Patent ID: 8364295
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: G06F,G10K,H04B,H04R

Abstract:
1. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer that is configured to provide audio information from any one of a plurality of sources, including digital music files stored on the computer and a network accessible by the computer, the audio system comprising: (A) a sound reproduction device comprising: a housing; one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing; an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers; control circuitry located within the housing; and a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer corresponding to the digital music files stored on the computer and audio information from the network via the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer; and (B) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control a user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals: (i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and (ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a command of the second type.