Dock for portable electronic devices

This document generally describes docking stations for portable computing devices with one or more of a variety of features, such as a near horizontal tray into which a portable computing device can be placed (e.g., a tray with an angle between 5-25 degrees from horizontal), embedded microphones and/or speakers, and/or input jacks for external microphones and/or speakers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document generally relates to docking stations for portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, mobile computers, and/or other hand-held computing, communication, and/or data enabled devices.

BACKGROUND

Portable computing devices, such as cell phones and/or data enabled portable electronic communication devices (e.g., smartphones), are commonly used today. In the last decade, such devices have found widespread acceptance for personal and business use. Some of the latest advances have resulted in such devices including computation/graphics intensive functionality that rivals the functionality of personal computers (PCs) and similar electronic devices. Docking stations have been developed to interface with portable computing devices through one or more physical connections with portable computing devices.

SUMMARY

This document generally describes docking stations for portable computing devices with one or more of a variety of features, such as a near horizontal tray into which a portable computing device can be placed (e.g., a tray with an angle between 5-25 degrees from horizontal), embedded microphones and/or speakers, and/or input jacks for external microphones and/or speakers. Additional and/or alternative features are described below.

Various implementations can provide one or more advantages. For example, the disclosed docking stations can allow users to more readily use and interact with portable computing devices that have been placed into (“docked”) trays of the docking stations. Portable computing devices are generally designed for manual operation while being grasped by the user. However, portable computing devices are frequently placed in mechanical and/or electrical engagement with other compatible electronic devices and apparatus for charging the portable computing device, exchanging data, and/or otherwise supplementing the operation of the portable computing device. In many such instances, the external apparatus can significantly restrict or constrain the portability of the portable computing device. For example, the mobile computing device may be tethered to a wall socket for re-charging, physically connected to or disposed in substantial proximity to a stationary system such as a desktop computer, an entertainment system, and/or game console to allow interaction between the mobile computing device and these peripheral systems. In other instances, it may be desirable to operate the mobile computing device in a substantially hands-free manner such as while driving an automobile, while in the shower, the kitchen or the workshop. In such situations, it can be advantageous for the portable computing device to be docked in a docking station in a manner that allows features of the portable computing device (e.g., touchscreen of the portable computing device, keyboard of the portable computing device) to be at a near horizontal angle so that users can view and/or provide input to the portable computing device while docked and interfaced with some other external devices. Such a configuration can allow users to retain the ability to operate the portable computing device in hands-free and/or externally supported modes of operation in substantially the same manner as when the device is handheld and in a mobile mode of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1Edepict alternative views of an example docking station10.FIG. 1Ais a front isometric view of docking station10. Directions of arrows12,13, and14inFIG. 1Arepresent directions “front”, “right side” (lateral), and “top” respectively. Directionality descriptors “rear” (or “back”), “left side” (lateral), and “bottom” (not illustrated) refer to directions that are opposite the directions pointed to by arrows12,13and14, respectively. Depending on the orientation of the docking station with regard to the vantage point of the viewer, different directionality descriptors can be used to describe the docking station10.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bdepict a front isometric view of the docking station10ofFIG. 1Awith an example portable electronic device20suitable for operation with the docking station10. The portable electronic device20can be any of a variety of appropriate portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and/or tablet computing devices.FIG. 2Adepicts the portable electronic device20fully docked in the docking station10whileFIG. 2Bdepicts the portable electronic device20partially supported but not fully docked within the same docking station. Docking station10is capable of mechanically receiving device20, guiding it into detachable secured engagement and placing it into electrically connected relationship with a mechanical interface30of docking station circuitry so that the portable electronic device20is in a “fully docked” configuration wherein it is ready for being placed in operation with or is interoperating with the docking station10as will be described hereinafter. Mechanical interface30is depicted in the illustrations ofFIG. 1A.

Besides securing and providing electrical connectivity, docking station10supports the portable electronic device20in an ergonomically near horizontal position (e.g., between 5-25 degrees from a plane on which the docking station10is sitting) that provides a user with a better viewing angle of the portable electronic device20. This viewing angle can allow a user to access many of the features and functionality available in the normal hand-held mode of operation of the portable computing device20, such as use of a touchscreen of the portable computing device20. Docking station10also provides electrical connectivity to a power source as well as to other electronic devices and/or peripherals that enable normal charging and/or synching operations, extend and add to the features and functionality natively supplied on the portable electronic device20.

Portable electronic devices20can include any of a variety of appropriate portable devices, such as mobile (including “smart”) phones and multi-function devices exemplified by, for instance, the IPHONE, the IPOD, and the IPAD manufactured and sold by APPLE, Inc., SAMSUNG GALAXY® cell phones, BLACKBERRY® smartphones, portable navigation units relying on the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite data, portable media players, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video game players, hand-held computers, Internet appliances, electronic book readers as well as other portable devices. The portable electronic device20of the illustrations ofFIGS. 2A and 2Bmay be a mobile telephone or a smart-phone sized for operation while cradled in the palm of a user's hand. Some or all of the electrical and mechanical components that singly or in combination provide the features and functionality of device20may be housed within or mounted on a substantially closed device housing40. Some of the aforementioned electrical and mechanical components can include those that facilitate or enable a user's interaction with the device i.e. enable user input/output (I/O). Examples include buttons, key-structures, touch-sensitive surfaces, display-areas, switches and other such mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical actuation mechanisms some of which may be designed to trigger software that in turn implements an action. Likewise, device housing40may include apertures or openings that can facilitate I/O to or from device10. For example, transparent windows can facilitate the passage of light to a camera sensor or emission of light from a light emitting diode (LED) mounted within the device housing enclosure or the transparent window can be a camera lens; grille openings located on the device housing above microphone, speaker and such other components supported within the device housing enclosure can facilitate the passage sound to or from the microphone and speakers; suitably shaped and sized apertures on the device housing can allow one or more connectors or ports disposed on the device housing or within the device housing enclosure to be mated with external, complementary connectors operably coupled to external peripheral devices which can facilitate the exchange of data and/or communication signals between the device and the external peripheral devices.

The example portable computing device20is housed in an enclosure that generally resembles a rectangular prism40with radiused corners, as depicted in the illustration ofFIG. 2C.

The rectangular prism40is depicted as including a device housing enclosure45bounded by an upper exterior surface50circumscribed by a periphery55, a lower exterior surface60circumscribed by a periphery65and a peripheral surface70. Each periphery55(65) is generally rectangular in shape and characterized by a length dimension75, a width dimension80and radiused corners85. Upper exterior surface50is disposed opposite lower exterior surface60and spaced apart from it by a distance characterized by a height dimension90. Peripheral surface70depends from periphery65and extends along the height dimension to periphery55. The periphery55(65) can have other types of polygonal shapes.

Upper exterior surface50can include a display area portion, a touch-sensitive portion adapted to receive touch-based input as well as display information, physical and/or software-implemented, iconized touch-sensitive buttons and such other user-manipulated controls. Upper exterior surface50may also include a first transparent window52to allow light transmission to or from device housing enclosure45.

Lower exterior surface60can be configured to be supported on the palm of a user's hand and overcome slippage from the user's grasp during hand-held operation such as where the user is performing touch-based actions on the user display surface50. Lower exterior surface60may also include a second transparent window62to allow light transmission to or from device housing enclosure45.

Peripheral surface70includes top surface portion110opposite bottom surface portion115, and left-lateral surface portion120opposite right-lateral surface portion125. Top surface portion110can include an opening defining a port72for a headset jack, and one or more buttons, switches or other user manipulable structures77attached to or extending from it. Left-lateral surface portion120and right-lateral surface portion125can be equipped with one or more buttons, switches or other user manipulable structures83attached to and flush with the surfaces or protruding outward and away from the surfaces and from device housing enclosure45. In the depicted exemplary device20, bottom surface portion115has grille openings for speakers and a microphone and is equipped with at least one opening130through which an electrical device connector135mounted within device housing enclosure45can be mechanically and electrically mated to a complementary external connector such as mechanical interface30. Mobile device20can be charged or synched to an external device by appropriately connecting the electrical device connector135to a power source or an external device. In a specific implementation, device connector135may be a dock connector for the IPHONE 4S mobile phone manufactured by APPLE, Inc of Cupertino Calif.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the docking station10includes a dock base150and a dock cover155.FIG. 3is an exploded front isometric view of docking station10depicting some components station10.FIG. 3is a front isometric view of dock base150and dock cover155. As described more fully hereinafter, dock base150and dock cover155can be assembled into the docking station10, as depicted inFIG. 1Aand shown in exploded front isometric view inFIG. 3.

The specific structure of the dock base150and the dock cover155will now be examined in greater detail.FIGS. 4A-4Gdepict alternative views of dock base150.FIG. 4Ais a front isometric view dock base150.FIG. 4Bis a bottom isometric view of dock base150. Dock base150includes a base housing160that houses dock circuitry and other componentry, main board165, and I/O daughterboard170. As more fully described hereinafter and depicted inFIG. 3, I/O daughterboard170can be urged into detachable electrical and mechanical connection with main board165and main board165can be reversibly fastened to base housing160so as to discourage relative movement between the base housing160, main board165, and I/O daughterboard170in the resulting assembled dock base150.

FIGS. 4C and 4Dillustrate respective front isometric and side isometric views of base housing160.FIG. 4Eis the bottom view of base housing150.FIG. 4GandFIG. 4Fillustrate respective front and right side views of base housing150.

Referring now toFIGS. 4D-4F, base housing150includes a floor plate175and continuous peripheral sidewall180. Floor plate175has an exterior surface180which operably contacts and supports docking station10on any suitable external surface182(not depicted) upon which the docking station10can be stably rested and operated. Exterior surface180may be contoured or otherwise adapted to conform to the surface geometry of any desired external surface182, such as a table, desk, countertop, and/or floor surface.

Floor plate175also includes an interior surface185opposite exterior surface180. Each first portion of interior surface185is oriented along a first direction190that is 180 degrees removed from the orientation of a corresponding first portion of exterior surface180. Furthermore, each first portion of interior surface185is separated from each corresponding first portion of exterior surface180by a plate material thickness195. In some implementations, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 4G and 4F, floor plate175is substantially planar and of a constant plate material thickness195. Accordingly, in the some implementations, the interior surface185and exterior surface180can be both substantially flat and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

Outermost boundary of floor plate175defines a peripheral edge200characterized by at least one peripheral dimension210such as, for instance, a length of a segment of the peripheral edge200. Peripheral edge200defines a shape of floor plate175that has a size defined by the at least one peripheral dimension210. Floor plate175may have any suitable shape and is sized to ensure that docking station10can rest stably and be capable of being operated in a grasp-free mode when placed upon any suitable external surface182with the portable electronic device20docked within it. For example, floor plate175may be shaped in the form of a square, a trapezoid, a rectangle or other n-gon or even an ellipse or a circle.

In the illustrated embodiments, floor plate175has a generally rectangular shape with radiused corners as depicted in the illustration ofFIG. 4E. Peripheral dimension210-1, which represents a length of the rectangular shape, (without the radiused corners) defines respective first and third linear segments215,218of peripheral edge200and is aligned with the direction of arrow12in the illustration ofFIG. 1A. Peripheral dimension210-2, which represents a width of the rectangular shape, (without the radiused corners) defines respective second and fourth linear segments220,223of peripheral edge200and is aligned with the direction of arrow13in the illustration ofFIG. 1A. As depicted in the illustration ofFIG. 4E, linear segment pairs215-220,220-218,218-223, and223-215are connected and blended at radiused corners that define respective first, second, third and fourth arcuate segments225,227,229and230of peripheral edge200. In some implementations, radiused corners have a radius of curvature 0.4375 inches.

Referring again to the illustrations ofFIGS. 4D-4F, floor plate175is provided with a structure defining first and second aperture sets240and250respectively. First aperture set240includes four identical apertures, identified by reference numerals245-1thru245-4, disposed proximate first, second, third and fourth arcuate segments225,227,229and230of peripheral edge200respectively. Second aperture set includes six identical apertures, identified by reference numerals255-1thru255-6, arranged in a spatial pattern260on floor plate175as depicted in the illustration ofFIG. 4E. Each of the apertures245-1thru245-4and255-1thru255-6extend through plate material thickness195placing exterior surface180in fluid communication with interior surface185as depicted in the illustrations ofFIGS. 4G and 4F. As described in more detail hereinafter, apertures in the first aperture set240are adapted to receive and guide threaded fasteners into threaded engagement with complimentary apertures in dock cover155to cause dock base150to be removably secured to dock cover155during assembly of docking station10. Each aperture in the second aperture set250is shaped and sized to receive and securely retain a first portion of a standoff265with a friction fit while a second portion of the standoff is simultaneously placed in abutting relationship with the interior surface185. As detailed elsewhere in the description, standoffs265are operative for removably mounting main board165within dock housing150.

Referring again toFIGS. 4C and 4D, base housing150includes a continuous peripheral sidewall180which depends from peripheral edge200. Continuous peripheral sidewall180has an inner peripheral surface182that is proximate the interior surface185spaced apart by wall thickness183from an outer peripheral surface184which is the flip side of inner peripheral surface192. As depicted in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4C, peripheral sidewall180extends outwardly from interior surface185and away from exterior surface180in the direction of arrow14to terminate in a continuous peripheral wall edge280. In the specific embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4C and 4D, peripheral sidewall180generally follows the contour of the peripheral edge200and includes opposing base front and base rear side walls310,320, opposing base right lateral and base left lateral side walls330,340, and base arcuate side walls345,347,348, and350. Base front side wall310, base rear side wall320, base left lateral side wall330and base right lateral side wall340extend from respective second, fourth, first and third linear segments220,223,215,218of peripheral edge200to terminate at respective upper linear edges313,323,333, and345. Furthermore, first, second, third and fourth base arcuate side walls345,347,348, and350extend from first, second, third and fourth arcuate segments225,227,229and230of peripheral edge200to terminate at respective upper curvilinear edges355,357,358and360. First, second, third and fourth base arcuate side walls345,347,348, and350join and blend base side wall pairs330-310,310-340,340-320, and320-330into a continuous peripheral sidewall180that terminates at a continuous peripheral wall edge280located distally from interior surface185. Continuous peripheral wall edge280is defined by segments including upper linear edges313,323,333, and345interconnected by upper curvilinear edges355,357,358and360as depicted inFIG. 4C.

FIGS. 4C,4D,4F and4G illustrate peripheral dimensions of continuous peripheral side wall180. In the illustrated embodiments, floor plate175is substantially planar and so are the exterior and interior surfaces180,185. For ease of description, the docking station10is presumed to be resting on a substantially planar surface which is in contact with substantially the entire exterior surface180. In this configuration of the docking station, as depicted inFIG. 4C, continuous peripheral sidewall180is generally vertical—in that it extends along direction arrow14. With the continuous peripheral sidewall180disposed vertically, each portion of peripheral wall edge280can be associated with its vertical height above exterior surface180. Vertical heights define a shape of the continuous peripheral sidewall180. In some implementations, base housing150is a single integral unit in that it is machined from a single block of material such as aluminum, steel, wood or a custom material. In other implementations, base housing150may be constructed as a single unit by injection molding or some other thermo-forming process from a polymer component such as polycarbonate, ABS and so forth.

Referring toFIG. 4C, the upper linear edge313of base front side wall310can be located at a first vertical height410above exterior surface180. Base front side wall310is rectangular with a length dimension defined by second linear segment220of peripheral edge200and a width dimension defined by first vertical height410.

Base rear side wall320is bounded between fourth linear segment223of peripheral edge200, upper linear edge323and a second vertical height420of upper linear edge323from exterior surface180. Upper linear edge323has three segments323-1,323-2,323-3having linear extents UL1, UL2, and UL3respectively. Segments323-1and323-2are located at the same second vertical height425from exterior surface180. Segment323-2is located at a third vertical height430from exterior surface180. Third vertical height430is smaller than second vertical height425by a height difference435. Base rear side wall320includes three rectangular areas; the first rectangular areas is defined by a length UL1and a width defined by second vertical height425; the second rectangular area is defined by a length UL2and width defined by third vertical height430; and the third rectangular area is defined by a length UL3and width defined by second vertical height425. In effect, base rear side wall320can be envisaged as a rectangle of length defined by fourth linear segment223of peripheral edge200and width defined by second vertical height425but with a “U” shaped cut-out440at second segment323-2. “U” shaped cut-out has a length dimension defined by linear extent UL2of segment323-2and a depth dimension defined by the height difference435.

Base right lateral and base left lateral side walls330,340have the same trapezoidal shape in that respective upper linear edges343,333taper continuously from a rear height450proximate base arcuate side walls348,350at the rear of base housing150to a front height455proximate base arcuate side walls347,345at the front of base housing150as depicted inFIGS. 4C and 4F. Upper linear edges343,333subtend an angle460with respective third and first linear segments218,215. In effect, upper linear edges343,333are inclined at an angle460with the exterior surface180.

Base front side wall310is located at a first vertical height410above exterior surface180. Base front side wall310is rectangular with a length dimension defined by second linear segment220of peripheral edge200and a width dimension defined by first vertical height410.

Base front side wall310is provided with a structure defining a slot BJ16, and an aperture BD7. Slot BJ16is shaped and sized to accommodate a SD card and provide access to a SD card connector on the docking station10. Aperture BD7is designed to allow light from a dock status indicator LED to shine through.

Base rear side wall320can be provided with a structure defining variously shaped and sized apertures BJ17, BJ12, BJ6, BJ8A, and BJ8B through which suitable external connectors may be mated with respective High Definition Media Interface (HDMI), speaker jack, Universal Serial Bus (USB) type B connector, and/or first and second USB type A stacked connectors provided in docking station10. Additional and/or alternative structures on base rear side wall320can define openings BJ7and Bsw1respectively. Opening BJ7provides access for an external power jack J7to be connected to the docking station10. Aperture sw1provides access to a reset switch on docking station10.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare respectively front and right side views of the example base housing160. The base housing160can be dimensioned as depicted in the illustrations ofFIGS. 9A,9B.

Inner peripheral surface182of continuous peripheral sidewall180and the interior surface185define a cavity490suitable for housing the mechanical and electrical devices and components that cooperate to provide the features and functionality of docking station10. The illustration ofFIG. 4Adepicts an example printed circuit board (PCB) assembly505that includes main board165, and I/O daughterboard170which are mounted to a portion of the base housing160within cavity190. Main board165, and daughterboards such as I/O daughterboard170have mounted thereon integrated circuits, and other electronic devices that operate to provide the features and functionality of docking station10. Connectors and other similar structures mounted on main board165can facilitate signal and data transfer within and outside the docking station10.

FIG. 5Ais a front perspective view andFIG. 5Cis a left-side bottom perspective view of an example printed circuit board assembly505.FIG. 5Dis a front isometric exploded view of PCB assembly505.FIG. 5Ddepicts the example docking station10having a printed circuit board such as main board165. As depicted in the illustration, main board165has mounted thereon HDMI connector J17, speaker jack J12, USB type B connector J6, first and second USB type A stacked connectors J8A, J8B, external power jack J7, reset switch Sw1, SD card connector J16and Dock status indicator D7. Depending on the functionality and features supplied by the docking station10other connectors may be included or existing connectors de-populated on main board165. Main board165can include other connectors515and520to facilitate connectivity of main board165to external daughter boards such as and I/O daughterboard170. Additionally, main board165includes guide pins525and an array of openings530. Openings530are sized and located to correspond to and align with standoffs265fitted into second aperture set250when main board165is assembled within base housing150. Main board165can then be fastened to standoffs265using screw fasteners thereby securely anchoring main board165to base housing150and causing HDMI connector J17, speaker jack J12, USB type B connector J6, first and second USB type A stacked connectors J8A, J8B, external power jack J7, reset switch Sw1, SD card connector J16and Dock status indicator D7on main board165to be aligned with respective apertures BJ17, BJ12, BJ6, BJ8A,8J8B,8J7, BSw1on base rear side wall320and slot BJ16and aperture BD7respectively on base front side wall310as depicted in the illustration ofFIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5F-5Idepict various views of an example I/O daughterboard170. I/O daughterboard170can have a trapezoidal shape as depicted inFIG. 5F, which depicts a side view of daughterboard170. Upper edge565subtends a wedge angle570with lower edge560. Switches sw2, sw3and sw4, headphone jack J11and USB type A port connector110are mounted to daughterboard170so that their datum is defined by a plane passing through upper edge565. Connector600mounted proximate lower edge560provides a conduit for communications between daughterboard170and the main board165. Support and guide block580can be securely fastened to daughterboard170. Block580can provide bearing support for headphone jack J11and the USB port connector J10. Block580can be provided with a structure that defines guide openings590on a lower surface610of guide block580. During assembly of daughterboard170on main board165, openings590on guideblock580can be brought into sliding engagement with guide pins525on main board165ensuring that connector600on daughterboard170is brought into engagement with connector520on main board. When surface610abuts main board, connectors600can be brought into mating relationship with connector520.

An example structure for the dock cover155will now be examined in greater detail.FIGS. 6A-Ddepict alternative views of an example upper sub-assembly portion150.FIG. 6Ais a front isometric view,FIG. 6Bis a bottom isometric view of one embodiment of the example dock cover155.FIG. 6Cis an exploded view of the example dock cover155illustrated inFIG. 6A.FIG. 6Dis an exploded view of the example dock cover155illustrated inFIG. 6B.

Referring now toFIG. 6C, the example dock cover155can include an adapter-insert710, a top cover715, and/or a dock-connector board720.

Top cover715can include an outer surface725, an inner surface735and an intermediate lateral surface745extending between outer surface725and inner surface735, as depicted inFIGS. 6C and 6D.

Continuous peripheral wall edge280of base housing160defines an opening444bounded by Inner peripheral surface182of continuous peripheral sidewall180. Continuous peripheral wall edge280can have a thickness555corresponding to wall thickness183of continuous peripheral side wall180. Opening444can have substantially the same shape as floor plate175of base housing160. Outer surface725of top cover715can be appropriately dimensioned to sit upon and substantially conform to the outer dimensions of continuous peripheral wall edge280. Outer surface of top cover715can be substantially rectangular with radiused corners as depicted in the illustrations.

Intermediate lateral surface745can have an outer periphery748that is appropriately dimensioned so that at least a portion of the intermediate lateral surface745can be slidingly received into opening444and remain in contact with inner peripheral surface182upon assembly of dock cover155and base housing160. Inner surface735can be provided with a structure defining threaded apertures763proximate radiused corners of top cover715. Upon assembly of dock cover155on base housing160, threaded apertures763can be brought into axial alignment with apertures in first aperture set240in dock base150. Threaded fasteners may be guided through apertures240and brought into threaded engagement with complimentary threaded apertures763to cause dock base150to be removably secured to dock cover155during assembly of docking station10.

Inner surface735and intermediate lateral surface745can be recessed to define first and second “U” shaped cavities765,775below outer surface725.FIGS. 6I and 6Jdepict one embodiment of cavities765,775. Portions of outer surface725directly over cavity775can be provided with a structure defining apertures BJ10, BJ11, BSw4, Bsw3, Bsw2through which cavity775is placed in fluid communication with outer surface725. Some of these apertures are locations on outer surface725for user operable controls Sw4, sw3and sw4on I/O daughterboard170. Some of the other apertures, BJ10and BJ11are locations on outer surface725from which connectors BJ10and BJ11on I/O daughterboard170respectively may be accessed by external connectors once the docking station10is assembled.

Outer surface725of top cover715can be recessed proximate a rear end of docking station10to define a “U” shaped recessed portion800as seen inFIGS. 6C and 6E. “U” shaped recessed portion800has peripheral surface803and a support surface806. Peripheral surface803has lateral-right and lateral-left segments807,809and a basal segment811which extends along a base of the “U” shaped recessed portion800. Basal segment811can have a structure defining a slot814which places recessed portion800in fluid communication with first “U” shaped cavity765as depicted inFIG. 6D. Recessed portion800can be shaped and sized such that upon assembly of dock cover155on base housing160, a “mouth”814of the “U” shaped cavity765defined by edges of lateral-right segment807, basal segment811and lateral-left segment809is flush with “U” shaped cut-out440in base rear side wall320as depicted inFIG. 1A.

Adapter-insert710can be shaped and sized to be received within “U” shaped recessed portion800and be fixedly attached to lateral-right and lateral-left segments807,809so that the insert occupies the region enclosed by peripheral surface803and support surface806. Inner region of insert710can be adapted to receive and snugly retain portable electronic device20by, for example, choice of material of construction—a tacky material creates more friction and makes for better retention or structural features such as tabs816and817which prevent the portable electronic device20from being urged out of engagement from within insert710without sliding it out from the insert along direction of arrow12. Inner region of insert may be dimensioned to receive a specific mobile device. Outer dimensions of insert enable it to be received within “U” shaped recessed portion800and thus are docking station dependent. Adapter-insert includes insert-slot874that aligns with slot814to allow mechanical interface30to protrude there-through.

FIG. 10Ais a top view of an example adapter-insert710.FIG. 10Dis the front view,FIG. 10Bis the rear view andFIG. 10Cis the right-side view of the example adapter-insert710. The example adapter-insert may be dimensioned according to the dimensions depicted in the illustrations ofFIG. 10A-D.

Portions of outer surface725directly over cavity765can be provided with a structure defining grille apertures900through which cavity765is placed in fluid communication with outer surface725. Dock-connector board720can be removably mounted within cavity765such that speakers LS300and LS301and microphone MIC300are located directly below grille apertures900to facilitate passage of acoustic waves to and from docking station10. Dock connector board720provides a dock connector J18representing mechanical interface20described before. Upon assembly of connector board720within cavity765, dock connector J18protrudes through slot814and insert-slot874for mating with complimentary connector on portable electronic device20. Connector J22on connector board720can be connected to connectors515on main board165thereby placing dock connector J18and any portable electronic device20connected to it in mechanical and electrical communication with the docking station.

FIG. 8Ais a top view of an example top cover715.FIG. 8Bis a side view of the example top cover715.FIG. 8Cis a side view of the example top cover715andFIG. 8Dis a bottom view of the example top cover715. The top cover715may be dimensioned as shown in the illustration ofFIGS. 8A-C.

Circuitry

An example internal configuration of the circuitry of docking station10is depicted in the schematic ofFIG. 11. In the depicted example, the circuitry of docking station10can be categorized into five blocks including USB and SD Card reader related circuitry (A), audio related circuitry (B), video related circuitry (C), microcontroller circuitry (D) and power related circuitry (E) each of which will be described in detail below. Circuit components and devices are designated using alphanumeric identifiers that are also used in the illustration ofFIG. 11.

USB and SD Card Reader Circuitry

Referring toFIG. 11B, the depicted example USB circuitry can include at least one USB 2.0/3.0 4-port primary hub U1, USB 2.0 2-port secondary hub U26, a SD Card Controller U28, USB data selectors U27, U37, U41and U42and port power controllers U2, U3, U4and U5.

Primary hub U1can transfer bi-directional USB data between upstream port connector J6through data selector U41and three downstream port connectors J8A, J8B and J10. Secondary hub can transfer bi-directional USB data between a primary hub downstream port, connected to its upstream port and the SD Card Controller U28, connected to one downstream port through data selector U37and the docked device connector J18connected to the other downstream port through data selectors U27and U42.

USB data can be routed by four USB data selectors under control of microcontroller U34. Data selector U27can select either data selector U42output or the microcontroller U34as the data source/sink for the docked device connector J18. Data selectors U41and U42can select the data path between the upstream USB port connector J6and data selector U27. One example data path can be through the USB primary hub U1and secondary hub U26. Another example data path can be a direct connection between upstream USB port connector J6and data selector U27which bypasses the USB primary and secondary hubs.

SD Card Controller U28can transfer bi-directional data between the data selector U37and SD Card connector J16. Data selector U37can select either the USB secondary hub U26or the docked device connector J18as the data source/sink for the SD Card reader.

Port power controllers U3, U4and U5can supply current-limited 5 volt DC power to the USB Vbus pin on downstream port connectors J8A, J8Band110respectively. Port power controller U2can supply current-limited 5 volt DC power to the docked device connector118. Port power controllers U3, U4and U5can also have the capability to turn the Vbus power on and off and turn USB 2.0 data lines on and off. For power controllers U3, U4and U5, this feature can be controlled by USB hub U1. In the case of power controller U2, this feature can be controlled by either USB hub U26or the microcontroller U34.

Docked Device Host Computer Sync Mode

An example docked device USB interface on docked device connector J18can be connected to upstream USB port connector J6, either directly or through the USB hubs U1and U26for synchronizing data between the docked device and host computer.

An example docked device USB interface on docked device connector J18can be connected to microcontroller U34's USB interface for authentication and initialization processes to enable the docked device to transfer analog and digital audio and analog video through docked device connector J18.

Audio Circuitry

Referring toFIG. 11D, the depicted example audio circuitry includes an audio processor U33, an audio amplifier U49, a microphone MIC300, two loudspeakers LS300, LS301and six audio path selectors U43, U44, U45, U46, U47and U48. Audio selectors can be controlled by microcontroller U34. Audio selectors U43and U45can select either the docked device connector J18or the microphone as the source for the left channel input of audio processor U33. Audio selectors U44and U46can select either the docked device connector J18or the microphone as the source for the left channel input of audio processor U33. Audio selectors U47and U48can select either the internal microphone or the external microphone pin in speaker jack J12as the source for the microphone input.

Docked Device Analog Audio Playback

Referring toFIG. 11B, the depicted example audio processor U33can receive left and right analog audio signals from docked device connector J18. If the received analog audio is not accompanied by video, audio processor U33can send left and right analog audio signals to headphone jack J11, through normally closed switches in headphone jack J11to speaker jack J12and through normally closed switches in speaker jack J12to audio amplifier U49, which drives loudspeakers LS300and LS301.

If a headphone plug is inserted into headphone jack J11, switches in J11can open and turn off the audio signal to the speaker jack J12and the audio amplifier U49. If a speaker plug is inserted into speaker jack J12the switches in J12can open and turn off the audio signal to audio amplifier U49. If the analog audio is accompanied by video, audio processor U33can convert the analog audio signals from dock connector J18to digital audio data and sends digital audio data through an I2S (I squared S) serial interface to the HDMI transmitter U31. The audio processor can control the volume of the analog audio signals sent to headphone jack J11, speaker jack J12and audio amplifier U49as commanded by the microcontroller U34in response to Volume Down switch SW3and Volume Up switch SW4.

Docked Device Digital Audio Playback

Digital audio data can be sent from the docked device connector J18through a USB interface to the microcontroller U34. Digital audio data can be sent from the microcontroller U34through an I2S serial interface to the audio processor U33. If the digital audio is not accompanied by video, the audio processor U33can convert the digital audio to analog audio and sends it to the headphone jack J11, speaker jack J12and audio amplifier U49, which drives loudspeakers LS300and LS301. If the digital audio is accompanied by video, the audio processor U33can send the digital audio data through an I2S serial interface to the HDMI transmitter U31.

Docked Device Microphone Audio Record

Audio processor U33can convert the analog audio signal from the microphone to digital audio data and sends the digital audio data through an I2S serial interface to the microcontroller U34. The microcontroller U34can send digital the audio data through a USB interface to the docked device connector J18.

Video Circuitry

Referring toFIG. 11E, the depicted example video circuitry includes a video A-D converter U30and an HDMI transmitter U31. Video A-D converter U30can receive analog video signals from the docked device connector118, can convert the analog video signals to digital video data and can send the digital video data to the HDMI transmitter U31. The HDMI transmitter can receive digital audio data from audio processor U33and digital video data from video A-D converter U30, formats the digital audio and video data in HDMI format and sends the HDMI formatted data to HDMI connector J17.

Microcontroller Circuitry

Referring toFIG. 11C, operation of a dock can be controlled by a firmware program running in an example microcontroller U34. Microcontroller U34can perform initialization and configuration of the USB hubs U1and U26through an SMB serial interface and can perform initialization and configuration of the Authentication Coprocessor U40, SD Card controller U28, audio processor U33, video A-D converter U30and HDMI transmitter U31through an I2C serial interface upon power-up or closing of the Reset switch SW1.

In Docked Device Dock Audio/Video Record/Playback Mode, microcontroller U34can communicate with the docked device through a USB interface to perform authentication and initialization processes with the docked device and transfer digital audio data to and from the docked device. The microcontroller U34can communicate with the Authentication Coprocessor U40through an I2C serial interface to compute authentication data during the authentication process.

Microcontroller U34can control the USB data path configuration through USB data selectors U27, U37, U41and U42in response to closures of the USB Mode switch SW2. The microcontroller U34can monitor the state of the Volume Down switch SW3and Volume Up switch SW4and sends data to the audio processor U33through an I2C serial interface to control the volume of the analog audio signals sent to headphone jack J11, speaker jack J12and audio amplifier U49. Microcontroller U34can control audio selectors U43, U44, U45, U46, U47and U48to select the source of the audio processor analog audio inputs and to select the source of the microphone input.

The microcontroller can light combinations of the LEDs in the tri-color LED D7to indicate various operating modes and conditions of the dock.

Power Circuitry

Referring toFIG. 11A, the depicted example power circuitry is includes a power input jack J7, power selector U24, 3.3 volt regulator U20, 1.8 volt regulator U23and 1.1 volt regulator U22. Power input jack J7can receive 5 volt DC power from an external wall plug power supply and supplies power to the power selector U24, 3.3 volt regulator U20, 1.8 volt regulator U23and 1.1 volt regulator U22. Regulator U20can convert the 5 volt DC power to 3.3 volt DC power and supplies power to USB hubs U1and U26, SD Card Controller U28, audio processor U33, video A/D converter U30and microcontroller U34. Regulator U23can convert the 5 volt DC power to 1.8 volt DC power and supplies power to video A/D converter U30and HDMI transmitter U31. Regulator U22can convert the 5 volt DC power to 1.1 volt DC power and supplies power to USB hub U1. The power selector U24can supply 5 volt DC power from power input jack J7to the docked device when the dock is not connected to a host computer through the upstream USB port connector J6. Power selector U24can supply USB Vbus 5 volt DC power from the USB upstream port connector J6to the docked device when the dock is connected to a host computer through the upstream USB port connector J6.

Although a few implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Moreover, other configurations, components, and/or features can be included in a docking station. Other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.