GB2491191A - Multiple orientation docking station - Google Patents

Multiple orientation docking station Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2491191A
GB2491191A GB201108983A GB201108983A GB2491191A GB 2491191 A GB2491191 A GB 2491191A GB 201108983 A GB201108983 A GB 201108983A GB 201108983 A GB201108983 A GB 201108983A GB 2491191 A GB2491191 A GB 2491191A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
electrical connection
docking station
terminal
connection points
electrical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB201108983A
Other versions
GB201108983D0 (en
Inventor
Alan Peel
David Pallant
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Promethean Ltd
Original Assignee
Promethean Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Promethean Ltd filed Critical Promethean Ltd
Priority to GB201108983A priority Critical patent/GB2491191A/en
Publication of GB201108983D0 publication Critical patent/GB201108983D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2012/059934 priority patent/WO2012163873A1/en
Publication of GB2491191A publication Critical patent/GB2491191A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/642—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by position or shape of contact members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting

Abstract

A docking station or docking terminal, comprising an interface for connection with the terminal, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the terminal, wherein the interface is configured to electrically connect in a plurality of orientations of the terminal relative to the docking station. This may involve a symmetrical square or concentric circle arrangement, which can be continuous connections or discrete points, allowing a handheld device to be electrically connected facing forwards or 180 degrees rotated backwards, so that it is in different alignments or orientation.

Description

DOCKING STATION FOR TERMINAL
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION:
Fteld of the Invention: The invention relates to an arrangement in which a terminal, such as a handheld terminal, connects with a docking station. In particular, the terminal and docking station are connected electrically. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with a docking station having a plurality of docking locations for docking a plurality of terminals.
Description of the Related Art:
Docking stations for terminals such as telephone handsets are well-known in the art. When docked in a docking station a terminal can be re-charged via an electrical power connection provided by the docking station. In some instances, data is also transferred to or from the terminal via electrical connections in the docking station.
It is also known to provide docking stations which provide an array of docking locations for a plurality of terminals. An example of such an application is handheld terminals used in a classroom environment as part of a learner response system. A plurality of terminals may be provided for use by a plurality of students. When not in use, the plurality of terminals may be docked in a docking station having an array of docking locations. The terminals may be recharged for future use in this way.
It is an aim of the invention to provide an improved terminal and/or docking station.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
In one aspect, the invention provides a docking station for docking a terminal, comprising an interface for connection with the terminal, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the terminal, wherein the interface of the docking station is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the terminal in a plurality of orientations of the terminal relative to the docking station.
The plurality of orientations may comprise a first and second orientation, the first orientation preferably being 180° of the second orientation.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station may comprise a first set of electrical connection points and a second set of electrical connection points, the first and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal in a first and second orientation respectively.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station may be provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors. The one set of electrical connection points of the terminal may be provided by one set of electrical connectors. In an embodiment, there is provided an advantageous docking station, having two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a terminal having one set of electrical connectors.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station may be provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points. The one set of electrical connection points of the terminal may be provided by one set of electrical connectors.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station may comprise a single set of electrical connectors, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the terminal in a first and second orientation respectively. The single set of electrical connectors may include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the terminal which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations. The contact points may extend in a set of concentric circles, and may be continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles.
In use, preferably only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points connects with the electrical connection points of the terminal.
The first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points may provide the same set of connection points for connection of the terminal to the docking station.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection points for providing a data connection between the terminal and the docking station. The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection point for providing a power connection between the terminal and the docking station.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station may include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the terminal in the first and second orientations. The at least one common electrical connection point may be provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may be arranged in a line. The plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may be arranged in a straight line.
The first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station may be positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry. The point of symmetry may be a central point of the interface. A common electrical connection point may be provided at the point of symmetry.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may include at least two commonly connected electrical connection points. Each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points.
Each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points may be connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected. A kth connector of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a kth connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connectors in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
The terminal is preferably provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the docking station such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the first set of electrical connection points of the docking station, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
With the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the terminal may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the docking station.
The docking station may comprise a cradle for positioning the terminal, the cradle being arranged to position the terminal in the docking station in the plurality of orientations. The docking station may comprise a plurality of cradles, for positioning a respective plurality of terminals.
There may be provided a docking housing providing a plurality of docking stations as defined.
The invention also provides in this aspect a terminal for docking with a docking station, the terminal comprising an interface including a set of electrical connection points, the set of electrical connection points being arranged to interface with either the first set of electrical connection points or the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station in a first or second orientation.
In another aspect, the invention provides a terminal for docking in a docking station, comprising an interface for connection with the docking station, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the docking station, wherein the interface of the terminal is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the docking station in a plurality of orientations of the docking station relative to the terminal.
The plurality of orientations may comprise a first and second orientation, the first orientation preferably being 1800 of the second orientation.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal may comprise a first set of electrical connection points and a second set of electrical connection points, the first and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station in a first and second orientation respectively.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal may be provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors. The one set of electrical connection points of the docking station may be provided by one set of electrical connectors. In an embodiment, there is provided an advantageous terminal, having two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a docking station having one set of electrical connectors.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal may be provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points. The one set of electrical connection points of the docking station may be provided by one set of electrical connectors.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal may comprise a single set of electrical connectors, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the docking station in a first and second orientation respectively. The single set of electrical connectors may include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the docking station which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations. The contact points may extend in a set of concentric circles, and may be continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles.
In use, preferably only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points connects with the electrical connection points of the docking station.
The first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points may provide the same set of connection points for connection of the docking station to the terminal.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection points for providing a data connection between the docking station and the terminal. The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection point for providing a power connection between the dccking station and the terminal.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal may include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the docking station in the first and second orientations. The at least one common electrical connection point may be provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal may be arranged in a lino. The plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal may be arranged in a straight line.
The first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal may be positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry. The point of symmetry may be a central point of the interface. A common electrical connection point may be provided at the point of symmetry.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal may include at least two commonly connected electrical connection points. Each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points.
Each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points may be connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected. A kth S connector of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a ktl connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connectors in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
The docking station is preferably provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the terminal such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the first set of electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the electrical connection points of the docking station, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the second set of electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the electrical connection points of the docking station.
With the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the docking station may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the terminal.
The invention also provides in this aspect a docking station for docking the terminal, the docking station comprising an interface including a set of electrical connection points, the set of electrical connection points being arranged to interface with either the first set of electrical connection points or the second set of electrical connection points of the terminal in a first or second orientation.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a docking station for docking a terminal, one of the terminal or the S docking station comprising an interface for connection with the other, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the other, wherein the interface of the one is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the other in a plurality of orientations of the one relative to the other.
BRIEF DESCORIPTION OF THE FIGURES: The invention is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an exemplary terminal for docking; Figures 2(a) to 2(h) illustrate a first exemplary terminal and docking station in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figures 3(a) to 3(h) illustrate a second exemplary terminal and docking station in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figures 4(a) to 4(h) illustrate a third exemplary terminal and docking station in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figures 5(a) to 5(h) illustrate a fourth exemplary terminal and docking station in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary docking station for multiple terminals in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMVOIDNENTS:
The invention is described herein with reference to various preferred embodiments. The invention is not limited to the detail of any described embodiment, and one skilled in the art will appreciate the general applicability of the invention as described.
With reference to Figure 1(a), there is illustrated an exemplary terminal for docking. As seen in the profile view of Figure 1(a), the terminal 100 comprises a display area 102 and a keyboard or other user input area 104. The invention is not limited to a terminal such as illustrated in Figure 1. Other implementations of terminals will be known to those skilled in the art.
As illustrated in Figure 1(b), the terminal is provided with a number of electrical connection points 106 in an end surface thereof. As illustrated in Figure 1(b), in the illustrated example there are provided four electrical connection points 106a to lO6d.
As will be familiar to one skilled in the art, the electrical connection points are provided on the terminal for connection with a docking station adapted to receive the terminal, the electrical connection points of the terminal making electrical contact with electrical connection points provided in the docking station.
The present invention provides an improved terminal and/or an improved docking station, in an arrangement where a terminal and a docking station interconnect to establish electrical connection.
In a first aspect, the invention provides a docking station for docking a terminal, comprising an interface for connection with the terminal, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the terminal, wherein the interface of the docking station is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the terminal in a plurality of orientations of the terminal relative to the docking station.
This aspect of the invention is illustrated with respect to various embodiments as shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(h) and Figures 3(a) to 3(h).
As illustrated in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and 3(a) and 3(b), the terminal 100 interfaces with a docking station 108. Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and 3(a) and 3(b), illustrate side-on views of the terminal 100 and docking station 108, with a section cut-through the docking station. Figures 2(d) and 3(d) illustrate a view of an embodiment of the docking station looking down. In the preferred embodiment described herein it is assumed that the terminal has a rectangular profile at the edge that interfaces with the docking station, and the docking station is designed to have a rectangular profile to accommodate the terminal.
Mechanically the docking station 108 is designed to allow a close fit of the terminal, for the terminal to dock in a resting position in the docking station.
In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of orientations may comprise a first and second orientation, the first orientation preferably being 180° of the second orientation. Thus as illustrated in Figures 2(a) and 3(a) the terminal is shown in a first orientation with a front side of the terminal illustrated. As illustrated in Figures 2(b) and 3(b) the terminal is shown in a second orientation with a back side of the terminal illustrated.
In the arrangement of Figures 2(a) to 2(h) the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station comprise a first set of electrical connection points ll2a, 112b and ll2c and a second set of electrical connection points 114a, ll4b and ll4c, the firt and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points ll0a, 11Gb, and hOc of the interface of the terminal 100 in the first and second orientation respectively.
Thus, as shown in Figure 2(a), with the terminal 100 in a first orientation the second set of electrical connection points 114a, 114b and hl4c of the docking station can connect with the set of electrical connection points llOa, 11Gb, and hOc of the terminal 100; and as shown in Figure 2(b) in a second orientation the first set of electrical connection points hl2a, hl2b and hl2c of the docking station can connect with the set of electrical connection points hlOa, 11Gb, and hOc of the terminal 100.
As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 2(d), the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station 108 are provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors. The one set of electrical connection points of the terminal is provided by one set of electrical connectors as shown in the terminal end-view of Figure 2(c) Thus there is provided an advantageous docking station, having two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a terminal having one set of electrical connectors.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station may alternatively be provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points. Embodiments incorporating such arrangements are illustrated in Figures 2(e), 2(f), 2(g) and 2(h).
The one set of electrical connection points of the terminal may similarly be provided by one set of electrical connectors.
As illustrated in Figure 2(e), for example, the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station may comprise a single set of electrical connectors 116a, ll6b, and ll6c, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the terminal in a first and second orientation respectively.
The single set of electrical connectors ll6a, ll6b, and ll6c may include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the terminal which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations. As illustrated in Figure 2(e), the contact points may comprise the sets of connectors 112 and 114 at the ends of the electrical connectors llEa, 116b and ll6c.
As illustrated in Figure 2(g), the contact points may extend in a set of electrical connectors forming concentric circles 120a, 120b, and 120c, and may be continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles. As illustrated in Figure 2(g), the contact points may comprise the sets of connectors 112 and 114 at points on the electrical connectors 120a, 120b and 120c.
As illustrated in Figure 2 (h), the contact points may extend in a set of electrical connectors forming rectangular l22a, 122b, and 122c, and may be continuous patterns for each connector, or discrete or extended points along the path of continuous rectangles. As illustrated in Figure 2(h), the contact points may comprise the sets of connectors 112 and 114 at points on the electrical connectors 122a, 122b and 122c.
In the arrangements of Figures 2(e), 2g) and 2(h), contact points may be located at any point on the electrical connectors, providing multiple positions in which terminal docking may take place.
As illustrated in Figure 2(f), the sets of electrical contact points 112 and 114 may be provided at discrete locations, being interconnected within the docking station by electrical connectors 118a, 118b and 118c.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may include at least two commonly connected electrical connection points.
Each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points is preferably connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points. As illustrated in Figure 2(f), each of the connection points 112 is connected to a respective one of the second set of electrical connection points by a connection wire 118a, 118b and 118c.
It will be apparent that a plurality of configurations may provide for the first and second sets of electrical contact points being located to allow docking of the terminal in two or more orientations with respect to a terminal having a single set of electrical contact points.
In use, preferably only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points 112 and 114 connects with the electrical connection points 110 of the terminal 100.
The first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points provide the same set of connection points for connection of the terminal to the docking station.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one, and preferably more than one, connection points for providing a data connection between the terminal and the docking station.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection point for providing a power connection between the terminal and the docking station, preferably in addition to one or more data connection points.
In an alternative aspect to the aspect illustrated with respect to Figures 2(a) to 2(h), in Figures 3(a) to 3(h) the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station may include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the terminal in the first and second orientations.
Figures 3(a) to 3(h) correspond to the arrangements of Figures 2(a) to 2(h), but with the provision of a common connection point between the sets of connection points in the docking station, which common connection point interfaces with a connection point of the terminal in all orientations.
The at least one common electrical connection point may be provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
As illustrated in Figures 3(a) to 3(h), the docking station has a first set of connection points ll2a and ll2b and a second set of connection points ll4a and ll4b. In addition the docking station has common connection point 126. The terminal has a set of connection points llOa, llOb and 124, the connection point 124 connecting with the connection point 126 of the docking station in all orientations.
With the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the terminal may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the docking station.
The configuration of the docking station and terminal in Figures 3(a) to 3(h) is consistent with the configuration of Figures 2 (a) to 2 (h) . A full description of the arrangements of Figures 3(a) to 3(h) is not provided. It will be apparent that the arrangements are the same as with respect to Figures 2(a) to 2(h), but with the provision in the docking station of a common electrical contact point in addition to the first and set of electrical contact points. The common electrical contact may, for example, be a data connection point. The common electrical contact may, for example, be an electrical power connection point.
As illustrated in the arrangements of Figures 2(d) and 3 (d), the plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may be arranged in a line. The plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station are preferably arranged in a straight line.
The first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station are preferably positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry. The point of symmetry is preferably a central point of the interface. The common electrical connection point 126 of the arrangement of Figures 3(a) to 3(h) is preferably provided at the point of symmetry.
Each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points may be connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected. Thus a kth connector of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a kth connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connection points in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
In the arrangements of Figures 2(a) to 2(h), connection point ll2a is connected to connection point ll4a, connection point ll2b is connected to connection point ll4b, and connection point ll2a is connected to connection point ll4c.
In the arrangements of Figures 3(a) to 3(h), connection point ll2a is connected to connection point 114a, and connection point ll2b is connected to connection point ll4b.
The terminal is preferably provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the docking station such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the first set of electrical connection points of the docking station, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
The docking station may comprise a cradle for positioning the terminal, the cradle being arranged to position the terminal in the docking station in the plurality of orientations. The docking station may comprise a plurality of cradles, for positioning a respective plurality of terminals.
There may be provided a docking housing providing a plurality of docking stations as defined.
The invention also provides in this first aspect a terminal for docking with a docking station, the terminal comprising an interface including a set of electrical connection points, the set of electrical connection points being arranged to interface with either the first set of electrical connection points or the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station in a first or second orientation.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a terminal for docking in a docking station, comprising an interface for connection with the docking station, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the docking station, wherein the interface of the terminal is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the docking station in a plurality of orientations of the docking station relative to the terminal.
This aspect of the invention is illustrated with respect to various embodiments as shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(h) and Figures 5(a) to 5(h).
As illustrated in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), and 5(a) and 5(b), the terminal 100 interfaces with a docking station 108. Figures 4(a) and 4(b), and 5(a) and 5(b), illustrate side-on views of the terminal 100 and docking station 108, with a section cut-through the docking station. Figures 4(c) and 5(c) illustrate a view of the face of the terminal which interfaces with the docking station. Figures 4(d) and 5(d) illustrate a view of the docking station looking down. In the preferred embodiment described herein it is assumed that the terminal has a rectangular profile at the edge that interfaces with the docking station, and the docking station is designed to have a rectangular profile to accommodate the terminal. Mechanically the docking station 108 is designed to allow a close fit of the terminal, for the terminal to dock in a resting position in the docking station.
In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of orientations may comprise a first and second orientation, the first orientation preferably being 1800 of the second orientation. Thus as illustrated in Figures 4(a) and 5(a) the terminal is shown in a first orientation with a front side of the terminal illustrated. As illustrated in Figures 4(b) and 5(b) the terminal is shown in a second orientation with a back side of the terminal illustrated.
In the arrangement of Figures 4(a) to 4(h) the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal comprise a first set of electrical connection points 212a, 2l2b and 2l2c and a second set of electrical connection points 214a, 214b and 214c, the first and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points 2lOa, 210b, and 2lOc of the interface of the docking station 108 in the first and second orientation respectively.
Thus, as shown in Figure 4(a), with the terminal 100 in a first orientation the second set of electrical connection points 2l4a, 214b and 214c of the docking station can connect with the set of electrical connection points 2lOa, 210b, and 210c of the docking station 108; and as shown in Figure 4(b) in a second orientation the first set of electrical connection points 212a, 212b and 212c of the docking station can connect with the set of electrical connection points 210a, 2lOb, and 210c of the docking station 108.
S As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b) and 4(d), the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal are provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors. The one set of electrical connection points of the docking station is provided by one set of electrical connectors as shown in Figure 4(c) Thus there is provided an advantageous terminal, having two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a docking station having one set of electrical connectors.
The first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal may alternatively be provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points. Embodiments incorporating such arrangements are illustrated in Figures 4(e), 4(f), 4(g) and 4(h).
The one set of electrical connection points of the docking station may similarly be provided by one set of electrical connectors.
As illustrated in Figure 4(e), for example, the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal may comprise a single set of electrical connectors 216a, 216b, and 2l6c, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the docking station in a first and second orientation respectively.
The single set of electrical connectors 216a, 216b, and 216c may include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the terminal which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations. As illustrated in Figure 4 Ce), the contact points may comprise the connectors 212 and 214 at the ends of the electrical connectors 216a, 216b, and 216c.
As illustrated in Figure 4 (g), the contact points may extend in a set of electrical connections forming concentric circles 220a, 220b, and 220c, and may be continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles. As illustrated in Figure 4(g), the contact points may comprise the sets of connectors 212 and 214 at points on the electrical connectors l4Oa, l4Ob and l4Oc.
As illustrated in Figure 4 (h), the contact points may extend in a set of electrical connectors forming rectangular 222a, 222b, and 222c, and may be continuous patterns for each connector, or discrete or extended points along the path of continuous rectangles. As illustrated in Figure 4(h), the contact points may comprise the sets of connectors 212 and 214 at points on the electrical connectors 242a, 242b and 242c.
In the arrangements of Figures 4(e), 4(g) and 4(h), contact points may be located at any point on the electrical connectors, providing multiple positions in which terminal docking may take place.
As illustrated in Figure 4(f), the sets of electrical contact points 212 and 214 may be provided at discrete locations, being interconnected within the terminal by electrical connectors 138a, 138b and 138c.
The plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal may include at least two cornrrionly connected electrical connection points.
Each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points is preferably connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points. As illustrated in Figure 4(f), each of the connection points 212 is connected to a respective one of the second set of electrical connection points 214 by a connection wire l38a, 138b and l38c.
It will be apparent that a plurality of configurations may provide for the first and second sets of electrical contact points being located to allow docking of the terminal in two or more orientations with respect to a docking station having a single set of electrical contact points.
In use, preferably only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points 212 and 214 connects with the electrical connection points 210 of the docking station 108.
The first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points provide the same set of connection points for connection of the docking station to the terminal.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one, and preferably more than one, connection pointsfor providing a data connection between the docking station and the terminal.
The first and second set of electrical connection points may comprise at least one connection point for providing a power S connection between the terminal and the docking station, preferably in addition to one or more data connection points.
In an alternative aspect to the aspect illustrated with respect to Figures 4(a) to 4(h), in Figures 5(a) to 5(h) the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal may include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the docking station in the first and second orientations.
Figures 5(a) to 5(h) correspond to the arrangements of Figures 4(a) to 4(h), but with the provision of a common connection point between the sets of connection points in the terminal, which common connection point interfaces with a connection point of the dockign station in all orientations.
The at least one common electrical connection point may be provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal.
As illustrated in Figures 5(a) to 5(h), the terminal has a first set of connection points 2l2a and 2l2b and a second set of connection points 2l4a and 214b. In addition the terminal has common connection point 226. The docking station has a set of connection points 2lOa, 210b and 224, the connection point 224 connecting with the connection point 226 of the docking station in all orientations.
With the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the docking station may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the terminal.
The configuration of the docking station and terminal in Figures 5(a) to 5(h) is consistent with the configuration of Figures 4 (a) to 4 (h) . A full description of the arrangements of Figures 5(a) to 5(h) is not provided. It will be apparent that the arrangements are the same as with respect to Figures 4(a) to 4 (h), but with the provision in the terminal of a common electrical contact point in addition to the first and set of electrical contact points. The common electrical contact may, for example, be a data connection point. The common electrical contact may, for example, be an electrical power connection point.
As illustrated in the arrangements of Figures 4(d) and 5(d), the plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal may be arranged in a line. The plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal are preferably arranged in a straight line.
The first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal are preferably positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry. The point of symmetry is preferably a central point of the interface. The common electrical connection point 126 of the arrangement of Figures 4(a) to 4(h) is preferably provided at the point of symmetry.
Each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points may be connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected. Thus a kth connector of the first set of electrical connection points may be connected to a kt connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connection points in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
In the arrangements of Figures 4(a) to 4(h), connection point 212a is connected to connection point 2l4a, connection point 212b is connected to connection point 214b, and connection point 112a is connected to connection point 214c.
In the arrangement of Figures 5(a) to 5(h), connection points 212a is connected to connection points 214a, and connection point 212b is connected to connection point 2l4b The docking station is preferably provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the terminal such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the docking station connect to the first set of electrical connection points of the terminal, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the docking station connect to the second set of electrical connection points of the terminal.
The docking station may comprise a cradle for positioning the terminal, the cradle being arranged to position the terminal in the docking station in the plurality of orientations. The docking station may comprise a plurality of cradles, for positioning a respective plurality of terminals.
There may be provided a docking housing providing a plurality of docking stations as defined.
With reference to Figure 6 there is illustrated a docking station 170 comprising a plurality of docking locations 172a, 172b, 172c, and 172d for docking of terminals. Each docking location of the docking station, and/or the terminals for positioning in the docking location, may conform with the arrangements of a terminal and/or a docking station as described in any embodiment herein.
The invention is described herein with reference to various embodiments and preferred arrangements. The invention is not limited to specific aspects of any particular embodiments, The scope of protection afforded by the invention is set out in the appended claims.

Claims (64)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A docking station for docking a terminal, comprising an interface for connection with the terminal, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the terminal, wherein the interface of the docking station is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the terminal in a plurality of orientations of the terminal relative to the docking station.
  2. 2. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the plurality of orientations comprise a first and second orientation.
  3. 3. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the first orientation is 1800 of the second orientation.
  4. 4. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station comprise a first set of electrical connection points and a second set of electrical connection points, the first and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal in a first and second orientation respectively.
  5. 5. The docking station of claim 4 wherein the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station are provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors.
  6. 6. The docking station of claim 5 wherein the one set of electrical connection points of the terminal are provided by one set of electrical connectors.
  7. 7. The docking station of claim 5 or claim 6 wherein there is provided two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a terminal having one set of electrical connectors.
  8. 8. The docking station of any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the docking station are provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points.
  9. 9. The docking station of claim 8 wherein the one set of electrical connection points of the terminal is provided by one set of electrical connectors.
  10. 10. The docking station of claims 1 to 3 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station comprise a single set of electrical connectors, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the terminal in a first and second orientation respectively.
  11. 11. The docking station of claim 10 wherein the single set of electrical connectors include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the terminal which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations.
  12. 12. The docking station of claims 11 wherein the contact points may extend in a set of concentric circles.
  13. 13. The docking station of claim 12 wherein the concentric circles are continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles.
  14. 14. The docking station of any one of claims 3 to 13 wherein, in use, only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points connects with the electrical connection points of the terminal.
  15. 15. The docking station of any one of claims 3 to 14 wherein the first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points provide the same set of connection points for connection of the terminal to the docking station.
  16. 16. The docking station of any one of claims 3 to 15 wherein the first and second sets of electrical connection points comprise at least one connection point for providing a data connection between the terminal and the docking station.
  17. 17. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the first and second set of electrical connection points comprise at least one connection point for providing a power connection between the terminal and the docking station.
  18. 18. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the terminal in the first and second orientations.
  19. 19. The docking station of claim 18 wherein at least one common electrical connection point is provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
  20. 20. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may be arranged in a line.
  21. 21. The docking station of claim 20 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station may be arranged in a straight line.
  22. 22. The docking station of any one of claims 4 to 21 wherein the first and second set of electrical connection points of the docking station is positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry.
  23. 23. The docking station of claim 22 wherein the point of symmetry is a central point of the interface.
  24. 24. The docking station of claim 22 or claim 23 wherein a common electrical connection point is provided at the point of symmetry.
  25. 25. The docking station of any one of claims 4 to 24 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the docking station include at least two commonly connected electrical connection points.
  26. 26. The docking station of claim 25 wherein each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points is connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points.
  27. 27. The docking station of any one of claims 4 to 26 wherein each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points is connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected.
  28. 28. The docking station of claim 27 wherein a kth connector of the first set of electrical connection points is connected to a kth connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connectors in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
  29. 29. The docking station of claim 28 wherein the terminal is provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the docking station such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the first set of electrical connection points of the docking station, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station.
  30. 30. The docking station of any one of claims 2 to 29 wherein with the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the terminal may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the docking station.
  31. 31. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 30 further comprising a cradle for positioning the terminal, the cradle being arranged to position the terminal in the docking station in the plurality of orientations.
  32. 32. The docking station of claim 31 comprising a plurality of cradles, for positioning a respective plurality of terminals.
  33. 33. A docking housing providing a plurality of docking stations according to any one of claims 1 to 32.
  34. 34. A terminal for docking with a docking station according to any one of claims 1 to 33, the terminal comprising an interface including a set of electrical connection points, the set of electrical connection points being arranged to interface with either the first set of electrical connection points or the second set of electrical connection points of the docking station in a first or second orientation.
  35. 35. A terminal for docking in a docking station, comprising an interface for connection with the docking station, the interface comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for connection with a plurality of corresponding electrical connection points of an interface of the docking station, wherein the interface of the terminal is configured to electrically connect with the interface of the docking station in a plurality of orientations of the docking station relative to the terminal.
  36. 36. The terminal according to claim 35 wherein the plurality of orientations comprise a first and second orientation.
  37. 37. The terminal according to claim 36 wherein the first orientation is 1800 of the second orientation.
  38. 38. The terminal according to claims 35 to 37 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal comprise a first set of electrical connection points and a second set of electrical connection points, the S first and second sets of electrical connection points each being provided for connection with a single set of electrical connection points of the interface of the docking station in a first and second orientation respectively.
  39. 39. The terminal of claims 38 wherein the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal are provided by first and second sets of electrical connectors.
  40. 40. The terminal of claim 39 wherein the one set of electrical connection points of the docking station are provided by one set of electrical connectors.
  41. 41. The terminal of claims 39 or 40 wherein there is provided a terminal, having two sets of electrical connectors for connecting with a docking station having one set of electrical connectors.
  42. 42. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 41 wherein the first and second sets of electrical connection points of the terminal are provided by a single electrical connector having first and second sets of contact points.
  43. 43. The terminal according to claims 42 wherein the one set of electrical connection points of the docking station may be provided by one set of electrical connectors.
  44. 44. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 43 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal comprise a single set of electrical connectors, the single set of electrical connectors being provided for connection with one set of electrical connectors of the interface of the docking station in a first and second orientation respectively.
  45. 45. The terminal of claims 44 wherein the single set of electrical connectors include contact points for connection to the electrical connectors of the docking station which extend to a plurality of positions forming the plurality of electrical connection points, to provide for connection to the single set of electrical connectors in a plurality of orientations.
  46. 46. The terminal according to claim 43 or 44 wherein the contact points may extend in a set of concentric circles, and may be continuous concentric circles, or discrete or extended points along the path of concentric circles.
  47. 47. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 46 wherein, in use, only one of the first or second sets of electrical connection points connects with the electrical connection points of the docking station.
  48. 48. The terminal of any one of claims 35 to 47 wherein the first set of electrical connection points and the second set of electrical connection points provide the same set of connection points for connection of the docking station to the terminal.
  49. 49. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 48 wherein the first and second set of electrical connection points comprise at least one connection points for providing a data connection between the docking station and the terminal.
  50. 50. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 49 wherein the first and second set of electrical connection points comprise at least one connection point for providing a power connection between the docking station and the terminal.
  51. 51. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 50 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the interface of the terminal include at least one common electrical connection point for connection with an electrical connection point of the docking station in the first and second orientations.
  52. 52. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 51 wherein the at least one common electrical connection point is provided in addition to the first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal.
  53. 53. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 52 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal are arranged in a line.
  54. 54. The terminal of claims 53 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal are arranged in a straight line.
  55. 55. The terminal of any one of claims 35 to 54 wherein the first and second set of electrical connection points of the terminal are positioned symmetrically about a point of symmetry.
  56. 56. The terminal of claim 55 wherein the point of symmetry is a central point of the interface.
  57. 57. The terminal of claims 55 or claim 56 wherein a common electrical connection point provides at the point of symmetry.
  58. 58. The terminal of any one of claims 35 to 57 wherein the plurality of electrical connection points of the terminal include at least two commonly connected electrical connection points.
  59. 59. The terminal according to claim 58 wherein each electrical connection point of the first set of electrical connection points is connected to a respective one of each electrical connection point of the second set of electrical connection points.
  60. 60. The terminal of any one of claims 35 to 59 wherein each of the respective ones of the first and second sets of electrical connection points is connected together such that respective electrical connection points in symmetrical positions about the point of symmetry are commonly connected.
  61. 61. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 60 wherein a kth connector of the first set of electrical connection points is connected to a kth connector of the second set of electrical connection points, where k is an integer in the set 1 to N, where N is the total number of electrical connectors in each of the first and second sets of electrical connection points.
  62. 62. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 61 wherein the docking station is provided with a set of N electrical connection points, and the first and second sets of electrical connection points are arranged in the interface of the terminal such that with the terminal in a first orientation with respect to the docking station the first set of electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the electrical connection points of the docking station, and with the terminal in a second orientation with respect to the docking station the second set of electrical connection points of the terminal connect to the electrical connection points of the docking station.
  63. 63. The terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 62 wherein with the terminal in either the first or second orientations, at least one electrical connection point of the docking station may connect to a common electrical connection point of the interface of the terminal.
  64. 64. A docking station for docking the terminal according to any one of claims 35 to 63, the docking station comprising an interface including a set of electrical connection points, the set of electrical connection points being arranged to interface with either the first set of electrical connection points or the second set of electrical connection points of the terminal in a first or second orientation.
GB201108983A 2011-05-27 2011-05-27 Multiple orientation docking station Withdrawn GB2491191A (en)

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GB201108983A GB2491191A (en) 2011-05-27 2011-05-27 Multiple orientation docking station
PCT/EP2012/059934 WO2012163873A1 (en) 2011-05-27 2012-05-28 Docking station for terminal

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GB201108983D0 (en) 2011-07-13

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