Abstract:
A mobile device interface platform. The platform is configured to latitudinally receive any of a variety of mobile device sizes and shapes while being integrally associated with a stationary apparatus that is to communicate with the mobile device. Where wireless mobile devices are accommodated by the platform, the latitudinal reception affords a user a degree of imprecise placement and allows any number of wireless device types to be employed without regard to precise pin configurations or other non-wireless communicative coupling features. Nevertheless, a physically secure unitary association of the mobile device and stationary apparatus is present allowing for a functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments described relate to an interface between an electronic stationary apparatus and an electronic mobile device having data stored thereon. In particular, embodiments relate to the physical and communicative coupling of such electronic devices to one another. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART 
     A mobile device such as an MP3 player may be coupled to a stationary apparatus such as a computer or car stereo through a mobile device interface platform (MDIP). The MDIP may include an adapter cable running from the MP3 player that, in the case of a car stereo, plugs into its tape deck. In this manner, the MDIP allows the digital music within the MP3 player to be accessed and played by the car stereo. Use of such a cable, however, fails to provide substantial physical security between the mobile device and the stationary apparatus. That is, unlike a cassette tape in the tape player of the car stereo, the described MP3 player remains largely disassociated from the car stereo in a physical sense. Thus, the practical utility of physically associating the MP3 player with the car stereo is lacking, perhaps leaving the MP3 player optionally strewn about the car. 
     In order to provide a less cumbersome and more physically unitary coupling between the mobile device and the stationary apparatus, an MDIP may be employed that is integral with the stationary apparatus. For example, a stationary apparatus in the form of a car stereo or desktop computer may be provided with a built in docking station to serve as the MDIP. In the case of a desktop computer, the docking station may be integral with the main body or base of the more stationary computer. The docking station may serve as the interface platform for receiving and securing a mobile device such as a particular type of MP3 or other media player (such as an iPod manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.). Where the MDIP is integral with the stationary apparatus in this manner, the physical coupling of the mobile device to the stationary apparatus securely anchors the mobile device directly at the stationary apparatus. This more physically secure and unitary association of the mobile device and stationary apparatus provides a much more functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together. 
     Unfortunately, the above-described integral docking stations are generally configured for a particular type or brand of mobile device, such as the above-noted iPod, to the exclusion of all others. Unlike other forms of media storage such as CD&#39;s, cassette tapes, and DVD&#39;s, there is presently a significant lack of physical uniformity in accepted versions of many digital and/or powered mobile devices. That is, a multitude of MP3 players, cell phones, and other combined media, storage, and/or communication devices presently exist with no apparent end in sight to their physical configurations or their individually unique coupling features (i.e. USB interfaces, serial ports, pin configurations, etc.). Thus, there is similarly no end in sight to the variety of integral docking stations that would need to be provided at a stationary apparatus in order to ensure that it would be able to couple with a randomly selected one of these mobile devices in a physically secure manner. 
     At present, stationary apparatuss either securely accommodate select mobile types to the exclusion of all others or simply fail to provide integral physical security between the mobile device and the stationary apparatus altogether. The severity of this problem is exacerbated by the fact that powered mobile devices in particular continue to grow in terms usage and functionality. To wit, access to a user&#39;s mobile device is increasingly becoming the primary means of access to that particular user&#39;s pictures, music and other personal information. 
     SUMMARY 
     A mobile device interface platform is provided having an engagement mechanism for latitudinally receiving and retaining a mobile device. The mobile device interface platform is integrally associated with a stationary apparatus to obtain data from the mobile device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device interface platform (MDIP) as part of a stationary assembly to accommodate a mobile device. 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an engagement mechanism of the MDIP taken from section lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engagement actuator of the MDIP of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the engagement mechanism of  FIG. 2  securing the mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top cross-sectional view of the engagement mechanism of  FIG. 2  securing the mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart summarizing an embodiment of coupling a mobile device to a mobile device interface platform. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the MDIP of  FIG. 1  securing the mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of a mobile device interface platform are described with reference to certain mobile device and stationary apparatus types. For example, a stationary apparatus in the form of a car stereo and a powered mobile device storing digital audio data are referenced throughout. Regardless, embodiments disclosed provide a mobile device interface platform integral with the stationary apparatus and having an engagement mechanism capable of stably accommodating any of a variety of mobile device shapes, sizes, types, and configurations. Additionally, embodiments described may be of particular benefit where wireless communicative coupling is to be employed in that both the positioning of the mobile device relative to the mobile device interface platform may be latitudinal, and the requirement of wire running from the mobile device may be entirely eliminated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a mobile device interface platform (MDIP)  100  is shown as part of a stationary assembly  101 . The MDIP  100  includes an engagement mechanism  125  to both latitudinally receive and physically retain a mobile device  150 . The stationary assembly  101  also includes a stationary apparatus  175  for obtaining data from the mobile device  150  and for integrally coupling with the MDIP  100 . In fact, in one embodiment, the MDIP  100  and the stationary apparatus  175  may be of a unitary configuration with no visible separation therebetween. Further, as described below, the MDIP  100  is provided with an engagement mechanism  125  as part of the stationary assembly  101 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the stationary assembly  101  includes a stationary apparatus  175  in the form of a car stereo. Thus, a car stereo control panel  180 , clock face  195 , compact disc slot  190  and other conventional car stereo features may be present. However, in alternative embodiments, the stationary apparatus  175  may be a laptop computer, desktop computer, control panel, home stereo, entertainment system, television, navigation system, or a host of other apparatus types. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , embodiments described herein include a stationary apparatus  175  that is of a less personally mobile character than the mobile device  150 . Thus, the MDIP  100  serves as a functional and user-friendly interface therebetween. For example, in the embodiment shown, the mobile device  150  may be a cell phone with MP3 data stored therein, whereas the stationary apparatus  175  is a car stereo as noted. In such an embodiment, the car stereo is designated as the stationary apparatus  175  even though it may have some degree of mobility in as much as it is for use in an automobile and may be transported about. That said, a mobile device  150  in the form of a cell phone may naturally be considered of greater personally mobile character given its configuration for transport and use on person. Stated another way, while virtually any consumer electronic device may be characterized as having some degree of mobility, the embodiments described herein include a mobile device  150  that is of greater personal mobility for a user than the stationary apparatus  175  to which it may be coupled. 
     As indicated above, a mobile device  150  of greater personally mobile character is present in the form of a cell phone with MP3 data stored thereon. However, in other embodiments, the mobile device  150  may be a conventional MP3 player, flash device, pc card, handheld or personal carriage digital device, or a variety of other data storage devices. Further, such a mobile device  150  may include its own independent power source and/or be configured for powered coupling to the MDIP  100  or stationary apparatus  175  as described further herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the MDIP  100  may be integrally coupled to the stationary apparatus  175  providing a stationary assembly  101  of unitary configuration. Thus, even in circumstances where the stationary apparatus  175  is a car stereo or other potentially semi-mobile device, the MDIP  100  remains integrally coupled to the stationary apparatus  175  during use. As a result, integral physical security is provided between the stationary apparatus  175  and any mobile device  150  that is itself retained by the MDIP  100  as described below. 
     In the embodiments described herein, the mobile device  150  is latitudinally received by the engagement mechanism  125  of the MDIP  100 . That is, in one embodiment, the mobile device  150  may be loosely received within a cavity  127  defined by the engagement mechanism  125  such that a significant degree of play may be present between the mobile device  150  and the engagement mechanism  125 . Thus, when a door  120  to the cavity  127  is open as shown in  FIG. 1 , the engagement mechanism  125  may receive and accommodate a variety of mobile device sizes, dimensions and shapes (i.e. ‘morphologies’). 
     As indicated above a mobile device  150  may be any of a variety of data storage devices, including powered devices such as the cell phone with MP3 data stored thereon as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and  7 . In the embodiments shown, the cell phone mobile device  150  is of a clamshell configuration. However, the mobile device  150  may be a slide phone or other device that physically expands by sliding open. Also, the mobile device  150  may be of unitary construction, often referred to as a ‘candybar’ design, not configured for physically expanding by opening and closing. As indicated, the mobile device  150  may be a host of other devices such as MP3 players, flash storage devices, pc cards, and a variety of handheld data storage devices, some of which may even display a degree of ergonomic design for user-friendly functionality. Generally, such mobile devices  150  range from about 0.75 inches to about 3.0 inches wide by between about 2.75 inches to about 5.0 inches in length and have a profile of between about 0.25 inches and about 1.0 inch. However, larger, and in some instances even smaller, mobile devices  150  may be employed. 
     Embodiments of the mobile device  150  may be of significantly differing physical character from one mobile device  150  to the next. This physical character may differ from one mobile device  150  to the next in terms of mobile device size (i.e. dimensionally). Alternatively, the differing physical character may also be in terms of mobile device shape or configuration (e.g. clamshell phone versus slide phone). Nevertheless, a single engagement mechanism  125  may be employed to accommodate any of a variety of mobile devices of significantly differing physical character. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the engagement mechanism  125  of the MDIP  100  is configured to latitudinally receive the mobile device  150  as described above. Furthermore, it is also configured to supportably retain or secure the mobile device  150  in a stably sustained manner. As detailed further herein this may include squeezing or conformably immobilizing the mobile device  150  with members directed thereat. In the embodiments shown, this may be achieved by a clamping or compression action of a lower compression member  115  against an upper compression member  110  once the mobile device  150  is inserted into the cavity  127 . Thus, in order to subsequently remove the mobile device  150 , an eject button  130  is also shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  to actuate decompression of the compression members  110 ,  115  relative to one another. Furthermore, in addition to the engagement mechanism  125 , the MDIP  100  of  FIG. 1  reveals other features such as an MDIP control panel  135  and supplemental device coupling features which may include USB ports  140  or power sockets  145  also detailed further herein. 
     Referring more specifically now to  FIG. 2 , a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the engagement mechanism  125  of the MDIP  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. With reference to this view, latitudinal reception of the mobile device  150  by the engagement mechanism  125  is described below. Of note is the fact that in the embodiments shown, the latitudinal reception capacity of the engagement mechanism  125  is a function of height (h) and width (w) of the cavity  127  without reference to the depth (d) thereof as described further herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , as the mobile device  150  is inserted into the cavity  127  of the engagement mechanism  125  it is apparent that the height (h) between the upper and lower compression members  110 ,  115 , is more than enough to provide clearance for the insertion of the mobile device  150 . Similarly, a width (w) across the cavity  127  may be provided that is likewise more than enough to provide clearance for the insertion of the mobile device  150  (see  FIG. 5 ). Thus, latitudinal reception of the mobile device  150  is provided. In fact, given a deformable nature of at least one of the compression members  110 ,  115 , even a mobile device  150  having a profile roughly equivalent to the height (h) may be latitudinally received, given the amount of play provided by such a compression member  110 ,  115 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2 , and with added reference to  FIG. 5 , the latitudinal reception capacity of the engagement mechanism  125  in terms of height (h) and width (w) is further detailed. With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , it is apparent that the height (h) of the cavity  127  to accommodate the profile or height of the mobile device  150  is defined by the distance between the upper and lower compression members  110 ,  115 . Thus, in order to ensure that the profile of the mobile device  150  is latitudinally received by the height (h) of the cavity  127 , the height (h) is configured with a range of potential mobile device  150  profiles in mind. For example, as indicated above, embodiments of the mobile device  150  may have a profile or height of between about 0.25 inches and about 1.0 inches. Therefore, in one embodiment the height (h) of the cavity  127  is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches, preferably about 1 inch. In this manner, a wide variety, if not most, mobile device  150  types, may be latitudinally received within the cavity  127  in terms of height. 
     With brief added reference to  FIG. 5 , described in further detail below, it is apparent that the width (w) of the cavity  127  to accommodate the width of the mobile device  150  is defined by the sidewalls  550  of the engagement mechanism  125 . Thus, similar to the height (h) configuration described above, the width (w) of the cavity  127  is configured with a range of likely mobile device  150  widths in mind in order to ensure that the width of the mobile device  150  is latitudinally received by the width (w) of the cavity  127 . For example, as also indicated above, embodiments of the mobile device  150  may have a width of between about 0.75 inches and about 3.0 inches. Therefore, in one embodiment the width (w) of the cavity  127  is between about 1.0 inch and about 5.0 inches, preferably at least about 2.0 inches wide. In an embodiment where the width (w) is between about 2.0 inches and about 3.0 inches a wide variety, if not most, mobile device  150  types, may be latitudinally received within the cavity  127  in terms of their width. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , where space permits for the stationary assembly  101 , the width (w) may be greater than about 3.0 inches (see  FIG. 1 ). That is, the overall footprint of the engagement mechanism  125  at the surface of the stationary assembly  101  may be less affected by the width of the engagement mechanism  125  (again see  FIG. 1 ). Hence, in certain embodiments the width (w) of the cavity  127  may be oversized where desired. In fact, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the mobile device  150  may be between about 2.0 inches and about 3.0 inches wide. Nevertheless, the width (w) of the cavity  127  may be between about 4.5 and about 5.5 inches wide. Thus, any one of substantially every known mobile device  150  type, including the one shown in  FIG. 5 , may be latitudinally received within the cavity  127  in terms of device width. Similar to a conventional CD slot, such as the compact disc slot  190  of the stationary apparatus  175 , this may be achieved without significant sacrifice to surface space of the stationary assembly  101  (see  FIG. 1 ). Further, such an oversized width (w) may provide for more of a user friendly access to the engagement mechanism  125 . 
     In the embodiments shown, the latitudinal reception of the mobile device  150  is achieved with the door  120  of the MDIP  100  opened (see  FIGS. 1 and 7 ). Thus, as indicated above, the depth (d) of the cavity  127  fails to play a role in the latitudinal reception capacity of the engagement mechanism  125 . However, in other embodiments where the mobile device  150  is to be fully encased or enclosed within the cavity  127 , all dimensions, including depth (d), may be configured to ensure substantially complete latitudinal reception of the mobile device  150 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the above noted cavity  127  is defined in terms of its height (h) between the compression members  110 ,  115  prior to actuation of compression (see discussion below relative to  FIGS. 3 and 4  regarding actuation of compression). The width (w) of the cavity  127  is defined by the distance between the sidewalls  550  of the engagement mechanism  125 . Furthermore, although not determinative of latitudinal reception capacity in the embodiments shown, the depth (d) of the cavity  127  is noted herein as the distance from the entrance or doorway to the cavity  127  (at a door  120 ) to a beam  350  opposite the entrance. As described below, this beam  350  may act as a backstop for the entering mobile device  150  in addition to providing detection information relative to the position of the mobile device  150 . 
     A component housing  200  including a wireless data receiver may be located adjacent the above described beam  350 . Thus, positioning of the mobile device  150  in contact with the beam  350  may help ensure the wireless coupling of the mobile device  150  to wireless features of the component housing  200 . The wireless nature of such a coupling may allow freedom from or avoidance of precise device  150  positioning as might otherwise be required by the use of a pin pattern configuration or other non-wireless communicative coupling (i.e. which may be referred to herein as “pin-free” type docking). This is described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 5  below. 
     While the cavity  127  is referenced as defined by the above noted features, the cavity  127  is not necessarily a completely sealed off enclosure. In fact, a door  120  to the cavity  127  may be open at one end when the engagement mechanism  125  is in use. Nevertheless, the above described features defining the cavity  127  provide enough continuity to allow the latitudinal reception by the engagement mechanism  125 . This latitudinal reception is achieved in secure enough of a manner so as to also allow for the physical retention of the mobile device  150  upon actuation of compression of the compression members  110 ,  115  as described below. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2 , the upper compression member  110  may be a compliant material secured to a stationary and firm ceiling  210  of the MDIP  100  whereas the lower compression member  115  may include a pad  214 , also of a compliant material, coupled to a vertically movable rigid support  213 . As described further below, the rigid support  213  may be raised above the floor  211  of the MDIP  100  securing the mobile device  150  between the upper compression member  110  and the pad  214 . 
     Continuing now with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mobile device  150  may be inserted into the cavity  127  and toward an engagement actuator  300  of the engagement mechanism  125  at the back of the cavity  127 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-5  the engagement actuator  300  is a conventional strain gauge mechanism whereby contact between the mobile device  150  and the engagement actuator  300  may be detected. As described with reference to  FIG. 4  below, such detection may be employed to trigger movement of one of the compression members  110 ,  115  in order to secure the mobile device  150  in position within the cavity  127 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3  in particular, the engagement actuator  300  is a strain gauge mechanism, with the above noted beam  350  for contacting by the mobile device  150 . This beam  350  is held in place by supports  325  and includes strain gauge sensors  375  coupled thereto. The strain gauge sensors  375  may detect movement in the beam  350  as a user forces the mobile device  150  toward the beam  350  making contact therewith. Detection information may then be relayed to a microprocessor  500  wired to the strain gauge sensors  375  in order to actuate securing of the mobile device  150  by the engagement mechanism  125  (see  FIG. 5 ). Mechanical detection of the mobile device  150  may also be achieved by other methods including by contacting an elongated button or other actuating mechanism at the rear of the cavity  127  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     While the engagement actuator  300  is shown in the form of a mechanical sensor, other forms of sensors may be employed including optical sensors and motion sensors. In fact, sensing may even take place in a manner that identifies the particular mobile device  150  to the stationary assembly  101 , perhaps even before wireless coupling has taken place as indicated above. For example, the engagement actuator  300  may include a bar code scanners or an RFID reader in order to identify a mobile device  150  having appropriate bar code or RFID tag features. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , once the engagement actuator  300  is triggered and detection information relayed as indicated above, a lift  400  may be activated to force the lower compression member  115  upward securing the mobile device  150  against the upper compression member  110 . In the embodiment shown, the lift  400  includes a plurality of projections  412  which may be spring or hydraulically activated to raise the rigid support  213  of the lower compression member  115 . As indicated above, the upper compression member  110  and the pad  214  may be of compliant materials. Thus, as the lower compression member  115  forces the mobile device  150  toward the stationary firm ceiling  210  of the MDIP  100 , the upper compression member  110  and the pad  214  may conform to the surface of the mobile device  150 . In this manner, the mobile device  150  may be secured and retained in a cushioned fashion. Additionally, the conformal nature of the compression member  110  and the pad  214  allow the engagement mechanism  125  to secure mobile devices  150  of a wide variety of shapes and dimensions. In one embodiment the maximum deformation or compression of the compression members  110 ,  115  at any given conforming area thereof may be between about 5% and about 50% in conforming to the shape and/or profile of the mobile device  150 . 
     In one embodiment the upper compression member  110  and the pad  214  may be of a polymer foam material. For example, conventional compressed foams and polyurethane foams may be employed of an open or closed cell variety. Further, in one embodiment, the pad  214  and upper compression member  110  may be of different materials. For example, in the embodiment shown, the pad  214  is of a lower profile, smaller pore size and denser structure than that of the upper compression member  110 . In this manner, the pad  214  is configured for less deformation than the upper compression member  110  as the mobile device  150  is secured. Thus, an added degree of stability may be provided to the surface of the lower compression member  115  in comparison to the upper compression member  110 . This may be of benefit given the moving and weight bearing nature of the lower compression member  115  as compared to the stationary and relatively stable upper compression member  110 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 4 , and with added reference to  FIG. 2 , it may be of benefit to detect forces resulting from the presence or position of the mobile device  150  in the cavity  127 . This may be true for detection of the mobile device  150  contacting the beam  350  at the back of the cavity  127  as indicated above. However, as indicated below, detection of other mechanical forces relative to the mobile device  150  as it is retained by the engagement mechanism  125  may also be of benefit. 
     In one embodiment, a conventional strain gauge mechanism similar to that above is coupled to the engagement mechanism  125  to measure forces exerted on the mobile device  150  as it is secured and retained. Such a mechanism may be incorporated into the stationary and firm ceiling  210  of the MDIP  100 , able to detect strain forces exerted thereon via the raising lift  400 . Although detected at the ceiling  210 , these will be reflective of the forces exerted on the mobile device  150  itself. The detected level of strain forces may then be relayed to a microprocessor that is coupled to the lift  400 . 
     Upon detection of a predetermined level of strain force, such a microprocessor may direct the lift  400  to cease raising and remain stationary, effecting secure retention of the mobile device  150  in the cavity  127  without damage to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the predetermined level of strain force to cause the lift  400  to cease raising is set at between about 0.25 lbs. and about 3.0 lbs. In this manner a significant percentage of all mobile devices  150  may be securely retained without damage thereto. 
     Notice that the degree of ascension exhibited by the lift  400  in effecting the predetermined level of strain is a function of the profile of the mobile device  150  along with the nature and amount of compressible character in both the pad  214  and the upper compression member  110 . Furthermore, since the degree of ascension exhibited by the lift  400  is determined by measurements of force as opposed to lift  400  positioning, the profile of the mobile device  150  is of minimal significance so long as it is about the height (h) of the cavity  127  or less. That is, in the embodiment shown, any of a variety of mobile devices  150  having a profile of up to about 1.0 inches (i.e. the height (h)) may be securely retained by the engagement mechanism  125  as indicated. 
     As indicated above, and again with added reference to  FIG. 2 , the depth (d), from the cavity  127  entrance to the beam  350 , may not play a role in determining latitudinal reception of the mobile device  150  in embodiments shown herein. Nevertheless, the depth (d) of the cavity  127  may be configured in light of the variety of lengths of mobile devices  150  likely to be accommodated. For example, as noted above, a mobile device  150  to be accommodated by an embodiment of the MDIP  100  may be between about 2.75 inches about 5.0 inches in length. In such an embodiment the mobile device  150  may be fully positioned in the cavity  127  (i.e. contacting the beam  350 ) while leaving an accessible portion  450  exposed for manual retrieval of the mobile device  150  from the cavity  127  following use. In such an embodiment, the engagement mechanism  125  may be configured with a depth (d) from about 1.5 inches up to about 2.75 inches, perhaps more preferably between about 2.25 inches and about 2.5 inches. In this manner, the majority of the body of such mobile devices  150  will be within the cavity  127  when positioned as indicated. Further, an accessible portion  450  of even the smallest of such mobile devices  150  will remain exposed for manual retrieval of the device  150  when positioned as indicated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a top cross-sectional view of an MDIP  100  with engagement mechanism  125  is shown along with a flow chart summarizing an embodiment of coupling a mobile device  150  thereto. That is, an MDIP  100  with engagement mechanism  125  may be provided as indicated at  615  for receiving and retaining a mobile device  150  as described below. 
     In the embodiment shown, a door  125  of the MDIP  100  may be opened exposing a cavity  127  of the engagement mechanism  125  as indicated at  635 . As noted at  645  and  655 , and with added reference to  FIG. 2 , a mobile device  250  may be inserted into the cavity  127  until contact is made with an engagement actuator  300  at the rear of the cavity  127 . As noted in the description above, a wide variety of mobile device sizes and shapes may be latitudinally received by the cavity  127  in this manner. Furthermore, the wireless nature of the embodiment shown allows for latitudinal positioning of the mobile device  150  within the cavity  127  without requiring the precise positioning that might otherwise be required where non-wireless communicative coupling, such as USB, pin configurations, or serial ports, are employed. 
     Contact with the engagement actuator  300  as indicated above, may be detected. In one embodiment, this detection may further include the identification of the mobile device  150  such as where a bar code reader, RFID mechanism are employed as indicated above. Alternatively, as indicated below, wireless coupling may take place at this time as indicated at  625  in order to provide identification. 
     The above described contact with the engagement actuator  300  may also lead to the secure retention of the mobile device  150  within the cavity  127  by the engagement mechanism  125  (see  665 ). Thus, a wide variety of mobile device  150  sizes and shapes may ultimately be coupled to a stationary apparatus  175  via the MDIP  100  where the MDIP  100  is incorporated into a stationary assembly  101  including the stationary apparatus  175  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     With added reference to  FIG. 1 , at some point during the described physical coupling of the mobile device  150  to the MDIP  100  and stationary apparatus  175 , wireless coupling may also be attained. For example, in the embodiment shown, a mobile device  150  in the form of a cell phone with MP3 data stored thereon may be wirelessly coupled to a car stereo stationary apparatus  175  via the MDIP  100 . As indicated at  625 , wireless coupling, often referred to as pairing, may be achieved by conventional means at various points in time throughout the above described physical coupling of the mobile device  150  as described below. 
     In one embodiment wireless coupling takes place once the engagement mechanism  125  has retained the mobile device  150  as indicated at  665 . Alternatively, wireless coupling may be initiated at a prior point in time, such as when the mobile device  150  is detected by the engagement actuator  300  as noted above and indicated at  655  or upon the user opening the door  120  of the MDIP  100  as indicated at  635 . In fact, wireless coupling may even take place by conventional means prior to any physical coupling of the mobile device  150  as described herein (see  615 ). Regardless, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , once the mobile device  150  is positioned adjacent the beam  350  of the engagement actuator  300 , a predetermined separation (s) is all that separates the wireless mobile device  150  from a component housing  200  of the MDIP  100 . In one embodiment, the component housing  200  includes a wireless receiver for coupling to the mobile device  150 . Thus, the features of the component housing  200  such as the wireless data receiver may be configured in light of the separation (s) to ensure wireless reception/data extraction thereacross. In fact, in one embodiment, such a wireless receiver may be directionally or otherwise conventionally tuned to the vicinity opposite the beam  350  to help ensure substantially isolated communication with the mobile device  150 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , a user may eject the mobile device  150  from the engagement mechanism  125  as indicated at  675  by pressing a conventional eject button  130 . In this manner, decompression or lowering of the lower compression member  115  may be activated through the eject button  130  by conventional means. Thus, the user may grab the accessible portion  450  of the mobile device  150  and withdraw it from the engagement mechanism  125  of the MDIP  100  (see  FIG. 4 ). Pressing of the eject button  130  may also be employed to terminate wireless coupling of the mobile device  150  and the MDIP  100  as indicated at  685 . However, in other embodiments, wireless coupling may be maintained even with removal of the mobile device  150 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  a front perspective view of an embodiment of the MDIP  100  is shown. In this embodiment, the MDIP  100  and engagement mechanism  125  thereof are shown accommodating a mobile device  150 . The door  120  in front of the engagement mechanism  125  is opened with stop hinges  750  holding it in position parallel with the inserted mobile device  150 . At the face of the MDIP  100  other features such as a control panel  135 , the eject button  130 , USB ports  140 , and power sockets  145  are apparent. 
     In one embodiment, the mobile device  150  may be configured for physical coupling through the engagement mechanism  125  as described above, with additional coupling through alternate routes. For example, the mobile device  150  may lack an independent power source or be configured to draw power from an external source when available. In such an embodiment, the mobile device  150  may be wired to a power socket  145  to provide power thereto and perhaps even recharging capability. Similarly, the mobile device  150  may lack wireless capacity or be configured to allow secure wired communication where available. In such an embodiment, the mobile device  150  may be wired to a USB port  140  or other communication port of the stationary assembly  101  (see  FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the power socket  145  itself may double as a communication port, perhaps even allowing simultaneous communication and powered coupling therethrough. Furthermore, the MDIP  100  may be configured to couple to other data storage devices, such as a flash device  700 , in addition to the mobile device  150 . This may be of particular benefit in an embodiment where the MDIP  100  is integral with a stationary apparatus  175  in the form of a car stereo to accommodate multiple sources of MP3 or other digital audio data storage devices (see  FIG. 1 ). These devices may include a mobile device  150  in the form of a cell phone having MP3 data stored thereon as well as MP3 flash devices  700  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Embodiments described above provide an interface between mobile and stationary apparatuss configured to accommodate a host of mobile device shapes and sizes. In spite of the lack of uniformity in accepted versions of mobile devices, especially mobile devices storing digital data, the embodiments of mobile device interface platforms described herein are not limited to accommodating a particular type or brand of mobile device to the exclusion of all others. Such liberal accommodation of wide ranging mobile device types may be achieved by providing an engagement mechanism to the mobile device interface platform that includes the capacity to latitudinally receive a mobile device of a variety of shapes and sizes while also including the capacity to securely retain the mobile device in a user friendly manner. 
     Although exemplary embodiments describe a mobile device interface platform accommodating any of a variety of mobile devices in particular fashions, additional embodiments are possible. For example, a mobile device may be latitudinally received without leaving an accessible portion thereof exposed. In such an embodiment, a door to the cavity receiving the mobile device may be closed in order to secure the mobile device therein. Thus, a lift or other securing features described above may be avoided. Neverthless, the door and other features defining the cavity may be lined with a compressible foam or other material to provide a degree of added security and/or cushion to the mobile device. Furthermore, many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. For a period following publication of this application and/or patent, a copy hereof may be made available at www.Licentia-IP.com.