Trials@uspto.gov
`571-272-7822
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`Paper No. 12
`Filed: January 17, 2019
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`____________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`____________
`
`DAIMLER AG,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`BLITZSAFE TEXAS, LLC,
`Patent Owner.
`____________
`
`Case IPR2018-01214
`Patent 7,489,786 B2
`____________
`
`
`Before JAMESON LEE, THOMAS L. GIANNETTI,
`and MIRIAM L. QUINN, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`LEE, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`
`
`
`DECISION
`Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review
`37 U.S.C. § 314(a)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`571-272-7822
`
`
`
`
`
`Paper No. 12
`Filed: January 17, 2019
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`____________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`____________
`
`DAIMLER AG,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`BLITZSAFE TEXAS, LLC,
`Patent Owner.
`____________
`
`Case IPR2018-01214
`Patent 7,489,786 B2
`____________
`
`
`Before JAMESON LEE, THOMAS L. GIANNETTI,
`and MIRIAM L. QUINN, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`LEE, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`
`
`
`DECISION
`Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review
`37 U.S.C. § 314(a)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IPR2018-01214
`Patent 7,489,786 B2
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`I.
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`A. Background
`On June 6, 2018, Petitioner filed a Petition to institute inter partes
`review of claims 1, 2, 4–8, 10, 13, 14, 23, 24, 44, 47, 57, 58, 60–65, 86, 88–
`92, 94, 97, and 98 of U.S. Patent No. 7,489,786 B2 (Ex. 1001, “the ’786
`patent”). On August 22, 2018, Petitioner filed a Corrected Petition,
`authorized by the Board and not opposed by Patent Owner. Paper 7. The
`Corrected Petition challenges the same claims on the same grounds as
`articulated in the original Petition. Hereinafter, we refer to the Corrected
`Petition as the Petition (“Pet.”). On November 9, 2018, Patent Owner filed a
`Preliminary Response (Paper 10, “Prelim. Resp.”).
`To institute an inter partes review, we must determine that the
`information presented in the Petition shows “that there is a reasonable
`likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the
`claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). Having considered
`both the Petition and the Preliminary Response, we determine that Petitioner
`has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in
`establishing the unpatentability of any of the challenged claims.
`Accordingly, we do not institute review and the Petition is denied.
`Related Matters
`The parties identify eight civil actions involving the ’786 patent. Pet.
`83; Paper 4, 1–2. The ’786 patent also is the subject of these inter partes
`review proceedings: IPR2016-00421, IPR2016-00422, IPR2016-01448,
`IPR2016-01472, IPR2016-01477, IPR2018-01142, IPR2018-01203,
`IPR2018-01204, and IPR2018-01211. Paper 4, 2. We instituted review
`
`B.
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`only in IPR2016-00421, which has terminated by settlement. We have
`denied institution of review in all other proceedings.
`
`C.
`
`The ’786 Patent
`The ’786 patent is entitled “Audio Device Integration System.” Ex.
`1001, [54]. According to the ’786 patent, a “particular problem with
`integrating after-market audio systems with existing car stereos is that
`signals generated by the car stereo is in a proprietary format, and is not
`capable of being processed by the after-market system.” Id. at 1:36–39.
`“Thus, in order to integrate after-market systems with car stereos, it is
`necessary to convert signals between such systems.” Id. at 1:42−44.
`The ’786 patent is directed to an audio device integration system that
`allows after-market audio devices to be integrated for use with an existing
`car stereo system, such that control commands can be issued at the car stereo
`for execution by the audio device and data from the audio device can be
`displayed on the car stereo. Id. at Abstr., 2:12–42. More specifically,
`control commands generated at the car stereo are received, converted into a
`format recognizable by the after-market audio device, and dispatched to the
`device for execution. Id. at Abstr., 2:35–40. In addition, information from
`the audio device, such as track, channel, song, and artist information, is
`received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the car stereo,
`and dispatched to the stereo for display. Id. at Abstr., 2:40–47. The audio
`device could, for example, comprise a “CD player, CD changer, MP3 player,
`satellite receiver, [or] digital audio broadcast (DAB) receiver.” Id. at 4:28–
`30; see id. at [57], 2:23–26. Figures 2A–2C are reproduced below:
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`Figures 2A–C illustrate embodiments in which a car stereo is integrated with
`a CD player (Figure 2A), an MP3 player (Figure 2B), and a satellite radio or
`DAB receiver (Figure 2C). Id. at 3:14–23.
`With regard to Figure 2B, the ’786 patent describes:
`The interface 20 allows data and audio signals to be exchanged
`between the MP3 player 30 and the car radio 10, and processes
`and formats signals accordingly so that instructions and data
`from the radio 10 are processable by the MP3 player 30, and vice
`versa. Operational commands, such as track selection, pause,
`play, stop, fast forward, rewind, and other commands, are entered
`via the control panel buttons 14 of car radio 10, processed by the
`interface 20, and formatted for execution by the MP3 player 30.
`Data from the MP3 player, such as track, time, and song
`information, is received by the interface 20, processed thereby,
`and sent to the radio 10 for display on display 13. Audio from
`MP3 player 30 is selectively forwarded by the interface 20 to the
`radio 10 for playing.
`Id. at 6:11–24. Similar description is provided with respect to Figures 2A
`and 2C. Id. at 5:49–55, 6:35–43.
`In addition, an external audio device as well as auxiliary input sources
`may be integrated with a car stereo. Id. at Abstr., 2:53–56. A user then “can
`select between the external audio device and the auxiliary input using the
`controls of the car stereo.” Id. at 2:56–57. Figure 1 is reproduced below:
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`Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment integrating a car stereo with a CD player,
`a MP3 player, and a satellite radio or DAB receiver, as well as a number of
`auxiliary input sources. Id. at 3:12–13, 5:14–27.
`As shown in the above figures, central to the ’786 patent is an
`“interface” positioned between the car stereo and the audio device(s) and
`auxiliary input(s). See, e.g., id. at Fig. 1, 2A–C, 5:33–36. The interface
`allows for the integration of the audio devices and auxiliary inputs with the
`original or after-market car radio or stereo. Id. at 5:33–36. A docking
`station also is provided for docking a portable audio or video device for
`integration with the car stereo. Id. at Abstr.
`Claims 1, 44, 57, 86, and 92 are independent. Claim 1 is directed to a
`system that connects an after-market audio device as well as one or more
`auxiliary input sources to a car stereo. In particular, claim 1 recites a first
`connector electrically connectable to a car stereo, a second connector
`electrically connectable to an after-market device, and a third connector
`electrically connectable to one or more auxiliary input sources. Id. at 21:33–
`38. Claim 1 also recites an interface connected between the first and second
`electrical connectors, and that the interface includes a microcontroller pre-
`programmed to execute:
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`a first pre-programmed code portion for remotely controlling the
`after-market audio device using the car stereo by receiving a
`control command from the car stereo through said first
`connector in a format incompatible with the after-market
`audio device, processing the received control command into
`a formatted command compatible with the after-market audio
`device, and transmitting the formatted command to the after-
`market audio device through said second connector for
`execution by the after-market audio device;
`a second pre-programmed code portion for receiving data from
`the after-market audio device through said second connector
`in a format incompatible with the car stereo, processing the
`received data into formatted data compatible with the car
`stereo, and transmitting the formatted data to the car stereo
`through said first connector for display by the car stereo; and
`a third pre-programmed code portion for switching to one or
`more auxiliary input sources connected to said third electrical
`connector.
`Id. at 21:44–64.
`Claim 57 is directed to a system including an interface that connects a
`portable MP3 player to a car stereo. Claim 86 is directed to a system
`including an interface that connects an after-market video device to a car
`stereo. Claim 92 is directed to a system including an interface that connects
`a portable audio device with a car stereo. Claims 57, 86, and 92 each require
`the generation, within an interface, of a device presence signal that is
`transmitted to the car stereo to maintain the car stereo in an operational state.
`Claims 57, 86, and 92 are reproduced below:
`57. An audio device integration system comprising:
`a first electrical connector connectable to a car stereo;
`a second electrical connector connectable to a portable MP3
`player external to the car stereo
`an interface connected between said first and second electrical
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`connectors for transmitting audio from a portable MP3 player
`to a car stereo, said interface including a microcontroller in
`electrical communication with said first and second electrical
`connectors,
`said microcontroller pre-programmed to execute:
`a first pre-programmed code portion for generating a
`device presence signal and transmitting the signal to
`the car stereo to maintain the car stereo in an
`operational state; and
`a second pre-programmed code portion for remotely
`controlling the MP3 player using the car stereo by
`receiving a control command from the car stereo
`through said first electrical connector in a format
`incompatible with the MP3 player, processing the
`control command into a formatted control command
`compatible with the MP3 player, and transmitting
`the formatted control command to the MP3 player
`through said second electrical connector for
`execution by the MP3 player.
`Id. at 26:13–37.
`86. A device for integrating video information for use with a car
`stereo, comprising:
`a first electrical connector connectable to a car stereo;
`a second electrical connector connectable to an after-market
`video device external to the car stereo;
`an interface connected between said first and second electrical
`connectors for transmitting video information from the after-
`market video device to the car stereo, the interface including
`a microcontroller in electrical communication with said first
`and second electrical connectors, said microcontroller pre-
`programmed to execute:
`a first pre-programmed code portion for generating a
`device presence signal and transmitting the signal to
`the car stereo through said first electrical connector
`to maintain the car stereo in an operational state
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`responsive to signals generated by the after-market
`video device.
`Id. 28:40–56.
`92. An audio device integration system comprising:
`a car stereo;
`a portable audio device external to the car stereo;
`an interface connected between the car stereo and the portable audio
`device, the interface including a microcontroller pre-programmed
`to execute:
`first pre-programmed means for generating a device presence
`signal and transmitting the signal to the car stereo to
`maintain the car stereo in an operational state;
`second pre-programmed means for remotely controlling the
`portable audio device using the car stereo by receiving a
`control command from the car stereo in a format
`incompatible with the portable audio device, processing
`the control command into a formatted control command
`compatible with
`the portable audio device, and
`transmitting the formatted control command to the
`portable audio device for execution thereby; and
`means for transmitting audio from the portable audio device
`to the car stereo.
`Id. at 29:11–31.
`Claim 44 is directed to an apparatus for docking a portable device for
`integration with a car stereo. We reproduce claim 44 in the portion of our
`analysis below specifically discussing claim 44.
`
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`D.
`
`Evidence Relied Upon
`Petitioner relies on the following references:1
`
`
`
`Reference
`
`Barnea
`
`U.S. Patent 6,396,164 B1
`
`Plagge
`
`German App. Pub. DE
`10101702A1
`
`Bhogal
`
`U.S. Patent 6,629,197 B1
`
`Ohmura
`
`U.S. App. Pub. 2001/0028717
`A1
`
`Frese
`
`U.S. Patent 6,472,711 B1
`
`Exhibit
`
`Ex. 1004
`
`Date
`
`May 28, 2002,
`filed
`October 20,
`1999.
`
`July 18, 2002 Ex. 10052
`
`Ex. 1006
`
`Sept. 30, 2003,
`filed Nov. 3,
`2000
`
`Oct. 11, 2001 Ex. 1008
`
`Ex. 1009
`
`Oct. 29, 2002,
`filed July 31,
`2000
`
`
`Petitioner also relies on the Declarations of Chris Kyriakakis, Ph.D.
`(Ex. 1003), and Philip Koopman, Ph.D. (Ex. 1013).
`
`
`
`
`1 The ’786 patent was filed on December 11, 2002. Ex. 1001, [22].
`2 Exhibit 1005 contains a certified English translation of the German
`publication. Hereinafter, references to the German reference will be made to
`the English translation thereof.
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`Patent 7,489,786 B2
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`E.
`
`The Asserted Grounds
`Petitioner asserts the following grounds of unpatentability:
`
`Basis
`
`References
`
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, and Bhogal
`
`Claim(s) Challenged
`1, 2, 4, 5, 13, 14, 23, 24, 44, and
`47
`6, 57, 58, 60, 63, 64, 65, 92, 94,
`97, and 98
`
`7 and 8
`
`61 and 62
`
`10
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`86, 88, 89, 90, and 91
`
`A.
`
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal, and
`CAN
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal, and
`Ohmura
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal,
`Ohmura, and CAN
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal, and
`Frese
`§ 103(a) Barnea, Plagge, Bhogal,
`Frese, and CAN
`
`II. ANALYSIS
`The Law on Obviousness
`The question of obviousness is resolved on the basis of underlying
`factual determinations including: (1) the scope and content of the prior art;
`(2) any differences between the claimed subject matter and the prior art;
`(3) the level of ordinary skill in the art; and (4) when in evidence, objective
`evidence of nonobviousness. Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17–18
`(1966). One seeking to establish obviousness based on more than one
`reference also must articulate sufficient reasoning with rational
`underpinnings to combine teachings. See KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex, Inc., 550
`U.S. 398, 418 (2007).
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`B.
`
`The Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art
`Petitioner asserts that the level of ordinary skill in the art at the time of
`the earliest effective filing date of the ’786 patent corresponds to “at least an
`undergraduate degree in computer science or computer engineering, or
`equivalent work experience, including familiarity with transmission of audio
`and video and methods of software control and data conversions.” Pet. 14
`(citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 26). Patent Owner states that for purposes of this
`proceeding, it agrees that the level of ordinary skill as articulated by
`Petitioner is appropriate. Prelim. Resp. 4. We credit the supporting
`testimony of Dr. Kyriakakis. Ex. 1003 ¶ 26. We adopt the level of ordinary
`skill as articulated by Petitioner, except that we delete the qualifier “at least”
`to eliminate vagueness. The qualifier expands the range indefinitely without
`an upper bound and thus precludes a meaningful indication of the level of
`ordinary skill in the art.
`
`C. Claim Construction
`In an inter partes review, the Board interprets claims terms of an
`unexpired patent using the “broadest reasonable construction in light of the
`specification of the patent.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b); Cuozzo Speed Techs.,
`LLC v. Lee, 136 S. Ct. 2131, 2144–46 (2016). Under the broadest
`reasonable interpretation standard, claim terms generally are given their
`ordinary and customary meaning, as would be understood by one of ordinary
`skill in the art in the context of the entire disclosure. See In re Translogic
`Tech., Inc., 504 F.3d 1249, 1257 (Fed. Cir. 2007). There are, however, two
`exceptions to that rule: “1) when a patentee sets out a definition and acts as
`his own lexicographer,” and “2) when the patentee disavows the full scope
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`Patent 7,489,786 B2
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`of a claim term either in the specification or during prosecution.” Thorner v.
`Sony Comp. Entm’t Am. LLC, 669 F.3d 1362, 1365 (Fed. Cir. 2012).
`It is likewise not enough [for disavowal] that the only
`embodiments, or all of the embodiments, contain a particular
`limitation. We do not read limitations from the specification into
`claims; we do not redefine words. Only the patentee can do that.
`To constitute disclaimer, there must be a clear and unmistakable
`disclaimer.
`Id. at 1366–67. See also EPOS Techs. Ltd. v. Pegasus Techs. Ltd., 766 F.3d
`1338, 1341 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
`If an inventor acts as his or her own lexicographer, the definition must
`be set forth in the specification with reasonable clarity, deliberateness, and
`precision. Renishaw PLC v. Marposs Societa’ per Azioni, 158 F.3d 1243,
`1249 (Fed. Cir. 1998). Disavowal can be effectuated by language in the
`specification or the prosecution history. Poly-America, L.P. v. API Indus.,
`Inc., 839 F.3d 1131, 1136 (Fed. Cir. 2016). “In either case, the standard for
`disavowal is exacting, requiring clear and unequivocal evidence that the
`claimed invention includes or does not include a particular feature.” Id.
`Neither party contends that the Specification of the ’786 patent specially
`defined any term or that the inventors of the ’786 patent acted as their own
`lexicographer. We have no reason to determine otherwise.
`Only those claim terms that are in controversy need to be construed,
`and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy. See Nidec
`Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co. Ltd. Matal, 868 F.3d
`1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017); Wellman, Inc. v. Eastman Chem. Co., 642 F.3d
`1355, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2011); Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc.,
`200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999).
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`For purposes of this decision on whether to institute review, we need
`to construe the term “interface.”
`“interface”
`Of all challenged claims, claims 1, 44, 57, 86, and 92 are independent,
`
`and each recites an “interface.”
`Claims 1, 57, and 86 require the interface to be connected between a
`first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, where the first
`connector is connectable to a car stereo and the second connector is
`connectable to an after-market audio device (claim 1), a portable MP3 player
`(claim 57), or an after-market video device (claim 86). Claim 92 requires
`the interface to be connected between the car stereo and a portable audio
`device. Claim 44 recites a docking portion that mates with a portable
`device, and an interface that is connected to the car stereo as well as to a data
`port that communicates with the docking portion.
`Also, claim 57 recites that the interface is “for transmitting audio from
`a portable MP3 player to a car stereo”; claim 86 recites that the interface is
`“for transmitting video information from the after-market video device to the
`car stereo”; claim 1 recites that the interface is “for channeling audio signals
`to the car stereo from the after-market audio device”; claim 44 recites an
`interface for “channeling audio from the portable device to the car stereo”;
`and claim 92 recites that the interface includes a microcontroller pre-
`programmed to execute “means for transmitting audio from the portable
`audio device to the car stereo.”
`Petitioner has not proposed a construction for “interface,” but
`indicates that but for the term “device presence signal,” and all means-plus-
`function elements, all other terms should be accorded their plain and
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`ordinary meaning. Pet. 14–17. Patent Owner assumes that we would adopt
`the construction the Board accorded the term “interface” in IPR2016-00421
`(Paper 13, 15) involving the same patent, i.e., “a physical unit that connects
`one device to another and that has a functional and structural identity
`separate from that of both connected devices.” Prelim. Resp. 6.
`With regard to an “interface,” the Specification states:
`Thus, as can be readily appreciated, the interface 20 of the
`present invention allows for the integration of a multitude of
`devices and inputs with an OEM or after-market car radio or
`stereo.
`Ex. 1001, 5:33–36.
`As mentioned earlier, the interface 20 of the present invention
`allows for a plurality of disparate audio devices to be integrated
`with an existing car radio for use therewith.
`Id. at 6:4–7.
`Data from the MP3 player, such as track, time, and song
`information, is received by the interface 20, processed thereby,
`and sent to the radio 10 for display on display 13. Audio from
`the MP3 player 30 is selectively forwarded by the interface 20 to
`the radio 10 for playing.
`Id. at 6:19–24. Thus, the Specification refers to the interface receiving
`information from an audio device and forwarding information to the car
`stereo, and to the interface allowing integration of a plurality of disparate
`audio devices with a car radio.
`
`During prosecution, the Applicants of the ’786 patent distinguished
`U.S. Patent 6,993,615 B2 (“Falcon”), in part by arguing that the reference
`failed to disclose an interface connected between a car stereo and an external
`audio source. Ex. 1002, 267. Specifically, in distinguishing the invention
`from Falcon, Applicants stated: “[Falcon’s graphical user interface] is an
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`entirely different concept than the interface of the present invention, which
`includes a physical interface device connected between a car stereo system
`and an external audio source (e.g., a plurality of auxiliary input sources).”
`Id.
`Construing the term “interface” in light of the Specification, other
`
`language in the claims, as well as the prosecution history noted by
`Petitioner, we determine that—interface is a physical unit that connects one
`device to another and that has a functional and structural identity separate
`from that of both connected devices.3
`In the specific context of claims 1 and 86, the connected devices are
`
`the car stereo and an after-market device. In the specific context of claims
`44, 57, and 92, the connected devices are the car stereo and a portable
`device.
`D. Motivation to Combine Barnea and Bhogal
`Barnea
`1.
`Barnea is directed to vehicle electrical systems, and in particular, to a
`method and apparatus for integrating control functions within a vehicle
`electrical system. Ex. 1004, 1:5–8. As background, Barnea explains:
`Many motor vehicles are designed with an original
`equipment manufacturer (OEM) communication bus structure
`that allows the original equipment (OE) electronic devices to
`communicate with each other and with device controllers and
`with other vehicle systems connected to the bus. This bus
`structure, however, typically operates using a proprietary
`communications protocol. The OE devices connected to the
`
`3 This is the same construction the Board gave the term “interface” in
`IPR2016-00421. A copy of the Board’s institution decision there is entered
`in this proceeding as Exhibit 3001, and a copy of Exhibit 1102 in that
`proceeding is entered in this proceeding as Exhibit 3002.
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`OEM bus are generally designed and engineered or specified by
`the vehicle manufacturer such that they are completely
`compatible with the proprietary protocol. However, since each
`manufacturer may have its own protocol, devices that are
`typically available as aftermarket equipment may not readily
`interface with the OEM bus.
`Ex. 1004, 1:27–39.
`
`It has been proposed to provide a gateway to the OEM bus
`that permits a limited amount of interaction between add-on
`electronic devices and the OEM bus. . . . While it has been only
`suggested to have such a gateway permit interaction of the OE
`controls and indicators with the add-on devices, a suitable
`architecture and methodology that actually permits such
`interaction has not been achieved. Therefore, each add-on
`electronic device still requires a set of controls and displays
`separate from the vehicle controls and displays.
`Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus of
`integrating the controls and indicators of add-on devices with the
`existing electronic devices within a motor vehicle.
`Id. at 1:50–2:7.
`Figure 1 of Barnea is reproduced below:
`
`
`Figure 1 is a block diagram illustration of vehicle electronic system
`architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of Barnea.
`Ex. 1004, 2:30–32. According to Barnea, electronic devices are added to the
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`electrical system of a motor vehicle and they utilize controls and indicators
`already existing within the vehicle. Id. at 2:19–21.
`Vehicle electrical system 10 includes an original equipment
`manufacturer (OEM) data bus, vehicle bus 12, to which various
`original equipment (OE) electronic devices are coupled. Id. at 2:29–
`32. Driver information center (DIC) 14, radio 16, and HVAC
`controller 18 are coupled to vehicle bus 12. Id. at 2:32–33. DIC 14
`includes a suitable display, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or
`liquid crystal (LC) display that may provide text and graphic
`information to the driver. Id. at 2:33–36. Also coupled to the vehicle
`bus are controls 20, 22, 24, and 26, which may be provided on
`steering wheel 28 of the vehicle. Id. at 2:36–39.
`Coupled to vehicle bus 12 is gateway 30. Id. at 2:41. Gateway
`30 couples vehicle bus 12 with device bus 32. Id. at 41–42. To
`device bus 32 is coupled numerous electronic devices such as pager
`34, cellular phone 36, and other devices generally indicated by
`reference numeral as 38 and which can be navigation systems,
`infrared transceivers, personal computers, personal digital assistants,
`communication/data ports or docking stations, and the like. Id. at
`2:46–50.4 Barnea further describes that device bus 32 may not be
`necessary and that the various electronic devices may be coupled
`directly to the gateway. Id. at 2:54–59.
`
`
`4 Claim 14 of Barnea refers to an “entertainment device” as a member of a
`group of devices from which at least one of a plurality of electronic devices
`coupled to the gateway may be chosen. Id. at 6:34–39.
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`Also coupled to data bus 32 is an auxiliary control assembly 40
`including a plurality of controls 42, 44, 46, and 48. Id. at 2:60–62.
`Control assembly 40 also may include a display or indicators such as a
`LC display, LEDs, a voice synthesizer or an audible signal generator,
`all generally depicted as display 50. Id. at 2:62–65. Barnea states that
`“the devices 34–38 may be controlled and operated using the vehicle
`controls 20–26 and/or the controls 42–48.” Id. at 2:65–67.
`According to Barnea, controls 20–26 are not associated with the
`operation of any one particular electronic device, and whether the
`operation of any device is effected by manipulation of controls 20–26
`depends on the current operating context of electronic system 10.
`Id. at 3:3–9. Similarly, according to Barnea, controls 42–48 are not
`associated with the operation of any one particular device, and the
`information provided or displayed by either DIC 14 and/or display 50
`may also depend on the operating context. Id. at 3:10–13.
`The operating context may be determined by gateway 30. Id. at
`3:14–15. Gateway 30 includes memory 31 in which various operating
`contexts are stored. Id. at 3:15–17. Associated with each operating
`context are control data which provide a mapping of control
`manipulations for a given device. Id. at 3:17–21.
`About establishing an operating context, Barnea describes:
`Operating context may be established in a number of
`ways. For example, a default context may exists wherein
`manipulation of the controls 20–26 and 42–48 control a default
`electronic device or devices. For example, controls 20 and 22
`may, in the default context, control the volume, up or down,
`respectively, of the radio 16. The operating context may be
`selectable. For example, from the default context control 24 may
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`manipulate a scrolling list of operating context choices on either
`or both of DIC 14 and display 50 while control 26 may permit
`selection of a particular operating context. Upon selection, the
`electronic system 10 enters the operating context.
`In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
`invention, the operating context may be automatically selected
`based upon activation or operating state of a device.
`Id. at 3:22–36.
`
`Figure 2 of Barnea is reproduced below:
`
`
`
`Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of integrating controls and
`functions according to a preferred embodiment of Barnea.
`
`With respect to the steps shown in Figure 2, Barnea describes:
`With reference to FIG. 2, a method 100 in accordance with
`
`the invention begins at step 102 with respect [to] an input from
`at least one of the controls 20–26 and 42–48. The gateway 30
`then determines the operating context of the electronic system
`10, step 104. Depending on the operating context, i.e., which
`device the operating context is associated with, step 106, the
`input is mapped to control data for the appropriate device, step
`108. Thus, the invention provides a method of utilizing the
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`controls already within a vehicle to control devices that are later
`added to the vehicle.
`Id. at 4:29–38 (emphasis added).
`As described, the gateway 30 may retain the data
`
`necessary to determine the current operating context as well as
`the data necessary to map inputs from the controls 20–26 and
`42–48 to control data for the appropriate device. When a
`device is added to the device bus 32, the device may preferably
`report data to the gateway 30 that defines the device’s operating
`context and associated control data. Thus, new devices are
`easily added to the electronic system 10 utilizing the controls
`and indicators already associated with the electronic system 10.
`Id. at 4:39–48 (emphasis added).
`Plagge
`2.
`Plagge relates to an “interface emulator” connected between a media
`player that plays audio stored therein in compressed form and a vehicle
`audio device that includes input for receiving only standard CD audio
`signals. Ex, 1005, [57]. The interface emulator converts control and status
`signals emitted by the vehicle audio device into a format compatible with the
`media player, and status signals emitted by the media player into a format
`compatible with the input requirements of the vehicle audio device for
`receiving CD audio. Id. In a preferred embodiment, the media player is a
`portable MP3 player detachably mountable to an accepting unit. Id. ¶ 16.
`
`Specifically, Plagge describes “the interface emulator converting
`control and status signals emitted by the vehicle radio into a format
`compatible for the player and status signals emitted by the player into a
`format compatible to the CD-converter [the input/output interface at the car
`stereo for a CD player].” Ex. 1005 ¶ 8. Additionally, Plagge describes that,
`in one preferred embodiment, “the output of the player for the digital audio
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`signals saved in a compressed form is directly connected to an input of the
`vehicle audio device, with the digital audio signals then being converted in
`the player, prior to forwarding to the vehicle audio device, into analog audio
`signals.” Id. ¶ 9.
`
`Figure 1 of Plagge is reproduced below:
`
`
`Figure 1 of Plagge illustrates a schematic diagram of Plagge’s system.
`
`In pertinent part, Plagge states:
`The interface emulator 4 receives these signals [control and
`status signals from the vehicle audio unit] and converts them into
`a format for the MP3-player 7. The converted control and status
`signals are then sent by the interface emulator 4 via the wireless
`interface 5 and received via the wireless interface 9 by the MP3-
`player 7 and executed. Inversely, the MP3-player 7 sends its
`status signals via the wireless interface 9, which are then received
`by the wireless interface 5 of the interface emulator 4. The
`interface emulator 4 converts the status signals of the MP3-
`player 7 into status signals of a CD-transformer [CD player] and
`transmits them via the interface 2 to the motor vehicle radio 1.
`Id. ¶ 18
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