Patent Description:
Electronic devices may connect to one or more display apparatuses in order for data present on or generated by such electronic device to be visually displayed on the display apparatus. Electronic devices may (additionally, or alternatively) connect to external objects in order to receive input from or provide output to such devices. Electronic devices, their connected display apparatus(es), and any other connected objects or devices may each require power in order to operate.

<CIT> describes a docking device mounting system. The system can include a display device having a plurality of mounting features disposed thereupon; a docking device including a plurality of universal serial bus ("USB") interfaces, at least one power interface, and at least one video interface; and at least one mounting member having at least one mounting feature and at least one attachment feature disposed thereupon. Each of the at least one mounting member mounting features correspond to each of the plurality of display device mounting features and the at least one attachment feature permits the detachable attachment of the docking device to the display device.

<CIT> describes a mobile information handling system docking apparatus that includes a base including a display device. An information handling system docking connector is located on the base. A mobile information handling system may be secured to the base and connected to the information handling system docking connector in order to utilize the mobile information handling system as a conventional desktop information handling system while reducing the space and cables required by conventional mobile information handling system docking stations.

<CIT> describes a computing device expansion system. According to one implementation, a docking receptacle is coupled to a touch-enabled monitor computing device and is also configured to receive and connect to a portable electronic device. Furthermore, when the portable electronic device is attached to the docking receptacle, a display area of the portable electronic device is cloned on the monitor computing device such that touch input on either the portable electronic device or monitor computing device is replicated on the monitor computing device or portable electronic device.

<CIT> describes a hybrid docking station that determines whether native video data exists and can be passed through to a video port or whether a virtual video processor should be activated to provide virtual video data to a video port. For example, a laptop is connected to a hybrid docking station using a USB™ <NUM> connection. The hybrid docking station recognizes that the USB™ <NUM> connection includes a native video data and passes the native video data to a DisplayPort™. By avoiding activating a virtualized video processor and using native video data, the laptop avoids installing software to communicate with the virtualized video processor and communicates with one or more displays using a native video channel. By avoiding installing software, it simplifies IT's and user's usage and experience with universal docking station.

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described, including various embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the figures, in which:.

Electronic devices may be designed that connect to, and receive power and/or data signals from, external objects via one or more connectors. Many devices have a plurality of these connectors, which may include power connectors to connect power sources (e.g., a DC connector to connect to an AC/DC adapter or a C14 connector to connect to utility transformers via a wall outlet), communications connectors to connect communication devices (e.g., RJ-<NUM> connectors to connect to routers or other networking equipment), and data connectors to connect output devices (e.g., stereo out connectors to connect to speakers; HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA connectors to connect to display screens; etc.), and/or input devices (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) or PS/<NUM> connectors to connect to mice and/or keyboards, etc.) to an electronic device. Hybrid connectors (e.g., connectors that are capable of performing as more than one type of connector) are expressly contemplated. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many of these (and other, including custom) connectors are understood to be one or the other of a complementary pair of possibilities for that connector type (e.g., a "male" version and a "female" version of the connector type). For the purposes of this disclosure, a "connector" may refer at times individually to either of the complementary pair for that connector type.

In some cases, one or more of these external objects may instead be connected to one or more connectors of an intermediary docking station rather than directly to the electronic device. The docking station may then connect to and electronically communicate with the electronic device (e.g., via a connector that is designed to interface with a connector on the electronic device). In this situation, the electronic device may be considered a "host" device (and any connector of the docking station connected to the host device may be considered a "host device connector").

The docking station may handle data and/or power to and/or from each external objects connected to the docking station to and/or to and/or from the connected host device. In this way, the ability to connect and/or remove the one or more external objects to and/or from the host device all at once may be greatly simplified via the simple removal and/or connection of the single host device connector of the docking station. In some embodiments, the docking station may instead (or additionally) connect to a host device by wirelessly interfacing a wireless transceiver of the host device and a wireless transceiver of the docking station. However, the act of connecting external objects with the connectors of a docking station (instead of directly with connectors on a host device) may not entirely solve the problem of clutter associated with, for example, cabling from the external object(s) to those connectors. If the docking station is not appropriately placed, this clutter may still take up room on, for example, a desk of the user of the host device and docking station, just as it might if these external objects instead were directly connected to connectors on the host device.

It may therefore also be beneficial to develop systems and methods for integrating a docking station into another device. For example, it may be beneficial to develop systems and methods for integrating a docking station into, for example, a display apparatus on the desk of the user. This integration may help remove the clutter associated with the docking station away from the surface of the desk (or other area) that the user may desire to be uncluttered. By integrating a docking station into a display apparatus, clutter may also be further reduced by communicating at least some power and/or data (e.g., power from the docking station to the display apparatus and/or video signals from the docking station to the display apparatus) via directly interfacing (without a separate cable) compatible connectors on the docking station and the display apparatus (rather than by running detachable power and/or video cables between the docking station and the display apparatus).

Further, because of the wide variety of possible host devices (e.g., laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, etc.), and because many of these host devices may only interface with certain types of host device connectors (each with, perhaps, its own associated circuitry) and/or may only be compatible with certain wireless protocols, it would also be beneficial to design the display apparatus in such a way that different docking stations (with different host device connectors, differing circuitry associated with those connectors, different supported wireless protocols and/or other various possible differences) may be interchanged into the display apparatus in order to match the requirements of the current device to be used with the system.

<FIG> illustrate components of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a display apparatus <NUM> and a docking station <NUM>.

The display apparatus <NUM> includes a docking station receptacle <NUM>. The docking station receptacle <NUM> may be shaped to receive the docking station <NUM> when the docking station <NUM> is inserted into the back of the display apparatus <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may be one of many possible docking stations (with compatibility with many possible host devices) that are useable with the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> includes one or more attachment devices <NUM> that interact with attachment devices of the docking station <NUM> to removably attach the docking station <NUM> in place once the docking station <NUM> has been inserted into the docking station receptacle <NUM>. Examples of possible attachment devices that may be used between the docking station <NUM> and the docking station receptacle <NUM> include magnet features, hook and catch features, slotted peg and catch features, or any other attachment device appropriate for securing the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. One, two, three, four, or any other number of these attachment devices may be used. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the attachment devices <NUM> are catch attachment devices appropriate to accept a slotted peg.

The display apparatus <NUM> may further include a docking station release mechanism <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may release the docking station <NUM> from the docking station receptacle <NUM> by disengaging the attachment between the attachment devices <NUM> and any attachment devices of the docking station <NUM>. For example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a magnetic connection between a magnet associated with an attachment device <NUM> and a piece of metal associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM>. As another example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a catch associated with an attachment device <NUM> from, for example, a hook or a slotted peg associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may be, for example, a button or a slider. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may be instead be included on the docking station <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> includes a direct data connector <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> is configured to interface with a direct data connector of the docking station <NUM> directly (without the use of a cable). This interface allows the display apparatus <NUM> to receive and use graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM>. For example, graphical data may be communicated to the docking station <NUM> by a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> and from there communicated via this interface to the display apparatus <NUM> and used to render a display on a display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. This interface between the direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> and the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may also allow the display apparatus <NUM> to send data to the docking station <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> may be, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating graphical and/or other data from and/or to the docking station <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> includes a direct power in connector <NUM>. The direct power in connector <NUM> is configured to interface with a direct power out connector of the docking station <NUM> directly (without the use of a cable). This interface allows the docking station <NUM> to provide the display apparatus <NUM> with the power necessary to operate. The direct power in connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM>.

It is further contemplated that the features of the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power in connector <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be combined into a single connector that is capable of performing both the data and power communication features described (e.g., a USB-C connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, and/or a custom and/or hybrid connector made for this combined purpose).

The docking station <NUM> includes a host device connector <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may interface with a connector of a host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. Via this interface, the host device connector <NUM> electronically communicates data and power to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. The host device connector <NUM> may be, for example, a USB-C connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) that may be used to interface with a connector of the connected host device for this purpose.

The docking station <NUM> includes a wireless transceiver (internal, not shown in <FIG>). This wireless transceiver may communicate with a wireless transceiver of the host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. This interface may communicate data (e.g., graphical or other data) to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. This interface may use, for example, a Wi-Fi™ protocol, a Bluetooth™ protocol, or any other appropriate wireless protocol useable to transfer data in this fashion.

This (or another) wireless transceiver is also used by the docking station <NUM> to connect to other wireless network devices (e.g., a network device such as a router) in order to receive independent data (e.g., data not from a host device) from a network. This data is used to operate the display apparatus <NUM> (e.g., used to power on and/or off the display apparatus <NUM>, used to render a display on the display screen of <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> (such as, e.g., weather, news, or status of another device on the network)). This data may be, e.g., data received from an Internet of Things (IoT) system (such as, e.g., an IoT home automation system).

The docking station <NUM> may include one or more connectors (for example, connectors <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>) for connecting the docking station <NUM> to one or more external objects. As discussed above, the docking station <NUM> may communicate data and/or power to and/or from each of these external objects to and/or from the host device connected to the docking station <NUM> via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>.

For example, the docking station <NUM> may include a power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be connected to an external power source such as, for example, a battery, a connection to a utility transformer that is provided in a structure, or any other appropriate external power source. The connection to an external power source via the power source connector <NUM> may provide the docking station <NUM> the necessary power to function. Further, the docking station <NUM> may need to provide power to each of the display apparatus <NUM>, one or more secondary display apparatuses (not shown), a host device (not shown), and/or one or more external objects connected to the docking station <NUM>. This power (as supplied from the docking station <NUM> to these other devices) may be necessary for these other devices to, for example, operate, charge their internal batteries, and/or pass along power to external objects. The power to be supplied to these other devices by the docking station <NUM> may be drawn by the docking station <NUM> from the external power source via the power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from an external power source to the docking station <NUM>.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include USB connectors <NUM>, which may be individually used by the docking station <NUM> as one of many possible connectors (e.g., power connectors, communications connectors, and/or data connectors). In some embodiments, one or more of the USB connectors <NUM> (or other data connectors) may be used to connect to input devices, such as mice and keyboards. Data from these input devices may travel through the docking station <NUM> to a connected host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more of the USB connectors <NUM> (or other data connectors) may be used to connect output devices, such as speakers, secondary display screens, printers, or other output devices. Data to these output devices may travel from a connected host device through the docking station <NUM> via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include an RJ-<NUM> connector <NUM>, which may be used by the docking station <NUM> as, for example, a communications connector. In some embodiments, communications data to and/or from a communications device (e.g., a router or other network device) connected to the RJ-<NUM> connector <NUM> (or other communications connector) may travel through the docking station <NUM> to and/or from a connected host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> includes an auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>, which may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB-C connector, or another data connector. In some embodiments, graphical data from a connected host device may travel from the host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM> through the docking station <NUM> to a secondary display apparatus (not shown) or another secondary display device that may be connected to the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>. This graphical data may be used to render a display on a display screen of such secondary display apparatus or other secondary display device. In embodiments where a secondary display device is connected to an auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> in this fashion, the communication of graphical data through the docking station <NUM> to the secondary display device may be instead of, or in addition to, the communication of graphical data to the direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> previously described.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include an auxiliary power out connector <NUM>, which may be used by the docking station <NUM> as, for example, a power connector for use with a secondary display apparatus (not shown). The auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to another device. In some embodiments, power from the docking station <NUM> may travel to a secondary display apparatus that is connected to the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>. This power may be provided to the secondary display apparatus so that it may operate. This power may be sourced by the docking station <NUM> from the power source connector <NUM>.

Various connectors of the docking station <NUM> (e.g., the host device connector <NUM>, the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>, and/or the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>) may be placed at the end of cables (e.g., cables <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) integrated into the docking station <NUM> in order to facilitate simplicity in connecting the connector to its associated external object/host device. Other embodiments without such cables (e.g., where a fully detachable cable is separately provided to interface with the connector of the docking station <NUM> and a connector on the associated external object/host device, and/or where the associated external object/host device is connected directly to the docking station <NUM> via a connector integrated into the body of the docking station <NUM>) are also contemplated.

<FIG> illustrates a back view of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may include a direct power out connector <NUM>. As described above, the direct power out connector <NUM> may interface with the direct power in connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> and may deliver power to the direct power in connector <NUM> to operate the display apparatus <NUM>. The direct power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> includes a direct data connector <NUM>. As described above, the direct data connector <NUM> may interface with the direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> to communicate graphical and/or other data from a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> to the display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a DVI connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM> for use with the display apparatus <NUM>.

It is further contemplated that the features of the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be combined into a single connector that is capable of performing both the data and power communication features described (e.g., a USB-C connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, and/or a custom and/or hybrid connector made for this combined purpose).

The docking station <NUM> includes one or more attachment devices <NUM>. As described above, the attachment devices <NUM> may interact with the attachment devices <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> in order to removably attach the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the attachment devices <NUM> may be slotted peg features.

The docking station <NUM> may include the host device connector <NUM> (and associated circuitry) and/or the wireless protocol compatibilities necessary to connect with some types of host devices for the communication of data and/or power to and/or from that type of host device, while another docking station may include a different host device connector (and perhaps different associated circuitry) and/or different wireless protocol compatibilities to connect with other types of host devices for the communication of data and/or power to and/or from those types of host devices. It is anticipated that a user of the system <NUM> may be able to leverage the removably attachable nature of the docking stations herein described (e.g., the docking station <NUM>) to switch between two or more such docking stations that are configured to work with the display apparatus <NUM> as needed, depending on current device (host or otherwise) compatibility requirements.

The docking station <NUM> may include one or more processors and/or controllers (not shown) having instructions thereon to implement one or more features of the docking station <NUM> as described herein. Similarly, the display apparatus <NUM> may include one or more processors and/or controllers (not shown) having instructions thereon to implement one or more features of the display apparatus <NUM> as described herein. Such instructions may be sourced from a non-transitory computer-readable medium (not shown) on or associated with these processors and/or controllers.

The display apparatus <NUM> includes a docking station receptacle <NUM>. The docking station receptacle <NUM> may include rails 207A and 207B to receive the docking station <NUM> when the docking station <NUM> is slid down the back of the display apparatus <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may be one of many possible docking stations (with compatibility with many possible host devices) that are useable with the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> may include one or more attachment devices <NUM> that may interact with attachment devices of the docking station <NUM> to removably attach the docking station <NUM> in place once the docking station <NUM> has been inserted into the docking station receptacle <NUM>. Examples of possible attachment devices that may be used between the docking station <NUM> and the docking station receptacle <NUM> include magnet features, hook and catch features, slotted peg and catch features, or any other attachment device appropriate for securing the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. One, two, three, four, or any other number of these attachment devices may be used. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the attachment devices <NUM> may be magnet attachment devices.

The display apparatus <NUM> may further include a docking station release mechanism <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may release the docking station <NUM> from the docking station receptacle <NUM> by disengaging the attachment between the attachment devices <NUM> and any attachment devices of the docking station <NUM>. For example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a magnetic connection between a magnet associated with an attachment device <NUM> and a piece of metal associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM>. As another example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a catch associated with an attachment device <NUM> from, for example, a hook or a slotted peg associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may be, for example, a button or a slider. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may instead be included on the docking station <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> may include a direct data connector <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> is configured to interface with a direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> directly (without the use of a separate cable). This interface allows the display apparatus <NUM> to receive and use graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM>. For example, graphical data may be communicated to the docking station <NUM> by a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> and from there communicated via this interface to the display apparatus <NUM> and used to render a display on a display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. The interface between the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may also allow the display apparatus <NUM> to send data to the docking station <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a DVI connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM> for use with the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> may include a direct power in connector <NUM>. The direct power in connector <NUM> is configured to interface with a direct power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> directly (without the use of a cable). This interface allows the docking station <NUM> to provide the display apparatus <NUM> with the power necessary to operate. The direct power in connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> includes a host device connector <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may interface with a connector of a host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. Via this interface, the host device connector <NUM> electronically communicates data and power to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. The host device connector <NUM> may be, e.g., a USB-C connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) that may be used to interface with a connector of the connected host device for this purpose.

In some embodiments, the docking station <NUM> includes a wireless transceiver (internal, not shown in <FIG>). This wireless transceiver may communicate with a wireless transceiver of the host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. This interface may communicate data (e.g., graphical or other data) to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. This interface may use, for example, a Wi-Fi™ protocol, a Bluetooth™ protocol, or any other appropriate wireless protocol useable to transfer data in this fashion.

This (or another) wireless transceiver is also used by the docking station <NUM> to connect to other wireless network devices (e.g., a network device such as a router) in order to receive independent data (e.g., data not from a host device) from a network. This data is used to operate the display apparatus <NUM> (e.g., used to power on and/or off the display apparatus <NUM>, used to render a display on the display screen of <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> (such as, e.g., weather, news, or status of another device on the network)). This data may be, e.g., data received from an IoT system (such as, e.g., an loT home automation system).

For example, the docking station <NUM> may include a power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be connected to an external power source such as a battery, a connection to a utility transformer that is provided in a structure, or any other appropriate external power source. The connector to an external power source via the power source connector <NUM> may provide the docking station <NUM> the necessary power to function. Further, the docking station <NUM> may need to provide power to each of the display apparatus <NUM>, one or more secondary display apparatuses (not shown), a host device (not shown), and/or one or more external objects connected to the docking station <NUM>. This power (as supplied from the docking station <NUM> to these other devices) may be necessary for these other devices to operate, charge their internal batteries, and/or pass along power to external objects. The power to be supplied to these other devices by the docking station <NUM> may be drawn by the docking station <NUM> from the external power source via the power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from an external power source to the docking station <NUM>.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include an auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>, which may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB-C connector, or another data connector. In some embodiments, graphical data from a connected host device may travel from the host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM> through the docking station <NUM> to a secondary display apparatus (not shown) or another secondary display device that may be connected to the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>. This graphical data may be used to render a display on a display screen of such secondary display apparatus or other secondary display device. In embodiments where a secondary display device is connected to the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> (or other data connector) in this fashion, the communication of graphical data through the docking station <NUM> to the secondary display device may be instead of, or in addition to, the communication of graphical data to the direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> previously described.

The docking station <NUM> includes the direct power out connector <NUM>. As described above, the direct power out connector <NUM> may interface with the direct power in connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> and may deliver power to the direct power in connector <NUM> to operate the display apparatus <NUM>. The direct power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> includes the direct data connector <NUM>. As described above, the direct data connector <NUM> may interface with the direct data connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> to communicate graphical and/or other data from a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> to the display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a DVI connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating graphical and/or other data from and/or to the docking station <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> includes a set of rails 209A, 209B. Each rail 209A, 209B may respectively engage with the rails 207A, 207B of the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> as the docking station <NUM> is slid down the back of the display apparatus <NUM> and into the docking station receptacle <NUM>. As can be seen when compared to analogous connectors from <FIG>, the positions of the direct power in connector <NUM> and the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station receptacle <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> and the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> have been modified to account for the sliding nature of the embodiment of <FIG> (as opposed to, e.g., the insertion nature of the embodiment of <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a back view of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> includes one or more attachment devices <NUM>. As described above, the attachment devices <NUM> may interact with the attachment devices <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> in order to removably attach the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the attachment devices <NUM> may be metal attachment devices.

The docking station <NUM> may include the host device connector <NUM> (and associated circuitry) and/or the wireless protocol compatibilities necessary to connect with some types of host devices for the communication of data and/or power to and/or from that type of host device, while another docking station may include a different host device connector (and perhaps different associated circuitry) and/or the wireless protocol compatibilities to connect with other types of host devices for the communication of data and/or power to and/or from those types of host devices. It is anticipated that a user of the system <NUM> may be able to leverage the removably attachable nature of the docking stations herein described (e.g., the docking station <NUM>) to switch between two or more such docking stations that are configured to work with the display apparatus <NUM> as needed, depending on current device (host or otherwise) compatibility requirements.

The display apparatus <NUM> may include a docking station receptacle <NUM>. The docking station receptacle <NUM> may be shaped to receive the docking station <NUM> when the docking station <NUM> is slid across the back of the display apparatus <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may be one of many possible docking stations (with compatibility with many possible host devices) that are useable with the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> includes one or more attachment devices <NUM> that may interact with attachment devices of the docking station <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) to removably attach the docking station <NUM> in place once the docking station <NUM> has been placed into the docking station receptacle <NUM>. Examples of possible attachment devices that may be used between the docking station <NUM> and the docking station receptacle <NUM> include magnet features, hook and catch features, slotted peg and catch features, or any other attachment device appropriate for securing the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. One, two, three, four, or any other number of these attachment devices may be used. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the attachment devices <NUM> are catch attachment devices appropriate to accept a hook.

The docking station <NUM> may include a docking station release mechanism <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may release the docking station <NUM> from the docking station receptacle <NUM> by disengaging the attachment between the attachment devices <NUM> and any attachment devices of the docking station <NUM>. For example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a magnetic connection between a magnet associated with an attachment device <NUM> and a piece of metal associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM>. As another example, the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may disengage a hook associated with an attachment device of the docking station <NUM> from, for example, a catch associated with an attachment device <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station release mechanism <NUM> may be, for example, a button or a slider. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the docking station release mechanism <NUM> may be instead be included on the display apparatus <NUM>.

The docking station receptacle <NUM> may include a combined direct data/power in connector <NUM>. The combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> may be configured to interface with a combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> directly (without the use of a separate cable). This interface may allow the display apparatus <NUM> to receive and use graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM>. For example, graphical data may be communicated to the docking station <NUM> by a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> and from there communicated via this interface to the display apparatus <NUM> and used to render a display on a display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. The interface between the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> and the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may also allow the display apparatus <NUM> to send data to the docking station <NUM>.

The interface between the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> and the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> may also allow the docking station <NUM> to provide the display apparatus <NUM> with the power necessary to operate.

The combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a DVI connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power and graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM> for use with the display apparatus <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> is a custom connector.

Relatedly, the docking station <NUM> may include a combined direct data/power out connector <NUM>. As described above, the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> may interface with the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> and may deliver power to the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> to operate the display apparatus <NUM>.

The interface between the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> and the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> may also allow the docking station <NUM> to communicate graphical and/or other data from a host device connected to the docking station <NUM> to the display screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> (and/or other data transfers between the docking station <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>) in the manner described above.

The combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power and graphical and/or other data from the docking station <NUM> for use with the display apparatus <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> is a custom connector.

Each of the display apparatus <NUM> and/or the docking station <NUM> may include one or more mounting features <NUM>. The mounting features <NUM> may be used to attach a mount to the display apparatus <NUM> and/or the docking station <NUM> such that one or both of these can be mounted. In the embodiment of <FIG>, three mounting features <NUM> are present on the display apparatus <NUM> and one mounting feature <NUM> is present on the docking station <NUM>. A subset of the mounting features <NUM> may be placed on each of the display apparatus <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> such that when the docking station <NUM> is placed in the docking station receptacle <NUM> to interface with the display apparatus <NUM> in the manner described herein, the mounting features <NUM> are aligned with the mounting features of a mount (e.g., are placed such that they are compatible/consistent with mounting features on a mount provided by the manufacturer of the display apparatus <NUM> and/or the docking station <NUM>, and/or such that they are compatible/consistent with mounting features on another mount (e.g., a Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) compatible mount (also known colloquially as a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mount)).

By placing a subset of the mounting features <NUM> on each of the display apparatus <NUM> and the docking station <NUM>, it may be that the installation of a mount that uses one or more of the mounting features <NUM> from each of the display apparatus <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> may act to secure the docking station <NUM> in the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). While <FIG> show (in aggregate) three mounting features <NUM> on the display apparatus <NUM>, this is not strictly necessary; in various embodiments, a single mounting feature <NUM> on each of the display apparatus <NUM> and the docking station <NUM> is sufficient to secure the docking station <NUM> in the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. Mounting features <NUM> may be, e.g., holes (e.g., tapered holes), tabs, slots, slotted posts, hooks, screws, catches, or any other feature sufficient to interface with mounting features found on a mount. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the mounting features <NUM> are illustrated as holes.

The display apparatus <NUM> further includes an auxiliary power in connector <NUM>. The auxiliary power in connector <NUM> may be capable of connecting to an external power source to receive the power to operate the display apparatus <NUM>. The use of an auxiliary power in connector is described in more detail below.

The display apparatus <NUM> further includes a graphical data connector <NUM> (illustrated here as an HDMI port, but other types consistent with disclosure herein are contemplated) that can be used to communicate graphical data to the display apparatus <NUM> in via other than via the combined direct data/power connector <NUM> as describe herein.

It may be that in some instances, the display apparatus <NUM> is able to operate its display screen <NUM> via power received at the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> and/or graphical data received at the graphical data connector <NUM> in cases where the docking station <NUM> is not present.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> includes a host device connector <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may interface with a connector of a host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. Via this interface, the host device connector <NUM> electronically communicates data and power to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. The host device connector <NUM> may be, e.g., a USB-C connector, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM> connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) that may be used to interface with a connector of the connected host device for this purpose. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the host device connector <NUM> is illustrated as a USB-C connector.

In some embodiments, the docking station <NUM> includes a wireless transceiver (internal, not shown in <FIG>). This wireless transceiver may communicate with a wireless transceiver of the host device that is being used with the docking station <NUM>. Via this interface, the wireless transceiver may electronically communicate data (e.g., graphical or other data) to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the connected host device. This interface may use, for example, a Wi-Fi™ protocol, a Bluetooth™ protocol, or any other appropriate wireless protocol useable to transfer data in this fashion.

For example, the docking station <NUM> may include a power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be connected to an external power source such as a battery, a connection to a utility transformer that is provided in a structure, or any other appropriate external power source. The connector to an external power source via the power source connector <NUM> may provide the docking station <NUM> the necessary power to function. Further, the docking station <NUM> may need to provide power to each of the display apparatus <NUM>, one or more secondary display apparatuses (not shown), a host device (not shown), and/or one or more external objects (not shown) connected to the docking station <NUM>. This power (as supplied from the docking station <NUM> to these other devices) may be necessary for these other devices to operate, charge their internal batteries, and/or pass along power to external objects. The power to be supplied to these other devices by the docking station <NUM> may be drawn by the docking station <NUM> from the external power source via the power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from an external power source to the docking station <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the power source connector <NUM> is illustrated as a DC connector.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include one or more USB connectors <NUM>, which may be individually used by the docking station <NUM> as one of many possible connectors (e.g., power connectors, communications connectors, and/or data connectors). In some embodiments, one or more of the USB connectors <NUM> (or other data connectors) may be used to connect to input devices, such as mice and keyboards. Data from these input devices may travel through the docking station <NUM> to a connected host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more of the USB connectors <NUM> (or other data connectors) may be used to connect output devices, such as speakers, secondary display screens, printers, or other output devices. Data to these output devices may travel from a connected host device through the docking station <NUM> via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM>.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include an external HDMI connector <NUM> and/or one or more DisplayPort™ connectors <NUM>, each of which may be used by the docking station <NUM> as, for example, auxiliary graphical data connector(s). In some embodiments, graphical data from a connected host device may travel from the host device via the host device connector <NUM> and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station <NUM> through the docking station <NUM> to a secondary display apparatus (not shown) or another secondary display device that may be connected to any of the external HDMI connector <NUM> or the DisplayPort™ connectors <NUM>. This graphical data may be used to render a display on a display screen of such secondary display apparatus or other secondary display device. In embodiments where a secondary display device is connected to the external HDMI connector <NUM> or a DisplayPort™ connector <NUM> (or other data connector) in this fashion, the communication of graphical data through the docking station <NUM> to the secondary display device may be instead of, or in addition to, the communication of graphical data to the combined direct data/power connector <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> previously described.

As another example, the docking station <NUM> may include an auxiliary power out connector <NUM>, which may be used by the docking station <NUM> as, for example, a power connector for use with a secondary display apparatus (not shown). The auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the docking station <NUM> to another device. In some embodiments, power from the docking station <NUM> may travel to a secondary display apparatus that is connected to the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>. This power may be provided to the secondary display apparatus so that it may operate. This power may be sourced by the docking station <NUM> from the power source connector <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the power out connector <NUM> is illustrated as a DC connector.

The docking station <NUM> includes one or more attachment devices <NUM>. As described above, the attachment devices <NUM> may interact with the attachment devices <NUM> of the docking station receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> in order to removably attach the docking station <NUM> to the docking station receptacle <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the hook attachment devices <NUM> are illustrated as hook features corresponding to the catch attachment devices <NUM> described above in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the docking station <NUM> having been placed in the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>, with the combined display apparatus <NUM> and docking station <NUM> having been attached to a mount <NUM>. The mount <NUM> may be, e.g., a VESA mount. As illustrated, the mount may be designed such that it does not interfere with access by one or more cables to the various connectors (described above) of the docking station <NUM> when in use.

The mount <NUM> includes mounting features <NUM> that are interfaced with the mounting features <NUM> showing (by way of example and not by way of limitation, as described above) one mounting feature <NUM> connected to one mounting feature <NUM> present on the docking station <NUM> and three mounting features <NUM> connected to three mounting features <NUM> present on the display apparatus <NUM>. Mounting features <NUM> may be screws, holes, tabs, slots, slotted posts, hooks, or any other feature sufficient to interface with mounting features as those features have been described above. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the mounting features <NUM> are illustrated as screws. As illustrated, the installation of the mount <NUM> to the combined display apparatus <NUM> and docking station <NUM> has acted to further secure the docking station <NUM> in the docking station receptacle <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the display apparatus <NUM> in the manner described above.

<FIG> illustrates a docking station <NUM> with a wireless transceiver <NUM> that is removable from a body <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The wireless transceiver <NUM> may include a transceiver data/power in connector <NUM> that interfaces with a transceiver data/power out connector <NUM> on the body <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. The wireless transceiver <NUM> may draw data and/or power from the transceiver data/power out connector <NUM> through the transceiver data/power in connector <NUM>. This data and/or power may be sourced at the docking station <NUM> (e.g., via one or more of connectors of the docking station <NUM>, analogously to embodiments herein described) and from there provided to the wireless transceiver <NUM> to be sent to, for example, a host device and/or other wireless network device(s). Further, the wireless transceiver <NUM> may provide received data (e.g., data received at the wireless transceiver <NUM> from the host device and/or from other wireless network device(s), as described herein) for use at the docking station <NUM>.

The wireless transceiver <NUM> may further include an external antenna <NUM>. The external antenna <NUM> may be used to wirelessly communicate wireless signals to and/or from a host device and/or other wireless network device(s) in the manner described herein. Use of the external antenna <NUM> may result in the reception of a wireless signal that is more powerful than, or different than, e.g., a reception of a signal at a wireless transceiver (whether integrated or removable) that does not use an external antenna. While the antenna <NUM> has been illustrated on the wireless transceiver <NUM> (which is removable), it is contemplated that an external antenna may be used with integrated (rather than removable) wireless transceivers of docking stations having integrated wireless transceivers.

It may be that there are a plurality of wireless transceivers (e.g., the wireless transceiver <NUM>, and other wireless transceivers) which are removable and are each configured to removably interface with the docking station <NUM> in the manner described. It may be possible to switch one wireless transceiver (e.g., the wireless transceiver <NUM>) for another wireless transceiver (or vice versa) in order to use a wireless transceiver at the docking station <NUM> that is compatible with a particular host device, and/or that supports one or more desired wireless standards that allow for the wireless communications (including, e.g., loT communications) that are described herein.

While the docking station <NUM> has been illustrated as similar in style to the docking station <NUM> of <FIG>, it is contemplated that any docking station discussed herein (e.g., the docking stations <NUM> of <FIG> and <NUM> of <FIG>) may also include a removable wireless transceiver as described herein.

It is contemplated that other embodiments of docking stations (e.g., the docking stations described in relation to <FIG>) have internal (non-removable) wireless transceivers. It is contemplated that any type of docking station ( having an integrated wireless transceiver, or having a removable wireless transceiver) with any type of antenna(s) (no antennas, one or more internal antenna(s), one or more external antenna(s)) may be used in embodiments discussed herein.

<FIG> illustrates components of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device, according to an embodiment. It is contemplated that a display apparatus of the present disclosure may or may not include a neck and/or a base incorporated into the display apparatus. For example, it is noted that the display apparatuses <NUM> of <FIG> and <NUM> of <FIG> have been illustrated with a neck and a base. In <FIG>, a display apparatus <NUM> is being used with a docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> may be similar to the docking station <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, another docking station described herein (such as, e.g., the docking station <NUM> of <FIG>, with the removable wireless transceiver and an external antenna, or other docking station(s) described herein) may be used. The display apparatus <NUM> may be similar to the display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, but may further include one or more of a neck <NUM> and/or a base <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> may include any part of the components necessary for the display apparatus <NUM> to function, as described herein. For example, the base <NUM> has been illustrated with the graphical data port <NUM> and the auxiliary power in port <NUM> (which may serve the same purpose for the display apparatus <NUM> as, e.g., the graphical data connector <NUM> and the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> described above in relation to the display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>). Any other component (including internal components) of the display apparatus <NUM> may be included in either of the neck or the base of the display apparatus when such neck and/or base are present.

<FIG> illustrates components of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device, according to an embodiment. It is contemplated that for some embodiments of a display apparatus, a docking station may interface with a docking station receptacle that is in a neck portion of the display apparatus. For example, the docking station <NUM> may interface with a docking station receptacle <NUM> that is in the neck <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>, in the manner illustrated. The docking station <NUM> may be similar to the docking station <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, another docking station described herein (such as, e.g., the docking station <NUM> of <FIG>, with the removable wireless transceiver and an external antenna, or other docking station(s) described herein) may be used.

<FIG> illustrates components of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device, according to an embodiment. It is contemplated that for some embodiments of a display apparatus, a docking station may interface with a docking station receptacle that is in a base portion of the display apparatus. For example, the docking station <NUM> may interface with a docking station receptacle <NUM> that is in the base <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>, in the manner illustrated. The docking station <NUM> may be similar to the docking station <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, another docking station described herein (such as, e.g., the docking station <NUM> of <FIG>, with the removable wireless transceiver and an external antenna, or other docking station(s) described herein) may be used.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The system <NUM> further includes a primary display apparatus <NUM>, a docking station <NUM>, an external power source <NUM>, and a secondary display apparatus <NUM>. In the system <NUM>, the docking station <NUM> may have been removably attached to the primary display apparatus <NUM> at a docking station receptacle (not illustrated) of the primary display apparatus <NUM>, in like manner to that described above in relation to <FIG> and/or <FIG>.

The external power source <NUM> may be connected to the docking station <NUM>. The external power source <NUM> may be, for example, a battery, a connection to a utility transformer via a wall outlet, or any other appropriate external power source. The docking station <NUM> may take power directly from the external power source <NUM> in order to operate. It may further provide at least some of the power from the external power source <NUM> to the primary display apparatus <NUM> to which it has been attached (e.g., via the interface between a direct power in connector of the primary display apparatus <NUM> and a direct power out connector of the docking station <NUM> in like manner to that described above in relation to <FIG> and/or <FIG>). The primary display apparatus <NUM> may use power supplied via the docking station <NUM> in this way to operate.

In some embodiments, at least some of the power received at the docking station <NUM> from the external power source <NUM> may be communicated to the host device <NUM> connected to the docking station <NUM>. This power may be used by the host device <NUM> to operate, charge a battery of the host device <NUM>, power external objects that are connected directly to any connector(s) of the host device <NUM>, and/or for any other purpose for which the host device <NUM> may require power. This power may be provided from the docking station <NUM> to the host device <NUM> via a host device connector (e.g., the host device connectors <NUM>, <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG> above). The host device <NUM> may provide graphical data (and/or other data) via the host device connector and/or the wireless transceiver of the docking station to the docking station <NUM> for communication and use with the primary display apparatus <NUM> and/or any external objects (such as input and/or output devices) connected to the docking station <NUM>.

The system <NUM> further includes the secondary display apparatus <NUM>. The secondary display apparatus <NUM> may be connected to, for example, a connector (such as an external HDMI connector) of the docking station <NUM>. Similarly to embodiments discussed above, communication of graphical data from the host device <NUM> to the secondary display apparatus <NUM> may be instead of, or in addition to, the communication of graphical data to the direct data connector of the primary display apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least some of the power received at the docking station <NUM> from the external power source <NUM> may be communicated to the secondary display apparatus <NUM> connected to the docking station <NUM>. This power may be used by the secondary display apparatus <NUM> to operate and/or for any other purpose for which the secondary display apparatus <NUM> may require power. This power may be provided from the docking station <NUM> to the host device <NUM> via an auxiliary power out connector (e.g., the auxiliary power out connectors <NUM>, <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> and/or <FIG> above). These auxiliary power out connectors may be connected to a direct power in connector located at a docking station receptacle of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> or alternatively may be connected to an auxiliary power in connector of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> (that is not a direct power in connector of a docking station receptacle of the secondary display apparatus <NUM>).

<FIG> is a block diagram of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The system <NUM> includes a primary display apparatus <NUM>, a docking station <NUM>, and a secondary display apparatus <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the docking station <NUM> is removably attached (as represented by box <NUM>) to the primary display apparatus <NUM> at a docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>, in like manner to that described above in relation to, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and/or <FIG> (and this should be understood even though, merely for purposes of illustration, the docking station <NUM> has been drawn apart from, and similarly sized to, the display apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>).

The primary display apparatus <NUM> includes a direct data connector <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> may be located in, for example, the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>. The direct data connector <NUM> is configured to interface with and communicate data to and/or from a direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>, in the manner described above. The direct data connector <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> and/or the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may be, for example, HDMI connectors, USB connectors, or any other appropriate connectors as described above. The data received at the primary display apparatus <NUM> via the direct data connector <NUM> may be graphical and/or other data communicated by the docking station <NUM> from the host device <NUM>.

The primary display apparatus <NUM> includes a direct power in connector <NUM>. The direct power in connector <NUM> may be located in, for example, the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>. The direct power in connector <NUM> is configured to interface with and receive power from a direct power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. The direct power in connector <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> may be, for example, DC connectors, USB-C connectors, or any other appropriate connector as explained above. The power received at the primary display apparatus <NUM> via the direct power in connector <NUM> may be used to operate the primary display apparatus <NUM>.

The direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power in connector <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be combined into a single combined direct data/power in connector (e.g., the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> of <FIG>) as described above. Further, the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be combined into a single combined direct data/power out connector (e.g., the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> of <FIG>) as described above.

The primary display apparatus <NUM> may also include a video controller <NUM>. The video controller <NUM> may be able to receive graphical data from, for example, the direct data connector <NUM>. Further, the video controller <NUM> may receive graphical data (either alternatively or additionally) from, for example, an HDMI connector <NUM> and/or a Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> (which may not be located in the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>). Other types of connectors (such as, e.g., DVI connectors) are also contemplated to provide graphical data to the video controller <NUM> instead of, or in addition to, the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station receptacle <NUM>. The video controller <NUM> may then select one or more of the graphical data received from the direct data connector <NUM>, the HDMI connector <NUM>, the VGA connector <NUM>, and/or any other such connector for use to render a display on a display screen <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>.

The primary display apparatus <NUM> may also include an audio controller <NUM>. The audio controller <NUM> may be able to receive audio data from, for example, the direct data connector <NUM>. Further, the audio controller <NUM> may receive audio data (either alternatively or additionally) from, for example, the HDMI connector <NUM> and/or a stereo connector <NUM> (which may not be located in the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>). Other types of connectors (such as, e.g., optical audio connectors) are also contemplated to provide audio data to the audio controller <NUM> instead of or in addition to the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station receptacle <NUM>. The audio controller <NUM> may then select one or more of the audio data received from the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station receptacle <NUM>, the HDMI connector <NUM>, and/or the stereo connector <NUM> for reproduction on speakers <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>.

While the primary display apparatus <NUM> has been illustrated as being removably attached <NUM> with the docking station <NUM>, it should be understood that the primary display apparatus <NUM> may be used to display data and perform other functions without being removably attached <NUM> to the docking station <NUM> via the use of one or more of, for example, the auxiliary power in connector <NUM>, the HDMI connector <NUM> and/or the VGA connector <NUM>, the stereo connector <NUM>, and/or another connector(s) present on the primary display apparatus <NUM>.

The primary display apparatus <NUM> may further include control buttons <NUM>. The control buttons <NUM> may include a power button for turning the primary display apparatus <NUM> on and off. This may also turn on and off any docking station attached to the primary display apparatus <NUM> (e.g., the docking station <NUM>) via signal(s) sent to the docking station <NUM> via the direct data connector <NUM>. The control buttons <NUM> may include one or more volume buttons for adjusting the volume of the speakers <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>. The control buttons <NUM> may further include a reset button to reset the primary display apparatus <NUM> (which may have the effect of resetting any docking station attached to the primary display apparatus <NUM> (e.g., the docking station <NUM>) via signal(s) sent to the docking station via the direct data connector <NUM>).

The primary display apparatus <NUM> may include a power controller <NUM>. The power controller <NUM> may be responsible for distributing power to the rest of the primary display apparatus <NUM> in order to operate the primary display apparatus <NUM>. This power may be received from, for example, the docking station <NUM> via the interface between the direct power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> and the direct power in connector <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>, in the manner described above.

Alternatively, the power controller <NUM> may receive its power from an auxiliary power in connector <NUM>. The auxiliary power in connector <NUM> may be capable of connecting to an external power source <NUM> to receive the power to operate the primary display apparatus <NUM>. The external power source <NUM> may be, for example, a battery, a connection (whether direct or through intermediate device(s)) to a utility transformer, or any other appropriate external power source. The external power source <NUM> may include, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the external power source <NUM> to another device. The auxiliary power in connector <NUM> may be any connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of connecting to a connector on the external power source <NUM>. A connection between the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> and the external power source <NUM> may be useful to provide power to the primary display apparatus <NUM> in cases where, for example, the docking station <NUM> is not attached to the primary display apparatus <NUM> or is otherwise not providing power to the primary display apparatus <NUM> at the direct power in connector <NUM> in the manner described above.

Any of the power controller <NUM>, the video controller <NUM>, and/or the audio controller <NUM>, or another processor/controller <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> may have instructions thereon to implement one or more features of the primary display apparatus <NUM> consistent with embodiments of primary display apparatuses discussed herein. Such instructions may be sourced from a non-transitory computer-readable medium (not shown) on or associated with these processors and/or controllers.

As will be described in more detail below, the auxiliary power in connector of a display apparatus (such as the auxiliary power in connector <NUM>) may alternatively receive power from an auxiliary power out connector of a docking station (such as an auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>).

The docking station <NUM> may include a power source connector <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may receive power from the external power source <NUM>. The power source connector <NUM> may be any connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of connecting to a connector on the external power source <NUM>. The power provided may be communicated to a power module <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> for distribution to the rest of the docking station <NUM> in order to operate the docking station <NUM>. There may be sufficient remaining power for the docking station <NUM> to further communicate power to the primary display apparatus <NUM> via the direct power out connector <NUM> in the matter described herein. Additionally (or alternatively), there may be sufficient remaining power to be communicated to, for example, the host device <NUM> in the manner described herein. Additionally (or alternatively), there may be sufficient remaining power to be communicated to, for example, the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>, in order to provide power to a secondary display apparatus (e.g., the secondary display apparatus <NUM>) for it to operate. There may also be sufficient power remaining to communicate power (perhaps indirectly) to external objects connected to other connectors of the docking station <NUM> (e.g., USB device(s) <NUM> connected to USB connector(s) <NUM>), or for any other purpose for which power may be used by the docking station <NUM>.

The docking station <NUM> further includes a host device connector <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may connect the docking station <NUM> to the host device <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may communicate power from the power module <NUM> to the host device <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may further transmit data to and/or from the host device <NUM> to and/or from a controller/multiplexer <NUM>. The host device connector <NUM> may be, in some embodiments, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM>/USB-C connector.

The docking station <NUM> further includes a wireless transceiver <NUM>. This wireless transceiver may communicate with a wireless transceiver of the host device <NUM>. This interface may communicate data (e.g., graphical or other data) to and/or from the docking station <NUM> to and/or from the host device <NUM>. This interface may use, for example, a Wi-Fi™ protocol, a Bluetooth™ protocol, or any other appropriate wireless protocol useable to transfer data in this fashion. The data may be provided additionally (or alternatively) to data being provided via the host device connector <NUM>.

The wireless transceiver <NUM> is also used by the docking station <NUM> to connect to other wireless network devices (e.g., a network device such as a router) in order to receive independent data (e.g., data not from the host device <NUM>) from a network. This data is used to operate the primary display apparatus <NUM> (e.g., used to power on and/or off the primary display apparatus <NUM>, used to render a display on the display screen of <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> (such as, e.g., weather, news, or status of another device on the network)). This data may be, e.g., data received from an Internet of Things (IoT) system (such as, e.g., an loT home automation system). It is further contemplated that this data may be used to display settings corresponding to one or more networked devices (e.g., an loT device). It is also contemplated that the primary display apparatus <NUM> may be used to send commands to networked devices modifying these settings or performing other control tasks (e.g., via a control button <NUM> on the primary display apparatus <NUM>, and/or via interaction with a display screen <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM> that is a touch screen).

For example, the docking station <NUM> may receive an instruction via the wireless transceiver <NUM> to communicate with a control panel of the primary display apparatus <NUM> (which may be a software engine that exists in one or more of the power controller <NUM>, the video controller <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM>, and/or another processor/controller <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>). In this way, an administrator of the system <NUM> (through a separate network device in communication with the wireless transceiver <NUM>) may have access to, e.g., information about the usage (power usage, time of use, time of day of usage statistics, etc.) of the primary display apparatus <NUM> (that is being tracked by, e.g., the control panel of the primary display apparatus). This communication with a control panel of the primary display apparatus <NUM> may also allow an administrator of the system <NUM> to set various control features (e.g., time allowed for use, time of day allowed for use, maximum allowed power use, etc.) to control the functionality of the primary display apparatus <NUM>.

The controller/multiplexer <NUM> may receive power from the power module <NUM>. The controller/multiplexer <NUM> may then communicate this power to, for example, a USB hub <NUM>. The controller/multiplexer <NUM> may also send data (e.g., graphical data provided from the host device <NUM>) to a video splitter <NUM>. The controller/multiplexer <NUM> may also send and/or receive data (e.g., graphical data) to and/or from the host device connector <NUM>, the USB hub <NUM>, and/or the wireless transceiver <NUM> which may or may not be removeable <NUM> in the manner described herein. The controller/multiplexer <NUM> may be, in some embodiments, a Thunderbolt™ <NUM>/USB-C controller/multiplexer.

The controller/multiplexer <NUM> or another processor/controller <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may have instructions thereon to implement one or more other features of the docking station <NUM> consistent with embodiments of docking stations discussed herein. Such instructions may be sourced from a non-transitory computer-readable medium (not shown) on or associated with these processors and/or controllers.

The USB hub <NUM> may be connected to the USB connector(s) <NUM>, and may be responsible for routing data and/or power between the USB connector(s) <NUM>, an RJ-<NUM> connector <NUM>, and the controller/multiplexer <NUM>. As described above, data at the USB connector(s) <NUM> may be provided by and/or sent to the USB device(s) <NUM>. Further, power to the USB device(s) <NUM> may be provided by the USB hub <NUM>. Data from the RJ-<NUM> connector(s) <NUM> may be provided by a network device <NUM> connected to the RJ-<NUM> connector <NUM>.

The video splitter <NUM> may receive data (including graphical data) from the controller/multiplexer <NUM>. This graphical data may have originated from, for example, the host device <NUM> in the manner described herein. The video splitter <NUM> may provide all or a portion of received graphical data to the direct data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. This graphical data may be communicated, eventually, to the primary display apparatus <NUM> to be used to render a display on the display screen <NUM> in the manner described herein. The video splitter <NUM> may provide (alternatively or additionally) all or a portion of received graphical data to an auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. From the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> that graphical data may then be communicated to the secondary display apparatus <NUM>.

Although <FIG> has been illustrated with a primary display apparatus <NUM> and a secondary display apparatus <NUM>, it is contemplated the more than two display apparatuses may be used at once with the docking station <NUM>. Accordingly, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the video splitter <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> may provide all or a portion of received graphical data to a plurality of auxiliary graphical data connectors (including the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>). In these cases, each auxiliary graphical data connector beyond the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> may provide graphical data from the docking station <NUM> to other display apparatuses which are not illustrated.

The docking station <NUM> may further include the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>. This auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may be an auxiliary power out connector according to <FIG> and <FIG>. The auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may include, for example, a DC connector, a USB (e.g., USB-C) connector, an IEC <NUM> C13 or C14 connector, or any other connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of communicating power from the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> to, for example, an auxiliary power in connector of a display apparatus (such as the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM>). The auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may be able to connect to a display apparatus (e.g., the secondary display apparatus <NUM>) in order to provide power to the display apparatus for the display apparatus to operate.

The secondary display apparatus <NUM> may contain the same (or similar) elements as provided in the primary display apparatus <NUM>. However, in the system <NUM> of <FIG>, the secondary display apparatus <NUM> is not attached to the docking station <NUM> at its docking station receptacle <NUM>. (Note, as described above, that the docking station <NUM> is instead attached to the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the primary display apparatus <NUM>. ) Instead, the secondary display apparatus <NUM> receives data via an interface between the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> and, e.g., an HDMI connector <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM>. Further, the secondary display apparatus <NUM> receives power via an interface between the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> and an auxiliary power in connector <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM>. It is anticipated that in some embodiments, the secondary display apparatus <NUM> may instead be a display apparatus that does not include the docking station receptacle <NUM> (and, accordingly, does not include a direct data connector or a direct power in connector).

Alternatively, the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> may receive power from an external power source rather than from the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. For example, the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> may receive power from the external power source <NUM>. In these embodiments, the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> may be any connector (including custom and/or hybrid connectors) capable of connecting to a connector on the external power source <NUM>. This may be useful to provide power to the secondary display apparatus <NUM> in cases where, for example, the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> is not available or is not otherwise providing power to the secondary display apparatus <NUM> via its auxiliary power out connector <NUM>.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the functionalities of an auxiliary graphical data connector (such as the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM>) of the docking station <NUM> and the functionalities of the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> may be combined into a single connector (not shown). This connector may be a connector that is capable of providing both data and power from the docking station <NUM> to an external device (such as, e.g., a USB-C connector). Accordingly, it is contemplated that an external device (e.g., the secondary display apparatus <NUM>) may include a single corresponding connector that is capable of receiving both data and power from the docking station <NUM> (such as, e.g., a USB-C connector) and by so doing perform both the functionalities of the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> and the data reception functionalities that are analogous to those that would occur using the HDMI connector <NUM> (or another data connector of the secondary display apparatus <NUM>).

<FIG> is a block diagram of a system <NUM> for docking with a host device, according to an embodiment. Many of the numbered elements of the system <NUM> are similar to like-numbered elements of the system <NUM>. However, at least the following differences apply:.

The docking station <NUM> has been illustrated with a combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> instead of, e.g., the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. This combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> may combine the features of the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power out connector <NUM> of <FIG> together into a single connector. This combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> may be analogous to the combined direct data/power out connector <NUM> of <FIG>.

The primary display apparatus <NUM> has been illustrated with a combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> instead of, e.g., the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power in connector <NUM> of <FIG>. This combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> may combine the features of the direct data connector <NUM> and the direct power in connector <NUM> of <FIG> into a single connector. This combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> may be analogous to the combined direct data/power in connector <NUM> of <FIG>.

While the primary display apparatus <NUM> has been illustrated as being removably attached <NUM> with the docking station <NUM>, it should be understood that the primary display apparatus <NUM> is used to display data and perform other functions without being removably attached <NUM> to the docking station <NUM> via the use of one or more of, for example, the auxiliary power in connector <NUM>, the HDMI connector <NUM> and/or the VGA connector <NUM>, the stereo connector <NUM>, and/or another connector(s) present on the primary display apparatus.

The secondary display apparatus <NUM> does not have a docking station receptacle analogous to the docking station receptacle <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. This may be because the display apparatus <NUM> is not a display apparatus that was developed specifically for docking with docking station <NUM> at a docking station receptacle (e.g., the secondary display apparatus <NUM> was developed by a different manufacturer than the manufacturer of the docking station <NUM>, or display apparatus <NUM> was produced without the docking station receptacle to reduce costs of production).

The power in connector <NUM> of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> may be the only power in connector of the secondary display apparatus <NUM> (and thus the power in connector <NUM> is not termed an "auxiliary" power in connector). This power in connector <NUM> is illustrated as being powered by the external power source <NUM> instead of by, e.g., the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> (e.g., in the manner described in relation to the auxiliary power in connector <NUM> of <FIG>). However, there may be some cases where the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> is still capable of providing power to the secondary display apparatus <NUM> via the power in connector <NUM> (e.g., when the secondary display apparatus <NUM> is manufactured to be compatible with the auxiliary power out connector <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>).

It is further contemplated that in some cases, a single connector (e.g., a USB-C connector) may perform the functionalities of the auxiliary graphical data connector <NUM> and the auxiliary power out connector <NUM>, and this connector may interface (e.g., via a cable) with a corresponding single connector on the secondary display apparatus <NUM>, which may replace the uses of the HDMI connector <NUM> and the power in connector <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> of a docking station, according to one embodiment. The method <NUM> may include more or less than other methods of docking stations contemplated by the present application.

The method <NUM> may include removably attaching <NUM> to a docking station receptacle of a display apparatus. The attachment of the docking station to the docking station receptacle may act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a direct data connector of the docking station and a direct data connector of the display apparatus. This attachment may further act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a direct power out connector of the docking station and a direct power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include receiving <NUM> data from a host device, the data from the host device comprising graphical data.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> power to a display apparatus via a direct power out connector of the docking station.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> at least a portion of the graphical data to the display apparatus via a direct data connector of the docking station.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> power to a second display apparatus via an auxiliary power out connector.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> at least a portion of the graphical data for use to render a display on a display screen of a second display apparatus via an auxiliary graphical data connector.

The method <NUM> further may include receiving <NUM> data from the display apparatus via the direct data connector of the docking station.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> power to the host device via a host device connector.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> data to the host device. This data may be provided via a host device connector and/or via a wireless transceiver of the docking station.

The method <NUM> may include removably attaching <NUM> to a docking station receptacle of a display apparatus. The attachment of the docking station to the docking station receptacle may act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a combined direct data/power out connector of the docking station and a combined direct data/power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> may include receiving <NUM> data from a host device, the data from the host device comprising graphical data.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> power to a display apparatus via a combined direct data/power out connector of the docking station.

The method <NUM> further may include providing <NUM> at least a portion of the graphical data to the display apparatus via the combined direct data/power out connector of the docking station.

The method <NUM> further may include receiving <NUM> data from the display apparatus via the combined direct data/power out connector of the docking station.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> of a display apparatus, according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> may include more or less than other methods of display apparatuses contemplated by the present application.

The method <NUM> may include removably attaching <NUM> to a docking station at a docking station receptacle of the display apparatus. The attachment of the display apparatus to the docking station at the docking station receptacle may act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a direct data connector of the docking station and a direct data connector of the display apparatus. This attachment may further act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a direct power out connector of the docking station and a direct power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> may include receiving <NUM> power from the docking station via a direct power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include receiving <NUM> graphical data from the docking station via a direct data connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include using <NUM> the graphical data to render a display on a display screen of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include sending <NUM> data to the docking station via the direct data connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> may include removably attaching <NUM> to a docking station at a docking station receptacle of the display apparatus. The attachment of the display apparatus to the docking station at the docking station receptacle may act to create a direct interface (without a separate cable) between a combined direct data/power out connector of the docking station and a combined direct data/power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> may include receiving <NUM> power from the docking station via a combined direct data/power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include receiving <NUM> graphical data from the docking station via the combined direct data/power in connector of the display apparatus.

The method <NUM> further may include sending <NUM> data to the docking station via the combined direct data/power in connector of the display apparatus.

The docking stations and display apparatuses disclosed herein may respectively include one or more processors and/or controllers using instructions present thereon to implement one or more functionalities of each such docking station/display apparatus as those functionalities are described herein. The instructions used by such processors and/or controllers may be stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium on (or in communication with) such controllers and/or processors. It is anticipated that these processors and/or controllers (and associated non-transitory computer-readable instructions for use thereon) may be present in any embodiment disclosed herein (even if not explicitly discussed).

Claim 1:
A display apparatus and a docking station (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the docking station is configured to removably attach to a docking station receptacle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a direct data connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to interface with a direct data connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the display apparatus to provide data communication between the docking station and the display apparatus;
a direct power out connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to interface with a direct power in connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the display apparatus;
a host device connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to electronically communicate with a host device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the host device connector to provide data and power communication between the docking station and the host device;
a wireless transceiver configured to allow the docking station to connect to other wireless network device(s) to facilitate wireless communication over a network between a wireless network device and the display apparatus in order to receive independent data to operate the display apparatus, wherein the wireless network device is associated with one or more output devices, wherein data to the output device(s) may travel from the host device through the docking station via the host device connector and/or the wireless transceiver; and
an attachment device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to removably attach the docking station to the docking station receptacle of the display apparatus,
wherein, to allow the display apparatus to operate when the docking station is not present in the docking station receptacle, the display apparatus comprises a graphical data port and an auxiliary power in port, and
wherein at least a portion of the data from the host device to the docking station and from the docking station to the display apparatus is graphical data configured to render a display on a display screen of the display apparatus.