Method of wireless conversion by emulation of a non-wireless device

Abstract

An adapter, for converting a non-wireless accessory into a wireless one by emulating a portable audio and/or video player (such as an MP3 player). The adapter includes a housing containing a wireless receiver, and means to transmit received signal to a compatible dock for playback, in a manner which emulates the playback from said portable audio/video player.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver pair, designed for wirelessly connecting a portable audio player to a home stereo. It consists of two components commonly referred to as the receiver 1 and the transmitter 2. The transmitter 2 attaches directly to the dock connector on a portable audio player 3. The receiver 1 attaches directly to an Audio amplification system such as a home stereo. The transmitter 2 allows the portable audio player 3 to stream audio wirelessly (via Bluetooth) to the receiver 1.

FIG. 2 is the Apple iPod™ dock. It provides various connectivity options (USB, Firewire, Audio Out), battery charging capabilities as well as mechanical support to hold the iPod™ upright.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter. In this embodiment, the adapter 4 has the mechanical form factor of a reduced height Apple ipod nano™, and includes a dock connector 5. In this embodiment, the adapter 4 would be compatible mechanically and electrically with any wired accessory that is compatible with the Apple iPod™, and would add wireless capability to that accessory. The embodiment could also include the form factor of any other model of portable audio player to match other specific docks.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter 4 in use in an Apple iPod HiFi™ home stereo unit 6. In this embodiment, the adapter 4 converts the Apple HiFi™ unit 6 (which was designed to attach the iPod™ directly) into a wireless unit. This allows the consumer to operate the iPod™ several dozen feet away from the home stereo unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of prior art, showing schematically how a typical wired connection is made between a portable audio player 3 and a stereo system or other external playback means 6. The audio player is plugged into a dock 7, which may include a mechanical stand for the player 3, which is in turn connected to said stereo system.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of prior art, showing schematically how a typical wireless connection, of the sort shown in FIG. 1, is made between a portable audio player 3 and a stereo system or other external playback means 6. The audio player 3 includes, or is plugged into, a Bluetooth transmitter 2. The Bluetooth transmitter 2 communicates wirelessly with a dedicated Bluetooth receiver 1, which is in turn connected via wires directly to said stereo system 6.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing schematically how a wireless connection may be made from a portable audio player 3 through a Bluetooth transmitter 2 which may be connected to or integral with said player 3, to a receiver 4 which in turn plugs into an existing dock 7 in a manner which mechanically and electrically emulates the connection made by an audio player 3 with a dock connector 7 as shown in FIG. 5. Said dock 7 may be integral with or wired to a stereo system 6 for playback.

FIG. 8 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention employed in an iPod™ dock.

Claims

1. An adapter for converting a non-wireless accessory into a wireless one by emulating a portable audio and/or video player (such as an MP3 player), the adapter comprising: a. A wireless transceiver capable of pairing with another wireless transceiver which is attached to or integral with a portable audio/video deviceb. A housing having a body which mimics the shape of a portable audio/video player such that it can be docked in any docking apparatus designed for docking with said audio/video playerc. A dock connector identical to that of said audio/video player such that the adapter can be electrically coupled to an audio/video target such as a docking apparatus or cable designed for coupling with said audio/video playerd. Analog output electronic reproduction means for Audio and/or video signal, to emulate the original audio/video player's output signals via said dock connector

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is in the form factor of a portable audio player such as an MP3 player