Audio Device Integration System

Abstract

An audio device integration system is provided. One or more after-market audio devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, MP3 player, satellite receiver, DAB receiver, or the like, is integrated for use with an existing OEM or after-market car stereo system, wherein control commands can be issued at the car stereo and responsive data from the audio device can be displayed on the stereo. Control commands generated at the car stereo are received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the audio device, and dispatched to the audio device for execution. Information from the audio device, including track, disc, song, station, time, and other information, is received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo, and dispatched to the car stereo for display thereon. One or more auxiliary input sources can be integrated with the car stereo, and selected between using the controls of the car stereo. Both an audio device and one or more auxiliary input sources can be integrated together, and a user can select between the device or the one or more auxiliary input sources by issuing selection commands through the car stereo. A docking station is provided for docking a portable audio or video device for integration with the car stereo.

1 . An audio device integration system comprising:
 a car stereo;   an audio device external to the car stereo;   an interface connected between the car stereo and the audio device for exchanging data and audio signals between the car stereo and the audio device;   means for processing and dispatching commands for controlling the audio device from the car stereo in a format compatible with the audio device;   means for processing and displaying data from the audio device on a display of the car stereo in a format compatible with the car stereo; and   means for switching to one or more auxiliary input sources connected to the interface if the audio device is disconnected from the interface.   
   
   
       2 . An audio device integration system comprising:
 a car stereo;   a plurality of auxiliary input sources;   an interface connected between the car stereo and the plurality of auxiliary input sources;   means for processing and dispatching commands for controlling an audio device connected to one of the plurality of auxiliary input sources from the car stereo in a format compatible with the audio device;   means for processing and displaying data from the audio device on a display of the car stereo in a format compatible with the car stereo; and   means for selecting one of the plurality of auxiliary input sources from the car stereo.   
   
   
       3 . A method for integrating a device with a car stereo comprising:
 connecting an interface to the car stereo, the device to the interface, and an auxiliary input source to the interface;   receiving control commands from the car stereo at the interface;   processing the control commands into a format compatible with the device and dispatching processed control commands to the device;   receiving data and audio from the device at the interface;   processing the data into a second format compatible with the car stereo and dispatching the audio and processed data to the car stereo;   displaying the processed data on the car stereo and playing the audio through the car stereo; and   playing audio from the auxiliary input source through the car stereo if the device is disconnected from the interface.