PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7574177-B2
Application Number: US-32616906-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Remote controller and FM reception arrangement

Abstract:
A modular communication system that includes a battery operated portable multimedia player is used to remotely control a accessory unit arranged to provide an output audio stream to an audio output device. At a user&#39;s discretion, the multimedia player can also be used to provide the original audio source material that is, in turn, processed by the accessory unit for output to the audio output device or an accessory unit can be used to provide the audio source material from, for example, a radio tuner incorporated therein.

Claims:
1. A modular communication system operable in a number of operating modes, comprising:
 a media player arranged to process a selected one of a plurality of digital media files stored therein; and 
 an accessory unit connected to the media player by a bi-directional cable or by a wireless connection wherein when the media player is active and connected to the accessory by way of the bi-directional cable, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable and wherein the accessory unit provides power to the media player, when needed, the accessory unit comprising: 
 an RF unit arranged to receive and process an over the air (OTA) RF signal, 
 an audio output device, and 
 an amplifier unit connected to the RF unit and the audio output device arranged to amplify the processed RF signal, wherein in one operating mode the RF unit bypasses the amplifier unit and provides the processed RF signal directly to the media player for further processing, if any, by the media player. 
 
     
     
       2. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the media player comprises:
 a media player display; 
 a media player user interface comprising: 
 a graphical user interface displayed on the display, wherein a user selection of media files stored therein is assisted by the graphical user interface. 
 
     
     
       3. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the further processing by the media player comprises amplifying the processed RF signal received directly from the accessory unit. 
     
     
       4. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the further processing by the media player comprises:
 when the processed RF signal includes an encoded data portion, 
 decoding the encoded data portion; and 
 displaying any displayable decoded data by the media player on the media player display. 
 
     
     
       5. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein in another operating mode, media files processed by the media player are passed directly to the accessory unit for further processing, if any, by the accessory unit. 
     
     
       6. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the further processing by the accessory unit comprises amplifying the processed media file received from the media player by the amplifier unit. 
     
     
       7. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the amplification of the processed media file by the accessory unit is controlled by the media player, wherein the control by the media player is initiated by a user provided input event at the media player user interface. 
     
     
       8. The modular communication system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the media player further comprises a media player wireless interface and wherein the accessory unit further comprises an accessory unit wireless interface by way of which the media player and the accessory device wirelessly communicate with each other. 
     
     
       9. The wireless modular communication system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the media player and the accessory taken together form a wireless network, wherein the media player can wirelessly control the accessory and the accessory can wirelessly control the media player at the discretion of the user. 
     
     
       10. A method performed by a modular communication system operable in a number of operating modes, the system including a media player arranged to process a selected one of a plurality of digital media files stored therein and an accessory unit connected to the media player by a bi-directional cable or by a wireless connection the accessory unit comprising an RF unit arranged to receive and process an over the air (OTA) RF signal,
 an audio output device, and an amplifier unit connected to the RF unit and the audio output device arranged to amplify the processed RF signal, the method comprising: 
 wherein in one operating mode, 
 bypassing the amplifier unit by the RF unit; and 
 providing the processed RF signal directly to the media player for further processing, if any, by the media player. 
 
     
     
       11. The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the media player comprises:
 a media player display; 
 a media player user interface comprising: 
 a graphical user interface displayed on the display, wherein a user selection of media files stored therein is assisted by the graphical user interface. 
 
     
     
       12. The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the further processing by the media player comprises amplifying the processed RF signal received directly from the accessory unit. 
     
     
       13. The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the further processing by the media player comprises:
 when the processed RF signal includes an encoded data portion, 
 decoding the encoded data portion; and 
 displaying any displayable decoded data by the media player on the media player display. 
 
     
     
       14. The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein in another operating mode, media files processed by the media player are passed directly to the accessory unit for further processing, if any, by the accessory unit. 
     
     
       15. An accessory unit, comprising:
 an RF unit arranged to receive and process an over the air (OTA) RF signal; 
 an audio output device; and 
 an amplifier unit connected to the RF unit and the audio output device arranged to amplify the processed RF signal, wherein when the accessory unit is connected to a media player arranged to store media files, in one operating mode the RF unit bypasses the amplifier unit and provides the processed RF signal directly to the media player for further processing, wherein when the accessory unit is connected to the media player by a bi-directional cable and the media player is active, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable. 
 
     
     
       16. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the media player is connected to accessory unit by the bi-directional cable or by a wireless connection. 
     
     
       17. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 16 , when the media player is active and connected to the accessory by way of the bi-directional cable, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable and wherein, when needed, the accessory unit provides power to the media player. 
     
     
       18. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the accessory unit is operable in a stand alone mode. 
     
     
       19. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the accessory unit further comprises:
 an accessory unit user interface arranged to receive a user supplied accessory unit input event; and 
 a microcontroller unit arranged to receive the user supplied accessory unit input event and, in response, provide corresponding instruction signals to the amplifier unit and the RF unit. 
 
     
     
       20. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the media player comprises:
 a display; and 
 a media player user interface, wherein the media player user interface further comprises a graphical user interface displayed on the display for aiding a user in the selection of media files stored in the media player and for providing media player control signals. 
 
     
     
       21. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the bi-directional cable includes an accessory detection line arranged to carry a detection signal used to detect if the media player is connected to the accessory unit. 
     
     
       22. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 15 , wherein when the accessory unit is connected to the media player and when the media player is hibernating, the media player is drawing power from the accessory unit. 
     
     
       23. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 22 , wherein when a user supplied wake up signal is provided by the accessory unit to the hibernating media player by way of the bi-directional cable, the media player wakes up and provides all necessary power to the accessory unit. 
     
     
       24. The accessory unit as recited in  claim 20 , wherein when the processed over the air (OTA) RF signal includes an encoded data signal, then the encoded data signal is passed to the media player for display of any displayable data. 
     
     
       25. A method performed by an accessory unit operable in a number of operating modes, wherein the accessory unit includes at least an RF unit arranged to receive and process an over the air (OTA) RF signal, an audio output device, and an amplifier unit connected to the RF unit and the audio output device arranged to amplify the processed RF signal, comprising:
 connecting the accessory unit to a media player by way of a bi-directional cable, wherein the media player is arranged to store media files and wherein when the media player is active, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable; 
 receiving an OTA RF signal at the RF unit; 
 processing the received OTA RF signal; and 
 when the accessory unit is operating in a bypass mode, 
 bypassing the amplifier unit and providing the processed RF signal directly to the media player arranged for further processing. 
 
     
     
       26. The method as recited in  claim 25 , wherein the another device is a portable media player connected to the accessory by the bi-directional cable or by a wireless connection. 
     
     
       27. The method as recited in  claim 26  wherein when the media player is connected to the accessory by way of the bi-directional cable, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable and wherein, when needed, the accessory unit provides power to the media player. 
     
     
       28. The method as recited in  claim 27 , further comprising:
 controlling an operation of the accessory unit by a user using only the media player; and 
 controlling an operation of the media player by the user using only the accessory unit. 
 
     
     
       29. The method as recited in  claim 27 , wherein when the media player is hibernating, then
 providing power to the hibernating media player by way of the bi-directional cable by the accessory unit. 
 
     
     
       30. The method as recited in  claim 29 , further comprising:
 providing a wake up signal by the accessory unit to the hibernating media player; 
 waking up the hibernating media player in response to the wake up signal; and 
 ceasing the supply of power by the accessory unit to the media player when the media player is awake and active.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to remote communication devices such as multimedia players, cell phones, radios (either mobile or stationary) and personal digital assistants. More specifically, the invention describes a user configurable modular communications system. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Recent developments in consumer electronics have included the introduction of remote client devices such as portable multimedia players (such as MP3 players, minidisk players), cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like. 
     For example, in the case of an MP3 player (or, for that matter, any other digital media playback device), a number of digitized audio files are stored in a storage medium included in or coupled to the player in a fashion deemed most suitable to that user. In the case of MP3 files, for example, a user of the MP3 player must be able to conveniently interact with the player in order to peruse and select a particular file (or files) based upon such characteristics as music genre, author, album, or whatever grouping of MP3 files is present in the MP3 player. In addition to merely selecting a particular file, it would be of great convenience to the user to be able to listen to the selected MP3 file and read any associated information on a receiver unit, such as a car radio, that is separate and distinct from the player itself. 
     Therefore, what is desired is a convenient way for a user to concurrently listen to a selected digital multimedia file and view any associated information pertaining to the multimedia file. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A modular communication system is described that includes a bi-directional cable that optionally connects a multimedia player unit arranged to process a selected one of a plurality of stored digital multimedia files and an accessory unit. When the media player is active, the media player provides power to the accessory unit by way of the bi-directional cable that is used by the accessory unit for receiving and processing an over the air (OTA) RF broadcast signal. When the processed RF signal includes an audio signal, then the audio signal is further processed to form an output audio signal. 
     In one embodiment, the accessory unit is compatible with Radio Data System (RDS) embodied in what is commonly referred to as an RDS enabled “smart” radio. The multimedia file is a digital media file in any of a number of digital media formats whilst the multimedia player takes the form of a pocket sized, portable digital media file player, such as an iPod™ manufactured by Apple Computer Corporation of Cupertino, Calif. 
     In another embodiment, method of operation of a media player having a media player user interface arranged to store media files optionally connected by way of a bi-directional cable to an accessory unit having an RF receiver and an amplifier unit is described. The method includes the following operations, determining if the media player unit is connected to the accessory player, when the media player unit is active, providing power by the media unit by way of the bi-directional cable to the accessory unit for receiving and processing an over the air (OTA) RF broadcast signal wherein when the processed RF broadcast signal includes an encoded data signal, then the encoded data signal is passed back to the media player unit by way of the bi-directional cable for display of any displayable data encoded therein to form an output signal. When the processed RF signal includes an audio signal, further processing the audio signal to form an output audio signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  each show an of embodiment of a communication system in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exemplary portable multimedia device, or media player, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show examples of the media player of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a particular implementation of the bi-directional cable in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to a particular embodiment of the invention an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the particular embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     According to one embodiment, a battery operated portable multimedia player is used to remotely control a accessory unit arranged to provide an output audio stream to an audio output device such as a headphone, earphone, etc. At a user&#39;s discretion, the multimedia player can also be used to provide the original audio source material that is, in turn, processed by the accessory unit for output to the audio output device or an accessory unit can be used to provide the audio source material from, for example, a radio tuner incorporated therein. It should be noted that in either case, either the multimedia player or the accessory unit can be used to provide control signals (i.e., volume, radio station selection, etc.). In addition, when the radio tuner is configured as a smart radio (RDS/RBDS), then data can be passed from the accessory unit to the multimedia player for display on a display screen. 
     In the described embodiment, the accessory unit includes a controller unit, an audio amplifier unit, and an RF tuner unit. In the case where the portable multimedia player acts as the original audio source, the RF tuner is powered down in order to preserve battery power, otherwise, the RF tuner is powered up and configured to process any number of available radio broadcast formats. In a particularly useful embodiment, the audio output device includes an antenna used to receive radio signals that are, in turn, processed by the RF tuner unit. 
     The RF tuner included in the accessory unit is compatible with a number of both digital and analog radio broadcast formats (FM, AM, RDS/RBDS). It should be noted that the Radio (Broadcast) Data System (RDS)/RBDS) is a broadcast format that sends extra information along with VHF/FM radio services suitable receiving equipment without affecting the normal audio program. The basic concept behind RDS is that each FM radio station is given a set bandwidth can be used for it&#39;s broadcasting. However, most stations do not use all of their bandwidth, and the spare bandwidth is usually wasted. Therefore, RDS uses this wasted bandwidth for transmitting a low bit rate FM radio based data signal by being modulated into the radio station signal and transmitted along side it. This arrangement is very cost effective since the existing transmitting towers can be used with very little modification. In this way, when configured to receive and process RDS/RBDS radio broadcast signals, data can be transferred from the RF tuner to the multimedia player for, if desired, display on a display screen. 
     The invention described herein pertains to a method, apparatus, and system that affords a user of a personal portable communication device, such as a multimedia player (along the lines of an IPOD™ multimedia player manufactured by Apple Computer Corporation of Cupertino, Calif.) the ability to either remotely control (either wired or wirelessly) a compatible accessory unit (such as, for example, a Radio Data System (RDS) enabled radio) or to act as a source of audio source material (such as digital audio files stored therein). As a control unit, the multimedia player provides a number of control signals to the accessory unit that include, for example, a volume control signal, an RF tuner control signal (for selecting a particular radio broadcast format, station, etc.) and a mode control signal (for powering up or down the RF tuner unit, for example). In those situations when the RF tuner is powered up and configured to receive RDS/RBDS radio broadcasts, the accessory unit (when configured as an RDS enabled radio is often referred to as a “smart radio”) receives media data (i.e., songs, music, etc.) and its related information (e.g., song title, title artist, etc) using Radio Data Service (RDS) based data bitstream. This data is communicated back to the multimedia player for display to the user. In this way, the user can (in addition to selecting a particular song or music selection) be provided with information (such as artist) directly related to a particular musical selection. For example, a user can use the available music data to select only certain artists, or only music having certain titles, etc. thereby greatly enhancing the user&#39;s listening experience. When the multimedia player is configured to perform as a provider of source material, the RF tuner is powered down in order to preserve battery power and a user can select any of a number of digital multimedia files (such as music, song, or even images or video), which is then processed by the multimedia player for output by the accessory unit to the external audio device. 
     It should also be noted, that in a particularly useful embodiment, the accessory unit includes a user interface that provides user input signals to not only the accessory unit but also to the media player. In this way, the accessory unit performs a limited remote control function for the multimedia player by, for example, increasing or decreasing the sound volume produced at a speaker unit connected to the multimedia player. 
     The invention will now be described in terms a portable multimedia player capable of storing a number of multimedia digital data files. For example, in the case of the multimedia player being a pocket sized portable player (such as the IPOD™ player manufactured by the Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), the multimedia data files can include MP3 files as well as any other appropriately formatted data files. 
     Accordingly,  FIG. 1A  shows a system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the system  100  includes a portable media player  102  having a display screen  104  and a user interface that includes a user interface  105  that takes the form of a physical user interface (PUI)  106  (having keys, scroll wheels, etc.) and/or a graphical user interface (GUI)  107  (having selectable icons, menus, etc.) connected by way of a bi-directional cable  108  to a accessory unit  110  by way of ports  109  and  111 . The accessory unit  110  is, in turn, connected to (either wirelessly or in a wired manner) to an output device  112  (such as a headphone, loudspeaker, etc.) by way of a connection  118 . In the described embodiment, the accessory unit  110  includes a user interface  113  (that can be a PUI and/or a GUI) that in any case provides user input signals that are acted upon by the accessory unit  110 , or in some cases, by the media player  102  thereby augmenting (or in some cases superceding) some or all of the user interface  106 . It should be noted that due to the bi-directional nature of the cable  108 , the user interface  105  can augment or supercede some or all of the functions of the user interface  113 . 
     In a particularly useful embodiment, the output device  112  includes an antenna  119  for receiving over the air (OTA) broadcast signals that are sent to the accessory unit  10  for processing by way of the connection  118  to an RF tuner incorporated in or coupled to the accessory unit  110 . In another embodiment (not shown at this point for sake of simplicity), the output device  112  is eliminated in favor of either a built in speaker or an external speaker connected to an output port  122  included in the media player  102 . By taking advantage of the output port  122 , the accessory unit  110  is simplified. 
     In some cases as shown in  FIG. 1B , the media player  102  is in wireless communication with the accessory unit  110  thereby eliminating the necessity of the cable  108 . In this arrangement, the media player  102  is part of wireless network. The wireless network can take the form of, for example, a “WiFi” network according to the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g standards. Other wireless network standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified standards or in addition to the identified standards. 
     Particularly with music, the increased popularity of storing multimedia data (in the form of digital audio files having various formats such as MP3, AAC and AIFF) on a personal computer has resulted in a variety of products and services. For example, media player s (e.g., MP3 player), such as the iPod® multimedia device, can be used to store selected digital audio files which are then arranged in any manner deemed appropriate by a user. Accordingly, for the remainder of this discussion, the media player  102  will take the form of a music player along the lines of the iPod® multimedia device manufactured by Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. arranged to store any number of digital audio files in a memory device incorporated therein.  FIG. 2  shows a portable media player  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media player  200  is, for example, suitable for use as the battery powered portable media player  102  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The media player  200  includes a processor  202  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the media player  200 . The media player  200  stores media data pertaining to media assets in a file system  204  and a cache  206 . The file system  204  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system  204  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the media player  200 . However, since the access time to the file system  204  is relatively slow, the media player  200  can also include a cache  206 . The cache  206  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  206  is substantially shorter than for the file system  204 . However, the cache  206  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  204 . Further, the file system  204 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  206 . The power consumption is particularly important when the media player  200  is a portable media player that is powered by a battery (not shown). The media player  200  also includes a RAM  220  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  222 . The ROM  222  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  220  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  206 . 
     The media player  200  also includes a user input device  208  that allows a user of the media player  200  to interact with the media player  200 . For example, the user input device  208  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the media player  200  includes a display  210  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  202  to display information to the user. A data bus  224  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  204 , the cache  206 , and the processor  202 . The media player  200  also includes a bus interface  216  that couples to a data link  218 . The data link  218  allows the media player  200  to couple to a host computer over a wired connection. 
     In one embodiment, the media player  200  serves to store a plurality of media assets (e.g., songs) in the file system  204 . When a user desires to have the media player  200  play a particular media item, a list of available media assets is displayed on the display  210 . Then, using the user input device  208 , a user can select one of the available media assets. The processor  202 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  212 . The CODEC  212  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  214 . The speaker  214  can be a speaker internal to the media player  200  or external to the media player  200 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player  200  would be considered an external speaker. 
     For example, in a particular embodiment, the available media assets are arranged in a hierarchical manner based upon a selected number and type of groupings appropriate to the available media assets. For example, in the case where the media player  200  is an MP3 type media player, the available media assets take the form of MP3 files (each of which corresponds to a digitally encoded song or other audio rendition) stored at least in part in the file system  204 . The available media assets (or in this case, songs) can be grouped in any manner deemed appropriate. In one arrangement, the songs can be arranged hierarchically as a list of music genres at a first level, a list of artists associated with each genre at a second level, a list of albums for each artist listed in the second level at a third level, while at a fourth level a list of songs for each album listed in the third level, and so on. 
     The media player  200  also includes a wireless network interface  226  arranged to wirelessly transmit any selected data from the media player  200  to any appropriately configured receiver unit (e.g., the wireless network interface  114 ) over a wireless network. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the wireless network interface  226  that takes the form of, for example, a “WiFi” interface according to the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g standards. Other wireless network standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified standards or in addition to the identified standards. Such other network standards could include the IEEE 802.11a standard or the Bluetooth standard. 
     In one embodiment, the media player  200  is a portable computing device dedicated to processing media such as audio. For example, the media player  200  can be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, a remote controller, a portable communication device, and the like. These devices are generally 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 one implementation, the media player  200  is a handheld device that is sized for placement into a pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, the media player  200  is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device, as in a portable computer). Furthermore, the device may be operated by the user&#39;s hands, no reference surface such as a desktop is needed. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , during operation, a user has the option of selecting a number of operating modes for the system  100 . In a first mode, a user selects desired music files stored in the media player  102  which are then decoded by the media player  102 . The decoded music files are then passed by way of the cable  108  to the accessory unit  110  for further processing that includes amplification prior to being output to the output device  112 . Since the cable  108  is bi-directional in nature, the amplification can be controlled by user supplied inputs to the user interface  106  or, by user supplied inputs to the user interface  113 . In this way, the system  100  provides for output control by either the media player  102  or the accessory unit  110 . It is also possible to forego the use of the audio device  112  in favor of an audio output device coupled to the port  122  but still maintain the option of providing user supplied input signals by way of the user interface  106  or  113 . Again this arrangement is made possible by the bi-directional cable  108 . 
     In a second (or radio) mode, a user can choose to listen to a radio station that is broadcast over the air (OTA) using an external antenna incorporated into the output device  112 , for example, in conjunction with the accessory unit  110 . In the described embodiment, the selection of a particular radio format (AM, FM, RDS/RBDS) can be effectuated by using either of the user interfaces  106  or  113  in tandem or separately. For example, the accessory unit  110  can be used as a standalone radio or the accessory unit  110  can be used as an adjunct to the media player  102  since the bi-directional cable  108  affords communication between media player  102  and the accessory unit  110 . When selected as an RDS type radio (i.e., smart radio) a data channel incorporated into the cable  108  provides a conduit for data to be streamed from the accessory unit  110  to the media player  102 . Such data (as described above) can be displayed as text on the display  104 . 
     When operating in the radio mode, the system  100  provides the user with the capability of listening to any number of radio broadcast formats (both digital and analog) such as AM, FM, RDS/RBDS. In the case or RDS/RBDS, the accessory unit  110  provides data back to the media player  102  for display on the display  104 . Such data includes metadata corresponding to a particular music selection currently being played such as artist name, title, time of day, location, station ID, etc. In some cases, other information can also be displayed that although not relevant to the current music selection would be of interest to the user. Such information includes current traffic conditions, weather alerts, stock quotes, etc. all of which is made available over a data channel. It should be noted, that any data can be stored in the media player  102  for later retrieval and display. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an embodiment of a media player  300  as a particular implementation of the media player  110  having an amplifier unit  302  coupled to a microcontroller unit  304  arranged to provide appropriate control signals based, in part, upon input signals provided by a user input  306 . An RF tuner  308  receives an RF signal via the connector  118  by way of an external antenna. In the described embodiment, the format of the RF signal as well as the particular frequency (i.e., station) can be selected by a user by way of either the user input  306  or by the PUI  106  in conjunction with the GUI  107  displayed on the display  104  in the media player  102 . In those cases where the user takes advantage of the media player  102  to select a particular radio format and/or station, the control signals are passed by way of the cable  108  to the RF tuner  208 . In some cases, however, it may be desirable to use the user input  306  to select the radio format an/or station and the user interface  106  to provide other control signals, such as volume. In that case, some of the control signals are passed from the media player  102  over the cable  108  whereas other control signals are provided by the microcontroller unit  304  to the RF tuner  308 , or the amplifier unit  302 , or any other component as needed. In any case, the output of the RF tuner  308  is provided to the amplifier unit  302  that, in turn, outputs an audio signal to the output device  112 .  FIG. 3B  shows an embodiment of a media player  300  as a particular implementation of the media player  110  having whereby the audio signal from the RF tuner  308  is sent not to the amplifier unit  302  (as shown in  FIG. 3A ), but is sent back to the media player unit  102  by way of the cable  108 . The media player  102 , in turn, can provide (or not) any number or type of audio processing (i.e., attenuate the audio signal, amplify the audio signal, store the audio signal, record the audio signal to a storage medium such as a disk, time shift the audio signal, etc.) prior to the processed signal being returned to the accessory unit  108 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a particular implementation of the bi-directional cable  108  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The bi-directional cable  108  includes a voltage supply line  402  arranged to provide an operating voltage (5 v or 3.3 v, for example) between the accessory unit  110  and the media player  102 . In some cases, the operating voltage can be obtained from a battery incorporated in the media player or by an external power supply by way of a power port included in the media player  102 . As shown, the cable  108  also includes a system ground line  404  and a pair of serial data lines  406  and  408  that, taken together, form a bi-directional datapath between the media player  102  and the accessory unit  110 . It should be noted, however, that the data lines  406  and  408  are separate and distinct from each other and as such can be used independently to provide one way data path to/from the media player  102  and the accessory unit  110 . 
     The cable  108  also includes a pair of audio lines  410  and  412  arranged in this embodiment as a left (L) and right (R) audio channel, respectively, for providing a left channel and a right channel audio data from the media player  102  to the accessory unit  110 . Additional audio lines  414  and  416  provide a complementary audio data path from the accessory unit  110  to the media player  102 . An audio ground line  418  is also provided. Furthermore, in a particularly useful implementation, the cable  108  includes an accessory detect line  402  that enables the accessory unit  110  to awaken, or otherwise power up from a sleep (inactive) state also referred to as a hibernation mode, the media player  102  even though the accessory unit  108  is ultimately powered by the media player  102 . In the described embodiment, in the hibernation mode, the media player  102  draws any needed power from the accessory unit  108  and a user supplied button push on the accessory unit  108  has the effect of waking up the hibernating media player  102  resulting, in turn, with power again being supplied to the accessory unit  108  from the media player  102 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a flowchart detailing a process  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process  500  begins at  502  by determining the particular operating mode of the communication system. When the communication system is operating in the first mode, then at  504  the media player receives a media file selection input that indicates which of the media files stored therein has been selected for play. As mentioned above, the selection process typically involves a user interface that includes physical keys, buttons, sliders, etc in conjunction with some form of a graphical user interface. Once selected, the media file is decoded by the media player at  506  that is then passed by way of the bi-directional cable to the accessory unit at  508 . It should be noted that at any point in the process  500 , various control signals can be used to vary any number of operational and/or play parameters such as volume, treble, bass, equalizer, etc. provided by the user interface at the media player or the media interface at the accessory unit. 
     Once the decoded media file has been passed to the accessory unit, the accessory unit processes the decoded media file at  510  and at  512 , passes the processed media file to the output audio device. The output audio device then outputs the processed media file at  514 . 
     Returning to  502 , if it had been determined that the system has been configured to operate in the second (or radio) mode, then at  516 , a desired radio format is selected using any of the available user interfaces on the media player or the accessory unit. Radio formats include, but are not limited to, (digital or analog) AM, FM, and RDS/RBDS. Once the desired radio format has been selected, the radio signal is captured by an antenna (which in some cases is incorporated into the output audio device) at  518  and processed by an RF tuner at  520 . At this point, if the selected radio format is RDS (or RBDS), at  522 , then at  524 , any data encoded in the RDS signal is sent to the media player and for display at  526 . In any format, however, the processed radio signal is passed to the output audio device at  528  that outputs the relevant audio content at  512 . 
     Although the media items of emphasis in several of the above embodiments where audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), the media items are not limited to audio items. For example, the media item can alternatively, pertain to recorded discussions and the like. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the process and apparatus of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20060104
Publication Date: 20090811
Grant Date: 20090811
Priority Date: 20060104
Inventors: TUPMAN DAVE
DOROGUSKER JESSE
FADELL TONY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N21/41265", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H60/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/8113", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N2007/145", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/43637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H60/74", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/41265", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/43637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N2007/145", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/60", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H2201/13", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/42204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/43632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H60/74", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/43632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H60/80", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04H2201/13", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/42204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/41407", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/8113", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/41407", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 38471526