PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8086281-B2
Application Number: US-62066907-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Apparatuses and methods that facilitate the transfer of power and information among electrical devices

Abstract:
The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer readable media that can facilitate the transfer of power between at least two electrical devices. At least one of the electrical devices is preferably a battery operated device. The present invention may also be used to facilitate the transfer of information among electrical devices. For example, the present invention may be used to automatically pair two Bluetooth devices together.

Claims:
1. A method that facilitates the charging of at least one battery powered electrical device using an apparatus comprising a first port, a second port, a third port, a switch, a boost, and a regulator, the switch having first, second and third inputs, and an output that is coupled to the second port, wherein the first input is coupled to the third port, the boost is coupled to the second input and the first port, and the regulator is coupled to the third port, the boost, and the third input, the method comprising:
 determining whether a first device, second device, or third device are electrically coupled to respective first, second, and third ports; 
 selecting one of at least two communications modes for the second device when the second device is determined to be coupled to the second port; and 
 selectively facilitating transfer of power from the third port to the second port or from the first port to the second port based on the determination of which devices are coupled and the selected communications mode, wherein selectively facilitating transfer of power comprises: 
 transferring power from the third port to the second port when only the third and second devices are coupled to their respective third and second ports; or 
 transferring power from the first port to the second port when only the first and second devices are coupled to their first and second ports, wherein a voltage level of a power signal provided by the first port is controlled based on the selected communications mode. 
 
     
     
       2. An apparatus that facilitates the charging of at least one battery powered electrical device, comprising:
 a first port that electrically couples a first battery powered electrical device to the apparatus; 
 a second port that electrically couples a second battery powered electrical device to the apparatus; 
 a third port operative to receive power from a third device when the third device is electrically coupled to the apparatus, the third port coupled to the first port; 
 a switch having first, second, and third inputs, the first input coupled to the third port, and an output coupled to the second port; 
 a boost coupled to the second input of the switch and the first port; 
 a regulator coupled to the third port, the boost and the third input of the switch; and 
 a microcontroller that:
 determines when the second device is connected to the second port; and 
 selects the first, second, or third input based on whether the first device, third device, or both the first and third devices are coupled to their respective first and third ports in response to determining that the second device is connected to the second port to facilitate transfer of power from the third port to the second port or from the first port to the second port, wherein a voltage level of a signal provided to the second port determines a mode of operation for the second device. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein one of the communications modes is a USB mode. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein one of the communications modes is a serial mode. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the voltage level of the power signal provided by the first port is controlled by boosting the voltage level to a boosted voltage level, wherein the boosted voltage level has a higher voltage level than the voltage of the power signal provided by the first port. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the voltage level of the power signal provided by the first port is further controlled by regulating the boosted voltage level to a regulated voltage level, wherein the regulated voltage level is lower than the boosted voltage level but higher than the voltage level of the power signal provided by the first port. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein selectively facilitating transfer of power comprises:
 transferring power from the either the first port or third port to the second port when the first, second, and third devices are coupled to their respective first, second, and third ports, wherein power is transferred from the first port or the third port based on the selected communications mode. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 assigning priorities to the first, second, and third ports. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the boost is operative to increase a voltage level of a power signal provided by the first port to a boost voltage level, wherein the boost voltage level places the second device in a first mode of operation. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the regulator is operative to decrease the boost voltage level to a regulated voltage level, wherein the regulated voltage level places the second device in a second mode of operation. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the microcontroller is operative to select the first input when only the second and third devices are coupled to respective second and third ports. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the microcontroller is operative to select the second input when only the second and first devices are coupled to respective second and first ports. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the microcontroller is operative to select the third input when only the second and third devices are coupled to respective second and third ports. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the microcontroller is operative to select the second input when the first, second, and third devices are coupled to respective first, second, and third ports. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the microcontroller is operative to select the third input when the first, second, and third devices are coupled to respective first, second, and third ports. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the regulator is operative to decrease the voltage level of a power signal provided by the third port to a regulated voltage level, wherein the regulated voltage level places the second device in a second mode of operation. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the voltage level of a power signal provided by the third port can place the second device in a first mode of operation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is related to transferring power and information among electrical devices. More particularly, this invention facilitates the transfer of power and information from one electrical device to at least one other electrical device. 
     Portable electrical devices are an everyday part of life in today&#39;s society. Among other things, portable electrical devices, such as iPods, PDAs and cell phones, provide entertainment, improve productivity and enable communication. Some devices can be used to provide additional functionality to another device. For example, a cellular telephone can enable a laptop computer to access the Internet. Other electrical devices are specifically designed to be an accessory device that enhances the functionality of a device. For example, a wireless Bluetooth headset enhances the use of a cellular telephone by allowing users to have a hands-free, wireless conversation through their cellular telephone. 
     As a result, many people often carry a number of personal electrical devices with them. It is not uncommon for people to have a cellular telephone, wireless headset and digital media device, like Apple&#39;s ipod, when they leave their homes. 
     Most portable electrical devices are powered by a rechargeable battery. Despite advancements in battery technology, many users often wish that the battery in their portable devices lasted longer. Another problem is that, frequently, each portable device has its own charger, which must be carried around. Inevitably, most users are left in a situation where one device has power, but the device that is needed at the moment does not. If the user does not have the right charger available, the user is out of luck. 
     In addition to carrying around more electrical devices, electrical devices are becoming more complex which causes a number of inconveniences to the user. For example, many different types of portable electrical devices can now be linked together using a number of different wired or wireless standards and/or protocols. Some of these standards and/or protocols, such as the Bluetooth standards, require the user to reconfigure the devices each time it is used to communicate with a new device (often referred to as “pairing”)). The configurations can require, for example, that at least one of the devices is identified to the other device in some manner. For example, the pairing of a universal remote control with a particular electrical device (e.g., TV, cable box, etc.) requires the user to follow a series of steps, one of which includes entering a code that represents the brand and type of the device. This pairing process is the cause of great frustration among many users. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer readable media are discussed herein that can facilitate the transfer of power and information between at least two electrical devices. One or more of the electrical devices can be a portable, battery operated device. In the embodiments of the present invention that accommodate at least three devices, it is preferable that at least one of the devices has access to a reliable, continuous source of power (such as, for example, a wall power outlet). 
     It is preferred to have the devices electrically coupled to the ports of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The ports and other components of the apparatus can allow each of the devices coupled to the apparatus to be electrically coupled to at least one of the other devices. 
     Once the devices are electrically coupled together (via the apparatus), the apparatus&#39;s processor or microcontroller can facilitate the transfer of information and/or power among the devices. The transfer of information can, for example, allow two of the devices coupled to the apparatus to be automatically paired in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. The transfer of power among the devices can, for example, allow at least one device to charge at least one other device. The power from at least one of the devices can also be used to operate the apparatus and execute the automatic steps of methods described below that are in accordance with the present invention. 
     The devices can be assigned a priority (e.g., low, medium or high), which the present invention considers, among other things, when transferring power to and from each device. In at least one embodiment, the priority assigned to each device is based on which port the device is coupled to. The devices assigned a lower priority provide power and the devices assigned a higher priority receive power. Medium priority devices can receive and/or provide power in different situations. In alternative embodiments, the microcontroller can assign a priority to each device in response to the microcontroller identifying the device&#39;s type (as opposed to identifying the port that the device is coupled to). 
     In addition to the components mentioned above, the present invention can also employ, for example, one or more switches, a regulator, a boost, and various connectors (e.g., single wires, multi-wire busses, nodes, etc.). All of the components of the present invention can be supervised and controlled by the microcontroller. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an illustrative system that incorporates the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of circuitry in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an illustrative alternative embodiment of circuitry in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a simplified flow chart of an illustrative mode of operation of circuitry of the type shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIGS. 5-7  show illustrative systems that incorporate the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 8-15  show simplified flow charts of illustrative modes of operation of circuitry of the type shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems, methods and computer readable media that can facilitate the charging of a battery of at least one device as well as the transfer of information among different types of devices and platforms. The following is a description of various apparatuses and methods that can be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates docking station  100 , which is electrically coupled to three devices. The three devices are iMac  102 , cellular telephone  104  and wireless headset  106 . Docking station  100  enables information and power to be exchanged among the devices. In at least one embodiment, docking station  100  communicates, identifies and authenticates each device before power is transferred to or from each device. Docking station  100  can also be used to facilitate the transfer of additional information among the devices. 
     Although the present inventions described below generally relate to portable, battery powered devices, iMac  102  is a line-powered device which receives power from a power cord and requires no batteries. Other examples of line-powered devices include devices that receive power from, for example, a solar panel, a generator, or any means other than a battery. 
     Cellular telephone  104  and wireless headset  106  are portable, battery powered devices. Battery powered devices, as referred to herein, include devices that have a self contained battery or draw power from a battery located externally to the device. Docking station  100  can, for example, facilitate the charging of the battery of wireless headset  106  with power that is from the battery of cellular telephone  104 . Similarly, power from iMac  102  can be used to charge cellular telephone  104  and/or wireless headset  106 . In some embodiments, wireless headset  106  is the same or substantially similar to the wireless headset discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,177, filed Jan. 6, 2007 entitled “Wireless Headset” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,195, filed Jan. 6, 2007, entitled “Connector with Magnetic Detent”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     The configuration shown in  FIG. 1  is merely illustrative of one way the present invention may be implemented. Additional configurations of a docking system that may be used to charge and transfer information to an electronic accessory (such as a wireless headset) from another electronic device (such as a cellular phone) are discussed in the Ser. No. 60/879,177 Application. Many other possible configurations for the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the disclosure contained herein. The description of  FIGS. 2-15 , like  FIG. 1 , will therefore be understood to be illustrative and not limiting. 
       FIG. 2  a simplified schematic block diagram of circuitry that is located in apparatus  200 . In some embodiments, apparatus  200  is substantially similar to docking station  100  of  FIG. 1 . Apparatus  200  is typically (although not necessarily) implemented using a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, apparatus  200  could be implemented, for example, using a multi-chip module including two or more separate integrated circuits. 
     Apparatus  200  can include port  202 , port  204 , and port  206 , which enable devices  208 ,  210  and  212  to be coupled to apparatus  200 . Devices  208 ,  210  and  212 , which are discussed further below, can be similar to or the same as iMac  102 , cellular telephone  104  and wireless headset  106 , respectively. Apparatus  200  can also include microcontroller  214 , line  216 , line  218 , switch  220 , input  222 , output  224 , output  226 , switch  228 , line  230 , line  232 , line  234 , output  236 , line  238 , boost  240  and regulator  242 , which are also discussed in more detail below. 
     Ports  202 ,  204  and  206  are electrically coupled together by connections (i.e., wires, nodes, etc.) and/or other components of apparatus  200  that are described herein. Ports  202 ,  204  and  206  can be any type of port (e.g., wireless or wired), including those that receive any type of physical connector that can be used to couple apparatus  200  to any type of device, apparatus, cable, and/or component of a device or other apparatus. Ports  202 ,  204  and  206  can, for example, be used to couple either a male or female connector to apparatus  200 . For example, port  202  can be a female USB connector, port  204  can be a male 30-pin connector, and port  206  can be symmetrical 4-pin connector, such as the connector described in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application. For example, as discussed in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application, port  202  can have magnetic properties and each of the four pins (referred to as contacts in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application) are about 0.7 millimeters wide and are equally spaced about 1.0 millimeter apart. An exemplary 30-pin connector and an exemplary four pin connector are illustrated in  FIG. 6   c.    
     In alternative embodiments, ports  202 ,  204  and/or  206  can be removed and other ports (not shown) inserted. This would allow apparatus  200  to be coupled with various combinations of devices and/or cables. For example, if port  202  is a female USB connector, port  202  can be removed and replaced by a port that is a male USB connector (or any other type of connector). 
     One skilled in the art will also appreciate that there can be any number of ports included in apparatus  200 . Despite  FIG. 2  showing apparatus  200  as including three ports, an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention can include more or less than three ports, thereby allowing any number of devices to be coupled to the apparatus at any given time. In embodiments where the apparatus includes only one port (discussed in more detail below in connection with  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b ), the apparatus may also include its own source of power, such as battery, solar panel, etc. 
     In alternative embodiments, apparatus  200  could facilitate the exchange of information and power among devices that are not physically coupled to apparatus  200 . As such, devices can be electrically coupled to apparatus  200  wirelessly and information and/or power can be wirelessly exchanged through ports  202 ,  204  and/or  206 . 
     The illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2  shows device  208  coupled to port  202 , device  210  coupled to port  204 , and device  212  coupled to port  206 . Devices  208 ,  210  and  212  can be any battery powered or line-powered device. For example, devices  208 ,  210  and  212  can be any type of portable, fixed, and/or mobile device, including but not limited to a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an audio player (e.g., walkman, compact disc player, etc.), a video player, a media player (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPod, etc.), a set top box, a portable video game system (e.g., Sony&#39;s PSP, Nintendo&#39;s Game Boy, etc.), an electronic book, a cellular telephone, wireless telephone, a hand held computer, a GPS device, a flashlight, a personal digital assistant (PDA) (e.g., Palm&#39;s Pilot, etc.), a wireless headset for a telephone, a satellite radio, a remote control, an automobile key fob, a printer, an automobile radio, an automobile computing system, an automobile cigarette lighter (or other mobile power source, such as an airplane cigarette lighter), a camera, an accessory devices for a computer (e.g., wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, etc.), a watch, a surge protector, an AC/DC converter, etc. 
     Devices  208 ,  210  and  212  can also be any device that can serve as a source of power such as, for example, one or more batteries, a generator, a solar panel, a cable (USB cable, serial cable, FireWire, power cord, etc.), a capacitor, an inductor, or any other electrical or mechanical device (such as a winding device) that can be used to provide electricity to apparatus  200 . In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of devices  208 ,  210  and  212  are portable, battery powered devices. 
     In one embodiment, apparatus  200  includes microcontroller  214 . Microcontroller  214  can use control lines (not shown) to communicate with any other component of apparatus  200  (described below) and/or any device coupled to apparatus  200  (e.g., devices  208 ,  210  and  212 ). In some embodiments, each control line can be a multiple-wire bus, which allows microcontroller  214  to communicate more efficiently with the components of apparatus  200  and devices  208 ,  210  and  212 . 
     Microcontroller  214  can also include or have access to one or more computer readable media. Microcontroller  214  can provide intelligence to apparatus  200  by, for example, controlling the flow of power to and from ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , communicating with the devices  208 ,  210  and  212  via the appropriate lines and ports (which are discussed further below), facilitating communications among devices  208 ,  210  and  212 , determining how many and what types of devices are coupled to apparatus  200 , prioritizing the devices that are coupled to apparatus  200 , and monitoring the entire system for faults. 
     Microcontroller  214  can control the power transferred among devices  208 ,  210  and  212  by, for example, controlling the flow of power to and from ports  202 ,  204  and  206 . When devices  208  and  210  are coupled to apparatus  200 , microcontroller  214  can cause power to be transferred from device  208  to device  210  (and vice versa). The transferred power can be used to, e.g., charge the battery of device  210 , to allow device  210  to operate more efficiently, to allow device  208  to communicate with device  210  (or vice versa), etc. Microcontroller  214  can also control the transfer of power from, for example, device  208  to device  212  (and vice versa), device  210  to device  212  (and vice versa), device  208  to devices  210  and  212  (and vice versa), and device  210  to devices  208  and  212  (and vice versa), and from device  212  to devices  210  and  212  (and vice versa). Methods for transferring power among multiple devices, which are in accordance with the present invention, are discussed in more detail below in connection with, for example,  FIGS. 7-14 . 
     Microcontroller  214  can use a communications path (which are discussed further below) to negotiate the transfer of powers among the devices. Negotiating the transfer of power involves determining how much power should be provided to and/or from a device and can involve, for example, resetting a device. In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  can perform a hard reset on a device, which restarts the hardware of the device, and/or a soft reset that restarts the software of a device. One skilled in the art would appreciate that any other type reset can also be performed (such as a reset that resets the polarity of the ports of a device). 
     In addition to resetting a device, negotiating the transfer of power can include other communications between microcontroller  214  and a device. For example, after microcontroller  214  identifies a device (which is discussed further below), microcontroller  214  may communicate with the device in order to place the device in a high power mode. The high power mode can be unique to a particular device and will allow a device to give more power to one or more other devices. For example, some ipods have a high power mode that allows the ipod to output a given voltage at a higher current (compared to when the device is in a default mode). Some devices only enter a high power mode after the appropriate handshaking (i.e., identification, authentication, etc.) occurs. 
     Microcontroller  214  can consider any number of variables in determining which devices provide power and which receive power. For example, microcontroller  214  can base that determination on the priority of the ports of apparatus  200  (which is discussed below in more detail in connection with, for example,  FIGS. 8-15 ) or the priority of the devices (which is discussed below). 
     Microcontroller  214  can also determine which devices give and receive power based on, for example, the amount of excess power each device has available. For example, microcontroller  214  can transfer power from the device(s) with more excess power to the device(s) with less excess power. To gauge the amount of excess power a device has, microcontroller  214  can consider, for example, the remaining battery power, the length of time a battery powered device can run before the battery needs to be charged, and/or whether or not a device is coupled to another source of power (such as a wall outlet, a large back-up battery, a generator, a solar panel, etc.). 
     Microcontroller  214  can also, for example, direct the flow of power through apparatus  200  in response to receiving a user indication via a user interface. The user can, for example, select one or more physical buttons on apparatus  200  (not shown). Microcontroller  214  may also direct the flow of power in response to interactions the user has with the user interface(s) of device(s)  208 ,  210  and/or  212  (not shown). 
     In addition to controlling the power provided and received by each device coupled to apparatus  200 , microcontroller  214  can communicate with any other component of apparatus  200  or any device coupled to apparatus  200  via the control lines (not shown) that were discussed above. Microcontroller  214  can also facilitate the transfer of information among the devices coupled to apparatus  200  using the components and wires described below. 
     In some embodiments, the information transferred from a first device to a second device may include, for example, software or a firmware update for the second device. A first device (such as a cellular telephone or computer) can be used to update the firmware or provide additional software to a second device (such as a wireless headset). For example, a firmware update for a wireless headset may be downloaded onto a computer (via the internet and into, e.g., iTunes) or cellular telephone (via the cellular telephone network) from a central server (such as the Apple server). When computer or cellular telephone and the wireless headset are coupled to apparatus  200 , the information may be relayed from the computer or cellular telephone to the wireless headset via apparatus  200 . In some other embodiments, apparatus  200  may facilitate the transfer of the information outside of apparatus  200 , which is discussed in more detail below. 
     Information can be passed between devices directly or indirectly through apparatus  200 . When microcontroller  214  establishes direct communications between two devices, the signal can be routed through various components of apparatus  200  (e.g., ports  202 ,  204  and/or  206 , switch  220 , etc.), but the communications are not routed through microcontroller  214 . An example of a direct communications path between device  208  and device  210  is port  202  to input  222  to switch  220  to output  226  to port  204  (and vice versa). When microcontroller  214  facilitates the transfer of information via an indirect communications path, the information passes through microcontroller  214  (via the control lines (not shown), line  216  and/or line  218 ). 
     When using an indirect communications path, microcontroller  214  can, for example, monitor the information (for, e.g., faults, clarity, viruses, content, etc.). An indirect communications path may also allow microcontroller  214  to approve the information (based on, for example, parental restrictions, etc.) and/or save the information to internal or external memory, which may be RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. (not shown). The information and/or an indication that information is being exchanged may also be displayed on a user interface (such as one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”)) or any other interface device apparatus  200  has access to, which are not shown). Microcontroller  214  may also encode/decode the information, and/or utilize the information in any other way. An example of an indirect communications path between devices  210  and  212  is port  204  to line  216  to microcontroller  214  to line  218  to line  224  to port  206  (or vice versa), all of which are discussed further below. 
     Communication paths are used to exchange information among the devices. Microcontroller  214  can also use a communications path between microcontroller  214  and any device. For example, before establishing a communications path between device  208  and device  210 , microcontroller  214  can establish a communications path between microcontroller  214  and device  208 . Microcontroller  214  may then use that communications path to, for example, identify and authenticate device  208 . After communicating with device  208 , microcontroller  214  can, for example, determine that device  208  has information for device  210 . Microcontroller  214  can then establish a communications path with device  210 , determine which communications protocol(s) can be used, identify device  210 , authenticate device  210 , and determine whether or not device  210  should communicate with device  208 . If microcontroller  214  determines that device  208  can be permitted to communicate directly with device  210 , microcontroller  214  will then establish a direct connection between device  208  and device  210 , thereby enabling devices  208  and  210  to exchange information. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, when a device is coupled to a port of apparatus  200 , microcontroller  214  receives a signal from the port via a control line (not shown) indicating that a device has been coupled to the port. In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  can monitor each port of apparatus  200  and detect when a device is coupled to port  202 , port  204  and port  206 . In response to receiving an indication from a port or detecting that a device is coupled to a port, microcontroller  214  automatically establishes a communications protocol (between the device and microcontroller  214  and/or the other devices), identifies the device, and authenticates the device. 
     For example, if a computer is coupled to port  202 , microcontroller  214  can communicate with the computer and identify different characteristics of the computer (such as the computer&#39;s brand, model, name, operating system, communication protocol, etc.). As another example, if a cellular telephone is coupled to port  204 , microcontroller  214  can communicate with the cellular telephone and identify the model, brand, and other characteristics of the cellular telephone. In this manner, microcontroller  214  is able to determine how many and what types of devices are coupled to apparatus  200 . 
     In addition to controlling the components of apparatus  200  via the control lines (not shown), microcontroller  214  can also exchange information with any of the components of apparatus  200  as well as devices  208 ,  210  and  212 . For example, microcontroller  214  can exchange information (or facilitate indirect communications) with device  210  via line  216  and port  204 . As another example, microcontroller  214  can exchange information (or facilitate indirect communications) with device  212  via line  218 , which ties directly into output  224  (discussed below), and port  206 . Lines  216  and  218  are preferably bidirectional multi-wire buses that carry information using at least two wires, but in some alternative embodiments either or both of lines  216  and  218  can be a single wire. 
     As mentioned above, before microcontroller  214  facilitates communications among the devices, microcontroller  214  can create a communications path. Creating a communications path can include suggesting or determining the protocol and/or standard (e.g., USB, serial, etc.) that is used to transmit information to/from each device that is coupled to apparatus  200 . When three or more devices are coupled to apparatus  200 , microcontroller  214  can facilitate communications using different types of communication protocols between different pairs of devices and/or between a device and microcontroller  214 . 
     For example, when microcontroller  214  detects that devices  208 ,  210  and  212  are coupled to the ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , respectively, microcontroller  214  can create a direct communications path (e.g., via switch  220 ) between devices  208  and  210  in which information is exchanged using a USB protocol. Microcontroller  214  can also, for example, concurrently facilitate indirect communications between devices  210  and  212  (via, e.g., line  216 , line  218 , and output  224 ), using a different serial data transfer standard. 
     In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  can specify which type of communications protocol is being used by providing, for example, a specific voltage to the device (e.g., 5 volts can indicate USB, 3 volts can indicate serial, etc.). This is discussed further below. 
     The present invention can use multiple communications standards and/or protocols concurrently when different devices and components are communicating. For example, when device  208  is a USB compatible device, a USB communications protocol can be used. When device  210  is also a USB compatible device, microcontroller  214  can facilitate direct communications between devices  208  and  210  (via switch  220 ). 
     In alternative embodiments, when device  210  is unable to communicate directly with device  208 , microcontroller  214  can facilitate indirect communications between devices  208  and  210 . For example, when device  210  is not USB compatible and device  208  may only communicate using a USB protocol, microcontroller  214  can facilitate indirect communications between devices  208  and  210 . Microcontroller  214  can, for example, receive information from device  208  using a USB protocol and then relay the information to device  210  using another protocol. 
     Some devices can communicate with multiple devices and/or multiple communications protocols at the same time. For example, port  204  can be a 30-pin connector, which would enable device  210  to communicate indirectly with device  212  using a first communications protocol while device  210  communicates directly with device  208  using the first or a second communications protocol. 
     In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  facilitates all the communications among the devices coupled to apparatus  200 . In some embodiments, the type of communications path (i.e., the communications protocol used, direct or indirect, etc.) that is established between devices can be based on, for example, the priority of the port to which each device is coupled, the type of device, the type and/or number of communications protocols each device is compatible with, etc. 
     In addition it may be desirable for microcontroller  214  to facilitate the transfer of communications and/or power based on a relative priority of ports  202 ,  204  and  206 . The priority of ports  202 ,  204  and  206  can be based on, for example, how apparatus  200  is hardwired and/or the software running on microcontroller  214 . In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  may automatically determine the priority of ports  202 ,  204  and  206  in response to the various information available to microcontroller  214  (e.g., the types of ports currently included in apparatus  200 , the other components included in apparatus  200 , etc.). 
     The relative priority of ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , in some embodiments, can control which devices provide power and which devices receive power. For example, when devices  208 ,  210  and  212  are coupled to ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , respectively, device  208  can be the lowest priority device (because, e.g., port  202  is the lowest priority port) and device  212  can be the highest priority device (because, e.g., port  206  is the highest priority port). Microcontroller  214  can facilitate the transfer of power from device  208  (which is coupled to the lowest priority port) to the higher priority ports (e.g., ports  204  and  206 ), thereby allowing the devices coupled to the higher priority ports (i.e., devices  210  and  212 ) to be charged by device  208 . 
     When the lowest priority port is not connected to a device (e.g., when device  208  is not coupled to port  202 ), microcontroller  214  can assign another port (e.g., port  204 ) the lowest priority. Microcontroller  214  can route power from the device coupled to that port (e.g., device  210 ) to at least one device coupled to at least one higher priority port (e.g., device  212 ). As used herein, the terms “low priority” and “high priority” are not intended to suggest anything more than “which device(s) should provide power” and “which device(s) should receive power,” respectively. 
     In alternative embodiments, microcontroller  214  can assign priority to the devices coupled to apparatus  200  (e.g., devices  208 ,  210  and/or  212 ) as opposed to ports  202 ,  204  and  206 . Microcontroller  214  can use the information available to the microcontroller to prioritize the one or more devices coupled to apparatus  200 . For example, when prioritizing the devices, microcontroller  214  may consider the number of devices coupled to apparatus  200 , the types of devices coupled to apparatus  200 , information the user provides to apparatus  200  via a user interface (not shown), the chronological order in which the devices are coupled to apparatus  200 , etc. 
     The priority of the devices, similar to the priority of the ports, can be used to control the flow of power (and, in some embodiments, the flow of information) among the devices coupled to apparatus  200 . For example, when devices  208 ,  210  and  212  are coupled to apparatus  200 , device  208  can be assigned the lowest priority and device  212  can be assigned the highest priority, regardless as to which port each device is coupled to. Microcontroller  214  can, for example, direct power from the power supply of at least one lower priority device to the power supply of at least one higher priority device, thereby charging the higher priority device (e.g., devices  210  and  212 ) with power provided by the lower priority device. 
     When the lowest priority device (e.g., device  208 ) is disconnected or otherwise decoupled from apparatus  200 , another device (e.g., device  210 ) can now be assigned the lowest priority. Microcontroller  214  can once again route power from the lowest priority device (e.g., device  210 ) to at least one higher priority device (e.g., device  212 ). 
     Microcontroller  214  can also monitor apparatus  200  and any device coupled to apparatus  200  for faults. In response to detecting a fault, microcontroller  214  can attempt to repair the fault and/or report the fault (to, for example, one or more of the devices coupled to apparatus  200 , to a user interface of apparatus  200  (not shown), etc.). One skilled in the art would understand that microcontroller  214  can take any other appropriate action. 
     In some embodiments microcontroller  214  can facilitate communications between two or more devices that take place wirelessly or with a wired connection outside of apparatus  200 . Microcontroller  214  can facilitate communications between two devices by first, for example, identifying and authenticating the two devices that are coupled to apparatus  200 , and then establishing a communications protocol, which can be wireless, between the two devices. Information may then be exchanged between the two devices wirelessly. 
     For example, apparatus  200  can be used to automatically pair two devices together, which can alleviate the need for a user to enter, for example, a device code. One example of a device code is the code used to program a universal remote control. Another, more complicated device code is a Bluetooth pin, which allows Bluetooth enabled devices to be paired together, forming a trusted relationship, while preventing the devices from being paired with other devices that happen to be nearby. In some embodiments, after exchanging the device code via the components and wires of apparatus  200 , the pairing process may continue wirelessly between the devices. In other embodiments, microcontroller  214  may facilitate the entire pairing process using the wires and components of apparatus  200 . Automatically pairing two devices together is discussed in more detail below in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  can include a wireless emitter and/or receiver (not shown) which can allow microcontroller  214  to, for example, communicate wirelessly with a device. In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  may access and use a wireless emitter and/or receiver that is built into a device (such as a cellular telephone) that is coupled to apparatus  200 . 
     In alternative embodiments, microcontroller  214  can be omitted from apparatus  200 . In yet other alternative embodiments, microcontroller  214  can be replaced by a component that provides only some of the functionality of microcontroller  214  that is described herein. 
     Regardless as to whether or not an embodiment of the present invention includes microcontroller  214 , a microcontroller that provides less functionality than described herein, or no microcontroller at all, power and information could still be transferred from a first device to a second device. For example, two devices can communicate via an additional wire (not shown), wirelessly (e.g., using a Bluetooth standard and protocol (i.e., IEEE 802.15.1), a WiFi standard and protocol (i.e., any of the IEEE 802.11 standards), etc.), or by any other means. (One skilled in the art would appreciate that the term wire as used throughout this invention disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to using threads of metal, but rather is intended to encompass any and every means for electrically coupling two electrical components together.) As such, communications among the devices that do not pass through apparatus  200  can, for example, preserve some or all of the functionality provided by microcontroller  214  in embodiments of the present invention that omit a microcontroller or include microcontrollers that have less functionality than microcontroller  214 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, apparatus  200  can include one or more switches. For example, apparatus  200  can include switch  220  and switch  228 , which receive input control signals from microcontroller  214  (via the control lines that are not shown). 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, switch  220  controls the flow of information from the device coupled to port  202  to the devices coupled to ports  204  and  206 . Preferably, switch  220  receives information from port  202  via input  222 . Input  222  can carry, for example, information signals, power, ground, etc. Input  222  is preferably a multiple-wire bus (e.g., a four-wire bus, a twisted pair, etc.). 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, switch  220  can receive at least one additional input (e.g., a two-wire bus, a single wire input, a larger bus, etc.) (not shown) from any other component of apparatus  200  (e.g., from port  204 , port  206 , etc.). When, for example, switch  220  receives an input from port  204 , device  210  can also serve as a source of information. Switch  220  can then be used to provide the information from device  210  to components of apparatus  200  and/or other devices. For example, a two-wire bus from port  204  to switch  220  would allow apparatus  200  to establish a direct communications path between devices  210  and  212 , thereby allowing a master-slave relationship to be initiated (such as the Bluetooth pairing process) between device  210  and device  212 . 
     In some embodiments, input  222  can provide information to switch  220  using any protocol and/or standard. For example, information sent via a USB protocol or any other protocol(s) can be accepted and/or understood by apparatus  200 . For simplicity, the present invention is described herein as using only two data transfer standards, i.e., the USB standard and another serial data transfer standard which is referred to herein as the serial standard. The choice of this language is not meant to limit the present invention to such standards, but rather to simplify the discussion of the present invention. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a number of other standards and/or protocols can be used to send signals and/or transfer data among ports  202 ,  204 ,  206 , other components of apparatus  200 , and devices  208 ,  210 , and  212 . The standards and/or protocols used to communicate with each device coupled to apparatus  200  can be based on, for example, the priority of the devices, the type of devices, the components of apparatus  200  (e.g., the types of parts of apparatus  200 , etc.), etc. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, switch  220  has two outputs, i.e., output  224  and output  226 . Outputs  224  and  226  can be single wires or multiple wire buses. Output  226  is preferably a two-wire bus to port  204 . Output  224  is preferably a two-wire bus to port  206 . Switch  220  can couple input  222  with output  224  and/or output  226  in response to the control signal that microcontroller  214  sends to switch  220 . For example, switch  220  can couple input  222  to output  226 , output  224 , or both, thereby allowing electricity (which mayor may not contain information) to flow from device  208  to port  204 , port  206 , or both, respectively. 
     In alternative embodiments that include a second input (such as, e.g., an input from a wireless receiver, port  204 , etc.), switch  220  can couple, for example, input  222  to output  226  and the second input to output  224 , thereby allowing information to flow from device  208  to device  210  and from the second input to device  212 . 
     It is desirable for input  222 , output  224  and output  226  to carry information using multiple standards and/or protocols (e.g., USB, etc.). In alternative embodiments, input  222 , output  224  and output  226  can carry power that charges a device. 
     As discussed above, microcontroller  214  can assign a relative priority to ports  202 ,  204  and  206  (as opposed to assigning a priority to devices  208 ,  210  and  212 ).  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, which includes components and connections that would improve the efficiency of the flow of power based on the prioritization of the ports. For example, apparatus  200  includes line  230 , which allows power to automatically flow from port  202  to port  204  when device  208  is coupled to apparatus  200 . As another example, when device  208  is coupled to apparatus  200 , line  230  is intended to maintain a particular DC voltage, which is referred to herein as V 1  (e.g., 5 volts, 4.7 volts, etc.). As such, line  230  can be used to charge device  210 . 
     In some embodiments, microcontroller  214  can monitor the voltage provided by, for example, device  208  and facilitate the transfer of power between, for example, ports  202  and  204  on line  230 . When device  208  (or any other device) is unable to provide a particular amount of power (because its power supply is running low) on a wire (such as line  230 ), microcontroller  214  can restrict the flow of power on the wire (or any other connector). Restricting the flow of power on a wire can prevent a device (e.g., device  208 ) from being drained of power by another device (e.g., device  210 ). 
     In alternative embodiments, power can be transferred from port  202  to port  204  without microcontroller  214  being involved (e.g., when line  230  is hard-wired to do so). Also, some alternative embodiments (e.g., embodiments wherein microcontroller  214  prioritizes each device, wherein apparatus  200  is designed to distribute the net available power from all of the devices evenly among each of the devices, etc.), microcontroller  214  can allow power to flow in both directions on line  230 . 
     The embodiment of the present invention also includes switch  228 . Switch  228  can be included in apparatus  200  for a number of reasons. It is desirable to use switch  228  to facilitate the charging of device  212  (i.e., the device coupled to the highest priority port), device  210  (i.e., the device coupled to the medium priority port), or both devices  210  and  212  with power from device  208 . 
     In some embodiments, in addition to a control line from microcontroller  214  (not shown), switch  228  receives line  230 , line  232 , and line  234  as inputs. Line  230 , as mentioned above, allows power to flow from port  202  and, preferably, maintains a particular voltage referred to herein as V 1 . Line  232  is a wire that allows power to flow from port  204  via line  238  and boost  240 . Preferably, line  232  maintains a particular DC voltage, which is referred to herein as V 2  (e.g., 3 volts, 3.3 volts, etc.). Line  234  is a wire that allows power to flow from ports  202  and/or  204  (via line  230  and/or line  238  and boost  240 , respectively) through regulator  242  to switch  228 . Apparatus  200  can maintain a particular DC voltage on line  234  referred to herein as V 3  (e.g., 4.7 volts, 4.5 volts, etc.), which is preferably less than V 1  but greater than V 2 . 
     In some embodiments, output  236  is a wire that allows power to flow from switch  228  to port  206  (i.e., the highest priority port). As such, switch  228  allows device  212  to receive power when at least one of devices  208  and  210  are coupled to apparatus  200 . Microcontroller  214  can cause switch  228  to couple line  230 , line  232  or line  234  to output  236 .  FIGS. 8-15  discuss some examples of how microcontroller  214  determines which input line is coupled to output  236 . 
     In addition to charging a device, the voltage on any wire of apparatus  200  can be used to provide information to any device coupled to apparatus  200 . For example, the voltage on output  236 , i.e., Vx, can indicate to device  212  the type of communication protocol (e.g., USB, serial, etc.) that is being or will be used to provide device  212  information. As another example, apparatus  200  can cause device  212  to reset or recalibrate, for example, the polarity of the ports of device  212  in response to a particular voltage or range of voltages being maintained on output  236 . Systems and methods for resetting the polarity of the ports of a device are discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,589,536, entitled “Systems and Methods for Determining the Configuration of Electronic Connections”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As such, microcontroller  214  can use, for example, switch  228  to notify device  212  the type of data transfer protocol that device  212  should expect from output  224  and/or which wires of output  224  (when output  224  is a multi-wire bus) will be carrying information to device  212 . 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  would include both boost  240  and regulator  242 . Boost  240  can increase the voltage maintained on line  238  to a higher voltage (e.g., V 3 ), which is then maintained on line  232 . Regulator  242  can decrease the voltage on line  230  and/or line  232  to be any voltage, which is referred to herein as Vy. 
     The embodiment includes boost  240  and regulator  242  because different devices are charged more efficiently with different amounts of power. For example, an ipod can be charged most efficiently if 5 volts is provided to it, whereas an accessory device (e.g., a remote control, Bluetooth headset, etc.) can be charged most efficiently when 4.7 volts is provided to it. One skilled in the art would understand that the present invention can facilitate the transfer of power at any voltage or any range of voltages (e.g., 4.7 volts, 4.6-4.8 volts, 4.9-5.1 volts, 3.1-3.3 volts, 0-5.0 volts, 5-12 volts, etc.) and at any current or any range of currents. 
     In alternative embodiments, boost  240  and/or regulator  242  can be omitted from apparatus  200 . One skilled in the art would also appreciate that V 3  can be the same voltage as V 1  or V 2 . Similarly, in alternative embodiments, V 1  can be the same voltage as V 2 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a simplified schematic block diagram of circuitry implemented in apparatus  300 , which is an illustrative example of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The circuitry implemented in apparatus  300  is similar to the circuitry implemented in apparatus  200  of  FIG. 2  in that both apparatus  200  and apparatus  300  can facilitate the transfer of information and power among the devices coupled to them. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, in various embodiments of the present invention, similar or identical components can be utilized to perform similar or identical functions. Particularly, components  2 XX of  FIG. 3  are similar or the same as components  2 XX of  FIG. 2 . 
     Apparatus  300  includes port  202 , port  204 , port  206 , device  208 , device  210 , device  212 , microcontroller  214 , line  216 , line  218 , switch  302 , input  304 , output  306  and output  308 . Apparatus  300  is different than apparatus  200  in that apparatus  300  includes fewer components than apparatus  200 . 
     Switch  302  receives input  304  as an input. Input  304  can be a multi-wire bus (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc. wire bus) that carries information and power from device  208  (via port  202 ) to switch  302 . The functionality of line  304  can be similar to the combined functionality of lines  222  and  230  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Switch  302  is illustrated as having two outputs, i.e., outputs  306  and  308 . Output  306  allows switch  302  to transfer information and power to device  210  via port  204 . Output  308  allows switch  302  to transfer information and power to device  212  via port  206 . Switch  302  can couple input  304  with either output  306  and/or output  308  based on the instructions microcontroller  214  sends to switch  302  via a control line (not shown). The control lines of apparatus  300  are similar to or the same as the control lines described above in connection with apparatus  200 . 
     As mentioned above, this discussion is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any manner. For example, one skilled in the art would appreciate that additional components and connectors can be added to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more LEDs can be included in any embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art would also appreciate that the functionality of multiple components and/or wires described herein can be combined or divided. For example, input  304  can be divided into multiple inputs (e.g., a power input and an information input), which would enable, for example, switch  302  to provide information from device  208  to device  210  and power from device  208  to device  212  independently. 
     Further to the automatic Bluetooth pairing discussion above,  FIG. 4  shows process  400 . Process  400  is an illustrative mode of operation that can be partially or entirely performed by the circuitry of an apparatus (such apparatus  200  or  300  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively) to automatically pair two devices together in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. As such, the circuitry of the apparatus can act as a pairing manager, which is discussed in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/513,692, filed Aug. 30, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0070501), entitled “Pairing of Wireless Devices Using a Wired Medium” (hereinafter “the &#39;692 Application”), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Process  400  begins at step  402 . In step  402 , two devices, a master device and a slave device, can be electrically coupled to an apparatus. The apparatus can be similar to or the same as, for example, apparatus  200  or  300  described above. The master device (which is sometimes referred to as a host device) can be, for example, a cellular telephone, computer, or any other device that satisfies the Bluetooth specification&#39;s definition of a master device (i.e., controlling the traffic on a piconet physical channel by a polling scheme). The slave device (which is sometimes referred to as a client device) can be, for example, a wireless headset (such as those described above) or any other device that satisfies the Bluetooth specification&#39;s definition of a slave device. 
     In response to the master and slave devices being electrically and/or physically coupled to the apparatus, the microcontroller of the apparatus (e.g., microcontroller  214 ) may perform any function, including the functions discussed herein. The microcontroller of the apparatus can, for example, identify each device, authenticate each device, establish a communications path between the devices, place a device in a high power mode, reset the ports of a device, charge the battery of at least one of the devices (e.g., transfer power from the master device to the slave device), etc. 
     In step  404 , the master device detects the presence of the slave device. In some embodiments, the circuitry in the apparatus is used by the master device to detect the slave device. For example, the microcontroller of the apparatus can provide the master device information about the slave device (e.g., the identity of the slave device, the fact that the slave device is electrically coupled to the apparatus, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the master device can detect the slave device without the assistance of the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly). 
     After step  404 , the process advances to step  406 . In step  406 , the master device queries the status of the slave device. The master device may use the circuitry of the apparatus to query the status of the slave device. In alternative embodiments, the master device may query the slave device without using the circuitry of the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly). 
     In step  408 , a determination is made as to whether or not the slave device is already paired to the master device. When the master and slave devices are not currently paired together, the process advances to step  410 . 
     In step  410 , the master device puts the slave device into a discoverable mode. The master device may use the circuitry of the apparatus to place the slave device in the discoverable mode. For example, the master device may request that the microcontroller of the apparatus place the slave device in the discoverable mode. In some embodiments, the master device may place the slave device in a discoverable mode without using the circuitry of the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly). In alternative embodiments (not pictured), the master device may not put the slave device in the discoverable mode, but rather rely on the microcontroller of the apparatus to automatically put the slave device in the discoverable mode. 
     In step  412 , the master and slave devices can pair with each other in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. In some other embodiments, the circuitry of the apparatus facilitates a portion of the pairing process and allows the other portion of the pairing process to take place outside the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may determine the Bluetooth pin of the slave device, provide the Bluetooth pin to the master device, and then allow the master device and slave device to pair together wirelessly. As another example, the master device begins the pairing process outside the apparatus (e.g., by determining the Bluetooth pin of the slave device) and then completes the pairing process using the internal circuitry of the apparatus. Using a wired connection in combination with a wireless connection to pair two devices together are discussed in more detail in the &#39;692 Application. 
     The apparatus or master device may determine the Bluetooth pin of the slave device. The Bluetooth pin of the slave device can be determined by, for example, trial and error (e.g., trying different Bluetooth pins until the correct pin is determined by selecting a first Bluetooth pin; providing the first Bluetooth pin to the second device; receiving an indication from the second device as to whether the first Bluetooth pin is the same as the Bluetooth pin of the first device; in response to the second device indicating that the first Bluetooth pin is different from the Bluetooth pin of the first device, repeating the steps again with another Bluetooth pin until the correct Bluetooth pin for the slave device is determined). The Bluetooth pin of the slave device can also be determined by, for example, receiving the Bluetooth pin from the slave device via a hard-wired communications path (i.e., the slave device provides its Bluetooth pin to another device or apparatus after a hard-wired communications path is established), or any other method or combination of methods apparent to one skilled in the art. 
     In alternative embodiments, the entire pairing process of step  412  takes place outside the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly between the master and slave devices). In other alternative embodiments, the entire pairing process is facilitated by the circuitry of the apparatus. 
     After the master and slave devices are paired together in step  412 , the master device links with the slave device in step  414 . Once an authorized link is established, process  400  ends at step  416 . 
     Returning to step  408 , when the master device is already paired with the slave device, the process advances to step  418 . In step  418 , the master device checks its link status with respect to the slave device. In alternative embodiments, the microcontroller of the apparatus checks the link status between the master and slave devices. A determination is made in step  420  as to whether or not the master device is linked with the slave device. When the master device and/or the apparatus determines that the master device is already linked to the slave device, process  400  proceeds to step  416  and ends. 
     When the master device and/or the apparatus determines that the master device is not already linked to the slave device, process  400  proceeds to step  414 . In step  414 , the master device links with the slave device and then the process ends at step  416 . 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate that any of the steps of process  400  can require a user interaction before proceeding. For example, before the two devices are paired together in step  412 , the master device may prompt the user to accept or decline the master device being paired with the slave device. 
     The foregoing discussion of automatic Bluetooth pairing is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion. For a more detailed explanation of automatic Bluetooth pairing, please see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/513,616, filed Aug. 30, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0057890), entitled “Automated Pairing of Wireless Accessories with Host Devices”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show illustrative examples of docking devices  500  and  502 , respectively. Docking devices  500  and  502  are electrical devices in which the circuitry discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2   FIG. 3  or a combination therefrom is implemented. Docking devices  500  and  502  are similar to docking station  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Docking devices  500  and  502  include ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , which are similar or the same as ports  202 ,  204  and  206  discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Docking devices  500  and  502  are electrical devices in which the circuitry discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2  or  3  is implemented. Devices (which are not shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  that are similar to or the same as the devices described above in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can be coupled to ports  202 ,  204  and  206  of docking devices  500  and  502 . Docking devices  500  and  502  can then be used as described above and facilitate the transfer of power and information among electrical devices. 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show illustrative examples of cables  600  and  602 , respectively. Cables  600  and  602  are portable electrical devices in which the circuitry discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  or a combination there from is implemented. Cables  600  and  602  include ports  202 ,  204  and  206 , which are similar or the same as ports  202 ,  204  and  206  discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       FIG. 6   c  shows a cut away view of cable  600 , which is shown in  FIG. 6   a . As such, ports  202 ,  204  and  206  are the same ports shown in  FIG. 6   a . Port  202  illustrates an example of the male 30-pin connector discussed above and port  206  illustrates an example of the symmetrical four pin connector discussed above (as well as in the Ser. No. 60/879,177 Application and in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application). Circuitry  604  is located inside of cable  600  and may include components such as, for example, one or more microcontrollers, switches, regulators, and/or boost circuits, any of which can be the same as or substantially similar to the components discussed above. For example, circuitry  604  may include a Sipex regulator, a TI MSP V126, a Seiko Boost circuit, an Intersil USB switch, and various other electrical components. 
     Devices (not shown in  FIG. 6   a  or  6   b  that are similar to or the same as the devices described above in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can be coupled to cables  600  and  602  via ports  202 ,  204  and  206 . Cables  600  and  602  can then be used as described above and facilitate the transfer of power and information among the devices. 
       FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show illustrative examples of cellular telephone  700  before and after cellular telephone  700  is physically coupled with device  212 . Device  212  is coupled to cellular telephone  700  via port  206 . Port  206  is similar or the same as port  206  described above in connection with  FIG. 2 . Device  212  can be similar to or the same as device  212  discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2 . As mentioned above, device  212  can be, for example, a wireless Bluetooth headset. 
     Circuitry that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be implemented in a device, such as cellular telephone  700 . The circuitry in cellular telephone  700  can be used, as described above, to facilitate the transfer of power and/or information between cellular telephone  700  and device  212 . For example, power from the battery of cellular telephone  700  can be used to charge the battery of device  212 . As another example, in response to device  212  being inserted into port  206 , the circuitry may facilitate the automatic pairing (as discussed above) of cellular telephone  700  and device  212 . 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate that the circuitry discussed above may be included in any other electrical device (such as, e.g., an ipod, computer, accessory device, etc.). The circuitry described above can also be implemented in any other object that can be in proximity to and/or used with a fixed, portable or mobile power source (e.g., desk, automobile dashboard, airplane seat, wall power outlet, etc.). 
       FIGS. 8-15  are flow charts that illustrate some of the various methods that can be used to facilitate the exchange of information and/or power among two or more devices in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIGS. 8-11  are flow charts that illustrate the steps that can occur when one or more devices are coupled to an apparatus.  FIGS. 12-15  are flow charts that illustrate the steps that can occur when one or more devices are decoupled from an apparatus. One skilled in the art would understand that methods similar to or the same as the methods described herein can also be used in the absence of the apparatuses described herein. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , the process begins at step  802  when there are no devices coupled to an apparatus (e.g., apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 2  or apparatus  300  shown in  FIG. 3 ). The apparatus is preferably in a powered down mode. In the powered down mode, the components of the apparatus (e.g., port  202 , port  204 , port  206 , microcontroller  214 , boost  240 , regulator  242 , wireless emitter/receiver, etc.) are preferably not receiving power and are not functioning. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus can have its own power source (e.g., a battery, capacitor, etc.) (not shown), which allows any component of the apparatus to function when there are no devices coupled to the apparatus. 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate that the process can begin at a step other than step  802 . For example, the process can begin at step  812  (which is discussed below) when the process begins with a device already coupled to the medium priority port or when the apparatus is integrated into a medium priority device (such as, e.g., an iPod or cellular telephone  700  shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b ). 
     At step  804 , a first device is coupled to the apparatus. Further to the priority discussion above in reference to  FIG. 2 , the processes discussed herein are based on an apparatus in which the ports of the apparatus are prioritized. Step  806  illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined in response to whether the first device is coupled to the lowest priority port (e.g., port  202 ), the medium priority port (e.g., port  204 ), or the highest priority port (e.g., port  206 ). The step that occurs next in the process is based on which port the first device is coupled to. 
     When the first device is coupled to the lowest priority port, the process moves from step  806  to step  808 . In some embodiments, at step  808 , a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller  214 ) and a regulator (e.g., regulator  242 ) of the apparatus are activated (i.e., powered ON) with power that is provided by or taken from the first device. In step  808 , the apparatus also facilitates the transfer of power among the ports of the apparatus. For example, power (e.g., V 1 ) from the first device (e.g., device  208 ) can be provided to the medium priority port (via, e.g., line  230  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and to the highest priority port (via, e.g., a power switch, such as switch  228 , and the regulator, thereby allowing less power, e.g., VX, to the highest priority port). In step  808 , the apparatus can also prepare to facilitate the transfer of information between the first device and another device (that is not yet connected) by creating an information path between the lowest priority port device and another port. For example, the information switch (e.g., switch  220 ) can couple the lowest priority port with the medium priority port (by, e.g., coupling input  222  to output  226  as shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments the microcontroller can communicate (as discussed above in reference to  FIG. 2 ) with the first device in step  808 . 
     In alternative embodiments (such as, for example, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), both power and information lines of the lowest priority port can be coupled to one or more of the higher priority ports (e.g., via switch  302 ) at step  808 . 
     At step  810 , a second device is coupled to the apparatus. The process continues in  FIG. 9  at step  902 , which illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined in response to which port the second device is coupled to. 
     When the second device is coupled to the medium priority port, step  902  is followed by step  904 . In step  904 , the apparatus can, for example, facilitate communications (e.g., USB communications) between the first and second devices and/or communicate directly with the second device. As described above in reference to  FIG. 2 , the microcontroller can establish a communications path between a device and the microcontroller and/or another device. The communications path can then be used to, for example, request a particular amount of power (at a particular current and/or voltage), etc. In step  904 , the apparatus can also facilitate the charging of the second device with power from the first device (which, in some embodiments, was provided to the medium priority port in step  908 ), activate the boost (e.g., boost  240 , in anticipation of a third device being coupled to the highest priority port or the first device being decoupled from the lowest priority port), and regulate the output of the boost (which can, for example, maintain the voltage provided to the highest priority port at, e.g., V 2  when the first device is decoupled from the apparatus). 
     In step  906 , a third device is coupled to the highest priority port of the apparatus. In response to a third device (e.g., device  212 ) being coupled to the apparatus, the process continues to step  908 . 
     In step  908 , the microcontroller preferably creates a communications path to the third device and communicates with the third device (e.g., using a serial communication protocol). The apparatus can also allow the second device to communicate with the third device (directly or indirectly as discussed above in reference to  FIG. 2 ). 
     The voltage, that is provided to the highest priority port prior to the third device being coupled to the apparatus, can indicate to the third device which standard and/or protocol the third device should use to communicate with the apparatus and/or other device(s) in step  908 . The apparatus and/or the other device, which is communicating with the third device, can, for example, identify the third device, authenticate the third device, and/or perform any other necessary action required to communicate with the third device (e.g., reset the ports of the third device), handshake with the third device, negotiate the charge with the third device (i.e., communicate how much power should be provided to the third device), and/or exchange any other information (including instructions) with the third device). In response to establishing a communications path and/or exchange of communications with the third device, the apparatus can allow more power to be provided to the third device (by, e.g., deregulating the power provided to the regulator). Allowing more power (i.e., more voltage (e.g., V 3 ) and/or current) to be provided to the third device can cause the third device to be charged more rapidly. 
     Returning to step  902 , the second device to be coupled to the apparatus can be coupled to the highest priority port. When the second device is coupled to the highest priority port, step  910  comes after step  902  in the process. 
     In step  910 , the microcontroller can establish a communications path that allows the microcontroller to communicate with the second device (using, e.g., a USB protocol, a different serial communications protocol, or any other communications protocol). In some embodiments, the apparatus can establish a communications path that allows the first device to communicate with the second device (e.g., device  212 ) directly or indirectly (as discussed above in reference to  FIG. 2 ). 
     As described above in reference to step  908 , the voltage, that is present at the highest priority port when the second device is initially coupled to that port, can indicate to the second device which standard and/or protocol the second device should use to communicate with the microcontroller or first device in step  910 . After the microcontroller and/or the first device communicates with the second device, the power to the highest priority port can be (completely or partially) deregulated by the microcontroller, thereby allowing the second device to be charged more rapidly. 
     In step  912 , a third device is coupled to the medium priority port of the apparatus. In response to the third device (e.g., device  210 ) being coupled to the medium priority port, the microcontroller can temporarily interrupt or slow down the charging of the second device by, for example, regulating the power provided to the second device, updating the communications path(s) to the second device, or instructing the second device to reset its ports. 
     Step  912  can also include establishing a communications path between the third device and the microcontroller and/or other device(s), discontinuing the communications between the first device and the second device (this can occur when, e.g., switch  220  decouples input  222  from output  224 ), and facilitating communications between the first device and the third device (by, e.g., using switch  220  to couple input  222  to output  226 ). In communicating with the third device, microcontroller and/or one of the other devices can, for example, negotiate the charge of the third device (e.g., determine whether the third device needs to be charged, the amount of power that the third device should receive and/or provide, etc.). In response to the negotiations with the third device, the apparatus can facilitate the transfer of power to and/or from the third device. In step  914 , communications between the microcontroller and the second device can resume (which can include any exchange of information and/or instructions) and the second device can continue to be charged. 
     Returning to step  806 , the first device coupled to the apparatus can be coupled to the medium priority port of the apparatus. When the first device (e.g., device  210 ) is coupled to the medium priority port, step  806  is followed by step  812 . 
     In response to the first device being coupled to the medium priority port, the microcontroller, the boost, and the regulator can be activated in step  812 . The microcontroller can also establish a communications path with the first device and negotiate the power exchange particulars with the first device (e.g., the amount of voltage and current that the first device will provide to and receive from other devices, etc.). 
     As a result of the microcontroller&#39;s communications with the first device, the first device can output power (e.g., V 2  at a given current) to the boost. The boost can then increase the power (to, e.g., V 3 ) and provide the power (e.g., V 3  at the given current) to the regulator. The regulator can regulate the power (to, e.g., V 2 ) and then provide the power (e.g., V 2  at a given current) to the highest priority port in anticipation of a device being coupled to the highest priority port. 
     In step  814 , a second device is coupled to the apparatus. The process is continued in  FIG. 10  at step  1002 . Step  1002  illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined based on which port the second device is coupled to. 
     When the second device is coupled to the lowest priority port, step  1002  is followed by step  1004  in the process. In step  1004 , the microcontroller can, for example, establish one or more communications paths with the first device, facilitate communications (e.g., USB communications) between the first and second devices and/or communicate directly with the second device (which can include, for example, negotiating the power transfer from the second device). Step  1004  can also include charging the first device with the power from the second device (via, e.g., line  236  shown in  FIG. 2  or switch  302  shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     In step  1006 , a third device is coupled to the highest priority port of the apparatus. In response to a third device (e.g., device  212 ) being coupled to the apparatus, the process proceeds to step  1008 . 
     In step  1008 , the microcontroller establishes one or more communications paths with the third device, facilitates communications between the third device and the microcontroller and/or the other devices (including, e.g., negotiating the power transfer to the third device). As described above, the power (e.g., V 3  at a given current), that was being provided to the highest priority port when the third device was coupled to the highest priority port, can indicate to the third device which communications protocol and/or standard should be used to communicate with the microcontroller and/or the other devices. The microcontroller can then increase the power provided to the highest priority port (to, e.g., V 3  at a given current) by, for example, deregulating (completely or partially) the power from the boost, and facilitate the rapid charge of the third device. 
     Returning to step  1002 , when the second device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to the highest priority port, step  1010  is after step  1002  in the process. 
     In step  1010  the microcontroller can establish a communications path(s) with the second device and facilitate communications with the second device. As described above, the microcontroller can deregulate the power provided to the highest priority port after communicating with the second device and begin a more rapid charge of the second device with power provided by the first device. 
     In step  1012 , a third device is coupled to the lowest priority port of the apparatus and, in response, the process proceeds to step  1014 . 
     In step  1014 , the microcontroller can establish one or more communications paths to the third device, facilitate communications between the third device and the first device (via, e.g., a switch such as, for example, switch  220  of  FIG. 2  or switch  302  of  FIG. 3 ) and/or the microcontroller. The apparatus can also facilitate the charge of the second device (via, e.g., a hard wired connection like line  230  of  FIG. 2  or a switch like switch  302  of  FIG. 3 ). 
     Returning to step  806  of  FIG. 8 , the first device coupled to the apparatus can be coupled to the highest priority port of the apparatus. When the first device (e.g., device  212 ) is coupled to the highest priority port, the process flows from step  806  to step  816 . 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus remains in the powered down mode (which was discussed above in reference to step  802 ) when the first device is coupled to the highest priority port. By leaving the apparatus in the powered down mode, the first device is not drained of any power. This approach is one example of a method that assures the device coupled to the highest priority port will only receive power and will not provide power to the apparatus or any other device. 
     One skilled in the would appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the device coupled to the highest priority port can provide power to the apparatus and/or any other device based on, for example, the amount of excess power that the device coupled to the highest priority port can spare, the need to communicate with the apparatus, or for any other reason. In such alternative embodiments, the microcontroller can only request power from the device coupled to the highest priority port until, for example, a second device is coupled to a lower priority port, until the first device has no or a certain amount of excess power, until a given amount of time elapses, until the microcontroller finishes communicating (e.g., identify, authenticate, reset, etc.) with the device coupled to the highest priority port, or until any other event occurs. 
     In step  818 , a second device is coupled to the apparatus and the process continues in  FIG. 11 . Step  1102  of  FIG. 11  illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined based on which port the second device is coupled to. The process proceeds to step  1104  in response to the second device being coupled to the lowest priority port. 
     In some embodiments, the microcontroller and the regulator are activated at step  1104  of the process. In some embodiments, the microcontroller establishes a communications path between the first device and microcontroller and/or the second device. The microcontroller can also establish a communications path between the second device and the microcontroller. After the communications path(s) are established, the microcontroller can then facilitate communications (direct or indirect) among the devices and/or itself (via, e.g., switch  220  and/or line  218  illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). The microcontroller can also facilitate the transfer of power from the second device to the first device in step  1104  (via, e.g., switch  220  illustrated in  FIG. 2  or switch  302  illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), thereby charging the first device with power from the second device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller can provide power to the medium priority port (e.g., via line  230 ) in anticipation of a third device being coupled to the apparatus. 
     In step  1106  a third device is coupled to the medium priority port of the apparatus. In response to the third device being coupled to the medium priority port of the apparatus, the process proceeds to step  1108 . 
     In step  1108  the boost is activated. The microcontroller can also establish a communications path between the third device and the microcontroller and/or one or more of the other devices. After the communications paths are established, the microcontroller can then facilitate communications with the third device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller communicates with the third device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller can allow the third device to communicate with the first and/or second device (directly or indirectly), which can require the microcontroller to discontinue and/or interrupt the communications between the first and second devices. For example, when the first device (i.e., device  212 ) is communicating directly with the second device (i.e., device  208 ) via a switch (e.g., switch  220  illustrated in  FIG. 2  or switch  302  illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), the microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller  214 ) can interrupt the direct communications between the first and second devices, facilitate the direct communications between the second and third devices (via, e.g., switch  220 ), and then facilitate indirect communications between the first and third devices (e.g., by using lines  216 ,  218 , and  224  as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Finally, in step  1108  the microcontroller facilitates the transfer of power from the second device to the third device and the third device receives a charge. 
     Returning to step  1102 , when the second device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to the medium priority port, the process proceeds to step  1110  after step  1102 . 
     In step  1110 , the microcontroller, boost and regulator are activated. The microcontroller can then facilitate communications with itself and the second device and/or between the first and second devices (directly or indirectly) after establishing corresponding communications paths. In some embodiments, the microcontroller can also establish a communications path between itself and the first device and then facilitate communications between the microcontroller and the first device. In some embodiments, after communications have been established with the first device (and the microcontroller and/or the second device), the microcontroller can deregulate the power provided to the highest priority port and begin to charge the first device with power provided by the second device. 
     In step  1112 , a third device is coupled to the lowest priority port of the apparatus and, in response, the process proceeds to step  1114 . 
     In step  1114 , the microcontroller can establish one or more communication paths and facilitate communications between the third device and the first and/or second device (via, e.g., a switch such as, for example, switch  220  of  FIG. 2  or switch  302  of  FIG. 3 ) and/or between the third device and the microcontroller. The apparatus can also facilitate the charging of the second device (via, e.g., a switch or a hard-wired connection) using power provided by the third device. 
       FIGS. 12-15  illustrate the steps that can occur when one or more devices are decoupled from an apparatus that was discussed herein in reference to the embodiment of the present invention (i.e., that similar to or the same as apparatus  200 ). 
     For the purpose of illustration, the process for removing devices begins at step  1202  with a device coupled to each of the three ports of the apparatus. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the process shown in  FIGS. 12-15  can begin at a different step (i.e., other than step  1202 ) when the first device is decoupled from the apparatus when there is only one or two devices coupled to the apparatus. 
     In step  1202 , the apparatus is facilitating the transfer of power and information among the device as described above. A first device is decoupled from the apparatus in step  1204 . Step  1206  illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined in response to whether the first device is decoupled from the lowest priority port (e.g., port  202 ), the medium priority port (e.g., port  204 ), or the highest priority port (e.g., port  206 ) of the apparatus. 
     When the first device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, the process proceeds to step  1208  from step  1206 . In some embodiments, at step  1208  the microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller  214 ) determines that the first device has been decoupled from the apparatus. The microcontroller can determine that a device is being (or has been) decoupled from the apparatus in response to, for example, the device sending a signal to the microcontroller (via, e.g., the lowest priority port or wirelessly) informing the microcontroller that the device is being (or was) decoupled, the microcontroller no longer receiving communications from the device that was decoupled, the microcontroller receiving an indication from a user that the device is being (or was) decoupled (e.g., an eject button), another device informing the microcontroller that the first device is no longer coupled to the apparatus (after, e.g., the device communicates to the other device that the device was decoupled, a charge is no longer being supplied to the other device from the device, etc.), or by any other means. One skilled in the art would understand that this determination can take place regardless as to which port a device is decoupled from or when the device is decoupled (i.e., the first, second or third). 
     In response to the microcontroller recognizing that the first device was decoupled from the lowest priority port, the power provided from the lowest priority port to the higher priority ports is discontinued, thereby preventing the device coupled to the medium priority port from being charged, and the microcontroller ceases to facilitate all communications to and from the lowest priority port. 
     At step  1210 , a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and the process continues in  FIG. 13 . Step  1302  illustrates that the direction of the process can be determined in response to which port the second device is decoupled from. 
     When the second device is decoupled from the medium priority port, step  1302  is followed by step  1304 . In step  1304 , the microcontroller can determine that the second device was decoupled from the medium priority port. In response to this determination, the microcontroller would recognize that the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to the highest priority port and, preferably, the microcontroller will power down all of the components of the apparatus (e.g., boost, regulator, microcontroller, etc.). This is referred to as the powered down mode. As discussed above, in reference to  FIG. 6 , the powered down mode can help prevent power from being taken from the device that is coupled to the highest priority port. Although, as noted above, in some alternative embodiments the apparatus can not automatically enter the powered down mode (e.g., when the apparatus includes a battery, etc.). 
     In step  1306 , a third device is decoupled from the highest priority port of the apparatus and in step  1308  the apparatus remains in the powered down mode. 
     Returning to step  1302 , the second device to be decoupled from the apparatus can be decoupled from the highest priority port. When the second device is decoupled from the highest priority port (e.g., port  206 ), the process proceeds to step  1310  after step  1302 . 
     In step  1310 , the microcontroller determines that the second device has been decoupled from the highest priority port and can cease all communications to highest priority port. The microcontroller can also decrease the power that is being provided to the highest priority port (by, e.g., regulating the power supplied by the boost) in anticipation of a device  10  being re-coupled to the highest priority port (see, e.g., step  814  shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     In step  1312 , a third device is decoupled from the lowest priority port of the apparatus. In response, the process moves onto step  1314  and the apparatus enters the powered down mode. 
     Returning to step  1206 , the first device decoupled from the apparatus can be decoupled from the medium priority port of the apparatus. When the first device (e.g., device  210 ) is decoupled from the medium priority port, step  1206  is followed by step  1212 . 
     In step  1212 , the microcontroller can determine that there is no longer a device coupled to the medium priority port. In step  1212 , in response to the determination, the microcontroller powers down the boost (e.g., boost  240 ) and discontinues communications to and from the medium priority port. For example, the information switch (e.g., switch  220  shown in  FIG. 2 ) can be switched to couple the lowest priority port with the highest priority port. 
     In step  1214 , a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and the process advances to  FIG. 14 . Step  1402 , which follows step  1214 , illustrates that the next step of the process can be determined based on which port the second device is decoupled from. 
     When the second device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, the process proceeds to step  1404  in which the microcontroller determines that the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to highest priority port and the apparatus enters the powered down mode. 
     In step  1406 , the third device is removed from the highest priority port of the apparatus. In step  1408 , with no devices coupled to the apparatus, the apparatus remains in powered down mode. 
     Returning to step  1402 , the second device that is decoupled from the apparatus can be the device coupled to the highest priority port and the process proceeds to step  1410 . When the second device is decoupled from the highest priority port, the microcontroller determines that the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to lowest priority port. In step  1410 , communications to the highest priority port are discontinued by the microcontroller. The microcontroller can also instruct the regulator to regulate the power provided to the highest priority port. 
     In step  1412 , the third device is decoupled from the lowest priority port of the apparatus. In step  1414 , with no devices coupled to the apparatus, the apparatus can remain in powered down mode. 
     Returning to step  1206 , the first device decoupled from the apparatus can be decoupled from the highest priority port of the apparatus. When the first device (e.g., device  212 ) is decoupled from the highest priority port, step  1216  follows step  1206 . 
     In response to the first device being decoupled from the highest priority port, the microcontroller can determine that there is no longer a device coupled to the highest priority port. In step  1216 , communications to the highest priority port are discontinued. The microcontroller can also instruct the regulator to regulate the power provided to the highest priority port in step  1216 . 
     In step  1218 , a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and the process advances to  FIG. 15 . Step  1502 , which follows step  1218 , illustrates that the next step of the process can be determined based on which port the second device is decoupled from. 
     When the second device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, the microcontroller can then determine that the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to medium priority port. In some embodiments, the process advances to step  1504 . In step  1504 , power is no longer provided to the medium priority port and the microcontroller discontinues the communications path(s) to the lowest priority port. 
     In step  1506 , a third device is removed from the medium priority port of the apparatus. In step  1508 , with no devices coupled to the apparatus, the apparatus remains in powered down mode. 
     Returning to step  1502 , the second device that is decoupled from the apparatus can be the device coupled to the medium priority port. When the second device is decoupled from the medium priority port of the apparatus, the microcontroller determines that the only device still coupled to the apparatus is coupled to lowest priority port. In some embodiments, the process advances to step  1510 . 
     In step  1510 , communications to the medium priority port are discontinued. The microcontroller can also instruct the boost to power down. 
     In step  1512 , the third device is decoupled from the lowest priority port of the apparatus. In step  1514 , with no devices coupled to the apparatus, the apparatus can remain in powered down mode. 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate that the processes described herein can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, any of these steps described herein can include indicating (via, e.g., a user-interface, such as a display screen, LED, etc.) that a step was completed (successfully or unsuccessfully), that a device is properly coupled to the apparatus, that a device is charging, what is occurring during each step (e.g., to a user, to a device, etc.), etc. As another example, the process described herein can be modified and applied to an apparatus that does not include all of the components of the apparatuses referenced by the methods described herein (e.g., when a boost is not included in the apparatus, the process will not activate the boost, etc.). The methods that collectively create the process described herein can also be modified to apply to, for example, an apparatus that includes additional components or functionality (such as, e.g., a wireless receiver/emitter, the ability to prioritize the devices as opposed to the ports, etc.). As another example, the order of steps can be rearranged in alternative embodiments. Power from a component (e.g., port  204 ), for example, can be regulated first and boosted second when a device is coupled to the apparatus that requires such an order of events. 
     One skilled in the art would also understand that in alternative embodiments the steps in the preferred process, many of which are described herein as being inherently automatic, can require an user interaction. For example, the apparatus can not begin to facilitate the charge to or from a device unless the user first authorizes the apparatus or device to do so (e.g., via a user interface, by interacting with one of the devices coupled to the apparatus, etc.).

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070106
Publication Date: 20111227
Grant Date: 20111227
Priority Date: 20070106
Inventors: RABU STANLEY
KALAYJIAN NICHOLAS R.
DOROGUSKER JESSE L.
TERLIZZI JEFF
SANFORD EMERY A.
HANKEY M. EVANS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J7/00034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39278296