Method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory

Abstract

A method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory is disclosed. The method and system comprises sending a play command to the media player; returning information about the media player; and providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player. In a system and method in accordance with the present invention a plurality of commands allow a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory. These commands are used by the media player to gather a list of supported sample rates from the accessory and to inform the accessory of the media player's information.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a docking connector in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front and top view of a remote connector in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a plug to be utilized in the remote connector.

FIG. 2C illustrates the plug inserted into the remote connector.

FIG. 3A illustrates the connector pin designations for the docking connector.

FIG. 3B illustrates the connection pin designations for the remote connector.

FIG. 4A illustrates a typical FireWire connector interface for the docking connector.

FIG. 4B illustrates a reference schematic diagram for an accessory power source.

FIG. 4C illustrates a reference schematic diagram for a system for detecting and identifying accessories for the docking connector.

FIG. 4D is a reference schematic of an electret microphone that may be connected to the remote connector.

FIG. 5A illustrates a media player coupled to different accessories.

FIG. 5B illustrates the media player coupled to a computer.

FIG. 5C illustrates the media player coupled to a car or home stereo system.

FIG. 5D illustrates the media player coupled to a dongle that communicates wirelessly with other accessories.

FIG. 5E illustrates the media player coupled to a speaker system.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating how a media player provides digital audio to an accessory.

FIG. 7 is an example of a table that lists the media player supported sample rates.

Claims

1. A method for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory; the method comprising: sending a play command to the media player;returning information about the media player; andproviding digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer the digital audio at a supported sample rate.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.

7. A connector interface system comprising: an interface; anda command set in communication with the interface which allows a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory, the command set for sending a play command to the media player; returning information about the media player; and providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

8. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein the interface comprises a wireless interface.

9. The connector interface system of claim 7 includes a plurality of signal contacts coupled to the interface.

10. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

11. The connector interface system of claim 6 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

13. The connector interface system of claim 12 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer the digital audio tracks at a supported sample rate.

14. The connector interface system of claim 7 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.

15. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory; the program instructions for: sending a play command to the media player;returning information about the media player; andproviding digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the media player authenticates the accessory before digital audio is enabled.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the information about the media player includes a current sample rate, a normalization of audio tracks and a track volume adjustment.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the digital audio is provided at a current sample rate.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 18 wherein if the current sample rate is not supported by the accessory the media player performs a sample rate conversion to transfer digital audio at a supported sample rate.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein digital audio is disabled when the media player and the accessory are disconnected.