WO2013030736A1

WO2013030736A1 - Docking system with automatic music playback via bluetooth

Info

Publication number: WO2013030736A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/054297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hin Leung Norman CHAN; Ka Man Raymond LUI
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2011-08-26
Filing date: 2012-08-24
Publication date: 2013-03-07

Abstract

A portable device determines that it has been physically paired with a docking system. Wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system is automatically established in response to the determination.. Data that encodes an audio signal is transmitted, by the portable device to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, so as to audibly output the audio signal transmitted from the portable device. The determination by the portable device of being physically paired with the docking system is based at least in part on an application resident in the portable device receiving a USB connection notification from the docking system. The resident application turns on a Bluetooth module of the portable device's Bluetooth and sends commands to the device's Bluetooth module to perform a quick connection with the docking system using the docking system's Bluetooth ID as a command parameter.

Description

Docking System With Automatic Music Playback Via Bluetooth

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to techniques, methods, systems and

mechanisms for performing wireless communication with a docking system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a docking system adapted to transparently stream music to a user upon detecting the docketing of a portable device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a handheld PC, a cellular phone, and an MP3 player.

Description of the Related Art

[002] Apple docking has become a multi-billion market for accessory

manufacturers. With the iPad Dock, you get easy access to a dock connector port for syncing or charging, and an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable. The iPad Dock also supports other iPad accessories, such as the iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter and the iPad Camera Connection Kit. Nonproprietary devices outside of the Apple domain that accommodate hundreds of phones, including some of the most popular cell phones from Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, Nextel, Sony Ericsson and Siemens include the Dock-n-Talk and the Cellsocket. These devices are revolutionary cell phone docking systems that allow users to make and receive cellular calls on either standard or cordless phones at home or in the office.

These devices offer users the convenience of using economical cell phone service minutes while speaking on their more conventional telephones. Beyond the Dock-n-Talk and the Cellsocket, Siemens offers the Gigaset-One™ Bluetooth Cell phone - Home Phone Docking system Device. The Gigaset One allows you to make and receive mobile calls on any corded or cordless phone around your home. No land line needed. Your home phones become an extension of your Bluetooth® enabled smart phone, connecting up to three Bluetooth smart phones, eradicating mobile dead zones and diminished audio quality.

[003] Despite these revolutionary products, the docking market for smart phones other than Apple devices receive very little attention, despite its tremendous market potential. This is due in part to the lack of uniform connectors and hardware/software interfaces for the different manufacturer phones.

[004] This Background is provided to introduce a brief context for the Summary and Detailed Description that follow. This Background is not intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter nor be viewed as limiting the claimed subject matter to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages or problems presented above.

SUMMARY

[005] The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in the prior art by providing systems, methods and devices that enable an audio docking system that supports wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, to dock with and automatically turn on a wireless function of a portable device when the device is attached to the audio docking system. The portable device may be, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a handheld PC, a cellular phone, and MP3 player.

[006] In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising the steps of:

determining with a portable device that the portable device has physically paired with a docking system; automatically establishing wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system, in response to said determining step; and transmitting, by the portable device to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, data that encodes an audio signal, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the portable device.

[007] The method can further include receiving, by the portable device from the docking system, electrical power for charging a rechargeable energy source in the portable device, wherein the rechargeable energy source is configured to provide electrical power for powering the portable device.

[008] The method can further include, determining that the portable device has ceased being paired with the docking system; and terminating the wireless

communication between the portable device and the docking system while the portable device has ceased being paired with the docking system.

[009] In one aspect, when a portable device, such as a smart phone, having

Bluetooth and USB connectivity is docked to the docking system, a Bluetooth module of the docking system is automatically enabled. A special application program ("app") resident in a memory of the portable device is configured to receive a USB connection notification from the docking system to turn on the portable device's Bluetooth function, if it is not already turned on. The special application program ("app") also sends commands to the portable device's Bluetooth module to perform a quick connection with the docking system, using the docking system's Bluetooth ID as a command parameter. Thereafter, the special application program is launched to the foreground.

[0010] In an embodiment, an audio docking system is provided that is adapted to dock with a portable device that supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity. When docked, a special application program (i.e., "app") installed in the portable device recognizes the connection and automatically turns on the portable device's Bluetooth function and tries to connect to the paired docking system over Bluetooth automatically. Upon making a Bluetooth connection with the docking system, the special application program ("app") is launched to the foreground of a user interface of the portable device. A successful connection allows the docking system to provide the user with the unique experience of playing music from the docking system, via the user interface, as an adjunct to the docking operation. In this manner, music is transparently streamed to the user via the Bluetooth connection.

[0011] In one embodiment, an audio docking system comprises an application module configured to an application module configured to determine that a portable device has physically paired with a docking system; a wireless connection module to establish wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system in response to a determination by the application module that the portable device has physically paired with the docking system; and a radio frequency transmitter to transmit, from the portable device to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, data that encodes an audio signal so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the special application program may be freely downloaded to a user's portable device. For example, the special application program may be downloaded from a Philips server for smart phones that utilize the Android operating system. Of course, it is contemplated that the special application program may be downloaded in other ways and utilize well-known and future envisioned operating systems.

[0013] In one embodiment, the docking station supports USB audio.

[0014] In one aspect, in accordance with a first use with the docking system, a user is required to pair the smart phone with the docking system using a standard wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) pairing procedure. This involves putting the docking system and smart phone into a special pairing mode and manually confirming the pairing from smart phone's wireless (e.g., Bluetoooth) user interface.

[0015] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following Detailed Description of the invention, when considered in conjunction with the drawing Figures, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a docking system shown coupled to a portable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows an example operating method for pairing a portable device with the docking system is described using standard Bluetooth pairing procedures.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an example mobile is an operating method for automatically switching on a portable device's Bluetooth functionality when docked to a target docking system via a USB connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device upon the start of an auto-start scanning process. [0021] FIG. 5 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device to show a list of available devices for making a Bluetooth connection.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device to indicate a pairing between a portable device and a docking system.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device illustrating a Bluetooth connecting screen.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device upon making a Bluetooth connection.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device providing a user with musical selections to play wirelessly on the docking system via a music application in the portable device.

[0026] FIGS 10 - 12 show various example user interface profiles that are displayed by a portable device to a user.

[0027] FIG 13 depicts an illustrative diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause a machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well- known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0031] Hereinafter, a portable device is described in the present invention by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Namely, the portable device as described herein may be considered descriptive of any terminal that includes a Bluetooth module. That is, the term "portable device" denotes any kind of information and communication device and includes a multi-media device such as a Portable

Multimedia Player (PMP), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a portable game terminal, a wired or wireless telephone, a Smart Phone, and applications thereof.

[0027] Prior to a description of the present invention, a brief explanation of Bluetooth technology is provided. Bluetooth technology is fundamentally aimed at performing communication over a short distance, for example, within 10 m. This range can be increased to 100 m according to the applied output power. According to the Bluetooth standard, data transmission using Bluetooth has a maximum rate of 64 Kbps in the case of synchronous (voice) channel transmission and a maximum rate of 723.2 Kbps in the case of asynchronous (data) channel transmission. Further, because Bluetooth technology uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, security is improved in comparison with other existing wireless communication protocols. Moreover, since Bluetooth technology can transmit voices as well as character data using Continuous Variable Slope Delta (CVSD) modulation, voice coding is improved.

[0032] The specifications of Bluetooth provide for the possibility of remotely controlling a remote device over a bidirectional wireless connection. In practice, the remote device is usually a mobile telephone or a computer peripheral, however the Bluetooth specifications are not limited to appliances of that type and they include in particular profiles that are compatible with transmitting high-quality coded multichannel audio streams (advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP)), and also profiles that provide interoperability of Bluetooth appliances with audio and video control functions (audio video remote control profile (AVRCP)).

[0033] Bluetooth technology is particularly advantageous given its universal and evolving nature, the existence of numerous functions, and also of numerous components specially designed for implementing it, which components are also inexpensive.

Nevertheless, this choice of technology is not limiting in anyway, and the wireless connection may be implemented by means of other wireless transmission techniques, providing such techniques present a data rate that is sufficient to enable a continuous data stream to be transmitted (e.g. high-quality digital audio or video signals): this applies for example to the so-called "WiFi" IEEE 802.11 standard (ISO/IEC 8802-11).

[0034] In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements. [0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a docking system shown coupled to a portable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown by example and without limitation, a device, such as, for example, a portable device 100, as typically inserted into a dock 150 for synchronization with docking system 150 via synchronization ("sync") cable 112.

[0037] Docking system 150 includes certain components that are relevant to the present invention, including, an RF transceiver 105, a USB connector 106, and a

Bluetooth module 132. In one embodiment, the USB connector of docking station 150 is a micro USB connector, further described in co-pending application, "System for connecting a portable device to an apparatus, docking apparatus comprising said system", Philips docket number 2011P00919WO, FPPHl 1130028P (AP-H-YIS), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Other components of docking system 150 are well known and will not be further described.

[0038] Accordingly, and as described in more detail throughout this document, the dock 150 may power a portable device 100 (e.g., mobile phone) that has been placed in the dock 150, and may recharge a battery of the portable device 100. While docked, the portable device 100 may provide audio transmissions to the dock 150, which the dock 150 may route such transmission to an external audio source (not shown). The audio transmissions may be transmitted wirelessly between a radio transceiver 102 in the device 100 and a radio transceiver 105in the dock 150. In other words, a user of the portable device 100 may place the portable device 100 into the dock 150, for example, to charge a battery of the portable device 100 and route an audio signal to an external speaker system or to an internal speaker system of the dock 150.

[0039] In an embodiment, portable device 100 may include, a USB driver 108 coupled to a special application program ("app") 104, a Bluetooth module 1 10, a display unit 120, an input unit 125, a control unit 105, and a storage unit 170.

[0040] The input unit 125, i.e., which may also be referred to as an input manager, manages input to the portable device 100, including touch input to a display screen (not shown) on the portable device 100.

[0041] A display unit 120, i.e., which may also be referred to as a display manager, coordinates with a touch manager (not shown) and controls what items are displayed in what positions, which will be shown over other items, and which will be shown as having the device's focus.

[0042] A Bluetooth module 110 in the portable device 100 performs Bluetooth communication with another Bluetooth device, for example, Bluetooth module 110 of dock 150, through a Bluetooth antenna according to a Bluetooth protocol. In the

Bluetooth module 110 are stored a host stack for managing Bluetooth communication, a Bluetooth profile selected according to functions or conditions of external Bluetooth devices targeted for communication, and application programs. The Bluetooth profile includes various profiles, such as a HandsFree Profile (HFP) for supporting handsfree sets, a HeadSet Profile (HSP) for supporting headsets, an Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for supporting stereo audio, or an Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) which describes remote control of A/V equipment. [0043] When the portable device 100 is docked to the docking system 150, the Bluetooth module 132 of the docking system 150 is automatically enabled. A special downloadable application program ("app") 104 on the portable device 100 is configured to receive a USB connection notification from the docking system 150, via USB connector 106 of docking system 150 and USB driver 108 of the portable device 108, to turn on the portable device's Bluetooth module 110, if it is not already turned on. The special application program ("app") 104 also sends commands to the portable device's Bluetooth module 110 to perform a quick connection with the docking system 150, using the docking system's Bluetooth ID as a command parameter. Thereafter, the special application program ("app") 104 is launched to the foreground.

[0044] The special application program ("app") may be downloaded by a user from an online store, for example, Android Market. A QR code and website link will be provided to the user in a product communication. Other well-known means of downloading the special application program ("app") are also within contemplation of the invention.

[0045] The display unit 120 outputs a screen, activated according to function execution of the portable device 100. For example, the display unit 120 may output a booting screen, an idle screen, a menu screen, and a call screen as are well known.

Namely, the display unit 120 may display all types of screens associated with states and operations of the portable device 100. In addition, the display unit 120 may output a special application screen in the case where the special application is launched in response to a user docking the portable device 100 to the docking system 150.

[0046] The storage unit 170 stores application programs necessary for operation of the portable device 100 and application programs necessary for supporting a call service, user data, and data necessary for operating the application programs including special application program ("app") 104. The storage unit 170 can be divided into a program area and a data area. The program area may store an Operating System (OS) 180 for booting the portable device 100 and for operating the foregoing constructions, and application programs for operating various functions of the portable device 100, such as a web browser for accessing an Internet server, an MP3 application program for playing other sound sources, an image output application program for displaying and viewing photographs, and an application program and a game program for playing moving images. More particularly, a program area may store a Bluetooth program for executing a Bluetooth communication function.

[0047] The control unit 105 controls an overall operation of the portable device 100. Further, the control unit 105 may control signal flow between respective structural elements in the portable device 100. Namely, the control unit 105 may control the signal flow between respective structural elements in the portable device 100 such as the display unit 120, the input unit 150, the storage unit 170, and the Bluetooth module 110. The control unit 105 may also control the Bluetooth module 110 to sends commands to the portable device's Bluetooth module 1 10 to perform a quick connection with the docking system 150, using the docking system's 130 Bluetooth ID as a command parameter

[0048] The control unit 105 may control the display unit 120 to display information regarding the launched special application 104. A construction and a function of a docking system and a paired portable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention were explained with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, an operating method for pairing a portable device, such as a smart phone, with the docking system is described using standard Bluetooth pairing procedures, as shown in FIG. 2, and described further below. There is also described an operating method for automatically switching on a portable device's Bluetooth functionality when docked to a target docking system via a USB connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 and described further below.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an operating method for specifying a pairing procedure between a portable device 100 and the docking system using standard Bluetooth pairing procedures. Bluetooth standards specify a "pairing" procedure " that allows one device to associate itself with another. Pairing is described in detail in the Bluetooth 1.2 core specification, Vol. 3, Section 3.3.

[0050] The operating method described with respect to FIG. 2 includes putting the docking system 130 and portable terminal 104 into a special pairing mode and manually confirming the pairing from the portable terminal Bluetooth UI. This operating method is only employed with a first use of the docking system 150. Thereafter, an operating method for all subsequent uses is described further below with regard to FIG. 3. In particular, FIG. 3 describes an operating method to perform auto -connection for two previously paired devices

[0051] 20. Connect via USB (micro). The portable device 100 is connected to the docking system 150 via a USB connection.

[0052] 22. VBUS voltage detected. The portable device 100 detects a VBUS voltage sent from the docking system 150 in response to the USB connection.

[0053] 24. Notification. A special application 104 resident on the portable device 100 receives a Notification issued from the docking system 150 and received via the portable device 100.

[0054] 26. Turn ON Bluetooth. In response to receiving the notification, the special application 104 turns on the Bluetooth functionality resident within the Bluetooth module 110 of the portable device 100. [0055] 28. Start pairing procedure. A pairing procedure is started between the docking system 150 and the portable device 100.

[0056] 30. Scanned device list. At this step, the portable device 100 scans for signals of surrounding Bluetooth devices.

[0057] 32. Initiate pairing and connection with dock. The special application 104 initiates a pairing and connection with the docking system 150.

[0058] 34. Bluetooth v2.1 Secure Simple pairing (SSP). According to SSP "Just Works" mode of operation, which is a form of public key cryptography, the docking system 150 is paired with the portable device 100 without requiring user interaction

[0059] 36. Connection ok. The portable device 100 verifies to the special application 104 that the Bluetooth v2.1 Secure pairing (SSP) is confirmed. The special application 104 displays an acknowledgement message to the user.

[0060] 38. Start music playback. The special application 104 automatically starts music playback using its integrated music player via the just established Bluetooth connection with the docking system 150.

[0061] 40. Music streaming via Bluetooth A2DP session. Audio data is transferred from the portable unit 104 to the docking system 150 via an open standard protocol such as the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) protocol which describes a transmission and reception method of music data. A2DP describes how stereo quality audio can be streamed from a media source to a sink. The profile defines two roles of an audio source and sink. A typical usage scenario can be considered as the "walkman" class of media player. The audio source would be the music player and the audio sink is the wireless headset. A2DP defines the protocols and procedures that realize distribution of audio content of high-quality in mono or stereo on ACL channels.

[0062] 42. Playback control via Bluetooth AVRCP session. Playback control is initiated by a user when pressing the control keys on the docking system 150. The command is sent to the portable device via Bluetooth AVRCP session to control the portable device's music player. Playback control includes play, pause, next/previous track, fast forward/backward.

[0063] 44. Disconnect from USB (micro). The portable device 104 is disconnected from the USB port of the docking system 150.

[0064] 46. VBUS voltage dropped. The VBUS voltage level returns to zero when the portable device 100 is disconnected from the USB port of the docking system 150.

[0065] 48. Notification. The portable device 104 is notified of the VBUS voltage level drop.

[0066] 50. Turn ON or OFF Bluetooth. The Bluetooth functionality in the portable device 104 is turned ON or OFF. The special application 104 restores the Bluetooth state of the portable device to either the ON or OFF state, dependent upon the original Bluetooth settings prior to docking. The restoration is performed prior to detecting that the portable device is being undocked. The special application 104 stores the current state of Bluetooth, i.e. on or off, in app memory space before connecting to Bluetooth. When undocked, the special application 104 will resume the Bluetooth state of the portable device 100 to what was previously stored in the app memory space. [0067] FIG. 3 shows an operating method for automatically switching on a portable device's Bluetooth functionality when docked to a target docking system via a USB connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] 60. Connect via USB (micro). The portable device 100 is connected to the docking system 150 via a USB connection.

[0069] 62. VBUS voltage detected. The portable device 100 detects a VBUS voltage sent from the docking system 150 in response to the USB connection.

[0070] 64. Notification. A special application 104 resident on the portable device 100 receives a Notification issued from the docking system 150 and received via the portable device 100.

[0071] 66. Turn ON Bluetooth. In response to receiving the notification, the special application 104 turns on the Bluetooth functionality resident within the Bluetooth module 110 of the portable device 100.

[0072] 68. Scanned device list. At this step, the portable device 100 scans for signals of surrounding Bluetooth devices.

[0073] 70. Initiate connection with dock. The special application 104 initiates a connection with the docking system 150.

[0074] 72. Bluetooth connection. A Bluetooth connection is made between the portable device 100 and the docking system 150.

[0075] 74. Connection Ok. The portable device 100 verifies to the special application 104 that the Bluetooth v2.1 Secure pairing (SSP) is confirmed. The special application 104 displays an acknowledgement message to the user. [0076] 76. Start music playback. The special application 104 automatically starts music playback using its integrated music player via the just established Bluetooth connection with the docking system 150.

[0077] 78. Music streaming via Bluetooth A2DP session. Audio data is transferred from the portable unit 104 to the docking system 150 via an open standard protocol such as the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) protocol which describes a transmission and reception method of music data. A2DP describes how stereo quality audio can be streamed from a media source to a sink. The profile defines two roles of an audio source and sink. A typical usage scenario can be considered as the "walkman" class of media player. The audio source would be the music player and the audio sink is the wireless headset. A2DP defines the protocols and procedures that realize distribution of audio content of high-quality in mono or stereo on ACL channels.

[0078] 80. Playback control via Bluetooth AVRCP session. Playback control is initiated by a user when pressing the control keys on the docking system 150. The command is sent to the portable device via Bluetooth AVRCP session to control the portable device's music player. Playback control includes play, pause, next/previous track, fast forward/backward.

[0079] 82. Disconnect from USB (micro). The portable device 104 is disconnected from the USB port of the docking system 150.

[0080] 84. VBUS voltage dropped. The VBUS voltage level returns to zero when the portable device 100 is disconnected from the USB port of the docking system 150. [0081] 86. Notification. The portable device 104 is notified of the VBUS voltage level drop.

[0082] 88. Turn ON or OFF Bluetooth. The Bluetooth functionality in the portable device 104 is turned ON or OFF. The special application 104 restores the Bluetooth state of the portable device to either the ON or OFF state, dependent upon the original Bluetooth settings prior to docking. The restoration is performed prior to detecting that the portable device is being undocked. The special application 104 stores the current state of Bluetooth, i.e. on or off, in app memory space before connecting to Bluetooth. When undocked, the special application 104 will resume the Bluetooth state of the portable device 100 to what was previously stored in the app memory space.

[0083] FIGS. 4-9 illustrate a sequence of screen displays shown to a user on that user's portable device screen display during a docking procedure for automatically establishing an automatic wireless connection between a portable device and a docking station, according to the invention.

[0084] FIG. 4 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device upon the start of an auto-start scanning process.

[0085] FIG. 5 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device to show a list of available devices for making a Bluetooth connection.

[0086] FIG. 6 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device to indicate a pairing between a portable device and a docking system.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device illustrating a Bluetooth connecting screen. [0088] FIG. 8 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device upon making a Bluetooth connection.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows an example user interface profile that is displayed by a portable device providing a user with musical selections to play wirelessly on the docking system via a music application in the portable device.

[0090] Subsequent to establishing a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connection between the portable device and the docking station, a music player menu will be entered on the portable device and a current song, if any, will be played automatically. This auto-play option can be switched off by a user.

[0091] FIGS 10 - 12 show various example user interface profiles that are displayed by a portable device in accordance with a user selection.

[0092] FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system 1300 within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

[0093] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a handheld PC, a cellular phone, and MP3 player, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0094] The computer system 1300 may include a processor 1302 (such as a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 1304 and a static memory 1306, which communicate with each other via a bus 1308. The computer system 1300 may further include a video display unit 1310 (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), a flat panel, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). The computer system 1300 may include an input device 1312 (such as a keyboard), a cursor control device 1314 (such as a mouse), a disk drive unit 1316, a signal generation device 1318 (such as a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 1320.

[0095] The disk drive unit 1316 may include a computer-readable medium 1322 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (such as software 1324) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1324 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1304, the static memory 1306, and/or within the processor 1302 during execution thereof by the computer system 1300. The main memory 1304 and the processor 1302 also may constitute computer-readable media. The set of instructions (such as software 1324) may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1304, the static memory 1306, and/or within the processor 1302 during execution thereof by the computer system 1300. The main memory 1304 and the processor 1302 also may constitute computer-readable media. [0096] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application- specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0097] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementations can include, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

[0098] The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containing instructions 1324, or that which receives and executes instructions 1324 from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network environment 1326 can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the network 1326 using the instructions 1324. The instructions 1324 may further be transmitted or received over a network 1326 via the network interface device 1320.

[0099] While the computer-readable medium 1322 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

[00100] The term "computer-readable medium" shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape; and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein and including art- recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

[00101] Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents.

[00102] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale.

Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.

Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[00103] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[00104] While the invention has been shown and described with respect to particular embodiments, it is not thus limited. Numerous modifications, changes and enhancements will now be apparent to the reader.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

determining with a portable device that the portable device has physically paired with a docking system;

automatically establishing wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system, in response to said determining step; and

transmitting, by the portable device to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, data that encodes an audio signal, so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal from the portable device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining step is based at least in part on electrical signals transmitted from the docking system to the portable device over a physical electrical connection between the docking system and the portable device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the transmitted electrical signals include a VBUS voltage transmitted from the docking system to a USB connector to a USB driver of the portable device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said determining step is based at least in part on an application resident in the portable device receiving a USB connection notification from the docking system responsive to the portable device receiving the VBUS voltage transmitted from the docking system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said determining step further comprises said application resident in the portable device turning on a Bluetooth module of the portable device's Bluetooth and sending commands to the device's Bluetooth module to perform a quick connection with the docking system using the docking system's Bluetooth ID as a command parameter.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said determining step further comprises said application resident in the portable device launching the application to the foreground of the device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the portable device and from the docking system, electrical power for charging a rechargeable energy source in the portable device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is established without the portable device or the docking system receiving user input subsequent to said determining that the portable device has physically paired with the docking system.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the portable device has ceased being paired with the docking system; restoring the Bluetooth state of the portable device, dependent upon the original Bluetooth settings prior to docking the portable device with the docking system.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the portable device has ceased being paired with the docking system; and terminating the wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system while the portable device has ceased being paired with the docking system.

11. A computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processing devices, perform operations comprising: determining with a portable device that the portable device has physically paired with a docking system;

12. A computer-implemented system comprising:

an application module configured to determine that a portable device has physically paired with a docking system;

a wireless connection module to establish wireless communication between the portable device and the docking system in response to a determination by the application module that the portable device has physically paired with the docking system; and

a radio frequency transmitter to transmit, from the portable device to the docking system as part of the wireless communication, data that encodes an audio signal so as to cause speakers of the docking system to audibly output the audio signal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the system further comprises the docking system.