Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention is directed to a connecting dock for porting handheld audio devices to a multi-zone audio system, and related connection circuits. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and technique for integrating a handheld device to a multi-zone audio system to allow for integration of the handheld device into the audio system, and for distributed regulation of the handheld device, e.g. to regulate music played by the handheld device, from multiple locations about the multi-zone audio system.
Handheld devices have been widely used for recording and playing music and other material for many years. Such devices include a variety of MP-3 players, the iPod™ devices manufactured by Apple Computers, Inc. and Hewlett Packard Company. Such devices may be considered lifestyle devices, which facilitate the convenient transportation of music from one source/player to another, and allows local output of music and other audio programming through associated headphones. Such devices can be uploaded by connection to a personal computer, and download (play) music through the headphones, through the personal computer, or through home/auto connecting dock, such as the iPod marketed by Apple Computers, Inc., adapted for single zone/room audio distribution.
While such devices are useful to record and play back music on the handheld device, they do not take best advantage of the portability and other features of the handheld device as a source of high quality music. Such single zone audio systems are also typically characterized by device specific docking station connected to a local amplification/speaker distribution system.
The evolution of home audio systems has seen the introduction of sophisticated digital signal processors, adapted to interface with a wide range of audio/video equipment, and controllers therefore. Such equipment includes the Sonance Model DAB 1 audio controller/amplifier, the Sonance Navigator Harbor switch and the Sonance Navigator K1 and K2 controllers, marketed by Dana Innovations. Such devices allow for selective distribution of audio programming about a multi-zone system, with local zone controllers operative to regulate local, remote or system wide operation. The distribution of such controllers about the audio system allows for distributed control of the audio system from any zone.
A useful enhancement to contemporary audio systems would be an apparatus which allows the flexibility, sophistication and audio reproduction quality of multi-zone audio systems to be merged with the convenience and portability of handheld audio devices. As such, the lifestyle qualities of the handheld audio device may be used to enhance the enjoyment of the multi-zone audio system. In accordance with the present invention handheld device is nested to a convenient connector port, such that the handheld device will play to an audio system, or record files therefrom. The present invention provides a convenient and regulatable interface between a handheld device and an audio system, which enhances the use and enjoyment of both the audio system and the handheld device.
Many of the contemporary handheld audio devices are of unique shape, or have unique electrical interfaces. Consequently, it is also desirable to interface the handheld devices to the audio system in such a way to accommodate different handheld devices, both mechanically and electrically.
Additionally, insofar as contemporary handheld devices frequently utilize different electrical signal formats, it is desirable to provide a device which can readily interface with a variety of different handheld devices, without the need for a device specific electrical interface and control system. It is further useful to enhance the convenience of such an interface to allow for infrared or radio frequency control system, responsive to inputs from various receiver locations, to regulate operation of the handheld device, whether disposed locally or remote from a user, without the need for development of a unique electrical interface or any modification of the device circuitry.
It is further desirable that such an interface be wall mountable to facilitate convenient viewing of the handheld device and access to manual controls of the handheld device.
It is further desirable that the multi-zone audio system allow for engagement to a plurality of handheld devices, whereupon audio inputs from each of the handheld devices are selectively communicated to different zones of the multi-zone audio system, for simultaneous distribution of different audio programming to different audio zones.
The present invention is directed to achieving these and other goals within a simple, flexible device that consumes no table space and is architecturally compatible with flush-mounted in-wall/in-ceiling audio systems.
A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device. The handheld connector docks are operative to transfer music/data/commands between the audio system controller and a handheld device disposed within the connector dock.
In one embodiment, the in-wall controllers include an in-wall controller input circuit for inputting commands to regulate the audio system controller and/or the handheld device. The in-wall controller may include a display panel for displaying information/images.
In one embodiment the connector docks include a receiver circuit, in wireless communication with the handheld device, for receiving input signals from the handheld device when it is either disposed in the connector dock or removed therefrom. Input signals may be audio signals or input commands. The input signals may be communicated by infrared frequency signals or radio frequency signals. The signals may be command signals, data signals and/or music signals.
One or more of the handheld connector docks may also include an infrared transmission circuit having an input in electrical communication with the audio system controller and an output in infrared frequency communication with the handheld device, for transmission of music, data and/or commands to the handheld device.
In one embodiment the in-wall controllers are operative to convert infrared command signals, received from a remote infrared controller, into electrical signals for communication to the audio system controller, and to the handheld connector dock infrared transmission circuit, for infrared frequency communication to the handheld device.
The handheld connector port may further include an adapter bracket engagable to the connector dock, for interfacing model specific handheld devices to the connector dock.
The adapter bracket and/or the connector dock may include a translating member translating the handheld device into or out of engagement with the connector dock, to facilitate nondestructive engagement of the handheld device to the connector dock or adapter bracket.
Another embodiment to the invention incorporates a personal computer connection circuit, in electrical communication with at least one of the handheld connector docks. The computer connection circuit is operative to communicate music/data/commands between a personal computer and at least one of the audio system controller and the handheld connector docks. As a result, music, data and/or commands may be uploaded to and downloaded from the handheld device.
The computer connection circuit may also be operative to communicate an interface instruction set to the connector dock, for interfacing the handheld device to at least one of the personal computer system and/or the system controller. Communication between the personal computer and the audio system controller may be effected using an RS 232 signal line, and/or infrared signal line to regulate operation of the audio system controller.
The computer connection circuit may also include a connector dock switch, in electrical communication with the personal computer, the system controller and at least one of the connector docks for alternately engaging a personal computer and the system controller to the connector dock.
The connector dock may also include a mounting frame, and a plurality of engaging members connectable to a mounting frame, for securing the connector dock in flush mount engagement with the supporting surface.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of handheld devices are utilized, each engaged to a separate connector dock. In this embodiment the audio system controller is regulatable to selectively distribute the received input signals from each handheld device to selected audio zones.
a, b and c are a front, sectional and perspective views, respectively, of an alternate handheld connector dock, having a handheld device releasing lever formed on the front surface thereof.
The drawings shown herein are for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not meant to limit in any respect the various aspects of the present invention described in this specification.
Referring to the drawings,
Referring more particularly to
Transceiver 21, 21a may implement contemporary wireless protocols, such as 802.11 or Blue Tooth protocols for wireless communication of music/data/commands to and from a handheld device, whether the handheld device is disposed in the connector dock 10, or elsewhere within range of the transceiver. Similarly, where transceiver 21 is formed as an infrared transceiver, different protocols may be used to communicate with the handheld device, as may be supported by a particular handheld device or associated IR receiver module.
Referring again to
Referring to
Dock connecting port 31 is disposed within the dock engaging well 29, and operative to electrically engage a mating connector on the handheld device. Engagement of the dock connector port 31 to the handheld device defines an electrical interface connection between the connector dock 10 and the handheld device, whereby music/data/commands may be communicated to and from the handheld device when it is disposed within the connecting dock 10.
Referring to
As noted above, different handheld device have different profiles, footprints and electrical connectors disposed at different locations.
When the handheld device 20, with IR receiver module 30 or an RF receiver engaged thereto, is disposed within the connector dock 10, the handheld device may be commanded by wireless signals communicated from transceiver 21 or 21a to regulate the operation of the handheld device. As explained below, such a configuration allows for simple control of the handheld device without the need for deriving electrical interface protocols for each device with which the connector dock is used. Infrared module 30 may be implemented as a component of a commercially available IR controller, e.g. the NaviPod IR remote marketed by Apple Computer, which includes the infrared receive module 30 and a handheld transmitter. The handheld transmitter may be directed towards the transceiver 21 or 21a to input infrared commands that operate the handheld device. Those commands may be learned by an audio system contoller, such as the Sonance DAB 1 audio controller. Consequently, when a user desires to regulate the operation of the handheld device, e.g. to change songs, the audio system controller may be directed to generate an appropriate command which is communicated to transceiver 21 or 21a and wirelessly broadcast to the infrared module 30, which in turn communicates the appropriate command to the handheld device.
The infrared commands may similarly be learned by and communicated to audio system controller by in-wall controllers, such as the Sonance K2 controller, which includes an infrared receiver and manual input circuit, both of which communicate to the audio system controller to direct the audio system controller to generate appropriate commands. Those commands can then be communicated to the transceiver 21, 21a to regulate the operation of the handheld device 20, via transmission to the infrared receiving module 30.
As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, command sets communicated to the handheld device by infrared transmission may be limited to a small group of commands. More refined control of the handheld device may be affected by manually operating the handheld device as it is disposed within the connecting dock, or by learning more detailed electrical for communication to the handheld device via the dock connecting port 31 (see
Where more sophisticated regulation or operation is desired appropriate electrical protocols may be derived for two way electrical communication between the handheld device and the audio system controller 40 and/or personal computer 50.
Personal computer 50 functions to receive and store music or other files from the handheld device 10, or to port music or files to the handheld device 10. The computer 50 may also be used to port commands or an instruction set to the handheld device 10, for storage within flash memory The instruction set functions to facilitate communication between the handheld device and either the personal computer 50 or the audio system controller 40.
The personal computer 50 may also communicate electrical or infrared commands or control signals to the audio system controller 40. In the case of digital control signals, such signals may be communicated to an RS 232 input of the audio system controller 40. Infrared command signals may be communicated to an infrared input port of the audio system controller. Analog audio output signals from the personal computer 50 may be ported from the personal computer headphone jack to an appropriate audio source input to the audio system controller 40.
Accordingly, the adapter brackets shown in
a, b and c illustrate another enhancement of the connector dock. As shown therein the connector dock 100 incorporates a lever 101 disposed on the front surface 103. The lever 101 is manually translatable to urge the handheld device, when disposed within the connecting dock 100, upward and outward to facilitate removal of the handheld device from the connecting dock 100. More particularly, vertical translation of the lever 100 urges flange 103 upward against the handheld device, and urges the handheld device into contact with directing member 107. The directing member 107 is formed to urge an upward translating handheld device to be directed out of connecting dock 100, where it is more conveniently grasped by a user and removed from the connecting dock.
Translation of lever 101 further functions to disengage the electrical connection between the handheld device and the back connection port without the need for manually docking the handheld device or other motions that may contribute to deterioration of the dock connecting port or the electrical interface of the handheld device.
This description of the various aspects of the present invention is presented to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and other inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10936975 | Sep 2004 | US |
Child | 11585039 | Oct 2006 | US |