Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080320190 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY VIA AN INTERMEDIATE DEVICE - A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device through a direct wired path and can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the tunneled information relates to configuring a wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing) between the host device and the accessory. | 12-25-2008 |
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 |
20090059512 | PROTOCOL FOR REMOTE USER INTERFACE FOR PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC PLAYLIST MANAGEMENT - Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history. | 03-05-2009 |
20090060225 | PROTOCOL FOR REMOTE USER INTERFACE FOR PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH DATABASE NAVIGATION HISTORY - Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062947 | PROTOCOL FOR REMOTE USER INTERFACE FOR PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE - Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history. | 03-05-2009 |
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 |
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 |
20090221404 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 09-03-2009 |
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 |
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 |
20100049350 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING STORED DATA BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY - Techniques for transferring stored data between a media player and an accessory. In one set of embodiments, one of the media player and the accessory can obtain a unique identifier for a particular file stored in the other of the media player and the accessory. The one of the media player and the accessory can then retrieve data from the stored file using the unique identifier. In certain embodiments, accessories and media players can retrieve and store data utilizing an arbitrary format. This data can be opaque to any protocol used by the media player or accessory and can require no parsing or interpretation. To provide this facility, a plurality of commands can allow both media players and accessories to present a simple file system. The plurality of commands can be utilized in a variety of environments. | 02-25-2010 |
20100075604 | ACCESSORY DEVICE AUTHENTICATION - An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable computing device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, a dongle that includes an authentication controller can be coupled with the portable computing device. Accessory devices can also be coupled with the potable computing device through other ports, including wireless ports. The dongle can provide cross-transport authentication for accessories that do not include authentication controllers. Once the dongle had been properly authenticated, the permissions granted to the dongle port can be transferred to a communication port coupled with an accessory. | 03-25-2010 |
20100081337 | ADAPTER - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle. | 04-01-2010 |
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 |
20100173673 | CROSS-TRANSPORT AUTHENTICATION - An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable media device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable media device. In one embodiment, a cross transport connector includes a connector configured to couple with an accessory and a connector configured to couple with a portable media device such that the accessory can be coupled to the second communication port of the portable media device. The cross-transport connector also includes an authentication controller. The authentication controller may request authentication from the media device over the first communication port of the portable media device. The request may also include an identifier of the second port, to which authenticated permissions obtained via the first port may be transferred. | 07-08-2010 |
20100201567 | COMMUNICATING LOCATION INFORMATION BETWEEN A PORTABLE DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY - Location data is exchanged between a portable media device and an accessory. If the portable media player is equipped with location determining capability, the portable media device can communicate its location data to the accessory, and the accessory can use this location data to perform various tasks. If the accessory is equipped with location assistance capability, the accessory can communicate location data to the portable media device, and the portable media device can use this location data to perform various tasks. | 08-12-2010 |
20110055407 | DEVICE-DEPENDENT SELECTION BETWEEN MODES FOR ASYMMETRIC SERIAL PROTOCOLS - A portable communication device (PCD) can automatically switch into different operating modes of an asymmetric communication protocol (such as USB) depending on the type of accessory connected. For example, the accessory can signal whether the PCD should operate in a first mode or a second mode using a hardware indicator such as identification resistor across two pins of a multi-pin connector and/or a software indicator such as a command protocol. The PCD can detect the accessory's signal and switch to the operating mode requested by the accessory. | 03-03-2011 |
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 |
20110167181 | ACCESSORY FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - An accessory for use with a portable computing device is provided. The accessory includes a keypad and a pedestal to house the control circuitry and provide mechanical stability for the accessory. The accessory includes a metal mass that performs dual functions of providing the mass for stability as well as acting as a ground connection for the keypad and other control circuitry. The accessory includes a connector for interfacing with a portable computing device and an additional connector for interfacing with an additional accessory. | 07-07-2011 |
20110320655 | Adapter for physically interfacing between an accessory and a device - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle. | 12-29-2011 |
20120003934 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY VIA AN INTERMEDIATE DEVICE - A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device through a direct wired path and can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the tunneled information relates to configuring a wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing) between the host device and the accessory. | 01-05-2012 |
20120003935 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY VIA AN INTERMEDIATE DEVICE - A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device through a direct wired path and can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the tunneled information relates to configuring a wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing) between the host device and the accessory. | 01-05-2012 |
20120005395 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY VIA AN INTERMEDIATE DEVICE - A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device through a direct wired path and can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the tunneled information relates to configuring a wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth pairing) between the host device and the accessory. | 01-05-2012 |
20120028583 | Wireless adapter for interfacing between an accessory and a device - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide compatibility among incompatible accessories and portable media players. One example provides an adapter having a connector receptacle to mate with an accessory's connector insert and a connector insert to mate with a portable media player's connector receptacle. Another example provides an adapter having a direct connection between pins on the connector insert and pins on the connector receptacle that are used for compatible signals. Another example provides an adapter including a DC-to-DC converter that receives a first power supply from an accessory and provides a second power supply to a portable media player. Another translates signals using different signaling technologies. Authentication and identification circuitry may also be included. Other examples may employ wireless technologies instead of either or both the connector insert and connector receptacle. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028761 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 02-02-2012 |
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 |
20120272297 | CROSS-TRANSPORT AUTHENTICATION - An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable media device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable media device. In one embodiment, a cross transport connector includes a connector configured to couple with an accessory and a connector configured to couple with a portable media device such that the accessory can be coupled to the second communication port of the portable media device. The cross-transport connector also includes an authentication controller. The authentication controller may request authentication from the media device over the first communication port of the portable media device. The request may also include an identifier of the second port, to which authenticated permissions obtained via the first port may be transferred. | 10-25-2012 |
20120278882 | ACCESSORY DEVICE AUTHENTICATION - An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable computing device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, a dongle that includes an authentication controller can be coupled with the portable computing device. Accessory devices can also be coupled with the portable computing device through other ports, including wireless ports. The dongle can provide cross-transport authentication for accessories that do not include authentication controllers. Once the dongle had been properly authenticated, the permissions granted to the dongle port can be transferred to a communication port coupled with an accessory. | 11-01-2012 |
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 |
20130094420 | MOMETARY BURST PROTOCOL FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A method for communicating data using a “burst protocol” includes enabling power to transmitters and receivers when needed to balance power consumption with latency and unscheduled communication. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets indicative of substantially the same payload. Power then may be disabled to the transmitter. A first predetermined time is determined to enable a receiver. A second predetermined time is determined to disable the receiver. Power then may be enabled to the receiver based on the first predetermined time. The payload is output in response to receiving one or more of the plurality of packets. Power to the receiver is disabled based on the second predetermined time. | 04-18-2013 |
20130173746 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 07-04-2013 |
20130332542 | MESSAGE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A message-based identification process can facilitate reliable interoperation between accessories and host devices. During an identification process, the devices can negotiate an operating agreement that specifies particular communications (e.g., messages) that each device is permitted to send to or receive from the other, for example by having one device send a list of specific messages that it intends to send to and/or receive from the other. The other device can review the proposal and either accept or reject it. If a proposal is accepted, the devices can begin interoperating using messages that were included in the agreed-upon proposal while ignoring any received messages that were not included in the agreed-upon proposal. | 12-12-2013 |
20140075054 | DEVICE-DEPENDENT SELECTION BETWEEN MODES FOR ASYMMETRIC SERIAL PROTOCOLS - A portable communication device (PCD) can automatically switch into different operating modes of an asymmetric communication protocol (such as USB) depending on the type of accessory connected. For example, the accessory can signal whether the PCD should operate in a first mode or a second mode using a hardware indicator such as identification resistor across two pins of a multi-pin connector and/or a software indicator such as a command protocol. The PCD can detect the accessory's signal and switch to the operating mode requested by the accessory. | 03-13-2014 |
20140208416 | CROSS TRANSPORT AUTHENTICATION - An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable media device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable media device. In one embodiment, a cross transport connector includes a connector configured to couple with an accessory and a connector configured to couple with a portable media device such that the accessory can be coupled to the second communication port of the portable media device. The cross-transport connector also includes an authentication controller. The authentication controller may request authentication from the media device over the first communication port of the portable media device. The request may also include an identifier of the second port, to which authenticated permissions obtained via the first port may be transferred. | 07-24-2014 |
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 |