According to the patent, a graphical user interface ("GUI") can be presented on a remote control accessory device that has user input and display devices. The GUI can be defined and managed by a portable media device that is controlled using the GUI. The portable media device can provide the accessory with a GUI image to be displayed. The accessory can send information to the portable media device indicative of a user operation of an input device in response to the displayed image. The portable media device can process this input to identify the action requested by the user and take the appropriate action, which can include updating the GUI image provided to the accessory.
Here's Apple's background and summary of the invention: "Portable media devices allow users to store media content (music, videos, photos, audiobooks, etc.) and access stored media content from nearly anywhere. Some portable media devices also allow users to connect other devices (referred to herein as "accessories" or "accessory devices") to the portable media device, thereby enhancing some aspect of the portable media device's operation. For example, most portable media devices provide a headphone jack for listening to audio content. Some accessories provide speakers, thus allowing the user to share the sound with others, or to listen in environments where use of headphones might not be feasible (such as while driving).
"In some instances, an accessory can be used to control operation of a portable media device; such accessories are referred to herein as "remote control devices." The remote control device can send commands to the portable media device indicating a user-requested operation (such as starting or pausing playback, skipping to the next track, returning to a previous track, fast-forward or rewind within a track, etc.). The portable media device can execute the requested operation, thus allowing the user to operate the portable media device without touching the portable media device. Such remote control operation can be particularly useful in situations where it is inconvenient for a user to manipulate the portable media device's interface directly. For example, portable media devices tend to be small, with relatively small controls and display screens. Thus, it can be difficult for a user to operate such a device while driving or from across a room.
"Some remote control devices provide a graphical user interface (GUI) and allow the user to perform more advanced functions such as browsing a database of stored content, selecting content to play, etc. For instance, Johnson Controls International
"]It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a more consistent remote user interface experience.
"Embodiments of the present invention relate to providing a graphical user interface ("GUI") on a remote control accessory device, where the GUI can be defined and managed by a portable media device rather than the accessory device. The accessory device can provide a combination of user input and visual feedback devices, such as a video screen for presenting information and feedback to a user, along with buttons, knobs, touchscreen and/or touchpad for receiving user input. The portable media device can provide the accessory with an image to be displayed on the video screen; the image can include various user interface elements that can resemble or replicate a 'native' GUI provided directly on the portable media device.
"The accessory can send information to the portable media device indicative of a user action taken in response to the displayed image; such information can indicate, for example, that a particular button was pressed or that a particular portion of a touch-sensitive display screen was touched by the user. The portable media device can process this input to identify the action requested by the user and take the appropriate action. The action may include providing to the accessory an updated GUI image to be displayed, where the updated GUI image reflects the user action.
"One aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a portable media device using an accessory. The accessory can provide configuration information to a portable media device. The accessory can receive from the portable media device a first image signal that specifies a first graphical user interface image and can display the first graphical user interface image on a display device of the accessory. The accessory can detect user operation of an input control of the accessory and can send to the portable media device an input signal indicating that the input control was operated. The accessory can also receive from the portable media device a second image signal that specifies a second graphical user interface image to be displayed, the second graphical user interface image reflecting the operation of the input control and can display the second graphical user interface image on the display device of the accessory.
"Another aspect of the invention relates to an accessory for providing an interface to a portable media device. The accessory can include a display, a user-operable input control, an interface configured to communicate with a portable media device, and a controller coupled to the display, the user operable input control, and the interface. The display can be configured to display an image in response to a video signal received from the portable media device. The user-operable input control can be configured to generate an input signal in response to user operation of the control. The controller can be configured to receive an image signal defining a first graphical user interface image from the portable media device via the interface; to display the first graphical user interface image on the display, to receive a control signal from the user operable input control indicating a user operation, and to communicate the control signal to the portable media device via the interface.
"Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a portable media device using an accessory. The portable media device can receive configuration information from the accessory. Based in part on the configuration information, the portable media device can generate a first graphical user interface image. The portable media device can send to the accessory a first image signal that specifies the first graphical user interface image; the accessory can display the first graphical user interface image on a display device of the accessory in response to the first image signal. The portable media device can receive from the accessory an input signal indicating that a user input control of the accessory was operated. Based in part on the input signal, the portable media device can generate a second graphical user interface image and can send to the accessory a second image signal that specifies the second graphical user interface image; the accessory can display the second graphical user interface image on a display device of the accessory in response to the second image signal.
"Another aspect of the present invention relates to a portable media device for use with an accessory. The portable media device can include a native user interface including a display and a user input control device, an accessory interface configured to communicate with an accessory, and a processor coupled to the native user interface and the accessory interface. The processor can be configured to provide a graphical user interface image to the accessory via the accessory interface; to receive a control signal from the accessory via the accessory interface, the control signal indicating operation of an input control of the accessory in response to the graphical user interface image; and to perform a media device operation in response to the control signal."
The inventors are William Bull, Anthony M. Fadell, Jessee Lee Dorogusker and Emily Clark Schubert. The graphic below illustrates accessory devices with remote graphical user interfaces for the portable media device shown above.
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