Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080242147 | Headset with data connector - This application is directed to a headset having an integrated data connector (e.g., a USB female connector). The headset may include an electronic device interfacing portion that may include a USB male connector and a 3.5 mm jack for engaging an electronic device. The headset may also include an acoustic portion that may include at least acoustic element (e.g., speaker) and a USB female connector. To connect the electronic device to a host device (e.g., to transfer music files or recharge the electronic device's battery), the USB connector of the electronic device interfacing portion can engage the host device. To provide audio to a user, the USB connector of the acoustic portion can engage the electronic device interfacing portion, which provides a path from the electronic device to the acoustic element for audio signals. This approach allows a user to use a single cable for connecting the electronic device to both the host device and the acoustic element. | 10-02-2008 |
20090006700 | CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006701 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSFERRING STATUS INFORMATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 01-01-2009 |
20090013096 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSFERRING INFORMATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 01-08-2009 |
20090013110 | CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ENABLING DATA COMMUNICATION WITH A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 01-08-2009 |
20090013253 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VIDEO SELECTION AND PLAYBACK IN A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A method and system in accordance with the present invention allows an accessory to control settings of a portable media player when providing video to an accessory, to control playback of the portable media player and to provide for navigation between video tracks in a hierarchical fashion. In so doing, a portable media player can then utilize this information to provide for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the portable media player. | 01-08-2009 |
20090125134 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ACCESSORY HAVING A TUNER - A method, system, and connector interface for controlling an accessory. The method includes obtaining, by a portable media player, tuning information from the accessory; and controlling, by the portable media player, the accessory based on the tuning information. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the portable media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands utilized in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the portable media player. | 05-14-2009 |
20090132076 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING A MEDIA PLAYER TO DETERMINE IF IT SUPPORTS THE CAPABILITIES OF AN ACCESSORY - A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player. | 05-21-2009 |
20090189460 | PORTABLE POWER SOURCE TO PROVIDE POWER TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIA AN INTERFACE - A portable power source is configured for use with an electronic device. The portable power source cooperates and communicates with the electronic device via a peripheral bus to which the electronic device is attachable. The portable power source includes circuitry to process a power request signal from the electronic device to determine whether a device connected to a bus interface of the portable power source is requesting power from the portable power source. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198361 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE LINGOES - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-06-2009 |
20090204244 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204738 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-13-2009 |
20090210079 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY USING A PROTOCOL WITH MULTIPLE LINGOES - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-20-2009 |
20090249101 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING POWER PROVIDED TO AN ACCESSORY - A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player. | 10-01-2009 |
20090287067 | INTEGRATED SENSORS FOR TRACKING PERFORMANCE METRICS - Electronic devices and accessories having integrated sensors for tracking a user's performance metrics are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention can include a headset having integrated physiological sensors. The present invention also can include a sling having one or more integrated physiological sensors. The sling can secure a portable electronic device to a user's body or clothing. The present invention also can include a portable media device having one or more integrated physiological sensors. In one embodiment, an electronic device of the present invention can accept data from multiple sensors, including one or more sensors that track a user's movements. The electronic device can be configured to condition data from physiological sensors using data indicative of the user's movements. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292835 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSFERRING STATUS INFORMATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299506 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING STATUS INFORMATION BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY - A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299543 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at said another location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at said another location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at said another location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 12-03-2009 |
20100106879 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VIDEO SELECTION AND PLAYBACK IN A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to control settings of portable media player when receiving video from an accessory, to control playback of the portable media player and to provide for navigation between video tracks in a hierarchical fashion. In so doing, a portable media player can then utilize this information to provide for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the portable media player. | 04-29-2010 |
20100131567 | TAGGING MEDIA ASSETS, LOCATIONS, AND ADVERTISEMENTS - An accessory communicates with a PMD to store tags associated with broadcasts in a file maintained in a storage medium of the accessory. In one embodiment, the accessory sends a command to the PMD to create or open a tag file that resides on the PMD. Once opened, the tag file is held open by the PMD until the accessory closes it (or disconnects), allowing multiple tags to be written to one file. Each time the user requests a new tag, the accessory generates a tag containing information descriptive of the broadcast material (e.g., song title, artist, radio station identifier, time of tagging, etc.) and writes the tag to the tag file using a write command to the PMD. | 05-27-2010 |
20100198453 | Systems and Methods for Integrating a Portable Electronic Device with a Bicycle - Systems and methods are providing for interfacing an electronic device with a bicycle system. The electronic device can receive the output from sensors coupled to the bicycle and generate riding characteristics for display to the user. The electronic device can in addition receive communications from other electronic devices and provide the communications to the user. In some embodiments, the electronic device can be paired with the devices of one or more other cyclists so that the cyclists can share riding characteristics and other information. This can allow the cyclists to ride as a team and better assist each other. | 08-05-2010 |
20100327664 | PORTABLE POWER SOURCE TO PROVIDE POWER TO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIA AN INTERFACE - A portable power source is configured for use with an electronic device. The portable power source cooperates and communicates with the electronic device via a peripheral bus to which the electronic device is attachable. The portable power source includes circuitry to process a power request signal from the electronic device to determine whether a device connected to a bus interface of the portable power source is requesting power from the portable power source. | 12-30-2010 |
20110066775 | Communication Between a Media Player and an Accessory with an Extended Interface Mode - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066776 | Communication Between a Media Player and an Accessory with an Extended Interface Mode - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 03-17-2011 |
20110085672 | DYNAMIC POWER MANAGEMENT IN A PORTABLE MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM - A consumer electronic product (e.g., a portable media player ported to a media delivery accessory) is powered by a limited capacity DC power source (such as a battery or mini-fuel cell). The consumer electronic product limits the maximum allowable sound pressure level (SPL) that can be produced by the speakers. In one embodiment, the maximum allowable SPL is based upon an amount of stored energy available in the limited capacity DC power source. | 04-14-2011 |
20110086551 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND CONNECTOR - A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device. | 04-14-2011 |
20110111621 | Headset with Data Connector - This application is directed to a headset having an integrated data connector (e.g., a USB female connector). The headset may include an electronic device interfacing portion that may include a USB male connector and a 3.5 mm jack for engaging an electronic device. The headset may also include an acoustic portion that may include at least acoustic element (e.g., speaker) and a USB female connector. To connect the electronic device to a host device (e.g., to transfer music files or recharge the electronic device's battery), the USB connector of the electronic device interfacing portion can engage the host device. To provide audio to a user, the USB connector of the acoustic portion can engage the electronic device interfacing portion, which provides a path from the electronic device to the acoustic element for audio signals. This approach allows a user to use a single cable for connecting the electronic device to both the host device and the acoustic element. | 05-12-2011 |
20120070017 | MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED INTERACTION - Methods and systems for improved interaction between media devices and accessory devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved interaction can operate to configure a user interface of a media device dependent on the type or condition of an accessory device. In the same or another embodiment, the improved interaction can exchange status information between a media device and an accessory device that can influence operation of either or both of the devices. | 03-22-2012 |
20120096189 | Method and System for Allowing a Media Player to Determine if it Supports the Capabilities of an Accessory - A method and system for allowing a media player to determine if it supports the capabilities of an accessory are disclosed. The method and system comprise requesting information about the capabilities of the accessory by the media player and providing information about the capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the media player. The method and system further include utilizing the information to determine if the capabilities of the accessory are supported by the media player. Accordingly, a method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a media player to obtain information from an accessory about the accessory's capability. A media player can then utilize this information to allow for the maximum functionality of the accessory when connected to the media player. | 04-19-2012 |
20120102236 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 04-26-2012 |
20120137028 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING STATUS INFORMATION BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY - A method, system, and connector interface for transferring status information between a media player and an accessory. The method includes determining, by the accessory, when a button event occurs; and transmitting, by the accessory, at least one button status command to the media player, where the one or more button status commands comprise a context-specific button status command and at least one command associated with a particular media type. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to facilitate the transfer of status information. | 05-31-2012 |
20130014247 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING AN ACCESSORY - A method, system, and connector interface for authenticating an accessory, the method includes performing a first authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication certificate is validated; and performing a second authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication signature is validated. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands utilized in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the media player. | 01-10-2013 |
20130041513 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 02-14-2013 |
20130144464 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A BICYCLE - Systems, methods, and devices are provided to sense unauthorized use of a vehicle. For example, an electronic device may include sensors to detect an operational parameter of a bicycle and communications circuitry to couple the electronic device to a second electronic device associated with user of the bicycle according to authorization information. Control circuitry may determine when the bicycle is in operation based at least in part on the detected operational parameter, identify whether the second electronic device is substantially within a communicative proximity of the electronic device when the bicycle is in operation, and generate an alert indicating unauthorized operation when the second electronic device is not identified as substantially within the communicative proximity of the electronic device. | 06-06-2013 |
20140223184 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING AN ACCESSORY - A method, system, and connector interface for authenticating an accessory. the method includes performing a first authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication certificate is validated; and performing a second authentication operation on the accessory by the media player, where an authentication signature is validated. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the media player and accessory may utilize a plurality of commands utilized in a variety of environments such as within a connector interface system environment to control access to the media player. | 08-07-2014 |