NL1043573B1

NL1043573B1 - Docking device

Info

Publication number: NL1043573B1
Application number: NL1043573A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Arij Snelleman Hermanus
Original assignee: Belanda Tech
Priority date: 2020-02-25
Filing date: 2020-02-25
Publication date: 2022-01-28
Also published as: NL1043573A; WO2021170538A1

Abstract

A device with a docking means for integrating a smartphone at the back of a display part. By using computer power of the smartphone, a laptop-like device does not need to have computer power, but just provides connections and charging capabilities to peripherals such as a keyboard, trackpad and display. When the smartphone is fully inserted in a docking means, this prevents theft or damage of the phone. When lifted above the top side of the display part, the camera of the smartphone may be used as front facing camera. When the camera is sticking out it is clear to the user of the device that the camera is ready to be used by the user, but it also makes the user aware of possibly malicious use by a hacker. By pushing the camera down, it is prevented by the user that a criminal can spy on the user. 1043573

Description

. DOCKING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to handheld computers. More particularly, the invention relates io a device for extending functionality of peripherals of a handheld computer, such as a smartphone.

BACKGROUND Computers and smariphones have become necessary tools in everyday life. Developments in the area of computers and smartphones go very fast. The computer power of a current smartphone is many times higher than for example the first computers which were used Io send men to the moon. A drawback of smariphones comprises that these handheld computers have small screens and a small area for user input. The screen that is used for displaying information is also used for emulating a keyboard for input of text for example. Another problem comprises that data stored on the smarlphone sometimes need to be transferred to other devices, for example for further processing by using more computer power of a laptop or deskiop computer. There are current solution which make transfer and use of data of a smartphone easier accessible by connecting the smartphone to a computer of laplop directly with an VO interface. One such solution is disclosed in United States patent US 5,689,654 by Elonex F.P. Holdings Ltd, which is summarized as a personal digital assistant (PDA) module with a local CPU, memory, and VO interface having a host interface comprising a bus connected to the local CPU and a connector at a surface of the PDA for interfacing to a bus. connector of a host general-purpose computer, providing direct bus communication between the PDA and the hast computer. The PDA can be docked to a docking bay of the host computer. The PDA has an expansion port connected to the local CPU, and expansion peripheral devices may be connected and operated through the expansion port.

Another approach is followed by United Siales patent application US 207/0083048 {A1} by Apple Inc. which is summarized as an electronic accessory device available to extend and expand usefulness of a portable computing device.

United States patent application US 20110021247 {A1) by Azurewave & Technologies Inc. is summarized as a docking station which includes a casing, a socket and a plurality of peripheral interface devices. The casing includes a base and a cover, wherein the cover is pivolingiy disposad on the base, openably and coverably, to form an appearance of a notebook computer. The socket is formed in a surface of the base for receiving a mobile communication device, and a high speed transmission interface is formed in a bottom of the socket The plurality of peripheral interface devices is disposed on the casing and electrically connected with the high speed transmission interface. When the mobile communication device is placed in the socket, the mobile communication device is electrically connected with the high speed transmission interface and transmits signals with the plurality of peripheral interface devices.

United States patent application US 2013/0080870 {A1} by Compal Electronics inc. is summarized as A modular system of devices, in which a {master) device can be combined with one or more of the other (slave) devices in the system to form a functional electronic device {e.q., handheld cellular phone, tablet computing device), having different functionalities and features in different form factors across various platforms. The master device provides control and/or stored data to operate the slave devices, lo reduce redundancy between devices of various form factors and/or platforms, in a manner that provides additional or different functions and features in an optimized and/or enhanced manner as the form factor and/or platform changes from one to another. The master device is not functional independent without attachment to a slave device. The master device requires at least a peripheral component {(e.g., a display module) provided by the slave device to become an overall functional unit.

A disadvantage of the current art solutions is that the docking devices are usually designed for fitting a certain type and size smartphone, whereas there are many types and sizes of smartphones on the market currently. Furthermore, placement of the smartphones in the docks is not optimal in the case a user wants to use the camera functionality of a smartphone when for example a videoconference is conducted by the user.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION itis an object of the present invention to provide a device which facilitates easy and flexible connecting and disconnecting of a handheld computer with such device. 1 is a further object to allow connection of various types and sizes of handheld computer. it is a further object to allow a user of the device to have access to the camera of the smartphone when desired, and without losing the connection, it is yet a further object to provide a device which can house such a handheld computer safely, whereby the handheld computer is covered as much as possible by the device, The object is realized for the most part by the following clauses. Further embodiments are described as well.

1. A device for extending one or more peripherals of a handheld computer, the device comprising a housing with a docking means arranged for holding the handheld computer, said handheld computer comprising a camera, characterized in that - a peripheral of the one or more peripherals comprises a display, such as a touch screen, integrated in a display part of the housing, said display facing forward on the front side of the housing; - the docking means is located at the back of the display part of the housing, which facilitates the handheld computer to be inserted into back of the display part of the housing: - the docking means is arranged for receiving and releasing of the handheld computer; - the device comprises a docking interface, arranged for electrically connecting the one or more peripherals to the handheld computer; ~ the docking means is arranged for selectively positioning the handheld computer completely hidden at the back side of the housing or sticking out partially above the display part.

2. The device according to clause 1, characterized in that the docking means comprises a height adjustment means arranged for inserting the handheld computer completely or partly into the docking means by sliding the handheld computer fo a desired position in the docking means.

3. The device according to clause 2, characterized in that the height adjustment means comprises a spring at the bottom, arranged for pushing the handheld computer by means ofa spring force, in a direction in opposils direction of the slide direction inlo the docking means.

4. The device according to clause 2 or 3, characterized in that the height adjustment means comprises one or more bullons aranged for releasing a friction mechanism or pin in slot mechanism when being depressed, thereby allowing height adjustment of the height adjustment device, and which are arranged for securing the height adjustment means in a position when being released, thereby activating the friction mechanism or pushing a pin in a slot of the pin in slot mechanism,

5. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in 19 that the docking means is arranged for posilioning the handheld computer partially sticking out at the top side of the display part, whereby the camera of the handheld computer is positioned sufficiently above the top side of the display part to be used as a facing forward camera or a webcam.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in : that the height adjustment means comprises a spring loaded action arranged for setling the height adjustment means in a lowered position, when pushed a first time, and arranged for selling the height adjustment means at a higher position, when pushed a second time, whereby the working of the spring loaded action is similar to a ballpoint pen retraction mechanism.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the docking means is provided with a side gripping means, comprising one or more grippers arranged for gripping the handheld computer at two opposite vertical sides, whereby the one or more grippers are arranged for being slidable towards the opposite vertical sides of the handheld computer by means of a spring force,

8. The device according to clause 7, characterized in that the side gripping means comprises a release mechanism arranged for releasing the spring force, thereby enabling removal of the handheld computer from the docking means.

8. The device according to any ons of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the docking means is hingeably connected to the back of the housing, whereby the docking means is configured for being folded out, which allows the handheld computer to be inserted, and whereby the docking means is configured for being shut close to the back of the display part of the housing.

JD. The device according lo any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the docking means is provided with a cover at the ouiside, said cover aranged for covering or integrating the handheld computer when inserted.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in § that the housing comprises a keyboard and/or a trackpad integrated in a keyboard part of the housing, said keyboard and/or trackpad electrically connected io the docking interface.

12. The device according to clause 11, characterized in that the keyboard part of the housing is hingeably connected to the display part of the housing, thereby forming a laptop- or notebook-ike configuration, whereby the display part of the housing is arranged for covering the keyboard part of the housing, or alternative, when the display part is hinged around the keyboard part thereby forming a (ablet-like configuration.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in 18 that the housing further comprises one or more interfaces for peripherals of the group comprising: ~ an external display, such as an LCD monitor; ~ an external touchscreen; - a mousse; - a keyboard - a speaker/headset ~ a memory device; - a printer;

14. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the housing comprises a power adapter connectable to A/C power, or a power source such as a battery or battery holder for holding one or more batteries, said power adapter or power source configured for providing power to the housing and its components, peripherals, and/or to the handheld computer.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a wireless charging unit arranged for wirelessly charging of peripherals or other devices which are provided with a wireless charging capability, said

& other devices comprise a device such as an earphone, a smartwalch, the handheld computer, or an additional handheld computer.

18. The device according to any ons of the preceding clausss, characterized in that the docking means comprises a connector configured for making physical and electrical connection belwsen the docking interface and the external device once placed.

17. The device according to clause 15, characterized in thal the connector comprises a male connector arranged for being inserted into a handheld computer's female connector respectively, said male connector and female connector comprising a standardized connector such as a male respectively female USB , Thunderbolt or Lightning connector,

18. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a first Near-Field Communication INFC) unit and a first wireless connection unit, the first NFC unit arranged for bootstrapping a wireless connection between the first wireless connection unit and a handheld computer, provided that the handheld computer is configured with a second NFC unit and a second wireless connection unit.

18. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the handheld computer comprises a smartphone or a tablet computer.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a controller board arranged for detecting a connection of the handheld computer, a peripheral and/or other device, and when the power of the device is sel on, setting the device in a laptop mode by establishing an interface between the device and said handheld computer, the peripheral and/or the other device, and when the power of the device is set off, setting the device in a charger or power bank mode by charging the handheld computer, the peripheral, and/or the other device without establishing said interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a shows a rear view of the invented device.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view from the rear of device.

FIGURE 3 shows a back side of the invented device, FIGURE 4 shows a perspective detail view of the mechanism of a height adjustment means {second holder). FIGURE S shows a front view of the Invented device,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.

19 in a way, the present invention changes the paradigm that a personal computer or a iaptop is presumed to have more computer power and ways for interacting with a user than a smartphone, Although this may have been the case in the past, current developments show that a smartphone may very well be the computer in a person's household with the most computer power, sometimes even without the person being aware of that. Thal same person may at one point in the past have bought a laptop for example, at a relatively high price at that time, and is now in the possession of a new smariphone which beats the performance of the old laptop by an arm's length. Docking of the new smartphones to the old laptop makes no sense anymore, if computer power is sought after. The only added value of docking such a smartphone to a laptop would be, to make use of the integrated keyboard, trackpad and larger display of the laptop. lt is therefore proposed in the invention to use a so-called dumb laptop-like device, which is for its functionality largely, if not totally dependent on the computer power of the smartphone. The invented device may very well resemble a laptop, including a keyboard, a tiltable display acting as cover, and all /O interfaces necessary, but at its heart it is powered by a smartphone, A big advantage of this configuration being that the user does not need to buy an expensive laplop again and again, but instead can safely stick to the same peripheral device for years and years and stil use the most modern technology with the highest performance.

A particular advantage is provided by the invented device in that the smartphone may be secured in a docking means at the back of the device. This prevents theft or damage of the phone. When lifted above the top side of the back of the device (a display part), the camera of the smartphone may be used as front facing camera (i.e. webcam). When the camera is sticking out it is clear to the user of the device that the camera is

. | ready fo be used by the user, but il also makes the user aware that there is always a chance that the smartphone is hacked by a cybercriminal who takes over the camera function of the smartphone maliciously. By simply pushing the handheld computer {and thus the camera) down, below the top side of the display part of the device, it is prevented by the user that a criminal can spy on the user.

FIGURE 1 shows a rear view of the invented device 100 wherein a handheld computer 200 (hereinafter referred lo as “phone” or “smariphone”} is inserled in a docking means 101, Docking means 101 is preferably located at the back of a display 110 of device 100. Docking means 101 is optionally provided with a first holder 102 which guides insertion of phone 200 and prevents phone 200 from Hipping over. Phone 200 is in the figure inseried from the top towards the bollom and makes contact with a height adjustment means {hereafter referred io as "second holder") 103 which supports phone 200 at the bottom, Second holder 103 is movable in vertical direction, up and down, for facilitating phones of various lengths and for positioning phone 200 at the top part above the top edge of display 110.

Buttons 1042,b ars linked to a spring loaded mechanism incorporated in second holder 103 and which forces stoppers in sideway direction to hold second holder into position, in the figure phone 200 stick out above the edge of display 110, but phone 200 may also be lowered to be fully inserted into docking means 101. By pressing butions 104ab the user may move second holder 103 downward for inserting phone 200, or to move second holder 103 upward, which allows a user to either take out phone 200 from device 100 easily, of keep phone 200 in position where the user can make use of either the back camera or the front facing camera of phone 200.

The inside of the walls of the vertical sides of docking means 101 may also be provided with holes located at a distance from each other. Second holder 103 may be provided with a mechanism with pins sticking out at the sides, which are pushed oulside by means of springs. When pressing buttons 104a.b these pins are refracted and second holder 103 may be moved up and down freely, By releasing buttons 104a,b the pins may enter the holes, when the pins are positioned before the holes.

Nowadays, almost all smartphones are provided with a front facing camera and a back camera. Although for a long time the front facing camera of a smartphone used to be of lesser quality than the back camera, which is traditionally used for taking pictures of a higher quality, the quality of the front facing camera becomes more and more equal

CB to the back camera. This allows for sxample for video conferencing at high frame rales and resolution. Pictures made as a so-called "selfie” with the front facing camera are often not distinguishable from pictures taken with the back camera. In other words, a modem front facing camera beals most buillin laplop cameras. The vented configuration is in this way also an improvement over regular laptops and laptop docking stations.

instead of a smariphone, also other device may be inserted in docking means. Example devices comprise small computers such as Raspberry Pi, Even a dedicated camera device, or a flashlight may be inserted or otherwise connected, for example for charging such device. Preferably these devices have an interface which is suitable to cormect in the interface of invented device 100.

The device allows for integration of handheld devices in invented device 100, as described above. Further integration is supported by covering the inserted device after insertion in docking means 101, thereby hiding and/or integrating the handheld 35 computer completely or at least partly. For this purpose, device 100 may be provided with a cover 109 which can be closed towards the back of display 110, for covering phone 200 when inserted or for covering empty docking means 101 when no phone is inserted, Preferably, device 100 further comprises a keyboard part 111, of which the mar side is visible in the figure. VO interfaces 112a.b, such as USB ports, may be provided in keyboard part 111 as well.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view from the rear of device 100. The display part 110 has an integrated docking means which is covered by cover 108. The docking means may of may not have phone 200 inserted. Cover 109 at the back of display part 110, may be secured with a lock, to prevent theft of the phone. Unlocking may for example be done by using a key, or by entering a code on keyboard 113 which is preferably incorporated in keyboard part 111, or by using a fingerprint scanner {not shown) for example. Keyboard part 111 may further be provided with a trackpad 114 for interacting with the smartphone.

FIGURE 3 shows a back side of the invented device 100. Second holder {height adjustment means} 103 is shown in the figure without a cover plate, for showing the mechanism to the reader.

1043573 |

FIGURE 4 shows a perspective detail view of the mechanism of second holder

103. Buttons 104a,b are spring baded by coil spring 105 and pushed outward in the direction of side wals 12Da,b. As bullons 1D4a,b are connscled to pins 108ab respectively, pins 1062,5 are pushed oulward as well. Side walls 120a,b are provided with holes 107. Depending on the position of second holder 103, pins 108a,b are pushed in pins 107 at the position of pins 108a,b. This enables a user lo secure a position of second holder 103 at a desired height, When the user pushes builons 104a.b, pins 106a.b are release from holes 107, thus allowing second holder 103 to move freely up and down, 30 Part 128 holds coil springs 122a,b which allows a phone lo be pushed down against a spring force caused by springs 1224,b in opposite direction. A spring action may be incorporated in part 128, which acts like a ball point pen retraction mechanism. When the phone is for the first time pushed down on part 128, 2 low position is secured. This position allows for example to close cover 109 completely and prevent theft, or the position may be selected if no use of the built in camera of the phone is necessary. When the phone is pushed down for the second time, the retraction mechanism is released and the phone is lifted by the spring force of springs 122a,b. This allows for the user to easily remove the phone from the docking means 103, or io sel the phone is a position with the camera above the top side of display part 110.

The phone itself may be connected by a connector to connector 130. Connector 130 is electrically connected to device 100 by flexible cable 131. Cable 131 allows slag when second holder 103 is moved up or down without breaking. Preferably connector 130 is of a male USB-C type, and the phone is preferably provided with a female USB- C connector, but other types of interfaces are possible as well.

Optionally a mechanism with (spring loaded) side grippers may be incorporated for providing stability to the vertical sides of the phone, or to compensate for various widths of phones. This allows for the integration of many types and sizes of phones. Optionally, docking means 103 may be partly or entirely hingeably connected to display part 110. For this purpose, docking means 103 preferably has hinges at the bottom.

This makes inserting of a phone easier, e.g. when display part 110 is in a horizontal position closing the keyboard part 111. When docking means 103 is positioned in an upright position the phone can be pushed in easier, without the chance of device 103 sliding away.

By leaving out 3 webcam in the device iiself and using the camera of the integrated handheld computer instead, the display part of the device can be designed with much thitmer bezels. This allows also for a bigger display Iscreen) in a same format of the display part.

FIGURE 5 shows a front view of the invented device 100, whereby phone 200 is inserted in docking means 101. Phone 200 is sel in a position, whereby camera 201 of phone 200 {which camera is usually positioned at the top side of a smartphone) sticks out sufficiently above the top side of display part 110 to function as a front facing camera or webcam of device 100.

it should be noted that the above-mentioned smbodiments ilustrale rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term “andi” includes any and all combinations of ons or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements, The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

A device for extending one or more peripheral devices of a handheld computer, the device comprising a housing with a docking means adapted to hold the handheld computer, the handheld computer including a camera, characterized in that - a peripheral device of the one or more peripheral devices a display | includes, such as a touchscreen, integrated into a display portion of the housing, the display facing forward on the front of the housing; - the docking means is located at the rear of the display portion of the housing, which makes it possible to insert the handheld computer into the rear of the display portion of the housing; - the docking means is arranged for receiving and releasing the hand-held computer; - the device comprises a docking interface arranged to electrically connect the one or more peripheral devices to the handheld computer; the docking means is adapted to selectively position the handheld computer as completely concealed at the rear of the housing or as partially projecting above the display screen.

The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the docking means! comprises a height adjusting means which is adapted to insert the hand-held computer wholly or partly into the docking means by sliding the hand-held computer to a desired position in the docking means.

The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the height-adjusting means on the underside comprises a spring, adapted to push the hand-held computer by means of a spring force in a direction opposite to the sliding direction in the docking means,

The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the height adjusting means comprises one or more buttons adapted to release a friction mechanism or pin-in-slot mechanism when depressed, thereby allowing height adjustment of the height adjusting means, and arranged to lock the height adjusting means in a position when released, thereby activating the friction mechanism or pressing a pin into a slot of the pin-in-slot mechanism.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking means is adapted to position the handheld computer as projecting partially outwardly from the top of the display portion, the camera of the handheld computer being sufficiently above the top of the screen. screen portion is positioned to be used as a front-facing camera or webcam. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height-adjusting means comprise a spring-loaded action adapted to place the height-adjusting means in a lowered position upon a first pressing and which is adapted to set the height-adjusting means in a higher position, when pushed a second time, making the action of the spring-loaded action comparable to a retraction mechanism of a ballpoint pen.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking means! is provided with a lateral gripping means, comprising one or more grippers adapted to grip the handheld computer on two opposite vertical sides, the one or more grippers being slidable to the opposite vertical sides of the handheld computer by means of a spring force .

The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the lateral gripping means comprises a release mechanism adapted to relieve the spring force,

making it possible to remove the handheld computer from the docking means,

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking means is pivotally connected to the rear of the housing, the docking means being adapted to be unfolded to allow insertion of the handheld computer, and wherein the docking means is configured to seal against the back of the display housing.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking means is provided on the outside with a cover, which cover is adapted to cover or integrate the hand-held computer when it is inserted. †

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing comprises a keyboard and/or a trackpad integrated in a keyboard portion of the housing, which keyboard and/or trackpad is electrically connected to the docking interface,

The device of claim 11, characterized in that the keyboard portion of the housing is pivotally connected to the display portion of the housing, creating a laptop or notebook-like configuration, wherein the display portion of the housing is adapted to accommodate the keyboard portion of the housing. cover the housing, or alternatively, when the display portion pivotally pivots about the keyboard portion, forming a tablet-like configuration.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing further comprises one or more interfaces for peripheral devices of the group, comprising: - an external display, such as an LCD monitor; - an external touch screen;

- gene Mouse; - a keyboard; - a loudspeaker headset, - a memory device, - a printer, The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing comprises an A/C power adapter or a power source such as a battery or battery holder for housing a one or more batteries, said power adapter or power source being configured to supply power to the housing and its components, peripherals and/or to the handheld computer. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it allows! comprises a wireless charging unit adapted for wireless charging of peripheral devices or other devices provided with a wireless charging capability, said other devices comprising a device such as an earphone, a smartwatch, the handheld computer or an additional handheld computer,

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the docking means comprises a connector configured to make a physical and electrical connection between the docking interface and the external device after it has been installed.

The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the connector comprises a male connector adapted to be plugged into the female connector of a portable computer, the male connector and the female connector being a standardized connector such as a male and female connector, respectively. Includes USB, Thunderbolt or Lightning connector.

18, The device! according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a first Near-Field Communication (NFO) unit and a first wireless connection unit, the first NFC unit being adapted to bool trap a wireless connection between the first wireless connection unit. connection unit and a handheld computer, provided that the handheld computer is configured with a second NFC unit and a second wireless connection unit.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handheld computer comprises a smartphone or a tablet computer,

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a controller card adapted to detect the connection of the handheld computer, a peripheral device and/or other device, and when the power of the device is turned on. , puts the device in a laptop mode by establishing an interface between the device and the handheld computer, peripheral and/or other device, and is arranged to charge the device in a charger or power bank mode by charging the handheld, peripheral and/or other device without establishing the interface.