Method and system for controlling power provided to an accessory

A computer readable medium encoded with program instructions which when executed by a portable media player allow the portable media player to control power settings of an accessory, the program instructions including program instructions for:

• requesting information about a current power state of the accessory by the portable media player;
• receiving information from the accessory about the current power state of the accessory;
• and
• utilizing the information to set a new power state of the accessory by the portable media player.

An accessory comprising:

• a device;
• and
• an interface in communication with the device and adapted to communicate with a portable media player by exchanging a plurality of commands with the portable media player, the plurality of commands comprising:
• a first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory, the first command being receivable by the accessory;
• a second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory, the second command being sendable by the accessory;
• a third command for instructing the accessory to set a new power state of the accessory, the third command being receivable by the accessory;
• and
• a fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power setting by the accessory, the second command being sendable by the accessory.

A dongle comprising:

• a first connector adapted to be coupled to a portable media player;
• a second connector in communication with the first connector and adapted to be coupled to an accessory, wherein the dongle is configured to exchange a plurality of commands with the portable media player;
• the plurality of commands comprising:
• a first command for requesting a current power state of the accessory, the first command being receivable by the dongle from the portable media player;
• a second command for communicating information about the current power state of the accessory, the second command being sendable by the dongle to the portable media player;
• a third command for instructing the dongle to set a new power state of the accessory, the third command being receivable by the dongle from the portable media player;
• and
• a fourth command for communicating acceptance of the new power setting, the fourth command being sendable by the dongle to the portable media player,
• wherein the dongle is further configured to provide power to the accessory in accordance with the new power state specified by the third command.

A method for using an accessory coupled to a portable media player, the method comprising, by the accessory:

• receiving, from the media player, a request for information indicating power capabilities of the accessory;
• returning the requested information to the media player;
• receiving a power setting command from the media player, the power setting command instructing the accessory to set a power state of the accessory to a new power state determined by the media player;
• and
• setting the power state of the accessory to the new power state.

An accessory for use with a portable media player, the accessory comprising:

• an interface adapted to be coupled with a portable media player and configured to support an accessory protocol for exchanging with the portable media player commands and information related to power management;
• and
• a control module coupled to the interface, the control module being configured to:
• receive, from the media player, a request for information indicating power capabilities of the accessory;
• return the requested information to the media player;
• receive a power setting command from the media player, the power setting command instructing the accessory to set a power state of the accessory to a new power state determined by the media player;
• and
• set the power state of the accessory to the new power state.