WO2016010661A1

WO2016010661A1 - Systems and methods for charging portable electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016010661A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/035820
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Dale Tischer
Original assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-07-17
Filing date: 2015-06-15
Publication date: 2016-01-21

Abstract

In one example, a method for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer includes providing a charging station including a charging system having a syncing circuit, a charging circuit, and a switch connected to an output connector, determining if the host computer is in a low-power state, generating a control signal based on the determination, and using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/025,631 to William D. Tischer, titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES" filed on July 17, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. 5983.231PRV), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to systems and methods for charging electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous types of portable electronic devices that use Universal Serial Bus (USB) host computers as both the source of power and the source of data for updating software, applications, and any other data that needs to be shared between the device and the host computer, e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, etc. Some portable electronic devices have internal batteries that can be charged using a cable connected to one of the host computer's USB ports. When charging, some portable electronic devices use more power than is available from the USB host computer. In these cases, the portable electronic devices can receive charge power from separate power sources, such as wall power adapters or specialty charging devices that incorporate USB hubs with high-speed switches that can switch from a hub for syncing to specialty circuitry for charging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIGS. 1A-1D are views of an example of a charging station that can implement various techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is block diagram depicting an example of a charging system that can implement various techniques of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 300 for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer, in accordance with this disclosure.

OVERVIEW

In an example, this disclosure is directed to a method for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer. The method comprises providing a charging station including a charging system having a syncing circuit, a charging circuit, and a switch connected to an output connector, determining if the host computer is in a low- power state, generating a control signal based on the determination, and using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit.

In an example, this disclosure is directed to a battery charging station for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer. The station comprises a charging system including: an input connector configured to connect to the host computer; an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices; a voltage detection circuit connected to the input connector, the voltage detection circuit including an input and an output, the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive an input voltage at the input; and generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including: at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector; a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to: receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal, wherein in the first position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one first data output of the syncing circuit to the output connector, and wherein in the second position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one second data output of the charging circuit to the output connector.

In an example, this disclosure is directed to a system for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer. The system comprises an input connector configured to connect to the host computer; an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices; a voltage detection circuit connected to the input connector, the voltage detection circuit including an input and an output, the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive an input voltage at the input; and generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including: at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector; a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to: receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal, wherein in the first position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one first data output of the syncing circuit to the output connector, and wherein in the second position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one second data output of the charging circuit to the output connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, some portable electronic devices can receive charge power from separate power sources, such as wall power adapters or specialty charging devices that incorporate USB hubs with high-speed switches that can switch from a hub for syncing to specialty circuitry for charging. In some cases, the specialty circuitry can include a resistor divider network that can signal an appropriate voltage level on the USB's two data lines, namely "DATA+" and "DATA-", to indicate the type of charger to the portable electronic device. If the portable electronic device recognizes this special signaling, the portable electronic device will allow charging to begin.

One problem with this technique is that it may not be possible to perform syncing operations, e.g., software updates, between the host computer and one or more of the portable electronics devices and also charge one or more of the portable electronic devices at the same time because the data lines, e.g., DATA+ and DATA-perform two different functions depending on the mode, e.g., charging or syncing. Because software updates can take many hours, a user may not want to be in physical proximity to the host computer, wait for an update to complete, disconnect the charging/syncing station from the host computer, and then plug the portable electronic device(s) into a charger or change modes on the charging/syncing station from a sync mode to a charge mode, e.g., as in the case of charging carts. Charging/syncing stations, such as charging carts, table-top stations, and wall-mount stations, can store and/or connect many portable electronic devices for charging and syncing. Waiting near these devices for many hours in order to physically disconnect the host computer from the electronic charging station to change to a charge mode may not be desirable for an operator.

The present inventor has recognized a solution to this problem can include using the presence/absence of the USB VBUS voltage (+5 volts) to switch between a syncing mode and a charging mode automatically, e.g., without a user removing a cable connected to a host computer.

FIGS. 1A-1D are views of an example of a charging station, e.g., a laptop charging/storage cart 100, that can implement various techniques of this disclosure. The charging station can include any structure useful for holding a plurality of portable electronic devices, e.g., laptop computers, tablet computing devices, netbooks, or other mobile computing devices, and providing power and/or network connectivity to those electronic devices. Multiple examples of charging stations that can be useful for storing and/or charging portable electronic devices are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 8,935,01 1 to Tischer and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/025,782, the entire content of each being incorporated herein by reference. Example charging stations can include, for example, charging carts and charging cabinets including, but not limited to, desktop units, wall-mounted units, lockers, and any other type of frame, including benches, and the like, as well as desks, e.g., work place desks or school desks, and other furniture for airport or home charging of multiple devices.

Returning to FIGS. 1A-1D, as shown, the charging station 100, e.g., cart, can include a cabinet 130 defining an interior space for storing a plurality of portable electronic devices. The interior space can in some cases include a docking station 150 for each electronic device disposed in the cart. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, in some embodiments the cabinets 130 include a door assembly 170 having one or more doors to close the interior space bounded by a top, bottom, and four sides. Such doors can be of any style including, sliding, openable from the top, or swingable outwardly. In some embodiments, the door may optionally be locked to secure the mobile computing devices within the cart. In some embodiments, wheels 1 10 can be positioned on an underside of the cabinet 130 to facilitate easy movement of the carts. Further, handles 120 can be provided to facilitate the movement of the cart.

As shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, a plurality of docking stations 150 can be configured to hold the electronic devices in a generally vertical position. In some example charging stations (not depicted), the plurality of docking stations 150 can be configured to hold the electronic device in a generally horizontal orientation positioned on a shelf. The carts can be configured to hold as many electronic devices as desired. In some embodiments, the carts hold at least 10 electronic devices in their interior spaces. In other embodiments, the carts are configured to hold between 10 and 40 (e.g., 20 and 30) electronic devices in their interior spaces.

FIG. 2 is block diagram depicting an example of a charging system 210 of a charging station, e.g., a charging station 100 of FIGS. 1A-1D, that can implement various techniques of this disclosure. In FIG. 2, a host computer 212, e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, etc., having a first connector 214, e.g., a USB connector, a type C connector, a host computer proprietary connector, and the like, can be connected using a cable 216, e.g., a USB cable, to a portable electronic device charging/syncing station 100 having a second connector 220, e.g., a USB connector. The station 100 can include one or more additional connectors 230, e.g., USB connectors, that can be respectively connected to one or more portable electronic devices, e.g., tablet computers, using respective cables (not depicted). The connectors and cables can each include four or more wires, such as two wires for power transfer (power/VBus and GND) and two wires for data (DATA+ and DATA-). As seen in FIG. 2, the connector 230 can be connected to a power supply 234 to provide charging power to the one or more portable electronic devices.

When the cable 216 is connected between the host computer 212 and the station 100 and the host computer 212 is powered on, power is present on VBUS, e.g., a +5V level on the VBUS wire, and a sync-mode using a syncing circuit 226 can be initiated between the host computer 212 and the station 100 to update software, for example, on the one or more portable electronic devices. The syncing circuit 226 can include one or more data outputs 227 that can be connected to the connector 230. In some examples, the syncing circuit 226 can be at least a part of a controller circuit, e.g., a USB hub controller circuit. The syncing circuit 226 can perform a handshaking operation between the host computer 212 and the portable electronic device(s) to be charged using the DATA+ and DATA- lines and exchange information regarding the type of device attached, e.g., USB 1. 1 device, as well as a transfer rate, and the like. Once the handshaking operation between the host computer 212 and the portable electronic device(s) to be charged is completed, the syncing circuit 212 can allow the host computer 212 to provide data, e.g., software updates, to the portable electronic device(s).

The charging system 100 can include a charging circuit 228 to charge the portable electronic device(s) connected to the charging station 100. The charging circuit can include one or more data outputs 229 that can be connected to the connector 230. In some examples, the charging circuit 228 can perform a handshaking operation with the portable electronic device(s) using the DATA+ and DATA- lines. For example, the one or more portable electronic devices can perform a handshaking operation using a resistor divider, e.g., located in the station 100 on DATA+ and DATA-. The device(s) to be charged can provide a signal to the charging circuit 228 indicating the type of charging device, e.g., to determine charging parameters, such as charging rate and current limit. Using the handshaking operation, the charging circuit 228 and the device(s) to be charged negotiate a charge rate and, after agreement, the device(s) can connect a battery to the power circuit 234 for charging.

If the cable 216 is physically or electrically disconnected from the host computer 212, power is removed on VBUS and a charge-mode using the charging circuit 228 can be initiated at the portable electronic device(s), e.g., tablet computers. When the charge-mode is initiated, the charging circuit 228 can determine which charger type to emulate in order to charge the one or more portable electronic devices, e.g., Apple 2. 1-amp, Apple 2.4-amp, Samsung, etc. In some examples, the charging circuit 228 can monitor a voltage across the resistor divider and determine a charger type for emulation based on the presence or absence of a voltage across the resistor.

In order to save energy and extend battery life, a host computer, e.g., host computer 212, can include one or more low-power modes, e.g., a hibernation mode, sleep mode, etc. In these low-power modes, the host computer 212 can remove the power and data signals, e.g., VBUS, DATA+, and DATA-, to the connector 214. The present inventor has recognized that one of the low-power modes of the host computer 212, e.g., a hibernation mode or sleep mode, can be used to provide signaling to the station 100 to automatically switch between power present, e.g., VBUS present (sync mode) and power removed, e.g., VBUS removed (charge mode) without physically disconnecting the cable 216 between the host computer 212 and the station 100. The techniques of this disclosure can effectively simulate the physical removal of the cable between the host computer 212 and the charging station 100, thereby providing a way to switch between a sync mode and a charge mode without the need for the user to disconnect the cable 216 from the host computer 212. In other words, the techniques of this disclosure can allow the automatic change from a sync mode to a charge mode without any user interaction, thereby allowing a user to connect the host computer 212 to the station 100, leave the location of the charging station 100 for an extended period of time, e.g., overnight, and upon return, the portable devices can be charged and synced with the host computer 212.

In accordance with this disclosure, the charging station 100 of FIG. 2 can include a switch 222 (e.g., switch or relay) controlled using a detected presence or absence of a power signal voltage level on the power wire, e.g., VBUS. More particularly, the station 100 can include a voltage detection circuit 224 that can detect or monitor a voltage level e.g., 0V or +5V, on the power wire, e.g., the voltage detection circuit 224 can determine that the voltage deviates from a criterion, and based on the detected voltage level, the detection circuit 224 can output a control signal 232 that can control the operation of the switch 222, e.g., whether the switch 222 (and thus the connector 230) is connected to the syncing circuit 226, e.g., data output(s) 227, or the charging circuit 228, e.g., data output(s) 229. In some examples, the switch 222 can be a double pole, single throw (DP ST) relay.

In an example implementation, the voltage detection circuit 224 can include a voltage divider. The voltage divider can reduce the voltage level on the power wire, e.g., +5V from VBUS, from the host computer 212 reduced to about 2.5V. The reduced voltage can be transmitted to a microprocessor 225 where an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter internally converts the reduced voltage to a digital representation of the reduced voltage. Microcode can check for the presence of the reduced voltage and, if present, can transmit a signal to the switch 222 to be in sync mode or, if not about 2.5V, for example, then the microprocessor 225 can transmit a signal to the switch 222 to switch to charge mode. Another reason for using a voltage divider is to keep the voltage from the charging system 210 from trying to power the host 212.

As an example, if the host computer 212 is not in a hibernation mode and power is present, e.g., the voltage detection circuit 224 detects a voltage of about +5V on VBUS, then the voltage detection circuit 224 can output a first output signal level that causes the switch 222 to connect the syncing circuit 226 of the station 100 to the connector 230, which, in turn, allows any portable electronic devices connected to the station 100 to be synced with the host computer 212.

If the host computer 212 is in a hibernation mode and power is not present, e.g., the voltage detection circuit 224 does not detect a voltage of about +5V, then the voltage detection circuit 224 can output a second output signal level that causes the switch 222 to connect the charging circuit 228 of the station 100 to the connector 230, which, in turn, can allow any portable electronic devices connected to the station 100 to be charged. In this manner, one of the low-power states of the host computer 212, e.g., hibernation mode, can be used to simulate the removal of the cable, thereby providing a way to switch between a sync mode and a charge mode without the need for an operator to remove the cable to the host computer.

As mentioned above, when the host computer 212 enters a sleep mode or hibernation mode, the host computer can remove power to the connector 214 and then re-apply power when the host computer 212 exits the low-power state. Some host computers are factory programmed such that a low-power mode, e.g., hibernation mode or sleep mode, is not directly available to the end-user.

Instead, the low-power mode can be changed by the user either from software settings in a graphical user interface or from a command line interface. For example, to change the power sleep state in an Apple host computer, a command such as "sudu pmset - a hibernatemode 1" is entered at the terminal screen. Other methods of choosing the hibernation mode are possible as well.

When the host computer exits the low-power state, power is present on the host's connector 214, which provides power to the charging/syncing station 100 and automatically changes the station 100 from a charge mode to a sync mode. Typically, this can involve pressing the power button on the host computer to wake it up; other methods are available as well. Once the host wakes up, the user can verify that the software and charging has been completed, e.g., the next school day if used in an education market.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 300 for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer, in accordance with this disclosure. The method 300 can include providing a charging station, e.g., the charging station 100 of FIGS. 1A- ID, including a charging system, e.g., charging system 210 of FIG. 2, having a syncing circuit, e.g., syncing circuit 226 of FIG. 2, a charging circuit, e.g., charging circuit 228 of FIG. 2, and a switch, e.g., switch 222 of FIG. 2, connected to an output connector (block 302). Other example charging stations that can be used include charging cabinets including, but not limited to, desktop units, wall-mounted units, lockers, and any other type of frame, including benches, and the like, as well as desks, e.g., work place desks or school desks, and other furniture for airport or home charging of multiple devices.

The method 300 of FIG. 3 can include determining if the host computer, e.g., host computer 212 of FIG. 2, is in a low-power state (block 304). For example, the voltage detection circuit 224 of FIG. 2 can detect or monitor a voltage level on the power wire and can determine that the voltage deviates from a criterion, e.g., above a threshold value. If the voltage detection circuit 224 determines that power is low or absent, then the host computer is in a low-power state.

Based on the determination, the system, e.g., the voltage detection circuit 224 of the system 210, can generate a control signal, e.g., control signal 232 (block 306). Then, using the control signal, the system can control a switch, e.g., switch 222 of FIG. 2, to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit (block 308).

In some example implementations, an additional benefit to using the techniques of this disclosure is that the host computer may not change to a low- power mode until the syncing process has completed. No matter what the user sets as a sleep time in the host computer, e.g., 10 minutes, if the syncing process exceeds the set sleep time, the host computer will not enter the sleep state until the syncing process is complete. This can be a benefit to the user because, in some products, the user has to determine the time between syncing and charging at the charging/syncing device level rather than at the host level. In some cases, the user essentially guesses this setting, which can result in incomplete software updates as a timer in the charging station 100 expires and the station 100 enters into a charge mode earlier than expected. If the software is not completely downloaded and installed, the portable electronic device(s) may not function after the charge cycle is completed. The techniques of this disclosure can help ensure that this will not occur.

In summary, the techniques of this disclosure can allow both sync and charge to occur without user interaction, e.g., without removing the USB connection to the host computer. The techniques of this disclosure can be compatible with USB standards and proprietary charging protocols. Additional Notes and Examples

Example 1 includes subject matter (such as a method, means for performing acts, machine readable medium including instructions that when performed by a machine cause the machine to performs acts, or an apparatus to perform) comprising: providing a charging station including a charging system having a syncing circuit, a charging circuit, and a switch connected to an output connector; determining if the host computer is in a low-power state; generating a control signal based on the determination; and using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may include, syncing data between the host computer and at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices when the switch is connected to the syncing circuit; and charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices when the switch is connected to the charging circuit.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 2 may include, wherein using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit comprises: using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to the syncing circuit; and syncing data between the host computer and at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 may include, wherein using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit comprises: using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to the charging circuit; and charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 may include, wherein charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices comprises: determining a charging parameter for charging the battery.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 may include, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises: determining a charge rate of the battery.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 6 may include, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises: determining a current limit of the battery.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 may include, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises: monitoring a voltage across a resistor. In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 8 may include, wherein determining if the host computer is in a low-power state comprises: determining if a voltage level of power signal exceeds a threshold.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 may include, wherein the low-power state is a hibernation mode of the host computer.

In Example 1 1, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 10 may include, wherein the low-power state is a sleep mode of the host computer.

Example 12 includes subject matter (such as a system, device, apparatus, or machine) comprising: a charging system including: an input connector configured to connect to the host computer; an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices; a voltage detection circuit connected to the input connector, the voltage detection circuit including an input and an output, the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive an input voltage at the input; and generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including: at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector; a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to: receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal, wherein in the first position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one first data output of the syncing circuit to the output connector, and wherein in the second position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one second data output of the charging circuit to the output connector.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 may include, wherein the voltage detection circuit configured to receive an input voltage at the input is configured to: receive a power signal voltage from the host computer.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 13 may include, wherein at least one of the input connector and the output connector includes a Universal Serial Bus connector. In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 14 may include, a charging cart.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 15 may include, a charging cabinet.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 16 may include, wherein the charging cabinet includes a desktop unit.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 17 may include, wherein the charging cabinet includes a wall-mount unit.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 18 may include, wherein the charging cabinet includes at least one locker.

Example 20 includes subject matter (such as a system, device, apparatus, or machine) comprising: an input connector configured to connect to the host computer; an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices; a voltage detection circuit connected to the input connector, the voltage detection circuit including an input and an output, the voltage detection circuit configured to: receive an input voltage at the input; and generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including: at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector; a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to: receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal, wherein in the first position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one first data output of the syncing circuit to the output connector, and wherein in the second position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one second data output of the charging circuit to the output connector.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described.

However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer- implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non- transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer, the method comprising:

providing a charging station including a charging system having a syncing circuit, a charging circuit, and a switch connected to an output connector;

determining if the host computer is in a low-power state;

generating a control signal based on the determination; and

using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

syncing data between the host computer and at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices when the switch is connected to the syncing circuit; and

charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices when the switch is connected to the charging circuit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit comprises: using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to the syncing circuit; and

syncing data between the host computer and at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to either the syncing circuit or the charging circuit comprises: using the control signal, controlling a switch to connect to the charging circuit; and

charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein charging a battery of at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices comprises:

determining a charging parameter for charging the battery.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises:

determining a charge rate of the battery.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises:

determining a current limit of the battery.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein determining a charging parameter for charging the battery comprises:

monitoring a voltage across a resistor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if the host computer is in a low-power state comprises:

determining if a voltage level of power signal exceeds a threshold.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the low-power state is a hibernation mode of the host computer.

1 1. The method of claim 9, wherein the low-power state is a sleep mode of the host computer.

12. A battery charging station for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer, the station comprising: a charging system including:

an input connector configured to connect to the host computer; an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices;

a voltage detection circuit connected to the input connector, the voltage detection circuit including an input and an output, the voltage detection circuit configured to:

receive an input voltage at the input; and generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including:

at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and

at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector; a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to:

receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and

switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal,

wherein in the first position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one first data output of the syncing circuit to the output connector, and

wherein in the second position, the switch is configured to connect the at least one second data output of the charging circuit to the output connector.

13. The station of claim 12, wherein the voltage detection circuit configured to receive an input voltage at the input is configured to:

receive a power signal voltage from the host computer.

14. The station of claim 12, wherein at least one of the input connector and the output connector includes a Universal Serial Bus connector.

15. The battery charging station of claim 12, comprising a charging cart.

16. The battery charging station of claim 12, comprising a charging cabinet.

17. The battery charging station of claim 16, wherein the charging cabinet includes a desktop unit.

18. The battery charging station of claim 16, wherein the charging cabinet includes a wall-mount unit.

19. The battery charging station of claim 16, wherein the charging cabinet includes at least one locker.

20. A system for coordinating syncing and charging of a plurality of portable electronic devices with a host computer, the system comprising:

an input connector configured to connect to the host computer;

an output connector configured to connect to the plurality of portable electronic devices;

receive an input voltage at the input; and

generate an output signal at the output when the input voltage is a first voltage; a syncing circuit connected to the input connector, the syncing circuit including: at least one data input configured to receive data from the host computer; and

at least one first data output configured to output data to the output connector;

a charging circuit including at least one second data output configured to output data to the output connector; a switch connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit and to the output connector, the switch having a first position and a second position, the switch configured to:

receive the output signal from the voltage detection circuit; and switch from the first position to the second position using the received output signal,