초록 ▼

A multi-function docking assembly electrically coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device is provided. The assembly includes a body adapted to receive and retain the media device, an electrical coupling adapted to engage the media device when the same is received by the bod

A multi-function docking assembly electrically coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device is provided. The assembly includes a body adapted to receive and retain the media device, an electrical coupling adapted to engage the media device when the same is received by the body, a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting media content to an external receiving device, an electrical circuit element to conduct power, and an authentication element. Any of various authentication methods are use to ensure and/or regulate interoperability between the media device and the docking assembly. Multiple discrete tiers of functionality of the audio player and/or portable digital media storage and playback device may be enabled or disabled based on an authentication operation.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A docking assembly electrically coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device, the assembly comprising:a body adapted to receive and retain the portable digital media storage and playback device;at least one electrical coupling associated with the body a

What is claimed is: 1. A docking assembly electrically coupleable with a portable digital media storage and playback device, the assembly comprising:a body adapted to receive and retain the portable digital media storage and playback device;at least one electrical coupling associated with the body and adapted to engage the portable digital media storage and playback device when the portable digital media storage and playback device is received by the body;a transmitter connectable with the portable digital media storage and playback device via the at least one electrical coupling and adapted to wirelessly transmit media content from the portable digital media storage and playback device to an external receiving device;at least one electrical circuit element adapted to conduct power from an external power source to the at least one electrical coupling;a data exchange port; andan authentication element adapted to provide an authentication signal to the portable digital media storage and playback device, wherein the authentication element comprises a reprogrammable memory storing an authentication scheme, and the authentication element may be reprogrammed using the data exchange port.