Patent Abstract:
Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/833,634 and PCT App. No. PCT/US13/30991, which claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/610,575, and incorporates all these applications by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to docking connectors for mobile electronic devices. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to docking connectors disposed on a largest-surface-area surface of the electronic devices. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    Mobile electronic devices often comprise docking connectors, which enable the mobile electronic devices to temporarily attach to multiple external docking accessories, such as speakers and batteries, generally further enabling power and data transmission between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessories. Docking connectors are generally housed on one of the edges of the mobile electronic device, as opposed to one of the two major faces of a typical mobile electronic device, wherein the front face is generally designated by the location of a screen, should the device house a screen, and the back face is designated as the face opposite the front face. For example, the smartphone shown in  FIG. 1A  (Prior Art) has two major faces and four relatively narrow edges, with a docking connector housed on the bottom edge. A shortfall of housing a docking connector on the edge of a mobile electronic device is that when the device is attached to docking accessories, the resultant system is generally inconvenient for transport. If the docking accessories attach by a flexible cable to the docking connector as shown in  FIG. 1A , the resultant system comprises two or more independently moving bodies, connected by the flexible cable, and is thus inconvenient for transport. If the docking accessories attach in a rigid fashion to the docking connector, the resultant system generally increases the effective magnitude of at least one of the dimensions of the mobile electronic device to a degree that renders the resultant system inconvenient for transport. This is due to the fact that the edges of mobile electronic devices generally have a relatively small surface area compared to the front and back faces of the devices; thus, to accommodate the volume of a docking accessory that is rigidly attached to such an edge, the resultant system generally extends significantly in directions away from the docking connector edge. See for example  FIG. 1B  (Prior Art). 
         [0006]    To address the preceding docking-system transport problem, some docking accessories, such as certain supplemental batteries, are manufactured as parts of mobile electronic device cases. The resultant “docking cases” attach to mobile electronic devices, both at their docking connectors (as standard docking accessories attach) and around their various edges (as standard mobile electronic device cases attach), to enable the docking accessories to be transported securely against the back faces of the mobile electronic devices. See for example  FIG. 1C  (Prior Art). In a similar vein, some docking accessories are manufactured as parts of docking “sleeves” (or “jackets”), which attach to compatible mobile electronic devices at their side edges and at their docking connectors (some docking sleeves are themselves operable to form detachable attachments to independent docking accessories). See for example  FIG. 1D  (Prior Art). Docking cases and sleeves enable the majority of the volume of docking accessories to be distributed in a generally even manner across the relatively large back faces of mobile electronic devices, with the aim of minimizing effective increases in magnitude to any single dimension of the mobile electronic device and thus enabling the resultant systems to be transported in a convenient fashion. While going some way to mitigate the increase in effective size of mobile electronic devices to which docking cases and sleeves are attached, the main shortfall with this method for addressing the docking-system transport problem is that docking cases and sleeves nevertheless can increase the effective size of the corresponding mobile electronic device, both in the dimension perpendicular to the back face of the mobile electronic device and in the dimension perpendicular to the face of the edge that houses the docking connector. 
         [0007]    A second method for addressing the docking-system transport problem is to (i) recess a portion of a selected edge of a mobile electronic device to form a rectangular cavity that is open both at the selected edge and at the backside of the mobile electronic device; (ii) form a docking connector on the recessed edge; and (iii) form rails (or tracks) on the two cavity edges perpendicular to the recessed edge. See for example  FIG. 1E  (Prior Art). The rails serve to guide docking accessories as they are inserted into the rectangular cavity through the opening on the selected edge and to help fix the positions of the docking accessories when they are in their docked states. The rectangular cavity enables docking accessories to attach to the mobile electronic device without increasing its effective carrying size. For certain designs, the initial formation of the cavity may lead to an increase in the initial carrying size of the mobile device by taking up space that could otherwise be used for internal components of the device; still, the cavity enables docking accessories to attach to the device without further increasing its effective carrying size and without altering its overall contour. This method thus avoids the main shortfall with the preceding method. Nevertheless, it has several shortfalls of its own. One shortfall with this method is that its rail system requires the corresponding accessory cavity to be open at one edge of the mobile device. This is disadvantageous, as edge openings reduce available space for mobile-device features that are ideally located on an edge of the device (for instance, volume buttons, power buttons, built-in speakers, and built-in sensors) and, if the selected edge is tapered, as is common to create the perception that the device is only as thick as its outermost edges, the tapered boundary of the corresponding accessory cavity places adverse constraints on the design of compatible docking accessories. Another shortfall with this method is that, by fixing the positions of the outer edges of attached accessories through its rail system, it presents design obstacles for a broad range of accessories whose functionality improves with the ability to expand away from, and rotate at various angles to, the backsides of the mobile electronic devices to which they are attached (for instance, speakers, electrophysiology sensors, massage paddles, hand-pump chargers, and ultrasound transducers). Another shortfall with this method is that accessories whose attachment does not increase the effective carrying size of the mobile device must have a certain rectangular shape and size to mate with the rail system (and those accessories that protrude beyond the boundaries of the rectangular cavity must have a base of a certain rectangular shape and size to mate with the rail system). Different docking accessories have different ideal shapes and sizes, however. For instance, whereas certain camera lenses, speakers, and electrophysiology sensors might ideally be circular and relatively small, certain game controllers, external keyboards, and solar panels might ideally be elongated and relatively large. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a docking platform that is housed on the back face of a mobile electronic device to enable multiple docking accessories of various shapes and sizes to simultaneously and independently attach to the mobile electronic device with the optional freedom to expand away from, and rotate at various angles to, the back face of the mobile device, and with at most a nominal increase to the effective magnitude of any one dimension of the mobile device. Furthermore, the docking platform should not require openings on the edges of the mobile device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Cavity-Recessed Accessory Embodiments 
       [0009]    Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown herein, are directed to mobile electronic devices having docking connectors. One of these embodiments of the device includes a docking platform formed at one of the largest-surface-area surfaces, i.e., a selected surface, of the mobile electronic device. In the present embodiment, the selected surface is the back surface of the device. In a separate embodiment, the selected surface may be the front, screen supporting surface. The docking platform is formed with a docking connection system which includes one or more docking connectors generally disposed in a recessed docking accessory cavity. The docking connection system is configured to enable the recessed docking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the recessed docking accessory cavity enables one or more docking accessories to be attached to the docking connectors without significantly increasing the effective carrying size of the mobile electronic device. Docking accessories are manufactured to couple with the recessed docking accessory cavity such that, when the docking accessory is in at least one mode of operation, the outer surface of the docking accessory is generally co-planar with the selected surface of the mobile device. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the docking connection system is formed to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories. In the same or separate embodiment, the docking connection system is operable to form a detachable attachment to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. In the same or separate embodiment, the docking connection system is operable to form a detachable attachment to one docking accessory via two or more recessed docking accessory cavities. In the same or separate embodiment, the docking connection system may be operable to form a detachable attachment radially inward from the outer edges of a circular accessory, to allow the body of the accessory to temporarily expand away from the docking platform by way of an expandable conical accordion mechanism, whereby the foot, or narrowest part of the accordion, which is located radially inward from the edges of the accordion, forms the attachment point to the docking connection system, and the mouth, or widest part of the accordion, forms an attachment to the body of the accessory. The range of docking accessories that may cooperate with the docking platform includes, by way of example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights, hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses, electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles, glucose monitors, body fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasound transducers, and pulse oximeters. This list of possible docking accessories in not meant to be limiting in any way, but is merely meant to demonstrate the wide range of possible devices and technologies that may functionally cooperate with the present docking platform. 
         [0012]    In one or more embodiments, the docking platform is integrally formed with the body of the mobile electronic device. In a related embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with one aspect of the mobile electronic device, e.g., the back cover. The docking platform may be formed with an accessory cavity that has a generally oval shape. In one embodiment, the generally oval or capsule shaped accessory cavity (herein after, “oval shaped accessory cavity”) supports two circular cavities formed at opposing ends of the oval shaped accessory cavity. Optionally, a depressed region constituting the middle portion of the oval cavity may be formed between the two circular cavities. Each of the two circular cavities may include a docking connector, for example, an annular docking connector disposed at its center. A docking connector may be formed with a connection mechanism, electrical contacts for communication one or both of data and power, and an optional alignment mechanism. For example, in the annular docking connector embodiment, each docking connector may be formed with (i) an annular female snap-fit feature, for attaching docking accessories securely to the docking platform; (ii) 30 electrical contacts disposed evenly around the inner edge of the female snap-fit feature, for transmission of power and data to and from docking accessories; and (iii) a male index key, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The electrical contacts are formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads, and the remainder of the platform is formed of the same hard material as the rest of the body of the mobile electronic device. Other connection mechanisms, electrical contacts for communication one or both of data and power, and alignment mechanism may be used without departing from the scope herein. 
         [0013]    One skilled in the art will appreciate other possible embodiments, which vary in (i) shape of platform; (ii) size of platform; (iii) number of docking accessory cavities; (iv) shape of docking accessory cavities; (v) size of docking accessory cavities; (vi) number of docking connectors; (vii) shape of docking connectors; (viii) size of docking connectors; (ix) mode of attachment of docking connectors to docking accessories; (x) configuration of electrical contacts; (xi) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (xii) mode of attachment of platform to the body of the mobile electronic device; and (xiii) materials of the platform and its components. These variations are merely that, possible variations of the present invention, which exemplify only some of the possible alternative forms the present invention may take. In addition, these variations are not meant to be limiting in any way. 
         [0014]    An embodiment of the docking platform is formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device and comprises a primary recess formed within the selected surface. The primary recess forms a docking accessory cavity and may further support one or more further recesses. The docking accessory cavity supports a docking connection system, which houses one or more docking connectors. One or both of the docking accessory cavity and the docking connectors releasably connect to at least two independent docking accessories simultaneously, the docking connection system constructed to enable the docking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface. 
         [0015]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system is operable to form a detachable attachment to a docking accessory without fixing the outer edges of the accessory. 
         [0016]    In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed with two or more electrical contacts within the docking accessory cavity. One or more of the electrical contacts electrically connected to electronics within the mobile electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical communication to the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0017]    In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be configured to enable power and data transmission between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessories by electrical connection to the docking accessories. Alternatively, the mobile electronic device may enable at least one of power or data to be transmitted between the mobile device and the accessories through wireless technology. 
         [0018]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may be configured to form a detachable mechanical bond with docking accessories. Alternative, the docking connection system may be configured to form a detachable magnetic bond with docking accessories. 
         [0019]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may be configured to support a single docking connector operable to form a detachable attachment to two or more independent docking accessories simultaneously. In one example, the docking connection system might comprise a single magnetic element operable to form a detachable magnetic attachment to two or more independent docking accessories simultaneously. Alternatively, the docking connection system may be configured to support more than one docking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachment to two or more independent docking accessories simultaneously. 
         [0020]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connector may be generally circular. 
         [0021]    In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory cavity might be elongated. 
         [0022]    In one or more embodiments, docking accessories may operate in a first mode of operation when connected to the docking platform and in a second mode of operation when remote from the mobile electronic device. The modes of operation depend on the type and functionality of the docking accessory. 
         [0023]    In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the docking platform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory are substantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
         [0024]    In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the docking platform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory are substantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system and in one or a plurality of physical or operational modes. 
         [0025]    In one or more embodiments, a docking system according to the present invention includes a docking platform formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device. The docking system is formed with a recessed docking accessory cavity that supports a docking connection system. The docking connection system is configured to form a detachable attachment to at least two independent docking accessories simultaneously. The docking connection system manufactured such that the docking accessory cavity only opens at the selected surface. Optionally, two or more electrical contacts are formed within the docking accessory cavity and the electrical contacts are in electronic communication with electronics within the mobile electronic device. A docking accessory, constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to the docking connection system, is formed to facilitate the transmission of one or both of data and power between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory. 
         [0026]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may be operable to form an attachment with a docking accessory without fixing the positions of the outer edges of the attached accessory. 
         [0027]    In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be constructed and arranged to support an electrical connection with electrical contacts within the docking connection system when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
         [0028]    In one or more embodiments, the docking system is configured with an accordion structure extendable outwardly from the selected surface and retractable inwardly toward the selected surface. In some embodiments, the accordion&#39;s distal end is supports a docking accessory body. The accordion structure may be manufactured with a flexible circuit, for example, a flat flex circuit or a flexible cable, disposed within the accordion structure to enable electrical connection between the docking accessory body and the mobile electronic device. 
         [0029]    In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory body is domed-shaped and/or formed with outer edges that are eased edges or tapered edges. These shape characteristics may reduce the likelihood of catching the docking accessory on an objects or clothing. 
         [0030]    In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be formed as a battery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crank charger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, an electrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, a glucose monitor, a body fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasound transducer, or a pulse oximeter, among other docking accessories. 
         [0031]    In one or more embodiments, a docking accessory system for a mobile electronic device according to the present invention is formed with a docking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attach to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device. The accordion structure is capable of extending outward from the selected surface and retracting back toward the selected surface. The accordion&#39;s distal end may be attached to the docking accessory body, and the docking accessory includes electronics for transmitting at least one of data or power between the accessory and the mobile electronic device. In certain embodiments, the docking accessory system may additionally include a flexible circuit located within the accordion structure and configured to electrically connecting docking accessory body and the mobile electronic device. 
         [0032]    In one or more embodiments, a method of providing attachment of a docking accessory to a mobile electronic device according to the present invention may be accomplished by the following. A recessed docking accessory cavity is formed within a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device. A docking connection system is formed within the docking accessory cavity. The connection system is constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to a docking accessory. The docking accessory cavity is formed to open only at the selected surface, and enables the attached docking accessory to temporarily extend away from, and articulate at various angles to, the selected surface of the mobile electronic device. 
         [0033]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar to embodiments shown and described herein may be used without departing form the scope herein. 
         [0034]    One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobile electronic devices having docking connectors. A device according to the present invention includes a docking platform formed at one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of the device, generally the back face of the device. The docking platform is formed with a docking connection system, which includes one or more docking connectors. In one example, each docking connector supports at least one element for releasably attaching to compatible docking accessories. The docking connection system may be formed to enable multiple docking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device without fixing the outer edges of the accessories. The docking platform may also enable docking accessories to attach to the mobile device without significantly increasing the effective carrying size of the mobile device by enabling the volumes of the attached docking accessories to be distributed, for example, across a portion of or the entirety of the selected surface, and not by the formation of an accessory cavity in the mobile device. The docking platform is configured to accommodate a broad range of shapes and sizes of docking accessories. The range of docking accessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes, for example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights, hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses, electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles, glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasound paddles, and pulse oximeters. This list is merely meant to show some of the many possible docking accessories, and is not meant to be limiting in any way. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with the body of a mobile electronic device. The docking platform includes a docking connection system, formed with a docking connector. The docking connector supports an elongated magnetic connection element formed, for example, beneath the outermost surface of a back face of the mobile electronic device, for temporarily attaching docking accessories securely to the docking platform. In one embodiment, the docking connector supports two sets of nine electrical contacts, which facilitate the transmission of power and data to and from docking accessories. The electrical contacts may be formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads. Each set of nine contacts may be arranged in a generally circular fashion, with each contact disposed within a contact cavity for protecting the contact and for providing lateral stability to an attached docking accessory. In one or more present embodiments, the contact cavity is generally circular in shape. Optionally, one cavity may be oval in shape and serves as a female index key, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The docking platform may be substantially formed of a hard material. In an embodiment, the docking platform is formed of the same material as the body of the mobile electronic device. 
         [0036]    Other embodiments may include variations in (i) number of docking connectors; (ii) shape of docking connectors; (iii) size of docking connectors; (iv) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (v) configuration of electrical contacts; (vi) number and configuration of electrical contact cavities; (vii) mode of attachment of platform to the body of the mobile electronic device; (viii) materials of the platform and its components. 
         [0037]    In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device and includes a docking area, a docking connection system formed therein. The docking connection system may be configured with either one or more docking connectors having a magnetic element for removably attaching docking accessories. The docking connection system may be configured to form a detachable attachment with at least two docking accessories independently and simultaneously. Optionally, the docking connection system utilizes two or more electrical contacts within the docking area to connect docking accessories to electronics within the mobile electronic device. The electrical contacts may be constructed and arranged to facilitate an electrical connection between the docking accessory and the docking connector. 
         [0038]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include an electrical contact cavity formed to protect electrical contacts therein and for providing lateral stability to docked accessories. The electrical contact cavity may be formed and configured to house one electrical contact, or alternatively, may be formed and configured to house more than one electrical contact. 
         [0039]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include a single docking connector configured to form a detachable attachment to two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. In a separate embodiment, the docking connector system may include more than one docking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachment to two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. In a separate embodiment, the docking connector system may include more than one docking connector, for example, two docking connectors, formed to cooperatively form a detachable attachment to one docking accessories. In each case, the docking connector system may be support the transmission of one or both of power and data between the docking connector system and the one or more docking accessories. 
         [0040]    In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may include an aligning element for aligning the docking accessory. 
         [0041]    In one or more embodiments, electrical contacts may be biased to form an electrical connection with the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0042]    In one or more embodiments, the docking system according to the present invention comprises a docking platform formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device (comprising a docking area, a docking connector formed within the docking area, the docking connector comprising a magnetic element for bonding with docking accessories, and optionally two (or more) electrical contacts within the docking area, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device), and a docking accessory constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to the docking connector, the docking accessory further constructed to allow at least one of either data or power transmission between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory, the docking accessory optionally further constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to the electrical contacts of the docking connector when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0043]    In one or more embodiments, the docking system may further include an accordion formed to extend outwardly from the docking connector and retract back toward the docking connector. The accordion&#39;s distal end is attached to the docking accessory body. A flexible circuit, such as a flat flex circuit or a flexible cable), may be configured within the accordion and connected between the electrical contacts and the docking accessory body, to provide one or both of power transmission and data transmission between the docking system and the docking accessory. 
         [0044]    Some possible docking accessories include, but are not limited to, a battery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crank charger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, an electrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, a glucose monitor, an infrared fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasound paddle, and a pulse oximeter. This list is not meant to be exhaustive in any way, but is only meant to demonstrate some of the many possible accessories that may be adapted to present docking system. 
         [0045]    In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system for a mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes a docking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attach magnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device configured to extend outwardly from the selected surface and retract back toward the selected surface. The accordion&#39;s distal end is attached to the docking accessory body. Optionally, a flexible circuit is configured within the accordion and provides electrical connection between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory body. 
         [0046]    In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system for the mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes a docking accessory constructed, without an accordion, to attach magnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device and optionally configured to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device. 
         [0047]    One possible method of providing a docking accessory attachment for a mobile electronic device according to the present invention may be accomplished by forming a docking connector with a magnetic element for detachably mating with a compatible docking accessory. The docking accessory is attached at a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces, for example the back surface, of the mobile electronic device. 
         [0048]    The method of providing a docking accessory attachment for a mobile electronic device may further include forming two or more electrical contacts within the selected surface, and electrically connecting the contacts to electronics within the mobile electronic device. Additional step may include, forming an electrical contact cavity, forming a magnetic attachment for a docking accessory within the docking connector, and electrically connecting the docking accessory to the electrical contacts. Optionally, two or more docking connectors may be formed within the docking area. 
         [0049]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar to embodiments shown and described herein may be used. 
       Flush Mounted-Accessory Embodiments 
       [0050]    One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobile electronic devices having docking connectors. A device according to the present invention includes a docking platform formed at one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of the device, generally, but not necessarily, the back face of the device. The docking platform includes a docking connection system, the connection system having one or more docking connectors, each docking connector formed with at least one magnetic element for attaching temporarily with compatible docking accessories. The docking connection system enables multiple docking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device without fixing the outer edges of the accessories. The docking platform enables docking accessories to attach to the mobile device without significantly increasing the effective carrying size of the mobile device by enabling the volumes of attached docking accessories to be distributed across a large portion of the selected surface. The docking platform is configured to accommodate a broad range of shapes and sizes of docking accessories. The range of docking accessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes, for example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights, hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses, electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles, glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasound paddles, and pulse oximeters. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with the body of the mobile electronic device. The platform includes a docking connection system, the connection system having a docking connector formed with an elongated magnetic element formed beneath the outermost surface of the back face of the mobile electronic device, for temporarily attaching docking accessories securely to the docking platform, and two sets of nine electrical contacts, for transmission of power and data to and from docking accessories. The electrical contacts are formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads. Each set of nine contacts is arranged in a generally circular fashion, with each contact disposed within a contact cavity for protecting the contact and for providing lateral stability to attached docking accessories. The contact cavities are generally circular in shape, except for one that is oval and serves also as a female index key, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The remainder of the platform is formed of the same hard material as the rest of the body of the mobile electronic device. 
         [0052]    Other embodiments include variations in (i) number of docking connectors; (ii) shape of docking connectors; (iii) size of docking connectors; (iv) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (v) configuration of electrical contacts; (vi) number and configuration of electrical contact cavities; (vii) mode of attachment of platform to the body of the mobile electronic device; (viii) materials of the platform and its components. 
         [0053]    One or more embodiments of the docking platform may be formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device and include a docking area, a docking connection system formed within the docking area, the docking connection system having either one connector or more than one connector. Each docking connector may be formed with a magnetic element for temporarily bonding/securing one or more docking accessories. The docking connection system may be operable to form a detachable attachment to at least two docking accessories independently and simultaneously. Optionally, two or more electrical contacts are formed within the docking area, the contacts electrically connect to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0054]    One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include an electrical contact cavity for protecting an electrical contact and for providing lateral stability to docked accessories. The electrical contact cavity may be formed and configured to house one electrical contact, or it may be formed and configured to house more than one electrical contact. 
         [0055]    One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include a single docking connector operable to form a detachable attachment to two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. Optionally, the docking connection system may include more than one docking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachment to two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. 
         [0056]    One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include an aligning element for aligning the docking accessory. 
         [0057]    Electrical contacts may be biased to form an electrical connection with the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0058]    One or more embodiments of the docking system according to the present invention include a docking platform formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device having a docking area and a docking connector formed within the docking area. The docking connector may include a magnetic element for securing docking accessories. Optionally two or more electrical contacts are provided within the docking area. The contacts electrically connect to electronics within the electronic device. A docking accessory may be constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to the docking connector and further constructed to allow at least one or both of data and power transmission between the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory. The docking accessory may be optionally configured to provide electrical connection to the electrical contacts of the docking connector when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connector. 
         [0059]    The docking system may further include an accordion capable of extending outwardly from the docking connector and retracting back toward the docking connector. The accordion&#39;s distal end attached to the docking accessory body. A flexible circuit, such as a flat flex circuit or a flexible cable, may be disposed within the accordion and connected between the electrical contacts and the docking accessory body. 
         [0060]    The docking accessory may include a battery, solar panel, game control, LED light, hand-crank charger, weather sensor, camera flash, camera lens, electrophysiology sensor, memory card, keyboard, massage paddle, glucose monitor, infrared fat monitor, breathalyzer, ultrasound paddle, or pulse oximeter, among other electronic accessories. 
         [0061]    One or more embodiments of a detachable docking accessory system for a mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes a docking accessory body, an accordion constructed to attach magnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device and capable of extending outwardly from the selected surface and retracting back toward the selected surface. The accordion&#39;s distal end attached to the docking accessory body, and optionally a flexible circuit disposed within the accordion and configured to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory body. A second detachable docking accessory system for the mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes a docking accessory constructed, without an accordion, to attach magnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device and optionally configured to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device. 
         [0062]    A process of providing attachment of a docking accessory to a mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes the steps forming a docking connector comprising a magnetic element, operable to form a detachable bond with a compatible docking accessory, within a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device. The process may further include forming two or more electrical contacts within the selected surface, and electrically connecting the contacts to electronics within the electronic device, forming an electrical contact cavity, magnetically attaching a docking accessory to the docking connector, electrically connecting the docking accessory to the electrical contacts. It will be understood that the process may form two or more docking connectors within the docking area. 
         [0063]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar to embodiments shown and described herein may be used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0064]      FIG. 1A  (Prior Art) shows a prior art cell phone device with a typical end connector and a cable-connected accessory. 
           [0065]      FIG. 1B  (Prior Art) shows a prior art device with an end connector and a rigid partial-case accessory. 
           [0066]      FIG. 1C  (Prior Art) shows a prior art device with an end connector and a rigid full-case accessory. 
           [0067]      FIG. 1D  (Prior Art) shows a prior art device and associated docking sleeve, which are specially adapted to mate with each other. 
           [0068]      FIG. 1E  (Prior Art) shows a prior art device and a rectangular dummy accessory 
           [0069]      FIG. 2A  shows an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device with a docking platform with electrical contacts of the docking connectors disposed evenly around the inner edge of the female snap-fit feature of the docking connectors, according to an embodiment. 
           [0070]      FIG. 2B  shows a back view of the mobile electronic device with the docking platform of  FIG. 2A , with a detailed view of one of the docking connectors, in an embodiment. 
           [0071]      FIG. 2C  shows a side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with the docking platform of  FIG. 2A , in an embodiment. 
           [0072]      FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view of a mobile electronic device with a docking platform with electrical contacts disposed in sockets at the base of the docking connectors, according to an embodiment. 
           [0073]      FIG. 3B  shows a detailed view of the docking connector of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0074]      FIG. 4A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with the docking platform of  FIG. 2A  with the addition of two unattached basic generic docking accessories, in an embodiment. 
           [0075]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 4A  with the two unattached basic generic docking accessories. 
           [0076]      FIG. 4C  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 4A  with the two basic generic docking accessories attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform. 
           [0077]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed isometric bottom view of a basic generic docking accessory, in an embodiment. 
           [0078]      FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 2A  and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0079]      FIG. 6B  shows an exploded isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 6A  and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0080]      FIG. 6C  shows an exploded side view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 6A  and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0081]      FIG. 6D  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 6A  and two attached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0082]      FIG. 6E  is an exploded side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 6A  with unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0083]      FIG. 6F  shows a side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 6A  with attached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment. 
           [0084]      FIG. 7  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 6A  with attached generic docking accessories that are either basic accessories or expandable accessories in their collapsed states, in an embodiment. 
           [0085]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 6A  with attached expandable generic docking accessories in one of their partially collapsed states, wherein the bodies of the docking accessories are rotated at oblique angles to the back surface of the mobile device, in an embodiment. 
           [0086]      FIG. 9A  shows an isometric bottom view of an expandable generic docking accessory in its fully expanded state, in an embodiment. 
           [0087]      FIG. 9B  shows an isometric top view of an expandable generic docking accessory accordion of  FIG. 9A  in its fully expanded state, in an embodiment. 
           [0088]      FIG. 9C  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the expandable generic docking accessory of  FIG. 9A  in its fully expanded state, with a detailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory body female flex-circuit connector, in an embodiment. 
           [0089]      FIG. 9D  shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the expandable generic docking accessory of  FIG. 9A  in its fully expanded state, with a detailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory accordion flex circuit, in an embodiment. 
           [0090]      FIG. 9E  shows an isometric view of the expandable generic docking accessory body female connector of  FIG. 9C , in an embodiment. 
           [0091]      FIG. 10A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with two docked speaker accessories, according to one embodiment of the invention, in an embodiment. 
           [0092]      FIG. 10B  is an isometric top view of one of the speaker accessories of  FIG. 10A , in an embodiment. 
           [0093]      FIG. 10C  shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the speaker accessory of  FIG. 10A , in an embodiment. 
           [0094]      FIG. 10D  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speaker accessory of  FIG. 10A , in an embodiment. 
           [0095]      FIG. 11A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docked solar charging accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0096]      FIG. 11B  shows an isometric top view of the solar charging accessory of  FIG. 11A , in an embodiment. 
           [0097]      FIG. 11C  shows an isometric bottom view of the solar charging accessory of  FIG. 11A , in an embodiment. 
           [0098]      FIG. 12A  shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device with a docked supplemental battery accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention, in an embodiment. 
           [0099]      FIG. 12B  shows a top view of the supplemental battery accessory of  FIG. 12A , in an embodiment. 
           [0100]      FIG. 12C  shows a bottom view of the supplemental battery accessory of  FIG. 12A , in an embodiment. 
           [0101]      FIG. 13A  shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device with two docked electrophysiology accessories in one of their partially collapsed states, according to one embodiment of the invention, in an embodiment. 
           [0102]      FIG. 13B  shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology sensor accessory of  FIG. 13A , in an embodiment. 
           [0103]      FIG. 13C  shows an isometric exploded side view of the electrophysiology sensor accessory of  FIG. 13A , in an embodiment. 
           [0104]      FIG. 14A  shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention, in an embodiment. 
           [0105]      FIG. 14B  shows a bottom view of the game controller accessory of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0106]      FIG. 14C  shows a back view of the mobile electronic device with the game controller accessory of  FIG. 14A  docked in a partially open state, in an embodiment. 
           [0107]      FIG. 14D  shows a front view of the mobile electronic device with the game controller accessory of  FIG. 14A  docked in its open state, in an embodiment. 
           [0108]      FIG. 15A  shows an isometric back view of a docking system comprising a generic docking accessory and a mobile electronic device with a generic docking platform formed on its back face, in an embodiment. 
           [0109]      FIG. 15B  shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device of  FIG. 15A  with isometric back views of six possible docking platform, in embodiments. 
           [0110]      FIG. 16  shows an isometric drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention implemented with a tablet device, in an embodiment. 
           [0111]      FIG. 17  shows a back view of a mobile electronic device with a flush docking platform, according to at least one embodiment 
           [0112]      FIG. 18A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17 , in an embodiment. 
           [0113]      FIG. 18B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17  with two basic generic docking accessories of  FIG. 18A  attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform. 
           [0114]      FIG. 18C  shows an isometric bottom view of one of the basic generic docking accessories of  FIG. 18A . 
           [0115]      FIG. 19A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17  with one, oval, basic generic docking accessory. 
           [0116]      FIG. 19B  is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17  with the oval generic docking accessory of  FIG. 19A  attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform. 
           [0117]      FIG. 19C  shows an isometric bottom view of the oval generic docking accessory of  FIG. 19A . 
           [0118]      FIG. 20A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17  with two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in an expanded state. 
           [0119]      FIG. 20B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of  FIG. 17  with the two expandable generic docking accessories from  FIG. 20A  attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform, in an expanded state. 
           [0120]      FIG. 20C  shows an isometric top view of one of the expandable generic docking accessory accordions of  FIG. 20A , with a detailed view of the accordion flex circuit male connector, in an embodiment. 
           [0121]      FIG. 20D  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of one of the expandable generic docking accessories of  20 A, in an embodiment. 
           [0122]      FIG. 20E  shows a side view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 2  with attached expandable docking accessories in one partially collapsed state, in an embodiment. 
           [0123]      FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 17  with attached generic docking accessories that represent either basic accessories or expandable accessories in their collapsed states. 
           [0124]      FIG. 22  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 17  with a supplemental lens accessory and a supplemental flash accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0125]      FIG. 23  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 17  with an LED light accessory and a thermometer-hygrometer-barometer accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0126]      FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of  FIG. 17  with a supplemental battery accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0127]      FIG. 25  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a solar charger accessory attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform, in an embodiment. 
           [0128]      FIG. 26A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with two docked speaker accessories, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0129]      FIG. 26B  shows an isometric top view of the speaker accessory of  FIG. 26A . 
           [0130]      FIG. 26C  shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the speaker accessory of  FIG. 26A . 
           [0131]      FIG. 26D  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speaker accessory of  FIG. 26A . 
           [0132]      FIG. 26E  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with the two docked speaker accessories of  FIG. 26A  in their collapsed modes. 
           [0133]      FIG. 27A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with two docked electrophysiology-sensor accessories, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0134]      FIG. 27B  shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology-sensor accessory of  FIG. 27A . 
           [0135]      FIG. 27C  shows an exploded, isometric, side view of the electrophysiology-sensor accessory of  FIG. 27A . 
           [0136]      FIG. 28A  shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0137]      FIG. 28B  shows a top view of the game controller accessory of  FIG. 28A  in a partially open state. 
           [0138]      FIG. 28C  shows a front view of the mobile electronic device with the game controller accessory of  FIG. 28A  docked in its open state. 
           [0139]      FIG. 28D  shows an isometric bottom view of the game controller accessory of  FIG. 28A  in its open state. 
           [0140]      FIG. 28E  shows an isometric top view of the game controller accessory of  FIG. 28A  in its closed state. 
           [0141]      FIG. 29  shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device with a generic docking platform on its back face with isometric views of five embodiments of the docking platform radiating outward from the mobile device. 
           [0142]      FIG. 30A  shows an isometric bottom view of a square-shaped generic docking accessory configured to dock with one of the docking connectors of  FIG. 29 , in an embodiment. 
           [0143]      FIG. 30B  shows an isometric bottom view of a rectangular-shaped generic docking accessory configured to dock with one of the docking connectors of FIG.  29 in an embodiment. 
           [0144]      FIGS. 31A-31B  show a physiological display functionality, in an embodiment. 
           [0145]      FIG. 32  shows a camera display functionality, in an embodiment. 
           [0146]      FIG. 33  shows an audio display functionality, in an embodiment. 
           [0147]      FIG. 34  shows a battery display functionality, in an embodiment. 
           [0148]      FIG. 35  shows a flow chart detailing functionality associated with docking accessories to the docking system/docking platform. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0149]    One advantage of the present invention is that it allows multiple docking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device. Some docking accessories, such as supplemental camera lenses and flashes, stereo speakers, and electrophysiology sensors, naturally work together in pairs. As such the present invention fulfills the need for a method that enables multiple docking accessories to attach simultaneously to the mobile electronic device. Furthermore, different circumstances might call for one and the same accessory to be paired with different partner accessories. For instance, a daytime circumstance might call for a supplemental camera lens accessory to be combined with a supplemental battery accessory, whereas a nighttime circumstance might call for the same camera lens to be combined instead with a supplemental flash accessory. The present invention fulfills the need for a method that enables multiple docking accessories to attach both simultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device. 
         [0150]      FIGS. 2A-C  illustrate one embodiment of docking connectors  4 .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate one possible alternative embodiment of docking connectors  5 . In both embodiments a plurality of electrical contacts  19  are arranged in a circular pattern about the docking connectors. It will be appreciated that other patterns, shapes, and numbers of connectors may be used without departing from the scope herein. By way of example, pins of a docking connector are arranged as shown in Table 1. The same contacts could be arranged in various circular patterns to form, for example, the connector patterns as shown in  FIGS. 2A-C  and  FIG. 3A-B . Depending on the specific docking connector configuration of the mobile electronic device and what accessory is to be used, various pins are connected and active. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pin 
                 Name 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 GND 
                 Ground 
               
               
                 2 
                 V+ Out 
                 Power Out  
               
               
                   
                   
                 (to docking accessory) 
               
               
                 3 
                 V+ In 
                 Power In  
               
               
                   
                   
                 (from docking accessory) 
               
               
                 4 
                 D+ 
                 Data Positive 
               
               
                 5 
                 D− 
                 Data Negative 
               
               
                 6 
                 Detection/Identification/  
                 (optional) 
               
               
                   
                 Configuration 
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 Clock 
                 (optional) 
               
               
                 8 and greater 
                 Expansion 
                 (optional) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0151]      FIG. 2A  shows an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device  1  with a docking platform  2 , in an embodiment. Docking platform  2  is formed with a docking connection system  49  having two docking connectors  4  situated in an accessory cavity  3 .  FIG. 2B  shows a back view of mobile electronic device  1  with docking platform  2  and a detailed view of one of docking connectors  4 . The embodiment of docking connector  4  is shown with a female snap-fit  24 , male index key  26 , and docking connector electrical contacts  19 .  FIG. 2C  shows a side cutaway view of device  1  with docking platform  2 . In this embodiment, circular arrays of docking connector electrical contacts  19  are disposed evenly around the inner edge of female snap-fits  24  of docking connectors  4 . 
         [0152]      FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view of a mobile electronic device  1  with a docking platform  2  according to a second embodiment. Mobile electronic device  1  is similar to mobile electronic device  1  of  FIG. 2A , with the exception that docking connectors  5  replace docking connectors  4 . In  FIG. 3A , electrical contacts  19  are configured with docking connectors  5  are disposed in concentric circles to form sockets at the base of the docking connectors.  FIG. 3B  shows a detailed view of one of docking connectors  5  of  FIG. 3A . This is an alternative to the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , wherein the electrical contacts  19  of docking connectors  4  of  FIG. 2A  are disposed evenly around the inner edge of female snap-fit feature  24  of the docking connectors. In the present embodiment, connectors  5  are shown to include optional male index keys  26 . 
         [0153]      FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  of  FIG. 2A  with two unattached basic generic docking accessories  6 .  FIG. 4B  illustratively represents a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 4A , showing basic generic docking accessories  6 , each with a docking accessory male snap-fit  7 .  FIG. 4C  is an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  of  FIG. 4A , with docking accessories  6  attached to docking connectors  4  of docking platform  2 . It should be understood that in this embodiment docking accessory cavity  3  provides for the back surface of accessories  6  to be substantially flat and even (i.e., substantially co-planar) with the back surface of device  1  when accessories  6  are secured as shown in  FIG. 4C . This beneficial arrangement of accessories  6  often does not increase the thickness of device  1  when accessories are attached thereto and reduces the chance of catching an exposed accessory on clothing or the like. In an embodiment where an accessory, similar to accessory  6 , is too thick to sit flush with the back surface of device  1 , cavity  3  minimizes the combined thickness of mobile electronic device  1  and the accessory, and also reduces interference caused by the thicker accessories&#39; exposed portions catching on the other objects, surfaces, edges, etc. 
         [0154]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed isometric bottom view of basic generic docking accessory  6 . Docking accessory  6  of  FIG. 5  is configured for removably attaching to docking connector  4 ,  FIG. 2A . A female index key  22  cooperates with male snap-fit connector  7  to align and mate accessory  6  with connector  4 . When mated, accessory connector electrical contacts  23  make contact with docking connector electrical contacts  19  to provide one or both of the transmission or power and data. 
         [0155]      FIGS. 6A-F  illustrate an extendable docking accessory assembly  8  formed of docking accessory body  9  attached to a docking accessory accordion  10 . Expandable docking accessory assembly  8  may extend outwardly from the back of device  1  by expanding accessory accordion  10 . Accessory assembly  8  is very similar to the sockets (comprising in general an accordion and an end cap) as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031 (incorporated herein by reference). 
         [0156]      FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  of  FIG. 2A  with two unattached docking accessory assemblies  8  in their expanded states.  FIG. 6B  shows an exploded isometric view of the arrangement of  FIG. 6A , showing docking accessory bodies  9  separated from accordions  10 . Flex circuits  16  are disposed within accordions  10 . 
         [0157]      FIG. 6C  shows an exploded side view the arrangement of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6D  shows an isometric view of the arrangement of  FIG. 6A , where accessory assemblies  8  are attached to docking connectors  4 . 
         [0158]      FIG. 6E  shows an exploded side cutaway view of the arrangement of  6 C. A female connector  21  can be seen configured with accessory  9 . Accordions  10  are formed with flex circuits  16 , which do not inhibit accordions  10  when accordions  10  are collapsed flat against the back surface of device  1 , within cavity  3 . Female index key  17  aligns with male index key  26  to ensure proper connection.  FIG. 6F  is a side cutaway view of the arrangement of  FIG. 6E  with docking accessory assemblies  8  attached to mobile electronic device  1 . Male snap-fit connector  15  attaches to docking connector  4  female snap-fit  24 . Bi-stable accordion flipper walls  14  are in their upward states. 
         [0159]      FIG. 7  shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  with a docking platform of  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 3 , with attached generic docking accessories that are either basic accessories  6 , expandable docking accessory assemblies  8  in their collapsed states, or some other accessory. 
         [0160]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of mobile electronic device  1  with expandable docking accessory assemblies  8  in one of its many partially collapsed states. This configuration is useful for orienting the faces of certain docking accessories, for example electrophysiology devices such as ECG accessories, for optimal functioning. 
         [0161]      FIG. 9A  shows one embodiment of an isometric bottom view of an extendable docking accessory assembly  8  in its fully expanded state. Male electrical contacts  18  are configured to engage with female electrical contacts  19  of docking connector  4  as shown in  FIG. 2A . Female index key  17  aligns with male index key  26  to facilitate proper orientation when attaching extendable docking accessory assembly  8  to docking platform  2 . When accessory assembly  8  moves from an expanded state to a collapsed state, flexural hinges  13  flex to facilitate vertical walls  12  of accessory  8  to move into a stable concentric configuration as accordion  10 &#39;s flipper walls  14  move from a stable upward state, with the outer edges above their inner edges, to a stable downward state, whereby the outer edges are below the inner edges. 
         [0162]      FIG. 9B  shows an isometric top view of accordion  10  of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9C  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of accessory  8  and accordion  10  with an expanded view of accessory connector  21 .  FIG. 9D  shows a top view of the same arrangement with an expanded view of flex circuit  16 . Accordion flex circuit  16  is disposed within accordion  10 , and provides electrical connection between device  1 , via contacts  19  shown in  FIG. 2B , and male electrical contact  18  shown in  FIG. 9A , and accessory body  9 , via connector  21 .  FIG. 9E  shows an isometric view of accessory connector  21 . Contacts  20  are inserted into port  25  to connect accessory body  9 . As an option, accessory body  9  might be detachable from accordion  10 . 
         [0163]      FIGS. 10A-D  show one example of a set of speaker accessories  27  used in conjunction with accordions  10 .  FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  with two docked speaker accessories  27 , in one expanded mode for resting one edge of device  1  and one edge each of speaker accessory bodies  28  on a surface, such as a table top. This extension configuration is useful for holding the device in a near-vertical position without blocking speaker accessories  27 . 
         [0164]      FIG. 10B  shows an isometric top view of speaker accessory  27 , comprising speaker accessory body  28  and accordion  10 .  FIG. 10C  shows an isometric side exploded view of the speaker accessory  27  of  FIG. 10B . Accordion flex circuit  16  can be seen within accordion  10 , detached from speaker accessory body  28 .  FIG. 10D  is an exploded, isometric, bottom view of speaker accessory  27 . Speaker  29 , which may be for example a piezoelectric speaker, connects to accessory connector  21 . Accessory connector  21  connects to flex circuit  16  via port  25  as shown in  FIG. 9 . By way of example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, speaker  29  may use pins  1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 , which are Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively. With this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory detection. In another example, speaker  29  may use pins  1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  8 , and  9 , which are Ground, Power Out, Detection, left channel analog audio, and right channel analog audio, respectively. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for a self-powered speaker accessory, without departing from the scope herein. 
         [0165]    In one embodiment, speaker accessory speaker  29  is a Murata VSLBF series speaker; size 0.5 mm thick, 13 mm wide, 19 mm long; frequency range 200 Hz to 20 kHz; sound pressure level 93.5 dB+/−3.0 dB; resonant frequency 1150 Hz+/−20%; capacitance 1.5 μF+/−30%; maximal sinusoidal voltage 5.0Vrms; operating temperature range −20 to 70° C. 
         [0166]      FIGS. 11A-C  show one embodiment of a solar charging accessory  30 .  FIG. 11A  shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  with docked solar charging accessory  30 .  FIG. 11B  shows an isometric top view of solar charging accessory  30 .  FIG. 11C  shows a bottom view of solar charging accessory  30 . In this embodiment, docking connects are docking connectors  4  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As an alternative, docking connectors may be docking connectors  5  as shown in  FIG. 3  or other arrangements described or not described herein. Taking the pin-out arrangement of Table 1 as an example, charging accessory  30  might connect to pins  1 ,  3 , and  6 , comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration, respectively. 
         [0167]    In one embodiment, solar charger accessory  30  is a custom monocrystalline silicon solar cell encapsulated in epoxy resin; 5.5V; 60 mA; maximum power (Pm) 0.33 W. 
         [0168]      FIGS. 12A-C  show one embodiment of a supplemental battery accessory  31 .  FIG. 12A  shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  with docked supplemental battery accessory  31 .  FIG. 12B  shows a top view of supplemental battery accessory  31 .  FIG. 12C  shows a bottom view of supplemental battery accessory  31 . Similar to the solar charging accessory  30  of  FIG. 11A-C , battery accessory  31  may use docking connectors  4 , docking connectors  5  or some other docking connector described or not described herein. Again taking the pin-out arrangement of Table 1 as an example, supplemental battery accessory  31  might connect to pins  1 ,  3 , and  6 , comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration, respectively. 
         [0169]    As one embodiment, supplemental battery accessory  31  is a custom polymer Li-Ion, 3.7V, 800 mAh, 2.96 wh, UN approved. 
         [0170]      FIGS. 13A-C  shows one embodiment of a set of electrophysiology sensor accessories used in conjunction with accordions  10 . In a separate embodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessories may be used with a docking accessory similar to docking accessory  6  of  FIGS. 4-5 .  FIG. 13A  is an isometric view of mobile electronic device  1  with two docked electrophysiology sensor accessories  33 , in one expanded mode. This extension configuration is useful, for example, for maintaining good sensor contact when the sensors are held against a person&#39;s skin, such as the varying curvatures of the chest, for gathering electrophysiological data. 
         [0171]      FIG. 13B  shows an isometric top view of electrophysiology sensor accessory  33  with fully expanded accordion  10 . 
         [0172]      FIG. 13C  shows an exploded, isometric, side view of electrophysiology sensor accessory  33  with fully expanded accordion  10 . Accordion flex circuit  16  can be seen within accordion  10 , detached from electrophysiology sensor accessory body  34 . Electrophysiology sensor electrode  35  connects to accessory connector  21  (shown in  FIG. 9C ), which will connect to flex circuit  16  via port  25  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment which uses the device pin-out shown in Table 1, electrophysiology sensor  33  might use pins  1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 , comprising Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively, in conjunction with accessory-mounted isolation or other safety components. Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory identification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for a self-powered electrophysiology sensor accessory. 
         [0173]    In one embodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessory  33  is an electrocardiograph (ECG) sensor consisting of a silver chloride electrode, analog front end, digital-to-analog converter, microprocessor, and USB controller. 
         [0174]      FIGS. 14A-D  show one embodiment of a game controller accessory  36 .  FIG. 14A  shows an isometric top view of game controller accessory  36  in its closed state.  FIG. 14B  shows a bottom view of game controller accessory  36  of  FIG. 14A . Similar to the solar charging accessory  30  of  FIG. 11A-C , game controller accessory  36  may use docking connectors  4 , docking connectors  5 , or some other docking connector described or not described herein. 
         [0175]      FIG. 14C  shows a back view of mobile electronic device  1  with docked game controller accessory  36  in one of its partially open states. Game controller base tracks  40  provide functionality for game controller accessory sliding control panel  37  to slide into open states, as shown in  FIG. 14C-D . 
         [0176]      FIG. 14D  shows a front view of mobile electronic device  1  with docked game controller accessory  36  in its fully open state. This state is convenient for holding the mobile electronic device  1  while operating the game controller accessory buttons  39 . This also removes controls from the provided screen, such that full screen may be used for visual interaction with a game without losing valuable screen space to controls. In one embodiment, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, game controller accessory  36  might use pins  1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 , comprising Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively. Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory identification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible. 
         [0177]    As an example, game controller accessory  36  is a thumb-operated keypad consisting of a mechanical-slide subassembly, user interface switches, a microcontroller, and a USB controller. 
         [0178]    It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed above describe multiple levels of cooperation between docking connectors, for example docking connectors  4  and  5 , and docking accessories. Some docking accessories are configured operate independently, whiles other accessories cooperate, for example a camera accessory and a camera flash accessory, left and right stereo speakers accessories  27 , and electrophysiology sensor  33 , while still others are formed as a single accessory that utilizes two or more docking connectors, for example solar charging accessory  30 , battery accessory  31 , and game controller  36 . Functionality for recognizing, facilitating, and otherwise providing these multiple levels of cooperation between docking accessories and docking connectors is also provided herein. 
         [0179]      FIG. 15A  shows an isometric view of a generic docking system, which includes a generic docking accessory  61  and mobile electronic device  71 , similar to mobile electronic device  1 . Device  71  is formed with docking platform having a generic docking accessory cavity  41  and docking connection system  49 . Docking accessory  61  may be, for example, a battery, breathalyzer, massage paddle, LED light, camera flash, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, RFID reader, hand crank charger, hand pump charger, game controller, laser level, laser water purifier, scent generator, self-defense taser, lie detector device, credit card reader, robotic foot, a display such as a low-energy display, thermometer, power adaptor, halitosis detector, hygrometer, digital scale, anemometer, water analysis tool, altimeter, barometer, wireless headset, mechanical keyboard, optical projection keyboard, proximity sensor, projector, remote control, memory card, headphones connector, accelerometer, pedometer, 3D motion tracking device, security perimeter, electrophysiology sensor, biofeedback device, diagnostic ultrasound device, therapeutic ultrasound, defibrillator, blood glucose monitor, pulse oximeter, finger print ID, laptop data lock, speaker, solar panel, walkie talkie, laser hair removal device, laser hair stimulator, or UV disinfector. The docking platform of device  71  is formed such that it may accept more than one docking accessory with the generic docking accessory cavity  41 , as can be seen by viewing both  FIGS. 15A and 15B . 
         [0180]      FIG. 15B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  71  of  FIG. 15A  with isometric views of at least six embodiments of docking platform  2  radiating outward from device  71 . It will be appreciated that views shown in  FIGS. 15A-B  may be isometric front view or isometric back views. Clockwise from the upper left corner of  FIG. 15B , an embodiment  300  of docking platform  2  is the platform of  FIG. 2 , with Detail A view of docking connector  4 . 
         [0181]    An embodiment  302  of docking platform  2 , center top of  FIG. 15B , is the platform of  FIG. 3 , with Detail B view of docking connector  5 . 
         [0182]    An embodiment  304  of docking platform  2 , top right of  FIG. 15B , includes oval docking accessory cavity  51  and two docking connectors  52 , each formed at one of the centers of the two circular ends of oval accessory cavity  51 . Detail C is a detailed view of docking connector  52 , connector  52  comprising annular connector cavity  53 , cavity  53  further comprising a set of ten docking connector electrical contacts  19 , this set of ten contacts comprising two duplicate sets of five electrical contacts  19 , this pair of duplicate sets of contacts, together with two female aligning elements  54 , enable attached docking accessories to be oriented in either of two positions separated by 180 degrees of rotation, connector  52  further comprising annular magnetic attachment system  55 , attachment system  55  comprising a disc-shaped magnetic element formed beneath the surface of connector  52  to enable compatible docking accessories to form detachable magnetic attachments to connector  52 . 
         [0183]    An embodiment  306  of docking platform  2 , bottom right of  FIG. 15B , includes oval docking accessory cavity  51  and docking connector  58 , connector  58  comprising magnetic attachment system  59 , magnetic system  59  comprising a single elongated magnetic element formed beneath the bottom face of accessory cavity  51  to enable docking connector  58  to form a detachable attachment to multiple independent docking accessories, the docking accessories operable to wirelessly transmit and/or receive at least one of data or power with mobile device  1 . Note that docking connector  58  includes no electrical contacts. Also, it will be understood that although magnetic attachment system  59  is shown as a single elongated attached system, more than one magnetic attachment system may be used and different shaped attachment systems may be used without departing from the scope herein. 
         [0184]    An embodiment  308  of docking platform  2 , bottom center of  FIG. 15B , includes hourglass docking accessory cavity  60  and two docking connectors  56 , connectors  56  each comprising fixed tab  62 , spring tab  57 , and docking connector electrical contacts  19 . Detail D is a detailed view of spring tab  57  and five electrical contacts  19 . Docking connector  56  is operable to form a detachable attachment to compatible docking accessories that are wedged between fixed tab  62  and spring tab  57 . To release the docking accessories, spring tab  57  slides in the direction opposite the docking accessory. 
         [0185]    An embodiment  310  of docking platform  2 , bottom left of  FIG. 15B , includes oval docking accessory cavity  51  and docking connector  42 . Detail E is a detailed view of docking connector  42 , connector  42  comprising eight docking connector cavities  43 , nine electrical contacts  19 , one female aligning element  44 , docking connector magnetic attachment system  50 , attachment system  50  comprising a single annular magnetic element formed beneath the surface of accessory cavity  51 , for forming detachable attachments with compatible docking accessories. 
         [0186]      FIG. 16  shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the present invention implemented with a tablet device  32 . In this embodiment, tablet device  32  is shown with one attached generic expanding docking accessory, similar to attached generic expanding docking accessory  8 . In one embodiment, the expanding docking accessory body measures roughly five inches in diameter, with an expanding docking accessory accordion that expands roughly three inches away from the backside of tablet device  32 . Tablet device  32  may be configured with any and all above described docking platforms, docking connectors, docking accessories, etc. without departing from the scope herein. The size, shape, and number of docking connectors, docking platforms, docking cavities, docking accessories, etc. may vary without departing form the scope herein. 
       Flush Mounted-Accessory Embodiments 
       [0187]      FIG. 17  shows a back view of a mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  according to an embodiment. Illustratively represented in a detailed view is a docking connection system  103  formed of docking connector  109 , docking connector contact cavity  120 , docking connector electrical contacts  121 , female alignment key  12 , and docking connector disc-shaped magnetic elements  119 . Docking platform  102  is similar to docking platform  2 , with the exception that docking platform  102  is configured for flush mounting an accessory to the back surface of the docking platform  102  rather than docking an accessory within a recessed cavity, like recessed accessory cavity  3  of docking platform  2 . 
         [0188]      FIG. 18A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with the flush mounting accessory docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 18A  shows two unattached, round, generic docking accessories  115 . 
         [0189]      FIG. 18B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17  with two basic generic docking accessories  115  attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0190]      FIG. 18C  shows an isometric bottom view of one of generic docking accessories  115  of  FIG. 18A ,  18 B. Generic docking accessory  115  is configured with a male alignment element  123 , contact insulators  124 , a disc-shaped magnetic element  125 , and a plurality of electrical contacts  126 . Docking accessory  115  is similar to docking accessory  6 , with the exception that docking accessory  6  is configured for flush mounting to the back surface of the docking platform  102  rather than docking within a recessed cavity, like recessed accessory cavity  3  of docking platform  2 . 
         [0191]      FIG. 19A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  configured with docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19A  also shows one, oval, generic docking accessory  116  aligned with, but not connected to, docking platform  102 . Accessory  116  is one alternate embodiment of a docking accessory compared to the two round docking accessories of  FIG. 18A . Docking accessory  116  may configured to physically, magnetically, electrically, and/or electronically couple with two docking connectors  109 . It will be appreciated that other docking accessories may be formed to couple with more than two docking connectors. 
         [0192]      FIG. 19B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19B  shows the oval generic docking accessory  116  coupled to the docking connectors  109  of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0193]      FIG. 19C  shows an isometric bottom view of the oval generic docking accessory  116  of  FIG. 19A . Docking accessory  116  is formed with two docking accessory connectors  180 . Each connector supports a male aligning element  165 , contact insulator  166 , electrical contacts  167 , and disc-shaped element  125 . 
         [0194]      FIG. 20A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17  with two unattached expandable generic docking accessories  127  in an expanded state. 
         [0195]      FIG. 20B  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17  with expandable generic docking accessories  127  from  FIG. 20A  attached to the docking connectors  109  of docking platform  102 , in an expanded state. 
         [0196]      FIG. 20C  shows an isometric top view of one of the expandable generic docking accessory accordions  129  of  FIG. 20A , with a detailed view of the accordion flex circuit  134 &#39;s male connector  135 . 
         [0197]      FIG. 20D  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of one of the expandable generic docking accessories  127  of  FIG. 20A , with a detailed view of an expandable generic docking accessory body female connector  139 . The expandable generic docking accessory body female connector  139 , which is similar to the expandable generic docking accessory body female connector  21 , supports a connector port  140 , similar to connector port  25 . 
         [0198]      FIG. 20E  shows a side view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  of  FIG. 2  with attached expandable docking accessories  127  in one partially collapsed state, wherein bodies  128  of the docking accessories  127  are rotated at oblique angles to the back surface of the mobile device  101  by differential extension/collapse of accessory accordions  129 . 
         [0199]      FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  of  FIG. 2  with attached generic docking accessories that may be either basic accessories  115  or expandable accessories  127  in a collapsed state. 
         [0200]      FIG. 22  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  of  FIG. 2  with a supplemental lens accessory  142  and a supplemental flash accessory  143 , according to one embodiment of the invention, attached to the docking connectors  109  of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0201]      FIG. 23  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  of  FIG. 2  with an LED light accessory  145  and a thermometer-hygrometer-barometer accessory  144 , according to one embodiment of the invention, attached to the docking connectors  109  of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0202]      FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a docking platform  102  of  FIG. 2  with a supplemental battery accessory  146 , according to one embodiment of the invention, attached to the docking connectors  10  of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0203]      FIG. 25  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a solar charger accessory  147  attached to the docking connectors  109  of the docking platform  102 . 
         [0204]      FIG. 26A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with two docked speaker accessories  148 , according to one embodiment of the invention, in partially expanded modes. Accessory speakers  148  are shown with speaker accessory bodies  149 . 
         [0205]      FIG. 26B  shows an isometric top view of speaker accessory  148  of  FIG. 26A . Accessory speakers  148  are shown with speaker accessory bodies  149  and speaker accessory accordions  150 . 
         [0206]      FIG. 26C  shows an exploded, isometric, top view of speaker accessory  148  of  FIG. 26A . Speaker flex circuit  151  is disposed within accordion  150  and, when assembled, is connected to a speaker accessory piezoelectric speaker  152  via connector port  169  of female connector  168 ,  FIG. 26D . Other speakers may be used without departing from the scope herein. 
         [0207]      FIG. 26D  shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speaker accessory  148  of  FIG. 26A . Speaker  148  is shown with speaker accessory piezoelectric speaker  152 , connector port  169 , female connector  168 , speaker contacts  170 , contact insulator  171 , and a male alignment element  172 . 
         [0208]      FIG. 26E  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with the two docked speaker accessories  148  of  FIG. 26A  in a collapsed mode. 
         [0209]      FIG. 27A  shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device  101  with two docked electrophysiology-sensor accessories  153 , according to one embodiment of the invention, in partially expanded modes. Electrophysiology-sensor accessories  153  are formed with an electrophysiology sensor accessory body  154 , an electrophysiology sensor accessory accordion  155 , and an electrophysiology sensor accessory electrode. 
         [0210]      FIG. 27B  shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology-sensor accessory  153  of  FIG. 27A . 
         [0211]      FIG. 27C  shows an exploded, isometric, side view of the electrophysiology-sensor accessory  153  of  FIG. 27A , which exposes the sensor accessory flex circuit  157 . 
         [0212]      FIG. 28A  shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory  158  in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0213]      FIG. 28B  shows a top view of the game controller accessory  158  of  FIG. 28A  in a partially open state, showing the separation of the sliding control panel  159  and the base  160 , facilitated by the movement of sliding control panel  159  along base tracks  162 . 
         [0214]      FIG. 28C  shows a front view of the mobile electronic device  101  with the game controller accessory  158  of  FIG. 28A  docked in its open state. 
         [0215]      FIG. 28D  shows an isometric bottom view of the game controller accessory  158  of  FIG. 28A  in its open state.  FIG. 28E  shows an isometric top view of the game controller accessory  158  in its closed state. 
         [0216]      FIG. 29  shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device  101  with a generic docking platform  102  on its back face with isometric views of five embodiments of the docking platform  102  radiating outward from the mobile device  101 .  FIG. 29  is similar to  FIG. 15B , with the exception the docking platforms  102  are configured for flush mounting an accessory to the back surface of mobile electronic device  101  as opposed to the mount strategy of  FIG. 15B  where an accessory is mounted within a cavity. Moving clockwise from the top left, the first docking platform is the docking platform  102  of  FIG. 17 . 
         [0217]    The second docking platform  102 A includes two docking connectors  109 A, each comprising a single annular magnetic element beneath the outermost surface of the back face of the mobile electronic device, for temporarily bonding/coupling with docking accessories, similar to docking connector  109 . A circular array of eight electrical contacts, each housed within an insulating contact cavity, for transmission of data and power with docked accessories. 
         [0218]    The third docking platform  102 B includes two docking connectors  109 B formed with a single elongated magnetic element for temporarily bonding/coupling with multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. In one embodiment, docking platform  102 B is designed to be used in conjunction with wireless modes of power and data transmission, such as inductive charging and Bluetooth communication, between the mobile electronic device  101  and compatible docking accessories (not shown). 
         [0219]    The fourth docking platform  102 C includes two docking connectors  109 C, each comprising one disc-shaped magnetic element and a circular arrangement of four elongated docking-accessory stabilization cavities for enhancing the lateral stability of docked accessories. 
         [0220]    The fifth embodiment of docking platform  102 D, center bottom of  FIG. 15B , includes magnetic only docking connector  109 D docking connector  109 E comprising a magnetic attachment formed, in the present embodiment, as a single elongated magnetic element just below the surface of docking platform  102 D. The magnetic element enables docking connector  102 D to form a detachable attachment to one or more docking accessories (not shown). The docking accessories communicate wirelessly with mobile electronic device  101 , for example, to transmit and/or receive one or both of data and power with mobile device  101 . Note that docking connector  109 D includes no electrical contacts. Also, it will be understood that although magnetic attachment system  159  is shown as a single elongated attached system, more than one magnetic attachment system may be used and different shaped attachment systems may be used without departing from the scope herein. 
         [0221]    The sixth docking platform  102 E includes two docking connectors  109 E, each comprising a single disc-shaped magnetic element, eight electrical contacts arranged in a circular fashion. Each electrical contact is housed within an insulating contact cavity, and an annular stabilization shoulder  195  for enhancing the lateral stability of docked accessories. 
         [0222]      FIG. 30A  shows an isometric bottom view of a square-shaped generic docking accessory  190  configured to dock with the docking connectors of the fourth platform of  FIG. 29 , having a disc-shaped magnetic element and a circular array of eight male stabilization bosses. 
         [0223]      FIG. 30B  shows an isometric bottom view of a rectangular-shaped generic docking accessory  191  configured to dock with the docking connectors of the fourth platform of  FIG. 29 , with two disc-shaped magnetic elements and two circular arrays of male stabilization bosses. 
         [0224]    It will be understood that a tablet computer may also be configured with a flush-mount accessory platform. For example, docking platform  2  of tablet computer  32 ,  FIG. 16 , may be replaced with docking platform  102  for flush mounting accessories to tablet computer  32 . 
         [0225]      FIG. 31A  shows one embodiment of a physiological/biometric function performed and displayed by mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  in cooperation with a physiological accessory. After docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  establishes authenticated communications with a pulse oximeter docking accessory, biological data may be displayed on a screen of mobile electronic device  1 ,  101 , as shown in  FIG. 31B . 
         [0226]      FIG. 32  shows an exemplary camera display function  250  performed by mobile electronic device  1 ,  101 . After docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  establishes authenticated communications with cooperating accessories like lens accessory  142  and supplemental flash accessory  143 , mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  may display camera display function  250 . 
         [0227]      FIG. 33  shows an example audio display function  252  performed by docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  in association with a sound or music application function. After docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  establishes authenticated communications with cooperating accessories, like left and right stereo speaker accessories  148 , mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  may display audio display function  252 . 
         [0228]      FIG. 34  shows an exemplary battery function  254  performed by docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  101 . After docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  establishes communications with supplemental battery accessory  146 , docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  may display battery function  254 . 
         [0229]      FIG. 35  shows a flowchart  210  illustrating an embodiment of a software and logical interface method between docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101 , and compatible docking accessories. At step  200 , method  210  determines if a wired and/or wireless docking accessory is physically docked to a compatible docking platform, such as docking platform  2 ,  102 ,  102 A-E. If a docking accessory is physically docked, method  210  moves to step  201 , otherwise method  210  moves to step  202 . 
         [0230]    At step  201 , method  210  determines if the docking accessory is electrically connected to an electrical contact-compatible docking platform. In one example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines that camera accessory  142  is electrically connected. If method  210  determines that there is no electrical contact made, method  210  moves to step  202 . 
         [0231]    At step  202 , method  210  determines if the docking accessory is a docking accessory that supports one or more of wireless communication and wireless power transfer. In one example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines that camera accessory  142  is a wireless camera accessory. If in step  202 , method  210  determines the docking accessory is not a wireless accessory, method  210  moves to step  204 , where no data or power link is formed and no further action is taken. If in step  202 , method  210  determines that the docking accessory is a wireless docking accessory, step  202  moves to step  203 . 
         [0232]    At step  203 , method  210  attempts to establish an authenticated communication link with the docking accessory. If no link can be established, method  210  moves to step  204 , and no further action takes place, otherwise, once linked, method  210  moves to step  205 . 
         [0233]    At step  205 , method  210 , a determination is made regarding the type and configuration of the linked docking accessory. In one example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines that a docking accessory is one type of camera accessory  142 , wherein the lens of camera accessory  142  is a 28 mm F/1.8 lens that does not include an integrated flash. The type and configuration of the linked docking accessory, in one embodiment, is determined by message passing between the docking accessory and mobile electronic device  1 . Method  205  then moves to step  206 . 
         [0234]    At step  206 , method  210  determines, for example by using additional message passing, the types and level of cooperation/operability supported by docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  and one or more docking accessories. In one example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines that a docking accessory supports one or more interoperability modes, for example a camera accessory  142  that interoperates with a flash accessory  143 . In another example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines that a docked speaker accessory  148  can interoperate with another docked speaker accessory  148  to form a left and right stereo speaker pair or a bass and treble speaker pair. In still another example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  determines the docking accessory is a single docking accessory that utilizes two or more docking connectors, like game controller accessory  158 , battery accessory  146 , or solar charger accessory  147 . Method  210  then moves to step  207 . 
         [0235]    At step  207 , method  210  performs one or more functions, dependent on the number, type, configuration, and operability mode(s) of one or more currently docked docking accessories. As an example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  may include provision to enable speaker accessories  148  to cooperate to receive left and right channel amplified signals so as to function as a stereo speaker system, as depicted in  FIG. 33 . In another example, docking platform  2 ,  102  or mobile electronic device  1 ,  101  may include provision to enable camera accessory  142  and flash accessory  143  to coordinate such that a flash is delivered under low light conditions when an image capture event is signaled, as depicted in  FIG. 32 . In still another example, a wireless link is established at step  203 , and a wireless scale may operate, in one embodiment, independently of any docked accessories. 
         [0236]    While the embodiments shown herein are described with particularity, those skilled in the art will appreciate changes, additions, and applications other than those specifically mentioned, which are within the spirit of this invention. For example, mobile electronic device may be a mobile media tablet, as in  FIG. 16 . The docking platform would then be sized according to a specific application, and the appropriate number and configuration of cavities provided. The platform, cavities, and docking connectors may have different shapes and sizes, as required by a certain application or for aesthetic purposes. The docking connectors may have different modes of attachment to docking accessories. Docking accessories may be self-powered, and may communicate with the mobile electronic device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth®. E.g., a digital scale accessory might be docked for transport, then removed and positioned in proximity of the mobile electronic device, while communicating via Bluetooth®, as an object is placed on the scale and its weight displayed on the screen of the mobile electronic device. Accessories may be operable for wireless power transmission between the accessory and the mobile electronic device.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0