Abstract: A multi-display device can interface with two or more different types of docking stations. The device can determine the type of dock and change the pin outs for a connector to interface with that dock. Once docked, the device can determine a charge status for the device and the dock to present the status to the user. Further, the dock can enter one of several modes, including a call receipt mode and an entertainment mode. The modes allow for expanded functionality for the device while docked. Two particular docks, the laptop dock and the smart dock, provide special functionality with the device.

Abstract: A control docking unit can be coupled with a portable processing unit to provide alternate control operation for the portable unit. The control docking unit can be configured to position a display on the portable processing unit to facilitate use of one or more controls provided on the control docking unit. The control docking unit can position the display of the portable processing unit in a fixed or variable position. The controls from the docking unit can be coupled to the portable processing unit using an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical interface. The electrical interface can be a wired or wireless communication link. The controls on the control docking unit can be configured to be substantially in the same configuration as a control unit for a similar fixed device. The portable processing unit can be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhanced operation when coupled to the control docking unit.

Abstract: A docking station for a mini personal computer. The docking station formed of the shell of a laptop computer at which a user keyboard and a display screen are supported at the docking station. Additional elements, such as a computer hard drive or computer mass storage device are also supported at the docking station. When the mini personal computer is received at a docking port of the docking station, the processor of the mini personal computer is able to make use of the elements supported at the docking station.

Abstract: One or more chassis management controllers may be configured to receive a user indication of a user desire to physically remove a modular information handling resource from a chassis, determine whether the modular information handling resource is shared or nonshared with respect to modular information handling systems present in the chassis, determine whether the modular information handling systems associated with the modular information handling resource are powered on, receive at least one response to one query to the user regarding at least one user preference regarding removal of the modular information handling resource, and determine if the information handling resource may be safely removed based at least on: the determinations of whether the information handling system resource is shared or nonshared and whether the modular information handling systems present in the chassis and associated with the modular information handling resource are powered on, and the at least one response.

Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for a mobile device and in communication with the mobile device, the apparatus comprising: at least one universal serial bus (USB) connector providing at least one connection; at least one USB host controller configured to control the at least one USB connection; a microprocessor configured to control the at least one USB host controller, the microprocessor having an operating system; a USB device control interface on the mobile device configured to communicate and control the universal connector apparatus; and a USB driver configured to operate within the operating system to enable the mobile device to connect to one or more peripherals via the at least one USB connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to enable simplified configuring of a wireless docking group for wireless devices by allowing a wireless device to communicate its capabilities and characteristics of one or more wireless devices within a wireless docking group, using a new Wireless Docking Protocol, to a wireless docking station that will use that information and the Wireless Docking Protocol to define an optimal set of connections for wireless devices in the wireless docking group.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a medical monitoring hub as the center of monitoring for a monitored patient. The hub includes configurable medical ports and serial ports for communicating with other medical devices in the patient's proximity. Moreover, the hub communicates with a portable patient monitor. The monitor, when docked with the hub provides display graphics different from when undocked, the display graphics including anatomical information. The hub assembles the often vast amount of electronic medical data, associates it with the monitored patient, and in some embodiments, communicates the data to the patient's medical records.

Abstract: A device for mounting a mobile electronic device to an alternating current charger is provided. The mount allows the user to charge a mobile electronic device with the alternating current charger provided by the original equipment manufacturer of the mobile electronic device. The mount also protects the mobile electronic device from damage.

Abstract: A laptop includes a main body and a touchpad. The main body includes a housing which defines a receiving groove. The touchpad is detachably received in the receiving groove. The laptop further includes an ejection mechanism to eject the touchpad up from the receiving groove to allow the touchpad to be used independently as an external mouse.

Abstract: Audio systems are disclosed and include audio docking stations, adapters for connecting to audio docking stations, electronic devices equipped with audio components, and non-electronic articles enabled for use with audio components. An audio docking station may include one or more earphones and an audio input. The earphones and/or audio input may be wireless or include retractable wires. An adapter may act as a sound pouch to connect to the audio docking station. The adapter may be located in clothing, furniture, electronic devices, protective covers or cases, or in other locations. An electronic device may also act as a docking station and include earphones and/or an audio input. Cavities may be pre-formed in the housing of the electronic device for storage of earphones and/or an audio input.

Abstract: System and method for a USB host to determine whether or not a USB device provides power via a USB coupling between the USB host and the USB device. At a first time, it may be determined that the USB device is coupled to the USB host via a USB coupling and does not provide power. Power may be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling. At a second time it may be determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. Power may no longer be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling after it is determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. A battery of the USB host may be charged using power provided by the USB device via the USB coupling based on determining that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling.

Abstract: A docking station is provided for a computing device. The docking station may be used by, for example, a mobile computing device, such as a cellular or wireless telephony/messaging device. The docking station includes a housing comprising a receiving surface top receive and retain the mobile computing device. An inductive signal transfer interface is included with the housing to inductively signal at least one of power or data to the mobile computing device. The docking station further provides an output component and processing resources. The processing resources are configured to detect placement of the mobile computing device on the receiving surface. The data is received from the mobile computing device, and an output is signaled to the output component based on the received data.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact that is capable of serving as a docking station for an assortment of power transfer, data transfer, and signal transfer connections. In general, power, data, and signal transfer connections will be of the input and output type, with respect to the compact. The compact docking station is able to provide power on an as needed basis or may be used to recharge one or more portable devices. A Universal Docking Station Compact according to the present invention is characterized by an assortment of power and data interfaces.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for physically coupling, via a docking port, a first stand-alone computing device to a communication bus coupled to a set of processing resources; detecting, by the communication bus, the coupling; responsive to the detecting of the coupling, correlating the stand-alone computing device to a subset of the set of processing resources; signaling, by the communication bus, each resource of the subset of the coupling; and responsive to the signaling, dynamically configuring the stand-alone computing device and each resource of the subset to enable the stand-alone computing device to utilize, each resource of the subset.

Abstract: The present invention includes both a system and a method for communication over Internet protocol. In its various embodiments, the system and method of the present invention is particularly well suited for communication via VoIP between a user and a recipient, wherein the recipient is a host or a representative of a host. For example, a recipient could be a customer service or client relation's specialist employed by a host company. According to the present invention, the host is responsible for providing communications means to the recipient. In particular, the communications means are embedded within a host web page accessible to the user, such that the user can directly communicate via Internet protocol to a selected recipient or representative of the host.

Abstract: A computer, such as a portable computer, can include a removable interface module. The module can contain a device having a computer interface. The device can be a radio or a fiber optic communications device, for example. The use of such a module can facilitate repair and reconfiguration of the portable computer in the field. Such computers can be used by military personnel, police, emergency medical personnel, fire fighters, and the like.

Abstract: A docking station adapted to receive and communicate with one or more mobile device. An interchangeable docking module can be removably engaged on the docking station. The docking module is adapted to receive a mobile device. Once the mobile device is received (“docked”) in the docking module, the docking station may be operable to deliver an electric current to charge the mobile device. A communication link between the docking station and the mobile device may also be established. A user may configure various functions of the mobile device using the docking station.

Abstract: A recorder set includes: a recorder which has a connection terminal electrically connected to external equipment, and a casing; and a holder which maintains an attitude of the recorder. The casing has an accommodation unit which accommodates the connection terminal therein, and an opening which allows the connection terminal to externally project therethrough. The holder includes an attachment unit which allows the recorder to be attached thereto in a predetermined attitude. The attachment unit includes a fit member which has an inner wall fitting the connection terminal in geometry. The fit member has an outer wall fittable in the opening.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device includes a body. The docking station includes a power receiving interface coupled to the body and configured to receive electrical power from a power supply. The docking station includes a universal data interface configured to communicatively couple the docking station with the portable electronic device. The docking station includes a power providing interface in electrical communication with the power receiving interface and configured to deliver electrical power to the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A supplementary cooling system is provided for cooling a computing system. An apparatus may comprise a computing system and a docking system. The computing system has a cooling area and a fan area which is partionable from the cooling area. The docking system has a fan and an airflow outlet which is operably connected to the fan.

Abstract: A docking station for docking portable electronic devices is disclosed. The docking station is configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device for non-contact charging and data transfer. The docking station can provide security features for providing and/or restricting access to computational facilities such as printers, databases, installed programs, etc. Such security features can include installing applications on such portable devices that limit access.

Abstract: An engaged device that is only compatible with a specific retailer's operating system may be enclosed in a case together with a resource and/or other storage device so that content of the resource that is not compatible with the specific retailer's operating system, and that may not thereby be readily accessed by the engaged device, may be indirectly accessed by the engaged device. The engaged device may be coupled to a casing, and the casing may be coupled to a resource. As a result, the engaged device may indirectly access the resource.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) remote input/output (I/O) connection system includes an enclosure having a power button, a communication bus connection point, and an audio connection point. A cable dongle extends from the enclosure. The cable dongle has a first end and a second end. The cable dongle also includes a connection from the power button on the enclosure on the first end to a communication connection point plug on the second end, which mates with a connection point plug on a remote I/O device card that enables a parallel (ACPI) S5-capable power button from the IHS to exist on the enclosure. The cable dongle further includes a communication cable coupled to the communication bus connection point on the first end and having a communication connection point plug on the second end. In addition, the cable dongle includes an audio cable coupled to the audio connection point on the first end and having an audio connection point plug on the second end.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for physically coupling, via a docking port, a first stand-alone computing device to a communication bus coupled to a set of processing resources; detecting, by the communication bus, the coupling; responsive to the detecting of the coupling, correlating the stand-alone computing device to a subset of the set of processing resources; signaling, by the communication bus, each resource of the subset of the coupling; and responsive to the signaling, dynamically configuring the stand-alone computing device and each resource of the subset to enable the stand-alone computing device to utilize each resource of the subset.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a patient monitor and a plurality of docking stations. Each docking station is associated with a set of patient monitor configurations. Interfacing the patient monitor with a particular docking station allows a user to select one or more of the set of patient monitor configurations associated with the particular docking station for use in the patient monitor.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device, includes a base for supporting a bottom of the electronic device, a supporting portion secured to the base for abutting a rear portion of the electronic device; and two clipping portions rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the supporting portion. The clipping portions respectively clip opposite sides of the electronic device and cooperate with the base and the supporting portion to hold the electronic device in the docking station.

Abstract: A modular wireless docking station for enabling a wireless connection between a computing device and a plurality of peripheral devices. The modular wireless docking station includes a radio plane having at least a wireless transceiver and at least one antenna for communicating with the computing device over a wireless medium; and a plurality of peripheral interface planes for communicating with one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices.

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: Methods and systems are described for transmitting and displaying video data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, hot plug events occurring when a toggleable hot plug detection mechanism is use.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and systems for displaying information regarding an unengaged plug-in unit are provided. A plug-in unit may include a processor and an information verification module communicatively coupled to the processor. The information verification module may include a non-volatile memory, a controller communicatively coupled to the non-volatile memory, and display communicatively coupled to the controller. The a non-volatile memory may store information. The controller may be configured to, when the plug-in unit is unengaged: (i) read the information from the non-volatile memory, and (ii) communicate control signals based at least in part on the read information. The display may be configured to, when the plug-in unit is unengaged, display graphic images or alphanumeric characters based at least in part on the control signals.

Abstract: An electronic document reading device includes an electronic page having at least one display surface and a page support. The page is attached to the page support such that the page is physically turnable. The device also includes a memory to store at least part of a document to be read and a page driver coupled to the memory, to drive the page display surface to display a first stored portion of the document. The device further includes a sensing system to sense turning of the page and an update control system coupled to the sensing system to control update of the display surface with a second stored portion of the document responsive to sensing of the page turning. The update control system is configured to control the updating such that the updating is at least partially hidden from a viewpoint of a user of the device.

Abstract: Sleeves for different portable electronic devices (portable media players, wireless telephones, handheld computers, etc.) adapt the outer contours of the devices such that all can fit within the pocket of a standard device dock. Each sleeve situates its portable electronic device within the pocket of the dock such that at least one of its power/communications ports is situated at a standard location. The device dock then also accommodates a connector which fits within the dock pocket, and which has power/communications ports situated at the standard location, such that when the sleeved device is inserted into the pocket, its power/communications ports interface with the power/communications ports of the connector. The connector can incorporate data storage devices, power supplies, interface cables extending to other devices (such as personal computers, stereo systems, etc.) such that it lends the functionality of these devices to the sleeved device situated within the pocket.

Abstract: A cradle comprises a first connecting unit to which a portable content playback apparatus is connectable; a second connecting unit to which a computer is connectable; an output unit that outputs content data; a controller that controls the portable content playback apparatus; a hub that is connected to the second connecting unit, a first switch, and a second switch; the first switch that switches between connection of the first connecting unit to the controller and connection of the first connecting unit to the hub; the second switch that switches between connection of the output unit to the controller and connection of the output unit to the hub; and a switch control unit that controls switching of the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A speaker docking station for an iPad has a housing having a seat for supporting the iPad resting thereon in either portrait or landscape position, a dock connector, an operating circuit for processing an audio signal from the iPad via the connector, and two speaker drivers for reproducing sound based on an audio signal from the iPad and processed by the operating circuit. The connector is connected to the operating circuit by a cable extending outside the housing. The seat has a void, e.g., hole or recess, for accommodating the connector when the iPad is supported by and resting on the seat in the portrait position. The cable is of a sufficient length such that the connector will remain in connection with the iPad when the iPad is turned and supported by and resting on the seat in the landscape position.

Abstract: A docking device with a built-in network share module is coupled to an external electronic apparatus via a connector, thereby providing additional hardware functions to the electronic apparatus. The docking device is provided with a built-in network share module including a network input port, a wireless network chip, and an antenna unit. The docking device is coupled to an external modem via the network input port, so that the docking device can access the Internet via the modem. Further, the network share module is coupled to a processing unit inside the docking device, so that the electronic apparatus can access the Internet via the docking device and the modem. Further, the wireless network chip is configured to convert network signals and transmit the converted network signals to the outside via the antenna unit, thereby sharing the wireless network with the outside.

Abstract: A vehicular interface may include an electromechanical interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a vehicular bus or network. In selected embodiments the interface may operate in a “master mode” when a handheld device, such as a tablet computer or smart-phone, is not inserted therein. In this mode the interface may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on a vehicle (such as engine control subsystems, media controllers, navigation systems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In one embodiment, when a tablet device is inserted into the interface, the interface may automatically switch to “slave mode” in which it acts as an adapter or interface between the tablet device and the vehicular subsystems. In this mode of operation the user's exclusive interface is through the tablet computer and the tablet computer serves as the master controller for the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices via a playback network including a dock interface are disclosed. An example dock includes a docking connection to enable a portable playback device to be connected to the dock and a network communication interface to enable the portable playback device to connect to a playback network via the dock, the network communication interface to provide content from the portable playback device to at least one network playback device for playback of the content via the playback network.

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. Each complex shape is either a power hub including rechargeable batteries or a processor hub including processors. A sensor module is latched in a sensor docking bay and an actuator module is latched in an actuator docking bay of each complex shape in one or more tiers of the multiple tiers.

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: This document describes techniques (300, 600) and apparatuses (102, 106, 700, 800, 900) for peripheral authentication. These techniques (300, 600) and apparatuses (102, 106, 700, 800, 900) may configure data lines for authentication between host device (102) and peripheral (106), use these configured data lines to authenticate the peripheral (106), and then reconfigure the data lines for use. These techniques (300, 600) may also or instead transmit time stamps to a remote entity (402) for tracking peripheral use and/or present home screens (122) responsive to connection to a peripheral (106).

Abstract: A docking cradle is configured to seat a mobile computer. The docking cradle comprises a docking interface configured to electrically couple the docking cradle to the mobile computer and a latch for latching the mobile computer within the docking cradle. The latch comprises a pair of latching arms and a locking plate. Each latching arm comprises at least one tooth configured to engage a corresponding recess in the mobile computer, an arm pivot point on a lower portion of the latching arm, and an offset portion below the arm pivot point. Each latching arm is rotationally mounted to opposing sides of the docking cradle at the arm pivot point so as to rotate towards and away from each other. Each latching arm is shaped so that a distance between the offset portions is less than the distance between arm pivot points when the latching arms are upright.

Abstract: An integrated expansion device includes a base, a clamping unit, an input device, a second transmission unit, a display device, and a connection unit. A handheld electronic device can be held by the clamping unit, fixed to a receiving region on the base, and electrically connected to the second transmission unit. The handheld electronic device functions as a computation processing center and a touch panel and is connected to the display device and the input device which are disposed on the base, thereby having a large display screen and an input interface. The display device can be rotated, opened, and shut relative to the base via the connection unit to thereby implement a hardware system equivalent to a notebook computer and enhance applicability and ease of use.

Abstract: A portable control unit may be quickly coupled and decoupled from docking stations on a plurality of process system components, such as cylindrical grinding machines. The portable control unit may be used to control the process system component and receive and output data produced by the process system component. The ability to quickly couple and decouple the portable control unit may allow a single portable control unit to be used to control numerous process system components, thereby saving cost and space. Various communications interfaces and attachment mechanisms may be used to communicatively and mechanically couple the portable control unit to a docking station.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device for use with a docking station is disclosed. The method includes detecting a coupling of the electronic device with the docking station, obtaining an image of an identifier associated with the docking station in response to detecting the coupling, and performing a predefined operation by the electronic device based on the image of the identifier in response to obtaining the image.

Abstract: A docking station includes a multiplexer. The multiplexer includes a first input end, a second input end, and an encode system. The encode system is connected to the second input end, and configured to generate an encoding according to a connection status of the second input end. The encode system is configured to generate a first encoding, when a first peripheral device is connected to the second input end, to switch the multiplexer to a first state, in which the second input end is on and the first input end is off. The encode system is further configured to generate a second encoding, when the first peripheral device is not connected to the second input end, to switch the multiplexer to a second state, in which the second input end is off and the first input end is on.

Abstract: An operating method of a dual operating system, adapted to switch a first operating system and a second operating system on a docking system composed of a portable electronic device and a docking station, wherein the portable electronic device stores the first operating system and the first part of the second operating system, and the docking station stores the second part of the second operating system, the operating method comprising automatically starting the first part of the second operating system when the portable device operates the first operating system and is in an idle mode of the first operating system. When the portable device is coupled to the docking system and operates the second operating system and is in the idle mode of the second operating system, the portable device automatically loads and executes the first operating system.

Abstract: A cloud computer includes a base, a host, and a battery, in which the host includes a motherboard, a memory connected to the motherboard, and a base connector connected to the motherboard, and the base includes a host connector corresponding to the base connector of the host, and a plurality of input/output ports to connect to peripherals. The battery is mounted on the host and connects to the motherboard to provide electronic power to the motherboard, and the host is detachably connected with the base.

Abstract: A docking apparatus comprises a processor, a battery charging module, a storage device, and one or more ports, which are configured to couple with patient monitoring units. Each patient monitoring unit is operable to monitor at least one physiological parameter of a patient. The battery charging module charges the patient monitoring units through the ports. The storage device stores data received from the patient monitoring units through the ports. The processor transmits updates to the patient monitoring units through the ports. The ports may comprise sockets that receive plugs from cables of the patient monitoring units. The docking apparatus may comprise a plurality of separate dock housings associated with corresponding patient monitoring units. These dock housings being joined together in a daisy chain. The docking apparatus may also include a plurality of docking recesses in a single housing, with each docking recess being associated with a corresponding patient monitoring unit.

Abstract: Described are systems that employ configurable on-die termination elements that allow users to select from two or more termination topologies. One topology is programmable to support rail-to-rail or half-supply termination. Another topology selectively includes fixed or variable filter elements, thereby allowing the termination characteristics to be tuned for different levels of speed performance and power consumption. Termination voltages and impedances might also be adjusted.