GB2479739A

GB2479739A - Docking Apparatus for a Touch-Screen Computer

Info

Publication number: GB2479739A
Application number: GB201006533A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tomasz Baryiski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2010-04-20
Publication date: 2011-10-26
Also published as: GB201006533D0

Abstract

A docking apparatus 5 comprises means for establishing a bi-directional data connection with a removable touch-screen computer (such as an MP3 player) in such a way that the touch-screen is exposed for user operation [Fig. 5(a)]. The connection may comprise a physical connector 10 or a wireless interface. The docking apparatus includes at least one media device/player, and comprises means for outputting video data from the in-situ media to the touch-screen computer, and for receiving user cominands (for example; play, pause, stop, fast-forward, rewind, menu) entered through the touch-screen. The media device might be a read-write DVD player 25, and the docking apparatus might further comprise a video camera [Fig. 5, 71]. The docking apparatus may comprise means for receiving a power supply and means to provide a charging current for the computer. Alternatively, the docking apparatus comprises means for accessing data memory, wherein data can be input through the touch-screen computer and stored in the data memory. The data memory may be provided in-situ within the docking apparatus. The docking apparatus might be suitable for use in the headrest of a vehicle [Fig. 6].

Description

Docking Apparatus This invention relates to a docking apparatus for a removable touch-screen computer, for example the Apple iPad®.

A docking apparatus, or docking station, is a device for holding a portable computer system, for example a laptop or MP3 player. The docking station and computer system electrically interface to provide, for example, a charging current and/or access to peripherals such as speakers or external devices connected to the docking station.

For example, iPod® docking stations are known, the stations having a 30-pin male connector for engaging the iPod's female connector and with speakers to provide amplified output from the iPod.

Docking stations for use in vehicles are also known.

Such stations are designed to secure in operative position MP3 audio players and portable DVD players. In the case of portable DVD players, the docking station provides a source of power through a mechanical mount attached to the rear of a headrest.

In 2010, Apple released a touch screen computer called the iPad®. The iPad comprises a multi-touch LCD screen capable of receiving data input almost entirely through the screen interface. The iPad uses the Apple iPhone® operating system (OS) and provides a number of common functions, including internet access via 3G and WiFi, GPS positioning and cellular telephony. Downloadable applications, or apps', can be downloaded using Apple's online store. The iPad is significantly larger in size (9.56 in (24.3 cm) w x 7.47 in (19.0 cm) h x 0.5 in (1.3 cm) d) than the earlier iPod and iPhone devices and is aimed primarily at the next-generation laptop market.

Unlike laptops, the iPad comprises no-mechanical keyboard, hard disk drive or DVD player. Size and weight is minimised by providing for data entry almost entirely though the touch screen and through the use of solid state flash memory.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a docking apparatus for interfacing a removable touch-screen computer, for example an Apple iPadTM, with a media player provided in-situ as part of the docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for establishing a bi-directional data connection with a computer; means for releasably securing the computer to the docking apparatus in such a way that, in use, the touch-screen is substantially exposed for user operation; and an in-situ media player, the docking apparatus further comprising processing means for outputting video data from the media player to the touch-screen of the computer through the data connection, and for receiving through the data connection user commands entered through the touch-screen for controlling the in-situ media player.

The means for establishing a data connection may comprise a physcaJ connector for engacjincj a corresponding physical connector of the computer. Alternatively, the means may comprise a wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth or WiFi interface through which data can be sent from the docking station to the computer.

Preferably, the in-situ media player is a DVD player, which could be a conventional player, a Blu-ray player or even a read/write DVD player.

In this way, the touch screen computer can be used as a portable display device, retaining advantages associated with having no mechanical keyboard, disk drive or DVD drive, for example. Functionality such as media or DVD playback is provided through the docking station itself.

Further, enabling control of the media device through the touch screen means that mechanical buttons are not required on either the computer or the docking station.

The processing means may be arranged to receive user commands corresponding to one or more of play, pause, stop, fast forward, rewind, and menu commands and to cause the corresponding action at the in-situ DVD player.

The apparatus may further comprise one or more in-situ data storage devices, for example a HDD, to enable storage of data entered through the touch-screen of the computer. External storage access may be provided through flash memory ports, e.g. a USB 2.0 port or a compact flash or SD card port.

The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving an external power supply and for transforming said supply to provide a charging current through the docking connector.

The apparatus may comprise a means to wirelessly charge a computer, e.g. through induction.

According to a second aspect, there is provided docking apparatus for interfacing a removable touch-screen computer, for example an Apple iPadTM, with data memory associated with the docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for establishing a bi-directional data connection with a computer; means for releasably securing the computer to the docking apparatus in such a way that, in use, the touch-screen is substantially exposed for user operation; and means for accessing data memory through the docking apparatus, the docking apparatus further comprising processing means for receiving through the connection data input to the computer through the touch screen and for storing said data on data memory through the docking station.

Preferably, data memory is provided in-situ within the docking apparatus. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) could be located within the docking station.

The processing means may be arranged to store the input data as one or more data files on the in-situ memory, the or each file being associated with an identified user or computer. The processing means may further arranged to permit access to the or each data file stored on the in-situ memory in accordance with a check based on the identified user or computer connected to the docking station at the time an access request is made.

The docking station according to either aspect may further comprise an in-situ video camera, for example to permit video coriferericirig.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle headrest;

S

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a docking station in accordance with the invention, relative to the headrest shown in Figure 1; Figures 3a-c are, respectively, front, side and underside plan views of the docking station shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical components comprising part of the docking station shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figures 5a-c are, respectively, front, side and underside plan views of the docking station shown in Figures 2-4 with a portable computer connected; Figures 6a-c show different views of a docking station when attached to the rear of a vehicle headrest; and Figures 7a-c show a docking station in a third embodiment in different operating positions.

The exemplary embodiments relate to a docking station for use in a vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that concept can be used in non-vehicular applications.

Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle headrest is shown, comprising a padded headrest part 1 and two attachment stems 3 which, in use, engage within corresponding sockets in the vehicle seat (not shown) Referring to Figure 2, a docking station 5 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown, the station being connectable to the attachment stems 3 of the headrest. Attachment can be made by any known means, for example clamping. As will be explained, the docking station 5 is arranged to detachably support a portable computer system 7 with a touch-screen input interface 9, for example the Apple iPad®. Electrical connection is achieved through a male 30-pin connector 10 in the docking station 5 for engagement with a corresponding 30-pin female connector 10' of the computer system 7 (not shown) . The docking station 5 also includes an in-situ DVD player capable of receiving and playing DVD5 11 inserted through a side slot. Alternative media players may include a CD player, or solid-state memory having media stored thereon.

The DVD player may be of conventional type, or can be a Blu-ray player, or a read-write DVD player, the latter enabling data to be written to a suitable DVD also.

Referring to Figures 3(a)-(c), the docking station 5 comprises a body 15 and, upstanding therefrom at one side, an integral control unit 17 which contains much of the control and processing circuitry of the docking station. Connected to the opposite side of the body 15 is a retaining hinge 19 connected to the body by a spindle 21. The retaining hinge 19 is substantially L-shaped with a transverse section 23 that, in the closed position shown, acts to secure a portable computer system in place. The hinge 19 can be opened and closed by user action.

Protruding transversely from the control unit 17 is the aforementioned 30-pin connector 10. Thus, in order to connect a portable computer system (not shown) to the docking station 5, the user opens the hinge 19, as indicated by the arrow, and then slides the computer system from right to left so that its corresponding female connector engages the male connector 10. The hinge 19 is then closed.

An alternative means of establishing a data connection between the docking station 5 and the portable computer system may be achieved through known wireless protocols.

Bluetooth and WiFi are examples.

The in-situ DVD player 25 is located in the body 15 of the docking station 5, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 3 (a) . Access to the DVD player 25 is by means of a slot 27 in the side panel of the body 15, as shown in Figure 3 (b) In-situ storage means in the form of a HDD 29 is also provided in the body 15; access to a removable flash drive is provided by a USB port 31 in the side panel of the control unit 17. A further means of access to removable flash memory is by means of a card slot 32, for example a compact flash or SD card slot, provided in the same side panel; the USB port and card slot may be configured to read/write data bi-directionally.

Referring to Figure 4, there will now be described the electronic modules present in the control unit 17. A microprocessor 31 handles data processing and the input and output of data from, and to, the portable computer 7 when connected to the docking station 5 using connectors 10, 10' . In the case of the DVD player 25, a DVD controller 33 is provided; one purpose of the DVD controller 33 is to decode MPEG video data output by the DVD player for display at the portable computer 7. The portable computer 7 will likely use one of a number of predefined video players for the purpose of playing video. In the case of the iPad, this will almost certainly be Apple's Quicktime'TM player. Accordingly, the DVD controller 33 is responsible for converting the MPEG video data to Quicktime format during playback, and for presenting the various menus for selection purposes. In addition, the DVD controller 33 is responsible for decoding control signals received from the portable computer's touch screen 9. In this regard, the user can enter control commands for the DVD player through the touch screen 9 using a suitable graphical user interface (GUI) . Control commands in this sense mean menu navigation commands (e.g. menu, up, down, left, right, select) as well as playback control commands (play, stop, pause, rewind, fast forward) . This avoids the need to provide mechanical buttons for these commands on the portable computer 7 or the docking station 5. Upon receiving a control command from the portable computer 7, the DVD controller 33 generates the corresponding command for the DVD player 25. Operation of the DVD controller 33 may be configured by updatable software stored on local memory 32.

Although there is no requirement for mechanical buttons on the docking station, these can of course be present as a further/alternative source of control if desired.

The microprocessor 31 is further arranged to transfer data to and from the USB socket 31 via a USB 2.0 driver 39, the card socket 32 via another driver (not shown) and, further still, to transfer data to and from the HDD 29 via a HOD driver 41.

Provision of the removable memory sockets 31, 32 and the in-situ HDD 29 is useful for storing applications and data files in-situ on the docking station 5 as opposed to on the portable computer 7. For example, a user may wish to use a word processing or spreadsheet application whilst travelling in a vehicle. The resulting word processing or spreadsheet file can be saved on, say, the HDD 29 for later retrieval or transfer to a DVD (assuming the DVD player 25 is a writer) or memory stick via the USB 2.0 port 31. This may be useful where available memory on the portable computer 7 is limited or where saving/autosave functions will slow down the current operation of the computer. Additionally, saving a file to memory on the docking station may involve storing an identifier with the file identifying the user or particular computer that created or edited the file; subsequent access, whether read, editing or administration access can thereafter be restricted to the user or computer associated with the file. This means that a user can store their own data securely on the HDD 29 without fear that another user will be able to access the data. This identifier may further be protected by An additional form of input device provided as part of the control unit 17 is a video camera 71. Users can therefore initiate a video conference even if their computer has no video camera or a low resolution camera.

Also provided as part of the control unit 17 are a number of audio outputs 43, namely an in-built speaker, a headphone socket and a line out socket. Each is optional since many portable computers have in-built speakers; however, their power and fidelity is usually limited so providing audio outputs in the docking station offers an improved audio capability. This may be particularly desirable where the user wishes to watch a DVD.

An external power source 35 is connected to the docking station 5, in the case from the 12 volt battery of a vehicle. This may be fed from a cigarette lighter or similar source. A transformer 37 converts this to a voltage/current appropriate to the particular computer.

The transformed voltage/current is fed to the connector to charge said computer when connected. The transformer 37 also supplies power to the abovementioned circuitry in the control unit 17.

Instead of a wired charging source, the power source 35 may be connected to an induction system that generates a charging source wirelessly when the portable computer is connected in the docking station 5.

Referring now to Figures 5(a)-(c), there is shown the docking station 5 with an iPad 45 connected therewithin, the hinge 19 being shown in the closed position. The dimensions and arrangement of the docking station are such that the entire touch screen 47 is visible and accessible to the user.

Also shown in Figure 5 is the video camera 71 described above with reference to Figure 4.

The above-described docking station 5 offers particular advantages when used in a vehicle or similar application.

The Applicant has appreciated the move towards touch screen computers, such as the iPad and others in development. Typically, such computers have no mechanical keyboard as part of the device (although may enable connection to an external keyboard) relying principally on the screen for data input. Such computers may also be single panel devices, distinguishing them from conventional laptops having a dual-panel clamshell type configuration.

A docking station 5 of the type described allows such computers to become, effectively, removable display devices for DVD5 and other types of media playback.

Removability is desirable, not least from a security point of view. Given the trend towards solid-state memory and the avoidance of bulky components in the next generation of portable computers, the provision of a DVD player in the docking station means the user is still able to enjoy in-car entertainment viewed through a lightweight, low profile display device. Furthermore, the Applicant has appreciated that touch screen technology can allow for control of DVD players and other storage devices in-situ within the docking station 5, avoiding the need to provide controls on either the computer 45 or the docking station.

Referring to Figures 6(a)-(c), there is shown the docking station 5 when connected to the headrest shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 6(a), the docking station 5 is shown connected to the spindles 3 of the headrest by means of first and second clamps 51 provided on the rear of the body 15. Alternative attachment means can be used. Figure 6(b) shows the docking station 5 in operative use with an iPad 45 connected inside. Also shown, displayed on the touch screen 47, are a number of playback control commands 53 relevant to DVD operation.

These are provided as part of a DVD playback application stored on the iPad 45. Operation of a particular command, e.g. pause, results in a signal being sent through the connectors 10, 10' to cause a pause command to be actioned at the DVD player 25.

In a second embodiment, shown in Figure 6(c), the docking station 5 includes a further panel 55 connected to the rear of the body 15 by first and second parallel sliders 57. The attachment clamps 51 are in this case provided on the rear of the panel. The body 15 is arranged to be movable, up and down relative to the panel 55, by means of the sliders 57. This allows the portable computer 45 to be lowered, nearer to the user's lap should this be more convenient, for example if a word processing or other data entry task is being performed. In the case of DVD playback, the position shown in Figure 6(b) is likely to be preferred.

In a third embodiment, shown in Figures 7(a)-(c), the docking station 5 is connected in a soffit-type arrangement to the interior of a roof or ceiling, for example in a vehicle. The docking station 5 described above is attached to an arm 65 that is connected at its other, distal end, to a universal ball joint 63. The ball joint 63 is itself connected to the interior of a hollow mounting box 61 that can be mounted within a ceiling recess or on its surface. As indicated in Figure 7 (b), the docking station 5 can be rotated in a first orientation between a non-use position (Figure 7(a)) and a fully open position 69 where the station (and so the computer held within it) is substantially perpendicular to the mounting box 61. Intermediate positions 67 can also be taken for a desired viewing angle. As indicated in Figure 7(c) the docking station 5 can also be rotated in the transverse orientation, generally orthogonal to that shown in Figure 7(b)

Claims

Claims 1. A docking apparatus for interfacing a removable touch-screen computer with a media player provided in-situ as part of the docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for establishing a bi-directional data connection with a computer; means for releasably securing the computer to the docking apparatus in such a way that, in use, the touch-screen is substantially exposed for user operation; and an in-situ media player, the docking apparatus further comprising processing means for outputting video data from the media player to the touch-screen of the computer through the data connection, and for receiving through the data connection user commands entered through the touch-screen for controlling the in-situ media player.
2. A docking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for establishing a data connection comprises a physical connector for engaging a corresponding physical connector of the computer.
3. A docking apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the in-situ media player is a DVD player.
4. A docking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the DVD player is a read-write DVD player.
5. A docking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the processing means is arranged to receive user commands corresponding to one or more of play, pause, stop, fast forward, rewind, and menu commands and to cause the corresponding action at the in-situ media player.
6. A docking apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more in-situ data storage devices, for example a HDD, to enable storage of data entered through the touch-screen of the computer.
7. A docking apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for receiving an external power supply and for transforming said supply to provide a charging current through an inductive or physical connector.
8. A docking apparatus for interfacing a removable touch-screen computer with data memory associated with the docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for establishing a bi-directional data connection with a computer; means for releasably securing the computer to the docking apparatus in such a way that, in use, the touch-screen is substantially exposed for user operation; and means for accessing data memory through the docking apparatus, the docking apparatus further comprising processing means for receiving through the connection data input to the computer through the touch screen and for storing said data on data memory through the docking station.
9. A docking apparatus according to claim 8, wherein data memory is provided in-situ within the docking apparatus.
10. A docking apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processing means is arranged to store the input data as one or more data files on the in-situ memory, the or each file being associated with an identified user or computer.
11. A docking apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the processing means is further arranged to permit access to the or each data file stored on the in-situ memory in accordance with a check based on the identified user or computer connected to the docking station at the time an access request is made.
12. A docking apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an in-situ video camera.
13. A docking apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings.