Abstract: A universal docking station for portable electronic devices is disclosed. In some embodiments, the docking station may utilize a universal interface to communicatively couple a portable electronic device to one or more inputs, displays, and/or accessory devices. In some embodiments, the universal interface may be a high-speed and/or super-speed universal data interface. In further embodiments, the universal docking station may be configured to provide electrical power to a portable electronic device. By utilizing a universal data interface, the universal docking station may be utilized with any portable electronic device having the universal data interface regardless of the manufacturer of the portable electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a control circuit (208) and one or more modules (210) operable with the control circuit. An application usage module (211) is operable with the control circuit to define one or more applications (104,105,106,107), operable with the control circuit and otherwise available for use by a user (101) when the electronic device is in an unlocked state, that are precluded from use by an authorized person when the electronic device is operably connected to a predefined peripheral accessory (300) when unlocked.

Abstract: An expansion module is configured to provide expansion functions to a mobile electronic device. The expansion module includes a cloud device and at least one first expansion device. The cloud device includes a first expansion bus interface and a network interface. The first expansion device is coupled to the cloud device in a daisy-chain manner, wherein each of the first expansion device includes at least one first peripheral device. The cloud device is coupled to the mobile electronic device through the first expansion bus interface or the network interface, and provides the first peripheral device to the mobile electronic device for use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dock apparatus for connecting a mobile electronic device. The dock apparatus includes the following modules. A connection port module is configured for physically connecting to the mobile electronic device. A control module is configured for retrieve a first parameter and a display data of the mobile electronic device via the connection port module. A wireless communication module coupled to the control module is configured for establishing a wireless connection to the mobile electronic device according to the first parameter. A wired communication module is configured for connecting to the wireless communication module and an external network and for bridging the wireless communication module and the external network. A power module is configured to supply electric power to the mobile electronic device. A heat dissipation module is configured to transfer heat away from the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a processing unit, a second connector, a sensing module and a route-selecting module. The second connector is electrically connected with the processing unit and is capable of being forward or reverse inserted with a first connector of a base. The sensing module is provided for generating different control signals according to the forward insertion or the reverse insertion between the second connector and the first connector. The route-selecting module is electrically connected with the sensing module for switching a usage status of the second connector according to different control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to a combination game controller and information input device. The combination preferably includes a tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, in which each of the sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer. The combination further preferably includes an input device in electronic communication with the tablet computer, the input device providing side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably providing input module apertures, each input module aperture selectively accepts either a game control module or a removable keyboard module. The input module apertures are preferably adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the tablet computer, and a camera communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer, the camera selectively capturing either still or video images.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Abstract: An expandable keyboard device for use in connection with an electronic device includes a keyboard module having a keyboard housing, a pivot unit connected to the keyboard housing, and a clamping mechanism including a mounting seat connected to the pivot unit and rotatable relative to the keyboard module, and at least one clamping arm cooperating with the mounting seat to define a receiving slot for receiving the electronic device. The clamping arm is movable relative to the mounting seat for clamping the electronic device.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a peripheral device to a computer includes a male connector having a plurality of first connecting pins and a female connector having a plurality of second connecting pins. The plurality of first connecting pins is configured to connect to the peripheral device. The plurality of second connecting pins is configured to connect to the computer. The plurality of second connecting pins is defined on the first circuit board in a second row and a third row. The plurality of second connecting pins comprises a plurality of differential pairs, and each differential pair comprises two differential transmission lines. The two differential transmission lines of each of the plurality of differential pairs are defined on a single row of the second and third rows.

Abstract: Systems and methods for docking portable electronic devices. A master device may be docked to a slave device to control the operation of the slave device. The slave device may have a form factor different than that of the master device. For example, the slave device may be a tablet and the master device may be a handheld device such as a smart phone. The slave device may include a retention mechanism to retain the master device in a docked position with respect to the slave device. When in the docked position, the master device may be in operative communication with one or more hardware components of the slave device to control the operation thereof. The slave device may lack the ability to exploit the full functionality of the one or more hardware components of the slave device without communication with the master device.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device that is contained within a case, in which the case includes a retractable connector access panel at least partially overlying a portion of a connector port of the electronic device, includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. An electrical connector is coupled to the base and configured to receive the connector port of the electronic device. A retraction member is coupled to the base and configured to retract the connector access panel to at least partially expose the connector port during docking of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of signal transmission is to be implemented by a control module of an electronic device. The control module includes a first input/output (I/O) port to be coupled to an input module, a second I/O port to be coupled to an output module, and a control unit. In the method, the control unit is configured to electrically interconnect the first I/O port and the second I/O port such that the input module is able to communicate with the output module, or to open a specific channel and to temporarily stop transmission within other channels, based on a signal or instruction received from the input module.

Abstract: An external haptic generator for creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices and more particularly, an external haptic generator in a vehicle providing a secure mount and creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices that do not include haptic feedback generators.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a control method of a mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal and control method provide a user interface allowing for a user to easily and effectively control the mobile terminal through an interaction between a case and the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is accommodated in the case in a lock mode.

Abstract: A tablet electronic device configured to electrically connect to a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a first connecting interface and a processing module. The tablet electronic device includes a body and a touch panel. The body includes a second connecting interface connected to the first connecting interface. The touch panel is disposed in the body to generate a touch signal after a touch, and when the portable electronic device is connected to the tablet electronic device, the touch panel displays information of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an external device includes a switching module configured to switch an external display, which is to be connected to a port of a display control circuit in an information processing device, between first and second external displays connected to the external device. A controller detects a state of a first detection signal representing whether or not a first external display is connected to the external device and a state of a second detection signal representing whether or not a second external display is connected to the external device. The controller controls the switching module based on the detected states of the first and second detection signals and a display priority.

Abstract: A desk-top storage solution for portable computing devices is formed as a storage tray. The storage tray has pockets sized to cradle individual portable computing devices. Each pocket includes a wire management system to enable an electrical connector to be provided within the pocket and secured relative to the pocket to enable the portable computing device to be quickly electrically connected to the storage tray. A USB hub is provided within the storage tray which interconnects with the electrical connectors and enables the portable computing devices to be charged while stored in the storage tray and also synchronized with an external computer while contained within the storage tray. The storage tray has a lid that is connected to the base by position control friction hinges which regulate the motion of the lid relative to the base during ascent/descent while the lid is moved between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for identification processes and/or procedures for accessories coupled with a mobile computing device. During identification an accessory can communicate lingo information that includes only those lingoes the accessory can use while coupled with the mobile computing device. The accessory can also communicate accessory protocol information to the mobile computing device during identification. The accessory can be limited to using only those lingoes and/or those protocols identified during identification. Various other accessory information, capabilities, preferences, etc. can also be communicated to the mobile computing device during identification.

Abstract: Computing devices are often designed in view of a particular usage scenario, but may be unsuitable for usage in other computing scenarios. For example, a notebook computer with a large display, an integrated keyboard, and a high-performance processor suitable for many computing tasks may be heavy, large, and power-inefficient; and a tablet lacking a keyboard and incorporating a low-powered processor may improve portability but may present inadequate performance for many tasks. Presented herein is a configuration of a computing device featuring a display unit with a resource-conserving processor that may be used independently (e.g., as a tablet), but that may be connected to a base unit featuring a resource-intensive processor. The operating system of the device may accordingly transition between a resource-intensive computing environment and a resource-conserving computing environment based on the connection with the base unit, thereby satisfying the dual roles of workstation and portable tablet device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for supporting data transmission by a wireless docking center. A first single hop communication link is established with a peripheral device configured to receive content data. A second single hop communication link is established with a dockee device configured to transmit the content data. At least one of a message and the content data is transferred from the second communication link to the first communication link.

Abstract: A method of setting by a docking center a direct connection between a dockee and a peripheral device in a wireless docking network is provided. The method includes grouping peripheral devices depending on each service in association with the peripheral devices and performing a setting of authorization for a corresponding group; and providing a docking service to the dockee which joins in the group while supporting a direct connection with at least one of the peripheral devices.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes determining, by a wireless dockee (WD), one or more wireless docking environments (WDNs) associated with a wireless docking center (WDC), wherein each WDN of the one or more WDNs corresponds to at least one peripheral function (PF) of one or more PFs that are each associated with the WDC. In this example, the method also includes wirelessly accessing, by the WD, a respective at least one PF corresponding to a particular WDN of the one or more WDNs associated with the WDC.

Abstract: A method for performing a wireless docking operation in a Wireless Dockee (WD) in a communication system is provided. The method including transmitting, to a Wireless Docking Center (WDC), a get peripheral information action message requesting peripheral information for at least one peripheral of the WD; and receiving, from the WDC, a get peripheral information action response message including the peripheral information for the at least one peripheral of the WD.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes determining, by a wireless dockee (WD), one or more peripheral functions (PFs) associated with a wireless docking center (WDC). In this example, the method further includes establishing a docking session via a direct wireless connection between the WD and the WDC. In this example, the method further includes selecting, by the WD, at least one PF of the one or more PFs associated with the WDC. In this example, the method further includes accessing, by the WD, the at least one PF of the one or more PFs associated with the WDC.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for managing a Wireless Docking Network (WDN). A Wireless Docking Center (WDC) receives a creation request message for creating the WDN from a Wireless Dockee (WD). The WDC identifies one or more peripheral devices based on the creation request message. The WDC creates the WDN based on the one or more peripheral devices. A response message including an ID of the WDN is transmitted from the WDC to the WD.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transparent tunnel mode operation in a Wireless Dockee (WD) in a communication system supporting a wireless docking protocol is provided. The method includes performing a group join process and a provisioning process for security keys with a Wireless Docking Center (WDC); accessing services of a Wireless Docking Environment (WDN); selecting an operating mode between the WD and the WDC as a transparent tunnel mode; performing a process of getting information related to a peripheral with the WDC; requesting the WDC to enable a monitor mode and a promiscuous mode; and transmitting/receiving a data packet using the information related to the peripheral with the peripheral if a Miracast connection and a docking session are established between the WD and the peripheral.

Abstract: A dock for connecting a smartphone to a display and peripherals is disclosed. The dock transfers audio/video data to a display, establishes a wireless link with peripherals and possesses a KVM function. The dock has a controller with a switch, a wireless communication module, a USB hub, a relay, two USB connectors, a, USB switch, an AV converter, an AV switch, and two AV connectors. The relay normally connects AV data from the smartphone to the AV converter. The controller switches the relay while the switch is being operated, the wireless communication module establishes the wireless link with the smartphone. And the USB switch and AV switch can switch one of an external computer and a smartphone to be connected with the display and peripherals.

Abstract: A dock for connecting a smartphone to a display and a laptop is disclosed. The dock transfers audio/video data from a smartphone to a display, establishes a wireless link with the smartphone and intercepts input device event messages of a laptop so that a user can use input devices of the laptop to control the smartphone. The dock has a controller with a switch, a wireless communication module, a hook procedure processor, two USB connectors, an AV converter, an AV switch, and two AV connectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station and an external device control method and system utilizing the docking station, which are capable of implementing simultaneous working of devices of two types of protocols through a same multiplexing interface. The external device control method includes: utilizing a docking station, where the docking station includes: a first protocol/second protocol multiplexing interface for connecting to a main device; at least one first protocol device interface for connecting to a first protocol external device; and at least one second protocol device interface for connecting to a second protocol external device. The method is: receiving first protocol data sent by the first protocol external device through the first protocol device interface; and converting the first protocol data into second protocol data, and sending the second protocol data to the main device through the first protocol/second protocol multiplexing interface.

Abstract: There is provided a handy terminal connected to a cradle in a removable manner, wherein the cradle has a communication function and is connected to a network. The handy terminal includes: a determining unit configured to determine whether or not the handy terminal is connected to the cradle; an identifying unit configured to identify the cradle when the determining unit determines that the handy terminal is connected to the cradle; and an address setting unit configured to set a network terminal address for identifying the handy terminal on the network, depending on the identified cradle.

Abstract: Configurability and controllability over the initiation of automatic docking for a portable device seeking to dock wirelessly with a docking station in a wireless docking system environment are achieved by the method and system disclosed herein. The portable device detects the docking station in the wireless docking environment. When the docking station is detected, a communication path is established between the portable device and the docking station. A received signal characteristic level is measured for a received signal. The received signal characteristic level is compared to a determined threshold so that, at least when the received signal level exceeds the determined threshold, docking the portable device to the docking station is able to be completed.

Abstract: A computing device including a printed circuit board. A docking port coupled to the printed circuit board. Wherein the docking port can receive a docking connector that either passes through an aperture in the printed circuit board or passes by the edge of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. The base includes a front face and a substantially orthogonal adjacent face. A guide rib extends normally between the front face and the adjacent face. An electrical connector is pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a mating connector of the electronic device. An edge portion of the guide rib engages a surface of the electronic device to facilitate alignment of the electrical connector with the mating connector.

Abstract: A remote control for communicating with an electronic device and a stereo housing comprises a microphone, a remote control speaker, a controller, and a video screen that displays visual content based on content of the electronic device and the stereo housing. The visual content is able to comprise song, album, and artist information and caller identification information of a call received by the electronic device. In some embodiments, the remote control speaker plays audio from the electronic device and the audio system. In some embodiments, the remote control is able to divert audio content including phone calls between the remote control speaker and a speaker of the audio system. In some embodiments, the remote control is configured utilize infrared, infrared laser, radio frequency, wireless, WiFi, Bluetooth®, 2.4 Gh and IAP protocols. In some embodiments, the remote control is hermetically sealed from water and environmental intrusion.

Abstract: A stereo system comprises a housing for removably docking and housing an electronic device and a way communication device. The communication device comprises a receiver which is configured for receiving a command signal and a control device which receives a signal from the receiver and sends a signal to one or both of an electronic device operation circuit and a stereo housing operation circuit based upon the signal sent to the receiver. In some embodiments, the command signal sent to the receiver is a voice command. Sending a command signal to the receiver and the communication device enables a user to control one or both of the electronic device and the stereo housing. In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to receive a signal from the electronic device and the stereo housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving station (10) comprising a first physical connection port (20) intended for a first host equipment item and at least one second physical connection port (22) intended for at least one second host equipment item, detection means (24, 34) of host equipment connected to the ports, and the means (30) of automatic selection of combined use modes of the resources of the receiving station and/or connected host equipment, controlled by the detection means (24, 34). Application to handheld portable equipment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a human-machine dialog system (1) comprising: a support (3) having a plurality of identical docking stations (30), each docking station (30) being associated with a universal human-machine dialog device (4), each universal human-machine dialog device (4) comprising at least a display member (41) and a sensor member (40), a plurality of modular members (2), each modular member (2) being arranged to be positioned in a docking station (30) in a removable and interchangeable manner and comprising a human-machine dialog interface (20) arranged to cooperate with said display member (41) and/or said sensor member (40).

Abstract: A broadcasting device with communication mechanism applied to a handheld device includes a body, a control module, a sound broadcasting module, and a communication module; an upper portion of the body has an interchangeable connecting member electrically connecting with the handheld device; the control module is in the body and electrically connects with the connecting member; the sound broadcasting module is at the lateral portion of the body and electrically connects with the control module, and broadcasts the sound from the handheld device; the communication module is at the lateral portion of the body and electrically connects with the control module, and broadcasts sound through the sound broadcasting module.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system can be configured to communicate to and from a media device. The media device can include a first controller. The system can include: (a) a software module configured to run on the first controller; (b) a physical device module configured to run on the first controller; (c) a virtual host module configured to run on the first controller; and (e) a docking station having: (1) a second controller; (2) an electrical connector configured to couple to the media device; (3) a physical host module configured to run on the second controller; (4) a virtual device module configured to run on the second controller; and (5) one or more accessory devices configured to communicate with the media device using the virtual device module. In some examples, the physical host module and the physical device module are configured to establish a physical communications pipe between the media device and the docking station.

Abstract: An application program may be executed through an Internet protocol (IP) address linkage in an image forming apparatus supporting a peer-to-peer connection. The application program may be executed by performing a method which includes connecting the image forming apparatus to a wireless device through a wireless local area network, driving a soft access point (AP) module of the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus functions as an AP, driving a dynamic host configuration protocol server of the image forming apparatus to allocate a dynamic IP address to the connected wireless device, and linking the dynamic IP address allocated to the wireless device with a static IP address that is preset with respect to the wireless device.

Abstract: A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Abstract: A computer system includes a central processing unit (CPU), a north bridge, a south bridge, a bridge and a slot. The north bridge is electrically connected to the CPU. The bridge is electrically connected to the north bridge and the south bridge, and the connector is connected to the bridge. The bridge generates a first data and a second data according to the data packages transmitted from the north bridge and adjusts the output bandwidth of the first data and the second data according to a channel control signal. The south bridge receives or transfers the first data via the bridge so as to communicate with the north bridge. The slot is electrically connected to the bridge and receives or transfers the second data via the bridge so as to communicate with the north bridge.

Abstract: A micro grid apparatus and associated method of formation. Multiple tiers are formed. The tiers are distributed and sequenced in a vertical direction such that each tier is at a different vertical level in the vertical direction. Each tier includes a multiplicity of complex shapes interconnected by bridge modules. Each complex shape is a physical structure having an exterior boundary. Each complex shape includes multiple docking bays such that each docking bay is configured to have a module latched therein.

Abstract: A docking station for supporting an electronic device in two positions includes a main body, and first and second supporting members projecting from the main body. The main body cooperates with the first supporting member to support the electronic device in the first position with the main body being stable on a first plane; and the first member cooperates with the second member to support the electronic device in the second position with the main body being stable on a second plane different from the first plane.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a charging docking station to wirelessly stream video from a smartphone and/or tablet computer to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A tablet computer dock for use in a passenger vehicle is configured to support a tablet computer for use or storage inside the passenger vehicle. The tablet computer dock illustratively includes a tablet receiver that defines a compartment sized to receive a tablet computer. The compartment is accessible through a slot sized to allow the tablet computer to pass into and out of the compartment.