U.S. patent number 7,352,567 [Application Number 11/200,787] was granted by the patent office on 2008-04-01 for methods and apparatuses for docking a portable electronic device that has a planar like configuration and that operates in multiple orientations.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Steve Hotelling, Gus Pabon.
United States Patent |
7,352,567 |
Hotelling , et al. |
April 1, 2008 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Methods and apparatuses for docking a portable electronic device
that has a planar like configuration and that operates in multiple
orientations
Abstract
A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a
portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple
orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system
also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept
and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in
any of its multiple orientations including vertical and
horizontal.
Inventors: |
Hotelling; Steve (San Jose,
CA), Pabon; Gus (Cupertino, CA) |
Assignee: |
Apple Inc. (Cupertino,
CA)
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Family
ID: |
37742321 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/200,787 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070035917 A1 |
Feb 15, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.55;
439/341; 439/165; 312/223.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J
50/10 (20160201); G06F 1/1632 (20130101); H02J
7/0044 (20130101); H02J 50/90 (20160201); H02J
50/005 (20200101); G06F 2200/1614 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;361/683,686,679,685,730,755
;248/122.1,923,346.1,179,346,918,489,510,289.1,296,278,279
;312/235A,223.1-223.3 ;395/282,283,891,892,825,500 ;370/821
;345/156,1.1,169,905 ;439/159,165,142,341 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2--5085261 |
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Mar 2005 |
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JP |
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2003017033 |
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Mar 2003 |
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KR |
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2003094542 |
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Dec 2003 |
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KR |
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Other References
"Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Information", 2004, Pasadena Water
& Power,
http://www.ci/pasadena.ca.us/waterandpower/program.sub.--ev.sub.---
evcharging.sub.--inductive.asp, 1 pg. cited by other .
"Tech Wow!", Sensors Online,
http://www.sensorsmag.com/techwow/consumer/main.shtml, 4 pgs. cited
by other .
"Custom Power Solutions", M Power,
http://www.mpoweruk.com/chargers.htm, 11 pgs. cited by other .
"Era Innovative: The Universal Inductive Charging System"
http://www.era.de/englisch/news/.sub.--induktiv.htm, 1 pg. cited by
other .
"Inductive Charging", Salcomp,
http://www.salcomp.com/research/inductivecharging.asp, 1 pg. cited
by other .
"Halfbakery: Power Spots",
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Power.sub.--20Spots, 3 pgs. cited by
other .
U.S. Appl. No. 10/423,490 entitled "Media Player System", filed
Apr. 25, 2003. cited by other .
U.S. Appl. No. 11/125,883 entitled "Universal Docking Station for
Hand Held Electronic Devices", filed May 9, 2005. cited by other
.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/212,302 entitled "Docking Station for Hand Held
Electronic Devices", filed Aug. 24, 2005. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Datskovskiy; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Townsend and Townsend and Crew
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A docking system, comprising: a portable electronic device
capable of operating in multiple orientations including a first
orientation and a second orientation, the portable electronic
device including a first electrical interface; and a docking
station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface
with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple
orientations, the docking station including a second electrical
interface and a third electrical interface, the first electrical
interface being different from the second electrical interface;
wherein: the second electrical interface is configured for coupling
with the first electrical interface along the first orientation;
the third electrical interface is configured for coupling with the
first electrical interface along the second orientation; and the
first orientation and the second orientation are different.
2. The docking system as recited in claim 1 wherein the portable
electronic device is a handheld computing device.
3. The docking system as recited in claim 1 wherein the second
electrical interface and the third electrical interface are
rotationally symmetric about an axis so as to ensure communication
between the docking station and the portable electronic device if
the portable electronic device is coupled with the docking station
along the first orientation and to ensure communication between the
docking station and the portable electronic device if the portable
electronic device is coupled with the docking station along the
second orientation.
4. The docking system as recited in claim 3 wherein the first
electrical interface and the second electrical interface are
configured to transfer data between the portable electronic device
and the docking station if the portable electronic device is
coupled with the docking station along the first orientation and to
transfer data between the portable electronic device and the
docking station if the portable electronic device is coupled with
the docking station along the second orientation.
5. The docking system as recited in claim 3 wherein the first
electrical interface and the second electrical interface are
configured to transfer power between the portable electronic device
and the docking station if the portable electronic device is
coupled with the docking station along the first orientation and to
transfer power between the portable electronic device and the
docking station if the portable electronic device is coupled with
the docking station along the second orientation.
6. The docking system as recited in claim 3 wherein the second
electrical interface and the third electrical interface are contact
based.
7. The docking system as recited in claim 3 wherein the second
electrical interface and the third electrical interface are
inductive based.
8. A docking system, comprising: a portable electronic device
including a front side and a substantially planar back side
opposite the front side, the front side including a full screen
display, the substantially planar back side including a first power
transfer mechanism, the full screen display being configured to
display content in an upright manner whether the portable
electronic device is used horizontally or vertically; and a docking
platform including a substantially planar front side configured to
support the substantially planar backside of the portable
electronic device thereon, the substantially planar front side
including a second power transfer mechanism; wherein: the first
power transfer mechanism and the second power transfer mechanism
are aligned along an axis and juxtaposed relative to one another
when the portable electronic device is supported by the docking
platform the first power transfer mechanism includes a first power
transferring interface; the second power transfer mechanism
includes a second power transferring interface and a third power
transferring interface, the second power transferring interface and
the third power transferring interface being arranged rotationally
symmetric about the axis such that the first power transfer
mechanism and the second power transfer mechanism maintain
communication with one another whether the portable electronic
device is docked horizontally or vertically with the docking
platform; the second power transferring interface is configured for
coupling with the first power transferring interface horizontally;
and the third power transferring interface is configured for
coupling with the first power transferring interface
vertically.
9. A docking station, comprising: a platform that allows a
substantially planar portable electronic device to be docked in
multiple orientations about an axis; and an interface mechanism
located at the platform, the interface mechanism including a first
electrical interface and a second electrical interface; wherein:
the first electrical interface is configured for coupling with a
corresponding electrical interface located at the portable
electronic device along a first orientation; the second electrical
interface is configured for coupling with the corresponding
electrical interface located at the portable electronic device
along a second orientation; and the first orientation and the
second orientation are different.
10. The docking station as recited in claim 9 wherein the platform
is arranged as a easel and wherein the platform includes a
substantially planar front side configured to receive a
substantially planar backside of the portable electronic
device.
11. The docking station as recited in claim 9 wherein the interface
mechanism is rotationally symmetric so as to ensure communication
between the portable electronic device and the platform when the
portable electronic device is docked with the platform in any of
the multiple orientations.
12. The docking station as recited in claim 11 wherein the
interface mechanism is configured to transfer data between the
portable electronic device and the platform.
13. The docking station as recited in claim 11 wherein each of the
first electrical interface and the second electrical interface is
configured to form a plurality of inductively based interface
mechanisms with the corresponding electrical interface.
14. The docking station as recited in claim 11 wherein the
interface mechanism is configured to transfer power between the
portable electronic device and the platform.
15. The docking station as recited in claim 11 wherein the first
electrical interface and the second electrical interface each
include a plurality of electrical contacts.
16. The docking station as recited in claim 11 wherein the first
electrical interface and the second electrical interface each are
configured to transfer data and power between the portable
electronic device and the platform.
17. The docking station as recited in claim 9 wherein the first
electrical interface and the second electrical interface each
include a transceiver for transferring data between the portable
electronic device and the docking station and an inductor for
transferring power between the portable electronic device and the
docking station.
18. A docking station, comprising: a substantially planar platform
for receiving a substantially planar portable electronic device
thereon, the substantially planar platform configured to couple
with the portable electronic device in a plurality of orientations
about a platform axis, the plurality of orientations including at
least a first orientation and a second orientation, the first
orientation and the second orientation being different; a first
interface mechanism including a first electrical interface and a
second electrical interface, the first electrical interface and the
second electrical interface each disposed in the substantially
planar platform, including a center located at the platform axis,
and configured to communicate with a second interface mechanism
disposed in the substantially planar portable electronic device;
and one or more alignment features for aligning the first interface
mechanism and the second interface mechanism along the platform
axis in the first orientation and for aligning the first interface
mechanism and the second interface mechanism along the platform
axis in the second orientation; wherein the first interface
mechanism is configured to form a transfer mechanism with the
second interface mechanism if the substantially planar portable
electronic device is coupled with the substantially planar platform
in the first orientation, and is further configured to form the
transfer mechanism with the second interface mechanism if the
substantially planar portable electronic device is coupled with the
substantially planar platform in the second orientation.
19. The docking station as recited in claim 18 wherein the transfer
mechanism includes a power transfer mechanism, the power transfer
mechanism being inductively based.
20. The docking station as recited in claim 19 wherein the first
interface mechanism includes a primary inductive coil configured to
couple with a secondary inductive coil of the second interface
mechanism.
21. The docking station as recited in claim 20 wherein a
longitudinal axis of the primary inductive coil is circular in
order to ensure rotational symmetry about the platform axis.
22. The docking station as recited in claim 18 wherein the one or
more alignment features support only one of the first orientation
and the second orientation, the first orientation being vertical,
the second orientation being horizontal.
23. The docking station as recited in claim 18 wherein the one or
more alignment features support multiple orientations of the first
orientation and the second orientation, the first orientation being
vertical, the second orientation being horizontal.
24. The docking station as recited in claim 18 wherein the one or
more alignment features support all angles through 360 degrees.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to docking stations for
portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present
invention relates to docking stations for portable electronic
devices, which have planar like configurations and that operate in
multiple orientations. Even more particularly, the present
invention relates to improved techniques for transferring data
and/or power between portable electronic devices and the docking
stations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many electronic devices include a docking station for providing a
convenient interface for transferring data between the electronic
device and other devices, such as a computers, speakers, monitors,
and printers. The docking station may also include an interface for
connecting to a power source so that the electronic device can be
powered or charged (e.g., battery). In most cases, the docking
stations include a cavity within which the electronic device is
received. The cavity is configured to have a size and shape that
coincides with the size and shape of the electronic device so that
the electronic device rests snuggly within the cavity. Furthermore,
the cavity typically includes a connector therein for operatively
engaging a port of the electronic device when the electronic device
is positioned within the cavity. The connector is typically coupled
to the external systems (e.g., computer, power source) through a
cable so that communications between the electronic device and the
external systems can take place.
Recently, inductive charging units have been implemented in
electronic devices, the most famous of which is the Sonic Care
toothbrush manufactured by Philips of the Netherlands. The
toothbrush and the charging dock form the two part transformer with
the primary induction coil contained in the dock and the secondary
induction coil contained in the toothbrush. When the end of
toothbrush is placed in a cavity of the dock, the complete
transform is created and the induced current in the secondary coil
charges the battery.
Inductive charging pads have also been developed. The pad works
similar to the toothbrush, however, the pad typically includes
multiple transformers so that the electronic device can be placed
in any orientation on the pad. When the electronic device is placed
on the pad, one of the transformers of the pad induces current in
the transformer of the electronic device, and this current charges
the battery of the electronic device. Unfortunately, the efficiency
of the transform is not very good since the transformer located on
the electronic device typically does not align with the
transformers of the pad, i.e., does not create closed magnetic loop
and therefore there is no direct inductive coupling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a docking system. The
docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of
operating in multiple orientations including vertical and
horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station
configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with
the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations
including vertical and horizontal.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system.
The docking system includes a portable electronic device having a
front side and substantially planar back side opposite the front
side and including a full screen display at the front side and a
power transfer mechanism at the substantially planar back side. The
full screen display is configured to display content in an upright
manner whether the portable electronic device is used horizontally
or vertically. The docking system also includes a docking platform
having a substantially planar front side configured to support the
substantially planar backside of the portable electronic device
thereon, and including a power transfer mechanism at the
substantially planar front side. The power transfer mechanism of
the portable electronic device and power transfer mechanism of the
docking platform are aligned along an axis and juxtaposed relative
to one another when the portable electronic device is supported by
the docking platform. The power transfer mechanism of the portable
electronic device and the power transfer mechanism of the docking
platform are rotationally symmetric about the axis such that they
maintain communication with one another whether the portable
electronic device is placed horizontally or vertically on the
docking platform.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station.
The docking station includes a platform that allows a substantially
planar portable electronic device to be docked in multiple
orientations about an axis. The docking station also includes an
interface mechanism located at the platform and configured to
interface with a corresponding interface mechanism of the portable
electronic device when the portable electronic device is docked to
the platform in any of its multiple orientations.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station.
The docking station includes a substantially planar platform for
receiving a substantially planar portable electronic device
thereon. The substantially planar platform receives the portable
electronic device in a plurality of orientations about an axis. The
plurality of orientations includes at least a horizontal
orientation and a vertical orientation. The docking station also
includes an interface mechanism disposed in the substantially
planar platform and having a center located at the axis. The
interface mechanism communicates with a corresponding interface
mechanism disposed in the substantially planar portable electronic
device when the substantially planar portable electronic device is
placed on the substantially planar platform in any of the plurality
of orientations. The docking station further includes one or more
alignment features for aligning a center of the corresponding
interface mechanism of the substantially planar portable electronic
device with the axis when the substantially planar portable
electronic device is placed on the substantially planar platform in
any of the plurality of orientations.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable
electronic device configured to operate in multiple orientations
including horizontal and vertical orientations. The portable
electronic device displays content in an upright manner in both the
horizontal and vertical orientations. The portable electronic
device has a substantially planar back side for placement on a
planar front side of a docking platform in each of its multiple
orientations. The portable electronic device includes an interface
mechanism located at the back side of the portable electronic
device and configured to interface with a corresponding interface
mechanism located at the front side of the docking platform when
the portable electronic device is placed on the docking platform in
any of its multiple orientations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein
like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in
which:
FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a docking system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram of a docking system including a
horizontally positioned portable electronic device, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram of a docking system including a
vertically positioned portable electronic device, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of a docking system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4A is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a front view of a docking station with a horizontally
positioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4C is a front view of a docking station with a vertically
positioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a front view of a docking station with a horizontally
positioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5C is a front view of a docking station with a vertically
positioned portable electronic device positioned thereon, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a docking station, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a docking system, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of an interface
system that uses inductive coils, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram of an interface system that uses electrical
contacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of an interface system that uses electrical
contacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams of another style of docking system,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of another docking system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally pertains to a docking system that includes
a docking station and a planar like portable electronic device,
which can be used in multiple orientations (e.g., vertical and
horizontal). By way of example, the portable electronic device may
include a display that displays content in an upright manner
regardless of the orientation of the portable electronic device.
One aspect of the invention relates to techniques for mechanically
supporting and aligning the portable electronic device with the
docking station. Another aspect of the invention relates to
techniques for efficiently transferring data and/or power between
portable electronic device and the docking station. In one
embodiment, the mechanisms used to transfer data and/or power are
rotationally symmetric so as to support the various orientations of
the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device
is docked to the docking station.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 1-13. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention
extends beyond these limited embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a docking system 10, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
docking system 10 includes a docking station 12 and a portable
electronic device 14 that is capable of docking into the docking
station 14.
The docking station 12 provides a platform for quickly and easily
coupling the portable electronic device 14 to another system or
device as for example a computer, a power source, or peripheral
devices such as a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, etc. A primary
advantage of using a docking station 12 is that the user does not
have to separately connect each of these various devices with the
portable electronic device.
The portable electronic device 14 may be any electronic device that
is easily transported by a user. By way of example, the portable
electronic device 14 may generally correspond to computing devices
such as laptops, tablet PC's, PDA's, media players (e.g., music
players, video players or game players), cell phones, smart phones,
GPS device, electronic books, and/or the like.
In one particular embodiment, the portable electronic device 14 is
a handheld computing device. As used herein, the term "hand held"
means that the electronic device is typically operated while being
held in a hand. The hand held electronic device may be directed at
one-handed operation and/or two-handed operation. In one-handed
operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well
as to perform operations with the user interface during use.
Cellular phones, PDAs, cameras, media players, and GPS units are
examples of portable devices that can be operated solely with one
hand. In the case of a cell phone, for example, a user may grasp
the phone in one hand between the fingers and the palm and use the
thumb to make entries using keys, buttons or a joy pad. In
two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while
the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use
or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform
operations during use. Tablet PCs, electronic books and game
players are examples of portable device that are typically operated
with two hands. In the case of the tablet PC, for example, the user
may grasp the tablet with one hand and make entries in the tablet
using the other hand, or alternatively grasp the tablet in both
hands and make entries using either or both hands while holding the
tablet PC.
More particularly, the portable electronic device 14 may correspond
to those portable electronic devices that are embodied in a picture
frame format. That is, those devices that are substantially planar
and configured with a full screen display or a near full screen
display where the display fills up substantially the entire front
surface of the portable electronic device 14. It may extend edge to
edge or it may fit within a small bezel of the housing at the edge
of the device. The full screen display may have a variety of
different configurations depending on the overall footprint of the
device. If the device 14 is wide, the full screen display may have
a traditional aspect ratio of about 4:3. If the device 14 is
elongated, the full screen display may have an aspect ratio that is
more panoramic such as 16:9. Examples of picture frame electronic
devices are tablet PCs, and electronic books. It should be noted,
however, that almost any of the devices mentioned above may be
configured in this manner. Examples of full screen handheld devices
can be found in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 60/658,777, 11/057,050
and 11/115,539, all of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
Referring to the docking station 12, the docking station 12 may be
a stand alone unit that communicates with other devices or systems
through wired or wireless connections, or alternatively, the
docking station 12 may be integrated directly into the other
devices or systems. In the case of a stand alone unit, the docking
station 12 may include connectors, jacks, ports or transceivers
that provide external connections to the other devices or systems.
In the case of an integrated docking station, the docking station
12 may be hard wired directly to the components of the host device.
In either case, the docking station 12 includes a holding system
for receiving and supporting the portable electronic device 14 when
the portable electronic device 14 is desired to be docked. The
holding system may be configured to support the portable electronic
device 14 in an upright (e.g., vertical), laid down (e.g.,
horizontal) or tilted position (e.g., angled) while
maintaining/allowing access to the U.I. portion (e.g., at least the
display) of the portable electronic device 14.
In one particular embodiment, the docking station 12 is configured
like an easel. In this embodiment, the docking station 12 may
include a vertical or angled platform on which the backside of the
portable electronic device 14 rests when the portable electronic 14
is docked in the docking station 12. This is arrangement is
particularly useful with portable electronic devices with a planar
like configuration such as those with a full screen display. The
docking station 12 may further include a fixed or adjustable leg or
arm for supporting the platform and thus the portable electronic
device 14 in one or more positions.
Alternatively, the docking station 12 may include a cavity or basin
for receiving an edge or end of the portable electronic device 14.
Examples of cavity style docking stations can be found in U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. 10/423,490, 11/125,883, both of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
In order to operatively connect the portable electronic device 14
with the docking station 12, the docking station 12 may include an
interface system 16 that interfaces with a corresponding interface
system 18 on the portable electronic device 14 when the portable
electronic device 14 is docked in the docking station 12. The
interface systems 16 and 18 may be widely varied and may include
various mechanisms for transferring data and/or power between the
portable electronic device 14 and the docking station 12. For
example, each of the systems 16 and 18 may include a power transfer
mechanism 20 and a data transfer mechanism 22. When docked, the
data transfer mechanisms 22 transfer data between the docking
station 12 and the portable electronic device 14. Data can
therefore be uploaded or downloaded to and from the portable
electronic device 14. Furthermore, the power transfer mechanisms 20
transfer power from the docking station 12 to the portable
electronic device 14. The power transfer can be used to power
and/or charge the portable electronic device 14 when it is docked.
In some cases, the data and power mechanisms are separate
components while in other cases the data and power mechanisms are
integrated together.
The interfacing systems 16 and 18, including both the data
mechanisms 22 and the power mechanisms 20, can be embodied in
various forms and combinations including contact based and
non-contact based platforms. By way of example, contact based
platforms may include electrical contacts that are capable of
transferring data and/or power when the electrical contacts are
electrically engaged or in contact with one another. Non-contact
based platforms, on the other hand, may include inductive devices,
optical devices, or wireless devices that are capable of
transferring data and/or power without mating contact.
When electrical contacts are used, the electrical contacts may be
implemented in connectors and/or they may be surface or flush
mounted on the housings of the portable electronic device and the
docking station. In either case, each device includes a set of
corresponding contacts that when in contact allow data and power to
be transferred therethrough. With regards to connectors, the
electrical contacts may be tabs that are positioned side by side,
or they may be arranged as pins. With regards to flush mounts, the
electrical contacts may be flat planar contacts that lie flush on
the surface of the housing. In some cases, the flush mounts may be
spring-loaded or utilize a flexure in order to ensure mating
contact with each other when the portable electronic device is
docked. In all of these arrangements, the electrical contacts are
separately wired to a control board (e.g., PCB) located inside the
respective devices. The control board routes the signals to their
desired location within the devices. By way of example, the
electrical contacts may be directly or indirectly (e.g., via wires)
soldered to the control board. Alternatively a flex circuit may be
used.
With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils can be
placed in each device to transfer both power and data. The
inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings
of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing
than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to
operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are
more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no
contacts to wear out and/or oxidize.
Wireless devices may include receivers, transmitters, and
transceivers of various types including RF, Bluetooth, 802.11 UWB
(ultra wide band), and the like. Like inductive devices, wireless
devices are typically hidden from view and therefore are more
aesthetically pleasing and robust (e.g., fully enclosed with no
lines, or breaks in the surface of the housings). Optical devices
may include a light source and light detector for data, and a light
source and photovoltaics device for power. Each of these devices
are typically positioned behind a translucent region of the housing
so as to allow proper communication therebetween. With regards to
data, an IR link may be used.
The docking system 10 may use any combination of contact and
non-contact platforms in order to serve the needs of the portable
electronic device 14.
In one particular embodiment, both power and data are transferred
with non contact based platforms, and more particularly non contact
based platforms that are enclosed such as inductive based systems
and wireless systems. In inductive based systems, the docking
station 12 includes the primary coil and the portable electronic
device 14 includes the secondary coil. In wireless systems, both
the docking station 12 and the portable electronic device 14
include their own transceiver that both transmits and receives
data. In one implementation, both data and power are transferred
via the inductance-based system. For example, low frequency
electrical current may be passed from the primary coil to the
secondary coil in order to power or charge the portable electronic
device and high frequency current may be passed from one coil to
the other in order to send/receive data. The data and power
inductors may be separate, integral or they may be superimposed on
one another. In another implementation, power is transferred via an
inductance-based system and data is transferred via a wireless
system. The combination of inductance and wireless provides an
efficient way to transfer both power and data while keeping both
the docking station and portable electronic device fully
enclosed.
In some cases, the interfacing systems need to be properly aligned
in order to ensure proper connections and therefore efficient power
and data transfer between the docking station and the portable
electronic device. This is especially important for electrical
contacts, inductive transformers and optical devices, and less
important for wireless devices. Accordingly, the docking station 12
may include one or more alignment features 24 that help register or
align the portable electronic device 14 with the docking station 12
and further to help align the corresponding interface mechanisms
with one another. The alignment features 24 may be fixed or
adjustable, and may include such elements as pins, shelves, guides,
reference surfaces, keyways, and the like. The alignment features
24 may also provide visual alignment clues or fidicuaries for
helping the user position the portable electronic device 14 on the
docking station 12.
Although not shown, in some cases, the docking system 10 may
further include retention mechanisms 25 for securing the portable
electronic device 14 to the docking station 12. By way of example,
the retention mechanisms 25 may include one or more magnets, snaps,
latches, catches, friction couplings, detents, tabs, slots, and/or
the like. In some cases, the docking system 10 may even include a
lock so that portable electronic device 14 is only removable if the
user has the proper key, combination or access code.
In accordance with one embodiment, the portable electronic device
14 is capable of operating in multiple orientations about an axis.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the portable electronic device
14, which includes a full screen display 15, can operate in a
substantially horizontal orientation (0/360 and/or 180), or as
shown in FIG. 2B, the portable electronic device 14 can operate in
a substantially vertical orientation (90 and/or 270).
In one embodiment, although used in different orientations the
content being displayed by the display 15 of the portable
electronic device 14 follows the user rather than the orientation
of the portable electronic device 14 so that the content is
displayed in its correct position relative to the user (e.g.,
upright). That is, the portable electronic device 14 is capable of
displaying content on its display 15 in an upright position no
matter what orientation the portable electronic device 14 is in as
for example when the device 14 is used horizontally or vertically
so that the user can easily view the content. Furthermore, the
portable electronic device 14 may be capable of switching the
viewing mode on the display 15, including landscape and portrait
modes, based on the orientation of the portable electronic device
14. For example, landscape mode may be used when the device 14 is
oriented horizontally, and portrait mode may be used when the
device 14 is oriented vertically. Picture frame devices are good
examples of devices that can be used in this manner. It should be
noted however that this is not a requirement and that any device
with a display can be configured to operate in this manner.
The function of adjusting the orientation and mode of the content
being displayed may be performed manually as part of a user
selection or automatically as the user reorients the device.
When performed manually, the user may select what orientation and
mode to display the content based on how the user is going to
orient the device. For example, if the user is going to use the
device horizontally, the user may place the viewing orientation in
horizontal and landscape modes and if the user is going to use the
device vertically, the user may place the viewing orientation in
vertical and portrait modes.
When performed automatically, the device itself may determine what
orientation to display the content based on the orientation of the
device. By way of example, the portable electronic device may
include an accelerometer that helps determine the orientation of
the device. The accelerometer senses the orientation of the device,
and informs the control system of the portable electronic device 14
so that the displayed content can be kept upright and in the right
viewing mode. The control system can make the adjustments over a
wide range including for example device orientations anywhere
between 0 and 360 degrees, or a subset such as for example device
orientations of 0/360, 90, 180 and 270, or further a subset of just
0 and 90 degrees.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
because the device 14 can be used in multiple orientations, the
docking station 12 may be configured to support the multiple
orientations of the portable computing device 14. That is, the
portable electronic device 14 can be positioned on the docking
station 12 in any of its orientations while still allowing data
and/or power communications to exist therebetween. In some cases,
the docking station 12 may provide 360 degree flexibility to the
portable electronic device 14. In other cases, the docking station
12 may provide only a subset of 360 degree flexibility such as for
example at 0/360, 90, 180, and 270 degrees. Furthermore, the
docking station 12 may provide a tighter subset as for example
0/360 and 90 degrees. The positions allotted by the docking station
12 are typically based on the various orientations of the portable
electronic device 14. For example, if the portable computing device
14 only supports 0, 90, 180 and 270, then the same can be said of
the docking station 12.
In the illustrated embodiments shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the docking
station 12 is embodied as an easel. The docking station 12
therefore includes a platform 26 for receiving the backside 28 of
the portable electronic device 14. In the embodiment shown, the
platform 26 includes a substantially flat planar surface that mates
with a substantially flat planar backside 28 of the portable
electronic device 14. As such, the portable electronic device 14
can rest on or lie on the platform 26 in any of its orientations
including the vertical and/or horizontal orientations. The docking
station 12 may also include a leg 30 for supporting the platform 26
and thus the portable electronic device 14. In some cases, the
platform 26 is fixed to the leg 30 and in other cases the platform
26 can pivot relative to the leg 30 in order to adjust the angle of
tilt. The docking station 12 may further include a retention lip 32
that supports the portable electronic device 14 in an upright
position adjacent the platform 26, i.e., keeps the back side of the
portable electronic device flush with the platform as well as
prevents the portable electronic device 14 from slipping off the
platform 26. Although a leg and retention lip is shown, it should
be appreciated that these are not limitations and that other
support mechanisms may be used.
In order to allow communications between the docked portable
electronic device 14 and the docking station 12, the docking system
of FIGS. 2A and 2B, further include one or more dock side interface
mechanisms 16 and one or more device side interface mechanisms 18
that operatively couple with one another to provide communications
between the portable computing device 14 and the docking station
12. As mentioned in FIG. 1, the interface mechanisms may be
configured to transfer data and/or power between the portable
computing device 14 and the docking station 12.
In accordance with one embodiment, the interface mechanisms 16 and
18 are configured to communicate with one another in whatever
position the portable electronic device 14 is oriented in relative
to the docking station 12. That is, the orientation of the portable
computing device 14 is irrelevant to ensure communications between
the portable computing device 14 and the docking station 12. The
interface mechanisms 16 and 18 operatively couple with one another
when the portable computing device 14 rests on the platform
regardless of the orientation of the portable computing device 14
thereon. For example, the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are
capable of interfacing with one another if the device 14 is placed
at various orientations between 0 and 360 degrees, more
particularly at 0/360, 90, 180 or 270 degrees, and even more
particularly at 0/360 and 90 degrees relative to the platform 26.
In essence, the interface mechanisms are rotationally symmetric so
that regardless of the orientation of the portable electronic
device relative to the docking station the coupling therebetween
still works correctly.
Wireless devices can easily support such an arrangement. For
example, the docking station 12 may include a transceiver in its
platform 26 or leg 30, and the portable electronic device 14 may
include a transceiver inside its housing. The transceivers can be
placed anywhere relative to each other and still communicate via a
wireless signal.
With regards to non wireless devices, including contact or non
contact based, the dock side mechanisms 16 and the device side
mechanisms 18 are positioned in a way that they are juxtaposed and
aligned in each of the various orientations supported by the
portable computing device 14 thereby ensuring an efficient
connection between the docking station and the portable electronic
device 14.
Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the dockside interface mechanisms 16
are located along the planar reference surface of platform 26 and
the device side interface mechanisms 18 are located along the
planar surface of the backside 28 of the portable computing device
14 thereby allowing them to be adjacent and flush with one another
when the portable electronic device 14 is docked to the docking
station 12. Furthermore, the dock side mechanisms 16 and device
side mechanisms 18 are positioned within their respective planes
(e.g., X and Y) so that the axis of each of the interface
mechanisms 16 and 18 line up when the portable electronic device 14
is placed on the docking station 12 in each of its orientations
including for example horizontal (FIG. 3A) and vertical (FIG. 3B).
That is, the device side mechanism 18 aligns with the dock side
mechanism 16 in each of the allowed orientations of the portable
electronic device including for example the vertical and horizontal
orientations. In essence, the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are
configured to be rotationally symmetric about the axis 36 so that
the interface elements (e.g., contacts) of the device 14 are in
their proper position relative to the interface elements (e.g.,
corresponding contacts) of the dock 12 in each of the orientations
supported by the portable electronic device 14.
Alternatively, multiple interface mechanisms may be used to ensure
coupling between the docking station and the portable electronic
device. For example, there may be two dock side interface
mechanisms, one for horizontal orientations and one for vertical
orientations.
In one embodiment, the mechanical design of the docking station 12
is such that if the portable electronic device 14 is inserted
horizontally or vertically or some angle therebetween, the
interface mechanisms still line up. For example, the docking
station 12 may include X and/or Y registration features that help
guide and align the portable electronic device in X and Y while
allowing rotations about Z. In this embodiment, the platform
defines the X/Y plane. Although X, Y and Z coordinates are used, it
should be appreciated that this is done for ease of discussion and
therefore the invention is not limited to X, Y Z coordinates.
The registration features may for example be shelves or pins that
abut the edge of the portable electronic device 14 thereby
registering the portable electronic device 14 relative to the
docking station 12 regardless of the orientation of the portable
electronic device 14 (e.g., equal X and Y). In one implementation,
the registration features only support one orientation of
horizontal and vertical as for example 0 and 90 degree orientations
(see for example FIGS. 4A-C). In another implementation, the
registration features support multiple orientations of horizontal
and vertical as for example 0, 90, 180 and 270 (see for example
FIGS., 5A-C and 6). In yet another implementation, the registration
features support all angles through 360 degrees (see for example
FIG. 7).
Referring to FIGS. 4A-C, in one embodiment, the mechanical design
of the docking station 12 is configured to only support one
orientation of horizontal and vertical as for example 0 and 90
degree orientations. As shown, the docking station 12 includes an X
alignment surface 40 and a Y alignment surface 42, which abut
against the edges of the portable electronic device 14 when the
portable electronic device 14 is placed either horizontally or
vertically, and more particularly 0 and 90 degrees, in the docking
station 12. The alignment surfaces 40 and 42 are configured to
align the axis 19 of the device side interface mechanism 18 with
the axis 17 of the of the dock side interface mechanism 16 in the X
and Y directions for both 0 and 90 degree orientations.
The X alignment surface 40 is placed along the X axis of the
platform 26 at a distance D from the axis 17 of the dock side
interface mechanism 16, and the Y alignment surface 42 is placed
along the Y axis of the platform 26 at the same distance D from the
axis of the dock side interface mechanism 16.
The portable electronic device 14 includes four edges, a first edge
44, a second edge 46, a third edge 48 and a fourth edge 50. The
device side mechanism 18 is placed the same distance D from the
first, second and third edges 44, 46, and 48 of the portable
electronic device 14.
When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 0 degrees in the docking
station 12 (as shown in FIG. 4B), the first edge 44 abuts against
the X alignment surface 40 and the third edge 48 abuts against the
Y alignment surface 42. Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18
are located the same distance in the X and Y locations from the
abutted edges, the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when
positioned in this manner.
When the device is placed at vertical 90 degrees in the docking
station 12 (as shown in FIG. 4C), the first edge 44 abuts the Y
alignment surface 42 and the second edge 46 abuts the X alignment
surface 40. Because the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are located
the same distance in the X and Y locations from the abutted edges,
the interface mechanisms 16 and 18 are aligned when positioned in
this manner.
Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the mechanical design
of the docking station 12 is configured to support multiple
orientations of horizontal and vertical as for example 0, 90, 180
and 270 degree orientations. As shown, the docking station 12
includes first and second alignment systems 60 and 62. The first
alignment system 60 is configured to align the portable electronic
device 14 in horizontal orientations including 0 and 180 degrees
and the second alignment system 62 is configured to align the
portable electronic device 14 in vertical orientations including 90
and 270 degrees. Each alignment system 60 or 62 includes spaced
apart X alignment surfaces 64 and a Y alignment surface 66. The
spacing of the X alignment surfaces 64A of the first alignment
system 60 coincide with the length L of the portable electronic
device 14 (horizontal). The spacing of the X alignment surfaces 64B
of the second alignment system 62 coincide with the width W of the
portable electronic device 14 (vertical).
The X and Y alignment surfaces may for example protrude from the
platform 26 so as to form recesses within which the portable
electronic device 14 is placed, i.e., constrains the portable
electronic device in X and Y. In one implementation, the depth of
the recess coincides with the thickness of the portable electronic
device so that the face of the alignment surfaces are flush with
the front surface of the portable electronic device 14.
The X alignment surfaces 64A of the first alignment system 60 are
placed at a distance D1 from the center 17 of the dock side
interface mechanism 16, and the Y alignment surface 66A of the
first alignment system 60 is placed at a distance D2 from the
center 17 of the dock side interface mechanism 16. Furthermore, the
X alignment surfaces 64B of the second alignment system 62 are
placed at the distance D2 from the center 17 of the dock side
interface mechanism 16, and the Y alignment surface 66B of the
second alignment system 62 is placed at the distance D1 from the
center 17 of the dock side interface mechanism 16.
Moreover, the center 19 of the interface mechanism 18 of the
portable electronic device 14 is positioned in the center of the
portable electronic device 14. The portable electronic device 14
includes four edges, a first edge 44, a second edge 46, a third
edge 48 and a fourth edge 50. The device side mechanism 18 is
placed a distance D1 from the first and fourth edges 44 and 50 of
the portable electronic device 14, and a distance D2 from the
second and third edges 46 and 48 of the portable electronic device
14.
When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 0 or 180 degrees in the
docking station 12 (as shown in FIG. 5B), the first and fourth
edges 44 and 50 abut against the X alignment surfaces 64A of the
first alignment system 60, and the second or third edges 46 or 48
abut against or rest on the Y alignment surface 66A of the first
alignment system 60. Edge 46 rests on the Y alignment surface 66A
at the 0 degree orientation, and edge 48 rests on the Y alignment
surface 66A at the 180 degree orientation. Because the interface
mechanisms 16 and 18 are located the same distances in the X and Y
locations from the abutted edges, the interface mechanisms 16 and
18 are aligned when positioned in this manner.
When the device 14 is placed at horizontal 90 or 270 degrees in the
docking station 12 (as shown in FIG. 5C), the second and third
edges 46 and 48 abut against the X alignment surfaces 64B of the
second alignment system 62, and the first or fourth edges 44 and 50
abut against or rest on the Y alignment surface 66B of the second
alignment system 62. Edge 44 rests on the Y alignment surface 66B
at the 90 degree orientation, and edge 50 rests on the Y alignment
surface 66B at the 270 degree orientation. Because the interface
mechanisms 16 and 18 are located the same distances in the X and Y
locations from the abutted edges, the interface mechanisms 16 and
18 are aligned when positioned in this manner.
FIG. 6 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except that
posts or guides 70 are used rather than elongated surfaces. As
shown, the docking station 12 includes a first set of posts 70A for
aligning the portable electronic device 14 in the X direction when
the portable electronic device 14 is placed horizontally into the
docking station 12. The first set of posts 70A are analogous to the
X alignment surfaces of the first alignment system in FIG. 5.
The docking station 12 also includes a second set of posts 70B for
aligning the portable electronic device 14 in the X direction when
the portable electronic device 14 is placed vertically into the
docking station 12. The second set of posts 70B also align the
portable electronic device 14 in the Y direction when the portable
electronic device 14 is placed horizontally into the docking
station 12. The second set of posts 70B are analogous to the X
alignment surfaces of the second alignment system and the Y
alignment surface of the first alignment system of FIG. 5.
The docking station 12 further includes a third set of posts 70C
for aligning the portable electronic device 14 in the Y direction
when the portable electronic device 14 is placed vertically into
the docking station 12. The third set of posts 70C are analogous to
the Y alignment surface of the second alignment system of FIG.
5.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to
only alignment surfaces or only posts and that a combination of
posts and alignment surfaces may be also be used.
Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, the mechanical design
of the docking station 12 is configured to support all orientations
of the portable electronic device 14 through 360 degrees. As shown,
the platform 26 of the docking station 12 includes a circular
recess 80 and the portable electronic device 14 includes a circular
protrusion 82 that is inserted into the circular recess 80. The
circular protrusion 82 and the circular recess 80 have similar
shapes, sizes so that they matingly engage, i.e., the outer
perimeter of the circular protrusion 82 is placed within and
against the inner perimeter of the circular recess 80. When
engaged, the portable electronic device 14 is secured within the
X/Y plane (platform) and is able to rotate through 360 degrees
about the center of the circular protrusion/recess 80/82. That is,
the edge of the protrusion 82 abuts the edge of the recess 80
thereby preventing linear motion in the X/Y plane. Further, because
the elements are circular, the protrusion 82 is allowed to rotate
within the recess 80.
In the illustrated embodiment, the interface mechanism 16 of the
docking station is centered at the center of the circular recess
80, and the interface mechanism 18 of the portable electronic
device 14 centered at the center of the circular protrusion 82. The
recess/protrusion interface 80/82 is therefore configured to align
the axis of the dock side interface mechanism 16 with the axis of
the device side interface mechanism 18 while allowing the portable
electronic device 14 full rotation about the axis, i.e., the
portable electronic device can be rotated through 360 degrees
without effecting the alignment. In most cases, the depth of the
recess 80 is configured similarly to the depth of the protrusion 82
so that the front surface 84 of the recess 80 lies flush with the
back surface 86 of the protrusion 82 when the protrusion 82 is
inserted within the recess 80. This may also cause the backside of
the portable electronic device 14 to lie flush with the remainder
of the platform 26.
In some cases, the platform 26 may further include a slot 88 that
guides the circular protrusion 82 to the circular recess 80. The
slot 88 typically has a width that coincides with the diameter of
the protrusion 82. The slot 88 may follow various paths within the
X/Y plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 88 extends from
the top of the platform 26 to the circular recess 80 in the Y
direction. The protrusion 82 therefore rests on the bottom surface
of the circular recess 80 and is prevented from venturing upwards
due to its weight (gravity). The slot 88 and recess 80 may further
include a channel 90 along their edges for receiving a flange 92 of
the circular protrusion 82. When engaged, the flange/channel allows
the portable electronic device 14 to be slidably received and
retained to the platform 26. In most cases, the flange/channel are
dimensioned to place the backside of the circular protrusion 82
substantially flush with the front surface of the circular recess
80.
Although the recess and protrusion are described as circular, it
should be appreciated that this is not a limitation. In some cases,
the recess and protrusion may be square. This particular
implementation is capable of supporting 0, 90, 180 and 270
orientations.
Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of the docking system 10 will
be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the interface
system includes opposing power transfer mechanisms 20 that are
configured to be aligned along their center axis and substantially
juxtaposed relative to one another when the portable electronic
device 14 is placed in any orientation within the docking station
12. This can be accomplished using any of the docking systems
described above. The opposing power transfer mechanisms 20 may be
embodied as electrical contacts, inductors, and/or the like.
The power transfer mechanism 20B of the portable electronic device
14 is operatively coupled to a power management circuit 100 that
controls the power operations of the portable electronic device 14.
The power management circuit 100 may for example control power to
various mechanisms within the portable electronic device 14. The
power may be used to operate the portable electronic device 14 or
alternatively to recharge a battery 102 of the portable electronic
device 14. By way of example, the power management circuit 100 may
be a dedicated power controller or alternatively may be part of a
main processor of the portable electronic device.
If AC power is delivered through power transfer mechanisms 20, the
portable electronic device 14 may further include a rectifier 104
that converts the AC power to DC power and/or adjusts DC power to
an acceptable level.
The power transfer mechanism 20A of the docking station 12 is
operatively coupled to a power management circuit 106 that controls
power transmissions through the docking station 12. The power
management circuit 106 is operatively coupled to a power source
108. This may for example be accomplished through a power cable 110
that connects to a power outlet 112 via a power plug 114.
If the docking station 12 is configured to transmit DC power to the
electronic device 14, the docking station 12 may further include a
transformer/rectifier 116 for converting AC power to DC power,
which can be used directly by the portable electronic device
14.
In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing power transfer
mechanisms 20 are inductively based and therefore the docking
station 12 includes a primary inductive coil 120 and the portable
electronic device 14 includes a secondary inductive coil 122 that
cooperate to form a two part transformer. When the portable
electronic device 14 is docked, the complete transformer is
created, i.e., the inductors 120 and 122 are aligned along their
axes and placed side by side without making electrical or
mechanical contact. During power transfer, current is made to flow
through the primary inductive coil 120. The resulting magnetic flux
induces an alternating current through the magnetic field and
across the secondary inductive coil 122 thereby completing the
circuit. The AC power received by the secondary inductive coil 122
is converted to DC power for operating the portable electronic
device 14 and/or for storage in the battery 102.
In one embodiment, the inductive coils 120 and 122 are rotationally
symmetric about the axis so as to support the various orientations
of the portable electronic device 14 relative to the docking
station 12. In the case of 360 degree flexibility, the inductive
coils may be circular. In the case of 0, 90, 180, 270, the
inductive coils may be circular square, octagon, or the like.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of an
inductively based charging system 150, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The charging system 150 may
for example be used in any of the embodiments described above. In
this embodiment, the docking station 12 includes a first inductive
coil 152, and the portable electronic device 14 includes a second
inductive coil 154. The first inductive coil 152 is disposed inside
the platform 26 behind the front wall 156 of the platform 26. The
second inductive coil 154 is disposed inside the housing 158 of the
portable electronic device 14 behind the back wall 160 of the
portable electronic device 14. When the portable electronic device
14 is docked with the docking station 12, as for example when the
back wall 160 of the device 14 is placed against the front wall 156
of the platform 26, the first and second coils 152 and 154 are
juxtaposed and aligned along an axis of polar symmetry 162. This
ensures an efficient coupling between the two coils 152 and 154.
The inductive coils 152 and 154 may be aligned using any of the
embodiments mentioned above.
To elaborate, the coils 152 and 154 generally include a permeable
core 170 and wire windings 172 wrapped around the permeable core
170. The capacity of the inductor 152/154 is controlled by various
factors including, the number of coils, the material the coils are
wrapped around (the core), the cross sectional area of the coil. In
small handheld computing device such as cell phones, PDAs or media
players, the inductive coils are generally configured to transmit
between about 3-5 Watts of power. In larger handheld computing
devices such as Tablet PCs, the inductive coils are generally
configured to transmit between about 15-25 Watts of power. One
advantage of planar like electronic devices is that larger
inductive coils may be used, i.e., spread across the planar
surface.
In one embodiment, the inductive coils 152 and 154 are circular and
further torroidal or doughnut shaped in order to ensure rotational
symmetry about the axis 162 when the portable electronic device 14
is placed on the docking station 12.
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a charging system 180 that uses electrical
contacts, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The system 180 provides 360 degree flexibility and may
be used in any of the docking systems described above. As shown,
the docking station 12 includes a center contact 182 and a spaced
apart concentric outer contact 184. The center contact 182 and
outer contact 184 are centered along the mating axis of the
portable electronic device 14 and the docking station 12. The
portable electronic device 14 may include a matching set of center
and outer contacts, or some variation of the center and outer
contacts. For example, as shown, the portable electronic device 14
includes a center contact 186 that is centered along the mating
axis of the portable electronic device and the docking station, and
a point based or segmented outer contact 188 that is located at the
same radius as the concentric outer contact 184. A point based
contact uses less space and is therefore more aesthetically
pleasing.
When the portable electronic device 14 is docked with the docking
station 12, as for example when the back side of the device 14 is
placed against the platform 26, the center contacts 182 and 186
engage one another and the outer contacts 184 and 188 engage one
another thereby allowing electrical signals (data and/or power) to
pass between the docking station 12 and the portable electronic
device 14. In the case of power contacts, for example, the outer
contacts 184, 188 may deliver the driving current to the battery or
power manager of the portable electronic device 14 and the center
contacts 182/186 may deliver the return current (e.g., ground) to
the docking station 12 (or vice versa).
Alternatively, the configuration described above can be reversed,
i.e., the concentric outer contact is placed on the portable
electronic device 14 and the point based or segmented contact is
placed on the docking station 12. Either configuration allows 360
degree flexibility.
In one implementation, at least one set of electrical contacts is
spring-loaded outwardly in order to ensure good electrical contact,
and the opposing set of electrical contacts are flush or recessed
mounted. For example, the docking station 12 may include spring
loaded or flexure based electrical contacts or tabs that are biased
outwardly from the front surface of the platform 26, and that move
inwardly under the force of the portable electronic device 14 when
the portable electronic device 14 is placed against the platform
26. The portable electronic device 14, on the other hand, may
include electric contacts or tabs that are flush mounted in the
surface of the portable electronic device 14. By flush it is meant
that the outer surface of the electrical contact is substantially
level with the outer surface of the housing of the portable
electronic device 14.
Referring to FIG. 11, the outer concentric outer contact 184
described above may be segmented instead of continuous. In this
embodiment, the segmented outer contacts 184A-D are positioned at
locations that support the orientations of the portable electronic
device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the segmented outer
contacts are positioned at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees such that
they support four orientations including two vertical orientations
and two horizontal orientations. The portable electronic device 14
may include a matching set of contacts or some subset of contacts
depending on the various needs of the portable electronic device
14. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device
14 includes a center contact 186 and one outer contact 188 similar
to the embodiment described in FIG. 10. The center contact 186
mates with the center contact 182 of the docking station 12, and
the outer contact 188 can optionally mate with any of the outer
contacts 184A-D of the docking station 12. That is, the single
outer contact can be positioned at any one of the positions 0, 90,
180, 270 ensuring that the outer contacts engage one another at
each of the various orientations. The outer contacts 184A-D are
redundant, i.e., they are connected to the same power line (e.g.,
driving or return).
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams of another style of docking system
200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the docking station 12 includes a base 202 and a
rotational platform 204 that are mechanically and operatively
coupled together. The base 202 is configured to rotationally
support the rotational platform 204, and the rotational platform
204 is configured to attachably receive a portable electronic
device 14, particularly one with a planar back side and one that
operates in multiple orientations.
The base 202 includes connectivity to other devices or systems. The
base 202 may for example include additional data ports, audio
ports, video ports, and power ports. The base 202 may also include
elements for increasing the functionality of the portable
electronic device 14 when it is attached to the platform 204. For
example, the base 202 may include additional processing
capabilities.
The rotational platform 204, on the other hand, includes
connectivity to the portable electronic device 14. By way of
example, the platform 204 may include a series of contact or
non-contact based mechanisms for communicating with the portable
electronic device 14 when the portable electronic device 14 is
attached to the platform 204. For example, the platform 204 may
include any of the interface mechanisms described above.
Alternatively, because the portable electronic device 14 is fixed
to the platform 204, rotationally symmetric interface mechanisms
are not necessary. As such, the interface mechanisms may also be
embodied as a connector/port arrangement. For example, the portable
electronic device 14 may include a data and/or power port that
interfaces with a corresponding data and/or power connector on the
platform 204. An example of a connector arrangement that may be
used is described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/423,490, which is herein
incorporated by reference.
The manner in which the rotational platform 204 is rotatable may be
widely varied. By way of example, the rotational platform 204 may
be rotatably coupled to the base 202 via an axle arrangement 210.
For example, the platform 204 may include an axle 212 that is
rotatably retained in a collar 214 on the base 202. In one
embodiment, the axle/collar interface includes an arrangement of
slip rings in order to route the electrical signals between the
rotational platform 204 and the base 202. The axle/collar interface
may additionally include frictional elements or detents that are
capable of holding the rotational platform 204 in various
orientations about the rotational axis. For example, frictional
elements may be used to allow 360 degree flexibility and detents
may be used to support 0, 90, 180 and 270 degree orientations.
The manner in which the portable electronic device, 14 is removably
attached may be widely varied. By way of example, snaps, latches,
catches, lips, slots, tabs, locks, etc. may be used. When detached,
the portable electronic device 14 can be operated as a remote
device independent of the docking station 12. When attached, the
portable electronic device 14 is fixed to the rotational platform
204 and therefore it becomes an extension of the docking station
12. In order to change the orientation of the portable electronic
device 14, the rotational platform 204, which now carries the
portable electronic device 14, rotates around the rotational axis
of the axle arrangement 210. That is, the portable electronic
device 14 is capable of rotating with the rotational platform 204
in order to support the various orientations of the portable
electronic device 14.
In one embodiment, the base 202 serves as a hub for downloading
content onto the portable electronic device 14. For example, the
portable electronic device 14 may correspond to a video player, and
the base 202 may serve as a location for downloading video such as
movies onto the video player. The portable electronic device 14 may
correspond to an electronic book, and the base 202 may serve as a
location for downloading book content onto the electronic book. The
portable electronic device 14 may correspond to a music player, and
the base 202 may serve as a location for downloading songs onto the
music player. The portable electronic device 14 may correspond to a
tablet, and the base 202 may serve as a location for accessing the
internet or connecting to peripheral devices such as printers, fax
machines, scanners, and the like.
In another embodiment, the base 202 is a general purpose computer
such as any of those manufactured by Apple Computer Inc., of
Cupertino, Calif. In cases such as these the portable electronic
device 14 may correspond to a monitor, tablet PC or even a device
with limited computational abilities, i.e., a device with dedicated
functionality.
FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of another docking system 220, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the docking station 12 includes a base 222 and a multi
degree of freedom platform 224. The platform 224 is coupled to an
arm 226 via multi pivot joint 228 such as a ball and socket joint,
and the arm 226 is coupled to the base 222 via a second multi pivot
joint 230 such as a ball and socket joint. Each of the joints 228
and 230 includes retention features for holding various positions
and angles. Generally speaking, this arrangement allows the
platform 224 to yaw, pitch and roll as well as to translate in x, y
and z. The user can therefore adjust the position of the platform
224 to the best position for use. As shown, the portable electronic
device 14 is configured to be attached to the platform 224, i.e.,
the portable electronic device plugs into the platform.
While this invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and
equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It
should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be
interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and
equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *
References