Audio/Visual server
AssigneePhatNoise, Inc.
InventorsDannie C. Lau, Daniel Benyamin, Brendan T. Dowling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An audio/visual server is described that can be used to store and play audio/visual data. A removable hard disk (or other media) is connected to a dock that is in communication with a computer. While the removable hard disk is connected to the dock, audio/visual data can be transferred from the computer to the hard disk. After the hard disk is removed from the dock and connected to the audio/visual server, the server can access and play the audio/visual data. In one embodiment, the audio/visual server stores and plays music, emulates a disc changer, and communicates with an automobile stereo head unit. The interface with the head unit is programmable so that multiple head units can be supported.
Claims36
An audio/visual server system, comprising:
- a connecting unit adapted to be connected to an audio/visual data providing device that is in communication with an Internet;
- an audio/visual server adapted to be in bidirectional communication with an audio/visual head unit by emulating a disc changer;
- and
- a first storage device capable of being removably connected to said connecting unit and said audio/visual server for transferring audio/visual data from said audio/visual data providing device to said audio/visual server.
An audio/visual server system for use in conjunction with an audio head unit having a disc changer port, comprising:
- one or more processor readable storage devices for storing audio/visual data, said one or more processor readable storage devices are not part of a disc changer;
- a connection to said disc changer port;
- and
- one or more processors in communication with at least a subset of said one or more processor readable storage devices and said connection, said one or more processors communicate with said audio head unit and send music information to said head unit based on said audio/visual data by emulating a disc changer.
A method for providing audio/visual data, comprising:
- receiving a request to play audio/visual data, said request is received from an automobile control unit;
- reading audio/visual data from a medium that is capable of receiving additional data from an audio/visual data providing device, said step of reading is performed in response to said request;
- and
- sending a signal representing said audio/visual data in response to said request, said steps of receiving a request and sending a signal include emulating a disc changer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.