Abstract:
Generally, the present invention provides accessories for one or more portable electronic devices (PEDs) and related methods. An accessory includes a station that can support a PED. The PED is also equipped to generate an action signal, above and beyond the regular signal for notifying the user about a wireless signal that is received from a remote transmitter. When the station senses the action signal, it further generates a human-perceptible indication to help notify the user, who might have walked away. The human-perceptible indication can include, a call sound, a light signal, etc. This way, for example, when the PED is only vibrating, the call sound can be such that the station rings like a regular home telephone, and/or the light signal can be such that the station lights up without distracting coworkers as much. As such, the user can always keep the PED at the “Silent” annunciation mode.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/142,822 filed Jan. 6, 2009, titled “NOTIFYING STATIONS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS,” which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This patent application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/682,675, filed on Mar. 6, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,751,852 on Jul. 6, 2010, and entitled “NOTIFYING STATIONS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS,” which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is related to the field of accessories for Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as cellphones and PDAs, and more specifically to devices and methods for supporting a PED and notifying a user who may not longer be carrying the PED. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like are proliferating. A number of them can perform wireless communication, such as permit the user to conduct a telephone conversation, exchange emails or text messages, and so on. Such activities are often via an interface of the device, which can conduct a dialogue with the user, and so on. 
     In a number of instances, these activities start with an event, such as a PED receiving a telephone call, or receiving an email or text message. For these instances, PEDs notify the users of the event, such as by producing a sound or a vibration, depending on the annunciation mode that the user has chosen. Examples are now described. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of a mobile telephone  100 , as it might be carried on a belt  110  of a user (not shown). Mobile telephone  100  is on standby, meaning that it is on, but the user is not using it to conduct a wireless telephone call. Mobile telephone  100  can be set in any annunciation mode  136 , which can be either to ring (“Normal”), or to vibrate (“Silent”), if it is to notify its user that it received a wireless signal. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of mobile telephone  100 , while receiving a telephone call via a wireless signal  240 . For purposes of  FIG. 2 , mobile telephone  100  has been placed by the user in a “Normal” annunciation mode  236 , and therefore rings  250  to notify the user. Ringing  250  can be by generating a ring tone. 
     This ringing  250  has been undesirable in some settings, where people must keep quiet. These settings are not just theaters, but sometimes also the workplace. For example, ring tones alone can distract coworkers. Accordingly, the “Silent” annunciation mode has been implemented, as described below. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of mobile telephone  100 , while receiving a telephone call via a wireless signal  340 . For purposes of  FIG. 3 , mobile telephone  100  has been placed by the user in a “Silent” annunciation mode  336 , and therefore it vibrates  350  to notify the user, instead of ringing. 
     PEDs permit the user to change the annunciation mode, from “Normal”  236  to “Silent”  336  and back. So, nominally, they can change it to “Silent”  336  every time they enter a place where they have to keep quiet, and back to “Normal”  236  every time they exit such a place. 
     A problem arises from the fact that it is the user who is required to keep transitioning the PED between the different annunciation modes. Sometimes they forget, resulting in embarrassment if their phone rings when it should not. Others give up, especially when they realize that they can still perceive the vibration, and do not need the ringing of the “Normal” annunciation mode  236 . So, they just leave the phone in the “Silent” annunciation mode  336 . When they go home, they turn it off, and instead rely on the land line of the home telephone for their telephone conversations. 
     In some instances, however, they forget to turn off the mobile telephone. As seen in  FIG. 4 , mobile telephone  100  has been left on a surface  401 , such as a table or a desk. Upon receiving a signal  440 , mobile telephone  100  vibrates  350  to notify the user. But the user could have walked to another room, and will miss the call because they will not feel the vibration or hear a ringing. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention overcomes these problems and limitations of the prior art. 
     Generally, the present invention provides accessories for one or more portable electronic devices (PEDs), and related methods. These accessories are also known as stations for the PEDs. In some embodiments, a station supports a PED, and senses an action signal generated by the PED, when the PED would be notifying its user about a wireless signal that is received from a remote transmitter. When the station so senses, it further generates a human-perceptible indication to help notify the user, who might have walked away. The human-perceptible indication can include, for example, a call sound, a light signal, etc. The station can also transmit station signals to the PED, such as status signals, and so on. 
     The invention further provides PEDs that transmit PED signals intended for such stations. The PED signals include action signals, a docking signal, and others for their communication. 
     In some embodiments, the call sound can be such that the station can ring like a regular home telephone when the PED is only vibrating. The user can thus keep the PED at the “Silent” annunciation mode, without having to remember to change the mode every time they leave the PED on the station, and every time they take it back. Therefore, it would be less necessary for a user to have a separate telephone line for the home, at least for voice communications. And since they can take the mobile telephone with them when they leave, they need have, and pay for, only one telephone number. 
     In some embodiments, the light signal can be such that the station lights up when the PED is only vibrating. This way, coworkers will be distracted less. 
     Stations according to optional embodiments can be also stations for charging a battery of the PED. Charging can be via wires or wirelessly. 
     The invention will become more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a mobile telephone, as it might be carried by a user. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of the mobile telephone of  FIG. 1  in a “Normal” annunciation mode, while receiving a telephone call, and ringing to notify the user. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of the mobile telephone of  FIG. 1  in a “Silent” annunciation mode, while receiving a telephone call and vibrating to notify the user. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the mobile telephone of  FIG. 1 , in the “Silent” annunciation mode of  FIG. 3 , while it is no longer carried, and receiving a telephone call and vibrating. 
         FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting a Portable Electronic Device (PED) according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a diagram of a first sample time profile of an action signal generated by a PED of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a diagram of a second sample time profile of an action signal generated by a PED of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  is a diagram of a third sample time profile of an action signal generated by a PED of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5E  is a diagram of a fourth sample time profile of an action signal generated by a PED of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments that have a body with an underside suitable for being supported on a horizontal surface. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments that have a body adapted to be hung on a wall. 
         FIG. 8A  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where the body supports a PED on a top side. 
         FIG. 8B  is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments where the body supports a PED by tension. 
         FIG. 8C  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where the body has a cavity for supporting a PED. 
         FIG. 8D  is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments where the body has a cavity for a PED, and supports it also by tension. 
         FIG. 8E  is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments where the body has a cavity for a PED, and supports it without tension. 
         FIG. 8F  is a diagram of a station body according to embodiments where the body has a cavity for a PED, and where the cavity has a shape designed to receive the PED snugly. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where the body has a base and a receptacle for supporting a PED. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of a station according to embodiments where the body has a base and a receptacle for supporting a PED. 
         FIG. 11A  is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting a PED according to optional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a block diagram of components of a station for supporting a PED according to other optional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a diagram of a scene where a user is away from a building, and carries a PED upon their person. 
         FIG. 12B  is a diagram of a scene where a user is in the building of  FIG. 12A , and has left their PED on a station with the components of the station of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 13  is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of  FIG. 12B , except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and vibrating because of it. 
         FIG. 14  is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of  FIG. 12B , except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and ringing because of it. 
         FIG. 15  is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of  FIG. 12B , except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and vibrating because of it. 
         FIG. 16  is the diagram of an embodiment of the station of  FIG. 12B , except the supported PED is also receiving a wireless signal and ringing because of it. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating methods according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , which is being used to support concurrently two PEDs. 
         FIG. 19A  is a diagram of a sample four-seat embodiment, which has two PEDs docked on it, and a third PED is being placed on it. 
         FIG. 19B  is a diagram of the embodiment of  FIG. 19A , at a later time during which one of the docked PEDs is receiving a call. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As has been mentioned, the present invention provides stations cooperating with one or more portable electronic devices (PEDs). The invention is now described in more detail. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a set of components is shown for a station  500  made according to embodiments. Station  500  is for a Portable Electronic Device (PED)  555 , which can be as a mobile telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant, and so on. PED  555  can be made either according to the prior art, or according to embodiments. Station  500  can also be called a calling docking station  500  or simply a calling dock  500  for PED  555 . 
     PED  555  includes an antenna operable to receive a wireless signal  540 , such as in conjunction with receiving a telephone call or a text message. The wireless signal is received from a remote transmitter, such as those used by telephone companies for mobile telephones. Those transmitters can be hundreds or a few thousands of feet away from PED  555 . As such, PED  555  does not receive the wireless signal from station  500  itself, in other words, station  500  is not the base of a home telephone that is portable. 
     PED  555  also includes a PED mechanism to operate for notifying a user about the received wireless signal. The PED mechanism can include a vibration mechanism for causing a vibration, or a PED speaker for generating a ring tone, or both. 
     In addition, according to comment  557 , PED  555  is able to generate an action signal responsive to receiving wireless signal  540 . This action signal is not perceptible by humans. Various examples of the action signal are described later in this document. 
     Station  500  includes a body  510  for supporting PED  555 . Body  510  can be made in a number of ways, as will be seen later in this document. 
     Station  500  also includes a sensor  520 . Sensor  520  can be provided separately from body  510 . In the preferred embodiment, however, sensor  520  is incorporated within body  510 . It can be incorporated as a separate device, or as part of a circuit that is described later in this document. 
     Sensor  520  is adapted to sense the generation of the action signal. In addition sensor  520  is adapted to output a call signal CS responsive to so sensing. Sensor  520  may be made in any number of ways, especially with a view to better and more reliably sensing the operation of the PED mechanism. These ways are correlated with the nature of the action signal that is sensed. Various examples are now described. 
     In general, the action signal can be a signal transmitted by prior art PEDs, which is sensed by sensor  520 . In some embodiments, PEDs are made according to the invention, which transmit custom action signals to further control stations made according to embodiments. In addition, while signals are described individually, that is only for convenience. In fact, a single PED can transmit more than one action signals, which can be of the same or different nature, dimension, timing, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, the action signal is a wireless signal. Its generation can be sensed by a wireless detector. In others, the action signal is wired, and its generation is sensed via at least one electrical contact between the sensor and the PED. 
     In some embodiments, the action signal is transmitted by the PED. In some embodiments, the generation of the action signal is sensed by the sensor sensing directly the action signal. 
     In other embodiments, the generation of the action signal is sensed by the sensor indirectly. In other words, the generation of the action signal is not sensed itself, but one of its results is sensed. In some of these embodiments, the action signal is generated internally by the PED. 
     In one embodiment, as will be seen later in this document, the PED has a battery that is being charged by the station. Charging presents an input impedance to the station. The action signal causes a modulation on the input impedance. This applies whether charging is via conductors, or inductive. 
     Sample time profiles of the action signal are now described. It will be appreciated that the signal serving as the action signal is one that can be used by sensor  520 . It can be an existing signal of an existing PED, or it can be a PED made according to embodiments with a custom signal for controlling the station. 
       FIG. 5B  is a diagram of a first sample time profile of an action signal AS 1 , which can be generated by PED  555 . Action signal AS 1  is not being generated prior to receiving wireless signal  540 —in fact it has a value of zero. Upon sensing wireless signal  540 , action signal AS 1  is generated. 
     In some embodiments, the PED generates a host signal that is not dependent on receiving the wireless signal. In these, the action signal is a modulation superimposed on the host signal. An example is now described. 
       FIG. 5C  is a diagram of a second sample time profile of an action signal AS 2 , which can be generated by PED  555 . A host signal HS 2  has a nonzero value prior to wireless signal  540  being received. A modulation AS 2  is superimposed on host signal HS 2 , upon sensing wireless signal  540 . In this example, modulation AS 2  is positive, but it could be negative as well. 
     In some embodiments, it is desired that there be prematching between a PED and a station according to embodiments. In those, the action signal can encode a message. A station notifier, which will be described later in this document, can generate the human-perceptible indication only if the message meets a preset criterion. Or it can activate a custom feature, and so on. An example is now described. 
       FIG. 5D  is a diagram of a third sample time profile of an action signal AS 3 , which can be generated by PED  555 . Action signal AS 3  encodes a message in variations. The message can be one of identification between the PED and the station. Performance, in whole or in part, can be predicated on the identification being successful. Or the message can be one of invoking a custom ringing feature as the human-perceptible indication, for example if the PED needs charging. This can be performed without the PED spending its little remaining charge ringing. 
     In some embodiments, the message is one of at least two possible messages. The human-perceptible indication is different, depending upon which of the two messages is encoded. An example is now described. 
       FIG. 5E  is a diagram of a fourth sample time profile of an action signal AS 4 , which can be generated by PED  555 . Action signal AS 4  includes a falling-sawtooth wave that could cause a first type of ringing by the station. A rising-sawtooth wave could cause a first type of ringing by the station, and so on. 
     In all these examples, the action signal was sudden, which can be detected easily by detector  520 . This is preferred, but not required. For example, the action signal can have a time profile that rises slowly, or stays above a low threshold for some time, and sensor  520  can include an integrator that captures the difference over time. Plus, an action signal according to embodiments can include elements of all these profiles. 
     Returning to  FIG. 5A , station  500  also includes a station notifier  530 . Station notifier  530  can be made so that it generates a human-perceptible indication, responsive to call signal CS. As will be seen in more detail later in this document, in some embodiments station notifier  530  can include a station speaker, in which case the human-perceptible further indication includes a call sound. In other embodiments, station notifier  530  can include a station light, in which case the human-perceptible indication includes a light signal. Moreover, notifier  530  can include a combination of two or more of these and other items, and so one. 
     Station notifier  530  can be provided separately from body  510 . In the preferred embodiments, however, a station speaker is incorporated within body  510 , while a station light is provided at a surface of body  510 . 
     As has already been mentioned, body  510  can be made in any number of ways and configurations. Some configurations are for body  510  to be standalone, or be placed in a home. In other configurations, body  510  can be, along with its supported PED, in a briefcase or a lady&#39;s purse, or an automobile. Body  510  can be standalone, for taking in and out of the briefcase or purse or automobile, or be integrated with the briefcase or purse or automobile. In these configurations, body  510  is preferably made such that it will host PED  555  more securely, without letting it fall off, if the briefcase or purse or automobile moves suddenly. 
     For constructing body  510 , materials include, by way of example and not of limitation, plastics and metal, and in general materials similar to those for making home telephones. Two main configurations are now described. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a body  610  of a station according to an embodiment includes an underside  611  that has a substantially flat portion. As such, body  610  can be supported on a horizontal surface  601 , which can be a kitchen counter, a night stand, a table top, or any surface someone might place a home telephone on. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the entire underside  611  is flat, but that is not necessary. 
     In some embodiments, not shown in  FIG. 6 , underside  611  also includes feet, which can be made from rubber, plastic or other suitable material. The feet prevent body  610  from sliding on, or scratching surface  601 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a body  710  of a station according to an embodiment includes a feature  712  for hanging base  710  on a wall  701 . Feature  712  can be made in any number of ways, some learned from how home telephone devices are made. For example, feature  712  can be a hole for nailing a nail therethrough, or for anchoring body  710  at the head of a screw. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5A , and as mentioned above, body  510  can be made in any number of ways, for supporting PED  555 . A number of such ways are now described. Other portions of this document, which describe other aspects of the invention, may iconically show a PED simply on a station, but that is only by way of example, and not of limitation. In those portions, it is meant that the PED maybe supported by the station in any number of ways. 
     In most embodiments, the station defines explicitly a PED space for the PED to be received at. Where it is so defined, the PED space can also be called a “PED seat”, or simply “seat”. The PED seat can be designed with a view to sensing the action signal, and so on. The seat can even have a drawing or instruction, explicit or implicit, for suggesting placing PED  555  there. In some embodiments, the placement will be suggested by the shape or configuration of the PED seat, and of the remainder of the device. 
       FIG. 8A  is a diagram of a station  800  according to an embodiment. Station  800  has a body  810 , with a designated PED seat  811  for supporting PED  555 . Seat  811  is on a top surface of body  810 , which is substantially flat. PED  555  is held in seat  811  by friction, for example by a rubber surface  815  on seat  811 . Rubber surface  815  prevents PED  555  from displacing itself off of seat  811 , as it vibrates. In addition, if station  800  includes also a charger for PED  555 , rubber surface  815  is shaped so that it does not get in the way of charging. 
     Another set of station embodiments hold PED  555  to the station by tension. The tension can be implemented by spring loading, snug fit, and so on. These embodiments are particularly suitable where the station of the invention may be moved, as is the case when the station will be in a briefcase, in a lady&#39;s purse, or in an automobile. Examples are now described. 
       FIG. 8B  is a diagram of a station body  820  according to an embodiment. A movable member  822  secures PED  555  to body  820 , at least in part. Member  822  is either a cover, or an arm, and so on. In the shown embodiment, member  822  exerts a tension  824  so as to bias PED  555  towards body  820 . Member  822  can be spring loaded. In other embodiments, member  822  can clasp with a portion of body  820 . In some of the clasping embodiments, fitting of PED  555  is snug. 
       FIG. 8C  is a diagram of a station body  830  according to an embodiment. Body  830  has a PED seat  831  with a cavity  837  for supporting therein PED  555 . Using a cavity has advantages. First, designing with a cavity may make for a simpler embodiment than with the moveable member of  FIG. 8B . Second, a cavity provides for more predictability of where PED  555  will end up with respect to body  810 , and thus also with respect to where sensor  520  (not shown in  FIG. 8B ) should be located within body  830 . The predictability will be because a first time user is more likely to understand where exactly PED  555  is to be placed. Third, PED  555  will tend to gravitate towards a bottom of cavity  837 . 
     Cavity  837  may be made with any number of shapes. For example, it can be trough shaped, hole shaped, shallow or deep, and so on. An embodiment with a cavity can be made while at the same time supporting the PED therein under tension or not. Plus, a rubber surface can be provided in the interior of the cavity, for supporting thereon PED  555 , such as was shown with rubber surface  815 . 
       FIG. 8D  is a diagram of a station body  840  according to an embodiment. Body  840  has a PED seat  841  for receiving PED  555 . Seat  841  includes a cavity  847 , for inserting PED  555  therein. Once PED  555  has been inserted in cavity  847 , it is held in place also under tension  844 , provided by a spring  842 . The action of inserting PED  555  in cavity  847  amounts to sheathing it. A part of the cavity has a portion that is movable under tension  844 , when PED  555  is inserted or removed. The moveable portion can be made from the same materials that are moveably connected to each other, or flexible materials, and so on. 
     A design that holds PED  555  in place, such as the design of  FIG. 8D , is the preferred embodiment for where the station of the invention may be moved, as is the case when the station will be in a briefcase, in a lady&#39;s purse, or in an automobile. Especially in the case of an automobile, body  840  can be integrated with the vehicle, at a location suitable for sheathing by the driver or passengers. The size of the opening of cavity  847  can be initially adjustable, to prepare for different size PEDs, and so on. The placement of spring  842  also reduces how many moving parts are exposed to the user, whose attention may be elsewhere. This design can be implemented together with a charger, or not. If not, it should be noted that PED  555  can be inserted upside down, so as to leave any connections at its underside exposed for charging by other means. Other parts of the station can be implemented by other portions of the automobile, such as the speakers, and so on. In the automobile case, other components of the invention can be integrated with other parts of the automobile. 
       FIG. 8E  is a diagram of a station body  850  according to an embodiment. Body  850  has a PED seat  851  for receiving PED  555 . Seat  851  includes a cavity  857 , for inserting PED  555  therein. Once PED  555  has been received in cavity  857 , it is supported by its weight, but without tension. 
       FIG. 8F  is a diagram of a station body  860  according to an embodiment. Body  860  has a PED seat  861  for receiving PED  555 . Seat  851  includes a cavity  867 , for inserting PED  555  therein. Cavity  867  has a shape that is designed to receive PED  555  snugly. In other words, cavity  867  has a shape that substantially matches a shape of PED  555  enough for a substantially snug fit. The snug fit will make it easier to detect the vibration. However, the shape of cavity  867  preferably does not match the entire perimeter of PED  555 , to allow for grasping PED  555 , for extracting it from cavity  867 . 
     In some embodiments, the body of a station has at least two mechanical components. One such component is a base, intended for supporting the body in its environment. For example, what was written above for the body being supported on a surface or a wall applies equally well to the base. 
     The other component is a receptacle, which is adapted for supporting the PED. For example, what was written above for the body supporting the PED applies equally well to the receptacle. For instance, it can have a top surface that is flat or includes a cavity. Or any other shape suitable for receiving PED  555 . 
     The base and the receptacle can be provided in a number of configurations. Two sample such configurations are illustrated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a body  910  has a base  914 , and a receptacle  916  that is above base  914 . Base  914  is supported on horizontal surface  901 . Receptacle  916  is adapted to receive and support PED  555  as per the above. In the example of  FIG. 9 , receptacle  916  does not include a cavity, but that is only by example, not limitation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a body  1010  has a base  1014 , and a receptacle  1016  that is to the side of base  1014 . Base  914  is supported on a wall  1001 . Receptacle  1016  is adapted to receive and support PED  555  as per the above. In the example of  FIG. 10 , receptacle  1016  also includes an optional cavity  1017 . 
       FIG. 11A  is a block diagram of components of a station  1100  for supporting PED  555  according to optional embodiments of the invention. Station  1100  includes a body  1110 , which can be made as described above for such a body. 
     Station  1100  includes a sensor  1120 , which can be as described for sensor  520 , and adapted as necessary for the included optional components. Sensor  1120  generates call signal CS, when it senses the generation of action signal AS. In addition, station  1100  includes a station notifier  1130 , which can be as described for station notifier  530 . Notifier  1130  can output a human-perceptible indication responsive to call signal CS. 
     Station  1100  also optionally includes a power supply module  1115 . Module  1115  supplies the electrical power needs of the components seen in  FIG. 11A , such as powering an operation of station notifier  1130 , and so on. Module  1115  can be implemented within body  1110 . 
     Power supply module  1115  can be implemented in any number of ways, as will be discerned by a person skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, module  1115  is a battery, while in others it is a transformer for converting electrical power, such as from a wall outlet to DC. 
     In some embodiments, station  1100  can also be a station for charging a battery of PED  555 . Charging can be wirelessly, or by wires, as will be described in more detail later, with reference to  FIG. 11B . Moreover, the charging operation can optionally be combined with an operation of station  1100 . 
     In some embodiments, charging can be wirelessly. Wireless charging is performed by further adapting PED  555  to harvest powering wireless signals, such as RF waves and/or magnetic waves. Embodiments for charging PED  555  wirelessly include a local transmitter of such powering wireless signals. Such a local wireless powering transmitter  1144  can be provided close to station  1100 , or within it, and can optionally and preferably be powered by module  1115 . 
     Station  1100  optionally and preferably includes a circuit  1122 . Circuit  1122  senses call signal CS, and in response generates a notifier signal NS for driving station notifier  1130 . Action signal AS can be internal to circuit  1122 . 
     Circuit  1122  can be made in any way known for circuits, such as with a printed circuit board (PCB), integrated circuit, microprocessor, custom processor, Digital Signal Processing, and the like. In some embodiments, circuit  1122  includes or is provided jointly with others of the components shown in  FIG. 11A . 
     In some embodiments, station  1100  includes an identifier  1124 . Identifier  1124  acts as a filter to what sensor  1120  senses, and controls so that the human-perceptible indication is generated from station notifier  1130 , but not generated when another event is sensed by sensor  1120 . Other such events are thus filtered out, without causing station notifier  1130  to ring when it should not. For example, identifier  1124  can identify whether a signal is a legitimate action signal. 
     Identifier  1124  may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, in analog embodiments, it can identify time profiles such as those of  FIGS. 5B ,  5 C, and  5 E. A digital embodiment can identify a time profile such as that of  FIG. 5D . 
     In addition, a sensor training actuator  1126  can be provided, which can be actuated when PED  555  is supported and vibrating. Actuator  1126  informs identifier  1124 , or circuit  1122 , when a legitimate event is indeed taking place, for the device to be trained. For example, if identifier  1124  is indeed used, it can adjust its pass bandwidth towards a frequency component with the largest amplitude. This way, other events will be excluded more reliably, and false notifications will be prevented. In operation, PED  555  can be supported by body  1110 , and called. While ringing or vibrating, sensor training actuator  1126  can be actuated. If sensor training actuator  1126  is indeed provided, it can be marked with the designation “SET”, or “SET FOR DEVICE”, etc. 
     In addition, un-training can be provided for identifier  1124 , for the reverse operation of sensor training actuator  1126 . This can be a different actuator, which can be marked as “RESET”, and so on. 
     Station  1100  optionally also includes a station notifier testing actuator  1138 . This can be an actuator for the user to test whether station notifier  1130  works. So, station notifier testing actuator  1138  can cause the human-perceptible indication to be generated when the PED mechanism is not sensed by sensor  1120  as operating. In some embodiments that is while PED  555  is supported by body  1110 , or even if no PED is supported by body  1110 . In the preferred embodiment, station notifier testing actuator operates by simulating or duplicating notifier signal NS. 
     Station notifier  1130  operates responsive to call signal CS, or its derivative notifier signal NS, when PED  555  is sensed as vibrating or ringing. Station notifier  1130  can be made in any number of ways. 
     In some embodiments, station notifier  1130  includes a station speaker  1132 , which generates a call sound as its human-perceptible indication. The call sound can be akin to a ring tone for cell phones, be programmable, and so on. It is preferred that the human-perceptible indication be approximately as loud as that of a telephone of a home or an office, since station  1100  is to support PED  555  at a home or office. 
     Station  1100  optionally also includes a volume controller  1134 , for adjusting a volume of the call sound. Volume controller  1134  can be a knob that controls station speaker  1132 . It is preferred to set this while operating station notifier testing actuator  1138 . 
     Volume controller  1134  can have a setting all the way down to zero volume. In addition, or alternately, a disable switch can be provided for station speaker  1132 . This way, office environments can be accommodated with no sound. In such embodiments, it is preferred that station notifier  1130  had another ways of notifying the user. The disable switch can be a switch that is set once for all calls. Alternately, it can be used for discontinuing the notification for a single call, if it is desired to ignore it, and in which case station speaker  1132  would again emit a sound to notify the user for the next call. 
     In some embodiments, station notifier  1130  includes a station light  1136 , which generates a light signal as its human-perceptible indication. This is preferred for environments where ringing is not desired, such as offices. This is also preferably provided for stations that are for multiple PEDs, as will be seen below, so that someone responding to a call can tell more quickly which of the PEDs rang. 
     In some embodiments, station notifier  1130  includes both a volume controller  1134 , and a station light  1136 . In addition, it can include a switch to decide which of them is to notify, and so on. 
     Station  1100  furthermore optionally includes a docking detector  1150 . Docking detector  1150  can detect that PED  555  is indeed supported by body  1100 . Docking detector  1150  can be implemented in any suitable way, such as with a pressure sensor, a proximity detector, a detector of RF emitted by PED  555  when it is on, and so on. In addition, docking detector  1150  can be implemented by a switch that is normally in a first state when PED  555  is not supported by the body, and is at a second state when PED  555  is supported by the body. For example, it can be normally open when PED  555  is not supported by the body, and close when PED  555  is supported by the body, or vice versa. For example, the switch can close between a receptacle and a base, or close when PED  555  is placed in a cavity, for example if a bottom panel of the cavity is moveable, and so on. 
     In embodiments where PED  555  has been made so as to cooperate with station  1100 , docking detector  1150  can even be activated by a specific signal from PED  555 , which can be a docking signal. What is written above for the nature of the action signal can also apply to such a docking signal. For example, it can be a signal sensed from a prior art PED, or a custom docking signal, and so on. 
     An output of docking detector  1150  can control when station notifier  1130  generates the human-perceptible indication. Accordingly, in some embodiments, station notifier  1130  cannot generate the human-perceptible indication unless docking detector  1150  detecting that PED  555  is supported by body  1110 . 
     Station  1100  additionally optionally includes a docking indicator  1155 . Docking indicator  1155  can be actuated when docking detector  1150  detects that PED  555  is supported by body  1100 . Docking indicator  1155  can be a light, emitting light when actuated, or a speaker, emitting a sound when actuated. 
     In some embodiments, docking indicator  1155  can be implemented by station notifier  1130  itself. In other words, station notifier  1130  also doubles as docking indicator  1155 , whether it is implemented by speaker  1132 , station light  1136 , or both. More particularly, station notifier  1130  is operable to generate the human-perceptible indication also responsive to the docking detector detecting that the PED is supported by the body. The human-perceptible indication can be the same indication or different, from when the PED mechanism is being used. For example, if speaker  1132  is used also this way, it can ring only once, briefly, and not very loudly, upon docking PED  555  at it. 
     Docking indicator  1155  is intended to provide comfort to the user, who will observe that station  1100  detects immediately that PED  555  has been placed there. This way, the user will have more trust that station  1100  works, and will rings or vibrate, when PED  555  receives a call. 
     While detecting that PED  555  is supported by body  1100 , docking indicator  1155  can operate in a number of ways. In some embodiments, it can operate continuously. For example, if it includes a light, it can emit light continuously. In other embodiments, docking indicator  1155  can operate for a short time, responsive to detecting that the PED has started being supported by the body. But then docking indicator  1155  can stop operating. For example, a speaker can be used to emit a brief sound, or a light can blink a few times. This can serve as adequate confirmation to the user that PED  555  has been docked. If docking indicator  1155  ahs stopped operating, then it might again operate briefly as PED  555  is being removed. 
     In addition, if local wireless powering transmitter  1144  is indeed implemented, it can operate responsive to docking detector  1150  detecting that PED  555  is supported by the body. 
     Station  1100  moreover optionally includes a memory  1170 , as mentioned above. Memory  1170  can store instructions as to how station  1100  is to operate, data from its operation, and so on. Memory  1170  can be implemented in any number of ways. For example, it can be part of the memory of a processor that operates the functions of station  1100 . Or it can be implemented separately from such a processor. 
     Station  1100  additionally optionally includes a data port  1175 . Data port  1175  can be for wired transfer of data, such as a USB port. Or it can be for wireless transfer of data. Data port  1175  can be used for exporting data stored in memory  1170 , receiving data that is to be stored in the memory, or both. 
     In some embodiments, memory  1170  can store data relative to the docking detector  1150  detecting that PED  555  is supported by the body. For example, it can store times at which PED  555  was docked and undocked on station  1100 , whether it was recognized as a PED pre-matched to station  1100 , the times a call was received, e.g. by sensing notifier signal NS, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, memory  1170  can store sound data, for later reproduction by a speaker of station  1100 , to notify of a call received. That speaker can be speaker  1132  or a different speaker. Such sound data can be a custom ring tone. The sound data can be imported electronically through data port  1175 , or via a microphone  1178 , which can convert a received sound message to sound data. 
       FIG. 11B  is a block diagram of components of a station  1180  for supporting another PED  1190 , according to other optional embodiments of the invention. Station  1180  includes a body  1182 , which can be made as described above for body  1110 . In addition, station  1180  includes many components made as was described above with reference to  FIG. 11A . What is different is that PED  1190  is being charged by wires, not wirelessly. In this embodiment, station  1180  has been combined with an adapter. Power supply module  1115  is implemented by a transformer that is adapted to advantageously both power station  1100  and charge PED  1190 . 
     Body  1182  defines a seat  1181 . Station  1180  can include conductor contacts for a PED that is in seat  1181 . Of those, conductor contacts  1185  are for powering PED  1190 , and optional conductor contact  1187  can be for communicating other information with it, such as action signal AS, a docking signal, and so on. As PED  1190  is docked at station  1180 , the conductor contacts of station  1180  can make mating connection with respective conductor contacts  1195 ,  1197  of PED  1190 . The connection can be made the same way as when a PED is plugged into its charger. 
     Power supply  1115  feeds power to PED  1190  through conductor contacts  1185  and  1195 . In addition, station  1180  optionally includes charging switch  1184 . Charging switch  1184  may be controlled as is desired, for example by docking detector  1150 . 
     A station according to embodiments is an accessory for a PED, in the same way that a charger is an accessory. In fact, in some embodiments, the station is integrated with the charger, as seen above. 
     In some embodiments, a station according to embodiments is not matched to work with a specific PED, such as PED  555 . It is generic, and can work with a variety of PEDs. In addition, an identifier such as identifier  1124  can help train the station for that matching. 
     In other embodiments, a station according to embodiments is prematched to work with a specific PED, such as  555 . The prematched station can be sold together with the PED, as an accompanying accessory. In others, it can designate which PED(s) it supports, for users to purchase. 
     Prematching can be either mechanical, or electrical, or both. Mechanical prematching can be, for example, by the shape of a cavity, for receiving the PED. Electrical prematching means that the identifier is attuned in advance, and so on. 
     More features can be added this way. For example, if a station is prematched to a specific PED, and a different PED is inserted, the station can give an appropriate notification, and so on. 
     Operations of the invention are now described. 
       FIG. 12A  is a diagram of a scene  1205 . A user  1208  is away from a building  1207 , which could be their home or office. User  1208  carries PED  555  upon their person, and can thus receive calls. 
     As seen in the detail, in building  1207  there is a surface  1201 , such as the top of a table, a counter, etc. A station  1200  made according to embodiments is on surface  1201 . In addition, an optional telephone  1266  is provided on surface  1201 , which uses a land line for its connection.  FIG. 12A  shows telephone  1266  as optional, to better illustrate how, in certain circumstances, it is rendered obsolete by the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 12A , while user  1208  is away from building  1207 , he does not need telephone  1266 , or its land line, at least for voice communication. If telephone  1266  is indeed provided, it can receive calls, but the user will not be there to take them. Telephone  1266  can receive messages, as can PED  555 . 
       FIG. 12B  is a diagram of a scene  1206 . Scene  1206  is similar to scene  1205 , except that user  1208  is now in building  1207 . PED  555  is now supported on station  1200 , and can thus receive calls. Plus, because of station  1200 , user  1208  can hear PED  555  ring, even if user  1208  has stepped to the next room, depending on the setting of volume controller  1134 . If station  1200  has been placed at a central location within the premises of building  1208 , its ringing may cover the entire premises. This, without the user needing to carry PED  555  on their person while at the premises. 
     In  FIG. 12B , user  1208  can also receive a telephone call at telephone  1266 , instead of at PED  555 . Telephone  1266  adds value to the user where the premises are large, by ringing at multiple locations. And, for that additional value, the user pays every month for the cost of the land line. 
     Accordingly, as mentioned above, some users can save on monthly fees. More particularly, if they live in modest-sized premises, they need purchase station  1200  once for their PED. Then they can discontinue the land line for voice purposes. 
     The operation of station  1200  is now examined in more detail, in the event a wireless signal is received by PED  555  supported thereon. 
       FIG. 13  is the diagram of a station  1300  according to an embodiment of station  1200  of  FIG. 12B , and in the same situation, except supported PED  555  is also receiving a wireless signal  1340 , and vibrates  350  because of it. According to a comment  1357 , an action signal AS is generated upon receiving wireless signal  1340 . In the example of  FIG. 13 , station  1300  can sense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore rings  1350 , for example as if it were a home telephone. 
       FIG. 14  is the diagram of a station  1400  according to an embodiment of station  1200  of  FIG. 12B , and in the same situation, except supported PED  555  is also receiving a wireless signal  1440 , and rings  250  because of it. According to a comment  1457 , an action signal AS is generated upon receiving wireless signal  1440 . In the example of  FIG. 14 , station  1400  can sense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore again rings  1450 , for example as if it were a home telephone. 
       FIG. 15  is the diagram of a station  1500  according to an embodiment of station  1200  of  FIG. 12B , and in the same situation, except supported PED  555  is also receiving a wireless signal  1540 , and vibrates  350  because of it. According to a comment  1557 , an action signal AS is generated upon receiving wireless signal  1540 . In the example of  FIG. 15 , the station notifier of station  1500  is a station light  1536 . Station  1500  can sense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore station light  1536  provides a light signal by lighting up  1550 . 
       FIG. 16  is the diagram of a station  1600  according to an embodiment of station  1200  of  FIG. 12B , and in the same situation, except supported PED  555  is also receiving a wireless signal  1640 , and rings  250  because of it. In the example of  FIG. 16 , the station notifier of station  1600  is a station light  1636 . According to a comment  1657 , an action signal AS is generated upon receiving wireless signal  1640 . Station  1600  can sense the generation of action signal AS, and therefore station light  1636  provides a light signal by lighting up  1650 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a flowchart  1700  for describing a method for a station. The method of flowchart  1700  may also be practiced by physical embodiments described above, e.g. station  500 , station  1100 , and so on. 
     According to an optional operation  1710 , it is detected whether a PED is supported by the station. If not, the process repeats, until there is such detection. If or when there is such detection, according to an optional next operation  1720 , a docking indicator is actuated in response to the detection. As mentioned also above, such a docking indicator can be audible or visible when actuated. 
     According to an optional operation  1730 , a powering signal is transmitted to power the PED. The powering signal is wired or wireless. In the preferred embodiment, operation  1730  is performed only when operation  1710  detects that a PED is supported by the station, and responsive to it. 
     According to an operation  1740 , it is sensed whether a Portable Electronic Device (PED) has generated an action signal, in response to the PED receiving a wireless signal. The wireless signal would be received from a transmitter at least 500 ft away from the station, and can be in conjunction with receiving a telephone call or a text message. If not, the process repeats, until there is such sensing. Operation  1740  can be implemented in any number of ways. For example, sensing can include signals emitted from prior art PEDs, or custom signals from PEDs according to embodiments. 
     According to a next operation  1750 , a call signal is outputted responsive to the sensing of operation  1740 . 
     According to a next operation  1760 , a human-perceptible indication is generated responsive to the call signal. The human-perceptible indication can be a call sound, a light signal, both, and so on. In some embodiments, the human-perceptible indication is generated only while the PED is detected as supported by the station, as per optional operation  1710 . 
     Operations of a PED according to embodiments include generating an action signal in a way that can be sensed by a station according to embodiments. The action signal can encode a message that is intended to control the station, or activate custom features in it, or identify the PED to the station. In addition, a PED can transmit a docking signal to inform the station of its proximity and so on. 
     Moreover, the station can transmit station signals to the PED. These station signals can be for status, for identifying, and so on. For example, a PED that knows, from station signals, that it is docked, need not ring at all, upon receiving a call, and so on. 
     In all of the above embodiments, a single PED  555  was shown hosted or docked on a single device. It should be appreciated that a user might try to host or dock multiple PEDs on a single station made according to the invention. 
     Some stations according to the invention are made expressly for a single PED. These are called single-seat, or one-seat, or one-seater. Other stations are made according to embodiments for multiple PEDs, and can be called a two-seater, four-seater, multi-seater, and so on. Seats can be designed so that each is intended nominally for one PED. But there is no requirement that seats be designated, or that a station according to the invention indicate how many PEDs it is designed for. Plus, for purposes of describing multiple PEDs at a station, the above mentioned PED  555  can be termed even more particularly the first PED, and any additional PEDs can be accordingly termed the second PED, third PED, and so on. 
       FIG. 18  repeats the diagram of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , but which being used to support PED  555 , along with one more PED  1856  at the same time. Station  1400  may be either a single-seater, or a multiple seater, or not have seats designated at all. Even if station  1400  is expressly a single seater, a user might simply try to host in the single seat two PEDs, namely PED  555  together with PED  1856 . 
     In the diagram of  FIG. 18 , PED  555  is receiving wireless signal  1440 , and rings  250  because of it. It also generates an action signal. In the example of  FIG. 18 , station  1400  can sense the generation of the action signal, and therefore again rings  1450 , for example as if it were a home telephone. Upon getting there, a person summoned will often be able to tell which of PEDs  555  and  1856  is indeed the one ringing. 
     In addition, multiple-seater stations can be implemented according to embodiments, for expressly hosting multiple PEDs instead of just one. In such embodiments, the aspects included above for notifying that the first PED is using its PED mechanism can be either replicated or shared for use for notifying about the additional docked PEDs. 
     In multi-seater embodiments, the body can be adapted to host the additional PEDs. For example, it can have individualized spaces, or seats, for receiving the PEDs. Designations can be added to indicate the seats, if desired. The designations can be with writing. A docking detector can be provided for each seat, or a single docking detector  1150  can be used for PEDs in more than one of the seats. A docking indicator can be provided for each seat, or a single docking indicator can be used to indicate that there is one PED in at least one of the seats. 
     In multi-seat embodiments, a sensor such as sensor  1120  can be shared, or there can be sensors for the PED of each seat. An identifier such as identifier  1124  can be shared, or there can be sensors for the PED of each seat. Or a single identifier  1124  can instead be attuned to recognize the generation of more than one action signals. Attuning can be from the factory, or by training A sensor training actuator such as actuator  1126  can be provided for multiple identifiers, or for multiple training of an identifier that can recognize the generation of more than one action signals. A circuit such as circuit  1122  can be shared, or there can be circuits for the PED of each seat. 
     In multi-seat embodiments, a station notifier such as station notifier  1130  can be shared, shared in part, or there can be station notifiers for the PED of each seat. A station light such as station light  1136  can be shared, or there can be station lights for the PED of each seat. A station speaker such as station speaker  1132  can be shared, or there can be station speakers for the PED of each seat. The human-perceptible indication emitted from the one or more station notifiers can be the same or different for the different PEDs vibrating or ringing. 
     An example of an expressly multi-seat embodiment is now described. 
       FIG. 19A  is a diagram of a sample four-seat embodiment, where a station  1900  has a body  1910 . Station  1900  is suitable for accommodating four PEDs, by having four seats  1911 A,  1911 B,  1911 C,  1911 D in body  1910 . Seats  1911 A,  1911 B,  1911 C,  1911 D also have cavities, as is preferred, but not necessary. In addition, means for applying tension can be used in conjunction with seats  1911 A,  1911 B,  1911 C,  1911 D, and so on. 
       FIG. 19A  is further a snapshot of where a PED  1955 A is in seat  1911 A, a PED  1955 D is in seat  1911 D, and a PED  1955 B has just been placed in seat  1911 B, as indicated by an arrow. 
     Station  1900  includes station lights  1936 A,  1936 B,  1936 C,  1936 D for PEDs in seats  1911 A,  1911 B,  1911 C,  1911 D, respectively. Station light  1936 B is lit, because PED  1955 B is just being placed in seat  1911 B. Station light  1936 B will stop being lit after a few seconds, in this embodiment. 
     Station  1900  also includes a station speaker  1932  that corresponds to PEDs in all four seats. In the snapshot of  FIG. 19A , speaker  1932  is silent. In another embodiment, speaker  1932  might emit an audible message acknowledging that PED  1955 B is just being placed in seat  1911 B. 
       FIG. 19B  is a diagram of station  1900  of  FIG. 19A , at a later time. PED  1955 D, docked in seat  1911 D, is receiving a call, and is ringing  250 . Station light  1936 D is lit, for example blinking, and station speaker  1932  is ringing  1950 . A user might hear ringing  1950  and approach. Then they can see that it is station light  1936 D that is lit, and will therefore know that PED  1955 D is the one receiving the call. 
     Multi-seat embodiments may have isolation between the seats, so that the sensor or one seat will not be affected by the action signal of a PED is a neighboring seat. But isolation may not be necessary if all sensors operate at once, and the one with the strongest signal is deemed to be the one that is sensing the legitimate call. 
     A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the present invention in view of the description present in this document, which is to be taken as a whole. Numerous details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the invention. 
     While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present description that the invention may be modified in numerous ways. The inventor regards the subject matter of the invention to include all combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.