JP2014505290A - Apparatus, system and method having a docking station - Google Patents

Abstract

  A hot-pluggable docking station includes one or more central processing units (CPUs), internal memory, and other support circuitry in the dock. When a low performance device is docked, it enhances the computer capabilities of the low performance device by utilizing not only its additional computer capabilities, but also peripherals connected to the dock. In addition, smart docking stations are networked or connected to such other smart docks, each functioning as a node in a distributed computer network, and their computer capabilities are utilized and shared within the network.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a docking station, and more particularly to a smart docking station that enhances the computer capabilities of a mobile or mobile device.

  Docking stations are often referred to as “port replicators” and provide a simple way to plug or connect mobile electronic computers, such as laptop computers, to common peripherals or peripherals. Modern laptop computer systems incorporate many features that were previously only available on desktop personal computers. Utilizing a docking station connected to a mobile computer system allows a user access to various services and devices that are typically available only on desktop computer systems. That is, when a laptop is connected or secured to a docking station, the resulting system resembles a desktop computer.

  The mobile computer system is generally connected to the docking station using a socket type connection method. That is, the mobile computer system is inserted into the docking system, and at the time of the insertion, the connection connector is used to connect to the docking station. The docking station is connected to various devices that are newly available to the mobile computer.

  Recently, low-performance mobile devices (non-performance mobile devices) such as netbooks, ultra-thin laptops, smartphones and mobile internet devices (MIDs) have become ultra mobility to end users. Is becoming popular. However, these devices may not have enough computing power, especially for users in corporate environments. To compile / build software, generate business reports, perform computationally demanding client-requested tasks such as graphics rendering and games, etc. ) Is required.

  In other situations, high performance devices are not always fully used for simple tasks such as document editing, web surfing, etc. Therefore, there is a concern that functions and computing power are wasted.

European Patent Application No. 0693731

  The problem of the disclosed embodiment is to effectively utilize the function and computing capability of the apparatus.

An apparatus according to an embodiment
A docking station coupled to the mobile electronic computing device;
A computer circuit in the docking station, wherein the mobile electronic device uses the computer circuit to enhance its computer capabilities when the mobile electronic device is coupled with the docking station.

1 illustrates a smart docking station according to one embodiment of the present invention that enhances the computer capabilities of a docked device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the internal elements of a smart docking station according to one embodiment of the invention.

  The invention described above and below will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. While the disclosure content described and exemplified above and below focuses on disclosing embodiments and examples of the present invention, the description is merely illustrative and specific examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be clearly understood that it is not limited.

  A hot-pluggable docking station is described, which includes one or more central processing units (CPUs), internal memory, and other support circuitry within the dock. When a low performance device is docked, it enhances the computer capabilities of the low performance device by utilizing not only its additional computer capabilities, but also peripherals or peripherals connected to the dock. In addition, smart docking stations may be networked or connected to such other smart docks, each functioning as a node in a distributed computer network, and their computer capabilities may be utilized and shared within the network. .

  As used throughout the specification, "one embodiment" or "embodiment" refers to a particular feature, structure, attribute, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment in at least one embodiment of the invention. Means included. That is, the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, attributes, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a smart docking station is shown. Docking station 100 includes a socket 102 for coupling with a socket (not shown) of mobile electronic device 103. The docking station 100 may be connected to various devices and services (service unit or service providing unit). As an example, the docking station may be connected to one or more displays 104, a printer 106, a mouse 108, a keyboard 110, a power source 112 and a network connection 114. A network connection 114 connects to the Internet or office intranet, and thus connects to such other smart docks 130 and 132, each of which functions as a node in a distributed computer network, Available and shared with the network. The enumerations shown are specific examples and are not an exhaustive description or an exhaustive list. When the mobile electronic device 103 is connected to the dock 100, all of the above devices are available to the electronic device 103. Further, according to embodiments of the present invention, the dock 100 includes one or more of its central processing unit (CPU) 120 and support circuitry and devices, which are also available to the mobile electronic device 103.

  FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, smart docking station 200 is provided for docking with mobile electronic device 202. Mobile electronic devices include any commonly available device, including, but not limited to, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile internet device (MID), a tablet, a smartphone, and the like. In general, all these devices have inferior computer capabilities when compared to standard desktop or laptop computers, and can benefit from the additional computer circuitry 204 built into the smart dock 200.

  As shown, the smart dock 200 includes one or more computer circuits 204, such as CPUs 206 and 208, each with an associated RAM memory 210 and 212. In addition, the docking station 200 includes its own mass storage device 214, such as a hard drive (HD) or a newer solid state drive (SSD). The chipset 216 is included in the interfaces that connect the CPUs 206, 208 and the mass storage device 214 with various interfaces, such as the dock interface 218 (related to the interface with the mobile device 202) and the interface 220, The interface 220 is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firmware port, a video graphic adapter (VGA), a high resolution media interface (HDMI), an Ethernet (registered trademark) connection unit, or the like. The smart dock 200 naturally includes its own power or power supply 222 and power adapter interface 224. This computer circuit may be incorporated into a conventional motherboard system, or it may be incorporated into a chip (SoC) system in the smart dock 200. As shown, two CPUs 206, 208 are shown, but there may be more or fewer elements depending on the additional computer capabilities required.

  In one example usage, the dock 200 includes at most four processors and 8 GB of RAM. OEM / ODM / end users can add / remove processors in dock 200 based on actual needs. If a low-performance device (non-performance device) 202 is installed in the dock 200, the operating system (OS) of the device 202 will be replaced with additional processors, graphics cards, RAM and other peripherals embedded in the dock 200 or Detect peripheral devices and automatically control them. Its detection and control is transparent or transparent to the application running on the OS.

  In the second usage mode, the dock 200 is separated from the low-performance device 202, and the computer capacity of the dock can be shared via the office network. That is, the dock 200 becomes a node in a computer network infrastructure in which information technology (IT) is distributed. Dock SoC provides computer services. A large number of docks provide highly capable computer resources for business requirements that fit to some extent, and greatly improve the return on investment (ROI) of information technology (IT).

  Smart dock embodiments enhance computer capabilities or computer functions such as netbooks, MIDs, ultra-thin laptops, smartphones, and the like. Plugging into the dock makes the corporate use of these devices greatly available. The dock has already become a very common device, with multiple built-in processor RAMs and other useful hardware, which will become increasingly popular. Embodiments with hot-pluggable docks with built-in multiprocessors and RAM provide mobility that is very good when low-performance mobile devices are attached to a work or home dock, while providing mobility. Does not affect the battery life of the device when they are separated from the dock and used on a business trip or trip.

  The above description of the embodiments of the invention, including the matters described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to the specific forms described. It has not been. While specific embodiments and specific examples of the present invention have been described for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent variations are possible within the scope of the present invention.

  These modifications may be made to the present invention by the above description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the drawings. Rather, the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and should be construed in view of equivalent theory regarding the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

A docking station coupled to the mobile electronic computing device;
A computer circuit in the docking station, wherein the mobile electronic device uses the computer circuit to enhance its computer capabilities when the mobile electronic device is coupled to the docking station.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer circuit in the docking station is at least one central processing unit.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the computer circuit in the docking station further comprises a random access memory associated with the at least one central processing unit.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the computer circuit further comprises a mass storage device.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mass storage device comprises a hard disk drive.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mass storage device comprises a semiconductor drive.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the docking station is networked with another docking station via a network and the computer circuit is available to other devices of the network.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer circuit is formed by a system on chip (SoC). Providing a docking station;
Providing a computer circuit in the docking station;
Enabling the mobile electronic device to enhance its computer capabilities using the computer circuitry when the mobile electronic device is coupled with the docking station.   The method of claim 9, further comprising providing at least one central processing unit as part of the computer circuitry in the docking station.   The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a random access memory associated with the at least one central processing unit.   The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a mass storage device in the side of the instrumentation.   The method of claim 9, wherein the computer circuit is formed by a system on chip (SoC).   10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of networking with another docking station over a network so that the computer circuit is available to other devices on the network. A system,
A docking station coupled to the mobile electronic computing device;
Computer circuitry in the docking station;
And when the mobile electronic device is coupled with the docking station, the mobile electronic device uses the computer circuitry to enhance its computer capabilities,
The system is a network connection unit for connecting docking stations to each other, each of the docking stations functions as a node in the network, and the computer circuit in the docking station can be used for other devices in the network. A system having a network connection.   The system of claim 15, wherein the computer circuit in the docking station is at least one central processing unit.   The system of claim 15, wherein the computer circuit in the docking station further comprises a random access memory associated with the at least one central processing unit.   The system of claim 16, wherein the computer circuit further comprises a mass storage device.   The system of claim 18, wherein the mass storage device comprises a hard disk drive.   The system of claim 18, wherein the mass storage device comprises a semiconductor drive.

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