Patent Application
20070153139
The present invention relates generally to entertainment systems. More particularly, the invention relates to entertainment systems for use in vehicles, and to portable entertainment devices for docking to such entertainment systems.
It is now quite common to have a video entertainment system in an automobile. Typically, a video player is mounted on the ceiling of the automobile's passenger compartment behind front seats, with a drop-down screen facing passengers seated in the rear row or rows of seats. A digital video disc (DVD) is loaded into the player and played to the passengers. To enable the passengers to listen to the DVD's audio track, the player may have a speaker and one or more receptacles for headphone jacks. The inventors here have identified a number of shortcomings with this arrangement.
One shortcoming is the need to keep media (DVDs) in the automobile. The media in the automobile may be stolen together with the automobile, or when the automobile is entrusted to a service station or a parking valet. The media may also be damaged by sun, rain (e.g., when a window is left open or in a convertible), or other elements. Moreover, many consumers install video entertainment systems in their automobiles to entertain children during trips. Thus, many, if not most, users of such systems and media are children. And little fingers are known to have destroyed many DVDs, compact discs (CDs), video and audio tapes, and other media storage devices.
Second, if the media is left in the automobile, it is not available for the consumer's use at home or elsewhere. This shortcoming is not only present for physical media storage devices, such as DVDs, but also when digital rights management software limits the number of devices authorized to play a particular presentation.
Third, a trip's length may not match the length of the presentation stored on the media. Viewing interruptions then follow. A consumer may wish to be able to continue viewing an interrupted presentation after leaving the automobile. Video players installed in vehicles, however, typically are not designed for portability. In other words, these video players generally cannot be easily removed and reinstalled, do not have autonomous power supplies, and are quite large.
Fourth, only one video presentation at one time can be played on a video player installed in an automobile. Therefore, known automobile-installed video players limit their audience to one show at a time. Although the audience is rather limited in number by the size of the rear seat(s), selection of a single video presentation can not always be achieved in harmony, especially with children of different ages in the audience.
Fifth, a fixed video player with a drop-down screen may not be ideally positioned for viewing from all rear seats and all seat positions of the automobile.
It would be desirable to provide entertainment systems that reduce or eliminate these shortcomings.
A need thus exists to reduce the necessity to store and to handle media storage devices in automobiles and other vehicles. Another need exists to reduce the necessity to keep physical media storage devices in automobiles and other vehicles. Another need exists to reduce the necessity to tie licenses (such as digital rights licenses) to entertainment systems installed in automobiles and other vehicles. Another need exists to enable a consumer to continue enjoying a media presentation after leaving an automobile or another vehicle. Another need exists to enable two or more passengers to view and/or listen to multiple media presentations on an automobile's entertainment system at the same time. Still another need exists to have an automobile-installed video player screen that can be viewed from different positions and different angles.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to entertainment consoles that help to satisfy one or more of these needs. In an embodiment, an entertainment console for mounting in a vehicle includes a base with a docking bay configured to receive a portable entertainment device. A console connector is disposed in the docking bay. The console connector is configured to couple electrically to a complimentary portable device connector of the portable entertainment device when the portable entertainment device is disposed in the docking bay. When the console connector is coupled to the complimentary portable device connector, the console connector (1) provides electrical power from the entertainment console to the portable entertainment device, and (2) receives a video data stream from the portable entertainment device. A display renders video derived from the received video data stream. The video data stream may be an analog or a digital stream, and may but need not require additional processing before being rendered on the screen.
In selected aspects, one surface of the console's base is attached to the ceiling of the vehicle's passenger compartment, and the display is attached to the base by a hinged connector that allows the display to be flipped down from the base, for viewing by the vehicle's passengers. The hinged connector may also allow the display to be rotated relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle.
In selected aspects, the docking bay is a recess in the base of the console with a locking mechanism to hold the portable entertainment player docked in the bay.
In selected aspects, a portable entertainment device capable of docking with the entertainment console is capable of independent operation when not docked to the entertainment console.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console also includes a video processor coupled to the console connector to receive the video data stream. The video processor converts the video data stream into video signals corresponding to the video data stream, and drives the display with the video signals to cause the display to render the video corresponding to the video signals.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle to receive electrical power from the electrical system of the vehicle.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console does not include an autonomous power supply. Instead, the console receives from the vehicle's electrical system the electrical power for its operation, and for operation of the players docked to it.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console receives an audio data stream from portable entertainment device when the console connector is coupled to the complimentary portable device connector of the portable entertainment device.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console also includes speakers for reproducing sound corresponding to the audio data stream received from the portable entertainment device.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console also includes headphone jacks for driving headphones with sound corresponding to the audio data stream received from the portable entertainment device. The entertainment console may further include an audio processor coupled to the console connector to receive the audio data stream, and generate the sound corresponding to the audio data stream. The audio processor may also be coupled to audio system of the vehicle to drive speakers of the audio system with the sound corresponding to the audio data stream.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console also includes a digital rights management module restricting rendering on the display of the video derived from the video data stream in accordance with intellectual property rights to content corresponding to the video (available to operator of the entertainment console, e.g., to the owner of the vehicle/console, a passenger, or owner/operator of the docked PMP).
In selected aspects, the entertainment console also has a dome light and a connector to dome light control of the vehicle, so that the dome light of the entertainment console is turned on and off in accordance with the current state of the dome light control.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console does not include a source of media presentations, such as a DVD drive.
In selected aspects, the portable entertainment device docked to the entertainment console has a DVD player, a Flash memory reader, a hard drive player, a TV tuner, and/or a satellite receiver.
In selected aspects, the entertainment console has a second docking bay, so that the console can receive two portable entertainment devices at the same time, and play content from these entertainment devices simultaneously. Video streams of the two devices may be rendered in different areas of the screen, or the console may include a second screen (for example, two screens on its screen panel) and render each video stream on a separate screen. The console may also enable recording of content from one portable entertainment player docked in one bay (e.g., a DVD player) on a second portable entertainment player docked in another bay (e.g., a hard drive player).
These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings, and appended claims.
In this document, including the appended claims, the words “embodiment” and “variant,” as well as similar expressions, refer to particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture, and not necessarily to the same apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. Thus, “one embodiment” or a similar expression used in one place or context may refer to a particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture; the same or a similar expression in a different place may refer to a different apparatus, process, or article of manufacture.
The expressions “alternative embodiment,” “alternatively,” and similar phrases are used to indicate one of a number of different possible embodiments. The number of possible embodiments is not necessarily limited to two or any other quantity.
The words “couple,” “connect,” and similar expressions with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily import an immediate or direct connection, but include within their meaning connections through mediate elements.
When used to describe an electronic entertainment device, the word “portable” refers to a device designed for portability, e.g., for being carried by a person (by hand, on the person, or in a carrying bag) in the course of the person's daily routines, such as working, walking, exercising, and engaging in other activities. A “portable media player” or “PMP” is portable storage-media based electronic device that is capable of storing and playing files in one or more media formats. The term “portable entertainment device” thus encompasses within its meaning the term “portable media player,” as well as non-media devices, such as TV tuners and satellite receivers.
The term “docking” and its various inflectional morphemes describe a state of a portable entertainment device in which the device is attached to a console and plugged into a connector of the console to receive electrical power from the console and to send to the console data streams corresponding to entertainment content available from the entertainment device. Typically, the console provides a recess (i.e., “docking bay”) with the electrical connector. A console may be mounted on the ceiling of a vehicle's passenger compartment, in the vehicle's doors, partitions, or in other places.
References to video/audio “streams” and “data streams” apply to both digital and analog streams of information.
Other definitions may be found elsewhere in this document. The scope and spirit of the invention should not necessarily be construed as strictly limited to these definitions, or to the specific examples mentioned herein.
Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same apparatus elements and method steps. The drawings are in simplified form, not to scale, and omit apparatus elements and method steps that can be added to the described systems and methods, while including certain optional elements and steps. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional arrows and terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, upper, lower, rear, and front may be used with respect to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directional terms should not necessarily be construed to limit the scope of the invention.
The overhead console 100 is connected to the electrical system of the car in which it is installed, so that the car's electrical system can provide electrical power for operation of the overhead console 100. The console 100 also connects to the dome light power line of the car, using it to power or control console dome lights 112. The dome lights 112 turn on and off with the dome light(s) in the car's passenger compartment. In some installations, however, one or more of the car's original dome lights are removed in order to install the overhead console 100; in such installations, the dome lights 112 replace the car's original dome light(s).
The overhead console 100 may also connect to the car's audio system. This arrangement allows the overhead console to play sound through the speakers of the audio system. The console 100 also includes a pair of built-in speakers and one or more headphone jacks.
The base 110 has a docking bay 114 for receiving various portable entertainment devices, such as video players.
When inserted into the base 110, the portable media player is locked in position so that it does not fall from the docking bay 114. A release button may be provided on the portable media player, the overhead console 100, or on both of these devices. In some variants, a physical key or a code is required to remove the portable media player from the overhead console 100. They key or code secures the portable media player when the car is entrusted to third parties, for example, for parking or service. In some variants, the portable media player is selectively monitored and secured by the security system installed in the vehicle, as is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/018,689, entitled SECURITY AND REMOTE ACCESS FOR VEHICULAR ENTERTAINMENT, SAFETY, AND CONVENIENCE SYSTEMS, filed on Jan. 2, 2004. This application is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, including all figures, tables, and claims.
The DVD player 200 is an autonomous portable entertainment device capable of playing DVD media by itself or through another device. The player 200 includes a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery with charging circuitry and power supply adaptor, screen, audio drivers/speakers, DVD drive, and electronic circuitry for reading video and audio data from DVDs and driving the screen and the speakers with the audio streams generated from the data. When the DVD player 200 is docked in the bay 114, it receives (through the coupling connector 202) electrical power from the overhead console 100 for its operation and, if needed, for charging its internal battery. The DVD player 200 can be configured to turn off its integral screen and speakers/audio drivers when docked in and playing through the overhead console 100. Typically, the screen of the overhead console is larger than the screen of the portable media players designed for docking in the bay 114. Thus, the viewing experience is enhanced by playing the video through the overhead console 100, rather than on the screen of the portable media player. Similarly, the audio playback is enhanced by listening through the overhead console 100. Toward these ends, the DVD player 200 uses the connector 202 to send video and audio streams to the console 100. Additionally, two wired jacks 204 and 206 are provided for outputting DVD audio to headphones. The level of the audio output through the jacks 204 and 206 is controlled by a volume control wheel 208.
As noted above, the DVD player 200 is capable of independent operation using its internal battery. Moreover, the DVD player 200 can be connected to a TV set or a home theater system. Video and audio from the player 200 can be received through an A/V connector 210 or an S-port connector 212. Operation of the DVD player 200 is controlled using an AUDIO key 216, MENU key 218, PLAY/PAUSE key 220, STOP key 222, and navigation/scrolling key 224. A DVD cover 226 is opened by depressing an OPEN button 228. The capability to operate the DVD player 200 independently allows the user of the overhead console 100 to remove the player 200 from the console 100 after arriving at a destination, and to continue watching a presentation after leaving the car.
It should be noted that in some variants the operation of the DVD player 200 may also be controlled through the console 100. For example, user controls of the console 100 may cause control signals to be sent from the console 100 to the DVD player 200, causing the DVD player 200 to start, stop, and pause playback, as well as perform other menu functions.
Another feature of the DVD player 200 worthy of attention is its ability to play video and audio from Flash media. Note three memory reader cards 232/234/236 on top of the player 200. In this embodiment, the slots accept CompactFlash® (232), Memory Stick® (234), and Secure Digital® (236) memory cards. The player 200 has a card reader capable of reading data from each of these card types; the processor of the player 200 then converts the read data into audio and video streams that can be played back on the player 200, or sent out to the overhead console 100 (via the coupling connector 202), headphones (via the jacks 204/206), or TV set or home theater system (via the A/V connector 210 or the S-port connector 212).
The HD player 400 has two memory card slots: (1) CompactFlash® slot 434, and (2) Secure Digital® slot (436). As in the case of the DVD player 200, the HD player 400 has a card reader capable of reading data from each of these card types, and a processor that converts the read data into audio and video streams, which can be played back on the HD player 400, or sent out to the overhead console 100, headphones, or TV set or home theater system. Of course, the player 400 can also itself play video and audio presentations stored on its internal hard drive.
The player 400 further includes a 5-way navigation key 418, record key 420 for recording on the internal hard drive, menu key 422, exit key 424, infra-red receiver window 426 (for remote control and possibly other functions), and a microphone opening 428 (for recording live sound).
Note that the player 400 is also a recorder: it can accept video and audio streams and record them on the internal hard drive for later playback, for example, playback through the overhead console 100, TV set or home theater system, or using its integral display 438 and built-in audio drivers/speakers.
It should be understood that other portable entertainment devices can be inserted into the docking bay 114 and played through the overhead console 100 in a similar fashion. Such “dockable” devices may include CD players, TV tuners, conventional radio (AM/FM) receivers, satellite receivers (radio and TV), and other devices.
A vehicle interface 160 is a connector for coupling the overhead console 100 to the car in which it is installed. It may include a power connection for receiving electrical power from the car's power system, a dome light power connection for powering or controlling the dome lights 112, and a connection to the car's speakers (i.e., the speaker's of the car's audio system), so that the audio from the docked portable entertainment device can be played through the car's speakers.
The power received from the car's electrical system is routed to a power supply block 158, which conditions it for use by other components of the overhead console 100 and for powering the docked portable entertainment device through the connector 116. For example, the power supply block 158 may filter the received voltage, regulate it, down convert it, and/or up convert it, to match the input power requirements of the docked player and electronics of the console 100.
A video processor/adapter 156 receives video signals (video stream) from the connector 116 and adapts the video signals for rendering on the screen 132.
An audio processor/amplifier 154 receives audio signals from the connector 116 and amplifies the audio signals to drive speakers 152, headphones, or the speakers of the car's audio system. In some variants, the audio processor/amplifier 154 performs digital-to-analog conversion of the digital audio stream into analog signals capable of driving the speakers or headphones.
The digital rights management (DRM) module 162 controls (restricts) the use of the content played or copied from the player docked to the console 100 through the connector 116, thereby providing management of intellectual property rights to the content. Depending on the availability of rights to the content, the digital rights management module 162 selectively enables and disables playback of the content, for example, by turning on and off the audio and video playback.
User controls 164 provide a user interface for the overhead console 100. For example, the user controls 164 may include a volume control, on/off switch, alphanumeric keypad, and other controls. In some variants, a hand-held remote control device and a receiver at the console are provided as part of the user controls 164.
In some embodiments, the overhead console 100 is built on a platform of one or more digital processing devices that perform, in part or in whole, various functions described throughout this specification. The processing devices may include a general purpose processor controlled by program code, and other electronic components supporting operation of the processor, including memories, watchdog timers, interface devices, input/output (I/O) circuits, and other peripheral devices. The processor can be a microprocessor. Under control of the program code, the processor may implement the digital rights management module 162, read the state of the user controls 164, and configure the console 100 in accordance with the state of the user controls 164. For example, the processor may vary the audio volume generated by the audio processor/amplifier 154 responsive to a volume control setting on the user controls 164. The processor may also select appropriate output for the audio from among headphone jack(s), speakers built into the console 100, or speakers of the car's audio system. By way of another example, the processor may receive from the user codes associated with digital rights to content, determine whether rights to a particular item of content are available, and enable or disable playback of the particular item of content depending on availability of the rights.
Note that the overhead console 100 does not include an autonomous power supply capable of providing electrical power for the operation of the console 100 when a media presentation is played. In other embodiments, a console may have an independent source of power, for example, a battery, either primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable). The overhead console 100 also does not include a source of media presentations, such as a CD, DVD, Flash memory reader, or a hard drive. In other embodiments, an overhead console may have such a source built into it. For example, an overhead console may include a built-in Flash memory reader, in addition to a docking bay for personal media players.
With the screen 132 being relatively large, at least when compared to the screens of the portable media players dockable with the console 100, there is typically enough area to play video from two sources at the same time. This allows the car's passengers to watch two different presentations (shows). For example, a portable media player may provide two different sets of video/audio data streams, one video/audio data stream combination per recorded show. The overhead console 100 then separately processes each video/audio data stream set, displaying each video data stream in a different area of the screen 132 (left and right screen halves, for example), or on separate screens of the console. Similarly, each audio stream is output through a different headphone jack. Alternatively, one audio stream may be output through the car's speakers, while the other one is output through a headphone jack.
The multiple video/audio data stream sets may originate from a single portable media player docked to the overhead console 100. For example, the HD player 400 may be capable of simultaneously reading data for two sets of video/audio data streams from its hard drive, and providing the two sets to the overhead console 100 through the coupling connector that plugs into the connector 116. As another example, a dockable portable entertainment device may have two different sources of content, for example, (1) a hard or DVD drive, and (2) a satellite receiver.
Two portable media players (or other portable entertainment devices) can be docked to the console 600, one player per bay, and played at the same time. The dual-bay console can then receive one set of video/audio data streams from each of the two players, and play corresponding videos simultaneously in different areas of the console's screen. The audio streams would also be processed and outputted to different destinations. For example, sound generated from the different audio streams can be outputted to different headphone jacks. As another example, sound generated from one audio stream can be outputted to one or more headphone jacks, while sound generated from another audio stream can be outputted to the speakers of the car or of the overhead console. Of course, there is no requirement for both players to be docked in order to play content available from one of the players; the player with the content may be docked to the overhead console and played through the console, while the second bay is empty or while the player in the second bay is turned off or otherwise not operating.
The dual-bay overhead console 600 may also be used to transfer content from one portable media player to another, subject to the availability of digital rights to the content, as determined by a digital rights management module 662. The dual-bay overhead console 600 may receive video and audio data streams provided by a player (e.g., a DVD player) docked to a first bay, and route the received video and audio data streams to a player (e.g., a hard drive-based player) docked in a second bay. The player in the second bay can then be programmed to record the audio and video data streams, creating a copy of the content on the second player. The copy can then be stored in the car, instead of the original. Transfer of the content may be accomplished through a digital rights management module, or through a separate connection between the player I/O connectors 616 of the two docking bays.
Each of the docking bays of the dual-bay embodiment may be disposed in a separate recess; alternatively, both docking bays may be disposed in a single recess.
In the overhead console 100 shown in
This document describes in considerable detail the inventive consoles and portable entertainment devices dockable with the consoles, as well as their operation. Such considerable details have been provided for illustration purposes only. Neither the specific embodiments of the invention as a whole, nor those of its features limit the general principles underlying the invention. The specific features described herein may be used in some embodiments, but not in others, without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth. Various physical arrangements of components and various step sequences also fall within the intended scope of the invention. While three types of storage media have been specifically mentioned (DVDs, Flash memories, and hard drives), the invention extends to the use of other kinds of mass storage media, both permanently writable and rewritable.
Furthermore, portable players used with consoles need not be understood as necessarily or solely being media players; portable players used with the invention may include, without limitation, radio and TV receivers, both terrestrial-based and satellite. In should also be understood that consoles are not necessarily overhead consoles. Consoles may be installed elsewhere, for example, in seat backrests, partitions, and doors. Many additional modifications are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in some instances some features of the invention will be employed in the absence of a corresponding use of other features. The illustrative examples therefore do not define the metes and bounds of the invention and the legal protection afforded the invention, which function is carried out by the claims and their equivalents.
