PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8659889-B2
Application Number: US-201113112999-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Docking station for providing digital signage

Abstract:
Various embodiments of digital signage systems and docking stations are described. In one embodiment, a digital signage system includes an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed. The system also includes a body for supporting the electronic device. A recessed region is formed in the body from a top surface of the body, and the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of a top surface of the body that surrounds the recessed region. An aperture may be formed at least partially through the recessed region for receiving a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device. An elongated cutout may also be formed, extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of the body, and sized so that an insulated wire of the cable assembly can extend from the aperture to the edge or edge surface of the body.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A digital signage system comprising:
 an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed; 
 a body for supporting the electronic device, the body having a front surface, a back surface, and upper and lower surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, wherein a recessed region is formed within the body from the upper surface; 
 an aperture formed at least partially through the body from the recessed region toward the lower surface of the body, the aperture being sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, wherein the aperture includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the recessed region toward the lower surface of the body and ending at a location within the body, the second portion extending from the location at which the first portion ends toward the lower surface of the body, the first portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion; and 
 a cable assembly including:
 a connector base, mechanically coupled to a plug housing by a cable, the connector base having a plurality of connection pads electrically coupled to respective ones of a plurality of conductive traces of the cable; and 
 an insulated wire coupled to the connection pads; 
 
 wherein the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of the upper surface that surrounds the recessed region. 
 
     
     
       2. The digital signage system of  claim 1  further comprising an elongated cutout extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of the body, the elongated cutout being sized so that the insulated wire of the cable assembly can extend from the aperture to the edge or edge surface of the body when the insulated wire is arranged within the elongated cutout. 
     
     
       3. The digital signage system of  claim 1  wherein the recessed region is shaped to receive the electronic device such that, when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, side surfaces of the electronic device abut surfaces of the recessed region. 
     
     
       4. The digital signage system of  claim 1  wherein the recessed region is sloped upwards from the front surface of the body to the back surface of the body with respect to the lower surface of the body. 
     
     
       5. The digital signage system of  claim 2  wherein the aperture is formed entirely through the body from the recessed region to the lower surface of the body. 
     
     
       6. The digital signage system of  claim 5  wherein the elongated cutout extends along the bottom surface of the body or extends within the body. 
     
     
       7. The digital signage system of  claim 1  wherein the first portion is recessed from the recessed region such that, when the aperture receives the cable assembly, a top surface of the connector base of the cable assembly is flush with a surface of the recessed region. 
     
     
       8. The digital signage system of  claim 1  further comprising at least one additional cutout formed at least partially through the body from the upper surface of the body toward the lower surface of the body and between the recessed region and an edge of the body, each additional cutout sized to receive a stand for an additional electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The digital signage system of  claim 8  wherein each additional cutout includes a plurality of notches for engaging with coupling portions of the stand. 
     
     
       10. A digital signage system comprising:
 an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed; 
 a body for supporting the electronic device, the body having a front surface, a back surface, and top and bottom surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces; 
 a recessed region formed within the body from the top surface; 
 an aperture formed at least partially through the body for receiving a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device; and 
 a cable assembly including:
 a connector base, mechanically coupled to a plug housing by a cable, the connector base having a plurality of connection pads electrically coupled to respective ones of a plurality of conductive traces of the cable; and 
 an insulated wire coupled to the connection pads; 
 
 wherein the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of the top surface that surrounds the recessed region. 
 
     
     
       11. The digital signage system of  claim 10  further comprising at least one additional cutout formed partially through the body from the top surface of the body toward the bottom surface of the body and between the recessed region and an edge of the body. 
     
     
       12. The digital signage system of  claim 11  further comprising, for each additional cutout, an additional electronic device and a stand for mounting the additional electronic device on the body. 
     
     
       13. The digital signage system of  claim 12  wherein the additional cutout includes a plurality of notches and the stand includes a corresponding plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of coupling portions being operable to engage the plurality of notches such that the stand remains mounted in the additional cutout when the additional electronic device is removed from the stand. 
     
     
       14. The digital signage system of  claim 10  further comprising a plurality of pads arranged between the electronic device and the recessed region, wherein at least one of the pads is flexible and located proximate to a button provided on the electronic device. 
     
     
       15. The digital signage system of  claim 10  wherein the cable is arranged between the electronic device and the recessed region and extends from the aperture to an edge of the electronic device. 
     
     
       16. The digital signage system of  claim 15  wherein the plug housing is coupled to an end of the cable proximate to the edge of the electronic device. 
     
     
       17. The digital signage system of  claim 10  wherein the connector base is arranged in the aperture. 
     
     
       18. The digital signage system of  claim 10  wherein the insulated wire is arranged in an elongated cutout extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of the body. 
     
     
       19. A docking station comprising:
 an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed; 
 an acrylic body for supporting the electronic device, the body having a front surface, a back surface, and upper and bottom surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, the body having a substantially rectangular recessed region formed from its upper surface, the recessed region having a curved surface and being sloped upwards from the front surface of the body to the back surface of the body with respect to the bottom surface of the body; 
 an aperture formed at least partially through the body from the recessed region toward the bottom surface of the body, the aperture being sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, wherein the aperture includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the recessed region toward the bottom surface of the body and ending at a location within the body, the second portion extending from the location at which the first portion ends toward the bottom surface of the body, the first portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion; and 
 a cable assembly including:
 a connector base, mechanically coupled to a plug housing by a cable, the connector base having a plurality of connection pads electrically coupled to respective ones of a plurality of conductive traces of the cable; and 
 an insulated wire coupled to the connection pads; 
 
 wherein the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of the upper surface that surrounds the recessed region. 
 
     
     
       20. The docking station of  claim 19  wherein the recessed region is shaped to receive the electronic device such that, when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, side surfaces of the electronic device abut curved surfaces of the recessed region. 
     
     
       21. The docking station of  claim 19  wherein the aperture is formed entirely through the body from the recessed region to the bottom surface of the body. 
     
     
       22. The docking station of  claim 19  further comprising at least one additional cutout formed partially through the body from the upper surface of the body toward the bottom surface of the body and between the recessed region and an edge of the body, each additional cutout sized to receive a stand for an additional electronic device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to docking stations for handheld electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a docking station with a recessed region for mounting an electronic device flush with an upper surface of the docking station for the purposes of providing digital signage. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various types of docking stations exist today for portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), media players (e.g., music player or video player), cameras, game player and the like. The docking stations are often provided for enabling communication between the portable electronic device and other electronic devices such as speakers, monitors, personal computers, and printers, without having to disconnect and reconnect cables. 
     By way of example, the iPod product line, which is manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., includes functionality for outputting audio. However, the speakers built into the iPod products may be insufficient for some users in some scenarios. Accordingly, users may acquire a docking station which enables an iPod to be connected to larger speakers that provide a sufficient audio output for the given scenario. 
     In this sense, docking stations are often designed to enhance the functionality of the handheld electronic device. As a result, a common feature of known docking stations is that they are structured to enable access to functionality of the handheld electronic device. In this fashion, a user may exploit the functionality of the handheld electronic device and improve on that functionality by coupling the device to other electronic devices. 
     However, the design of such docking devices often fails to consider the aesthetic appeal of the handheld electronic device provided in combination with the docking device. Further, such docking devices are often designed for individual, not public, use. 
     In the realm of advertising, it is well-known to provide product advertising in various forms, such as via paper displays, television or other digital displays, billboards, and the like. Advertising via digital displays is typically provided by arbitrarily mounting the digital display in a high traffic (vehicular, pedestrian, and the like) area. A variety of products may then be advertised on the digital display. 
     However, product advertising via digital displays is often considered to be aesthetically displeasing. Further, there is a significant disconnect between the digital display and the products being advertised. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally concern systems and apparatus&#39;s for providing digital signage via a docking station that overcome some or all of the above deficiencies in the related art. The docking station may include various features for more tightly coupling digital displays and products being advertised, for increasing the aesthetic pleasantry of the combined electronic device and docking station, and/or for enabling access to select functionality of the electronic device. 
     For example, the docking station may include a body having a recessed region. The recessed region may be shaped to receive the electronic device such that, when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, an exposed surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of the upper surface that surrounds the recessed region. As a result, the combined docking station and electronic device have a combined exposed surface that is substantially smooth and continuous, and the combined docking station and electronic device may have the appearance of a single unit. 
     For another example, the docking station may include an aperture formed at least partially through the body from the recessed region toward a bottom surface of the body, and an elongated cutout extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of the body. The aperture may be sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region. The elongated cutout may be sized so that a cable of the cable assembly can extend from the aperture to the edge or edge surface of the body when the cable is arranged within the elongated cutout. As a result, when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region, the cable assembly may be substantially hidden from view, while enabling connectivity to the electronic device. 
     For yet another example, the docking station may include one or more cutouts formed in the top surface of the body. Stands for supporting one or more additional electronic devices may be mounted within the one or more cutouts. As a result, when additional electronic devices are provided on the stands in addition to an electronic device mounted within the recessed region of the body, the electronic device mounted within the recessed region may serve as a digital advertisement for the additional electronic devices provided on the stands. 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description that follows. However, the scope of the invention will be fully apparent from the recitations of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device that may be coupled to a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a digital signage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a digital signage system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a back view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a cross sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates a bottom view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a cross sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a digital signage system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 7C . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only as embodiments of the invention extend beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device  100  that may be coupled to a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, electronic device  100  is a tablet computer. For example, electronic device  100  may be an iPad as manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; a Toshiba Tablet as manufactured by Toshiba Corp. of Tokyo, Japan; a Z-Pad as manufactured by ZTE Corp. of Shenzhen, China; an EEE Pad as manufactured by Asus of Taipei, Taiwan; a Dell Streak as manufactured by Dell of Austin, Tex.; a Samsung Galaxy as manufactured by Samsung Group of Seoul, South Korea; etc. According to other embodiments of the present invention, electronic device  100  is not a tablet computer. Rather, electronic device  100  may be any portable electronic device with a display. For example, electronic device may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player (e.g., music player or video player), a camera, a game player, a laptop computer, a netbook, a booklet, a slate, a convertible notebook, etc. 
     Electronic device  100  includes an upper surface  102 , a rear surface  104 , and side surfaces  106 . According to one embodiment, upper surface  102  is a digital display. According to another embodiment, upper surface  102  is a digital display incorporating touch screen functionality, thereby enabling a user to operate electronic device  100  by interacting with the display. 
     Electronic device  100  may also include various buttons on various surfaces for activating various functionality of the device. For example, electronic device  100  may include a multipurpose button  108  arranged on upper surface  102 , a volume up and down button  110  on side surface  106 , a volume mute button  112  on side surface  106 , a power on and off button (not illustrated) on rear surface  104 , etc. Electronic device  100  may also include, on various surfaces, various mechanical interfaces for interfacing with other electronic devices and/or accessories. For example, electronic device  100  may include a receptacle connector  114  on a side surface  106  for connecting to other electronic devices via a cable of a cable assembly, an audio jack (not illustrated) on side surface  106  for connecting to speakers, etc. Electronic device  100  may also include other elements causing protrusions from or indentations into surfaces of electronic device  100 , such as camera&#39;s, microphones, speakers, antenna&#39;s, etc. 
     According to one embodiment, receptacle connector  114  is operable to receive and mechanically couple to a connector such as that described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/112,995, which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; in another embodiment, receptacle connector  114  is operable to receive and mechanically couple to a 30-pin connector such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,660, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; in yet another embodiment, receptacle connector  114  is operable to receive and mechanically couple to other types of connectors, such as an RS232 serial connector, a USB connector, an S-video connector, a VGA connector, an SDI connector, etc. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1A . From this view, it is apparent that rear surface  104  is contoured in the shape of a bowl. In some embodiments, rear surface  104  includes curved surfaces  104   a  and a substantially planar surface  104   b . In other embodiments, the entire rear surface  104  is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in rear surface  104 . In yet other embodiments, rear surface  104  includes a number of curved surfaces and planar surfaces arranged anywhere on rear surface  104 . 
     Rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a predetermined depth. For example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth of approximately 5 mm. For another example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth in a range of approximately 4 mm to 6 mm. For yet another example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth greater than 6 mm or less than 4 mm. 
     Side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a predetermined depth. For example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth of approximately 5 mm For another example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth in a range of approximately 4 mm to 6 mm. For yet another example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth greater than 6 mm or less than 4 mm. 
     In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be arranged substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 . In other embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be arranged at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to upper surface  102 , such that side surfaces  106  are directed inwards towards a center of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be substantially planar, while in other embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be curved inwards. In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  are arranged such that they are continuous with rear surface  106 ; for example, side surfaces  106  may be mechanically coupled with rear surface  104  such that there is no recognizable disjoint between side surfaces  106  and rear surface  104 . In other embodiments, there are no side surfaces  106 ; for example, rear surface  104  may protrude directly from upper surface  102 . In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  have substantially identical angles with respect to one another; for example, all side surfaces  106  may be substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 . In other embodiments, side surfaces  106  have different angles with respect to one another; for example, one of side surfaces  106  may be substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 , while another one of side surfaces  106  may be arranged at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to upper surface  102 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a digital signage system  200  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Digital signage system  200  includes an electronic device  100  such as that described with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a docking station  210  for mounting electronic device  100 , and optional pads  220  arranged between docking station  210  and electronic device  100 . 
     Docking station  210  includes a body  212  for supporting electronic device  100 . Docking station  210  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 7C . In general, however, body  212  includes a top surface having a recessed region formed therein. The recessed region may be shaped to receive electronic device  100  such that when electronic device  100  is positioned within the recessed region, rear surface  104  of electronic device  100  fits entirely within the recessed region while upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  is substantially flush with a portion of the top surface of body  212  that surrounds the recessed region. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include side surfaces  106 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the recessed region of body  212  may be shaped to receive electronic device  100  such that when electronic device  100  is positioned within the recessed region, one or more or all of side surfaces  106  of electronic device  100  abut a surface of the recessed region. 
     Pads  220  include one or more flexible elements arranged between electronic device  100  and docking station  210 . Pads  220  may be made from any type of flexible material; for example, pads  220  may be made from silicone, rubber, cloth, soft plastic, etc. Pads  220  may function to secure electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . For example, pads  220  may be bonded to both electronic device  100  and docking station  210  so as to mechanically couple electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . Pads  220  may also function to enable activation of buttons arranged on rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . For example, one or more pads  220  may be flexible so that a force applied on upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  causes one or more of pads  220  to deform, thereby causing a button located on rear surface  104  to engage with a surface of the recessed region of docking station  210 . According to one embodiment, pads  220  are bonded only to bottom surface  104  of electronic device  100 . 
     Pads  220  may be provided at any location between electronic device  100  and docking station  210 . For example, one or more pads  220  may be provided near a center of electronic device  100 ; for another example, one or more pads  220  may be provided proximate a side surface  106  of electronic device. According to one embodiment, four pads  220  are provided, where each pad  220  is located near a corner of electronic device  100 . For example, each pad  220  may be arranged approximately 5 cm away from a nearest corner of electronic device  100 . For another example, each pad  220  may be arranged from approximately 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm away from a nearest corner of electronic device  100 . For yet another example, each pad  220  may be arranged a distance less than 2.5 cm or greater than 7.5 cm away from a nearest corner of electronic device  100 . Providing a pad  220  proximate to each corner of electronic device  100  may advantageously provide a substantially consistent support for electronic device  100 , such that electronic device  100  does not tend to significantly rock or pivot within docking station  210 . 
     According to one embodiment, one of pads  220  is located proximate to a button located on rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . For example, one of pads  220  may be located within 3 cm of such a button. For another example, one of pads  220  may be located in a range between 1 cm and 4 cm away from such a button, or at a distance less than lcm or greater than 4 cm. One of pads  220  may be located proximate to the button such that a force applied to upper surface  102  proximate the button causes the button to activate, deactivate, switch, or the like. For example, the button may be a power button, and upper surface  102  may be a touch screen display. The force required on upper surface  102  proximate the power button may be substantially greater than a force required to control the touch screen display. Accordingly, the touch display may be operable without causing activation of the button. Further, the button may be provided at a location not typically accessed via a touch screen display; for example, near one of side surfaces  106 . By such an arrangement, the power button may be hidden from view and generally not accessible. However, for users that are aware of the power button&#39;s existence and activation technique, the users may push on the upper surface  102  near the button so as to turn electronic device  100  on or off. Such an arrangement may advantageously enable easy access to functionality of electronic device  100  even where most functionality is disabled (e.g., where the touch screen is disabled, buttons on top surface  102  are disabled, and buttons on side surfaces  106  are either disabled or inaccessible due to electronic device  100  being fitted in docking station  210 . 
     Each of pads  220  may have any one of a variety of shapes. For example, each pad  220  may have a cross section in the shape of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, etc. In one embodiment, each pad  220  may have a cross section in the shape of a circle, and have a variable surface area. For example, an area of a surface of pad  220  bonded to electronic device  100  may be greater than an area of a surface of pad  220  arranged to contact docking station  210 . 
     Each of pads  220  may have any one of a number of dimensions. For example, each pad  220  may have a thickness of approximately 1 mm, a thickness in a range of approximately 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, or a thickness less than 0.5 mm or greater than 1.5 mm. Each pad  220  may have a maximum diameter of approximately 5 mm, a maximum diameter in a range of approximately 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm, or a maximum diameter less than 2.5 cm or greater than 7.5 cm. 
     In some embodiments, there are no pads  220 . Rather, electronic device  100  may be mechanically coupled to docking station  210  via other means. For example, electronic device  100  may be glued or bonded to docking station  210 ; for another example, clamps may be provided for mechanically coupling electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . In one embodiment, electronic device  100  may be bonded to docking station  210  via an adhesive donut. 
     The adhesive donut may be shaped to surround an aperture (e.g., aperture  416  as discussed later) formed at least partially through body  212 , and sized so as not to interfere with any pads  220 . The adhesive donut may be designed so as to bond electronic device  100  to docking station  210  without bonding a cable assembly (e.g., cable assembly  310  as discussed later). For example, the adhesive donut may include a first dual-sided adhesive layer, a second non-adhesive layer, and a third dual-sided adhesive layer. The first layer may be shaped to entirely surround the aperture, and arranged such that one side of the layer may be bonded directly to docking station  210 . The second layer may have the same shape as the first layer, and arranged such that one side of the layer may be bonded to the first layer. The third layer may be shaped to surround the aperture while including a cutout for a portion of the cable assembly. The third layer may be arranged such that one side may be bonded to the second layer and another side may be bonded to electronic device  100 . 
     In other embodiments, electronic device  100  is arranged in the recessed region of docking station  210  without a mechanical coupling; for example, the recessed region of docking station  210  may be sized such that electronic device  100  securely fits within the recessed region; for another example, electronic device  100  may be secured to docking station  210  via the effect of gravity. In yet other embodiments, both pads  220  and other means for mechanically coupling electronic device  100  to docking station  210  are provided. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a digital signage system  300  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Digital signage system  300  includes an electronic device  100  such as that described with reference to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , a docking station  210  for mounting electronic device  100  as described with reference to  FIG. 2 , and an optional cable assembly  310  for electronically coupling electronic device  100  to another electronic device or accessory (not illustrated). 
     Cable assembly  310  may include a plug housing  312  sized for insertion into receptacle connector  114  of electronic device  100 . Plug housing  312  may be designed to accommodate a number of pins which, when plug housing  312  is engaged with electronic device  100 , make an electrical contact with a number of pins arranged within receptacle connector  114 . In one embodiment, plug housing  312  may be designed so as to fit entirely within receptacle connector  114  and have a rear surface that is contoured to and flush with an outer surface (e.g., at least one of rear surface  104  and side surfaces  106 ) of electronic device  100 . 
     Cable assembly  310  may also include a cable  314  mechanically connected to plug housing  312 . For example, an end of cable  314  may be bonded to a surface of plug housing  312 . Cable  314  may have one or more conductive traces formed thereon that correspond to and are electrically coupled to the pins located in plug housing  312 . For example, the pins located in plug housing  312  may each include a portion that protrudes from plug housing  312 . Cable  314  may include holes sized to fit those portions of the pins which protrude from plug housing  312 . Cable  314  may then be arranged such that, after fitting the protruding pin portions through the holes of cable  314 , the protruding pin portions and holes are soldered so as to establish an electrical connection between the pins and conductive traces electrically coupled to the holes. 
     Cable  314  may be any thin cable. For example, cable  314  may be a single or multi-core cable in which the cores or electric conductors are guided parallel and adjacent to one another. Cable  314  may include flat conductive traces or strips. Each strip may have a cross section of any shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. The conductive traces or strips may be made of any conductive material. For example, they may be made of tin, copper, etc. The conductive traces or strips may be insulated using any insulating material, such as polyester, dielectric polymers, etc. In some embodiments, cable  314  should be thin enough so as not to interfere with or perturb electronic device  100  when electronic device  100  is arranged in the recessed region of body  212 . For example, cable  314  may have a diameter of 0.8 mm, or in a range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm or greater than 1 mm. Cable  314  may have a cross section of any shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. According to some embodiments, cable  314  may be flexible or stiff. For example, in one embodiment cable  314  may be a substantially flat flex cable. In another embodiment, cable  314  may be a rounded or otherwise thicker cable that runs through a channel (not shown) in body  212  to connect plug housing  312  to connector base  316 . 
     Cable  314  may be arranged between electronic device  100  and the recessed region of body  212 , and extend from an aperture of body  212  to an edge of electronic device  100  (e.g., an edge of upper surface  102 , a location on a side surface  106 , or an edge of side surface  106 ). For example, cable  314  may extend from the aperture to side  106  including receptacle connector  114 . Cable  254  may also extend in a direction substantially parallel to the one or more pins accommodated in plug housing  312  and toward receptacle connector  114 . Plug housing  312  may be mechanically coupled to an end of cable  314  proximate to an edge of electronic device  100 . For example, plug housing  312  may be mechanically coupled to an end of cable  314  proximate to side  106  including receptacle connector  114 . The aperture of body  212  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 7C . 
     Cable assembly  310  may also include a connector base  316 . Connector base  316  may include a printed circuit board (not illustrated) having one or more connection pads formed thereon. The connection pads may be electrically coupled to respective ones of the conductive traces of cable  314 . Connector base  316  may be arranged in the aperture of body  212 . For example, connector base  316  may be arranged to partially extend into body  212 . For another example, connector base  316  may be arranged to fully extend through body  212 . Connector base  316  may be mechanically coupled to plug housing  312  via cable  314 . For example, connector base  316  may be bonded to an end of cable  314  opposite an end which plug housing  312  is bonded. 
     Cable assembly  310  may also include an insulated wire  318 . Insulated wire  318  may include a number of insulated wires, where at least one of the insulated wires is coupled to the connection pads in connector base  316 . Further, insulated wire  318  may be arranged in an elongated cutout of docking station  210  extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of body  212 . For example, insulated wire  318  may be located in an elongated cutout extending within body  212 . For another example, insulated wire  318  may be located in an elongated cutout extending along a bottom surface of body  212 . The elongated cutout of body  212  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 7C . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station  400  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4A , docking station  400  includes a body  402 . In some embodiments, body  402  is substantially transparent; in other embodiments, body  402  is opaque. A substantially transparent body  402  formed in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may advantageously result in various elements being hidden from view depending on the angle of view. For example, upon viewing a side of transparent body  402 , a user may not be able to view portions of a cable assembly due to light refractions caused by the geometry of body  402 . 
     In some embodiments, body  402  may be made from any materials suitable for forming a substantially solid entity. In other embodiments, body  402  may be made from any materials suitable for forming a malleable and/or flexible entity. For example, body  402  may be made from any suitable metal, minerals, ceramic, glass ceramic, wood, polymers, composite materials, semiconductors, nanomaterials, or biomaterials. According to one embodiment, body  402  is made from acrylic or an acrylic equivalent. According to another embodiment, body  402  is made from combinations of the above materials. 
     Body  402  includes a top or upper surface  404 , a bottom surface  406 , a front (or side) surface  408 , a back (or side) surface  410 , and side surfaces  412 . Body  402  also includes a recessed region  414  formed at upper surface  404 . 
     Recessed region  414  is shaped to receive an electronic device such that, when the electronic device is positioned in the recessed region, an exposed surface such as a display of the electronic device is substantially flush with a peripheral portion of the upper surface that surrounds the recessed region. For example, recessed region  414  may be shaped to form a substantially mirror image of rear surface  104 , and optionally side surfaces  106 , of electronic device  100 . By forming recessed region  414  to have such a shape, when electronic device  100  is positioned within recessed region  414 , upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  may be substantially flush with a peripheral portion of upper surface  404  that surrounds the recessed region. Further, when electronic device  100  is positioned within recessed region  414 , the entire rear surface  104 , and optionally the entire side surfaces  106 , of electronic device  100  will abut a surface of recessed region  414 . 
     According to one embodiment, recessed region  414  is recessed to a depth substantially equal to a thickness of an electronic device intended to be mounted in docking station  100 . For example, recessed region  414  may be recessed to an amount substantially equal to the combined depth of a side surface  106  and rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . For another example, where electronic device  100  does not have side surfaces  106 , recessed region  414  may be recessed to an amount substantially equal to the depth of rear surface  104 . In this fashion, when electronic device  100  is positioned in recessed region  414 , an exposed surface of electronic device  100  (i.e., upper surface  102 ) is substantially flush with a peripheral portion of the upper surface  404  that surrounds recessed region  414 . 
     According to another embodiment, recessed region  414  is recessed to a depth greater than a thickness of an electronic device intended to be mounted in docking station  400 . For example, recessed region  414  may be recessed to a depth including a thickness of pads  220  when compressed due to weight of device  100 . The depth of recessed region  414  may thus be substantially equal to the combined thickness of a pad  220 , depth of rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 , and optional depth of a side surface  106  of electronic device  100 . In this fashion, when electronic device  100  is positioned in recessed region  414  with pads  220  interposed therebetween, an exposed surface of electronic device  100  (i.e., upper surface  102 ) is substantially flush with a peripheral portion of the upper surface  404  that surrounds recessed region  114 . 
     According to one embodiment, recessed region  414  includes curved surfaces  414   a  and a substantially planar surface  414   b . For example, curved surfaces  414   a  may be shaped to receive curved surfaces  104   a  of electronic device  100 , and substantially planar surface  414   b  may be shaped to receive substantially planar surface  104   b  of electronic device  100 . 
     According to another embodiment, recessed region  414  does not include a substantially planar surface. Rather, the entire recessed region  414  is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in recessed region  414 . For example, where electronic device  100  includes an entire rear surface  104  that is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in rear surface  104 , recessed region  414  may be contoured accordingly such that the entire recessed region  414  is curved to match rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . 
     Recessed region  414  may be arranged to receive electronic devices having exposed surfaces of a variety of shapes. For example, recessed region  414  may be contoured to receive electronic device  100  having a rectangular upper surface  102 . Other shapes of upper surface  102  that recessed region  414  may be adapted to receive include square, circular, oval, etc. 
     Upper surface  404  may be sloped upwards from front surface  408  to back surface  410  so that recessed region  414  is accordingly sloped upwards from front surface  408  to back surface  410 . For example, a height of side surfaces  412  arranged proximate to front surface  408  may be smaller than a height of side surfaces  412  arranged proximate to back surface  410 . As a result, upper surface  404  may be sloped upwards from front surface  408  to back surface  410  with respect to bottom surface  406 . In some embodiments, upper surface  404  may be sloped upwards at an angle of approximately 7° with respect to bottom surface  406 . In other embodiments, upper surface  404  may be sloped upwards at an angle in the range of approximately 4° and 10°. In yet other embodiments, upper surface  404  may be sloped upwards at an angle of less than 4° or greater than 10°. By angling upper surface  404  with respect to bottom surface  406 , visibility of an exposed surface of a mounted electronic device  100  (e.g., upper surface  102 ) may be increased when docking station  400  is disposed on a horizontal surface. 
     Docking station  400  may include an aperture  416  formed at least partially through body  402  from recessed region  414  toward bottom surface  406 . In one embodiment, aperture  416  extends only partially into body  402  such that aperture  416  terminates within body  402 . In another embodiment, aperture  416  extends entirely through body  402  such that aperture  416  terminates at bottom surface  406  of body  402 . 
     Aperture  416  may be sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to an electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region. For example, aperture  416  may have a mirror-image shape of connector base  316  and have a diameter larger than a diameter of at least one of plug housing  312  and insulated wire  318 . In this fashion, at least one of plug housing  312  and insulated wire  318  can pass through aperture  416  while connector base  316  may fit snugly within aperture  416 . 
     Docking station  400  may include an elongated cutout (not illustrated in  FIG. 4A ) extending from aperture  416  to an edge (e.g., edges of front surface  408 , back surface  410 , or side surfaces  412 ) or edge surface (e.g., front surface  408 , back surface  410 , or a side surface  412 ) of body  402 . The elongated cutout may be sized so that a cable of a cable assembly can fit within the aperture. For example, the elongated cutout may be sized to receive insulated wire  318 . 
     According to one embodiment, the elongated cutout extends within body  402 . For example, where aperture  416  terminates within body  402 , the elongated cutout may extend from the point of termination within body  402  to a back surface  410  of body  402 . According to another embodiment, the elongated cutout extends along bottom surface  406  of body  402 . For example, where aperture  416  terminates at bottom surface  406  of body  402 , the elongated cutout may extend from the point of termination at bottom surface  406  of body  402  to a bottom edge of body  402 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 4A . From the top view, it is apparent that recessed region  414  may be contoured to receive electronic device  100  having a substantially rectangular upper surface  102 . Corners of recessed region  414  and upper surface  404  may be rounded or at substantially perpendicular angles. 
     Aperture  416  may be provided at any location within recessed region  414 . According to one embodiment, aperture  416  is located at a center of recessed region  414 . According to other embodiments, aperture  416  is provided at a location offset from the center of recessed region  414 ; for example, aperture  416  may be provided at a location closer to front surface  408  than back surface  410 , closer to back surface  410  than front surface  408 , and/or closer to a side surface  412  than another side surface  412 . 
     Aperture  416  may be arranged in any orientation within recessed region  414 . According to one embodiment, aperture  416  is arranged such that side surfaces of aperture  416  are parallel to side surfaces  412 . According to other embodiments, aperture  416  is arranged such that side surfaces of aperture  416  are arranged at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees from side surfaces  414 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a back view of the docking station  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . From the back view, an end portion of elongated cutout  418  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4C , elongated cutout  418  extends along bottom surface  406  of body  402 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, elongated cutout  418  may extend within body  402 . In such a case, the end portion of elongated cutout  418  may appear as a circle arranged on back surface  410  between (but not in contact with) upper surface  404  and bottom surface  406 . 
     As previously discussed, elongated cutout  418  may be sized to receive insulated wire  318 . In one embodiment, insulated wire  318  has a substantially circular cross section, and elongated cutout  418  has a substantially circular cross section having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the insulated wire  318 . For example, the diameter of elongated cutout  418  may be approximately 10% greater than the diameter of insulated wire  318 . For another example, the diameter of elongated cutout  418  may be approximately 5% to 20% greater than the diameter of insulated wire  318 . For yet another example, the diameter of elongated cutout  418  may be greater than the diameter of insulated wire  318  by an amount less than 5% or greater than 20%. In another embodiment, elongated cutout  418  has a cross section having a curved portion and planar portions. The smallest diameter of elongated cutout  418  may be greater than the largest diameter of insulated wire  318 . In other embodiments, insulated wire  318  has a cross section of different shapes; for example, insulated wire  318  may have an oval cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section, etc. Elongated cutout  418  may then similarly be shaped and sized to match the size and shape of insulated wire  318 . 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a cross sectional of the docking station  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . From the side view, elongated cutout  418  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4D , elongated cutout  418  extends along bottom surface  406  from aperture  416  to back surface  410 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, elongated cutout  418  may extend within body  402 . In such a case, elongated cutout  418  may be vertically displaced from bottom surface  406  such that elongated cutout  418  is arranged between (but not in contact with) upper surface  404  and bottom surface  406 . 
     As previously discussed, docking station  400  may include an aperture  416  formed at least partially through body  402  from recessed region  414  toward bottom surface  406 . According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4D , aperture  416  extends entirely through body  402  such that aperture  416  terminates at bottom surface  406  of body  402 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, aperture  416  may extend only partially into body  402  such that aperture  416  terminates within body  402 . In such a case, aperture  416  may be vertically displaced from bottom surface  406  such that aperture  416  is arranged between recessed region  414  and bottom surface  406  but not in contact with bottom surface  406 . 
     As also previously discussed, aperture  416  may be sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to an electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region. In one embodiment, aperture  416  includes a first portion  416   a  and a second portion  416   b . First portion  416   a  is recessed from recessed region  414  and extends from recessed region  414  toward bottom surface  406 , while second portion  416   b  is recessed from first portion  416   a  and extends from bottom surface  406  toward recessed region  414 . A diameter of first portion  416   a  may be greater than a diameter of second portion  416   b . Further, an upper portion of connector base  316  may have a diameter greater than a diameter of a lower portion of connector base  316 . First portion  416   a  may be sized to receive the upper portion of connector base  316 , while second portion  416   b  may be sized to receive the lower portion of connector base  316 . In this fashion, when aperture  416  receives connector base  316 , a top surface of connector base  316  may be substantially flush with a surface of recessed region  414 . 
       FIG. 4E  illustrates a bottom view of the docking station  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . From the bottom view, aperture  416  and elongated cutout  418  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4E , aperture  416  extends entirely through body  402  and elongated cutout  418  extends along bottom surface  406  from aperture  416  to back surface  410 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, aperture  416  may extend only partially into body  402  and elongated cutout  418  may extend within body  402 . In such a case, neither aperture  416  nor elongated cutout  418  would be seen in this view. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station  500  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Docking station  500  may include some or all of the features discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4E . Accordingly, the features referenced with the  500  series labels illustrated in  FIGS. 5A to 5C  are the same as those labeled with the  400  series in  FIGS. 4A to 4E . For example, docking station  500  includes a body  502 , which includes a top or upper surface  504 , a bottom surface  506 , a front surface  508 , a back surface  510 , and side surfaces  512 , respectively the same as the previously discussed features labeled  402  to  412 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A , docking station  500  further includes an additional cutout  520  formed at least partially through body  502  from upper surface  504  toward bottom surface  506  and between recessed region  514  and back surface  510 . Additional cutout  520  may be sized to receive a stand (not illustrated) for an additional electronic device (not illustrated). The stand may be designed so that, when the stand and the additional electronic device are engaged and the stand is arranged within additional cutout  520 , the additional electronic device is positioned above top surface  504  of body  502 . In this fashion, the additional electronic device may be positioned proximate to an electronic device  100  mounted within recessed region  514  of docking station  500 , and electronic device  100  may function to display advertising information related to the additional electronic device. 
     Additional cutout  520  may include notches  522  for engaging with coupling portions of the stand. For example, the stand may include coupling portions such as a spring-loaded ball bearing, or pins, protruding from one or more surfaces of the stand. The coupling portions may be operable to engage the notches  522  such that the stand remains mounted in additional cutout  520  in the event the electronic device is removed from the stand. 
     In some embodiments, additional cutout  520  may be formed at least partially through body  502  from a surface other than upper surface  504 . For example, additional cutout  520  may be formed from a side surface  512  toward another side surface  512 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a top view of the docking station  500  shown in  FIG. 5A . From the top view, it is apparent that additional cutout  520  may have any shape at top surface  504 . For example, additional cutout  520  may be rectangular, square, circular, oval, etc. Further, additional cutout  520  may be provided at any location on upper surface  504 . For example, top surface  504  may include a substantially planar portion extending from recessed region  514  to rear surface  510 . Additional cutout  520  may then be provided on this substantially planar portion. For another example, top surface  504  may include a substantially planar portion extending from recessed region  514  to one or more of side surfaces  512 . Similarly, additional cutout  520  may then be provided on this substantially planar portion. Further yet, additional cutout  520  may be provided in a same plane as aperture  516  (as illustrated in  FIG. 5B ) or in a different plane. 
     According to one embodiment, additional cutout  520  has a substantially rectangular shape at top surface  504 . Accordingly, additional cutout  520  includes two pairs of opposing, substantially planar surfaces, where notches  522  are etched from one pair of opposing surfaces. Adjacent surfaces may be connected via curved corners or substantially perpendicular corners. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a cross sectional of the docking station  500  shown in  FIG. 5A . From the side view, the formation of additional cutout  520  partially through body  502  can be seen. Additional cutout  520  extends into body  502  toward but not in contact with elongated cutout  518 . According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5C , elongated cutout  518  extends along bottom surface  506  from aperture  516  to back surface  510 . In such a case, additional cutout  520  may extend almost entirely through body  502 . However, according to another embodiment, as previously discussed, elongated cutout  518  may extend within body  502 . In such a case, additional cutout  520  may extend only partially into body  502 . For example, additional cutout  520  may extend half way or a quarter way into body  502 . According to other embodiments, additional cutout  520  may not be located in a same plane as elongated cutout  518 . In such a case, additional cutout  520  may extend entirely through body  502  from upper surface  504  to lower surface  506 . 
     According to one embodiment, a bottom surface of additional cutout  520  is substantially planar and in parallel with bottom surface  506  of body  502 . Further, a top surface of additional cutout  520  is substantially planar and sloped upwards from front surface  508  of body  502  to back surface  510  of body. The slope of the top surface of additional cutout  520  may be the same as or different than a slope of upper surface  504 . In other embodiments, the bottom surface of additional cutout  520  may be sloped, and the top surface of additional cutout  520  may be substantially parallel with bottom surface  506 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station  600  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6A  is substantially similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Accordingly, the features referenced with the  600  series labels illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are the same as those labeled with the  500  series in  FIGS. 5A to 5C . However, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6A , additional cutouts  620  are provided. 
     Additional cutouts  620  may be arranged anywhere on top surface  604  outside of recessed region  614 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the additional cutouts  620  are all arranged between recessed region  614  and back surface  610 . In other embodiments, one or more cutouts  620  may be arranged between recessed region  614  and back surface  610  while one or more cutouts  620  are arranged between recessed region  614  and another surface such as a side surface  612 . In other embodiments, one or more cutouts  620  may be arranged between recessed region  614  and one of side surfaces  612  and one or more cutouts  620  may be arranged between recessed region  614  and another one of side surfaces  612 . In yet other embodiments, the cutouts  620  may be arranged between recessed region  614  and one of side surfaces  612 . 
     Additional cutouts  620  may be arranged in the same or different planes. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the additional cutouts  620  are all arranged in the same plane extending between side surfaces  612 . In other embodiments, additional cutouts  620  are arranged in different planes; for example, they may be offset from one another with reference to a plane extending between side surfaces  612 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a top view of the docking station  600  shown in  FIG. 6A . From the top view, it is apparent that additional cutouts  620  may have any shape and, as previously discussed, be provided at any location on upper surface  604 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station  700  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7A  is substantially similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Accordingly, the features referenced with the  700  series labels illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7C  are the same as those labeled with the  500  series in  FIGS. 5A to 5C . However, according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7A , additional cutouts  730  are provided. 
     Each additional cutout  730  is formed at least partially through body  702  from upper surface  704  toward bottom surface  706  and between recessed region  714  and back surface  710 . Each additional cutout  730  may be sized to receive a stand (not illustrated) for an additional electronic device (not illustrated). The stand may be designed so that, when the stand and the additional electronic device are engaged and the stand is arranged within additional cutout  730 , the additional electronic device is positioned above top surface  704  of body  702 . In this fashion, the additional electronic device may be positioned proximate to an electronic device  100  mounted within recessed region  714  of docking station  700 , and electronic device  100  may function to display advertising information related to the additional electronic device. 
     Compared to cutout  720 , additional cutouts  730  may be smaller. Accordingly, additional cutouts  730  may be used to mount additional electronic devices smaller than those mounted on cutout  720 . For example, cutout  720  may be used to mount an additional electronic device having a cable assembly attached thereto, whereas additional cutouts  730  may be used to mount additional electronic devices not attached to cable assemblies. Further, additional cutouts  730  may not include notches  722 , and may have a shape different than a shape of cutout  720 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a top view of the docking station  700  shown in  FIG. 7A . From the top view, it is apparent that additional cutouts  730  may have any shape at top surface  704 . For example, additional cutouts  730  may be oval, circular, square, rectangular, etc. Further, additional cutouts  730  may be provided at any location on upper surface  704 . For example, top surface  704  may include a substantially planar portion extending from recessed region  714  to rear surface  710 . Additional cutouts  730  may then be provided on this substantially planar portion. For another example, top surface  704  may include a substantially planar portion extending from recessed region  714  to one or more of side surfaces  712 . Similarly, additional cutouts  730  may then be provided on this substantially planar portion. Further yet, additional cutouts  730  may be arranged in the same or different planes, as discussed above with reference to additional cutouts  620 . 
     According to one embodiment, additional cutouts  730  each have a substantially oval shape at top surface  704 . Accordingly, additional cutouts  730  each includes one pair of opposing, substantially planar surfaces, and one pair of opposing, curved surfaces. Notches, as described with reference to  FIG. 5A , may or may not be included in the pair of opposing, substantially planar surfaces. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the docking station  700  shown in  FIG. 7A . From the side view, the formation of one of additional cutouts  730  partially through body  702  can be seen. Additional cutout  730  extends into body  702  toward but not in contact with an elongated cutout (not shown). According to one embodiment, the elongated cutout extends along bottom surface  706  from aperture  716  to back surface  710 . In such a case, the additional cutouts  730  may extend almost entirely through body  702 . However, according to another embodiment, as previously discussed, the elongated cutout may extend within body  702 . In such a case, the additional cutouts  730  may extend only partially into body  702 . For example, the additional cutouts  730  may extend half way or a quarter way into body  702 . According to other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , at least one of the additional cutouts  730  is not located in a same plane as the elongated cutout. In such a case, the at least one additional cutout  730  may extend entirely through body  702  from upper surface  704  to lower surface  706 . 
     According to one embodiment, a bottom surface of at least one additional cutout  730  is substantially planar and in parallel with bottom surface  706  of body  702 . Further, a top surface of the additional cutout  730  is substantially planar and sloped upwards from front surface  708  of body  702  to back surface  710  of body. The slope of the top surface of the additional cutout  730  may be the same as or different than a slope of upper surface  704 . In other embodiments, the bottom surface of at least one additional cutout  730  may be sloped, and the top surface of at least one additional cutout  730  may be substantially parallel with bottom surface  706 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a digital signage system  800  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Digital signage system  800  includes an electronic device  100  such as that previously described, a docking station  802  having a top surface  804  for mounting electronic device  100 , an additional electronic device  810 , and a stand (not illustrated) for engaging docking station  802  and additional electronic device  810 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , electronic device  100  is mounted within a recessed region of docking station  802  such that an exposed surface of electronic device  100  is substantially flush with a top surface  804  of docking station  802 . Further, additional electronic device  810  is mounted on a stand (not illustrated) that is arranged in an additional cutout of docking station  802 . 
     According to this embodiment, the additional electronic device  810  is a portable media device. For example, additional electronic device  810  may be an iPod as manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. According to other embodiments of the present invention, additional electronic device  810  is not a portable media device. Rather, additional electronic device  810  may be any portable electronic device. For example, additional electronic device  810  may be a personal digital assistance (PDA), a camera, a game player, a cellular phone, etc. 
     Additional electronic device  810  may be arranged on docking station  802  so that a bottom surface of additional electronic device  810  is substantially flush with top surface  804 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface of additional electronic device  810  may be embedded within additional electronic device  810 , or provided above top surface  804 . Additional electronic device  810  may be arranged such that it extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to top surface  804 . In some embodiments, additional electronic device  810  is arranged such that it extends at an angle with respect to top surface  804 . For example, additional electronic device  810  may be arranged to extend at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to top surface  804 , or in a range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees, or in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees. 
     Additional electronic device  810  may be arranged on docking station  802  such that a display surface of additional electronic device  810  is in a direction facing electronic device  100 . For example, the display surface of additional electronic device  810  may be arranged to be parallel with a front surface of docking station  802 . Additional electronic device  810  may be arranged such that its display surface is in other directions as well. For example, it may be arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the front surface of docking station  802 , or in a range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees, or in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be variable. For example, the stand may be provided such that additional electronic device  810  is rotatable while mounted on docking station  802 . 
     In some embodiments, additional electronic device  810  may be arranged on surfaces of docking station  802  other than top surface  804 . For example, additional electronic device  810  may be arranged on a side surface of docking station  802 . In other embodiments, more than one additional electronic device  810  may be provided. The additional electronic devices  810  may be identical to one another, or different than one another. For example, they could be the same device but with different colors. For another example, one additional electronic device could be a video player, while another additional electronic device could be a music player. 
     Digital signage system  800  may optionally include other previously discussed features. For example, digital signage system  800  may include one or more pads  220 . For another example, digital signage system  800  may include cable assembly  310 . 
     Various embodiments for improved docking stations according to the present invention have been described. While these inventions have been described in the context of the above specific embodiments, many modifications and variations are possible. The above description is therefore for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. 
     For example, additional cutouts and apertures could be incorporated into the docking station. In one embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 4A , additional cutouts could be incorporated into a surface such as curved surface  414   a  to enable access to buttons on a side surface  106  of electronic device  100 . In another embodiment, apertures passing entirely through curved surface  414   a  and side surface  412  may be provided to enable cable access to interfaces provided on a side surface  106  of electronic device  100 , such as a headphone jack. In another embodiment, apertures passing entirely through substantially planar surface  414   b  may be provided to enable access to buttons, such as a power button, on rear surface  104  of electronic device. In yet another embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 5A , additional apertures could be incorporated between the additional cutout  520  and other surfaces of or locations within body  502 , to enable a cable connectable to an additional electronic device mounted within additional cutout  520  to pass into or through body  502 . In one case, an aperture may be formed from additional cutout  520  to back surface  510 , thereby enabling cables connectable to an additional electronic device mounted within additional cutout  520  to pass through back surface  510  from additional cutout  520 . 
     For another example, various combinations of the discussed embodiments may be realized. For example, one or more of pads  220  described with reference to  FIG. 2  may be incorporated in the digital signal system  300  described with reference to  FIG. 3 . For another example, additional cutouts  730  may be provided without additional cutout  720 . 
     Also, references to top or bottom, or front and back of the various structures described above are relative and are used interchangeably depending on the point of reference. Similarly, dimensions and sizes provided throughout the above description are for illustrative purposes only and the inventive concepts described herein can be applied to structures with different dimensions. Accordingly, the scope and breadth of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments described above and should instead be determined by the following claims and their full extend of equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110520
Publication Date: 20140225
Grant Date: 20140225
Priority Date: 20110520
Inventors: DOLCI DOMINIC E.
VILLARREAL CESAR LOZANO
SPIELMANN VICTORIA A.
MARIANO RICARDO A.
KWAN ALEXANDER M.
SMEENGE JAMES G.
DE IULIIS DANIELE G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46178843