Media playback from a portable media device connected to a dock

Abstract

To enable a function of a docking station to wirelessly transmit content from a portable media device to one or more remote speakers located throughout a home, an office, or other locations.SOLUTION: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a docking station that receives content through wired connection from a portable media device reproduces or displays the content through a speaker, and forwards the content to a remote speaker. A function of the docking station can wirelessly transmit the content from the portable media device to one or more remote speakers located throughout a home, an office, or other locations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to media playback from a handheld media device connected to a dock.

Background Art

[0002] To listen to music on a handheld media device (e.g., an iPod (registered trademark) manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.) at home or at work, or to charge the player simultaneously, people connect the player to a docking station. The docking station is, for example, a SoundDock (registered trademark) manufactured by Bose Corporation of Framingham, Mass., and includes an amplifier and loudspeakers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Patent Document 9

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a docking station for a portable media device is disclosed. The docking station includes a housing and a docking port. The docking port is disposed in the housing and mechanically connects the portable media device to the docking station. Further, the docking station includes an interface within the docking port. The interface forms a wired electrical connection with the portable media device. Also, the housing of the docking station includes a circuit for receiving content from the portable media device and a speaker connected to the circuit for generating an audible signal from the content received from the portable media device via the interface. Additionally, the housing of the docking station includes a transmitter connected to the above circuit. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the content received from the portable media device to a remote speaker to generate another audible signal on the remote speaker substantially simultaneously with the previous audible signal. The two audible signals may correspond to the same or different content. Also, the docking station includes a wireless remote controller having a function of controlling the operations of the portable media device and the remote speaker. Further, the docking station includes a receiver having a function of receiving a message from the remote speaker to start an operation. Also, the receiver receives a message from the remote speaker to trigger the operation of the portable media device. The interface has a function of receiving an analog signal representing content from the portable media device. Also, the transmitter has a function of transmitting a digitized version of the content. The content may include data for identifying the remote speaker. The content may include audio content and may be stored in the portable media device. The content may correspond to one or more compression methods such as the MPEG layer 3 format in which the audio content is compressed. The content may be provided from a satellite signal or via a hard wire connection.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a receiving station is disclosed that includes a housing and a receiving unit integrated with the housing. The receiving unit receives a wireless signal representing content provided from a portable media device to the docking station from the docking station. Further, the receiving unit receives control information to control the operation of the receiving station. The receiving station also includes a speaker integrated with the housing. The speaker is connected to the receiving unit and generates an audible signal from the received wireless signal. The receiving station may also include a wireless remote controller for controlling the operations of the speaker, the receiving unit, and the docking station. The receiving station further includes a transmitting unit integrated with the housing. The transmitting unit wirelessly transmits a signal to control the operation of the docking station. The transmitting unit has a function of wirelessly transmitting a signal to control the operation of the portable media device. The transmitting unit also has a function of wirelessly transmitting content to a remote speaker. The wireless transmission from the docking station may include data for identifying the receiving station. The content may include audio content and may be stored in the portable media device. The wireless remote controller may be implemented using infrared communication technology. The portable media device may include a hard disk drive.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a system is disclosed that includes a docking station having a housing and a docking port connected to the housing. The docking station also includes an interface for forming a wired electrical connection with a portable media device. The docking station further includes a circuit for receiving content from the portable media device and a speaker disposed in the housing and connected to the circuit. The speaker generates an audible signal from the content received from the portable media device. The docking station also includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the content and control information received from the portable media device. The system also includes a receiving station. The receiving station includes a receiver for receiving a wireless signal representing the content and information for controlling the operation of the receiving station from the docking station. The receiving station also includes a speaker connected to the receiver. The speaker generates a different audible signal from the wireless signal transmission. The transmitter is disposed in the housing of the docking station. The system may include a wireless remote controller for controlling the operation of the docking station and the portable media device. The wireless remote controller has a function of controlling the operation of the receiving station. The wireless remote controller has a function of triggering a wireless transmission from a remote speaker to the docking station in order to control the operation of the docking station. The wireless remote controller has a function of triggering a wireless transmission from the docking station to the receiving station in order to control the operation of the receiving station. The receiving station has a function of transferring content to another receiving station. At least one battery may supply power to the docking station. The transmitted content has a function of identifying the receiving station. The content may include audio content compressed in the MPEG layer 3 format. The content may be provided from a satellite network.The docking station may further include a display unit for displaying video content stored in the portable media device and transmitted to the receiving station. The content may include two audible signals, either the same or separate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] Due to the functions of the docking station, content can be wirelessly transmitted from the portable media device to one or more remote speakers located anywhere at home, at work, or other locations. The wireless remote controller provides signals for controlling the operation of the docking station, the portable media device, and / or the remotely located speakers. Low-latency transmission reduces distracting reverberation effects from speakers located in different rooms.

[0008] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description of the specification and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 plays media from a portable media device 102 (e.g., an iPod (registered trademark) player) connected to a dock. The portable media device 102 includes a memory (not shown, e.g., a hard disk, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), etc.) for storing digitized content such as audio or video. Some players have sufficient memory capacity to store thousands of digitized songs that are an individual's entire music collection.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to carry the portable media device 102 around and privately enjoy their music collection while moving, via headphones (not shown), people want to listen to the songs in their collection at a normal indoor playback volume in a particular location, e.g., at home or at work, or at the same time, charge the power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery) of the portable media device 102. By inserting the portable media device 102 into the docking port 106 of the docking station 104, the device can provide audio content to the docking station 104. The docking port 106 is formed integrally with the housing of the docking station 104, thereby providing a mechanical connection for housing and supporting the portable media device 102. Also, the docking port 106 provides an interface (e.g., a male connector) for providing a wired electrical connection to receive audio content from the portable media device 102 and provide a signal (e.g., a command) to the portable media device 102. One or more power speakers 108 included in the docking station 104 generate an audible signal 110 at a typical indoor volume from the audio content (e.g., a song) to provide a desired listening experience.

[0012] Furthermore, to listen to music on the speaker 108 of the docking station 104, the user prefers that the music be played by one or more other speakers (e.g., the remote speaker 112) that are not part of the docking station. The other speakers are either not wired to the docking station or are "remote" from the docking station. The remote speaker 112 may be located in the user's home or workplace, the same room as the docking station, a different room or outdoors, or a different building in the neighborhood. By providing the music to the remote speaker in real time (e.g., the audio content is played back at multiple locations almost simultaneously with little time delay), the signal delay is reduced along with the audible reverberation effects from speakers located at a distance. Even if the audio content is provided in real time, in some embodiments, the delay may be acceptable. For example, if two or more speakers (e.g., the speaker 108 of the docking station 104, the remote speaker 112, etc.) are positioned such that the individually generated audio cannot be heard simultaneously, the amount of delay is acceptable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the audible signal reproduced by the docking station 104 may correspond to content different from the content used to generate the audible signal by the remote speaker 112. For example, while the user is listening to a song on the docking station, a different song may be transferred to the remote speaker for playback by the docking station.

[0013] Each remote speaker 112 receives a signal representing the audio content from the docking station 104 via a wireless link 114. The wireless link 114 uses radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), laser, or other wireless technologies.

[0014] Before transmitting the audio content signal via the wireless link 114, the docking station 104 processes the audio content, for example, by encoding, encrypting, or both, for efficient and secure transmission. In addition to the audio content, other data may be transmitted from the docking station 104 to the remote speakers. For example, data 113 (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) address, Media Access Control (MAC) address, etc.) that uniquely identifies the remote speaker 112 may be incorporated into the wireless transmission via the link 114. By detecting this identification data, each remote speaker 112 determines whether it is the intended speaker for the audio content. If so, it decrypts and prepares the audio content for playback at the pre-specified remote speaker.

[0015] Along with the unique identification information, other types of information may be transmitted to one or more remote speakers. For example, metadata that describes the media content (e.g., audio content, video content, etc.) (i.e., data that describes other data), control information (e.g., transport control), user interface (UI) information for providing system control to the remote user interface (e.g., the interface of the remote speaker, hand held remote), communication channel information (e.g., spread spectrum information such as data transfer error rate, frequency hop parameters, channel equalization signals, etc.). Also, the data 113 may be provided in a bidirectional manner so that other devices included in the docking station 104, the remote speaker 112, or the audio system 100 can transmit or receive data.

[0016] The audio system 100 may include a remote controller 116 for controlling the operation of one or more system components. For example, the remote controller 116 is used to control the operation when the portable media device 102 is inserted into the docking port 106. In some embodiments, the remote controller 116 directly sends commands to the portable media device 102. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the remote controller 116 sends commands to the docking station 104. In this case, the commands are passed to the portable media device 102.

[0017] The remote controller 116 has functions to control, for example, navigation of a menu configuration listing stored content (e.g., selection of menu items), turning the device on and off, setting the backlight level, selection of playback operations (e.g., stop, play, pause, mute, fast forward, and rewind), changing the volume level, creating, saving, editing, and executing a song order (e.g., playlist), and other functions typically provided in the user interface of the portable media device 102.

[0018] In some embodiments, the remote controller 116 controls the operation of the docking station 104. For example, volume control of one or more speakers 108, determination of the characteristics of the wireless link 114 (e.g., transmission frequency and amplitude), identification of which remote speaker(s) is accessing the wireless link (e.g., selection of a unique identification number assigned to the speaker), encoding and encryption of parameters, etc. Typically, one or more analog or digital signals are transmitted via the wireless link 114 to provide audio content (and other data) to the remote speakers 112.

[0019] In some embodiments, the digital signal is transmitted via the wireless link 114. The digital signal represents one or more files stored on the portable media device 102 or obtained from another source. This digital signal complies with one or more protocols. For example, audio content associated with individual songs is compressed into files using one or more encoding schemes such as MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) audio layer 3 (MP3). These MP3 files are stored on the portable media device 102 and retrieved to access and play the audio content. Also, similar to the audio content, the MP3 files are transmitted via the wireless link 114 to be distributed to and played on one or more speakers 118 included in the remote speaker 112.

[0020] Also, the remote controller 116 may be used to control the operation of one or more remote speakers such as the remote speaker 112. For example, adjusting playback parameters (e.g., volume control, balance, and equalization), turning the speaker on and off, setting a unique speaker identifier (e.g., alphanumeric identifier) for the remote speaker 112, and the like.

[0021] The remote controller 116 implements one or more wireless technologies to establish communication with one or more components (e.g., the portable media device 102, the docking station 104, or the remote speaker 112). The wireless technologies are, for example, infrared, RF, and laser technologies alone or in combination. The remote speaker 112 may receive a wireless signal from the remote controller 116. The wireless signal triggers events such as adjusting the volume of one or more speakers 118, muting the speaker playback, and turning the power on or off. Also, the docking station 104 may receive a signal to trigger these events or similar events. Further, the remote controller 116 may provide a signal to trigger the operation of the entire system. For example, the remote controller 116 transmits a signal to the docking station 104 that triggers the transmission of a signal (e.g., via the wireless link 114) to mute the remote speaker 112. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted via the wireless link 114 to cause one or more speakers 118 to generate an audible signal 120.

[0022] In addition, the remote controller 116 may transmit a signal for selecting one or more remote speakers for operation. For example, a signal for identifying one or more remote speakers that receive the provision of audio content to generate an audible signal is transmitted to the docking station 104. In some embodiments, each remote speaker includes a selection switch (e.g., a switch implemented in hardware or software, or both). By the switch being in a particular state (e.g., state 1, state 2, etc.), the remote speaker is grouped with other remote speakers having switches in the same state. For example, the selection switch of the remote speaker located in the master bedroom is set to "state 1", while the selection switch of the remote speaker located in the kitchen is set to "state 2". The state of the selection switch may take into account a room code for each room and may be used to identify the remote speakers located in each room. Based on the switch state, the signal from the remote controller 116 controls the transmission of a signal from the docking station 104 to a specific remote speaker group. For example, by "state 1" being identified in the signal from the remote controller 116, the docking station 104 provides a signal to the remote speaker located in the master bedroom to generate an audible signal (e.g., music). While providing a signal to the docking station 104, the remote controller 116 transmits one or more signals to the remote speakers to identify which speaker or speaker group should receive the signal from the docking station 104.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the transceiver 200 is included in the docking station 104. The transmitter 200 transmits a signal including content (e.g., audio content) via one or more wireless links such as the wireless link 114. The transceiver 200 is implemented by combining IR, RF, laser, or other technologies, or alone. In some embodiments, the transceiver 200 includes an RF transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, for example, at a 2.4 GHz carrier frequency. For transmission, spread spectrum techniques (e.g., frequency hopping, etc.) where the carrier frequency varies with the frequency range are used. Further, to receive wireless signals, the transceiver 200 includes a receiver for receiving wireless signals on a carrier frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz) or wireless signals inserted into a spread spectrum signal. Also, other wireless communication protocols may be used in the transceiver 200. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology may be incorporated, whereby the transceiver 200 interconnects within a relatively narrow range. Ultra-wideband wireless (UWB) technology is used, whereby relatively large-capacity digital data is transmitted over a short distance via a wide spectrum frequency band with a relatively small output. Also, the transceiver 200 conforms to one or more communication standards such as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. Also, the transceiver 200 uses one or more details described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005-0272436, published on December 8, 2005, and U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 640215, filed on August 12, 2003. These two patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] The transceiver 200 performs signal processing before transmission. For signal processing, for example, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, or phase modulation, and / or digital modulation schemes (e.g., frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)), or other similar modulation techniques for adjusting content (e.g., audio content) for transmission are used.

[0025] In some modifications, the transceiver 200 transmits the audio content according to one or more protocols. For example, some protocols are master / slave communication protocols, server / client communication protocols, or peer-to-peer communication protocols. Generally, in the use of the master / slave protocol, one device is the master and the other device or other multiple devices are slaves. Typically, the master controls the slaves. Using the client / server communication protocol, the server responds to requests from one client or multiple clients. Using the peer-to-peer communication protocol, either one of the two devices starts a communication session. The transceiver 200 adjusts the audio content for transmission using one or more encoding methods (e.g., error correction encoding or data compression) and / or encryption methods (e.g., symmetric encryption method, asymmetric encryption method, or hash function).

[0026] The transceiver 200 may generate one or more channels for wireless transmission. For example, two channels are generated, and they have the ability to carry a segmented set of audio content. One channel is allocated to carry the audio content provided by the portable media device 102, while the other channel carries the audio content provided by another audio source connected to the docking station 104 (e.g., via an auxiliary jack). Other audio sources are home entertainment devices (e.g., stereo devices, compact disc (CD) players, or digital video disc (DVD) players), another portable media device (e.g., iPod (registered trademark)), satellite signals (e.g., satellite radio), cable systems (e.g., audio signals from a cable television system), computer systems (e.g., the Internet), or other types of audio content providers.

[0027] Additional circuitry may be included in the transceiver 200 and the docking station 104 to receive signals from a wireless remote controller (e.g., remote controller 116). For example, a surface-mounted signal receiver 202 (e.g., an RF antenna, an IR detector, or a light detector) may be incorporated into the docking station 104. Further, a decoding circuit (e.g., an IR decoder) may be included in the docking station to decode or identify one or more commands provided by the remote controller 116. Once identified, commands related to the docking station 104 or the portable media device 102 are executed locally, while commands related to other system components (e.g., remote speaker 112) are transferred for remote execution.

[0028] Power to the docking station 104 may be provided by an integrated power supply that converts alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power, or by a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery) or a battery pack. Similar to the circuitry for other operations (e.g., detection, modulation, and encoding), the power supply circuitry may be implemented with analog and / or digital circuitry. The analog circuitry may include passive and active components, while the digital circuitry may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., a microprocessor) and one or more dedicated devices (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). One or more of the plurality of processors and / or the plurality of components may be implemented in one integrated circuit as an integrated structure or a distributed structure.

[0029] Also, the power supply technology may be incorporated into the docking station 104 for other applications. For example, a power source (e.g., one or more rechargeable batteries) incorporated into the portable media device 102 is charged by a power supply circuit incorporated into the docking station 104 simultaneously with being inserted into the docking port 106. Charging is performed substantially simultaneously with the media device 102 accessing the docking station 104 or providing content.

[0030] To transmit and receive signals, the docking station 104 may include one or more internally or externally disposed antennas (not shown). The antennas may be, for example, one or more conformal antennas (e.g., patch antennas or stripline antennas) and one or more protruding antennas (e.g., telescopic antennas).

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote speaker 112 includes a transceiver 300 that can operate in a receive or transmit mode to establish one or more wireless links. In some cases, the transceiver 300 may establish a link with another transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 200 shown in FIG. 2). Similar to the transceiver 200, the transceiver 300 may use one or more wireless technologies (e.g., RF technology, IR technology, or laser technology) to receive or transmit wireless signals. Based on the processing performed on the transmission side, the transceiver 300 performs operations (e.g., demodulation, decoding, or decryption) to access the audio content included in the received wireless signal. The audio content undergoes further processing (e.g., filtering or amplification) by a circuit (e.g., an analog or digital circuit) before being provided to one or more speakers 118 incorporated in the remote speaker 112.

[0032] In addition, the transceiver 300 operates in a transmission mode to enable the remote speaker 112 to transmit a wireless signal to one or more locations. For example, a signal for confirming that the audio content has been correctly received by the remote speaker 112 is transmitted to the docking station 104. Alternatively, a warning signal indicating that the audio content has not been correctly received is transmitted by the transceiver 300. Also, other types of procedures (e.g., handshake) may be executed by transmitting a signal from the transceiver 300. The wireless signal transmitted from the remote speaker 112 causes the operation of the docking station 104. For example, the transmitted signal triggers the portable media device 102 to select another song (e.g., fast forward to the next track or rewind to the previous track), change the selectable song (e.g., change the playlist), or perform another operation.

[0033] Also, the wireless signal may trigger an operation related to the docking station 104. For example, the wireless signal is transmitted to switch the audio content source from the portable media device 102 to a device (e.g., a CD player, a cable TV, or a satellite radio receiver) connected to an auxiliary jack incorporated in the docking station 104. Also, some of the wireless signals transmitted by the transceiver 300 may include content (e.g., audio content). For example, the audio content received by the transceiver 300 may be relayed to another location (e.g., another remote speaker or a group of remote speakers). The transceiver 300 may be used to establish a wireless network between other remote speakers and one or more docking stations by receiving or transmitting a wireless signal.

[0034] Similar to the docking station 104, the remote speaker 112 incorporates various types of power supplies. One or more batteries may supply power to enable the remote speaker 110 to be portable (e.g., moved to another office or outdoors). Also, an AC power supply that converts an AC voltage signal to a DC voltage level may be incorporated. Also, similar to the docking station 104, the remote speaker 112 may use one or more antennas to receive and / or transmit wireless signals.

[0035] To communicate with the remote controller 116, the remote speaker 112 may include a surface-mounted signal receiving unit 302 (e.g., an RF antenna, an IR detector, a light detector, etc.). Also, the remote speaker 112 may include a circuit (e.g., analog or digital) for processing a wireless remote control signal (e.g., an RF signal, an IR signal, or a laser signal) received by the signal receiving unit 302. Similar to the docking station 104, the remote speaker 112 may include a circuit for detecting whether a remote control signal includes a command for local execution (e.g., by the remote speaker 112) or remote execution (e.g., by the docking station 104 or another remote speaker). For remote execution, the transceiver 300 wirelessly transmits one or more signals to an appropriate location to initiate the execution of one or more operations.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, for example, one docking station and a plurality of remote speakers are distributed between two rooms. In this example, the docking station 400 and the remote speaker 402 are arranged in one room 404, while the other two remote speakers 406, 408 are arranged on the wall of another room 410. To provide audio content, the portable media device 412 is inserted into the docking station 400. Each of the plurality of remote speakers 402, 406, 408 and the docking station 400 is equipped with a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. In this example, to provide audio content to the remote speaker 402, a wireless link 414 is established between the docking station 400 and the remote speaker. Also, the wireless link may be established with the remote speakers 406, 408 in the room 410. Specifically, the wireless link 416 is established between the docking station 400 and the remote speaker 406.

[0037] The docking station 400 provides audio content to the remote speakers in real time and reduces the distracting reverberation effects from speakers arranged in different rooms (for example, with a short transmission delay of approximately 40 milliseconds).

[0038] To provide audio content beyond the transmission range of the docking station 400, one or more of the remote speakers may wirelessly relay the audio content to one or more other remote speakers or devices. For the illustrated application, the remote speaker 408 is beyond the transmission range of the docking station 400. To provide audio content to the remote speaker 408, the remote speaker 406 relays the audio content provided by the wireless link 416 to the remote speaker 408 via the wireless link 418. Similar to the other wireless links, the wireless link 418 passes signals in both directions. Thus, signals (including, for example, commands from a remote controller) are transferred from the remote speaker 408 to the remote speaker 406 for distribution, for example, to the docking station 400. By relaying content (such as audio content or remote control commands), a wireless network is established among the group of remote speakers and the docking station. For example, when each network node (such as a remote speaker or a docking station) establishes a wireless link with two or more other network nodes, a mesh network is established, whereby the content "hops" from node to node until it reaches one or more destination nodes.

[0039] To transfer content between network nodes, various types of network configurations are implemented. For example, with a point-to-point network connection, content can be transferred from one node to another node, with a point-to-multipoint connection, content can be broadcast from one node to multiple nodes, or other similar network configurations are implemented.

[0040] In some variations, each remote speaker has a function of selecting special content included in wireless transmission from the docking station. For example, when two-channel audio content is wirelessly provided to the remote speaker 402, the data stored in the remote speaker may be used to selectively receive content from one of the two channels. Further, the data stored in the remote speaker may be provided by the user using a remote controller. Thus, when the docking station 400 transfers two-channel audio content, the remote speaker 402 selects one channel (based on the stored data), and at the same time, the remote speakers 406, 408 select the other channel (based on the data stored in each respective remote speaker).

[0041] In some variations, the docking station 400 directs audio content to one or more special remote speakers. For example, the docking station 400 directs the audio content of one channel to the remote speaker 402 and the audio content of the other channel to remote speakers (e.g., remote speakers 406, 408) within the room 410. One or more techniques may be used to direct one channel (or multiple channels) to one or more destinations. For example, the docking station and the remote speakers may follow a protocol, whereby each remote speaker can be addressed. By assigning a unique address to each remote speaker, the docking station 400 uses a special address to direct content to one or more of the multiple remote speakers. For example, each remote speaker is selected to uniquely respond to a special transfer frequency. Thus, by transmitting the audio content at these selected frequencies, the uniquely corresponding remote speaker receives the audio content. Also, similar to the docking station, one or more remote speakers selectively direct (e.g., relay) content to one or more destinations (e.g., another remote speaker).

[0042] As described above, various types of sources provide audio content that is transmitted from the docking station 400 to one or more of a plurality of remote speakers. For example, further, content stored in the portable media device 412, satellite-based systems, cable-based systems (e.g., cable television systems, etc.), audio content from computer-based systems (e.g., the Internet) (e.g., satellite radio, etc.), or other similar audio content sources are provided for transmission from the docking station 400. Along with the audio content, other types of content are transmitted between the docking station and one or more remote speakers. For example, video content provided from the portable media device 412, or another type of video content source (e.g., satellite systems, cable television systems, the Internet, etc.) is transmitted between the docking station 400 and the remote speakers 402, 406, 408. Also, digital information (e.g., text data or image data) is transmitted between a plurality of devices, either individually or in combination with audio content and video content. For example, text (e.g., artist name and information) and images (e.g., album covers) are transmitted from the docking station 400 to one or more of the plurality of remote speakers 402, 406, 408. This text and image data is displayed on a video display incorporated into one or more of the plurality of remote speakers and / or on a display that communicates with one or more of the plurality of remote speakers.

[0043] In some variations, a plurality of docking stations are included in a system such as the audio system 100. Each docking station may be assigned to one or more dedicated remote speakers, or a plurality of docking stations may share one or more remote speakers. Different transfer signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, phase, polarity, etc.), modulation schemes, etc. are used for the remote speakers to identify signals from the plurality of docking stations. The remote speakers have a function of addressing to selectively receive signals from the plurality of docking stations. For example, a remote speaker disposed in a part of a house (e.g., a formal living room) is configured to receive a signal from one docking station, while in another part (e.g., a family room), the remote speaker is configured to receive a plurality of signals.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a portion of the docking station is disposed outside the docking station housing. In this exemplary design, the docking station 500 includes a cradle 502 that can receive the portable media device 504. Typically, the portable media device 504 includes a connection portion (e.g., a bus interface) for connecting the media device to the cradle 502. The cradle 502 is connected to the docking station 500 to perform conversion of signals (e.g., signals including audio content, video content, digital data, etc.). In this embodiment, a cable 506 connects the cradle 502 to the docking station 500 (via the connection portion 508). The connection portion 508 uses one or more interface technologies such as a universal serial bus (i.e., USB) port, a serial port, a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 (i.e., FireWire) port, etc., or provides another similar type of connection.

[0045] Similar to the cable 506 realizing the wired connection between the cradle 502 and the docking station 500, wireless technology may also be used to connect a plurality of devices. For example, IR, RF, laser, or other wireless methods are used to transmit wireless signals between the cradle 502 and the docking station 500.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cradle 502 has the function of receiving the portable media device 504 and holding the device in a substantially upright position. However, in some embodiments, other types of trays separated from the docking station 500 may be used. Further, instead of using a removable tray, a connection part (not shown) may directly connect the cable 506 to the portable media device 504.

[0047] The removable transceiver 510 provides a wireless transmission and reception function to the docking station 500. Signals can pass between the removable transceiver 510 and the docking station 500 through the wired connection part 512. However, similar to the cradle 502, wireless technology (such as IR, RF, laser, etc.) may be incorporated into the removable transceiver 510 and the docking station 500 to exchange wireless signals. Also, one or more antennas may be arranged on the removable transceiver 510 and the docking station 500 to transmit and receive wireless signals.

[0048] Depending on the mounting position, the removable transceiver 510 can significantly extend the distance from the housing of the docking station 500. However, in other embodiments, the removable transceiver is shaped to fit the housing of the docking station 500.

[0049] Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, various types of speakers may be incorporated into the docking station 400 or the remote speaker 402. Further, simultaneously with the above embodiments of the transfer of the audio signal between the docking station and the remote speaker unit (e.g., another docking station, a powered speaker enclosure, etc.), some embodiments may include the transfer of a signal including video content stored in the portable media device from the docking station (e.g., a docking station having an integrated video display device and / or speaker) to a remote device having an integrated video display device and / or speaker.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0050] 100 Acoustic system 102 Portable media device 104 Docking station 106 Docking port 108, 118 Speaker 110, 120 Audible signal 112 Remote speaker 113 Data 114 Wireless link 116 Remote controller 200, 300 Transceiver 202, 302 Surface placement signal receiver

Claims

1. An audio system, comprising: A base station, comprising: A housing; Circuitry included in the housing for receiving audio content from an audio source; A speaker included in the housing for generating an audible signal from the audio content; A transceiver included in the housing for wirelessly transmitting the audio content; and A remote control configured to transmit a remote control command to the base station; and One or more remote devices configured to receive the wirelessly transmitted audio content and the remote control command from the base station, wherein the one or more remote devices are configured to wirelessly relay the audio content and the remote control command to one or more other remote devices beyond the transmission range of the transceiver of the base station. An audio system.

2. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the audio source is a portable media device.

3. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the audio source is a computer system.

4. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the audio source is configured to play video content.

5. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry further comprises an interface for enabling the reception of the audio content from the audio source.

6. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more remote devices are speakers for generating a second audible signal from the audio content.

7. The audio system according to claim 6, wherein the audible signal and the second audible signal are generated substantially simultaneously.

8. The audio system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more other remote devices are speakers for generating a third audible signal from the audio content simultaneously with the audible signal and the second audible signal.

9. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to generate two channels for wireless transmission of separate sets of audio content.

10. ​ ​ The audio system according to claim 1, further comprising a remote control configured to control the operation of the base station.

11. The audio system according to claim 10, wherein the operations of the base station controllable by the remote control include a playback operation, a change in volume level, an editing and execution of the order of songs.

12. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver wirelessly transmits the audio content to the one or more remote devices using radio frequency (RF) wireless technology, and the one or more remote devices relay the audio content to the one or more other remote devices using RF wireless technology.

13. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless link between the base station, the one or more remote devices, and the one or more other remote devices establishes a mesh network.

14. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless link between the base station, the one or more remote devices, and the one or more other remote devices establishes a point-to-point network.

15. An audio system, A base station, A housing, A circuit for receiving audio content from an audio source via a wired connection, A speaker coupled to the circuit for generating a first audible signal from the audio content received from the audio source and contained in the housing, A transceiver contained in the housing for transmitting the audio content to one or more remote speakers via a wireless signal Including a base station, A remote control configured to transmit a remote control command to the base station, A remote speaker, A receiver configured to receive the wireless signal and the remote control command from the base station, A transducer coupled to the receiver for generating a second audible signal from the received wireless signal Including a remote speaker Including The remote speaker is configured to wirelessly relay the audio content and the remote control commands to one or more other remote devices beyond the transmission range of the transceiver of the base station. An audio system. **Claim 16** The audio system according to claim 15, wherein the audio source is a portable media device. **Claim 17** The audio system according to claim 15, wherein the audio source is configured to play video content. **Claim 18** The audio system according to claim 15, wherein the wired connection is via an auxiliary jack. **Claim 19** A method comprising: Receiving, at a base station, audio content from an audio source, the base station comprising: A housing; A circuit included in the housing for receiving the audio content from the audio source; A speaker included in the housing for generating an audible signal from the audio content; A transceiver included in the housing for wirelessly transmitting the audio content; And steps; Receiving, at the base station, a remote control command from a remote control; Wirelessly transmitting, from the base station, the audio content and the remote control command to one or more remote devices; Wirelessly relaying, beyond the transmission range of the transceiver of the base station, the audio content and the remote control command from the one or more remote devices to one or more other remote devices. A method comprising the steps. **Claim 20** The method according to claim 19, wherein the audio source is a portable media device.

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