SE dey, a dey Bou. Boar’
`Cb
`gf ba 2 we
`
`
`,4 if
`
`pp
`
`Docket No.
`9809/1
`
`
`Total Pagesin this Submissiep
`86
`
`:
`
`;
`
`te
`m%
`-
`eh -
`ae
`2
`
`invention entitled:
`udio Device Integration System
`
`
`
`and invented by:
`Ira Marlowe
`
`
`
`If a CONTINUATION APPLICATION, check appropriate box and supply the requisite information:
`
`C} Continuation
`Whichis a:
`
`C} Continuation
`Whichis a:
`
`(© Divisional
`
`() Continuation-in-part (CIP) of prior application No.:
`
`(©) Divisional
`
`() Continuation-in-part (CIP) of prior application No.:
`
`{[) Continuation
`
`() Divisional
`
`OO) Continuation-in-part (CIP) of prior application No.:
`
`Enclosed are:
`
`1.
`
`() Filing fee as calculated and transmitted as described below
`
`Application Elements
`
`2. & Specification having
`
`56
`
`pages and including the following:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`Descriptive Title of the {Invention
`
`(J Cross References to Related Applications (if applicable)
`
`c. LJ
`
`Statement Regarding Federally-sponsored Research/Development(if applicable)
`
`d. C1 Reference to Sequence Listing, a Table, or a Computer Program Listing-Appendix
`
`e. @ Background of the Invention
`
`f. &} Brief Summary of the Invention
`
`g. & Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed)
`
`h. & Detailed Description
`
`w Claim(s) as Classified Below
`
`bg Abstract of the Disclosure
`
`Daimler Exhibit 1002
`
`Page 1 of 1457
`
`Page 1 of 4
`
`PO1USMUREVO06
`
`1
`
`oot
`
`2
`
`J2— 12-Ou
`*” Express Mail Label No. £1L548971255US
`ay
`Pp
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`2
`Small Entit
`a
`( .
`ae y)
`ma
`nt
`c
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 71.53(b))
`wn
`
`%,
`
`COT/eT
`
`TO THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`w4o
`
`
`Transmitted herewith forfiling under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) and 37 C.F.R. 1.53(b) is a new utility patent application for ang
`
`Page 1 of 1457
`
`Daimler Exhibit 1002
`
`

`

`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(Small Entity)
`
`
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`
`
`
`3. 2 Drawing(s) (when necessary as prescribed by 35 USC 113)
`
`Application Elements (Continued)
`
`Docket No.
`9809/1
`
`
`86
`
`
`
`
`[7otal Pages inthis Submission
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`a. (J
`
`Formal
`
`Numberof Sheets
`
`b. Informal
`
`Number of Sheets
`
`24
`
`4.
`
`() Oath or Declaration
`
`
`
`{} Unexecuted
`(1) Newly executed (original or copy)
`a.
`b. O Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d)) (for continuation/divisional application only)
`c. LJ With Powerof Attorney
`(©) Without Power of Attorney
`
`d. (J DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s) namedin the prior application,
`see 37 C.F.R. 1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`5.
`
`[]}
`
`Incorporation By Reference (usable if Box 4b is checked)
`The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which a copy of the oath or declaration is supplied
`under Box 4b, is considered as being part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby
`
`CD ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or Computer Program (Appendix)
`
`7.
`
`Application Data Sheet (See 37 CFR 1.76)
`
`S
`
`{J
`
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`
`i. () CD-ROM or CD-R(2 copies); or
`
`ij C2
`
`Paper
`
`incorporated by referencetherein.
`
`
`Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission (if applicable, all must be included)
` -. (J Computer Readable Form (CFR)
`
`
`
`
`. LJ
`Statement(s) Verifying Identical Paper and Computer Readable Copy
`
`37 CFR 3.73(B) Statement (when there is an assignee)
`
`English Translation Document(if applicable)
`
`information Disclosure Statement/PTO-1449
`
`L} Copies of IDS Citations
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503) (Should be specifically itemized)
`
`Certified Copy of Priority Document(s) (if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`First Class
`
`Express Mail (Specify Label No.): ELS48971255US
`
`
`
`
`16.
`
`bd
`
`
`
`
`Page 2 of 4
`
`POIUSML/REVO8
`
` Accompanying Application Parts Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`CROOcCOCOO
`Certificate of Mailing C1)
`
`Page 2 of 1457
`
`Page 2 of 1457
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`(Small Entity)
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`Accompanying Application Parts (Continued)
`
`Docket No.
`9809/1
`
`
`
`Total Pages in this Submission
`86
`
`17.
`
`Applicant claims smail entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27.
`O1
`(Optional) Small Entity Statement(s) - Specify Number of Statements Submitted:
`
`18. ( Additional Enclosures (please identify below):
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Request That Application Not Be Published Pursuant To 35 U.S.C. 122(b){2)
`
`
`19. ( Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2), Applicant hereby requests that this patent application not be
`published pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(1). Applicant hereby certifies that the invention disclosed
`
`
`in this application has not and will not be the subject of an application filed in another country, or
`
`
`under a multilateral international agreement, that requires publication of applications 18 months
`afterfiling of the application.
`
`
`Warning
`
`An applicant who makes a request not to publish, but who subsequently files in a foreign
`country or under a multilateral
`international agreement
`specified in
`35 U.S.C.
`122(b)(2)(B)(i), must notify the Director of suchfiling not later than 45 daysafter the date of
`
`the filing of such foreign or international application. A failure of the applicant to provide
`such notice within the prescribed period shall result in the application being regarded as
`
`abandoned, unless it
`is shown (to the satisfaction of the Director that
`the delay in
`submitting the notice was unintentional.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 3 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 3 of 4
`
`PO1USML/REVOS
`
`Page 3 of 1457
`
`

`

`
`9809/1
`|
`UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`|
`Docket No.
`
`(Small Entity)
` Total Pages in this Submission
`
`
`(Only for new nonprovisionalapplications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`86
`
`
`
`ach .
`ag/tt/e
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Fee Calculation and Transmittal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CLAIMS AS FILED
` For
`
`#Filed
`#Allowed
`#Extra
`Fee
`
`Total Claims
`54
`-20 =
`34
`x
`$9.00
`|
`$306.00
`
`
`Indep. Claims
`$84.00
`5
`-35
`2
`x
`$42.00
`
`
`
`
`
`$0.00
`Multiple Dependent Claims (check if applicable) (
`
`
`$370.00
`BASIC FEE |
`
`
`
`
` | $0.00
`OTHERFEE(specify purpose)
`
`|
`$760.00
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to coverthefiling fee is enclosed.
`CJ A check in the amount of
`(J The Commissioneris hereby authorized to charge and credit Deposit Account No.
`
`as described below. A duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
`Charge the amount of
`asfiling fee.
`Credit any overpayment.
`Charge any additionalfiling fees required under 37 C.F.R. 1.16 and 1.17.
`Chargethe issue fee set in 37 C.F.R. 1.18 at the mailing of the Notice of Allowance,
`pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.311(b).
`
`Oooo
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Michael R.Friscia
`
`
`Registration No. 33,884
`Wolff & Samson
`5 Becker Farm Road
`
`
`Roseland, NJ 07068-1776
`Tel: (973) 533-6599
`Fax: (973) 436-4499
`
`
`Page 4 of 4
`POIUSMUREVO6
`
`Dated:
`
`|v (| ily
`
`
`Signature
`
`Page 4 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 4 of 1457
`
`

`

`*
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Box: Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`Ourfile:
`Applicant:
`Serial No.:
`Filing Date:
`Title:
`
`Re:
`
`Sir
`
`9809/1
`Ira Marlowe
`
`Audio Device Integration System
`
`Enclosed for filing in the United States Patent and Trademark Office is the following:
`
`ARwYN>
`
`Patent Application (56 pages)
`Utility Patent Application Transmittal
`Informal Drawings (FIG. 1-7), 24 pages
`Transmittal Sheet
`Postcard Receipt
`
`CONDITIONAL PETITION
`If any extension of time is required for the submission of the above-identified items,
`Applicant requests that this be considered a petition therefor. Please charge any additional
`charges or any other chargesrelating to this matter to deposit account of the writer, Account No.
`06-2143. A duplicate copy of this letter is enclosed.
`
`[2] 02
`
`Hy submitted, cia
`
`Mi
`
`Date
`
`enc.
`
`Registration‘No. 33,884
`Wolff & Samson
`5 Becker Farm Road
`Roseland, NJ 07068-1776
`Tel: (973) 533-6599
`Fax: (973) 436-4499
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal
`
`Service, postage prepaid,
`as “Express Mail Post Office to Adflressee,” Mailing Label No.
`EL548971255US to Hox:;Patent Application, Assistant Commidsidnerffor Patents, Washington,
`
`D.C. 20231 on
`
`
`
`
`
`
`. Friscia
`
`Page 5 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 5 of 1457
`
`

`

`Express‘ Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`3 ~
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`INVENTOR:
`
`IRA MARLOWE
`
`TITLE:
`
`AUDIO DEVICE INTEGRATION SYSTEM
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`10
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration system. More specifically,
`
`15
`
`the present invention relates to an audio device integration system for integrating after-market
`
`components such assatellite 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.
`
`20
`
`RELATED ART
`Automobile audio systems have continued to advance in complexity and the number of
`options available to automobile purchascrs. 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
`
`25
`
`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 stercos having CD
`
`players and/or changers for allowing CDs to be played while driving. However, such systems
`
`Page 6 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 6 of 1457
`
`

`

`Express Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`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 throughoutthe life of the vehicle or the duration of ownership. Even if the
`
`OEMradio 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 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.
`
`15
`
`It knowninthe art to provide one or more expansion modules for OEM andafter-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
`
`20
`
`satellite receiver manufactured by PIONEER,Inc., cannot be integrated with an OEM carradio
`
`manufactured by TOYOTAoran 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, il would be desirable to provide an integration system that
`
`Page 7 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 7 of 1457
`
`

`

`‘Express Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`
`
`allows any audio device of any manufacture to be integrated with any OEM orafter-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 oraftler-market stereo system,
`
`but also allows for information to be exchanged between the after-market device and the car
`
`stcrco. For cxample, it would be desirable to provide a system wherein station, track, time, and
`
`song information can be retricved 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 orsatellite receiver and one or more auxiliary sources, and to quickly
`
`iS
`
`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, or a combination
`
`20
`
`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 8 of 1457
`
`Page 8 of 1457
`
`

`

`Express*Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration system. One or more after-
`
`market audio devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver (e.g., XM
`
`tuner), digital audio broadcast (DAB)receiver, or auxiliary input source, can be connected to and
`
`operate with an existing stereo system in an automobile, such as an OEM carstereo 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 inputport, a
`
`satellite input, or other known type of conncction. 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 informationrelating
`to a CD or MP3track being played, channel, song, andartist information fromasatellite 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
`
`20
`
`radio. A docking port is provided for allowing portable external audio devices to be connected
`
`to the interface of the present invention.
`
`Page 9 of 1457
`
`Page 9 of 1457
`
`

`

`
`
`Express*Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`In an embodimentofthe 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 embodimentof the present invention, an interface is provided for integrating a
`
`plurality of auxiliary inpul sources with an existing car stereo system. A user can select between
`
`the auxiliary sources using the control panel of the car stereo. One or more after-market audio
`
`10
`
`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
`
`commandsand data via the interface.
`
`Page 10 of 1457
`
`Page 10 of 1457
`
`

`

`*
`
`“ExpressMail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`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
`
`10
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a CD playeris 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 playeris integrated with a car radio.
`
`FIG. 2¢ is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the audio device
`
`integration system of the present invention, wherein a satellite or DAB receiveris 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.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`lore OReCNy
`
`Page 11 of 1457
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Express*Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`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. 2¢ is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`wherein a MP3 playerand a plurality of auxiliary input sources are integrated with a carradio.
`
`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 carstereo.
`
`15
`
`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 carradio.
`
`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
`
`20
`
`player and the auxiliary input are switchable bya 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 carradio.
`
`Page 12 of 1457
`
`Page 12 of 1457
`
`

`

`é
`
`.
`
`.
`
`-
`
`Pe
`
`2
`
`‘Express: Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`FIG. 3d is a circuit diagram showing a device according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a satellite or DAB receiver with a carradio.
`
`FIG. 4a is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a CD player with a carradio.
`
`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 carradio.
`
`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.
`
`20
`
`FIG. 4f is a flowchart showing processing logic according to the present invention for
`
`integrating a satellite or DAB receiver and one or moreauxiliary input sources with a car radio.
`
`Page 13 of 1457 |
`
`Page 13 of 1457
`
`

`

`Express’ Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`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
`
`10
`
`invention.
`
`FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a docking station according to the present invention for
`
`retaining an audio device withinacar.
`
`15
`
`FIG.7b is an end view of the docking station of FIG. 7a.
`
`Page 14 of 1457
`
`Page 14 of 1457
`
`

`

`‘Express Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an audio device integration system. One or more after-
`
`market audio devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver, digital
`
`audio broadcast (DAB)receiver, or the like, can be integrated with an existing car radio, such as
`
`an OEM carstereo 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 number, channel name,artist,
`
`track, time, and song information,is retrieved form the audio device, processed, and forwarded
`
`to the car radio for display thereon. The information channeledto the car radio can include video
`
`from the external device, as well as graphical and menu-based information. A user can review
`
`10
`
`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 buttonsofthe carradio.
`
`15.
`
`As used herein, the term “integration” or “integrated” is intended to mean connccting 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
`
`20
`
`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 ofthe
`
`radio without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, as used herein,
`
`10
`
`Page 15 of 1457
`
`Page 15 of 1457
`
`

`

`‘Express Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`the term “inter-operable” is intended to mean allowing the external audio device to receive and
`process commandsthat 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-operable,” it is meant
`
`allowing a device that is alien to the environment of an existing OEM orafter-market car stereo
`
`to be utilized thereby.
`
`Also, as used herein, the terms “car stereo” and “car radio” are uscd interchangeably and
`
`are intended to includeall presently existing car stereos and radios, such as physical devices that
`
`are present at any location within a vehicle,
`
`in addition to software and/or graphically- or
`
`display-driven receivers. An example of such a receiver is a software-driven receiver that
`
`operates on a universal LCD panel within a vehicle and is operable by a user via a graphical user
`
`interface displayed on the universal LCD panel.
`
`Further, any future receiver, whether a
`
`hardwired or a software/graphical receiver operable on one or more displays,
`
`is considered
`
`15
`
`within the definition of the terms “car stereo” and “car radio,”’ as used herein, and is within the
`
`spirit and scope of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the audio device integration (or interface) system of
`
`the present invention, generally indicated at 20. A plurality of devices and auxiliary inputs can
`
`20
`
`be connected to the interface 20, and integrated with an OEM orafter-market car radio 10. A
`
`CD player or changer 15 can be integrated with the radio 10 via interface 20. A satellite radio or
`
`DABreceiver 25, such as an XM radiosatellite receiver or DAB receiver knownin theart, could
`
`be integrated with the radio 10, via the interface 20. Further, an MP3 player could also be
`
`11
`
`Page 16 yeeSy
`
`Page 16 of 1457
`
`

`

`€xpress‘Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`integrated with the radio 10 via interface 20. Moreover, a plurality of auxiliary input sources,
`
`illustratively indicated as auxiliary input sources 35 (comprising input sources 1 through n, n
`
`being any number), could also be integrated with the car radio 10 via interface 20. Optionally, a
`
`control head 12, such as that commonly used with after-market CD changers and other similar
`
`5
`
`devices, could be integrated with the car radio 10 via interface 20, for controlling any of the car
`
`radio 10, CD player/changer 15, satellite/DAB receiver 25, MP3player 30, and auxiliary input
`
`sources 35. Thus, as can bereadily appreciated, the interface 20 of the present invention allows
`
`for the integration of a multitude of devices and inputs with an OEMorafter-market car radio or
`
`stereo.
`
`10
`
`FIG. 2a is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the audio device interface
`
`system of the present invention, wherein a CD player/changer 15 is integrated with an OEM or
`
`after-market car radio 10. The CD player 15 is electrically connected with the interface 20, and
`
`exchanges data and audio signals therewith. The interface 20 is electrically connected with the
`
`15s.
`
`car radio 10, and exchanges data and audio signals therewith. Ina preferred embodimentof the
`
`present
`
`invention,
`
`the car
`
`radio 10 includes a display 13 (such as an alphanumeric,
`
`electroluminescent display) for displaying information, and a plurality of control panel buttons
`
`14 that normally operate to control the radio 10. The interface 20 allows the CD player 15 to be
`controlled by the control buttons 14 ofthe radio 10. Further, the interface 20 allows information
`from the CD player 15, such astrack, disc, time, and song information,to be retrieved therefrom,
`
`20
`
`processed and formatted by the interface 20, sent to the display 13 of the radio 10.
`
`12
`
`- Page 17 of 1457
`
`Page 17 of 1457
`
`

`

`ote ee gg hae ge wd
`HoH,
`wath Bake
`FOE Sty ie yo Pee,
`#
`
`*
`
`dowe?
`HOY
`
`at
`aaa
`"HOY
`#
`
`L
`
`. Express‘Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`fe
`
`Importantly, the interface 20 allows for the remotc control of the CD player 15 from the
`
`radio 10 (e.g., the CD player 15 could be located in the trunk of a car, while the radio 10 is
`
`mounted on the dashboard of the car). Thus, for example, one or more discs stored within the
`
`CD player 15 can be remotely selected by a user from the radio 10, and tracks on one or more of
`the discs can be selected therefrom. Moreover, standard CD operational commands, such as
`
`5
`
`track forward, and track reverse (among other
`rewind,
`forward,
`fast
`pause, play, stop,
`commands) can be remotely entered at the control panel buttons 14 of the radio 10 for remotely
`
`controlling the CD player 15.
`
`10
`
`FIG. 2b is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`wherein an MP3 player 30 is integrated with an OEM or after-market car radio 10 via interface
`
`20. As mentioned earlier, the interface 20 of the present invention allows for a plurality of
`
`disparate audio devices to be integrated with an existing car radio for use therewith. Thus, as
`
`shown in FIG. 2b, remote control of the MP3 player 30 via radio 10 is provided for via interface
`
`15
`
`20. The MP3 player 30 is electronically interconnected with the interface 20, which itself is
`
`electrically interconnected with the car radio 10. The interface 20 allows data and audio signals
`
`to be exchanged between the MP3 player 30 and the car radio 10, and processes and formats
`
`signals accordingly so that instructions and data from the radio 10 are processable by the MP3
`
`player 30, and vice versa. Operational commands, such as track selection, pause, play, stop, fast
`
`20
`
`forward, rewind, and other commands, are entered via the control panel buttons 14 of car radio
`
`10, processed by the interface 20, and formatted for execution by the MP3 player 30. Data from
`
`the MP3 player, such as track, time, and song information, is received by the interface 20,
`
`13
`
`et hom ew
`
`
`
`Page 18 of 1457
`
`

`

`*-xpress Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`processed thereby, and sent to the radio 10 for display on display 13. Audio from the MP3
`player 30 is selectively forwarded by the interface 20 to the radio 10 for playing.
`
`FIG. 2c is a block diagram showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
`
`wherein a satellite receiver or DAB receiver 25 is integrated with an OEM or after-market car
`
`radio 10 via the interface 20. Satellite(DAB receiver 25 can be any satellite radio receiver
`
`known in the art, such as XM or Sirius, or any DAB receiver known in the art.
`
`The
`
`satellite/DAB receiver 25 is electrically interconnected with the interface 20, which itself is
`
`electrically interconnected with thé car radio 10. The satellite/DAB receiver 25 is remotely
`
`10
`
`operable by the control panel buttons 14 of the radio 10. Commands from the radio 10 are
`
`received by the interface 20, processed and formatted thereby, and dispatched to the
`
`satellite/DAB receiver 25 for execution thereby. Information from the satellite/DAB receiver 25,
`
`including time, station, and song information,
`
`is received by the interface 20, processed, and
`
`transmitted to the radio 10 for display on display 13. Further, audio from the satellite/DAB
`
`receiver 25 is selectively forwarded bytheinterface 20 for playing by the radio 10.
`
`FIG. 2d is a block diagram showing an alternate embodimentof the present invention,
`
`wherein one or more auxiliary input sources 35 are integrated with an OEM or after-market car
`radio 10. The auxiliary inputs 35 can be connectedto analog sources,or can bedigitally coupled
`
`20
`
`with one or more audio devices, such as after-market CD players, CD changers, MP3 players,
`
`satellite receivers, DAB receivers, and the like, and integrated with an existing car sterco.
`
`Preferably, four auxiliary input sources are connectable with the interface 20, but any number of
`
`auxiliary input sources could be included. Audio from the auxiliary input sources 35 is
`
`Page 19 of 1457
`
`
`
`Page 19 of 1457
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`‘Express’ Mail Label No.: EL548971255US
`
`selectively forwarded to the radio 10 under commandof the user. As will be discussed herein in
`
`greater detail, a user can select a desired input source from the auxiliary input sources 35 by
`
`depressing one or moreofthe control panel buttons14 ofthe radio 10. Theinterface 20 receives
`
`the commandinitiated from the control panel, processes same, and connects the corresponding
`
`input source from the auxiliary input sources 35 to allow audio therefrom to be forwardedto the
`
`radio 10 for playing. Further, the interface 20 determines the type of audio devices connected to
`
`the auxiliary input ports 35, and integrates same with the car sterco 10.
`
`As mentioned previously,
`
`the present
`
`invention allows one or more external audio
`
`10
`
`devices to be integrated with an existing OEM orafter-market car stereo, along with one or more
`
`auxiliary input sources, and the user can select between these sources using the controls of the
`
`car stereo. Such “dual input” capability allows operation with devices connected to either of the
`
`inputs of the device, or both.
`
`Importantly, the device can operate in “plug and play” mode,
`
`wherein any device connected to one of the inputs is automatically detected by the present
`
`15
`
`invention, its device type determined, and the device automatically integrated with an existing
`
`OEMorafter-market car stereo. Thus, the prescnt invention is not dependent any specific device
`
`type to be connected therewith to operate. For example, a user can first purchase a CD changer,
`
`plug same