Connection to multiple accessories with multiple accessory-specific protocols

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions that, when executed by a processor of a mobile computing device, cause the processor to execute a method comprising:

• establishing a first communication session between a first application executing on the mobile computing device and a first accessory communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device via a first port;
• communicating between the first application and the first accessory through the first communication session using a first application protocol, wherein communicating with the first accessory includes transmitting messages of the first application protocol through the first port using an accessory communication protocol that enables communication between accessories and the mobile computing device;
• establishing a second communication session between a second application executing on the mobile computing device and a second accessory communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device via a second port;
• and
• communicating between the second application and the second accessory through the second communication session using a second application protocol, wherein communicating with the second accessory includes transmitting messages of the second application protocol through the second port using the accessory communication protocol.

A mobile communication device comprising:

• a housing;
• a communication interface disposed at least partially within the housing, and configured to exchange commands and data with a plurality of accessories including a first accessory and a second accessory, the communication interface having a plurality of communication ports including a first communication port and a second communication port, the plurality of communication ports being configured to communicate with the accessories using an accessory communication protocol that enables communication between the accessories and the mobile communication device;
• memory disposed within the housing;
• and
• a processor disposed within the housing, and communicatively coupled with the memory and the communication interface, the processor being configured to execute a plurality of applications and control logic, the control logic being configured to:
• establish a first communication session between the first accessory and a first application of the plurality of applications;
• communicate between the first application and the first accessory through the first communication session using a first application protocol, wherein communicating with the first accessory includes transmitting messages of the first application protocol through the first port using an accessory communication protocol that enables communication between accessories and the mobile communication device;
• establish a second communication session between the second accessory and a second application of the plurality of applications;
• and
• communicate between the second application and the second accessory through the second communication session using a second application protocol, wherein communicating with the second accessory includes transmitting messages of the second application protocol through the second port using the accessory communication protocol.