`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`30.
`
`The method of claim 28, wherein the step of determining the first and
`
`second device types comprises determining electrical configurations of wiring
`
`harnesses attached to the interface, wherein the electrical
`
`[configurations
`
`correspond to the first and second device types.
`
`5
`
`31.
`
`The method of claim 28, wherein the step of determining the first and
`
`second device types comprises allowing the user to specify a device type of the
`
`after—market device using the car video system.
`
`32.
`
`A method for retrieving a song from an after—market device from a car
`
`stereo system comprising:
`
`10
`
`allowing a user to specify an alphanumeric character using controls of the
`
`car stereo system;
`
`querying a database of songs in the after-market device using the
`
`alphanumeric character;
`
`displaying a list of potentially matching songs in the after-market device on
`
`15
`
`a dsplay of the car stereo system; and
`
`allowing the user to select a desired song from the list of potentially
`
`matching songs for playing the desired song on the car stereo system.
`
`33.
`
`The method of claim 32, further comprising allowing the user to specify
`
`one or more additional alphanumeric characters using the controls of the car stereo
`
`20
`
`system.
`
`Page 921 of 1457
`
`Daimler Exhibit 1002
`
`77
`
`Page 921 of 1457
`
`Daimler Exhibit 1002
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`34.
`
`The method of claim 33, further comprising querying the remote database
`
`using the one or more additional alphanumeric characters and displaying a second
`
`list of potentially matching songs on the display of the car stereo system.
`
`35.
`
`The method of claim 32, wherein the step of allowing the user to specify
`
`5
`
`the alphanumeric
`
`character comprises providing the user with a list of
`
`alphanumeric characters on the display of the car stereo and allowing the user to
`
`select a desired character from the list of alphanumeric characters.
`
`36.
`
`A multimedia device integration system comprising:
`
`a car audiovisual system;
`
`10
`
`a plurality of after—market devices external to the car audiovisual system;
`
`an interface connected between the car audiovisual system and the plurality
`
`of after—market devices for exchanging data, audio, and video signals between the
`
`car audiovisual system and the plurality of after-market devices;
`
`means for processing and dispatching commands for controlling the
`
`15
`
`plurality of after—market devices from the car audiovisual system in at least one
`
`format compatible with at least one of the plurality of after—market devices; and
`
`means for processing and displaying data from the plurality of after-market
`
`devices on a display of the car audiovisual system in a format compatible with the
`
`car audiovisual system.
`
`Page 922 of 1457
`
`78
`
`Page 922 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`
`
`CD Player
`
`
`
`
`15
`
`30
`
`1/29
`
`10
`
`20
`
`_____x____________
`Control
`
`E
`:
`
`.
`
`E
`i
`
`:' “““““““““““
`
`
`Satellite
`Radio / DAB
`
`
`Receiver
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # n
`
`'
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # 1
`
`FIG. 1
`
`13
`
`
`
`
`
`Control
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`20
`
`15
`
`CD Player
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`Page 923 of 1457
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 923 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`2/29
`
`13
`
`10
`
`20
`
` Control
`
`
`
`
`
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`FIG. 23
`
`13
`
`20
`
`
`Control
`Panel
`
`
`Buttons
`
`
` 1O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`25
`
`
`
`
`Satellite
`Radio / DAB
`Receiver
`
`FIG. 2C
`
`Page 924 of 1457
`
`Page 924 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`3/29
`
`13
`
`10
`
`20
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.
`
`.
`
`_
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # n
`
`
`
`Auxiliary
`lnput#1
`
`35
`
`FIG. 2D
`
`’13
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`2O
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # ’I
`
`15
`
`CD Player
`
`
`
`Control
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`
`
`
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # n
`
`
`
`35
`
`FIG. 2E
`
`Page 925 of 1457
`
`Page 925 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`4/29
`
`13
`
`10
`
`20
`
`
`Control
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Satellite
`Radio/DAB
`Receiver
`
`
`
`Auxiliary
`input # 1
`
`'
`
`'
`
`'
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # n
`
`
`
`
`35
`
`FIG. 2F
`
`13
`
`
`10
`
`20
`
`
`
`Control
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Auxiliary
`Input # 1
`
`.
`
`.
`
`_
`
`Auxiliary
`input # n
`
`
`
`35
`
`FIG. ZG
`
`Page 926 of 1457
`
`Page 926 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`5/29
`
`1O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`17
`
` Auxiliary
`
`Interface
`
`44
`
`Auxiliary
`Interface
`# 2
`
`FIG. 2H
`
`Page 927 of 1457
`
`Page 927 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`6/29
`
`<m.0.“—
`
`Page 928 of 1457
`
`Page 928 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`7/29
`
`oo<n9%
`ANan.nu+A.-2Vxq853.253.2%L.335E.
`
`HA><58F\vILE2ass:v:2Br
`2m80EggNELa‘
`Em“,I!xmmm[kHiwW7520:5
`gmnmE502%2EIn“_____
`Imammmam”eIlwmma5i2%Gama:lavE
`
`
`922«i=lIn:z_$>mm>2mill-a"_Iw
`
`owgmafl=1E£532;2,:3:229833.2522%n!
`
`
`<Qw>owzwom3fl"920Mi---EQOSE4828\QOEm"226
`al—2r02+mhi:%\m<m
`
`3Ai-iI-Iflllll<2.
`
`:01_IllllisoMmégaggsLn_Im
`
`+mAm.Influlllllulna
`Li=_=Ex23:83:81:5:2:
`w0“mma?Q,
`“_a:>--_..__-loxmm.V
`I‘SWWE-Fm:n,g5...?1oj5%.>S_>nmam
` 05288llama;
`8>2558
`2208.35:
`
`.IllllliL.BEE:—gEF
`‘alawn-
`
`9.5in
`
`mm.0_n_
`
`.Em
`
`x231vanmEx83SEE__Igo.
`
`
`
`wm>wmma8mwm>
`
`5E
`
`
`
`nL
`
`aA..i=5am“Hi—_.._
`
`“i.
`
` m
`
`LFNm
`
`Page 929 of 1457
`
`Page 929 of 1457
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`8/29
`
`
`
`
`
`5maozo.
`
`Page 930 of 1457
`
`Page 930 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`(.3OLIJ
`a:
`
`9/29
`
`Em
`
`ozoo
`
`35$
`
`50%2m
`
`a$2.5as5mg
`
`C)
`
`E
`
`3
`
`Es5:
`
`mgmE:
`
`mm.07.
`
`II
`
`I|IIII
`III
`II
`IIIII
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlll :IIIIII
`
`
`2mg\\\:5a:
`\\\\I
`
`835
`
`Page 931 of 1457
`
`Page 931 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`10/29
`
`104
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`
` Power-up
`
`102
`
`
` Car
`Radio on
`
`
`
`
` Radio
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`
`
`Continuously
`Transmit Device
`
`
`
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`Connect Audio
`Channels of
`
`CD Player to Radio
`
`114
`
`
`
`Operation Instruction
`
`
`from Radio
`
`Wait for
`
`Update Display
`of Radio with
`Data from Player
`
` 122
`
`
`Transmit Formatted
`Convert Instruction
`Instruction to
`to Format
`CD Player and
`Recognized by
`
`Execute
`CD Player
`
`
`Page 932 of 1457
`
`Page 932 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`11/29
`
`
`
`Power—up
`
`134
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`
`
`
`
`Radio
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`
`Presence Signal
`
`
`Continuously
`
`
`Transmit Device
`
`from Radio
`
`Connect Audio
`Channels of MP3
`Player to Radio
`
`144
`
`
`
`Wait for
`
`Operation Instruction
`
`
`
`
`Update Display
`of Radio with
`Data from Player
`
`152
`
`
`Convert Instruction
`Transmit Formatted
`to Format
`Instruction to
`
`
`Recognized by
`MP3 Player and
`
`
`
`Execute
`MP3 Player
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 933 of 1457
`
`Page 933 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`12/29
`
`162 T 164
`
`
`C
`ar
`
`Radio on
`(2
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`Power—up
`
`
`
`Connect Audio
`Channels of Satellite
`Receiver to Radio
`
`174
`
`
` Radio
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`
`
`Continuously
`
`Transmit Device
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`
`
`.
`
`Data from Satellite Operfigfl gagsétirgction
`
`
`
`
`Receiver
`
`Wait for
`.
`
`Update Display
`.
`.
`of Radio With
`
`Yes
`
`182
`
`
`Convert instruction
`Transmit Formatted
`to Format
`instruction to
`
`
`Satellite Receiver
`Recognized by
`
`
`Satellite Receiver
`and Execute
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 934 of 1457
`
`Page 934 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`190\‘
`
`13/29
`
`194
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`Power-up
`
`
`
`
`
`Radio
`
`
`
`
` Continuously
`Sense Control
`in Responsive
`
`
`
`Transmit Device
`PanelBuflon
`State
`
`
`
`
`Selection
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`
`
`Connect
`
`Auxiliary
`Channel # 'l
`to Radio
`
`
`Connect
`
`Auxiliary
`
`Channel # 2
`
`
`
`Disc
`
`# 2 Selected
`
`
`
`to Radio
`
`
`Connect
`
`Disc
`
`Auxiliary
`
`# 3 Selected
`Channel # 3
`
`
`?
`to Radio
`
`
`Connect
`
`
`Disc
`
`Auxiliary
`
`
`# 4 Selected
`
`Channel # 4
`
`
`?
`to Radio
`
`
`
`Page 935 of 1457
`
`Page 935 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`14I29
`
`Start
`
`Car “ Standby Mode:
`
`
`Wait for
`Power-up
`
`Radio on
`?
`
`
`
`?
`
`
`
`Radio
`in Responsive
`State
`
`
` Continuously
`
`Transmit Device
`
`
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sense Auxiliary
`Execute Logic
`
`Mode Selection
`Auxiliary
`
`
`of Block 108 of
`
`Mode
`from Control
`
`
`Fig. 4A
`
`?
`
`Panel of Radio
`
`
`
`
`Disconnect
`Execute Logic
`
`Audio Channels
`of Block 198 of
`
`
`
`Fig. 4D
`of CD Player
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 4E
`
`Page 936 of 1457
`
`Page 936 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`15/29
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`Power-up
`
`
`
`
`
`in Responsive
`State
`
`
`
` Radio
`?
` 250
`
`
`
`Satellite
`Continuously
`
`
`Receiver
`Transmit Device
`
`
`Present
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`?
`
`
`
`
`Sense Auxiliary
`Execute Logic
`
`Mode Selection
`Auxiliary
`of Block 168 of
`
`
`
`from Control
`Mode
`Fig. 4C
`
`
` ?
`
`Panel of Radio
`
`
`
`
`
`Execute Logic
`
`Disconnect Audio
`of Block 198 of
`Channels of
`
`
`
`Fig. 4D
`Satellite Receiver
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 4F
`
`Page 937 of 1457
`
`Page 937 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`1 6/29
`
`262
`
`T 264
`Power-u p
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`
`C
`ar
`Radio on
`?
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`
` Radio
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`?
`Yes
`268
`
`
`
`Continuously
`
`Transmit Device
`
`
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sense Auxiliary
`Execute Logic
`
`
`Mode Selection
`Auxiliary
`of Block 138 of
`
`
`
`
`Mode
`from Control
`
`Fig. 4B
`
`
`?
`
`Panel of Radio
`
`
`
`
`Execute Logic
`Disconnect
`
`
`of Block 198 of
`Audio Channels
`
`
`
`Fig. 4D
`of MP3 Player
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 46
`
`Page 938 of 1457
`
`Page 938 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`17/29
`
`Monitor Control
`PanelBufions
`
` 302
`to Audio Device
`
`304
` Process
`
`and Dispatch
`
`Command
`
`
`Wait for
`Predetermined
`
`
`Period for Track
`Down
`
`
`
` Track
`
`
`Yes
`
`Down Within
`Penod
`
`?
`
`
`Yes
`
`314
`
`
`
`
`
`Disconnect Audio
`Device
`
`316
`
`
`
`Execute Logic of
`Block 198 of
`Fig. 4D
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Page 939 of 1457
`
`Page 939 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/U82006/008043
`
`1 8/29
`
`
`
`322
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Monitor Control
`Panel Buttons
`
`for Auxiliary
`
`Input Selection
`
`
`
`
`Sense Type
`of Device at
`
`Auxiliary Input
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Execute Logic
`of Block 108
`of Fig. 4A
`
`
` Execute Logic
`
`of Block 138
`of Fig. 4B
`
`
`
`Execute Logic
`
`
`Satellite
`of Block 168
`Receiver
`
`
`
`of Fig. 4C
`7
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Page 940 of 1457
`
`Page 940 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`19/29
`
`408
`
`402
`
`
`FIG. 73
`
`Page 941 of 1457
`
`Page 941 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`20/29
`
`515
`
`
`”N
`
`\
`
`xxxIIIIIII|::|I||4II||1IIIIIIIIIIIuux
`\_\
`
`_l___——._...._..
`
`550
`
`._-\
`
`_-______________________”_-_____,¢5--,
`
`\—r———
`
`035
`
`2
`
`FIG. 8A
`
`515
`
`
`
`Page 942 of 1457
`
`Page 942 of 1457
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`21/29
`
`500
`
`
`
`
`
`Docking Station
`
`
`Audio Device
`
`520
`5.
`
`
`
`540
`
`
`
`To Car Stereo
`
`FIG. 9
`
`
`
`620
`
`Control Panel
`Buttons
`
`625
`
`Control
`Circuitry
`
`630
`
`
` Car Stereo I Car Video System
` 615
`
`
`
`
`
`--------------
`
`635
`
`After—market
`Device
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Page 943 of 1457
`
`Page 943 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`22/29
`
`650
`
`660
`
`System
`
`665
`
`
`Car Stereo /
`Video
`
` Control
`
`
`Panel
`Buttons
`
`
`
`
`
`Cellular
`
`
`
`
`
`Telephone
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`Page 944 of 1457
`
`Page 944 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/U82006/008043
`
`23/29
`
`651
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`Power-up
`
`
`
`649
`Car
`
`
`Radio on
`7
`
`
`
`
`Radio
`
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Wait for
`Operation instruction
`
`
`from Radio
`
`Connect Audio
`Channels of Cell
`Phone to Radio
`
`659
`
`Update Display
`of Radio with Data
`
`
`
`Continuously
`Transmit Device
`
`
`
`Presence Signal
`
`from Cell Phone
`
`
`to Format
`'
`
`
` Convert Instruction
`
`Transmit Formatted
`.
`
`
`
`Instruction to Cell
`
`R%3§?B'§§geby Phone and Execute
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 945 of 1457
`
`Page 945 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/U82006/008043
`
`24/29
`
`680
`
`
`Car Video
`System
`
`
`
` 690
`
`695
`
`
`
`
`After-market
`Video
`Device
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 12A
`
`Page 946 of 1457
`
`Page 946 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`25/29
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`
`System
`in Responsive
`
`State
`
`
`
`Continuously
`
`
`Transmit Device
`Presence Signal
`
`
`
` Wait for
`
`
`
`Operation Instruction
`from Radio
`
`
`
`674
`
`
`
`Standby Mode:
`Wait for
`Power—up
`
`
`
`
`Connect Audio and
`Video Channels of
`
`
`After-market Device
`to Car Video System
`
`
`
`
`684
`
`
`Update Display(s)
`
`of Car Video System
`with Data from
`
`After-market Device
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`693
`
`
`
`Transmit Formatted
`Convert Instruction to
`Instruction to
`Format Recognized
`
`
`
`After—market Device
`by After-market
`
`
`
`for Execution
`Device
`
`
`Page 947 of 1457
`
`Page 947 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/USZOO6/008043
`
`26/29
`
`705
`
`Car Stereo / Video System
`
`Data
`Bus
`
`
`Audio
`Bus
`
`Video
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Configuration
`Interface
`Jumpers
`
`720
`715
`
`
`
`
`
`Protocol
`
`Conversion
`Software
`Blocks
`
`707
`
`git:
`
`.
`
`ABUSSO
`
`After—market Device
`
`Bus
`
`
`
`FI.G 13A
`
`Harness Type "A"
`(e.g., BMW)
`
`727
`
`
`
`
`
`
`729
`
`I
`
`‘~
`
`
`
`Protocol Conversion
`Software Blocks
`(Memory)
`
`
`
`728
`
`Harness Type "B"
`(e.9., Sony)
`
`FIG. 133
`
`Page 948 of 1457
`
`Page 948 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/U82006/008043
`
`730-\
`
`735
`
`27/29
`
`Memory
`
`Determine Device
`
`
`
`
`Conversion Block # 1
`
`Conversion Block # 2
`
`725,729
`
`Types
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Load Protocol
`Conversion
`Software Block
`
`Convert instructions
`Using Conversion
`Software
`
`
`
`Conversion Block # n
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Car Stereo I Video System
`
`
`
`Enter Interface
`
`
`Selection Mode
`
`
`
`
`Select Protocol
`Conversion
`Software for
`Last Viewed Device
`
`
`
`
`Logical Address
`
`790
`
`805
`
`
`
`Specified
`?
`
`Convert
`instructions
`
`
`
`Select Protocol
`
`Conversion SoftWare
`
`for Specified Device
`
`
`
`800
`
`Map Protocol to
`
`
`
`FIG. 15
`
`Page 949 of 1457
`
`Page 949 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2006/094281
`
`PCT/U82006/008043
`
`28/29
`
`812
`
`Provide List of
`
`Alphanumeric
`
`824
`
`Specify Additional
`Desired Character
`
`
`
`
`Query
`
`
`Remote
`Database
`
`
`Retrieve List
`
`of Potential
`Matches
`
`
`Characters
`
`814
`
`816
`
`818
`
`Specify
`Desired
`Character
`
`Query
`Remote
`Database
`
`Retrieve List
`
`of Potential
`
`Matches
`
`
`
`Retrieve
`and
`Play Song
`
`Yes
`
`FIG. 16
`
`Page 950 of 1457
`
`_
`
`_
`
`Kigali?
`
`7
`
`
`
`
`
`Visible
`Max.
`mate“
`Threshold
`?
`?
`
`820
`
`
`822
`
`Page 950 of 1457
`
`
`
`W0 2006/09428 1
`
`PCT/US2006/008043
`
`29/29
`
`850
`
`'\
`
`To Car Stereo or
`Video System
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-ntegration.lectronics
`
`Video
`
`‘::8‘
`62D'9't?"
`am:
`
`‘:::‘
`
`Auxiliary
`
`Satellite
`
`Cellular
`
`FIG. 17
`
`Page 951 of 1457
`
`Page 951 of 1457
`
`
`
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`24 June 2004 (24.06.2004)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2004/053722 A1
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`H04B 1/00, 3/00
`
`G061“ 17/00,
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`PCT/USZOO3/039493
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`11 December 2003 (11.12.2003)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`.
`.
`(30) Priority Data:
`10/316,961
`60/523,714
`10/732,909
`
`11 Deceuiber 2002 (11.12.2002)
`20 November 2003 (20.11.2003)
`10 December 2003 (10.12.2003)
`
`US
`US
`US
`
`INC.
`BLITZSAFE OF AMERICA,
`(71) Applicant:
`[US/US]; 33 Honeck Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, Lv, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, MZ, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SC,
`SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA,
`UG, UZ, VC, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW),
`,
`Eiuramn Patent (AM: AZ: BY: KG5 K25 MD5 RU: TJ5 TM}
`humpean Patent (A15 3'35 305 CH5 9Y5 945 Dh5 DK5 hh5
`ES’ F17 FR GB’ GR’ HU’ IE’ IT’ LU’ MC" NL’ PT’ Ro,
`SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM,
`GA, GN, GQ, Gw, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`
`
`W02004/053722A1||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l
`
`Published:
`(Us)
`(72) Inventor: MARLow, Ira; 6403 Hilltop Court, Fort Lee, — with international search report
`NJ 07024 (US).
`— before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of
`amendments
`
`(74) Agent: FRISCIA, lVIichacl, R.; Wolff& Samson, PC, One
`Boland Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052 (US).
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: AUDIO DEVICE INTEGRATION SYSTEM
`
`10
`
`l
`:
`
`CONTROL V12
`HEAD
`:
`
`L _____‘— _ - _ _ J
`............... .l
`
`..
`
`CD
`PLAYER
`
`INTERFACE
`
`
`SATELLITE
`RADIO/
`DAB RECEIVER
`
`25
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AUXILIARY
`MP3
`
`
`AUXILIARY
`
`INPUT #n
`INPUT #1
`PLAYER
`
`
`
`
`(57) Abstract: An audio device integration system is provided. One or more after—market audio devices, such as a CD player (15),
`CD changer, MP3 player (30), satellite receiver (25), DAB receiver (25), or the like, is integrated for use with an existing OEM or
`after—market car stereo system, wherein control commands can be issued at the car stereo (10) and responsive data from the audio
`device (15, 25, 30) can be displayed on the stereo. Control commands generated at the car stereo (10) are received, processed, con—
`verted into a format recognizable by the audio device (15, 25, 30), and dispatched to the audio device (15, 25, 30) for execution.
`Information from the audio device (15, 25, 30), including track, disc, song, station, time, and other information, is received, pro—
`cessed, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo, and dispatched to the car stereo (10) for display thereon.
`
`Page 952 of 1457
`
`Page 952 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722 A1
`
`|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`For two—letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the ”Guid—
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations ” appearing at the begin—
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`Page 953 of 1457
`
`Page 953 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`AUDIO DEVICE INTEGRATION SYSTEM
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`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.
`
`RELATED ART
`
`Automobile audio systems have continued to advance in complexity and the
`
`number of options available to automobile purchasers. Early audio systems offered a
`
`simple AM and/or FM tuner, and perhaps an analog tape deck for allowing cassettes,
`
`8-tracks, and other types of tapes to be played while driving. Such early systems were
`
`closed, in that external devices could not be easily integrated therewith.
`
`With advances in digital technology, CD players have been included with
`
`automobile audio systems. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often produce
`
`car stereos having CD 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 frequently forced to either entirely replace the OEM audio system, or
`
`use same throughout the life of the vehicle or the duration of ownership. Even if the
`
`OEM radio is replaced with an after-market radio,
`
`the after—market radio also
`
`frequently is not operable with an external device.
`
`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
`
`Page 954 of 1457
`
`Page 954 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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 systems.
`
`It known in the art to provide one or more expansion modules for OEM and
`
`after—market car stereos for allowing external audio products to be integrated with the
`
`car stereo. However, such expansion modules only operate with and allow integration
`
`of external audio products manufactured by the same manufacturer as the OEM / after—
`
`market car stereo. For example, a satellite receiver manufactured by PIONEER, Inc.,
`
`cannot be integrated with an OEM car radio manufactured by TOYOTA or an after—
`
`market car radio manufactured by CLARION, Inc. Thus, existing expansion modules
`
`only serve the limited purpose of integrating equipment by the same manufacturer as
`
`the car stereo. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an integration system that allows
`
`any audio device of any manufacture to be integrated with any OEM or after-market
`radio system.
`
`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 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 integration system that allows a user to
`
`control more than one device, such as a CD or satellite receiver and one or more
`
`auxiliary sources, and to quickly and conveniently switch between same using the
`
`existing controls of the car stereo.
`
`Accordingly,
`
`the present invention addresses these needs by providing an
`
`audio integration system that allows a plurality of audio devices, such as CD players,
`
`CD changers, MP3 players, satellite receivers, DAB receivers, auxiliary input sources,
`
`Page 955 of 1457
`
`Page 955 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`or a combination thereof, to be integrated into existing car stereos While allowing
`
`information to be displayed on, and control to be provided from, the car stereo.
`
`Page 956 of 1457
`
`Page 956 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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,
`
`IVIP3 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 connector. 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
`
`connected to the present invention. The information can be presented as one or more
`
`menus, textual, or graphical prompts for display on an LCD display of the radio,
`
`allowing interaction with the user at the radio. A docking port is provided for
`
`allowing portable external 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 of the car stereo. The invention can automatically
`
`detect the type of device connected to the auxiliary input, and integrate same with the
`car stereo.
`
`In another embodiment of the present invention, an interface is provided for
`
`integrating a plurality of auxiliary input sources with an existing car stereo system. A
`
`Page 957 of 1457
`
`Page 957 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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
`
`sources using the car stereo. Devices connected to the auxiliary input sources are
`
`inter-operable with the car stereo, and are capable of exchanging commands and data
`
`via the interface.
`
`Page 958 of 1457
`
`Page 958 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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 integration system of the
`
`present invention.
`
`FIG. 2a is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment 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 embodiment 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 embodiment 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 embodiment 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 embodiment 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 embodiment of the present
`
`invention, wherein a satellite or DAB receiver and a plurality of auxiliary input source
`
`are integrated with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2g is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present
`
`invention, wherein a MP3 player and a plurality of auxiliary input sources are
`
`integrated with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2h is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present
`
`invention, wherein a plurality of auxiliary interfaces and an audio device are integrated
`
`with a car stereo.
`
`FIG. 3a is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present
`
`invention for integrating a CD player or an auxiliary input source with a car radio.
`
`Page 959 of 1457
`
`Page 959 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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.
`
`FIG. 4b is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present
`
`invention for integrating a MP3 player with a car radio.
`
`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.
`
`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. 41' is 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 according to the present
`
`invention for retaining an audio device within a car.
`
`Page 960 of 1457
`
`Page 960 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`8
`
`FIG. 7b is an end View of the docking station of FIG. 73.
`
`FIGS. 8a—8b are perspective views of another embodiment of the docking
`
`station of the present invention, which includes the audio device integration system of
`
`the present invention incorporated therewith.
`
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the components of the docking station of
`FIGS. 8a—8b.
`
`Page 961 of 1457
`
`Page 961 of 1457
`
`
`
`WO 2004/053722
`
`PCT/US2003/039493
`
`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,
`
`l\/IP3 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 of the audio device is enabled using the car radio, and information from the
`
`audio device, such as channel, artist, track, time, and song information, is retrieved
`
`form the audio device, processed, and forwarded to the car radio for display thereon.
`
`The information channeled to the car radio can include video from the external device,
`
`as well as graphical and menu-based information. A user can review and interact with
`
`information via the car stereo. Commands from the car radio are received, processed
`
`by the present
`
`invention into a format recognizable by the audio device, and
`
`transmitted thereto for execution. One or more auxiliary input channels can be
`
`integrated by the present invention with the car radio. The user can switch between
`
`one or more audio devices and one or more auxiliary input channels using the control
`
`panel buttons of the car radio.
`
`As used herein, the term “integration” or “integrated” is intended to mean
`
`connecting one or more external devices or inputs to an existing car radio or stereo via
`
`an interface, processing and handling signals and audio channels, allowing a user to
`
`control the devices via the car stereo, and displaying data from the devices on the
`
`radio. Thus, for example, integration of a CD player with a car stereo system allows
`
`for the CD player to be remotely controlled via the control panel of the stereo system,
`
`and data from the CD player to be sent to the display of the stereo. Of course, control
`
`of audio devices can be provided at locations other than the control panel of the radio
`
`Without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, as used
`
`herein, the term “inter—operable” is intended to mean allowing the external audio
`
`device to receive and process commands that have been formatted by the interface of
`
`the present invention, as well as allowing a car stereo to display information that is
`
`generated by the external audio device and processed by the present
`
`invention.
`
`Additionally, by the term “inter-op