PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9244492-B2
Application Number: US-201314022015-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Docking station with audio output

Abstract:
Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A docking station comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device; 
 a second connector to connect to an accessory; 
 an audio jack located on the housing and arranged to accept an audio plug; 
 a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack and further coupled between the connector insert and the second connector; and 
 a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The docking station of  claim 1  further comprising a digital-to-analog converter in the first data path between the connector insert and the audio jack, wherein the digital-to-analog converter receives digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal. 
     
     
       3. The docking station of  claim 2  further comprising a bridge circuit located in the first data path between the connector insert and the digital-to-analog converter, wherein the bridge circuit receives data packets and provides digital audio data to the digital-to-analog converter. 
     
     
       4. The docking station of  claim 1  wherein the first data path further comprises a branch from the connector insert to the second connector. 
     
     
       5. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the portable computing device comprises a smart phone. 
     
     
       6. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the second connector is located on the housing and comprises a connector receptacle. 
     
     
       7. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the second connector comprises a connector insert and the connector insert connects to the docking station via a cable. 
     
     
       8. The docking station of  claim 2  wherein the connector insert comprises a Lightening connector insert. 
     
     
       9. A docking station comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device; 
 a second connector to connect to an accessory; 
 a plurality of multiplexers coupled to the second connector; 
 a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the plurality of multiplexers, the multiplexers to selectively couple contacts in the second connector to the first data path depending on an orientation of a second connector insert inserted into the second connector; and 
 a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the plurality of multiplexers. 
 
     
     
       10. The docking station of  claim 9  further comprising an audio jack located on the housing and arranged to accept an audio plug, where the first data path is further coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack. 
     
     
       11. The docking station of  claim 10  further comprising a digital-to-analog converter coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack, wherein the digital-to-analog converter receives digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal to the audio jack. 
     
     
       12. The docking station of  claim 11  further comprising a bridge circuit located between the connector insert and the digital-to-analog converter, wherein the bridge circuit receives data packets and provides digital audio data to the digital-to-analog converter. 
     
     
       13. The docking station of  claim 9  wherein the portable computing device comprises a smart phone. 
     
     
       14. The docking station of  claim 9  wherein the second connector is located on the housing and comprises a connector receptacle. 
     
     
       15. The docking station of  claim 9  wherein the second connector comprises a connector insert and the connector insert connects to the docking station via a cable. 
     
     
       16. The docking station of  claim 9  wherein the connector insert comprises a Lightening connector insert. 
     
     
       17. A docking station comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector insert located on the housing and arranged to mate with a connector receptacle on a portable computing device; 
 a second connector to connect to an accessory; 
 an audio jack located on the housing and arranged to accept an audio plug; 
 a first data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector and further coupled between the connector insert and the audio jack; 
 a second data path coupled between the connector insert and the second connector; and 
 an identification path to convey identification and authentication information between the docking station and the portable computing device and coupled between a microprocessor circuit and the connector insert. 
 
     
     
       18. The docking station of  claim 17  further comprising a communication circuit on the identification path and coupled between the connector insert and the microprocessor. 
     
     
       19. The docking station of  claim 18  further comprising an authentication circuit to provide authentication information to the portable computing device and coupled to the microprocessor. 
     
     
       20. The docking station of  claim 19  wherein the authentication circuit provides authentication data and identification data to the microprocessor.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices, such as smartphones, music and video players, and others have become ubiquitous. The features and capabilities of these players have increased as well. As a result, the numbers and types of accessory devices that these players may communicate with have grown at a remarkable rate. 
     At the same time, it is often desirable to have docking stations that may be used to physically support these portable computing devices and to have the docking stations provide power to charge batteries in the portable computing devices to and provide connection points that may be used to connect accessories to the portable computing devices. 
     Thus, what is needed are portable computing device docking stations that may facilitate communication with various accessory devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations for smart phones or other portable computing devices. These docking stations may facilitate communication with one or more various accessory devices. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide docking stations having connectors to mate with a smart phone or other portable computing device and one or more accessories. These docking stations may provide physical support for portable computing devices, or they may connect to portable computing devices using cables or other wired connections, wireless connections, or combination thereof. These docking stations may connect to one or more accessories using one or more receptacles on the docking stations, by using dedicated cables, by using wireless connections, or combination thereof. Data may be transferred between a docking station and a portable computing device, between a docking station and an accessory, between a portable computing device and an accessory via a docking station, or among a docking station, portable computing device, and an accessory. In various configurations of embodiments of the present invention, power may be provided by a portable computing device to one or both of a docking station and accessory, power may be provided by a docking station to one or both of a portable computing device and accessory, or it may be provided by the accessory to one or both of a docking station and portable computing device. For example, the accessory may be a charger that receives power from a wall or car outlet and provides power to a docking station and portable computing device. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station having a connector insert for mating with a receptacle on a smart phone or other portable computing device. The connector insert may be in a depression or well, the side or sides of which may provide mechanical support for an inserted smart phone or other portable computing device. The docking station may further include one or more receptacles for communicating with one or more accessories. In other embodiments, one or more receptacles may be replaced with dedicated or tethered cables having a connector insert at a far end. These docking station connector inserts and receptacles may mate with connector receptacles or inserts for various interfaces such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt™, Lightning™ and other types of standard and non-standard interfaces. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations connector inserts that may have contacts on one or both sides of the insert. Smart phones and other portable computing devices may have receptacles having contacts only on one side in order to reduce device thickness. Having contacts on both sides of the connector insert may allow portable computing devices to be inserted into the docking station in either of two orientations. In other embodiments of the present invention, a docking station may employ a simplified connector insert having contacts on only one side. In these embodiments, the portable computing device may need to be inserted in a specific one of the two orientations for proper operation. A housing of the docking station may be formed in a shape that ensures that a user inserts the portable computing device in a proper orientation. 
     Smart phones and other portable computing devices may communicate with one or more accessories using one or more data channels. These data channels may be single-ended or differential. For example, a smart phone may communicate using two differential channels. Four contacts or pins in the portable computing device may be used to convey the two differential signals. In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, these two differential signals may be received from a smart phone by a connector insert on the docking station, and then passed from the connector insert to a receptacle on the docking station, where they may be available to be connected to by an accessory. In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, these two differential signals may be received from a smart phone by a connector insert on the docking station, and then passed from the connector insert to dedicated or tethered cable on the docking station, where the cable has a connector insert on the far end that may be inserted into an accessory. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide an audio jack. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, an audio plug may be provided on the docking station. This audio plug may be located near a connector insert such that the connector insert and audio plug may be inserted into a smart phone or portable computing device at the same time. Contacts on the audio plug may connect to contacts on an audio jack elsewhere on the docking station. Headphones or other devices may plug into the audio jack. 
     Various smart phones and other portable computing devices may be unable to communicate with a docking station unless the docking station is able to authenticate itself. This authentication may include identification of the docking station as well. Accordingly, another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide docking station having authentication and identification capabilities. This authentication may employ public-key cryptography or other techniques. 
     This authentication may occur over a data signal path of the smart phone or other portable computing device. But this may consume one of a limited number of data paths that could otherwise be used for communicating with one or more accessories. Accordingly, another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station where authentication and identification may occur over a control pin. This may make an additional data path available for communication with one or more accessories. 
     In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a docking station may identify itself to a smart phone or other portable computing device so that the portable computing device knows how to format data that is provided over the one or more data paths. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, this authentication circuit, or other appropriate circuit may read identification and authorization information from an attached accessory. The authentication or other circuit may then instruct the portable computing device how to provide data on the data paths for use by the accessory. 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations having audio outputs by including an audio plug that is inserted into an audio jack on a portable computing device. That is, a connector insert plug and an audio plug are both inserted into a portable computing device. But this configuration may be awkward, cause confusion, and have unappealing aesthetics. Accordingly, another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station where a data communication path is used to convey audio information. This audio information may be converted to an analog signal and provided at an audio jack. An audio plug for headphones or other device may be inserted into the audio jack. 
     Unfortunately, this configuration may consume one of a limited number of data paths. Accordingly, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station where a data path may provide data both to an internal audio signal path and an external accessory. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a data path is provided to both a protocol bridge and a connector that may be accessed by an accessory. The protocol bridge receives data on the data path and passes audio data to a digital-to-analog converter, which generates an analog audio signal that is provided to an audio jack. This allows use of the data path for communication with an accessory and provides for an audio output without having to include an audio plug on the docking station. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations that may connect to accessories using different types of connector interfaces. One such connector interface is the Lightening connector interface. This interface is reversible. That is a Lightening inset may be interested into a Lightening receptacle in two orientations. Accordingly, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station having a multiplexing circuit to detect orientation of a connection to an accessory and to multiplex power and data lines appropriately. 
     Other illustrative embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations with additional features. One specific embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station that may include various additional input and output devices or components such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), buttons, touch pads, displays, wireless communication devices, and other types of components. Light-emitting diodes may be used to indicate a charging status of a battery in a portable computing device or accessory. For example, a multi-colored LED may turn a first color to indicate that a charge is occurring and a second color to indicate that charging is complete. Light-emitting diodes may also be used in conjunction with proximity sensors. Specifically, an LED may light when motion near a connector insert is detected. This illumination may assist a user in attaching a portable computing device to a docking station, or it may assist a user in finding buttons, touch pads, or other controls on the docking station. Light-emitting diodes may also be used to indicate status settings, such as do-not-disturb, airplane mode, and alarm status settings. Touch pads or buttons may be used to control playback volume through an audio channel. Touch pads or buttons may be used for snooze or mode select functions, such as to put a portable computing device into a do-not-disturb or airplane mode. A display may be used to indicate time, mode of the device, weather, news, or other data. This data may be retrieved from an accessory, from a portable computer device, from the Internet or a cellular network, or from other source. The display may be used to indicate an alarm or snooze setting, do-not-disturb or airplane settings, and other types of modes and settings. Wireless communications devices may be included and used as remote controls for devices such as coffee makers, thermostats, lighting, and other types of devices. The wireless communication devices may also connect to cellular or Wi-Fi networks to retrieve, provide, or synchronize data. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide docking stations that may include gesture detection. Gesture detection may allow a user to interact with a docking station by simply making hand movements in the proximity of the docking station. For example, gestures may be used to put an alarm in a snooze state, to turn on a display, to show time, date, weather, news, or other information or combination thereof. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may include connector receptacles or cables and plugs that may connect to various types of accessories, such as storage devices, monitors, power supplies, adapters, and chargers, and other devices. These connectors may provide pathways for signals and power compliant with various interfaces such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), power, Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Lightning and other types of standard and non-standard interfaces. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a docking station that includes authentication circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another docking station that includes authentication circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a docking station that includes two receptacles according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a Lightning connector insert that may be employed and received by embodiments the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a docking station that may accept a bidirectional plug according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a docking station that may provide a bidirectional connection according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a docking station having additional features according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a docking station having additional features according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a docking station that includes a USB hub according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of an embodiment of the present invention. This figure, as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims. 
     This figure includes portable computing device or host  110 , docking station or dock  120 , and accessory device or accessory  130 . Docking station  120  may provide mechanical support for portable computing device  110 . For example, docking station and  20  may have a connector insert that may fit into a corresponding receptacle on portable computing device  110 . This insert, along with one or more other support structures, may physically support portable computing device  110  in docking station  120 . In other embodiments of the present invention, portable computing device  110  may connect to docking station  120  via a cable, via a wireless connection, or combination thereof. Docking station  120  may further provide mechanical support for accessory  130 . Again, docking station  120  may include a connector insert that may be fitted into a receptacle on accessory  130 . In other embodiments of the present invention, docking station  120  may include a receptacle for making a connection to accessory  130  via a cable. In still other embodiments of the present invention, docking station may include a dedicated or tethered cable having an insert at a far end that may be inserted in a receptacle in an accessory. Docking station  120  may communicate with accessory  130  via one of these connections, a wireless connection, or combination thereof. 
     Data may be transferred between docking station  120  and portable computing device  110  via lines  114 . Lines  114 , as with the other lines shown, may be wired or wireless connections. Similarly, docking station  120  may communicate with accessory  130  via data lines  124 . Accessory  130  may communicate through docking station  122  to portable computing device  110  using lines  124  and  114 . 
     Power may be shared among portable computing device  110 , docking station  120 , and accessory  130  via lines  112  and  122 , which again may be wired or wireless connections. For example, portable computing device  110  may include a battery that may provide power to docking station  120  and accessory  130  via lines  112  and  122 . Docking station  120  may include or receive power, which may be provided to portable computing device  110  over line  112  and to accessory  130  over line  122 . Similarly, accessory  130  may include or receive power, which it may provide to docking station  120  via line  122  and to portable computing device  110  via lines  122  and  112 . Power may be transferred between and among portable computing device  110 , docking station  120 , and one or more accessories  130  using power conductors or other wired connections. Power may also be transferred between devices using wireless paths, for example by using inductive or capacitive charging. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, docking station  120  may provide power to portable computing device  110  by inductive or capacitive charging. In another specific embodiment of the present invention, docking station  120  may provide power to accessory  130  using inductive or capacitive charging, while in another, accessory  130  may provide power to docking station  120  in a wireless manner. 
     While in this example, docking station  120  is shown as communicating with one accessory  130 , in other embodiments of the present invention, docking station  120  may be configured to communicate with two or more accessories. Also, accessories  130  may be daisy-chained to communicate with one or more other accessories, which are not shown for simplicity. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, portable computing device  110  may be a smart phone, portable media player, laptop computer, tablet computer, navigational device, a wearable computing device such as a bracelet or pendant, piece of clothing, or the like, or other portable computing device. Accessory  130  may be a charger that receives power from a wall or car outlet, speakers, storage device, projector, camera, monitor, power supply, adapter, or other device. 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations that provide mechanical support for a portable computing device. For example, a docking station may include an insert that may be received by a receptacle on portable computing device. The docking station may further include one or more receptacles or dedicated cables which may be used to connect to one or more accessories. These docking stations may include one or more other features such as control buttons, displays, or other features. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Docking station  120  may include connector insert  125  for mating with receptacle  118  on smart phone or other portable computing device  110 . Connector insert  125  may be located in a depression or well (not shown) that may provide mechanical support for smart phone or other portable computing device  110 . Connector insert  125  may include a number of contacts to form power and signal paths with corresponding contacts in connector receptacle  118 . Docking station  120  may further include one or more receptacles  128  and  129  for communicating with one or more accessories. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, receptacle  128  may be a lightning receptacle, while receptacle  129  may be a headphone jack. 
     Connector insert  125  may include contacts on one or more sides. Smart phone  110  may typically have contacts only on one side of receptacle  118  in order to save space and to allow smart phone  110  to be thinner. Having contacts on two sides of connector insert  125  may allow smart phone  110  to be inserted in either of two ways in dock station  120 . To simplify dock station  120 , contacts may be removed or omitted on one side of connector insert  125 . In such an embodiment, smart phone  110  may be inserted only one way on dock station  120 . Docking station  120  may be shaped or formed such that smart phone or other portable computing device  110  may fit over connector insert  125  in the one proper orientation to avoid consumer confusion. 
     Docking station  120  may include various additional components such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), buttons, touch pads, displays, wireless communication devices, and other types of components. 
     For example, light-emitting diodes  123  may be used to indicate a charging status of a battery in a portable computing device  110 . A multi-colored LED may turn a first color to indicate that a charge is occurring and a second color to indicate that charging is complete. Light-emitting diodes may also be used in conjunction with proximity sensors. Specifically, an LED may light when motion near connector insert  125  is detected. This illumination may assist a user in attaching portable computing device  110  to docking station  120 , or it may assist a user in finding buttons, touch pads, or other controls on the docking station. Light-emitting diodes may also be used to indicate status settings, such as do-not-disturb, airplane mode, and alarm status settings. 
     Touch pads  121  or buttons  127  may be used to control playback volume through an audio channel. Touch pads  121  or buttons  127  may be used for snooze or mode select functions, such as to put a portable computing device into a do-not-disturb or airplane mode. 
     Display  126  may be used to indicate time, mode of the device, weather, news, or other data. This data may be retrieved from an accessory or from portable computer device  110 . Display  126  may be used to indicate an alarm or snooze setting, do-not-disturb or airplane settings, and other types of modes and settings. 
     Wireless communications devices (not shown) may be included in docking station  120  and used as remote controls for devices such as coffee makers, thermostats, lighting, and other types of devices. The wireless communication devices may also connect to cellular or Wi-Fi networks to retrieve, provide, or synchronize data. 
     Docking station  120  may also include gesture detection. Gesture detection may allow a user to interact with docking station  120  by simply making hand movements in the proximity of docking station  120 . For example, a wave of a hand over docking station  120  may put an alarm in a snooze state. A gesture may be used to turn on a display, either on portable computing device  110  or docking station  120 , to show time, date, weather, news, or other information or combination thereof. When viewing news on display  126 , a gesture may be used to advance text to a next page. Other docking stations may include other features consistent with embodiments of the present invention. 
     Smart phones and other portable computing devices may communicate using one or more data channels. For example, smart phone  110  may communicate using two data channels. These data channels may be single-ended or differential. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, smart phone  110  may use four contacts or pads in receptacle  118  to communicate using two differential data channels. An example of a docking station that provides communication over two differential channels is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Docking station  120  may be housed in docking enclosure  340 . Docking enclosure  340  may include connector insert or plug  125  and receptacle  128 . Two communication paths, DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320  may connect to contacts in plug  125  and contacts in receptacle  128 . Data paths DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320  may be single-ended or differential signal paths. 
     Other data, control, and power lines may be connected between plug  125  and receptacle  128 . One such control line may be an ID line  710 . ID line  710  may be used by an accessory connected to receptacle  128  to provide authentication and identification information to a portable computing device connected to plug  125 . Power on line  360  and well as ground or other power or bias lines (not shown) may be provided between plug  125  and  128 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, receptacle  128  may accept different types of connector inserts. Some of these inserts may be unidirectional, that is, a connector insert may be inserted into receptacle  128  in only one orientation. Examples of this type of connector are USB, HDMI, DVI, and Thunderbolt connectors. Each of the various docking stations shown in these examples may utilize this type of connector to communicate with an accessory. 
     Other inserts may be bidirectional. That is, a connector insert may be inserted into receptacle  128  in at least two orientations. An example of this type of connector is the Lightening connector. A Lightening connector may include eight contacts, where an order of signals, power, and communications signals may be one way if a connector insert is inserted into receptacle  128  with a first polarity, and the order may be reversed if the connector inserted is inserted into receptacle  128  with a second or reversed polarity. Accordingly, circuitry associated with receptacle  128  may be used to detect a connector insert orientation and reverse the signal order if a connector insert is inserted into receptacle  128  with the second or reversed polarity. Details of how this reversal may be accomplished may be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/607,550, filed Dec. 7, 2012, titled TECHNIQUES FOR CONFIGURING CONTACTS OF A CONNECTOR, which is incorporated by reference. Some of the various docking stations herein or otherwise consistent with embodiments of the present invention may operate with this type of connector correctly if the portable computing device includes circuitry to adjust the order of the received signals, control lines, and power supplies. Other examples include docking stations that include circuits such that the docking station may operate with this type of connector, regardless of the capability of the portable computing device. 
     It should also be noted that some embodiments of the present invention may utilize a modified Lightening connector where the Lightening connector is unidirectional and can only be inserted into receptacle  128  in one orientation. To avoid confusion, this orientation may be indicated on the connector insert, for example with a symbol. This modified connector may operate with each of the docking stations in these examples. The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector and a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128  if the portable computing device includes circuitry to adjust the order of the received signals, control lines, and power supplies. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention may provide an audio output. Specifically, embodiments the present invention may provide docking stations having an audio jack that may receive an audio plug from headphones or other devices. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Docking station  120  may include audio plug  410  and audio jack  420 . Audio jack  420  may be used as receptacle  129  in  FIG. 1 . Audio plug  410  may be located near plug  125  such that audio plug  410  and connector insert or plug  125  may be inserted in a smart phone or other portable computing device  110  at the same time. Contacts on audio plug  410  may connect to contacts in audio jack  420  over audio signal path  430 . Audio jack  420  may receive an audio plug connected to headphones or other device. The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector and a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128  if the portable computing device includes circuitry to adjust the order of the received signals, control lines, and power supplies. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, it may be necessary for a docking station to identify and authenticate itself to a host devices such as smart phone or other portable computing device before the host device will communicate with the docking station. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations having authentication and identification capabilities. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a docking station that includes authentication circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, docking enclosure  340  may support a connector insert or plug  125 . Plug  125  may include contacts for two data communication channels, DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 . The first data communication path, DATA 1   310 , may be used to provide authentication and possibly identification information to smart phone or other portable computing device  110 . 
     Specifically, authentication circuit  510  may include data and algorithms needed for a public-key cryptography or other authentication technique. Authentication circuit  510  may further include docking station identification information. Examples of authentication and identification techniques that may be employed by various embodiments of the present invention can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,651, issued Feb. 14, 2010, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING AN ACCESSORY, and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/710,084, filed Dec. 10, 2012, tiled MESSAGE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, which are incorporate by reference. 
     Microprocessor  520  may communicate with authentication circuit  510  over an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) or other type of communications bus. Microprocessor  520  may in turn communicate with smart phone or other portable computing device  110  through communication device  530 . Microprocessor  520  may communicate with communication device  530  over bus such as Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus  523 . The second data communications channel, DATA 2   320 , may be provided through cable  542  to plug  544 . Plug  544  may be inserted in an accessory device (not shown.) Cable  542  may pass through strain relief  540  on a side of device enclosure  340 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, docking station  120  may identify itself to a smart phone or other portable computing device  110  so that the portable computing device  110  knows how to format data that is provided over the one or more data paths, such as DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 . For example, plug  544  may be a USB plug, and authentication circuit  510  may instruct portable computing device  110  to provide data on data path DATA 2   320  in a USB format. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, authentication circuit  510 , or other appropriate circuit, may read identification and authorization information from an attached accessory (not shown.) The authentication circuit  510  or other circuit may then instruct the portable computing device how to provide data on the data paths for use by the accessory. 
     Audio plug  410 , audio jack  420 , and audio signal path  430  as shown above may be included in this embodiment to provide an audio output. The docking station in this specific example may include a unidirectional connector as plug  544 . It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as plug  544 . 
     In the above examples, power  360  and other bias lines may be coupled between plug  125  and receptacle  128 , or in this example, between plug  125  and cable  542 . But this may cause voltages to be present on exposed contacts on plug  125  when a portable computing device is not attached to docking station  120 . Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more switches, relays, variable resistances, or other mechanism to avoid exposing such voltages where they may be inadvertently contacted by a user or the user&#39;s property. 
     In this example, power switch  550  may be included. Power switch  550  may receive power from an accessory on line  522 , such as a charger, via plug  544  and cable  542  or receptacle  128 . Power switch  550  may detect or be informed whether a portable computing device  110  is attached at plug  125 . If no portable computing device  110  is attached at plug  125 , power switch  550  may be in an open or high-impedance state, thereby protecting a user from inadvertent contact with a voltage on an exposed contact on plug  125 . When a portable computing device  110  is attached at plug  125 , power switch  550  may be in a closed or low-impedance state, and power may be provided by accessory  130  onto line  522 , through power switch  550  and power line  360  to plug  125 , where it may be received by portable computing device  110 . 
     In a specific embodiment of the present invention, power switch  550  may include circuitry to sense an impedance at a pin at plug  125  in order to determine that portable computing device  110  is attached at plug  125 , though this determination may be made by power switch  550  in other ways. In other embodiments of the present invention, other circuits may detect that computing device  110  is attached at plug  125  by looking for a connection to ground at one pin, or by using another method. This other circuit may then inform power switch  550  that computing device  110  is attached at plug  125 . In still other embodiments of the present invention, power switch  550  itself may have this capability. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another docking station that includes authentication circuitry according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, strain relief  540 , cable  542 , and plug  544  may be replaced by receptacle  128 . As before, audio plug  410 , audio jack  420 , and audio signal path  430  may be included in this embodiment to provide an audio output. The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector. It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128 . 
     In these embodiments of the present invention, one data path may be consumed with providing and receiving authentication and identification information. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may communicate authentication and identification information to a smart phone or other portable computing device using a separate control line or pin. That is, a separate control or identification pin may be used in order to free up to an additional data communication path. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. As before, docking station  120  may include connector insert or plug  125  for mating with a corresponding receptacle on a portable computing device. In this example, communication device  530  communicates with portable computing device  110  over ID pin  710 . This frees up one data channel such that two data channels or paths, DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 , may be provided to an accessory via cable  542  and plug  544 . In other embodiments of the present invention, each data channel may be made available to a separate accessory through a separate cable and plug or receptacle. The docking station in this specific example may include a unidirectional connector as plug  544 . It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as plug  544 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the two data channels, DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 , may be made available to an accessory at receptacle  128 . The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector. It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128 . 
     Again, in these two above examples, audio plug  410 , audio jack  420 , and a signal path  430  may be included to provide an audio output. But it may be somewhat awkward to provide audio plug  410  on docking station  120 . For example, it may be difficult for a user to align a portable computing device correctly in order to insert both plug  125  and audio plug  410  at the same time. This awkwardness may cause customer confusion and lead to damage of either the portable computing device or docking station. Also, the aesthetics of such a configuration may not be optimal. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may use a data communication path to convey an audio signal from plug  125  to audio jack  420 . In this way, audio plug  410  is not needed. Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, one data path, specifically DATA 1   310 , is provided to a digital-to-analog converter  910 . Digital-to-analog converter  910  may convert digital data on data path DATA 1   310  into an analog audio signal. Digital-to-analog converter  910  may provide the audio signal on line  430  to audio jack  420 . Audio jack  420  may receive an audio plug connected to headphones or other types of devices. As before, a second data path, DATA 2   320  may be provided to an accessory through cable  542  and plug  544 . 
     More specifically, digital-to-analog converter  910  may receive a digital signal from portable computing device  110  via data path DATA 1   310 . This data signals may include header and other packet information. Digital-to-analog converter  910  may remove this information in order to access the audio data. Digital-to-analog converter  910  may convert the digital audio information to an analog audio signal on line  430  to provide this signal to audio jack  420 . The operation of digital-to-analog converter  910  may be controlled by microprocessor  520  over Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus  512 . The docking station in this specific example may include a unidirectional connector as plug  544 . It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as plug  544 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another docking station that includes an audio jack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a second data path DATA 2   320  is provided to an accessory via receptacle  128 . The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector. It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128 . 
     In these configurations, an audio signal is made available at an audio jack  420  without the necessity of an audio plug being included on the docking station. As can be seen however, these configurations consume a data path in order to provide an audio output signal. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations were this data path may be used to provide audio data via audio jack  420  as well as to provide data to an accessory via cable  542  and plug  544  or receptacle  128 . Examples are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a data path, DATA 1   310 , is provided to both bridge  1110  and cable  542 . Bridge  1110  may inspect incoming data packets from either or both portable computing device  110  and an accessory attached to cable  542  via plug  544 . Bridge  1110  may recognize audio data packets and remove header and other non-audio information from these packets. Bridge  1110  may then provide audio information to digital-to-analog converter  910  over Integrated Interchip Sound (I2S) bus  1112 . Bridge  1110  may communicate with and receive instructions from microprocessor  520  using Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus  1114 . Digital-to-analog converter  910  may then convert the digital audio information to an analog signal and provide the analog signal on analog signal path  430  to audio jack  420 . Data path DATA 1   310  may also be provided to an accessory via cable  542  and plug  544 . Again, in this configuration, two data paths, DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 , are provided to an accessory, and audio information may be provided at audio jack  420  without the inclusion of an audio plug on a docking station  120 . The docking station in this specific example may include a unidirectional connector as plug  544 . It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as plug  544 . 
     It should be noted that in these examples, audio information is provided at audio jack  420  as an analog signal. In this and other embodiments of the present invention, including the other examples shown here, audio information may be provided as a digital signal to audio jack  420 . In these embodiments, audio jack  420  may include an LED or laser to convert the digital audio information into light pulses. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, cable  542  and plug  544  may be replaced by receptacle  128 . The docking station in this specific example may operate with a unidirectional connector. It may not work correctly with a Lightening or other bidirectional connector as receptacle  128 . 
     Again, embodiments of the present invention may communicate with one or more accessories. One specific embodiment of the present invention may communicate with two accessories. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a docking station that includes two receptacles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, docking station  120  includes receptacle  128  and receptacle  1328 . In this example, a first data path, DATA 1   310 , may be coupled to receptacle  128 , while a second data path, DATA 2   320 , may be coupled to receptacle  1328 . The docking station in this specific example may operate with unidirectional connectors. It may not work correctly with Lightening or other bidirectional connectors as receptacles  128  and  1328 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention may communicate with these one or more accessories using different types of connector interfaces. One such interface is the Lightning connector interface. Lightning connectors are reversible. That is, a Lightning connector insert may be inserted into a Lightening receptacle in one of two orientations. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may include a number of multiplexers to multiplex signals received from an accessory. An example of a Lightning connector insert is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a Lightning connector insert that may be employed and received by embodiments the present invention. Specifically, this connector may be used as connector  125  on docking station  120 . It may also be used as plug  544  attached to cable  542  in the tethered cable examples shown herein. This connector may also be received at receptacle  128  in some of the examples shown herein. 
     Connector insert  125  may include insert portion or tab  1402 . Tab  104  may be sized to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector during a mating event and may include a first contact region  1406  formed on a first major surface  1404  and a second contact region (not shown) formed at a second major surface (also not shown) opposite surface  1404 . Surface  1404  may extend from a distal tip  1414  of tab  1402  to spine  1416  that, when tab  1402  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector, abuts a housing of the receptacle connector or portable computing device that the receptacle connector is incorporated in. Tab  1402  may also include first and second opposing side surfaces that extend between the first and second major surfaces including  1404 . 
     A plurality of contacts  1410  can be formed in each of contact regions  1406  on each side of tab  1402  such that, when tab  1402  is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector, contacts  1406  are electrically coupled to corresponding contacts in the receptacle connector. In some embodiments, contacts  1406  are self-cleaning wiping contacts that, after initially coming into contact with a receptacle connector contact during a mating event, slide further past the receptacle connector contact with a wiping motion before reaching a final, desired contact position. 
     The structure and shape of tab  1402  may be defined by a ground ring  1408  that can be made from stainless steel or another hard conductive material. Connector  125  may include retention feature  1412  and a corresponding feature on the opposite side of tab  1402  formed as curved pockets in the sides of ground ring  1408  that may double as ground contacts. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may utilize this or other types of connectors as plug  125  on docking station  120 , as plug  544  to connect to an accessory, or to be accepted at receptacle  128  by docking station  120 . The numbers pins or contacts and pins assignments may vary as well. Specific pinouts that may be used for these plugs and receptacles can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/607,366, filed Sep. 7, 2012, titled DUAL ORIENTATION ELECTRONIC CONNECTOR, which is incorporated by reference. 
     Again, this connector may be used as connector  125  on docking station  120 . It may also be used as plug  544  attached to cable  542  in the tethered cable examples shown herein. This connector may also be received at receptacle  128  in the following figures. (It may also be received in the examples above, but care should be taken to ensure that only an insertion that does not require an inversion or reversal is made. This may be accomplished, for example, by using a cable having a marking to indicate a desirable orientation.) 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a docking station that may accept a bidirectional plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, receptacle  128  may receive a connector insert such as a Lightening connector insert. Specifically, receptacle  128  may receive a connector insert in either of two directions. Multiplexers  1530  may receive signals on one or more control lines, such as ID  1511 , from an accessory  130  and use these one or more control signals to determine the orientation of a connector in receptacle  128 . Multiplexers  1530  may multiplex data lines ACC DATA 1   1510  and ACC DATA 2   1520  received from the receptacle in such a way that a consistent connection is made to data paths DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320  regardless of the orientation of the connector insert. That is, in one orientation the multiplexers merely pass signals through directly, while in a second orientation, signals on each pin are swapped in a mirrored image manner. Details of this may be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/607,550, filed Dec. 7, 2012, titled TECHNIQUES FOR CONFIGURING CONTACTS OF A CONNECTOR, which is incorporated by reference. Since this example docking station includes multiplexing circuits  1530 , it may operate with either unidirectional or bidirectional connectors being inserted into connector receptacle  128 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a docking station that may provide a bidirectional connection according to an embodiment of the present invention. As with other examples, receptacle  128  is replaced with a cable  542  and plug  544 , where the plug  544  is a reversible plug such as a Lightening connector insert or plug. Inclusion of multiplexing circuits  1530  allows plug  544  to be inserted in either of two orientations, each 180 apart, in a receptacle on an accessory. Again, since this example docking station includes multiplexing circuits  1530 , it may operate with either unidirectional or bidirectional connectors being inserted into connector receptacle  128 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide docking stations having additional features. These features may be provided using one or more docking station interfaces. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a docking station having additional features according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, docking station input and output devices  1710  and docking station interface  1720  are included. Docking station interface  1720  may communicate with microprocessor  520  using I2C bus  512 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, docking station interface  1720  or another docking station interface circuitry may communicate with microprocessor  520  using Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus  1114 . 
     Docking station input and output devices  1710  may include various components such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), buttons, touch pads, displays, wireless communication devices, and other types of components. 
     For example, light-emitting diodes may be used to indicate the charging status of a battery in a portable computing device  110  attached to docking station  120 . For example, a multi-colored LED may have a first color to indicate that a charge is occurring and a second color to indicate that the charging is complete. Light-emitting diodes may also be used in conjunction with proximity sensors. Specifically, an LED may light when motion near connector insert  125  is detected by a proximity detector. This may assist a user in attaching portable computing device  110  to docking station  120 . Light-emitting diodes may also be used to indicate status settings, such as do-not-disturb, airplane mode, and alarm status modes. 
     Touch pads or buttons may be used to control playback volume through an audio channel. Touch pads or buttons may be used for snooze or mode select functions, such as to put a portable computing device into a do-not-disturb or airplane mode. 
     A display may be used to indicate time or mode of the device. Again, a display may be used to indicate an alarm or snooze setting, do-not-disturb or airplane settings, and other types of settings. The display may also provide weather, news, traffic, or other information. 
     Wireless communications devices may be used as remote controls for devices such as coffee makers, thermostats, lighting, and other types of devices. These wireless devices may connect to cellular or Wi-Fi networks to provide, retrieve, or synchronize data between or among portable computing device  110 , accessories  130 , and other devices. 
     Docking station input and output devices  1710  may also include gesture recognition devices. Gesture detection may allow a user to interact with a docking station by simply making hand movements in the proximity of the docking station. For example, gestures may be used to put an alarm in a snooze state, to turn on a display, to show time, date, weather, news, or other information or combination thereof. 
     Again, since this example docking station includes multiplexing circuits  1530 , it may operate with either unidirectional or bidirectional connectors being inserted into connector receptacle  128 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a docking station having additional features according to an embodiment of the present invention. As with other examples, receptacle  128  is replaced with a cable  542  and plug  544 , where the plug  544  is a reversible plug such as a Lightening connector insert or plug. Since this example docking station includes multiplexing circuits  1530 , it may operate with either unidirectional or bidirectional connectors as plug  544 . 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may provide circuits for other wired or wireless connections to external accessories or other devices. One embodiment of the present invention may provide a docking station having a number of USB ports. This docking station may include USB hub circuitry coupled to one or more USB receptacles or other connectors. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a docking station that includes a USB hub according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, docking station input and output devices  1710  and docking station interface  1720 , as well as power switch  550 , have been omitted for clarity but may be included in various embodiments of the present invention. 
     USB hub  1910  may be coupled to USB receptacles  1920  and  1930 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, docking station  120  may include more or fewer USB receptacles coupled to USB hub  1910 . USB hub  1910  may also be in communication with data path DATA 2   320 . That is, data provided by portable computing device  110  to data path DATA  2  may be provided by USB hub  1910  to either USB receptacle  1910  or  1920 , and data received at USB receptacles  1910  or  1920  may be routed through USB hub  1910  to portable computing device  110  via data path DATA 2   320 . In other embodiments of the present invention, USB hub  1910  may be in communication with data path DATA 1   310 , or both data paths DATA 1   310  and DATA 2   320 . USB hub  1910  may be at least partially controlled by microprocessor  520  over I2C bus  512 , though in other embodiments of the present invention, USB hub may be at least partially controlled by microprocessor  520  over SPI bus  1114 , and it may be at least partially controlled by portable computing device  110 , accessory  130 , or other device. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130909
Publication Date: 20160126
Grant Date: 20160126
Priority Date: 20130909
Inventors: SCHNEIDER GERHARD A.
KRUEGER SCOTT
WATSON ROBERT D.
KOSUT ALEXEI
NG TONY CHI WANG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/162", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/162", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51535534