Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090061678 | Smart Cables - A smart cable apparatus includes resources that provide for additional functionality such as cable authentication and cable identification. The cable apparatus can be configured for coupling an electronic device such as a media player to other electronic devices such as media player accessories. The cable apparatus includes one or more processing components that can be integrated as part of the cable apparatus. The one or more processing components can be configured to identify the type of signal the cable apparatus is intended to carry, and to communicate that information to the electronic device to which it is connected. The one or more processing components can also be configured to process authentication inquires to indicate whether the cable apparatus is an authorized accessory for the electronic device. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063744 | SMART DOCK FOR CHAINING ACCESSORIES - A system for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device includes a first interface, a second interface, and a docking station. The first interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device. The second interface is configured to communicate with the accessory. The docking station is coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The docking station is configured to receive a set of preferences from the accessory and forward the set of preferences to the electronic device. | 03-05-2009 |
20090198361 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE LINGOES - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-06-2009 |
20090203316 | METHOD FOR USING BLUETOOTH MODULE TO PROCESS NON-BLUETOOTH SIGNALS - An electronic device having a communications module with a first set of data rates can be enabled to use the communications module to process signals received from a source that uses a second set of data rates. The device may generate packets, frames, etc. at the first set of data rates using the communications module from the signals received from the remote source by sampling signals at one or more of the first set of data rates. The device may then reconstruct data or payloads originally transmitted in the signals at the second set of data rates from the packets generated at the first set of data rates. Thus, the device can process signals or transmissions at the second set of data rates using the first set of data rates without requiring additional receivers or communications modules to process the signals. | 08-13-2009 |
20090203393 | MOMENTARY BURST PROTOCOL FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A method for communicating data using a “burst protocol” includes enabling power to transmitters and receivers when needed to balance power consumption with latency and unscheduled communication. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets indicative of substantially the same payload. Power then may be disabled to the transmitter. A first predetermined time is determined to enable a receiver. A second predetermined time is determined to disable the receiver. Power then may be enabled to the receiver based on the first predetermined time. The payload is output in response to receiving one or more of the plurality of packets. Power to the receiver is disabled based on the second predetermined time. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204244 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204738 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-13-2009 |
20090210079 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY USING A PROTOCOL WITH MULTIPLE LINGOES - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 08-20-2009 |
20090221404 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 09-03-2009 |
20090249101 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING POWER PROVIDED TO AN ACCESSORY - A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player. | 10-01-2009 |
20100049350 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING STORED DATA BETWEEN A MEDIA PLAYER AND AN ACCESSORY - Techniques for transferring stored data between a media player and an accessory. In one set of embodiments, one of the media player and the accessory can obtain a unique identifier for a particular file stored in the other of the media player and the accessory. The one of the media player and the accessory can then retrieve data from the stored file using the unique identifier. In certain embodiments, accessories and media players can retrieve and store data utilizing an arbitrary format. This data can be opaque to any protocol used by the media player or accessory and can require no parsing or interpretation. To provide this facility, a plurality of commands can allow both media players and accessories to present a simple file system. The plurality of commands can be utilized in a variety of environments. | 02-25-2010 |
20100180063 | SERIAL PASS-THROUGH DEVICE - A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device. The host device can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device, while the accessory device can serially exchange data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the intermediate device can control serial communication parameters between the intermediate device and the accessory in response to commands received from the host. | 07-15-2010 |
20100198453 | Systems and Methods for Integrating a Portable Electronic Device with a Bicycle - Systems and methods are providing for interfacing an electronic device with a bicycle system. The electronic device can receive the output from sensors coupled to the bicycle and generate riding characteristics for display to the user. The electronic device can in addition receive communications from other electronic devices and provide the communications to the user. In some embodiments, the electronic device can be paired with the devices of one or more other cyclists so that the cyclists can share riding characteristics and other information. This can allow the cyclists to ride as a team and better assist each other. | 08-05-2010 |
20100235373 | AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF COMPATIBLE APPLICATIONS AND ACCESSORIES - Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol. | 09-16-2010 |
20100283624 | REMOTE CONTROL SIGNAL LEARNING AND PROCESSING BY A HOST DEVICE AND ACCESSORY - Techniques that facilitate the learning and processing of remote control signals by a host device and an accessory. In one set of embodiments, the host device and the accessory can operate in a first mode in which the host device can learn signals from (and thus be remotely operated by) a variety of different remote controls. For example, in some embodiments the host device can learn signals from a remote control that was not specifically designed to interoperate with the host device or the accessory. In another set of embodiments, the host device and the accessory can operate in a second mode in which the host device and the accessory can process learned remote control signals while minimizing the amount of data transferred between the host device and the accessory. | 11-11-2010 |
20110066775 | Communication Between a Media Player and an Accessory with an Extended Interface Mode - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066776 | Communication Between a Media Player and an Accessory with an Extended Interface Mode - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 03-17-2011 |
20110078354 | SMART DOCK FOR CHAINING ACCESSORIES - A system for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device includes a first interface, a second interface, and a docking station. The first interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device. The second interface is configured to communicate with the accessory. The docking station is coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The docking station is configured to receive a set of preferences from the accessory and forward the set of preferences to the electronic device. | 03-31-2011 |
20110167176 | CONNECTING MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES TO A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - A portable computing device (PCD) can be connected to multiple accessories concurrently in a daisy chain topology. with the PCD at a “front” end of the chain. At least one intermediary accessory (or relay) provides one port for connection to the PCD and another port for connection to another accessory, which can also be a relay. Each connected accessory can interact with the PCD to invoke functionality, receive or deliver content, etc. Concurrently, each relay accessory can also act as a relay for other accessories in the chain, directing signals from a downstream accessory toward the PCD and directing signals received from upstream toward a downstream accessory, thereby allowing downstream accessories to interact with the PCD. The presence of upstream intermediaries can be transparent to a downstream accessory. | 07-07-2011 |
20110167281 | ACCESSORY POWER MANAGEMENT - Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device. | 07-07-2011 |
20110185204 | CONTROL OF ACCESSORY COMPONENTS BY PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE - A portable computing device (PCD) can control the operating state of a component within an accessory. For example, an accessory can have some components (e.g., a video processor) that are used for some operations but not for others. A PCD can determine whether a particular component will be used and can instruct the accessory to set the component to a desired state, e.g., powered up when in use and powered down when not in use. In some embodiments, the PCD can use status information provided by the accessory in determining a desired state for the accessory component. For example, in the case of a video converter accessory, if no display device or other video receiver is connected to the accessory, a video processor within the accessory can be powered down. | 07-28-2011 |
20110188431 | Momentary Burst Protocol for Wireless Communication - A method for communicating data using a “burst protocol” includes enabling power to transmitters and receivers when needed to balance power consumption with latency and unscheduled communication. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets indicative of substantially the same payload. Power then may be disabled to the transmitter. A first predetermined time is determined to enable a receiver. A second predetermined time is determined to disable the receiver. Power then may be enabled to the receiver based on the first predetermined time. The payload is output in response to receiving one or more of the plurality of packets. Power to the receiver is disabled based on the second predetermined time. | 08-04-2011 |
20110302347 | Class-Based Compatibility Testing and Notification - A mobile computing device (MCD) can determine, based on model-specific test result information, whether an accessory may be incompatible with specific MCD functions. In some embodiments, the accessory provides test result information separately indicating a test result for each of a number of MCD models. Multiple MCD models can be grouped into a device class, and the MCD can deem the accessory compatible if he received test result information indicates a pass result for at least one of the device models associated with a device class to which the MCD belongs. If the accessory is not deemed to be compatible with the mobile computing device, the MCD can generate a warning. | 12-08-2011 |
20120028761 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 02-02-2012 |
20120070017 | MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED INTERACTION - Methods and systems for improved interaction between media devices and accessory devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved interaction can operate to configure a user interface of a media device dependent on the type or condition of an accessory device. In the same or another embodiment, the improved interaction can exchange status information between a media device and an accessory device that can influence operation of either or both of the devices. | 03-22-2012 |
20120102236 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE PROTOCOL VERSIONS - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 04-26-2012 |
20120117274 | Communication Protocol For Use With Portable Electronic Devices - Improved techniques for communicating between a portable electronic device and an accessory (or auxiliary) device are disclosed. The accessory device can augment or supplement the functionality or capabilities of the portable electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, the accessory device can provide wireless communication capabilities to the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device pertains to a portable media player and thus provide media data for storage, playback or transmission. In one embodiment, the accessory device is attachable to the portable electronic device. | 05-10-2012 |
20120221869 | Accessory Power Management - Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device. | 08-30-2012 |
20130094420 | MOMETARY BURST PROTOCOL FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A method for communicating data using a “burst protocol” includes enabling power to transmitters and receivers when needed to balance power consumption with latency and unscheduled communication. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets indicative of substantially the same payload. Power then may be disabled to the transmitter. A first predetermined time is determined to enable a receiver. A second predetermined time is determined to disable the receiver. Power then may be enabled to the receiver based on the first predetermined time. The payload is output in response to receiving one or more of the plurality of packets. Power to the receiver is disabled based on the second predetermined time. | 04-18-2013 |
20130138861 | ADAPTER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An adapter for connecting an accessory to a portable electronic device includes a first connector compatible with a connector of the portable electronic device and a second connector compatible with a connector of the accessory. The connectors of the accessory and the portable electronic device are otherwise incompatible with each other. The adapter provides two levels of authentication. First, the adapter authenticates itself to the portable electronic device. If this first authentication is successful, then the adapter authenticates the accessory to the adapter. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144464 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A BICYCLE - Systems, methods, and devices are provided to sense unauthorized use of a vehicle. For example, an electronic device may include sensors to detect an operational parameter of a bicycle and communications circuitry to couple the electronic device to a second electronic device associated with user of the bicycle according to authorization information. Control circuitry may determine when the bicycle is in operation based at least in part on the detected operational parameter, identify whether the second electronic device is substantially within a communicative proximity of the electronic device when the bicycle is in operation, and generate an alert indicating unauthorized operation when the second electronic device is not identified as substantially within the communicative proximity of the electronic device. | 06-06-2013 |
20130173746 | INTERFACING PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT - Circuits, methods, and apparatus allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement. | 07-04-2013 |
20130238823 | Adapter for Electronic Devices - An adapter for connecting an accessory to a portable electronic device includes a first connector compatible with a connector of the portable electronic device and a second connector compatible with a connector of the accessory. The connectors of the accessory and the portable electronic device are otherwise incompatible with each other. The adapter provides two levels of authentication. First, the adapter authenticates itself to the portable electronic device. If this first authentication is successful, then the adapter authenticates the accessory to the adapter. | 09-12-2013 |
20130325479 | SMART DOCK FOR ACTIVATING A VOICE RECOGNITION MODE OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A dock for a portable electronic device including a housing, a connector extending from the housing to connect the portable electronic device to the dock, a microphone integrated within the housing, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive audio input from the microphone, and in response to the audio input, transmit a message to the portable electronic device via the connector to activate a voice recognition mode of the portable electronic device. | 12-05-2013 |
20130332635 | PROTOCOL TRANSLATING ADAPTER - An adapter facilitates communications between an accessory and a media source. When the adapter is connected to the accessory, the adapter can receive a connection request from the media source. Based on the connection request, the adapter can determine whether the media source supports an accessory protocol. The adapter can receive streamed media from the media source. When a control message is received by the adapter from the accessory, if the adapter determined that the media source supports the accessory protocol, the adapter transmits the control message to the media source using the accessory protocol. If the adapter determined that the media source does not support the accessory protocol, the adapter translates the control message and transmits the translated message to the media source. | 12-12-2013 |
20140073188 | CONNECTOR ADAPTER - An adapter for providing connectivity between a host connector of a host device and an accessory connector of an accessory that is incompatible with the host connector is described. The adapter can include a host interface connector that is compatible with the host connector, and an accessory interface connector that is compatible with the accessory connector of the accessory. The adapter may further include an identification module that can provide adapter identification information to a host device connected to the host interface connector, and may also include an authentication module that can authenticate an accessory connected to the accessory interface connector. | 03-13-2014 |
20140075061 | CONNECTOR ADAPTER - An adapter for providing connectivity between a host connector of a host device and an accessory connector of an accessory that is incompatible with the host connector is described. The adapter can include a host interface connector that is compatible with the host connector, and an accessory interface connector that is compatible with the accessory connector of the accessory. The adapter may further include an identification module that can provide adapter identification information to a host device connected to the host interface connector, and may also include an authentication module that can authenticate an accessory connected to the accessory interface connector. | 03-13-2014 |
20140075067 | DATA STRUCTURES FOR FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY - Computer readable storage mediums, electronic devices, and accessories having stored thereon data structures. A data structure includes a pin selection field operable to identify a connector pin and cause a host device to select one of a plurality of communication protocols for communicating with an accessory over the identified connector pin. The data structure also includes an accessory capability field defining an accessory identifier that uniquely identifies the accessory. | 03-13-2014 |
20140075069 | DATA STRUCTURES FOR FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST DEVICE AND AN ACCESSORY - Computer readable storage mediums, electronic devices, and accessories having stored thereon data structures. A data structure includes a pin selection field operable to identify a connector pin and cause a host device to select one of a plurality of communication protocols for communicating with an accessory over the identified connector pin. The data structure also includes an accessory capability field defining an accessory identifier that uniquely identifies the accessory. | 03-13-2014 |
20140136863 | HIGH VOLTAGE CHARGING FOR A PORTABLE DEVICE - Techniques for performing high-voltage charging of electronic devices are provided. A portable device can communicate with a power supply over a data communication line to determine if the power supply is capable of performing the high-voltage charging operation. If yes, the portable device instructs the power supply to provide a specific voltage. | 05-15-2014 |
20150070832 | DOCKING STATION WITH AUDIO OUTPUT - Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included. | 03-12-2015 |
20150077926 | POWER DISTRIBUTION IN A DOCKING STATION - Docking stations that may facilitate the sharing or transfer of power among a portable computing device, a docking station, and an accessory. One example may provide power from an accessory to a portable computing device. Switches may be used to avoid harm from inadvertent contact with voltages on exposed terminals. Another example may provide power directly from a battery on a portable computing device to an accessory. Another may limit this direct connection to a first type of accessory. Examples may limit a power connection to another type of accessory through a regulator. Another example may power one or more internal circuits either through a portable computing device or an accessory, depending on a mode of operation of the portable computing device. | 03-19-2015 |