Patent ID: 6119237
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A docking station for a portable computer, said docking station comprising:a housing comprising:a body having a substantially rectangular shape, two lateral sides, and a front;an interface port supported by said body for interfacing with said portable computer;a tray attached to said body and extending from said front side to support said portable computer while said portable computer is interfaced with said docking station; anda plurality of peripheral ports supported by said body for interfacing with a peripheral device;a power supply for said docking station;a controller regulating said power supply;means for said controller to detect a docked-signal indicating an electrical connection with said portable computer;a locking means for mechanically securing said portable computer to said docking station;a photo-sensor for sending a locked-signal to said controller while said portable computer is mechanically secured to said docking station;means for said controller to receive a portable-computer-power-on-signal from said portable computer when a power switch for said portable computer is turned on;means for sending a docking-station-power-on-signal to said controller when a power switch for said docking station is turned on; andsaid controller activating said power supply to both said docking station and said portable computer while said docking-signal is being received, said locked-signal is being received, said portable-computer-power-on-signal is being received, and said docking-station-power-on-signal is being received, thus said controller causes said power supply to power said docking station and said portable computer while said portable computer is both electrically and mechanically connected to said docking station and both said power switch for said portable computer and said power switch for said docking station is activated.