System and method of managing displays at a portable computing device and a portable computing device docking station

A method of managing a portable computing device (PCD) display and a PCD docking station display when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include connecting a PCD data driver to the PCD docking station display, transmitting a primary display signal to the PCD docking station display, and transmitting a secondary display signal to the PCD display. The method may include displaying primary information at the PCD docking station display. The method may also include displaying secondary information at the PCD docking station display.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to portable computing devices, and more particularly, to portable computing device docking stations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Portable computing devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices may include cellular telephones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronic devices. As technology increases, PCDs are becoming increasingly powerful and rival laptop computers and desktop computers in computing power and storage capabilities.

One drawback to using a PCD, however, is the small form factor typically associated therewith. As the PCD gets smaller and is made more easily portable, using the PCD may become increasingly difficult. Further, the small form factor of a PCD may limit the amount of ports, or connections, that may be incorporated in the shell, or housing, of the PCD. As such, even as PCDs become more powerful and have increased capabilities, access to the power and capabilities may be limited by the sizes of the PCDs.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved for system and method for taking advantage of the computing capabilities provided by a PCD.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A method of managing a portable computing device (PCD) display and a PCD docking station display when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include connecting a PCD data driver to the PCD docking station display, transmitting a primary display signal to the PCD docking station display, and transmitting a secondary display signal to the PCD display. The method may include displaying primary information at the PCD docking station display. The primary information may include application content, video content, album artwork, a contact list, a call history, a caller photo, a caller number, an email content, game content, or a combination thereof. The method may also include displaying secondary information at the PCD docking station display. The secondary information may include one or more application commands, one or more video controls, one or more audio controls, a numeric keypad, an email list, one or more game controls, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, a portable computing device (PCD) is disclosed and may include means for connecting a PCD data driver to a PCD docking station display, means for transmitting a primary display signal to a PCD docking station display, and means for transmitting a secondary display signal to a PCD display. Further, the portable computing device may include means for displaying primary information at the PCD docking station display and means for displaying secondary information at the PCD docking station display.

In still another aspect, a portable computing device (PCD) is disclosed and may include a processor. The processor may be operable to connect a PCD data driver to the PCD docking station display, to transmit a primary display signal to the PCD docking station display, and to transmit a secondary display signal to the PCD display. Further, the processor may be operable to display primary information at the PCD docking station display and to display secondary information at the PCD docking station display.

In another aspect, a computer program product is disclosed and may include a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for connecting a PCD data driver to a PCD docking station display, at least one instruction for transmitting a primary display signal to a PCD docking station display, and at least one instruction for transmitting a secondary display signal to a PCD display. Moreover, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for displaying primary information at the PCD docking station display and at least one instruction for displaying secondary information at the PCD docking station display.

In another aspect, a method of managing a portable computing device (PCD) display and a PCD docking station display when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include connecting a PCD data driver to the PCD docking station display, transmitting a PCD display signal to the PCD docking station display, converting the PCD display to a touch screen input device, displaying a generic touch screen user interface, and receiving one or more commands via the generic touch screen user interface. Further, the method may include searching a dynamic touch screen user interface table when an application is selected and determining whether an application-defined touch screen user interface is available. The method may also include displaying the application-defined touch screen user interface when available and receiving one or more commands via the application-defined touch screen user interface.

In this aspect, the method may include determining whether a user-defined touch screen user interface is available when an application-defined touch screen user interface is not available, displaying the user-defined touch screen user interface when available, and receiving one or more commands via the user-defined touch screen user interface.

In another aspect, a portable computing device is disclosed and may include means for connecting a PCD data driver to a PCD docking station display, means for transmitting a PCD display signal to the PCD docking station display, means for converting a PCD display to a touch screen input device, means for displaying a generic touch screen user interface, and means for receiving one or more commands via the generic touch screen user interface. Further, the portable computing device may include means for searching a dynamic touch screen user interface table when an application is selected and means for determining whether an application-defined touch screen user interface is available.

In this aspect, the portable computing device may include means for displaying the application-defined touch screen user interface when available and means for receiving one or more commands via the application-defined touch screen user interface. Also, the portable computing device may include means for determining whether a user-defined touch screen user interface is available when an application-defined touch screen user interface is not available, means for displaying the user-defined touch screen user interface when available, and means for receiving one or more commands via the user-defined touch screen user interface.

In yet another aspect, a portable computing device (PCD) is disclosed and may include a processor. The processor may be operable to connect a PCD data driver to a PCD docking station display, to transmit a PCD display signal to the PCD docking station display, to convert a PCD display to a touch screen input device, to display a generic touch screen user interface, and to receive one or more commands via the generic touch screen user interface. The processor may be further operable to search a dynamic touch screen user interface table when an application is selected and to determine whether an application-defined touch screen user interface is available. Also, the processor may be operable to display the application-defined touch screen user interface when available and to receive one or more commands via the application-defined touch screen user interface.

In this aspect, the processor may be operable to determine whether a user-defined touch screen user interface is available when an application-defined touch screen user interface is not available, to display the user-defined touch screen user interface when available, and to receive one or more commands via the user-defined touch screen user interface.

In another aspect, a computer program product is disclosed and may include a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for connecting a PCD data driver to a PCD docking station display, at least one instruction for transmitting a PCD display signal to the PCD docking station display, at least one instruction for converting a PCD display to a touch screen input device, at least one instruction for displaying a generic touch screen user interface, and at least one instruction for receiving one or more commands via the generic touch screen user interface.

The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for searching a dynamic touch screen user interface table when an application is selected and at least one instruction for determining whether an application-defined touch screen user interface is available. Also, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for displaying the application-defined touch screen user interface when available and at least one instruction for receiving one or more commands via the application-defined touch screen user interface.

Further, in this aspect, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for determining whether a user-defined touch screen user interface is available when an application-defined touch screen user interface is not available, at least one instruction for displaying the user-defined touch screen user interface when available, and at least one instruction for receiving one or more commands via the user-defined touch screen user interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially toFIG. 1throughFIG. 4, an exemplary portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated100. As shown, the PCD100may include a housing102. The housing102may include an upper housing portion104and a lower housing portion106.FIG. 1shows that the upper housing portion104may include a display108. In a particular aspect, the display108may be a touchscreen display. The upper housing portion104may also include a trackball input device110. Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the upper housing portion104may include a power on button112and a power off button114. As shown inFIG. 1, the upper housing portion104of the PCD100may include a plurality of indicator lights116and a speaker118. Each indicator light116may be a light emitting diode (LED).

In a particular aspect, as depicted inFIG. 2, the upper housing portion104is movable relative to the lower housing portion106. Specifically, the upper housing portion104may be slidable relative to the lower housing portion106. As shown inFIG. 2, the lower housing portion106may include a multi-button keyboard120. In a particular aspect, the multi-button keyboard120may be a QWERTY keyboard. The multi-button keyboard120may be revealed when the upper housing portion104is moved relative to the lower housing portion106.FIG. 2further illustrates that the PCD100may include a reset button122on the lower housing portion106.

As shown inFIG. 3, the PCD100may include a multi-pin connector array130established, or otherwise disposed, in a short end of the PCD100, e.g., a bottom of the PCD100. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the PCD100may include a multi-pin connector array132established, or otherwise disposed, in a long end of the PCD100, e.g., a left side of the PCD100or a right side of the PCD100. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array130,132may provide connectivity between the PCD100and an aspect of a PCD docking station, described in detail below.

Referring toFIG. 5, an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated520. As shown, the PCD520includes an on-chip system522that includes a digital signal processor524and an analog signal processor526that are coupled together. The on-chip system522may include more than two processors. For example, the on-chip system522may include four core processors and an ARM11processor, i.e., as described below in conjunction withFIG. 32. It may be appreciated that the on-chip system522may include other types of processors, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, a multi-core DSP, a GPU, a multi-core GPU, or any combination thereof.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a display controller528and a touchscreen controller530are coupled to the digital signal processor524. In turn, a touchscreen display532external to the on-chip system522is coupled to the display controller528and the touchscreen controller530.

FIG. 5further indicates that a video encoder534, e.g., a phase alternating line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM) encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (NTSC) encoder, is coupled to the digital signal processor524. Further, a video amplifier536is coupled to the video encoder534and the touchscreen display532. Also, a video port538is coupled to the video amplifier536. As depicted inFIG. 5, a universal serial bus (USB) controller540is coupled to the digital signal processor524. Also, a USB port542is coupled to the USB controller540. A memory544and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card546may also be coupled to the digital signal processor524. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, a digital camera548may be coupled to the digital signal processor524. In an exemplary aspect, the digital camera548is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

As further illustrated inFIG. 5, a stereo audio CODEC550may be coupled to the analog signal processor526. Moreover, an audio amplifier552may coupled to the stereo audio CODEC550. In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker554and a second stereo speaker556are coupled to the audio amplifier552.FIG. 5shows that a microphone amplifier558may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC550. Additionally, a microphone560may be coupled to the microphone amplifier558. In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (FM) radio tuner562may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC550. Also, an FM antenna564is coupled to the FM radio tuner562. Further, stereo headphones566may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC550.

FIG. 5further indicates that a radio frequency (RF) transceiver568may be coupled to the analog signal processor526. An RF switch570may be coupled to the RF transceiver568and an RF antenna572. As shown inFIG. 5, a keypad574may be coupled to the analog signal processor526. Also, a mono headset with a microphone576may be coupled to the analog signal processor526. Further, a vibrator device578may be coupled to the analog signal processor526.FIG. 5also shows that a power supply580may be coupled to the on-chip system522. In a particular aspect, the power supply580is a direct current (DC) power supply that provides power to the various components of the PCD520that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source.

As shown inFIG. 5, the PCD520may also include a global positioning system (GPS) module582. The GPS module582may be used to determine the location of the PCD520. Further, the GPS module582may be used to determine whether the PCD520is in motion by determining successive location information. Also, based on the successive location information the rate at which the PCD520is moving may be determined.

FIG. 5indicates that the PCD520may include a management module584, e.g., within the memory544. The management module584may be used to manage the power of the PCD, the power of a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.

Further, in another aspect, the management module584may be used to manage the memory544within the PCD520, a memory within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the management module584may be used to manage one or more applications stored within the PCD520, one or more content items stored within the PCD520, one or more applications stored within a PCD docking station, one or more content items stored within a PCD docking station, one or more application download requests received from a PCD520, one or more content item download requests received from a PCD520, one or more application download requests received from a PCD docking station, one or more content item download requests received from a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.

In yet another aspect, the management module584may also be used to manage security between the PCD520and a PCD docking station, e.g., a mated PCD docking station, an unmated PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Further, the management module584may also be used to manage the display532within the PCD520, a display within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the management module584may be used to manage calls received at the PCD520, e.g., while the PCD520is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module584may be used to manage calls transmitted from the PCD520, e.g., while the PCD520is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module584may also be used to manage other data transmission to and from the PCD520while the PCD520is docked or undocked, e.g., via a Wi-Fi network, a WPAN, a cellular network, or any other wireless data network.

In still another aspect, the management module584may be used to manage processors within the PCD520, e.g., when the PCD520is docked with a PCD docking station, when the PCD520is undocked with a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. The management module584may also be used to manage the execution of applications within the PCD520when the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. For example, the management module584may manage the execution of primary application versions, secondary application versions, standard application versions, enhanced application versions, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5indicates that the PCD520may further include a sensor586connected to the DSP524. The sensor586may be a motion sensor, a tilt sensor, a proximity sensor, a shock sensor, or a combination thereof. The sensor586may be used for situational awareness applications. For example, the sensor586may be used to detect the motion of a user lifting the PCD520to his or her ear and at the apex of the motion automatically connecting an incoming call. Further, the sensor586may detect a prolonged lack of motion of the PCD520whereas the PCD520may be automatically powered down, or placed in a sleep mode. The sensor586may remain powered so that when motion is once again detected, the PCD520may be switched from the sleep mode, or an off mode, into an active mode.

The sensor586may be used with tilt sensing applications. For example, the sensor586may be used for user interface applications in which movement is relevant. The sensor586may be used to sense picture, or screen, orientation. Further, the sensor586may be used to navigate, scroll, browse, zoom, pan, or a combination thereof based on tilt sensing. The sensor586may also be used in conjunction with gaming applications. In another application, the sensor586may be used for shock detection in order to protect a hard disk drive within the PCD520or a hard disk drive within a PCD docking station in which the PCD520is docked, or otherwise, engaged. Further, the sensor586may be used for tap detection.

FIG. 5further indicates that the PCD520may also include a network card588that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. The network card588may be a Bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a personal area network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-power technology (PeANUT) network card, or any other network card well known in the art. Further, the network card588may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., the network card588may be a full solution in a chip, and may not be a separate network card588.

As depicted inFIG. 5, the touchscreen display532, the video port538, the USB port542, the camera548, the first stereo speaker554, the second stereo speaker556, the microphone560, the FM antenna564, the stereo headphones566, the RF switch570, the RF antenna572, the keypad574, the mono headset576, the vibrator578, and the power supply580are external to the on-chip system522.

In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in the memory544as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by a processor524,526in order to perform the methods described herein. Further, the processors,524,526, the display controller528, the touchscreen controller530, the memory544, the management module584, the network card588, or a combination thereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein.

Referring now toFIG. 6throughFIG. 11, a first aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated600. As shown, the PCD docking station600may include a housing602having a generally flat, boxed shaped lower housing portion604and a generally flat, boxed shaped upper housing portion606. In a particular aspect, the upper housing portion606may be connected to the lower housing portion604by a first hinge608and a second hinge610. The upper housing portion606of the housing602may rotate around the hinges608,610with respect to the lower housing portion604of the housing602. Accordingly, the upper housing portion606may be rotated, or otherwise moved, relative to the lower housing portion604of the housing602between a closed position, or closed configuration, shown inFIG. 6throughFIG. 9, and an open position, or open configuration, shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11. It may be appreciated that the open position may include a plurality of open positions in which the upper housing portion606of the housing602is rotated away from the lower housing portion604of the housing602and disposed at a plurality of angles with respect to the lower housing portion604of the housing602.

Although, the PCD docking station600is shown with hinges608,610coupling the upper housing portion606to the lower housing portion604. It may be appreciated that the upper housing portion606may be coupled, or otherwise connected, to the lower housing portion604via a slide assembly (not shown). The upper housing portion606may slide relative to the lower housing portion604in order to reveal one or more components within the lower housing portion604, the upper housing portion606, or a combination thereof. Further, the upper housing portion606and the lower housing portion604may snap together or be coupled, or otherwise connected, via various other coupling mechanisms well known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 6throughFIG. 9, the PCD docking station600may include a first front foot612and a second front foot614. Further, the PCD docking station600may also include a first rear foot616and a second rear foot618. Each foot612,614,616,618may be made from a polymer, rubber, or other similar type of material to support the PCD docking station600when placed on a desk or table and to prevent the PCD docking station600from slipping with respect to the desk or table.

As illustrated inFIG. 6,FIG. 10, andFIG. 11, the PCD docking station600may include a latch assembly620. The latch assembly620may include a first hook622and a second hook624extending from the upper housing portion606of the housing602. The first hook622and the second hook624may be connected to each other and a slider626. The latch assembly620may also include a first hook pocket628and a second hook pocket630formed within the lower housing portion604of the housing602. The first hook pocket628and the second hook pocket630may be sized and shaped to receive and engage the first hook622and the second hook624. The slider626may be moved, or otherwise slid, relative to the upper housing portion606of the housing602in order to release the hooks622,624from the hook pockets628,630and unlock the PCD docking station600in order to allow the upper housing portion606of the housing602to be rotated with respect to the lower housing portion604of the housing602.

FIG. 9illustrates that the lower housing portion604of the housing602may include a plurality of external device connections640. For example, the lower housing portion604of the housing602may include an IEEE 1284 connection642, a first universal serial bus (USB) connection644, a second USB connection646, a registered jack (RJ) 11 connection648, an RJ-45 connection650, a microphone jack652, and a headphone/speaker jack654. Further, the lower housing portion604of the housing602may include an S-video connection656, a video graphics array (VGA) connection658, and an alternating current (AC) power adapter connection660. The lower housing portion604of the housing602may include other connections, described elsewhere herein.

Referring now toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the upper housing portion606of the PCD docking station600may include a display670incorporated therein. For example, the display670may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a backlit-LED display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other type of display. The lower housing portion604of the PCD docking station600may include a keyboard672incorporated therein. The keyboard672may be a fully QWERTY keyboard. The lower housing portion604of the PCD docking station600may include a touch pad mouse674incorporated therein. Further, the lower housing portion604of the PCD docking station600may include a first mouse button676and a second mouse button678incorporated therein. The mouse buttons676,678may be proximal to the touch pad mouse674. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the lower housing portion604of the housing602may include a first speaker680and a second speaker682incorporated therein. The lower housing portion604of the housing602may also include a fingerprint reader684incorporated therein.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the lower housing portion604of the housing602may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4. The open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion604of the housing602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall692, a right side wall694, a rear side wall696, a front side wall698, and a bottom surface700.

FIG. 10indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690may include a multi-pin connector array702. The multi-pin connector array702may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls692,694,696,698. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 10, the multi-pin connector702may extend from the left side wall692of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690. The multi-pin connector array702may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690may also include a latch assembly704that extends over an edge of one of the side walls692,694,696,698. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the latch assembly704may extend over the edge of the right side wall694of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690opposite the left side wall692of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690. The latch assembly704may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of the lower housing portion604of the housing602. In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly704may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4, to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690. Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly704may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly704may then engage an upper surface of the PCD100in order to maintain the PCD100within the PCD docking pocket690.FIG. 11illustrates the PCD100engaged with the PCD docking station600.

As shown inFIG. 11, the PCD100may be installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690as described herein. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array702, the PCD100may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690. When the PCD100is installed within the docking pocket690, the multi-pin connector array130of the PCD100may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array702formed in the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690. Further, when the PCD100is installed face up within the docking pocket690, the display670within the PCD docking station600may operate as a primary display and the PCD100may operate as a secondary display.

For example, an executing application may be displayed on the primary display and one or more commands may be displayed on the secondary display. In another aspect, in a video mode, video may be displayed on the primary display and a video list and one or more video controls may be displayed on the secondary display. In yet another aspect, in an audio player mode, album art may be displayed on the primary display and one or more audio controls may be displayed in the secondary display.

In a phone mode, a contacts list, a call history, a caller photo, a call number, or a combination thereof may be displayed on the primary display and a numeric keypad may be displayed on the secondary display. When a call occurs, an application manager, e.g., within the PCD100may switch from the current application displayed on the secondary display to a phone application displayed on the secondary display. The call may be answered through the PCD100by undocking the PCD100. Alternatively, the call may be answered through the PCD docking station600, e.g., through the speakers680,682and a microphone connected to the PCD docking station. Moreover, the call may be answered through a headset, e.g., a Bluetooth headset coupled to the PCD100.

In yet another aspect, in an email application, a current email may be displayed on the primary display and a list of other emails may be displayed on the secondary display. In a game application, the executing game may be displayed on the primary display and the game controls may be displayed on the secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station600the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station600is portable and the housing602of the PCD docking station600may be closed while the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station600. Also, the PCD docking station600may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690. When the PCD100is installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690, the PCD100can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station600to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD100is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket690, the PCD docking station600may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD100with the multi-pin connector array702may cause the PCD docking station600to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100from the multi-pin connector array702may cause the PCD docking station600to be powered off.

Referring now toFIG. 12throughFIG. 15, a second aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated1200. In general, the PCD docking station1200shown inFIG. 12throughFIG. 15is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station600described in conjunction withFIG. 6throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station1200shown inFIG. 12throughFIG. 15does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690(FIG. 10).

As illustrated inFIG. 12,FIG. 13andFIG. 14, the PCD docking station1200may include a housing1202having a lower housing portion1204and an upper housing portion1206. In this aspect, the lower housing portion1204may include an open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210formed therein. The open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4. The open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion1204of the housing1202. As shown, the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall1212, a rear side wall1214, a front side wall1216, and a bottom surface1218. Further, the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210is open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210.

FIG. 12throughFIG. 14indicate that the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210may include a multi-pin connector array1222. The multi-pin connector array1222may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls1212,1214,1216. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 12throughFIG. 14, the multi-pin connector1222may extend from the left side wall1212of the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210. The multi-pin connector array1222may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 14andFIG. 15, a PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4, may be slid into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210from the open, right side of the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210. The PCD may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on the PCD engages the multi-pin connector array1222that extends into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210. When fully engaged with the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1210, as depicted inFIG. 15, a touchscreen display within the PCD may be accessible to the user.

Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array1222, the PCD100may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket1210. When the PCD100is installed face up within the docking pocket1210, the display within the PCD docking station1200may operate as a primary display and the PCD100may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station1200the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station1200is portable and the housing1202of the PCD docking station1200may be closed while the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station1200. Also, the PCD docking station1200may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket1210. When the PCD100is installed within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket1210, the PCD100can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station1200to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD100is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket1210, the PCD docking station1200may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD100with the multi-pin connector array1222may cause the PCD docking station1200to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100from the multi-pin connector array1222may cause the PCD docking station1200to be powered off.

FIG. 16andFIG. 17, illustrate a third aspect of a PCD docking station, generally designated1600. In general, the PCD docking station1600shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station600described in conjunction withFIG. 6throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station1600shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690(FIG. 10).

As illustrated inFIG. 16andFIG. 17, the PCD docking station1600may include a housing1602having a lower housing portion1604and an upper housing portion1606. In this aspect, the lower housing portion1604may include a closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610formed therein. The closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4. The closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion1604of the housing1602. As shown, the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall1612, a rear side wall1614, a front side wall1616, a bottom surface1618, and a top surface1620. Further, the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610may be open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610.

FIG. 16andFIG. 17indicate that the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610may include a multi-pin connector array1622. The multi-pin connector array1622may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls1612,1614,1616. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17, the multi-pin connector1622may extend from the left side wall1612of the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610. The multi-pin connector array1622may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 17, a PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4, may be slid into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610from the open, right side of the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610. The PCD100may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on the PCD100engages the multi-pin connector array1622that extends into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610. When fully engaged with the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610, the PCD100may not be accessible to the user.

As shown inFIG. 16, the PCD docking station1600may further include an eject button1624. When the eject button1624is pressed, the PCD100may be ejected from the PCD docking pocket1610and the PCD docking station1600for retrieval by a user. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array1622, the PCD100may be installed face up or face down within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610. When the PCD100is installed within the docking pocket1610, the multi-pin connector array130of the PCD100may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array1622formed in the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station1600the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station1600is portable and the housing1602of the PCD docking station1600may be closed while the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station1600. Also, the PCD docking station1600may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610. When the PCD100is installed within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610, the PCD100can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station1600to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD100is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610, the PCD docking station1600may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD100with the multi-pin connector array1622may cause the PCD docking station1600to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100from the multi-pin connector array1622may cause the PCD docking station1600to be powered off.

Referring toFIG. 18throughFIG. 22, a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated1800. In general, the PCD docking station1800shown inFIG. 18throughFIG. 22is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station600described in conjunction withFIG. 6throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station1800shown inFIG. 18throughFIG. 22does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690(FIG. 10).

As illustrated inFIG. 18throughFIG. 22, the PCD docking station1800may include a housing1802having a lower housing portion1804and an upper housing portion1806. In this aspect, the lower housing portion1804may include a PCD docking tray1810extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray1810may be slidably engaged with the lower housing portion1804of the PCD docking station1800. The PCD docking tray1810may extend from a side of the lower housing portion1804, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side. In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray1810may extend outwardly from the right side of the lower housing portion1804of the PCD docking station1800. Further, the PCD docking tray1810may be movable between an open position, or extended position, in which the PCD docking tray1810is extended from the PCD docking station1800and a closed position, or retracted position, in which the PCD is retracted into the PCD docking station1800.

The PCD docking tray1810may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate1812having a proximal end1814and a distal end1816. A face plate1818may be attached to, or formed with, the distal end1816of the support plate1812. As shown, in a particular aspect, the face plate1818may be perpendicular to the support plate1812.FIG. 19andFIG. 20further show that the PCD docking tray1810may be formed with a central opening1820. In a particular aspect, the central opening1820may be generally rectangular and may be oriented so that a long axis of the central opening1820is substantially parallel to the proximal end1814and the distal end1816of the support plate1812.

As shown, the PCD docking tray1810may also include a support arm1822that is sized and shaped to fit into the central opening1820formed in the support plate1812. The support arm1822may be generally rectangular and may include a proximal end1824and a distal end1826. The proximal end1824of the support arm1822may be connected to the support plate1812via a rod or pin (not shown) that passes through the proximal end1824of the support arm1822and into the support plate1812on each side of the central opening1820flanking the support arm1822.

Further, as depicted, the support plate1812may include a multi-pin connector array1828adjacent to the central opening1820and the support arm1822. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array1828may be located adjacent to the proximal end1824of the support arm1822. The multi-pin connector array1828may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray1810is movable between an open position, shown inFIG. 19, in which the PCD docking tray1810extends fully from within the housing1802, and a closed position in which the PCD docking tray1810is retracted into the housing1802. In the closed position, the face plate1818of the PCD docking tray1810may be flush with the side of the housing1802.

Moreover, in a particular aspect, the support arm1822may pivot within the central opening1820of the support plate1812between a first position and a second position. In the first position, shown inFIG. 19, in which the support arm1822fits into the central opening1820of the support plate1812and the support arm1822is flush with the support plate1812, i.e., an upper surface of the support arm1822is even with an upper surface of the support plate1812, a lower surface of the support arm1822is even with a lower surface of the support plate1812, or a combination thereof.

In the second position, the support arm1822may form an angle with respect to the support plate1812. In a particular aspect, the support arm1822, the support plate1812, or a combination thereof may include a detent (not shown), spring (not shown), or other similar mechanism to hold the support arm1822in the second position. By applying pressure on the distal end1826of the support arm1822the force of detent, or spring, may be overcome and the support arm1822may be returned to the first position.

As shown inFIG. 21andFIG. 22, in the second position, a PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4may rest on the support arm1822and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD100may engage the multi-pin connector array1828on the PCD docking tray1810. The support arm1822may support the PCD100at an angle to facilitate viewing of the PCD100during operation of the PCD100and the PCD docking station1800.

In a particular aspect, as shown inFIG. 18, the PCD docking station1800may further include an eject button1830. The eject button1830may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray1810. Alternatively, the eject button1830may be incorporated into the PCD docking station1800adjacent to the PCD docking tray1810. When the eject button1830is pressed, the PCD docking tray1810may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the PCD100may be docked with and supported by the PCD docking tray1810.

When the PCD100is engaged within the PCD docking tray1810, the display within the PCD docking station1800may operate as a primary display and the PCD100may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station1800the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station1800is portable.

Referring toFIG. 23throughFIG. 25, a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated2300. In general, the PCD docking station2300shown inFIG. 23throughFIG. 25is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station600described in conjunction withFIG. 6throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station2300shown inFIG. 23throughFIG. 25does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690(FIG. 10).

As illustrated inFIG. 23throughFIG. 25, the PCD docking station2300may include a housing2302having a lower housing portion2304and an upper housing portion2306. In this aspect, the upper housing portion2306may include a PCD docking tray2310extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray2310may be slidably engaged with the upper housing portion2306of the PCD docking station2300. The PCD docking tray2310may extend from a side of the upper housing portion2306, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side (i.e., a top side when the upper housing portion2306is open). In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray2310may extend outwardly from the right side of the upper housing portion2306of the PCD docking station2300.

The PCD docking tray2310may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate2312having a proximal end2314and a distal end2316. A face plate2318may be attached to, or formed with, the distal end2316of the support plate2312. In a particular aspect, the face plate2318may be perpendicular to the support plate2312.FIG. 24andFIG. 25further show that the PCD docking tray2310may include a support lip2320formed along a bottom edge of the support plate2312. In a particular aspect, the support lip2320may be generally “L” shaped and provide a pocket between the support lip2320and the support plate2312in which an end of a PCD may fit and rest during use.

Further, as depicted inFIG. 23, the upper housing portion2306of the PCD docking station2302may include a multi-pin connector array2328adjacent to the PCD docking tray2310. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array2328may be located adjacent to the proximal end2314of the support plate2312. The multi-pin connector array2328may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray2310is movable between a open position, or extended position, shown inFIG. 24, in which the PCD docking tray2310extends fully from within the housing2302, e.g., the upper housing portion2306, and a closed position, or retracted position, in which the PCD docking tray2310is retracted into the housing2302, e.g., the upper housing portion2306. In the retracted position, the face plate2318of the PCD docking tray2310may be flush with the side of the upper housing portion2306.

In the extended position, as shown inFIG. 25, the PCD100may rest on the PCD docking tray2310and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD100may engage the multi-pin connector array2328on the upper housing portion2306. The PCD docking tray2310may support the PCD100at the same angle as the upper housing portion2306is relative to the lower housing portion2304to facilitate viewing of the PCD100during operation of the PCD100and the PCD docking station2300.

In a particular aspect, as shown inFIG. 23, the PCD docking station2300may further include an eject button2330. The eject button2330may be incorporated into the PCD docking station2300adjacent to the PCD docking tray2310. Alternatively, the eject button2330may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray2310. When the eject button2330is pressed, the PCD docking tray2310may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the PCD100may be docked with and supported by the PCD docking tray2310.

When the PCD100is engaged within the PCD docking tray2310, the display within the PCD docking station2300may operate as a primary display and the PCD100may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station2300the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station2300is portable.

Referring now toFIG. 26andFIG. 27, a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated2600. In general, the PCD docking station2600shown inFIG. 26andFIG. 27is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station600described in conjunction withFIG. 6throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station2600shown inFIG. 26andFIG. 27does not include a touch pad mouse674, a first mouse button676, a second mouse button678, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated inFIG. 26andFIG. 27, the PCD docking station2600may include a housing2602having a lower housing portion2604and an upper housing portion2606. The lower housing portion2604of the housing2602may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4.

In a particular aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion2604of the housing2602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall2612, a right side wall2614, a rear side wall2616, a front side wall2618, and a bottom surface2620.

FIG. 26indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610may include a multi-pin connector array2622. The multi-pin connector array2622may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls2612,2614,2616,2618. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 26, the multi-pin connector2622may extend from the left side wall2612of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610. The multi-pin connector array2622may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array130illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array132illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 26andFIG. 27, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610may also include a latch assembly2624that extends over an edge of one of the side walls2612,2614,2616,2618. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 26andFIG. 27, the latch assembly2624may extend over the edge of the right side wall2614of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610opposite the left side wall2612of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610. The latch assembly2624may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of the lower housing portion2604of the housing2602. In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly2624may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD100shown inFIG. 1throughFIG. 4, to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610. Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly2624may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly2624may then engage an upper surface of the PCD100in order to maintain the PCD100within the PCD docking pocket2610.FIG. 27illustrates the PCD100engaged with the PCD docking station2600.

As shown, the PCD100may be installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610as described herein. When the PCD100is installed within the docking pocket2610, the multi-pin connector array130of the PCD100may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array2622formed in the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610.

In a particular aspect, when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station2600, the PCD100may be used as a supplemental display. Further, the PCD100may be used as an input device, e.g., the PCD100may be used as a mouse pad and may include a first mouse button and a second mouse button. Also, the PCD100may be used as a supplemental display and as a mouse pad with corresponding mouse buttons.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station2600the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD100and the PCD docking station2600is portable and the housing2602of the PCD docking station2600may be closed while the PCD100is docked with the PCD docking station2600. Also, the PCD docking station2600may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610. When the PCD100is installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610, the PCD100can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station2600to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD100is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610, the PCD docking station2600may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD100with the multi-pin connector array2622may cause the PCD docking station2600to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100from the multi-pin connector array2622may cause the PCD docking station2600to be powered off.

FIG. 28depicts a first aspect of a PCD system, generally designated2800. As shown, the PCD system2800may include a PCD2802and a PCD docking station2804. In a particular aspect, the PCD2802may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station2804via a dock connector2806. The dock connector2806may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD2802and one or more components within the PCD docking station2804. Additionally, the dock connector2806may be a multi-pin dock connector2806. Further, the dock connector2806may be one of the multi-pin connector arrays described herein.

As shown inFIG. 28, the PCD2802may include a printed circuit board (PCB)2808that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD2802. The PCB2808may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. A battery2810may be coupled to the PCB2808.

FIG. 28indicates that the PCD docking station2804may include a battery2820connected to the dock connector2806. A power management module2822may be connected to the battery2820. Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection2824may be connected to the power management module2822. The AC power connection2824may be connected to an AC power source (not shown).

FIG. 28further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port2838may be connected to the dock connector2806. A first USB connector2840may be connected to the first USB-HS port2838. As depicted inFIG. 28, the PCD docking station2804may also include a second USB-HS port2848. A keyboard2856may be connected to the second USB-HS port2848. In particular, the keyboard2856may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

FIG. 28indicates that the PCD docking station2804may also include a display2860connected to the dock connector2806. As shown, the dock connector2806may be further connected to a ground connection2868.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector2806may include forty-four (44) pins. For example, the dock connector2806may include eight (8) pins for the battery2820, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port2838, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port2848, twenty (20) pins for the display2860, and eight (8) pins for the ground connection2868.

Referring toFIG. 29, a second aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated2900. As shown, the PCD system2900may include a PCD2902and a PCD docking station2904. In a particular aspect, the PCD2902may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station2904via a dock connector2906. The dock connector2906may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD2902and one or more components within the PCD docking station2904.

As shown inFIG. 29, the PCD2902may include a printed circuit board (PCB)2908that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD2902. Further, the PCB2908may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. A battery2910may be coupled to the PCB2908.

FIG. 29indicates that the PCD docking station2904may include a battery2920connected to the dock connector2906. A power management module2922may be connected to the battery2920. Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection2924may be connected to the power management module2922. The AC power connection2924may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)2926may be connected to the dock connector2906and one or more speakers2928may be connected to the audio I/O2926.

As illustrated, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)2934may also be connected to the dock connector2906. An Ethernet port2936may be connected to the GbE MAC2934. In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port2936may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 29further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port2938may be connected to the dock connector2940. A first USB connector2940may be connected to the first USB-HS port2938. As depicted inFIG. 29, the PCD docking station2904may also include a second USB-HS port2948. A second USB connector2950may be connected to the second USB-HS port2948. Moreover, as depicted, a third USB-HS port2954may be connected to the dock connector2906. A keyboard2956may be connected to the third USB-HS port2954. In particular, the keyboard2956may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

FIG. 29indicates that the PCD docking station2904may also include a display2960. Additionally, the PCD docking station2904may include an RGB(A) connector2962coupled to the dock connector2906. A D-sub connector2964may be connected to the RGB(A) connector2962. As shown, the dock connector2906may be connected to a ground connection2968.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector2906may include one hundred nineteen (119) pins. For example, the dock connector2906may include ten (10) pins for the battery2920, three (3) pins for the audio I/O2926, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC2934, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port2938, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port2948, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port2954, twenty (20) pins for the display2960, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector2962, and ten (10) pins for the ground connection2968.

FIG. 30illustrates a third aspect of a PCD system, generally designated3000. As shown, the PCD system3000may include a PCD3002and a PCD docking station3004. In a particular aspect, the PCD3002may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station3004via a dock connector3006. The dock connector3006may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD3002and one or more components within the PCD docking station3004.

As shown inFIG. 30, the PCD3002may include a printed circuit board (PCB)3008that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD3002. Further, the PCB3008may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. A battery3010may be coupled to the PCB3008.

FIG. 30indicates that the PCD docking station3004may include a battery3020connected to the dock connector3006. A power management module3022may be connected to the battery3020. Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection3024may be connected to the power management module3022. The AC power connection3024may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3026may be connected to the dock connector3006and one or more speakers3028may be connected to the audio I/O3026.

As further illustrated inFIG. 30, a mobile display digital interface (MDDI)3030may be connected to the dock connector3006. A camera3032may be connected to the MDDI3030. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)3034may also be connected to the dock connector. An Ethernet port3036may be connected to the GbE MAC3034. In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port3036may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 30further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port3038may be connected to the dock connector3006. A USB hub3040may be connected to the first USB-HS port3038. A first USB connector3042and a second USB connector3044may be connected to the USB hub3040. Additionally, a keyboard3046may be connected to the USB hub3040. In particular, the keyboard3046may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

As depicted inFIG. 30, the PCD docking station3004may also include a second USB-HS port3048. A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) to USB converter3050may be connected to the second USB-HS port3048. A digital video disk (DVD) drive3052may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter3050. Further, the PCD docking station3004may include a third USB-HS port3054. A second SATA-USB converter3056may be connected to the third USB-HS port3054and a hard disk drive (HDD)3058may be connected to the third USB-HS port3054.

FIG. 30indicates that the PCD docking station3004may also include a display3060. Additionally, the PCD docking station3004may include an RGB(A) connector3062coupled to the dock connector3006. A D-sub connector3064may be connected to the RGB(A) connector3062. As shown, the dock connector3006may be connected to a ground connection3068.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector3006may include one hundred twenty-seven (127) pins. For example, the dock connector3006may include ten (10) pins for the battery3020, five (5) pins for the audio I/O3026, six (6) pins for the MDDI3030, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC3034, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port3038, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port3048, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port3054, twenty (20) pins for the display3060, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector3062, and ten (10) pins for the ground connection3068. The dock connector3006may also include an additional three (3) pins for the SATA3050connected to the second USB-HS port3048.

Referring now toFIG. 31, a fourth aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated3100. As shown, the PCD system3100may include a PCD3102and a PCD docking station3104. In a particular aspect, the PCD3102may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station3104via a dock connector3106. The dock connector3106may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD3102and one or more components within the PCD docking station3104.

As shown inFIG. 31, the PCD3102may include a printed circuit board (PCB)3108that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD3102. Further, the PCB3108may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. A battery3110may be coupled to the PCB3108.

FIG. 31indicates that the PCD docking station3104may include a battery3120connected to the dock connector3106. A power management module3122may be connected to the battery3120. Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection3124may be connected to the power management module3122. The AC power connection3124may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3126may be connected to the dock connector3106and one or more speakers3128may be connected to the audio I/O3126.

As further illustrated inFIG. 31, a mobile display digital interface (MDDI)3130may be connected to the dock connector3106. A camera3132may be connected to the MDDI3130. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)3134may also be connected to the dock connector. An Ethernet port3136may be connected to the GbE MAC3134. In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port3136may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 31further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port3138may be connected to the dock connector3106. A USB hub3140may be connected to the first USB-HS port3138. A first USB connector3142and a second USB connector3144may be connected to the USB hub3140. Additionally, a keyboard3146may be connected to the USB hub3140. In particular, the keyboard3146may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

As depicted inFIG. 31, the PCD docking station3104may also include a second USB-HS port3148. A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) to USB converter3150may be connected to the second USB-HS port3148. A digital video disk (DVD) drive3152may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter3150. Further, the PCD docking station3104may include a third USB-HS port3154. A second SATA-USB converter3156may be connected to the third USB-HS port3154and a hard disk drive (HDD)3158may be connected to the third USB-HS port3154.

FIG. 31indicates that the PCD docking station3104may also include a display3160. Additionally, the PCD docking station3104may include an RGB(A) connector3162coupled to the dock connector3106. A D-sub connector3164may be connected to the RGB(A) connector3162. A high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)3166may also be connected to the dock connector3106. As shown, the dock connector3106may be connected to a ground connection3168.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector3106may include one hundred forty-six (146) pins. For example, the dock connector3106may include ten (10) pins for the battery3120, five (5) pins for the audio I/O3126, six (6) pins for the MDDI3130, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC3134, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port3138, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port3148, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port3154, twenty (20) pins for the display3160, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector3162, nineteen (19) pins for the HDMI3166, and ten (10) pins for the ground connection3168. The dock connector3106may also include an additional three (3) pins for the SATA3150connected to the second USB-HS port3148.

Referring toFIG. 32, a PCD processor system is shown and is generally designated3200. As shown, the PCD processor system3200may include a first core processor3202, a second core processor3204, a third core processor3206, and a fourth core processor3208. Further, the PCD processor system3200may include a 32-bit processor3210, e.g., an ARM11processor.

As shown, one or more hardware peripherals3212may be connected to the first core processor3202, the second core processor3204, the third core processor3206, the fourth core processor3208, the 32-bit processor3210, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, a process monitor and load leveler3214may be connected to the first core processor3202, the second core processor3204, the third core processor3206, and the fourth core processor3208. As described herein, the process monitor and load leveler3214may act as a processor manager to turn the core processors3202,3204,3206,3208on and off depending on operational requirements, whether a PCD is docked, whether a PCD is undocked or a combination thereof. The process monitor and load leveler3214may act as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein.

FIG. 32further indicates that a first process3216and a second process3218may be executed by the 32-bit processor3210. A third process3220, a fourth process3222, a fifth process3224, a sixth process3226, a seventh process3228, and an Nth process3230may be executed by the first core processor3202, the second core processor3204, the third core processor3206, the fourth core processor3208, or a combination thereof via the process monitor and load leveler3214.

The PCD processor system3200may further include a modem real-time operating system (RTOS)3232that may operate above the first process3216and the second process3218. An application RTOS3234may operate above the third process3220, the fourth process3222, the fifth process3224, the sixth process3226, the seventh process3228, and the Nth process3230. In a particular aspect, the application RTOS may be an RTOS provided by Linux™. A plurality of applications3236may be executed by the modem RTOS3232and the application RTOS3234.

Referring toFIG. 33, a first aspect of a method of managing a PCD display and a PCD docking station display is shown and is generally designated3300. Beginning at block3302, a do loop may be entered in which when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, the following steps may be performed. At block3304, a display management module may connect a PCD low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) driver to a PCD docking station display. Further, at block3306, a primary display signal may be transmitted to the PCD docking station display. At block3308, a secondary display signal may be transmitted to the PCD display.

Moving to block3310, primary information may be displayed at the PCD docking station display. At block3312, secondary information may be displayed at the PCD display. The method may then end. In one aspect, the primary information may include video display and the secondary information may include one or more video controls. In another aspect, the primary information may include the content of a web page and the secondary information may include one or more browser controls. In still another aspect, the primary information may include the content of a document, e.g., an email, and the secondary information may include one or more application controls or application navigation menus.

FIG. 34illustrates a second aspect of a method of managing a PCD display and a PCD docking station display. The method is generally designated3400. Commencing at block3402, a do loop may be entered in which when a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, the following steps may be performed. At block3404, a display management module may connect a PCD LVDS data driver to a PCD docking station display. Thereafter, at block3406, PCD LVDS display signal may be transmitted to the PCD docking station display.

Moving to block3408, a PCD display may be converted to a touch screen input device. At block3410, a generic touch screen user interface may be display at the PCD display. At block3412, one or more commands may be received via the generic touch screen user interface. Further, at decision3414, the display management module may determine whether an application is selected. If not, the method may return to block3412and continue as described herein. Otherwise, when an application is selected, the method3400may proceed to block3416ofFIG. 35.

At block3416ofFIG. 35, a display management module may search a dynamic touch screen user interface table, database, or a combination thereof. Then, at decision3418, the display management module may determine whether an application-defined touch screen user interface is available. If so, the method3400may continue to block3420and the display management module may select the application-defined touch screen user interface. At block3422, the display management module may display the application-defined touch screen user interface. Further, at block3424, the display management module may receive one or more commands via the application-defined touch screen user interface.

Continuing to decision3426, the display management module may determine whether the current application is closed. If not, the method3400may return to block3424and continue as described herein. On the other hand, if the application is closed, the method3400may proceed to block3428and the display management module may revert back to the generic touch screen user interface. Thereafter, at decision3430, the display management module may determine whether another application is selected. If another application is selected, the method3400may return to block3416and continue as described herein. Conversely, if another application is not selected, the method3400may end.

Returning to decision3418, if an application-defined touch screen user interface is not available, the method3400may move to decision3432and the display management module may determine whether a user-defined touch screen user interface is available. If so, the method3400may continue to block3434and the display management module may select the user-defined touch screen user interface. At block3436, the display management module may display the user-defined touch screen user interface. Further, at block3438, the display management module may receive one or more commands via the user-defined touch screen user interface.

Proceeding to decision3440, the display management module may determine whether the current application is closed. If not, the method3400may return to block3438and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the application is closed, the method3400may proceed to block3428and continue as described herein.

Returning to decision3432, if a user-defined touch screen user interface is not available, the method may proceed to block3442and the display management module may receive one or more commands via the generic touch screen user interface. Then, at decision3444, the display management module may determine whether the application is closed. If not, the method may return to block3442and continue as described herein. Otherwise, the method may proceed to decision3430and continue as described herein.

FIG. 36illustrates an aspect of a PCD, generally designated3600. As shown, the PCD3600may include a housing3602. The housing3602may be an upper housing portion3604and a lower housing portion3606.FIG. 36shows that the upper housing portion3604may include a display3608. In a particular aspect, the display3608may be a touchscreen display. The upper housing portion3604may also include a trackball input device3610. As shown, the lower housing portion3606may include a multi-button keyboard3612. In a particular aspect, the multi-button keyboard3612may be a QWERTY keyboard.

As illustrated inFIG. 36, text3620may be presented to a user via the display3608. The PCD3600may include a text magnification window3622, e.g., a “fish eye.” The text magnification window3622may be manipulated, or moved, through the text3620using the trackball input device3610. Further, the text magnification window3622may magnify the text3620to facilitate viewing by the user.

Referring toFIG. 37, a first aspect of a user interface is shown and is generally designated3700. As depicted, the user interface3700may include a primary display3702and a secondary display3704. The primary display3702may be a display provided by, or incorporated into, a PCD docking station3706. The secondary display3704may be a display provided by a PCD3708. The PCD3708may further include a trackball input device3710.

As shown, video content3712may be displayed by the primary display3702. The video content3712may be content stored on the PCD3708, the PCD docking station3706, or a combination thereof. The video content3712may also be content stored on a DVD and the DVD may be played on a DVD drive within the PCD docking station3706. The video content3712may also be streaming content received via a wireless data connection provided by the PCD3708. The video content3712may also include audio content associated therewith.

Alternatively, audio content may be broadcast at the PCD docking station3706, e.g., via one or more speakers incorporated into the PCD docking station. The audio content may be stored on the PCD3708, the PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. The audio content may also be content stored on a CD and the CD may be played on a CD/DVD drive within the PCD docking station3706. The audio content may also be streaming content received via a wireless data connection provided by the PCD3708. The video content3712, the audio content, or a combination thereof may be controlled by one or more control buttons, described below, presented at the secondary display3704.

In a particular aspect, the secondary display3704may be a touch display and one or more control buttons may be provided by the secondary display3704. The control buttons may include a play button3720, a stop button3722, a rewind button3724, a fast forward button3726, a volume up button3728, a volume down button3730, or a combination thereof. Further, the secondary display3704may include an ascending/descending order button3732, a repeat/replay button3734, an equalizer button3736, a page down button3738, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, when the equalizer button3736is selected, a representation of an equalizer (not shown) may be presented to the user via the secondary display3704.

As shown inFIG. 37, the secondary display3704may further include a favorites menu3740displayed thereon. The favorites menu3740may include a first favorite3742, a second favorite3744, a third favorite3746, a fourth favorite3748, a fifth favorite3750, a sixth favorite3752, a seventh favorite3754, an Nth favorite3756, or a combination thereof. In lieu of a favorites menu3740, a scene selection menu may be presented to the user. A user may organize the favorites menu3740, e.g., alphabetically, using the ascending/descending order button3732. Further, the user may view a next page of favorites by selecting the page down button3738. A user may select any of the options presented on the secondary display3704by touching the secondary display3704in the appropriate place, i.e., over the button of choice. Alternatively, the user may scroll through the various buttons, or options, using the track ball3710on the PCD3708.

FIG. 38illustrates a second aspect of a user interface, designated3800. As depicted, the user interface3800may include a primary display3802and a secondary display3804. The primary display3802may be a display provided by, or incorporated into, a PCD docking station3806. The secondary display3804may be a display provided by a PCD3808. The PCD3808may further include a trackball input device3810.

As shown, Internet content3812may be displayed by the primary display3802. The Internet content3812may be received via a wireless data connection provided by the PCD3808and displayed on the primary display3802on the PCD docking station3806. The Internet content3812may include text content, image content, audio content, video content, other content, or a combination thereof.

In a particular aspect, the secondary display3804may be a touch display and one or more control buttons may be provided by the secondary display3804. The control buttons may include a page back button3820, a page forward button3822, a page reload button3824, or a combination thereof. Further, the secondary display3804may include a menu button3826, a first jump to button3828, a second jump to button3830, or a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG. 38, the secondary display3804may further include a favorites menu3840displayed thereon. The favorites menu3840may include a first favorite3842, a second favorite3844, a third favorite3846, a fourth favorite3848, a fifth favorite3850, a sixth favorite3852, a seventh favorite3854, an Nth favorite3856, or a combination thereof. A user may select any of the options presented on the secondary display3804by touching the secondary display3804in the appropriate place, i.e., over the button of choice. Alternatively, the user may scroll through the various buttons, or options, using the track ball3810on the PCD3808.

FIG. 39depicts a third aspect of a user interface, generally designated3900. As depicted, the user interface3900may include a primary display3902and a secondary display3904. The primary display3902may be a display provided by, or incorporated into, a PCD docking station3906. The secondary display3904may be a display provided by a PCD3908. The PCD3908may further include a trackball input device3910.

As shown, email content3912may be displayed by the primary display3902. The email content3912may be received via a wireless data connection provided by the PCD3908and displayed on the primary display3902on the PCD docking station3906. The email content3912may include text content, image content, audio content, video content, other content, or a combination thereof.

In a particular aspect, the secondary display3904may be a touch display and one or more control buttons may be provided by the secondary display3904. The control buttons may include a scroll up button3920, a scroll down button3922, or a combination thereof. Further, the secondary display3904may include an email list3930and a selection bar3932. A user may move the selection bar3932up and down using the scroll up button3920and the scroll down button3922and an email selected from the email list3930may be displayed as the email content3912on the primary display3902.

A user may select any of the options presented on the secondary display3904by touching the secondary display3904in the appropriate place, i.e., over the button of choice. Alternatively, the user may scroll through the various buttons, or options, using the track ball3910on the PCD3908.

Referring now toFIG. 40, a first aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface is shown and is generally designated4000. As shown, the dynamic touch screen user interface4000may include a mouse pad4002, one or more command buttons4004, and scrolling buttons4006. The scrolling buttons4006may include an up button4010, a down button4012, a left/right button4014, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 41illustrates a second aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface4100. The dynamic touch screen user interface4100may include a mouse pad4102. Further, the dynamic touch screen user interface4100may include a plurality of application quick launch buttons4104. Also, the dynamic touch screen user interface4100may include a plurality of open file indicators4106. The open file indicators4106may correspond to one or more open files presented at a display on a PCD docking station in which the PCD is docked. A user may select an open file by selecting an open file indicator4106on the dynamic touch screen user interface4100.

FIG. 42shows a third aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface, designated4200. As shown, the dynamic touch screen user interface4200may include a mouse pad4202. Further, the dynamic touch screen user interface4200may include a play button4210, a stop button4212, a rewind button4214, a fast forward button4216, a volume up button4218, a volume down button4220, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the dynamic touch screen user interface4200may include an ascending/descending order button4222, a repeat/replay button4224, an equalizer button4226, a page down button4228, or a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG. 42, the dynamic touch screen user interface4200may also include a favorites menu4240displayed thereon. The favorites menu4240may include a first favorite4242, a second favorite4244, a third favorite4246, an Nth favorite4248, or a combination thereof. A user may organize the favorites menu4240, e.g., alphabetically, using the ascending/descending order button4222. Further, the user may view a next page of favorites by selecting the page down button4228.

Referring toFIG. 43, a fourth aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface is shown and is generally designated4300. As shown, the dynamic touch screen user interface4300may include a mouse pad4302, a left mouse button4304, a right mouse button4306, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the dynamic touch screen user interface4300may include a plurality of command buttons4308. The command buttons4308may include a top button4310, a bottom button4312, a page up button4314, a page down button4316, a start button4318, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 44depicts a fifth aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface, designated4400. As shown, the dynamic touch screen user interface4400may include a mouse pad4402and one or more application controls4404. The application controls4404may include a directional control, a zoom out control bar, a zoom in control bar, a rotate control bar, a pan control bar, or a combination thereof.

Referring toFIG. 45, a sixth aspect of a dynamic touch screen user interface is shown and is generally designated4500. As shown, the dynamic touch screen user interface4500may include a mouse pad4502. Further, the dynamic touch screen user interface4500may include an application selection menu4504. The application selection menu4504may include a plurality of application selection buttons4506. As illustrated, the dynamic touch screen user interface4500may include a back button4508, a forward button4510, or a combination thereof. The back button4508and the forward button4510may be use to navigate throughout the application selection menu4504in order to locate a particular application selection button4506.

With the configuration described herein, the PCD/PCD docking station combination provides feature segmentation between the PCD and the PCD docking station. A PCD may be engaged with a PCD docking station in one of the manners described herein. For example, a PCD may be engaged with a PCD engagement mechanism, e.g., a PCD docking pocket, a PCD docking tray, or a similar mechanism. Further, dual display usage is provided, e.g., by a display in a PCD and a display in a PCD docking station. When engaged with a PCD docking station, a PCD may be charged by the PCD docking station. Moreover, seamless user interface and application transition may be provided as the PCD is docked or undocked.

In a particular aspect, user interface features may be provided when a PCD is docked or undocked. One such aspect, is a “fish-eye” bubble that may be provided across all applications displayed on the PCD. Additionally, application layer scaling may be provided. For example, a primary application version may be executed when a PCD is docked and a secondary application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked. Alternatively, a standard application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked and an enhanced application version may be executed when a PCD is docked. In an undocked mode, a PCD may execute less computational intensive, smaller footprint applications. In a docked mode, full functionality applications may be executed by the PCD. Whether a PCD is docked or undocked may be automatically detected and the appropriate application versions may be executed when available.

When a PCD is undocked, two low power processors may be used for small screen applications and the PCD operating system (OS). Further, two high performance processors may be used to execute larger applications when the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station. In another aspect, when the PCD is docked, one processor may be used for mouse controls and graphical user interface controls, i.e., touch screen controls; one processor may be used for shared input/output controls; one processor be used for a PCD OS; and one processor may be used for a desktop OS stored on a PCD docking station. In yet another aspect, each processor may run a different OS and framework.

A PCD docking station may be connected to a home network and when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, the PCD may, in turn, be connected to the home network. Moreover, data, e.g., applications, content, or a combination thereof, may be automatically backed up to a PCD docking station when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. A PCD docking station may include a display, a display buffer, a HDD, additional memory, LAN capabilities, WLAN capabilities, one or more USB ports, printer connections, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The PCD docking station may include a large screen application memory. A large screen application and an OS state may be retained in the PCD docking station memory when the PCD is undocked in order to enable instant-on when the PCD is again docked. A large screen application may include a browser application, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, a presentation application, an email application, a calendar application, a video application, or a combination thereof. A small screen application may include a media player application, a phone application, a control application, or a combination thereof.

When a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, a user can take advantage of a relatively larger display incorporated into the PCD docking station. Further, a user may use a full keyboard and mouse to access data stored in the PCD. A PCD docking station may be incorporated into a vehicle, a kiosk, a set top box, etc. and a PCD may be docked therewith.

It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.