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`
`skpz
`return
`
`5
`
`BMW_Recv_STOP_msg
`bsf
`return
`
`The code portion shown in Table 1 receives a STOP command issued by a
`
`BMW stereo, in a format proprietary to BMW stereos. Preferably, the received
`
`command, is stored in a first buffer, such as BMW _Recv _buff. The procedure
`
`10
`
`"Encode_RD_stop_msg" repetitively applies an XOR function to the STOP
`
`command, resulting in a new command that is in a format compatible with the
`
`after-market CD player. The command is then stored in an output buffer for
`
`dispatching to the CD player.
`
`Additionally, the present invention contains logic for retrieving information
`
`15
`
`from an after-market audio device, and converting same into a format compatible
`
`with the car stereo for display thereby. Such logic can be applied to convert any
`
`data from the external device for display on the car stereo. For purposes of
`
`illustration, a sample code portion is shown in Table 2, below, for converting data
`
`from a CD changer into a format understandable by a BMW car stereo:
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Table 2
`
`Changer replies with STOP confirmation
`Encoding 180A68390002003F0001027D message
`==========~=~==~~==========~===========~=
`
`Load CD stop msg:
`-
`ffiovlw Ox18
`movwf BMW_Send_buff
`
`movlw OxOA
`movwf BMW_Send_buff+l
`
`movlw Ox68
`movwf BMW_Send_buff+2
`
`movlw Ox39
`
`45
`
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`
`BMW EXHIBIT 1014
`
`
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`skpz
`return
`
`5
`
`BMW_Recv_STOP_msg
`bsf
`return
`
`The code portion shown in Table 1 receives a STOP command issued by a
`
`BMW stereo, in a format proprietary to BMW stereos. Preferably, the received
`
`command, is stored in a first buffer, such as BMW _Recv _buff. The procedure
`
`10
`
`"Encode_RD_stop_msg" repetitively applies an XOR function to the STOP
`
`command, resulting in a new command that is in a format compatible with the
`
`after-market CD player. The command is then stored in an output buffer for
`
`dispatching to the CD player.
`
`Additionally, the present invention contains logic for retrieving information
`
`15
`
`from an after-market audio device, and converting same into a format compatible
`
`with the car stereo for display thereby. Such logic can be applied to convert any
`
`data from the external device for display on the car stereo. For purposes of
`
`illustration, a sample code portion is shown in Table 2, below, for converting data
`
`from a CD changer into a format understandable by a BMW car stereo:
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Table 2
`
`Changer replies with STOP confirmation
`Encoding 180A68390002003F0001027D message
`==========~=~==~~==========~===========~=
`
`Load CD stop msg:
`-
`ffiovlw Ox18
`movwf BMW_Send_buff
`
`movlw OxOA
`movwf BMW_Send_buff+l
`
`movlw Ox68
`movwf BMW_Send_buff+2
`
`movlw Ox39
`
`45
`
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`off
`
`off
`
`config
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`disc
`
`track
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`movwf BMW - Send_buff+3
`movlw OxOO
`
`movwf BMW Send_buff+4
`
`;current
`
`status _XX=OO,
`
`power
`
`movlw Ox02
`
`;current
`
`status_YY=02,
`
`power
`
`movwf BMW Send_buff+5
`
`clrf BMW_Send_buff+6
`
`;separate field, always =0
`
`movfw BMW MM stat
`
`;current status MM
`
`magazine
`
`movwf BMW Send buff+?
`-
`-
`clrf BMW Send buff+S
`
`;separate field, always =0
`
`movfw BMW DD stat
`
`; current status DD
`-
`
`current
`
`movwf BMW Send_buff+9
`
`movfw BMW TT stat
`-
`movwf BMW Send_buff+lO
`
`;current status TT
`-
`
`current
`
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+9,W ;calculate check sum
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+8,W
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+7,W
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+6,W
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+5,W
`xorwf BMW_Send_buff+4,W
`xorwf BMW Send_buff+3,W
`xorwf BMW Send_buff+2,W
`xorwf BMW Send_buff+l,W
`xorwf BMW Send_buff,W
`
`movwf BMW Send_buff+ll
`movlw D'l2'
`movwf BMW Send cnt
`-
`bsf
`BMW Send on
`-
`return
`
`;store check sum
`;12 bytes total
`
`;ready to send
`
`The code portion shown in Table 2 receives a STOP confirmation message
`
`45
`
`from the CD player, in a format proprietary to the CD player. Preferably, the
`
`received command is stored in a first buffer, such as BMW _Send_buff. The
`
`procedure "Load_ CD_ stop_ msg"
`
`retrieves
`
`status
`
`information, magazine
`
`information, current disc, and current track information from the CD changer, and
`
`constructs a response containing this information. Then, a checksum is calculated
`
`46
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`and stored in another buffer. The response and checksum are in a format
`
`compatible with the BMW stereo, and are ready for dispatching to the car stereo.
`
`The present invention also includes logic for converting signals from an
`
`OEM car stereo system for use with a digital media device such as an MP3, MP4,
`
`5
`
`or Apple iPod player. Shown below are code samples for allowing commands and
`
`data to be exchanged between a Ford car stereo and an Apple iPod device:
`
`//decoding Ford "play" command :41-C0-80-CA-01+
`
`Table3
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`if ACP_rx_ready == ON ) {
`ACP_rx_ready
`OFF;
`ACP_rx_taddr
`ACP rx_buff[l];
`ACP_rx_saddr ACP_rx_buff[2];
`ACP rx datal ACP_rx_buff[3];
`ACP rx data2 ACP_rx_buff[4];
`ACP rx data3
`ACP rx buff[5];
`if (
`(ACP rx_saddr-==-Ox80)
`) {
`switch ( ACP_rx_taddr )
`case OxCO:
`if ( ACP rx_datal == OxCA)
`
`if ( ACP rx data2
`
`OxOl ) {
`
`flags.ACP_play_req
`
`1;
`
`break;
`
`break;
`
`In the code portion shown in Table 3, a "Play" command selected by a user
`
`35
`
`at the controls of a Ford OEM car stereo is received, and portions of the command
`
`are stored in one or more buffer arrays. Then, as shown below in Table 4, the
`
`decoded portions of the command stored in the one or more buffer arrays are used
`
`to construct a "Play/Pause" command in a format compatible with the Apple iPod
`
`device, and the command is sent to the Apple iPod for execution thereby:
`
`47
`
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`II encoding iPod "play/pause" command OxFF Ox55 Ox03 Ox02 OxOO
`OxOl OxFA
`
`Table4
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`if
`
`iPod_play_req == ON ) {
`iPod play req =
`OFF;
`iPod-tx d~ta[O]
`Ox55;
`Ox03;
`iPod=tx=data(l]
`iPod tx data(2]
`Ox02;
`iPod-tx-data[3]
`OxOO;
`iPod-tx-data(4]
`OxOl;
`iPod-tx-counter
`5;
`ON;
`iPod=tx=ready =
`
`While the code portions shown in Tables 1-2 are implemented using
`
`assembler language, and the code portions shown in Tables 3-4 are implemented
`
`20
`
`using the .c programming language, it is to be expressly understood that any low or
`
`high level language known in the art could be utilized without departing :from the
`
`spirit or scope of the invention.
`
`It will be appreciated that various other code
`
`portions can be developed for converting signals from any after-market or OEM
`
`car stereo for use by an after-market external audio device, and vice versa.
`
`25
`
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing logic, indicated generally at 300
`
`for allowing a user to switch between an after-market audio device, and one or
`
`more auxiliary input sources. As was discussed earlier, the present invention
`
`allows a user to switch :from one or more connected audio devices, such as an
`
`external CD player/changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver, DAB receiver, or the
`
`30
`
`like, and activate one or more auxiliary input sources. A selection sequence,
`
`initiated by the user at the control panel of the car stereo, allows such switching.
`
`Beginning in step 302, the buttons ofthe control panel are monitored. In step 304,
`
`a determihation is made as to whether a "Track Up" button or sequence has been
`
`48
`
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`initiated by the user. The .. Track Up" button or sequence can for a CD player,
`
`MP3 player, or any other device. If a negative determination is made, step 306 is
`
`invoked, wherein the sensed button or sequence is processed in accordance with
`
`the present invention and dispatched to the external audio device for execution.
`
`5
`
`Then, step 302 is re-invoked, so that additional buttons or sequences can be
`
`monitored.
`
`In the event that a positive determination is made in step 304, step 308 is
`
`invoked, wherein the present invention waits for a predetermined period of time
`
`while monitoring the control panel buttons for additional buttons or sequences. In
`
`10
`
`a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined period of time
`
`is 7 50 milliseconds, but of course, other time durations are considered within the
`
`spirit and scope of the present invention. In step 310, a determination is made as to
`
`whether the user has initiated a "Track Down" button or sequence at the control
`
`panel of the car stereo within the predetermined time period. These sequences can
`
`15
`
`be used for a CD player, MP3 player, or any other device.
`
`If a negative
`
`determination is made, step 312 is invoked. In step 312, a determination is made
`
`as to whether a timeout has occurred (e.g., whether the predetermined period of
`
`time has expired). If a negative determination is made, step 308 is re-invoked.
`
`Otherwise, is a positive determination is made, step 312 invokes step 306, so that
`
`20
`
`any buttons or key sequences initiated by the user that are not a "Track Down"
`
`command are processed in accordance with the present invention and dispatched to
`
`the audio device for execution.
`
`In the event that a positive determination is made in step 310 (a "Track
`
`Down" button or sequence has been initiated within the predetermined time
`
`49
`
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`period), then step 314 is invoked.
`
`In step 314, the audio channels of the audio
`
`device are disconnected, and then step 316 is invoked. In step 316, the logic of
`
`block 198 of FIG. 4d (the auxiliary input handling process), discussed earlier, is
`
`invoked, so that the user can select from one of the auxiliary input sources in
`
`5
`
`accordance with the present invention. Thus, at this point in time, the system has
`
`switched, under user control, from the audio device to a desired auxiliary input.
`
`Although the foregoing description of the process 300 has been described with
`
`reference ·to "Track Up" and "Track Down" buttons or commands initiated by the
`
`user, it is to be expressly understood that any desired key sequence, keystroke,
`
`10
`
`button depress, or any other action, can be sensed in accordance with the present
`
`invention and utilized for switching modes.
`
`When operating in auxiliary mode, the present invention provides an
`
`indication on the display of the car stereo corresponding to such mode. For
`
`example, the CD number could be displayed as "1", and the track number
`
`15
`
`displayed as "99," thus indicating to the user that the system is operating in
`
`auxiliary mode and that audio and data is being supplied from an auxiliary input
`
`source. Of course, any other indication could be generated and displayed on the
`
`display of the car stereo, such as a graphical display (e.g., an icon) or textual
`
`prompt.
`
`20
`
`FIG. 6 is a :flowchart showing processing logic, indicated generally at 320,
`
`for determining and handling various device types connected to the auxiliary input
`
`ports of the invention. The present invention can sense device types connected to
`
`the auxiliary input ports, and can integrate same with the car stereo using the
`
`procedures discussed earlier. Beginning in step 322, the control panel buttons of
`
`50
`
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`the car stereo are monitored for a button or sequence initiated by the user
`
`corresponding to an auxiliary input selection (such as the disc number method
`
`discussed earlier with reference to FIG. 4d). In response to an auxiliary input
`
`selection; step 324 is invoked, wherein the type of device connected to the selected
`
`5
`
`auxiliary input is sensed by the present invention. Then, step 326 is invoked.
`
`In step 326, a determination is made as to whether the device connected to
`
`the auxiliary input is a CD player/changer. If a positive determination is made,
`
`step 328 is invoked, wherein the logic of block 108 of FIG. 4a (the CD handling
`
`process), discussed earlier, is executed, and the CD player is integrated with the car
`
`10
`
`stereo. If a negative determination is made in step 326, then step 330 is invoked.
`
`In step 330, a determination is made as to whether the device connected to the
`
`auxiliary input is an MP3 player. If a positive determination is made, step 334 is
`
`invoked, wherein the logic of block 138 if FIG. 4b (the MP3 handling process),
`
`discussed earlier, is executed, and the MP3 player is integrated with the car stereo.
`
`15
`
`If a negative determination is made in step 330, then step 336 is invoked. In step
`
`336, a determination is made as to whether the device connected to the auxiliary
`
`input is a satellite receiver or a DAB receiver. If a positive detennination is made,
`
`step 338 is invoked, wherein the logic ofblock 168 of FIG. 4c (the satellite/DAB
`
`receiver handling process), discussed earlier, is executed, and the satellite receiver
`
`20
`
`is integrated with the car stereo. If a negative determination is made in step 336,
`
`step 322 is re-invoked, so that additional auxiliary input selections can be
`
`monitored and processed accordingly. Of course, process 320 can be expanded to
`
`allow other types of devices connected to the auxiliary inputs of the present
`
`invention to be integrated with the car stereo.
`
`51
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`The present invention can be expanded for allowing video information
`
`generated by an external device to be integrated with the display of an existing
`
`OEM or after-market car stereo.
`
`fu such a mode, the invention accepts RGB
`
`(redlgreerllblue) input signals from the external device, and converts same to
`
`5
`
`composite signals. The composite signals are then forwarded to the car stereo for
`
`display thereby, such as on an LCD panel of the stereo. Additionally, the present
`
`invention can accept composite input signals from an external device, and convert
`
`same to RGB signals for display on the car stereo. Further, information from the
`
`external device can be formatted and presented to the user in one or more graphical
`
`10
`
`user interfaces or menus capable of being viewed and manipulated on the car
`
`stereo.
`
`FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a docking station 400 according to the
`
`present invention for retaining an audio device within a car.
`
`Importantly, the
`
`present invention can be adapted to allow portable audio devices to be integrated
`
`15 with an existing car stereo. The docking station 400 allows such portable devices
`
`to be conveniently docked and integrated with the car stereo. The docking station
`
`400 includes a top portion 402 hingedly connected at a rear portion 408 to a bottom
`
`portion 404, preferably in a clam-like configuration. A portable audio device 410,
`
`such as the SKYFI radio distributed by DELPHI, Inc., is physically and electrically
`
`20
`
`connected with the docking portion 412, and contained within the station 100. A
`
`clasp 406 can be provided for holding the top and bottom portions in a closed
`
`position to retain the device 410. Optionally, a video device could also be docked
`
`using the docking station 400, and tabs 413 can be provided for holding the
`
`docking station 400 in place against a portion of a car. Conceivably, the docking
`
`52
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`station 400 could take any form, such as a sleeve-like device for receiving and
`
`retaining a portable audio device and having a docking portion for electrically and
`
`mechanically mating with the audio device.
`
`FIG. 7b is an end view showing the rear portion 408 of the docking station
`
`5
`
`400 of FIG. 7a. A hinge 414 connects the top portion and the bottom portions of
`
`the docking station400. A data port 416 is provided for interfacing with the audio
`
`device docked within the station 400, and is in electrical communication therewith.
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data port 416 is an RS-232
`
`serial or USB data port that allows for the transmission of data with the audio
`
`10
`
`device, and which connects with the multimedia device integration system of the
`
`present invention for integrating the audio device with an OEM or after-market car
`
`stereo. Any known bus technology can be utilized to interface with any portable
`
`audio or video device contained within the docking station 400, such as
`
`FIREWIRE, D2B, MOST, CAN, USBIUSB2, IE Bus, T Bus, I Bus, or any other
`
`15
`
`bus teclmology known in the art. It should be noted that the present invention can
`
`be operated without a docking station, i.e., a portable audio or video device can be
`
`plugged directly into the present invention for integration with a car stereo or video
`
`system.
`
`FIGS. 8a-8b are perspective views of another embodiment of the docking
`
`20
`
`station of the present invention, indicated generally at 500, which includes the
`
`multimedia device integration system of the present invention, indic:ated generally
`
`at 540, incorporated therewith. As shown in FIG. Sa, the docking station 500
`
`includes a base portion 530, a bottom member 515 interconnected with the base
`
`portion 530 at an edge thereof, and a top member 510 hingedly interconnected at
`
`53
`
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`an edge to the base portion 530. The topmember 510 and the bottom member 515
`
`define a cavity for docking and storing a portable audio device 520, which could be
`
`a portable CD player, MP3 player, satellite (e.g., XM, SIRIUS, or other type)
`
`tuner, or any other portable audio device. The docking station 500 would be
`
`5
`
`configured to accommodate a specific device, such as an IPOD from Apple
`
`Computer, Inc., or any other portable device.
`
`The multimedia device integration system 540, in the form of a circuit
`
`board, is housed within the base portion 530 and performs the integration functions
`
`discussed herein for integrating the portable device 520 with an existing car stereo
`
`10
`
`or car video system. The integration system 540 is in communication with the
`
`portable device 520 via a connector 550, which is connected to a port on the device
`
`520, and a cable 555 interconnected between the connector 550 and the integration
`
`system 540. The connector 550 could be any suitable connector and can vary
`
`according to the device type. For example, a MOLEX, USB, or any other
`
`15
`
`connector could be used, depending on the portable device. The integration system
`
`540 is electrically connected with a car stereo or car video system by cable 560.
`
`Alternatively, the integration system could wirelessly communicate with the car
`
`stereo or car video system. A transmitter could be used at the integration system to
`
`communicate with a receiver at the car stereo or car video system. Where
`
`20
`
`automobiles include Bluetooth systems, such systems can be used to communicate
`
`with the integration system. As can be readily appreciated, the docking station 500
`
`provides a convenient device for docking, storing, and integrating a portable device
`
`for use with a car stereo. Further, the docking station 500 could be positioned at
`
`54
`
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`any desired location within a vehicle, including, but not limited to, the vehicle
`
`trunk.
`
`As shown in FIG. Sb, the top member 510 can be opened in the general
`
`direction indicated by arrow A to allow for access to the portable audio device 520.
`
`5
`
`In this fashion, the device 520 can be quickly accessed for any desired purpose,
`
`such as for inserting and removing the device 520 from the docking station 500, as
`
`well as for providing access to the controls of the device 520.
`
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the components of the docking station
`
`of FIGS.· 8a-8b. The docking station 500 houses both a portable audio or video
`
`10
`
`device 520 and a multimedia device integration system (or interface) 540. The
`
`shape and configuration of the docking station 500 can be varied as desired without
`
`departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
`
`The integration system of the present invention provides for control of a
`
`portable audio or video device, or other device, through the controls of the car
`
`15
`
`stereo or video system system. As such, controls on the steering wheel, where
`
`present, may also be used to control the portable audio device or other device.
`
`Further, in all embodiments of the present invention, communication between the
`
`after-market device and a car stereo or video system can be accomplished using
`
`known wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth.
`
`20
`
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the
`
`multimedia device integration system of the present invention, indicated generally
`
`at 600, wherein the interface 630 is incorporated within a car stereo or car video
`
`system 610. The interface 630 is in electrical communication with the control
`
`panel buttons 620, display 615, and associated control circuitry 625 of the car
`
`55
`
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`stereo or video system 610. The interface 630 could be manufacture~ on a separate
`
`printed circuit board positioned within the stereo or video system 610, or on one or
`
`more existing circuit boards of the stereo or video system 610. An after-market
`
`device 635 can be put into electrical communication with the interface 630 via a
`
`5
`
`port or connection on the car stereo or video system 610, and integrated for use
`
`with the car stereo or video system 610.
`
`The device 635 can be controlled using the control panel buttons 620 ofthe
`
`car stereo or video system 610, and information from the device 635 is formatted
`
`by the interface 630 and displayed in the display 615 of the car stereo or video
`
`10
`
`system 610. Additionally, control commands generated at the car stereo or car
`
`video device 610 are converted by the interface 630 into a format (protocol)
`
`compatible with the multimedia device 635, and are dispatched thereto for
`
`execution. A plurality of multimedia devices could be intergrated using the
`
`interface 630, as well as one or more auxiliary input sources 640. The after-market
`
`15
`
`device 635 could comprise any audio, video, or telecommunications device,
`
`including, but not limited to, a CD player, CD changer, digital media player (e.g.,
`
`MP3 player, MP4 player, WMV player, Apple iPod, or any other player), satellite
`
`radio (e.g., XlVI, Sirius, Delphi, etc.), video device (e.g., DVD player), cellular
`
`telephone, or any other type of device or combinations thereof. Additionally, one
`
`20
`
`or more interfaces could be connected to the interface 630 ("daisy-chained") to
`
`allow multiple products to be integrated. The device 600 could include one or
`
`more of the circuits disclosed in FIGS. 3a-3d and modified depending upon the
`
`type of the after-market device 635.
`
`56
`
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`FIG. lla is a diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present
`
`invention, indicated generally at 645, wherein a cellular telephone 670 is
`
`intergrated for use with a car stereo. The telephone 670 is in electrical
`
`communication with the interface 665, which receives data from the cellular
`
`5
`
`telephone and formats same for displaying on the display 650 of the car stereo or
`
`video system 660. Commands for controlling the telephone 670 can be entered
`
`using the control panel buttons 655 of the car stereo or video system 660. The
`
`commands are processed by the interface 665, converted into a format (protocol)
`
`compatible with the telephone 670, and transmitted to the telephone 670 for
`
`10
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`processing thereby. Additionally, audio from the telephone 670 can be channeled
`
`to the car stereo or video system 660 via the interface 665 and played through the
`
`speakers of the car stereo or video system 660. For example, if the telephone 670
`
`is provided with the ability to download songs or music, such songs or music can
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`be selected using the car stereo or video system 660 and played therethrough using
`
`15
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`the interface 665. It should be noted that control of the cellular telephone could be
`
`provided using one or more displays (e.g., LCD) of a car video system. Moreover,
`
`control of the cellular telephone 670 is not limited to the use of buttons on the car
`
`stereo or .video ststem 660, and indeed, a software or graphically-driven menu or
`
`interface can be used to control the cellular telephone. The device 645 could
`
`20
`
`include one or more of the circuits disclosed in FIGS. 3a-3d and modified for use
`
`with the cellular telephone 670.
`
`FIG. llb is a flowchart showing processing logic, indicated generally at
`
`647, for integrating a cellular telephone with a car radio. Beginning in step 649, a
`
`determination is made as to whether the existing car stereo is powered on. If a
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`negative determination is made, step 651 is invoked, wherein the present invention
`
`enters a standby mode and waits for the car stereo to "J:'e powered on. If a positive
`
`determination is made, step 653 is invoked, wherein a second determination is
`
`made as to whether the car stereo is in a state responsive to signals external to the
`
`5
`
`car stereo. If a negative determination is made, step 649 is re-invoked.
`
`If a positive detennination is made in step 653, a celhllar telephone
`
`handling process, indicated as block 661, is invoked. Begim1ing in step 654, a
`
`signal is generated by the present invention indicating that a cellular telephone is
`
`present, and the signal is continuously transmitted to the car stereo. Importantly,
`
`10
`
`this signal prevents the car stereo from shutting off, entering a sleep mode, or
`
`otherwise being unresponsive to signals and/or data from an external source. In
`
`step 657, the audio channels of the cellular telephone are connected ( chatmeled) to
`
`the car stereo system, allowing audio from the cellular telephone to be played
`
`through the car stereo. In step 659, data is retrieved by the present invention from
`
`15
`
`the cellular telephone, such as song information corresponding to one or more
`
`songs downloaded onto the cellular telephone. After steps 654, 657, and 659 have
`
`been executed, control passes to step 663.
`
`In steps 663, the present invention monitors the control panel buttons of the
`
`car stereo for cellular telephone operational commands. In step 664,' if a command
`
`20
`
`is not detected, step 663 is re-invoked. Otherwise, if a command is received, step
`
`663 invokes step 667, wherein the received command is converted into a format
`
`recognizable by the cellular telephone connected to the present invention. Once
`
`the col11l11and has been fornmtted, step 669 is invoked, wherein the formatted
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`command is transmitted to the cellular telephone and executed. Step 654 is then
`
`re-invoked, so that additional processing can occur.
`
`FIG. 12a is a diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present
`
`invention, indicated generally at 675, wherein an after-market video device 695 is
`
`5
`
`integrated for use with a car video system 685. The after-market video device 695
`
`could comprise a portable DVD player, digital video (DV) camera, digital camera,
`
`or any other video device. The interface 690 receives output video signals from
`
`the device 695, and converts same for display on one or more displays 680 (e.g.,
`
`LCD seat-back displays in a minivan, fold-down displays mounted on the roof of a
`
`10
`
`vehicle, vehicle navigation displays, etc.) of the car video system 685. The
`
`interface 690 could convert between composite and red/green/blue (RGB) video
`
`signals, and vice versa, using commercially-available video format conversion
`
`chips such as the TDA8315, TDA4570, TDA3567, TDA3566A, and TDA3569A
`
`video conversion chips manufactured by Philips Corp., and the AL251 and AL250
`
`15
`
`video conversion chips manufactured by Averlogic Technologies~ Inc., or any
`
`other suitable video conversion chips. Commands issued by a user using the car
`
`video system 685 or display(s) 680 for controlling the device 695 are received by
`
`the interface 690, converted into a format compatible with the device 695, and
`
`transmitted thereto for processing. The device 675 could include one or more of
`
`20
`
`the circuits disclosed in FIGS. 3a-3d and modified for use with the video device
`
`695.
`
`FIG. 12b is a flowcha1t showing processing logic, indicated generally at
`
`671, for. integrating an after-market video device with a car video system.
`
`Beginning in step 673, a determination is made as to whether the existing car video
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`system is powered on. If a negative determination is made, step 674 is invoked,
`
`wherein the present invention enters a standby mode and waits for the car video
`
`system to be powered on. If a positive determination is made, step 677 is invoked,
`
`wherein a second determination is made as to whether the car video system is in a
`
`5
`
`state responsive to signals external to the car video system.
`
`If a negative
`
`determination is made, step 673 is re-invoked.
`
`If a positive determination is made in step 677, an after-market video
`
`device handling process, indicated as block 687, is invoked. Beginning in step
`
`679, a signal is generated by the present invention indicating that an external
`
`10
`
`device is present, and the signal is continuously transmitted to the car video
`
`system. Importantly, this signal prevents the car video system from shutting off,
`
`entering a sleep mode, or otherwise being unresponsive to signals and/or data from
`
`an extemal source. fu step 681, the audio and video channels of the after-market
`
`device are connected (channeled) to the car video system, allowing audio and
`
`15
`
`video from the after-market device to be played through the car video system. In
`
`step 684, the display(s) of the car video system are updated with data from the
`
`after-market device. After steps 679, 681, and 684 have been executed, control
`
`passes to step 683.
`
`In step 683, the present invention monitors the car video system for after-
`
`20 market video device operational commands. In step 689, if a command is not
`
`detected, step 683 is re-invoked. Otherwise, if a command is received, step 689
`
`invokes step 691, wherein the received command is converted into a format
`
`recognizable by the after-market video device connected to the present invention.
`
`Once the command has been formatted, step 693 is invoked, wherein the formatted
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`command is transmitted to the after-market video device and executed. Step 679 is
`
`then re-invoked, so that additional processing can occur.
`
`FIG. 13a is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the
`
`multimedia device integration system 710 of the present invention, wherein
`
`5
`
`configuration jumpers 720 and protocol conversion software blocks 724 are
`
`provided for integrating after-market devices of various types using a single
`
`interface.· The jumpers 720 can be set to a plurality of different se:ttings, each of
`
`which corresponds to an after-market device of a specific type (e.g., CD changer,
`
`CD player, digital media player, satellite radio, video device, cellular telephone,
`
`10
`
`etc.) or from a specific manufacturer. Additionally, the jumpers 720 can be used to
`
`specify one or more device or manufacturer types for the car stereo or video
`
`system 705. The settings of the configuration jumpers 720 correspond to one or
`
`more protocol conversion software blocks 724 stored in memory (e.g.,
`
`programmable flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, etc.) 725 of the interface 710.
`
`15
`
`Each of the software blocks 724 controls the interface circuitry 715 and contains
`
`instructions for converting data from the device 707 into a format compatible with
`
`the car stereo or video system 705, and vice versa. For example, a first block could
`
`contain software for allowing communication between an Apple iPod and an in(cid:173)
`
`dash car stereo manufactured by Sony, and a second block could contain software
`
`20
`
`for allowing communication between a DVD player and a car video system. Any
`
`desired number of blocks could be stored in the memory 725 and can be selected as
`
`desired by the user via configuration jumpers 720. As such, a single interface 710
`
`can be used for integrating numerous devices of various types and manufactures
`
`for use with one or more car stereo or video systems. The device 710 could
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`61
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`include one or more of the circuits shown in FIGS. 3a-3d, with modifications
`
`depending upon the device types of the devices 705 and 707.
`
`FIG. 13b is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the
`
`multimedia device integration system of the present invention, wherein wiring
`
`5
`
`harnesses 727 and 728 and protocol conversion software blocks 729 are provided
`
`for integrating multimedia devices of various types using a single interface 726. In
`
`this embqdiment, the electrical configurations (pinouts) of each of the harnesses
`
`727 and 728 correspond to car stereo I video systems and after-market devices of
`
`specific types and made by specific manufacturers (e.g., harness 727 could
`
`10
`
`correspond to a BMW car stereo, and harness 728 could correspond to an ALPINE
`
`satellite tuner). The electrical configurations (pinouts) of the harnesses are utilized
`
`by the interface 726 to retrieve a specific protocol conversion software block 729
`
`that allows communication between the devices. The interface 726 could be
`
`provided with a plurality of protocol conversion software blocks pre-loaded into
`
`15 memory in the interface, and could be provided with any desired harnesses. The
`
`interface 726 could include one or more of the circuits shown
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