is an exemplary flow chart illustrating the
`operation of the microcontroller of the remote stereo control
`interface device in a run mode;
`[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configura(cid:173)
`tion of a voice control interface to enable voice commands
`to control a stereo or other parts of a motor vehicle;
`
`[0031] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the operation of the
`voice control interface in the program mode of operation;
`
`[0032] FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting the operation of the
`voice control interface in the run mode of operation;
`
`[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
`another embodiment of the basic configuration of the remote
`stereo control interface device of FIGS. 1 and 2; and
`[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a compo(cid:173)
`nent mode selection process that may be used by the remote
`stereo control interface device in FIG. 9 to switch compo(cid:173)
`nent mode selection states in a manner as described with
`reference to FIG. 9.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`[003S] Reference will now be made to the drawings
`wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. FIG. 1
`illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle inte(cid:173)
`rior incorporating the components of a remote stereo control
`
`interface system 100. The remote stereo control interface
`system 100 is comprised of factory installed local stereo
`controls 106 generally located in the center hub of a typical
`vehicle steering wheel 102. The local stereo controls 106 are
`used for the driver to make selections to a replacement
`after-market in-dash stereo 104, wherein these selections
`may include AM/FM, seek, volume up, volume down, play,
`etc.
`
`[0036] The advantage of making these desired selections
`with the local stereo controls 106 is to reduce the occurrence
`of the driver moving his or her eyes away from the road or
`hands away from the steering wheel 102 when making
`selections at the in-dash stereo 104. Hence, the local stereo
`controls 106 are installed in the factory to give the driver
`greater convenience in controlling the operation of the
`factory installed stereo while driving. These local stereo
`controls 106 are typically hardwired to the factory installed
`stereo receiver such that replacement of the factory installed
`stereo receiver typically disables the local stereo controls
`106. However, as will be described in greater detail below,
`a remote interface circuit 110 is adapted to be connected to
`the existing local stereo controls 106 and communicate with
`a replacement in-dash stereo 104 that replaces the original
`stereo receiver such that the existing local stereo controls
`106 can be used to control the operation of the replacement
`in-dash stereo 104.
`
`In particular, the local stereo controls 106 are
`[0037]
`hardwired to the remote interface circuit 110 which is
`illustrated in phantom lines and is described in greater detail
`in reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C below. The remote
`interface circuit 110, in this embodiment, is positioned
`within a casing 111 that is rectangular in shape, approxi(cid:173)
`mately 4.0 inches long, 2.0 inches wide and 2.0 inches in
`height. As is illustrated in FIG. 1, the casing 111 is adapted
`to be mounted unobtrusively behind the dashboard 103 of
`the vehicle so as to be generally hidden from view. The
`remote interface circuit 110 is adapted to be connected to the
`local stereo controls 106 via the existing hardwiring of the
`vehicle and is also adapted to send signals to the replacement
`in-dash stereo 104 via a transmission cable 112. In this
`embodiment, the transmission cable 112 includes an output
`signal transmitter 1S4 (See, FIG. 3) that is located in line of
`sight of a remote signal receiver (not shown) on the after(cid:173)
`market in-dash stereo 104. The transmission cable 112 is
`illustrated with phantom lines and is generally 4 feet in
`length and is located in the vehicle dashboard 103 such that
`the tip of the transmission cable 112 that is comprised of the
`output signal transmitter 1S4 is positioned generally within
`close proximity of the in-dash stereo 104.
`
`[0038] Generally, the replacement in-dash stereo 104 is
`used in place of an original stereo receiver, such as the
`factory installed stereo receiver, that has been stolen or has
`become defective or out-of-date. It is fairly common that the
`replacement in-dash stereo 104 is lower in price and/or
`includes additional features over the original receiver. The
`replacement in-dash stereo 104 can be any of a number of
`after-market receivers, such as those manufactured by Pana(cid:173)
`sonic, Clarion, Denon, Eclipse, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer,
`Sony, etc. The typical after-market in-dash stereo 104 is
`equipped with a wireless receiver, such as an infrared (IR)
`receiver, that is adapted to receive wireless signals from a
`handheld remote control 160. This enables the driver to use
`a handheld remote control 160 to adjust the stereo's opera-
`
`Honda Exhibit 1012
`Page 17
`
`

`
`US 2003/0007649 Al
`
`Jan.9,2003
`
`4
`
`tion, e.g., change channels, volume, etc. As will be described
`in greater detail below, the remote interface circuit 110 is
`adapted to be programmed to produce wireless signals
`similar to those produced by the handheld remote control
`160 that are recognizable by the after-market in-dash stereo
`104 upon receipt of the corresponding signals from the local
`stereo controls 106.
`
`[0039] The remote interface circuit 110 can also be
`adapted to connect with one or more alternative local stereo
`controls 114, illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the alternative
`local controls 114 are positioned, in this embodiment, adja(cid:173)
`cent the rear seating area of the vehicle. The alternative local
`stereo controls 114 are shown in an exemplary location and
`it can be appreciated that the alternative local stereo controls
`114 may be positioned almost anywhere in the vehicle
`suitable for remote function selection. These types of alter(cid:173)
`native local stereo controls 114 are typically positioned so
`that people sitting remotely from the in-dash stereo 104 can
`still control the basic functions of the in-dash stereo 104
`such as changing the program, the channel, the volume, etc.
`
`[0040] The remote interface circuit 110 is connected to the
`existing hardwiring of the alternative local stereo controls
`114 and is then programmed to provide appropriate signals
`to the replacement in-dash stereo 104 so as to be able to
`provide commands to the replacement in-dash stereo 104
`corresponding to the commands of the selected alternative
`local controls 114. Hence, the remote interface circuit 110
`can be used to receive signals from alternative local stereo
`controls 114 located anywhere within a vehicle such that the
`alternative local stereo controls 114 can be used to control a
`replacement in-dash stereo 104.
`
`[0041] FIGS. 2Aand 2B illustrate another embodiment of
`a remote stereo control interface system 101, substantially
`similar to the remote stereo control interface system 100 that
`is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates a top
`view of a typical motorcycle 116 with handlebars 120 for
`steering. It is commonly known that expensive stereo sys(cid:173)
`tems are used on many high-end motorcycles 116. Often(cid:173)
`times, the motorcycle 116 is equipped with handlebar stereo
`controls 130 positioned on the handlebars 120 so that the
`rider does not have to remove his or her hands from the
`handlebars 120 of the motorcycle 116 while changing radio
`channels, adjusting volume, adjusting play selection, and the
`like. However, these handlebar stereo controls 130 are also
`typically hardwired to the existing factory installed stereo
`receiver such that replacement of the factory installed stereo
`receiver often results in the handlebar stereo controls 130
`being rendered inoperative.
`
`[0042] The remote stereo control interface system 101 can
`be adapted to utilize the factory mounted handlebar stereo
`controls 130 with a replacement stereo receiver 124 by
`receiving the signals from the handlebar stereo controls 130
`and transmitting a corresponding signal that is recognizable
`by the replacement stereo receiver 124 mounted on the
`motorcycle 116. In particular, th