PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8006020-B2
Application Number: US-87371810-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Personal media device docking station having an accessory device detector

Abstract:
Systems and methods include a circuit for detecting the insertion of a component into a docking station, e.g., an audio plug. When the component is inserted into the docking station, an electronic switch can be opened. When the switch is opened, a detector (e.g., monostable multivibrator) for detecting a change in state of the switch can be activated. Responsive to the detected change in state, the detector can issue a signal to a control device. Responsive to the signal, the controller can look to a resistive identification circuit and, based on its resistance, determine whether the component has just been inserted or removed from the docking station.

Claims:
1. A docking device comprising:
 a first connector for exchanging data with a media device; 
 a second connector for exchanging data with a media supporting device; and 
 a sensor for detecting when the media supporting device is connected to the second connector, the sensor further comprising:
 a resistor network operative to provide a first resistance value when the media supporting device is not connected to the second connector and a second resistance value when the media supporting device is connected to the second connector, the first resistance value operative to place the media device in a first data delivery mode, and the second resistance value operative to place the media device in a second data delivery mode; and 
 circuitry that pulses a first conductor in the first connector in response to detecting when the media supporting device is connected to the second connector, the pulse operative to cause the media device to query a second conductor in the first connector to determine a value associated with the resistor network. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the media device is an MP3 player, video player, wireless communications device, cellular telephone, multimedia device, personal digital assistant, or portable computer. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the media supporting device is a video display, a computer, a stereo system, audio speaker system, radio receiver, set top box, television, digital video recorder, digital video source, audio signal source, or media device. 
     
     
       4. A method for detecting a connection to a docking device comprising:
 connecting the docking device to a media device via a first connector; 
 sensing, at the docking device, when a media supporting device is connected to a second connector of the docking device; and 
 pulsing a first conductor in the first connector in response to sensing when the media supporting device is connected to the second connector, the pulsing operative to cause the media device to query a second conductor in the first connector to determine a value associated with a resistor network, the resistor network operative to provide a first resistance value when the media supporting device is not connected to the one or more second connectors and a second resistance value when the media supporting device is connected to the one or more second connectors, the first resistance value operative to place the media device in a first data delivery mode, and the second resistance value operative to place the media device in a second data delivery mode. 
 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein the media device is an MP3 player, video player, wireless communications device, cellular telephone, multimedia device, personal digital assistant, or portable computer. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the media supporting device is a video display, a computer, a stereo system, audio speaker system, radio receiver, set top box, television, digital video recorder, digital video source, audio signal source, or media device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/810,171, filed Jun. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,840,740, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to docking stations for personal media devices and, more particularly, to docking stations having an accessory device detector. 
     The proliferation of compact portable personal media devices (e.g., portable MP3 players, portable video players, and media capable cellular telephones) has created a need for improved delivery of audio (e.g., voice and music) to users while respecting the need to minimize the overall form factor of personal media devices. Many portable personal media devices can be detachably mounted to or interfaced with a docking station, which may include a platform, support structure, electrical connector, or device holding mechanism, to enable convenient and efficient positioning, storing, and interfacing with other devices. A docking station may position the media device in a functionally more efficient or aesthetically pleasing position, secure the media device, or enable charging of a battery of the media device. 
     Existing media device docking stations typically have a structure that can interfere with or block the reception or delivery of sound to or from the media device. By interfering with or muffling the transmission of sound, the docking station reduces the sound quality received or transmitted by the media device. Other docking stations may support the delivery of audio signals from the personal media device to another accessory device or to speakers that are connected to docking station. The accessory media supporting device or speakers then produce sound from the audio signals for the personal media device user. 
     One problem with existing media device docking stations is that the docking stations do not efficiently provide an indication to the personal media device of whether an accessory device, such as a media supporting device, is connected to the docking station or that the accessory device is capable of receiving an audio signal to support the delivery of sound to the user or other data signals. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in the prior art by providing systems, methods and devices that enable a docking station to efficiently inform a docked media device that one or more accessory media supporting devices are attached to the docking station and are capable of processing certain data signals, e.g., audio signals, originating from the personal media device. 
     In various aspects, the invention includes a circuit for detecting the insertion of a component of an electronic system, e.g., an audio plug or jack. When the component is inserted into the docking station, an electronic switch can be opened. When the switch is opened, a detector (e.g., mono stable multivibrator) for detecting a change in state of the switch can be activated. Responsive to the detected change in state, the detector can issue a signal (see ACC_DETECT in attached  FIG. 13A ) to a control device. Responsive to the signal, the controller can look to a resistive identification circuit or network and, based on its resistance (see ACC_ID in attached  FIG. 13A ), determine whether the component has just been inserted or removed from the system. 
     In another aspect, a docking device includes a first connector for exchanging data with a media device, one or more second connectors for delivering data to a media supporting device, and one or more sensors for detecting when the media supporting device is connected to the one or more second connectors. The device may include at least one sensor having an indicator to inform the media device when the media supporting device is connected to the one or more second connectors. In one configuration, the indicator informs the media device by sending an indicator signal via the first connector to the media device. 
     The device sensor may include a switch whose position changes in response to the attachment of a data connector with at least one of the second connectors. In one configuration, the switch position changes in response to the attachment of a data connector with at least one of the second connectors. In another configuration, the sensor includes a resistive network that changes resistive value in response to a change in position of the switch. In one feature, the media device is in communication with the resistive network via the first connector. 
     In one configuration, the media device determines that the media supporting device is connected to the docking device by measuring a resistive value associated with a resistive network. The value may be a resistance, current, or voltage value. The value may be associated with a type of media supporting device. 
     In another configuration, one or more sensors are able to detect when a media supporting device is disconnected from one or more of the second connectors respectively. The sensor may include a multivibrator circuit such as a monostable multivibrator. The sensor may be positioned within the device housing at a location to minimize radio frequency interference with a docked media device. In one configuration, the first connector and sensor are connected via an bus within the housing where the bus is routed along a PCB to minimize radio frequency interference with the media device. 
     The media device may include at least one of an MP3 player, video player, wireless communications device, cellular telephone, multimedia device, personal digital assistant, and portable computer. The media supporting device or accessory media device may include at least one of a video display, a computer, a stereo system, audio speaker system, radio receiver, set top box, television, digital video recorder, digital video source, audio signal source, and a media device. 
     In another aspect, a docking station includes a well for receiving and supporting an electronic device, a first connector for receiving audio signals from the electronic device, a second connector for sending the audio signals from the docking station to an accessory media device, and a sensor circuit for detecting when the accessory media device is attached to or detached from the second connector. In response to the attachment or detachment, the sensor circuit may send a connection event signal to the electronic device via the first connector. 
     The sensor circuit may adjust the value of a resistive network to a first resistive value when the accessory media device is attached to the second connector or to a second resistive value when the accessory media device is not attached to the second connector. The docking station may provide the value of the resistive network to the electronic device via the first connector. 
     Various advantages and applications using an audio interface within a docking station in accordance with principles of the present invention are discussed in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows the media device of  FIG. 1  with tethered headphones and, alternatively, a wireless earpiece according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a simplified functional block diagram of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of media device and associated docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a microphone assembly and speaker assembly within a portion of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a docking station including a acoustic apertures and an electronic connector according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a transverse-sectional view of a docking station including a acoustic apertures and an insulator according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a media device that is docked to a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a transverse-sectional view of an acoustic channel within a docking station for the delivery of sound to a portion of a docked media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a transverse-sectional view of acoustic channels within a docking station for the delivery of sound from a portion of a docked media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a docking station including a plurality of external acoustic apertures according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a process for transferring sound to or from a media device via an acoustic interface of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a functional block diagram of a media system having a docking station interfacing with a docked personal media device and another media supporting device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13A  shows a schematic diagram of a sensor circuit within a docking station that detects the insertion of an audio connector into an audio jack according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13B  shows a schematic diagram of a sensor circuit within a docking station including an RC tuned filter to reduce the coupling of audio to the DC voltage lines according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a functional block diagram of a media system including a docking station interfacing with a docked personal media device and multiple media supporting devices according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a component layout diagram of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a process for sensing when a media supporting device is connected to a docking station and informing a docked media device of the connection according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a media device  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The media device  100  includes a housing  102 , a first housing portion  104 , a second housing portion  106 , a display  108 , a keypad  110 , a speaker housing aperture  112 , a microphone aperture  114 , and a headphone jack  116 . The housing  102  also includes various gaps  118  that may include openings, separations, vents, or other pathways between elements of the housing  102  that enable the passage of air or sound through the housing  102 . The speaker housing aperture  112  may be located in proximity to a lower portion of the media device  100  and/or a second speaker aperture or apertures  122  may be located in a lower portion of the media device associated with, for example, an internal hands-free speaker. In certain embodiments, the microphone aperture  114  and/or speaker apertures  122  may be located on a bottom side  124  of the media device  100 . The aperture  114  and apertures  122  may be located on any portion of the housing  102  to facilitate the delivery and reception of sound. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  102  includes a first housing portion  104  and a second housing portion  106  that are fastened together to encase various components of the media device  100 . The housing  102  and its housing portions  104  and  106  may include polymer-based materials that are formed by, for example, injection molding to define the form factor of the media device  100 . In one embodiment, the housing  102  surrounds and/or supports internal components such as, for example, one or more circuit boards having integrated circuit components, internal radio frequency (RF) circuitry, an internal antenna, a speaker, a microphone, a hard drive, a processor, and other components. Further details regarding certain internal components are discussed later with respect to  FIG. 3 . The housing  102  provides for mounting of a display  108 , keypad  110 , external jack  116 , data connectors, or other external interface elements. The housing  102  may include one or more housing apertures  112  to facilitate delivery of sound, including voice and music, to a user from a speaker within the housing  102 . The housing  102  may including one or more housing apertures  114  to facilitate the reception of sounds, such as voice, for an internal microphone from a media device user. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing  102  includes one or more gaps  118  associated with the housing  102 . These gaps  118  may result from the manufacturing and/or assembly process for the media device  100 . For example, in certain circumstances, the mechanical attachment of the first housing portion  104  with the second housing portion  106  results in a crease  120  or joint between the portions  104  and  106 . In certain media devices  100 , the crease  120  is not air tight, resulting in gaps  118  along the crease. Other gaps may be formed during assembly between, for example, one or more keys of the keypad  110  and the housing  102  or the display  108  and the housing  102 , resulting in additional gaps  118 . In other embodiments, the housing  102  may include addition portions that are integrated to form the housing  102  for the media device  100 . 
     The media device  100  may include a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, cordless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), pager, portable computer, or any other device capable of wireless communications. In fact,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary cellular telephone version of a broad category of media device  100 . 
     The media device  100  may also be integrated within the packaging of other devices or structures such a vehicle, video game system, appliance, clothing, helmet, glasses, wearable apparel, stereo system, entertainment system, or other portable devices. In certain embodiments, device  100  may be docked or connected to a wireless enabling accessory system (e.g., a wi-fi docking system) that provides the media device  100  with short-range communicating functionality. Alternative types of media devices  100  may include, for example, a media player such as an iPod or iPhone available by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., pocket-sized personal computers such as an iPAQ Pocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif. and any other device capable of communicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system). 
     In certain embodiments, the media device  100  may synchronize with, for example, a remote computing system or server to receive media (using either wireless or wireline communications paths). Wireless syncing enables the media device  100  to transmit and receive media and data without requiring a wired connection. Media may include, without limitation, sound or audio files, music, video, multi-media, and digital data, in streaming and/or discrete (e.g., files and packets) formats. 
     During synchronization, a host system may provide media to a client system or software application embedded within the media device  100 . In certain embodiments, media and/or data is “downloaded” to the media device  100 . In other embodiments, the media device  100  is capable of uploading media to a remote host or other client system. Further details regarding the capabilities of certain embodiments of the media device  100  are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/423,490, filed on Apr. 25, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 2  shows the media device  100  of  FIG. 1  with tethered headphones  200  and, alternatively, a wireless earpiece  206  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The tethered headphones  200  include a cable  212  that connects to the media device  100  via external jack  116 . In one embodiment, the cable provides for transport of an audio signal from the media device  100  to the headphones  100 . In another embodiment, the headphones  200  includes a left housing  202  and a right housing  204 , corresponding to the left and right ears of a user, respectively. Each housing  202  and  204  may include a speaker and/or an acoustic assembly as described later with respect to  FIG. 4 . The headphones  200  may optionally include a microphone to facilitate sending sounds from the user to the media device  100 . As an alternative to the headphones  200 , a user may utilize the wireless earpiece  206  which includes a housing  208 . In one embodiment, the earpiece  206  employs wireless channel  210  to receive audio signals from the device  100  or transmit audio signals to the device  100 . The housing  208  may include a speaker, microphone, and/or acoustic assembly as described later with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a simplified functional block diagram of the media device  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The media device or player  300  may include a processor  302 , storage device  304 , user interface  308 , display  310 , CODEC  312 , bus  318 , memory  320 , communications circuitry  322 , a speaker or transducer  324 , a microphone  326 , and an external device interface  328 . Processor  302  may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry included in media player  300 . Processor  302  may drive display  310  and may receive user inputs from user interface  308 . 
     The interface  328  may include at least one of a modem, data port, and connector to enable the media device  300  to send, receive, or exchange data with another media device or media supporting device. For example, the interface  328  may include a 30-pin connector having left and right audio output data pins that support the delivery of stereo audio signals to a docking device or other media device. The interface  328  may support full USB and or USB 2.0 connectivity, Firewire charging, Firewire charging with TPA+ connected for supporting “Firewire Not Supported” UI messaging, and other like peripheral device communication protocols. 
     Storage device  304  may store media (e.g., music and video files), software (e.g., for implanting functions on device  300 , preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable media device to establish wireless communication with another device), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps tracks of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), and any other suitable data. Storage device  304  may include one more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, permanent memory such as ROM, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, or cache. 
     Memory  320  may include one or more different types of memory which may be used for performing device functions. For example, memory  320  may include cache, ROM, and/or RAM. Bus  318  may provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between at least storage device  304 , memory  320 , and processor  302 . Coder/decoder (CODEC)  112  may be included to convert digital audio signals into an analog signal for driving the speaker  324  to produce sound including voice, music, and other like audio. The CODEC  112  may also convert audio inputs from the microphone  326  into digital audio signals. 
     User interface  308  may allow a user to interact with the media device  300 . For example, the user input device  308  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen. Communications circuitry  322  may include circuitry for wireless communication (e.g., short-range and/or long range communication). For example, the wireless communication circuitry may be wi-fi enabling circuitry that permits wireless communication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other wireless network protocols standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified protocols or in addition to the identified protocol. Other network standards may include Bluetooth, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and code divisional multiple access (CDMA) based wireless protocols. Communications circuitry  322  may also include circuitry that enables device  300  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device. 
     In one embodiment, the media device  300  may be a portable computing device dedicated to processing media such as audio and video. For example, media device  300  may be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, a remote controller, a portable communication device, a remote ordering interface, an audio tour player, or other suitable personal device. The media device  300  may be battery-operated and highly portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures, communicate with others, and/or control other devices. In addition, the media device  300  may be sized such that is fits relatively easily into a pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, the media device  300  (or media device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 ) is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user and thus may be taken practically anywhere the user travels. 
     As discussed previously, the relatively small form factor of certain prior art media devices has facilitated the use of docking stations to support a media device during storage or when the device is interfacing with another device such as a PC or power source. While supporting the media device  100 , the docking station or unit may, however, inhibit the flow of sound to and from the media device  100  and, thereby, reduce the quality of sound emitted from or delivered to the docked media device  100 . Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for enhanced sound quality while a media device  100  is docked to a docking station by enhancing the flow of sound using one or more acoustic interfaces within the docking station. 
       FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of media device  400  and associated docking station  402  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the media device includes at least one microphone aperture  404  and one or more speaker apertures  406 . The docking station  402  may include a well  408  and one or more external acoustic apertures  410 . In one embodiment, the one or more of the acoustic apertures  410  are in acoustic communication with the either or both the microphone aperture  404  and the speaker apertures  406  of the media device  400  when the media device  400  is docked with the docking station  402 . In certain embodiments, the docking station  402  includes internal acoustic channels (not shown) and internal acoustic apertures (not shown) along the well walls that are juxtaposed with one or both of the microphone aperture  404  and speaker apertures  406  while the media device  400  is docked with the docking station  402 . 
     In other embodiments, the docking station  402  includes an audio output jack receptacle or connector  412  that enable the docking station  402  to connect with a media supporting device via an audio jack or plug in addition to the media device  400 . In one embodiment, the media supporting device includes stereo speakers configured to receive left and right stereo audio signals originating from the media device  400  and that are routed through the docking station  402  to the audio output jack  412 . Although not shown in  FIG. 4 , the well  408  may include a connector, such as connector  604  of  FIG. 6 , that enables the routing of audio signals from the personal media device  400  to the docking unit  402 , which may subsequently be delivered to a peripheral media supporting device via the audio output jack receptacle  412 . The docking station  402  may include one or more other types of data ports or connector such as, without limitation, a video output port, video input port, Ethernet port, wireless data port, audio input port, and like data exchange ports or connectors. 
     In operation while the media device  400  is docked, sound emitted from the speaker apertures  406  is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station  402  and through one or more external acoustic apertures  410  to the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, while the media device  400  is docked, sound received by the microphone apertures  404  is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station  402  from one or more external acoustic apertures  410 . 
     The shape and orientation of docking station  402  may vary based on aesthetic and function needs. For example, the docking station may be substantially rectangular, spherical, circular, or irregular, or the like. The external acoustic apertures may be grouped, arranged, configured, and/or distributed in various ways along the external surface or perimeter of the docking station  402 . For example, the external acoustic apertures  410  may be arranged in one or more rows along a front, side, and/or back surface of the docking station  402 . The external acoustic apertures  410  may be arranged in patterns such as circularly, diagonally, and/or rectangularly along the outer surface of the docking station  402 . The docking station  402  may interface with or be juxtaposed with any portion of the media device  400  while the media device  400  is docked. For example, the docking station  402  may function as a holster that enables the media device  400  to detachably connect to the docking station  402 . The docking station  402  may have a substantially downward facing well  408  such that the media device  400  is detachably connected with the docking station or hung from the docketing station  402  via an upper portion of the media device  400 . While the docking station  402  may assume any one of a multitude of forms and orientations, the docking station  402  may include one or more acoustic channels and apertures  410  that facilitate the efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device  400  while the media device  400  is docked. In certain embodiments, the docking station  402  may include a media device receiver to enable a media device  400  to be detachably connected to the docking station  402 . The media device  400  receiver may include at least one of a well  408 , a clamp, an adhesive, a mechanical connector, an electrical connector, and/or a combined mechanical/electrical connector. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a microphone assembly cavity  502  and speaker cavity  504  within a portion of a media device  500  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The media device  500  includes frame  506 , a frame recess  508 , an microphone acoustic channel  510 , a housing  512 , a sound input aperture  514 , a speaker acoustic channel  516 , and a sound output aperture  518 . 
     In one embodiment, the cavity  502  is configured to receive and/or enable the mounting of a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly may include a rubber boot that surrounds a portion of the microphone assembly and extends along a portion of the acoustic channel  510 . The acoustic channel length may be between 14-15 mm long to optimally couple sound in the 100 Hz to 4 KHz range from the aperture  514  to the microphone assembly disposed in the microphone assembly cavity  502 . In one embodiment, the recess  508  enables the mounting of a microphone assembly on the top surface of the frame  506 . In another embodiment, the microphone assembly cavity  502  is positioned on the frame  506  to flexibly allow other components such as, for example, an antenna to be positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the media device  500 . 
     In one embodiment, the sound input aperture  514  is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device  500 . In another embodiment, the sound output aperture  518  is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device  500 . In other embodiments, the one or more sound input or output apertures are location along any portion of the media device  500 . In one embodiment, the media device  500  includes a receptacle  520  for detachably connecting the media device  500  to a docking station or other connector. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a docking station  600  including internal acoustic apertures  602  and an electronic connector  604  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the internal acoustic apertures  602  and connector  604  are located within a well  606  of the docking station  600 . The docking station  600  may include one or more external acoustic apertures  608  that are in acoustic communication with the internal acoustic apertures  602  via one or more acoustic channels (not shown) within the docking station  600 . The male connector  604  may interface or connect with a female connector such as connector  520  shown in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the connector  604  is a 30-pin connector including data pins that support, without limitation, the exchange of audio signals, video signals, control signals, data signals, and the like. For example, the connector  604  may include pins, contacts, or data connectors that support left audio, right audio, and ground, respectively, to support the delivery of stereo audio signals to an external media supporting device, e.g., device including stereo speakers. The well  606  may be configured and/or shaped to conform with the shape of a media device such as, for example, media device  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
     In one embodiment, the one or more acoustic apertures  602  are positioned substantially adjacent to or juxtaposed with one or more acoustic apertures of a docked media device. For example, the docking station  600  apertures  602  may be positioned adjacent to the sound input aperture  514  of the media device  500  while the media device  500  is docked with the docking station  600 . Also, the docking station  600  apertures  602  may be positioned adjacent to the sound output aperture  518  of the media device  500  while the media device  500  is docked with the docking station  600 . By positioning the docking station  600  apertures  602  in proximity to the acoustic apertures  514  and  518  of the docked media device  500 , the docking station  600  facilitates the flow of sound waves to and from the media device  500  via the docking station apertures  602 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows a transverse-sectional view of a docking station  650  including a acoustic apertures  656  and  658  and insulators  652  and  654  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  650  includes a well  662  having a well surface  670 , a front surface  668 , one or more external apertures  658 , one or more internal apertures  656 , a housing  664 , one or more acoustic channels  672 , one or more insulators  652  and  654 , and a base  660 . The insulators  652  and  654  may include foam, polymer, or a like insulating material. The insulator  652  may be positioned inside the housing  664  and between a first set of acoustic channels  672  that transport sound toward a microphone of a media device docked in the well  662  and a second set of acoustic channels  672  that transport sound away from a speaker of a media device docked in the well  662 . The insulators  652  and  654  can reduce the coupling of sound or cross-talk between the acoustic channels to reduce possible feedback from the speaker to the microphone of a docked media device. The insulators  652  and  654  may also provide structural support for the housing  664 . The docking station  650  may include an internal circuit assembly  674 . The circuit assembly  674  may include one or more circuit boards. One or more of the circuit boards may be multilayered. The circuit assembly  674  may include a sensor circuit, such a sensor circuit  1302  of  FIG. 13 . The circuit assembly  674  may be positioned or located within a portion of the docking station housing  664  in such a way as to minimize potential radio frequency (RF) interference between the components of the circuit assembly  674  and an antenna or circuitry of a docked personal media device. 
     In one embodiment, a first set of internal acoustic apertures  656  are coupled to the first set of acoustic channels  672  while a second set of internal acoustic apertures  656  are coupled to a second set of acoustic channels  672 . In another embodiment, the external aperture  658  includes a plurality of apertures or openings between the base  660  and surface  668  of the housing  664 . In one embodiment, a first set of external apertures  658  is coupled to the first set of acoustic channels  672  while a second set of external acoustic apertures are coupled to the second set of acoustic channels. 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a media device  700  that is docked to a docking station  702  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the docking station  702  includes a connector  704  that physically and/or electronically connects with the media device  700 . The connector  704  may be a male connector with a portion  706  that extends into a connector of the media device  700  and a portion  708  that does not extend into the media device  700 . The length of the portion  708  may define the width of a gap  710  between the media device  700  and the docking station  702 . In one embodiment, the gap  710  provides an acoustic pathway or channel that enables the more efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device  700 . The gap  710  may also provide pressure relief to reduce the likelihood of feedback from the speaker  712  which could interfere with the reception of sound by the microphone  714 . The docking station  702  may also include one or more spacers  716  that establish the gap  710  between the media device  700  and docking station  702 . The media device  700  may include a microphone channel  718  and/or one or more speaker channels  720 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a transverse-sectional view of an acoustic channel  802  within a docking station  800  for the delivery of sound to a portion of a docked media device  804  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  800  may include a well  806 , internal acoustic apertures  808 , an external front surface  810 , and one or more external apertures  812 . Although not shown in  FIG. 8 , the docking station or unit  800  may include an electrical connector, such as connector  604  of  FIG. 6 , to which the media device  804  detachably connects while docked with the docking station  800 . 
     The media device  804  may include a housing  814 , microphone apertures  816 , an internal microphone acoustic channel  818 , and a microphone assembly  820 . Although not shown in  FIG. 8 , the media device  804  may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle  520  of  FIG. 5 , to which the docking station  800  detachably connects while the media device  804  is docked or held by the docking station  804 . 
     In operation, sound  822  is received by the docking station  800  via at least one aperture  812  on the front surface  810  of the docking station  800 . The sound  822  travels along one or more acoustic channels  802  toward the internal acoustic apertures  808 , positioned along a wall of the well  806 . The internal apertures  808  are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the microphone apertures  816  of the media device  804  to enhance the coupling of sound from the docking station  800  to the media device  804 . The sound  822  passes through the apertures  816  into the microphone acoustic channel  818  and is received by the microphone assembly  820 . The microphone assembly  820  includes a microphone that converts the received sound  822  into electrical information for the media device  804  to process further. 
     The docking station  800  may include a plurality of acoustic channels  802  where each acoustic channel  802  is associated with its own external aperture  812  and internal aperture  808 . Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels  802  may be inter-connected. While sound  822  is shown as flowing into the acoustic channel  802  from the aperture  812 , the acoustic channel  802  may also support the flow of sound  822  or sound waves in an opposite direction and out of the aperture  812 . Thus, a portion of the acoustic channels  802  may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner. The docking station may consist of plastic or some other polymer and be formed by molding, pressing, casting or some other known manufacturing process. The docking station may include other materials such as one or more metals. The apertures and acoustic channels may be formed or manufactured by a process including machining, punching, casting, molding, pressing, and/or assembling. 
       FIG. 9  shows a transverse-sectional view of acoustic channels  902  and  904  within a docking station  900  for the delivery of sound from a portion of a docked media device  906  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  900  may include a well  908 , internal acoustic apertures  910 , an external front surface  912 , and external back surface  914 , and one or more external apertures such as apertures  916  and  918 . The external apertures  916  and  918  may be positioned on any external surface include side, bottom, top, front, back, or any externally facing surface. Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , the docking station or unit  900  may include an electrical connector, such as connector  604  of  FIG. 6 , to which the media device  904  detachably connects while docked with the docking station  900 . 
     The media device  906  may include a housing  920 , acoustic output apertures  922 , an internal acoustic channel  924 , and a speaker assembly  926 . Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , the media device  906  may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle  520  of  FIG. 5 , to which the docking station  900  detachably connects while the media device  906  is docked or held by the docking station  900 . 
     In operation, sound  928  is generated by the speaker assembly  926  and propagated through the channel  924  to the apertures  922 . The sound  928  flows through the internal apertures  910  on the surface of the well  908  and into the acoustic channels  902  and  904  within the docking station  900 . The docking station  900  emits the sound  928  from the acoustic channel  902  via the aperture  916  on the front surface  912 . The docking station  900  may also emit sound  928  from the acoustic channel  904  via the aperture  918  on the back surface  914 . In one embodiment, the acoustic channels  902  and  904  are interconnected. In another embodiment, the acoustic channels  902  and  904  are not interconnected. In one embodiment, acoustic channel  902  includes a plurality of acoustic channels that connects a plurality of internal apertures with a plurality of external apertures. In another embodiment, a portion of the plurality of acoustic channels are interconnected. 
     The internal apertures  910  are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the apertures  922  of the media device  906  to enhance the coupling of sound  928  from the media device  906  to the docking station  900 . The speaker assembly  926  may include a speaker and/or one or more transducers or sound emitting mechanisms. 
     The docking station  900  may include a plurality of acoustic channels where each acoustic channel is associated with its own external aperture and internal aperture. Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels may be inter-connected. A portion of the acoustic channels  902  and  904  may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a docking station  1000  including a plurality of external acoustic apertures  1002  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures  1002  are arranged in a slot  1004  that extends across the docking station  1000 . Each of the external apertures  1002  may be interconnected by a common acoustic channel inside the docking station  1000 . Alternatively, a portion of the apertures  1002  may be interconnected or each aperture  1002  may be associated with its own acoustic channel. In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures  1002  are positioned along an inconspicuous lower portion of the docking station  1002  in order to save the surfaces of the docking station  1002  for other purposes such as, for example, an aesthetically pleasing design. In one embodiment, the external apertures  1002  are positioned at an interface between a housing wall  1006  at the front and/or bottom of the docking station  1000  and a foot member  1008  that supports the bottom of the docking station  1000  as it rests on a surface. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a process for transferring sound to or from a media device such as media device  100  via an acoustic interface or channel of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. First, an acoustic channel such a acoustic channel  902  of  FIG. 9  is provided in a docking unit  900  (Step  1102 ). Then, a media device such as media device  906  is mounted to the docking unit  906  (Step  1104 ). Finally, sound is transferred to or from the media device  906  through the acoustic channel  902  to enable efficient transfer of sound while the media device  906  is docked to the docking station  900  (Step  1106 ). 
     In certain embodiments, a docking station or unit includes a sensor or sensor circuit that enables the docking station to detect the presence of a peripheral media supporting device other than the docked personal media device. The sensor circuit may also include an identification circuit that provides an indication or identification to the docked personal media device of the type of peripheral media supporting device that is attached to the docking station. For example, the identification circuit may indicate that the connected device is a audio supporting device. Based on the identification, the personal media device may route stereo audio signals to the docking station (via a docking station—media device connector) instead of routing the stereo audio signals to internal speakers. 
       FIG. 12  shows a functional block diagram of a media system  1200  having a docking station  1202  interfacing with a docked personal media device  1204  and accessory media supporting device  1206  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  1202  includes a sensor  1208  that can be connected to left audio output line  1210 . The media supporting device  1206  can be connected to the docking station  1202  via a data cable including left audio output line  1210  and right audio output line  1212 . The media device  1204  can also be connected to docking station  1202  via right audio output line  1214  and left audio output line  1216 . The sensor  1208  may include at least one indicator line  1218  that provides and indicator signal to the media device  1204  when the media supporting device  1206  is connected to the docking station  1202 . The media supporting device  1206  may include one or more speakers  1220  that are connected to the audio output lines  1210  and  1212 . 
     In operation, when the media device  1204  is docked with the docking station  1202 , the devices are connected via a connector including at least lines  1214 ,  1216 , and  1218 . The connector may be a 30-pin connector that is capable of supporting additional data communication lines between the media device  1204  and the docking station  1202 . The sensor  1208  may be in communication with one of the audio output lines, e.g., audio output line  1210 , to enable the sensor to detect when the media supporting device  1206  is connected to or disconnected from the docking station  1202 . When the sensor  1208  detects that the media supporting device  1206  is connected, via a data or audio cable and connector, to the docking station  1202 , the sensor  1208  sends an indicator signal via the indicator line  1218  to the media device  1204  to inform the media device  1204  that the media supporting device is connected with the docking station  1202 . The sensor  1208  may also detect when the media supporting device  1206  is disconnected from the docking station  1202  by monitoring one of the audio output lines, e.g., left audio output line  1210 . The sensor  1208  may then send an indicator signal to the media device  1204  to inform the media device  1204  that the media supporting device  1206  has been disconnected. 
     A controller, such as processor  302  of  FIG. 3 , may monitor and/or receive the indicator signal via line  1218  which the controller may then use to determine whether to route audio signals to internal speakers or to an external device via lines  1214  and  1216 . The sensor  1208  via the line  1218  or another data communication line between the media device  1204  and docking station  1202  may provide identification and/or presence information to the media device  1204 . The presence information may provide a first indication value when the media supporting device  1206  is connected to the docking station  1202  and a second different indication value when the media supporting device  1206  is not connected to the docking station  1202 . Thus, the media device  1204 , in one embodiment, monitors or queries the docking station  1202  via the indicator line  1218  or another data communications line to determine the indicator value and whether the media supporting device  1206  is connected and able to receive audio signals, or other data signals, via the docking device  1202 . 
       FIG. 13A  shows a schematic diagram of a sensor circuit  1300  within a docking station  1302  that detects the insertion or removal of an audio jack or plug  1304  into an audio jack receptacle  1306  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The audio jack  1304  may be cylindrical in shape. The audio jack  1304  may include two or more contacts. In one embodiment, the sensor  1300  can include a switch  1308 , switch resistor  1310 , filter capacitor  1312 , detector element  1314 , resistive network  1316 , transistor  1318 , transistor  1320 , power supply resistor  1322 , and media device connector  1324 . The media device connector  1324  may connect to a media device  1326  when the media device  1326  is docked to the docking station  1302 . In certain embodiments, the media device  1326  can include an audio music player, video player, or combination audio/video player such as, without limitation, an iPod or iPhone available from Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. In one embodiment, the resistive network includes resistor  1328  and resistor  1330 . The resistor  1328  may have a resistive value R 1  while resistor  1330  may have a resistive value R 2 . In certain embodiments the resistive value R 2  is a factor of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 greater than the resistive value R 1 . In certain embodiments, the value of R 1  is less than or equal to about 10 k Ohms, 20 k Ohms, 50 k Ohms, 75 k Ohms, 90 k Ohms, 100 k Ohms, 150 k Ohms, 200 k Ohms, and 500 k Ohms. 
     In another embodiment, the audio jack  1304  includes three contacts  1332 ,  1334 , and  1336  for ground, right audio output, and left audio output respectively. The audio jack  1304  may be connected to a peripheral media supporting device, such as media supporting device  1206  of  FIG. 12 . In certain embodiments, the detector element  1314  includes a monostable multivibrator circuit. The monostable mulivibrator circuit may, for example, include one of more discrete transistors, or include a LM555 timer integrated circuit (IC) as sold by National Semiconductor of Santa Clara, Calif., or include like IC components. The sensor circuit  1300  may reside at least partially on a circuit board, PCB, or assembly such as circuit assembly  674  of  FIG. 6 . 
     In operation, when the audio jack  1304  is inserted into audio jack receptacle  1306 , the switch  1308  is opened by the audio jack  1304 . The switch  1308  may include a mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and/or optical sensor and/or actuator to effect the opening or closing of the electrical connection operated by the switch. In the embodiment of  FIG. 13A , the switch  1304  is mechanically opened by insertion of the audio jack  1304 . When the switch  1308  is opened, the electrical connection on DETECT line  1338  with ground through resistor  1310  is removed, causing the voltage on the DETECT line  1338  to increase, float, and/or rise to a higher voltage. The detector element  1314 , e.g., a monostable multivibrator (or “one-shot”), detects the rising voltage on the DETECT line  1338  and generates a pulse on this edge, which un-grounds the ACC_DETECT line  1342  for a indication period, and then re-grounds the ACC_DETECT line  1342 . 
     The ACC_DETECT line  1342  is un-grounded because the output of the detector element  1314  drive a MOSFET transistor, e.g., NFET  1320 , from a conducting state to a less conducting, near cutoff, and/or cutoff state, resulting in a positive pulse on the ACC_DETECT line  1342 . In one embodiment, the indication period or time period of the pulse is about 300 msec. In other embodiments, the indication period is less than or equal to about 1000 msec, 500 msec, 400 msec, 300 msec, 200 msec, 100 msec, or 50 msec. In one embodiment, the media device  1326 , being connected to the ACC_DETECT line  1342  via connector  1324 , detects the pulse on the ACC_DETECT line  1342  which generates an accessory detached and subsequent accessory attached interrupt event in the media device  1326 . In certain embodiments, the media device includes a processor, such as processor  302  of  FIG. 3 , that is connected to the ACC_DETECT line  1342  which detects the pulse generated by insertion of the audio jack  1304 . The types of transistors used in the sensor circuit may vary and include, without limitation, MOSFETs, NFETs, PFETs, JFETs, NPNs, PNPs, and other like transistor elements. 
     In one embodiment, because the ACC_DETECT pulse provides an indication that the audio jack  1304  may have been inserted or removed, a processor of the media device  1326 , e.g., processor  302 , determines whether the audio jack  1304  was inserted or removed by monitoring the resistive network  1316  via the ACC_ID line  1340 . Thus, in certain embodiments, the ACC_DETECT pulse acts as a connection event signal that informs to media device  1326  that an accessory media device may have be attached or detached from the docking station  1302 . When the switch  1308  opens due to the insertion of the audio jack  1304 , the voltage on the DETECT line  1338  floats high. The higher voltage on the DETECT line  1338  causes the NFET  1318  to conduct, effectively placing the resistor  1328  in parallel with the resistor  1330 . When the NFET  1318  is not conducting, there is no current flow through the resistor  1328  and, therefore, the value of the resistive network is about equal to the value of the resistor  1330 , e.g., about the value R 2 . By effectively placing these resistors in parallel when the NFET  1318  is conducting, the combined resistance value R 3  of the resistive network  1316  decreases to a value less than the value R 1  of resistor  1328 . For example, because R 1  and R 2  are in parallel, the resistive network  1316  resistance value R 3  is equal to about R1×R2/(R1+R2) Ohms=R3 Ohms. 
     In one embodiment, when the processor in the media device  1326  receives the ACC_DETECT pulse, the processor then queries the ACC_ID line  1340  via the connector  1324  to determine a value associated with the resistive network  1316  that is related to its resistance. For example, the processor may monitor the voltage, current, or resistance on the ACC_ID line  1340 . If the resistance is R3 Ohms or a corresponding voltage or current is detected, the media device  1326  determines that the audio jack  1304  is inserted and, therefore, an accessory media supporting device is connected to the docking station  1302 . Then, the media device  1326  processor can determine whether to route audio signals to the docking station  1302  via the connector  1324  which are subsequently routed to the media supporting device via the audio jack  1304 . 
     In operation, when the audio jack  1304  is removed from the audio jack receptacle  1306 , the switch  1308  is closed by the absence of the audio jack  1304 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 13A , the switch  1304  is mechanically closed by the removal of the audio jack  1304 . When the switch  1308  is closed, the electrical connection on DETECT line  1338  with ground through resistor  1310  is established, causing the voltage on DETECT line  1338  to decrease to a lower voltage or approximately ground potential. The detector element  1314 , e.g., a monostable multivibrator (or “one-shot”), detects the decreasing voltage on the DETECT line  1338  and generates a pulse on this decreasing edge, which un-grounds the ACC_DETECT line  1342  for a indication period, and then re-grounds the ACC_DETECT line  1342 . The ACC_DETECT line  1342  is un-grounded because the output of the detector element  1314  drive the NFET transistor  1320  from a conducting state to a less conducting, near cutoff, and/or cutoff state, resulting in a positive pulse on the ACC_DETECT line  1342 . 
     In one embodiment, the indication period or time period of the pulse is about T1 msec. In certain embodiments, the indication period is less than or equal to about 1000 msec, 500 msec, 400 msec, 300 msec, 200 msec, 100 msec, or 50 msec. In one embodiment, the media device  1326 , being connected to the ACC_DETECT line  1342  via connector  1324 , detects the pulse on the ACC_DETECT line  1342  which generates an accessory detached and subsequent accessory attached interrupt event in the media device  1326 . In certain embodiments, the media device includes a processor, such as processor  302  of  FIG. 3 , that is connected to the ACC_DETECT line  1342  which detects the pulse generated by removal of the audio jack  1304 . 
     In one embodiment, because the ACC_DETECT pulse provides an indication that the audio jack  1304  may have been inserted or removed, a processor of the media device  1326 , e.g., processor  302 , then determines whether the audio jack  1304  was inserted or removed by monitoring the resistive network  1316  via the ACC_ID line  1340 . When the switch  1308  closes due to the removal of the audio jack  1304 , the voltage on the DETECT line  1338  is pulled low by the connection to ground through the resistor  1310 . The lower voltage on the DETECT line  1338  causes the NFET transistor  1318  to decrease conducting, stop conducting, or cutoff, effectively removing the resistor  1328  from the resistive network  1316 . When the NFET transistor  1318  is not conducting, there is no current flow through the resistor  1328  and, therefore, the value of the resistive network is about equal to the value of the resistor  1330 , e.g., about R2 Ohms. 
     In one embodiment, when the processor in the media device  1326  receives the ACC_DETECT pulse, the processor then queries the ACC_ID line  1340  via the connector  1324  to determine a value associated with the resistive network  1316  that is related to its resistance. For example, the processor may monitor the voltage, current, or resistance on the ACC_ID line  1340 . If the resistance is R2 Ohms or a corresponding voltage or current is detected, the media device  1326  determines that the audio jack  1304  is not present in the receptacle  1306  and, therefore, a media supporting device is not connected to the docking station  1302 . With no media supporting device attached to the docking station, the media device  1326  processor routes audio signals to its internal speakers as opposed to the docking station  1302 . In other embodiments, the various components of the sensor  1300  may be biased to provide signals of different potentials than shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 13A . For example, the detector element  1314  and NFET transistor  1320  may be biased so as to produce a negative pulse on the ACC_DETECT line  1342  which may be used by a processor of the media device  1326  to detect an attach/detach event. 
       FIG. 13B  shows a schematic diagram of a sensor circuit  1350  within a docking station including an resistive-capacitive (RC) tuned filter  1352  to reduce the coupling of audio to the DC voltage lines according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the RC filer includes resistor  1354  and capacitor  1356 . The sensor circuit  1350  also includes switch  1358 , resistor  1360 , NFET transistor  1362 , identification resistor  1364  and identification resistor  1366 . An audio jack  1368  operates to open or close the switch  1358  and carry an audio signal to an accessory device, e.g., a media supporting device. 
     In certain embodiments, the RC filter  1352  functions as a low pass filter to reduce and/or prevent the coupling of audio signals to the DC voltage on the post-detect line  1370 , ACC_ID line  1372 , and/or detect line  1338  of  FIG. 13A . In one embodiment, the RC filter  1352  has about a 3 db corner frequency of about 7.98 Hz. 
     In certain embodiments, the RC filter  1352  is tuned to balance the need to filter the audio signal with the need for the NFET transistor  1362  to switch states rapidly enough to provide the proper resistive value on the ACC_ID line  1372  when checked by the media device  1326 . Tuning may be achieved by adjusting the value of one or both of the resister  1354  and capacitor  1356 . In certain embodiments, either one or both the resister  1354  and capacitor  1356  may be adjustable to enable in circuit adjustment or tuning. By increasing the filtering of the audio signal using the RC filter  1352 , the speed of switching of the NFET transistor  1362  may be reduced. This resulting slow switching of the NFET transistor  1362 , may cause the NFET transistor  1362  to operate in the saturation region for a significant amount of time, effectively acting as a common-source amplifier, which may result in the NFET transistor  1362  amplifying the audio signal onto the ACC_ID line  1372 . Thus, by reducing the filtering, the NFET transistor  1362  advantageously switches more rapidly, while still reaching a DC “low” voltage enough to keep the NFET transistor  1362  gate voltage below Vth, even with the coupled AC audio signal. 
       FIG. 14  shows a functional block diagram of a media system  1400  including a docking station  1402  interfacing with a docked personal media device  1404  and multiple media supporting devices  1406 ,  1408 ,  1410 , and  1412  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the media supporting devices  1406 - 1412  are combined into a single media supporting device that includes multiple data communication interfaces with the docking station  1402  and personal media device  1404 . 
     In operation, the docking station  1402  includes a plurality of data communication interfaces and connectors in addition to a connection with the docked personal media device  1404 . Associated with each data communication connection is a sensor circuit  1414 - 1420 . Each sensor circuit  1414 - 1420  is configured and operates in a manner as described with respect to sensor circuit  1300  of  FIG. 13A . The docking station  1402  may support the delivery and/or receipt various types of data with one or more media supporting devices  1406 - 1412 . When one of the accessory media supporting devices is connected to the docking station, a sensor, e.g., sensor  1414 , detects the connection and provides an identification of the presence and/or type of device attached to the docking station  1402 . Thus, for example, when a video source is connected to the docking station  1402 , the sensor  1420  detects the connection and provides a presence indication and identification to the personal media device  1404 . A processor within the personal media device  1404  may then determine whether to receive the video signals and, for example, display the video via a user interface or display of the personal media device  1404 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a component layout diagram of a docking station  1500  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In certain embodiments, a docked media device may include an antenna or other RF sensitive element that is positioned in close proximity to its connector with the docking station  1500 . To minimize the adverse effects of RF interference with, for example, an antenna of the media device, the internal printed circuit board (PCB) may include bus routing and circuit component positioning in such a way as to minimize any de-sense to RF signals reaching the media device antenna or other sensitive components. In one embodiment, all or a substantial portion of the signal buses  1504  are routed to the left side of the PCB inside the docking station because the right side of the docked media device is sensitive to RF interference. In certain embodiments, the amount of metal or other conductive material is minimized on the PCB to reduce electromagnetic and/or RF interference with a docked media device. In a further embodiment, a multilayer PCB is employed to reduce interference, such as a six-layer PCB. In other embodiments, at least a two-layer, three-layer, four-layer, five-layer, seven-layer, or ten-layer PCB is employed. 
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a process  1600  for sensing when a media supporting device is connected to a docking station and informing a docked media device of the connection according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. First, a media device  1326  is connected to a docking station  1302  (Step  1602 ). Then, a data communications cable having an audio jack  1304  from a media supporting device is connected to the docking station  1302  via the receptacle  1306  (Step  1604 ). The sensor  1300  senses that the data communications cable and audio jack  1304  are connected when the switch  1308  opens (Step  1606 ). The sensor  1300  then sends an indication signal via ACC_DETECT line  1342  from the docking station  1302  to the media device  1326 . The sensor  1300  may also send an identification indication signal via ACC_ID line  1340  from the docking station  1302  to the media device  1326  (Step  1608 ). Once the media device  1326  determines that a media supporting device is connected via audio jack  1304 , the media device  1326  may transit or receive data via the communications cable connected to the audio jack  1304  in response to the media supporting device presence indication signals on the ACC_DETECT and ACC_ID lines  1342  and  1340  (Step  1610 ). 
     It is understood that the various features, elements, or processes of the foregoing figures and description are interchangeable or combinable to realize or practice the invention describe herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow. For example, the detection of the insertion or removal of a plug or jack may apply to any system in addition to a docking station.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100901
Publication Date: 20110823
Grant Date: 20110823
Priority Date: 20070605
Inventors: MINOO JAHAN CHRISTIAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39627474