Apple pushing for patent on versatile tablet docking station
Apple continues to file for patents on a versatile docking station that would be ideal for a tablet computer larger than the iPhone and offer the option of charging the device through either metal contacts or induction.
A 23-page filing made in February and published this week represents more of a brainstorming exercise than a specific plan, providing examples of over a half dozen potential docking interfaces ranging from cavity-oriented designs to those configured like an easel.
The objective behind each of the designs is to allow for positioning of the tablet in a variety of orientations -- such as landscape and portrait -- while also delivering improved techniques for both transferring data and powering the device through the docking station.
The docking station would also provide a platform for quickly and easily coupling of the tablet to another system, monitor, or keyboard, in such a way that the user does not have to separately connect each of peripherals to the tablet itself.
Another focus of the filing is to present examples on ways in which the docking station can charge the tablet while still freeing the user to manipulate and change the orientation of the device at his or her will.
One mechanical approach would have the docking station include a circular metal recess and the tablet include a circular protrusion that could be inserted into the circular recess, thereby maintaining a electrical connection while offering the user 360 degree flexibility.
Alternatively, Apple proposes the idea that the two components could each sport planar surfaces, and therefore relying exclusively on an inductance-based system for power and data transfers, or a combination of an inductance-based system and popular wireless technologies.
"With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils can be placed in each device to transfer both power and data," the company said.. "The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize."
"In inductive based systems, the docking station includes the primary coil and the portable electronic device includes the secondary coil," Apple continued. "In wireless systems, both the docking station and the portable electronic device include their own transceiver that both transmits and receives data."
In one implementation, both data and power could be transferred via the inductance-based system. For example, low frequency electrical current may be passed from the primary coil to the secondary coil in order to power or charge the portable electronic device and high frequency current may be passed from one coil to the other in order to send/receive data.
"The data and power inductors may be separate, integral or they may be superimposed on one another," Apple added. "In another implementation, power is transferred via an inductance-based system and data is transferred via a wireless system. The combination of inductance and wireless provides an efficient way to transfer both power and data while keeping both the docking station and portable electronic device fully enclosed."
According to the filing, in small handheld computing device such as cell phones, PDAs or media players, the inductive coils are generally configured to transmit between about 3-5 Watts of power. On the other hand, larger handheld computing devices such as Tablet PCs would have inductive coils that are generally configured to transmit between about 15-25 Watts of power.
"One advantage of planar like electronic devices is that larger inductive coils may be used, spread across the planar surface," Apple said.
The filing, which is reminiscent of some filed last year, is credited to Apple employees Steve Hotelling and Gus Pabon.
A 23-page filing made in February and published this week represents more of a brainstorming exercise than a specific plan, providing examples of over a half dozen potential docking interfaces ranging from cavity-oriented designs to those configured like an easel.
The objective behind each of the designs is to allow for positioning of the tablet in a variety of orientations -- such as landscape and portrait -- while also delivering improved techniques for both transferring data and powering the device through the docking station.
The docking station would also provide a platform for quickly and easily coupling of the tablet to another system, monitor, or keyboard, in such a way that the user does not have to separately connect each of peripherals to the tablet itself.
Another focus of the filing is to present examples on ways in which the docking station can charge the tablet while still freeing the user to manipulate and change the orientation of the device at his or her will.
One mechanical approach would have the docking station include a circular metal recess and the tablet include a circular protrusion that could be inserted into the circular recess, thereby maintaining a electrical connection while offering the user 360 degree flexibility.
Alternatively, Apple proposes the idea that the two components could each sport planar surfaces, and therefore relying exclusively on an inductance-based system for power and data transfers, or a combination of an inductance-based system and popular wireless technologies.
"With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils can be placed in each device to transfer both power and data," the company said.. "The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize."
"In inductive based systems, the docking station includes the primary coil and the portable electronic device includes the secondary coil," Apple continued. "In wireless systems, both the docking station and the portable electronic device include their own transceiver that both transmits and receives data."
In one implementation, both data and power could be transferred via the inductance-based system. For example, low frequency electrical current may be passed from the primary coil to the secondary coil in order to power or charge the portable electronic device and high frequency current may be passed from one coil to the other in order to send/receive data.
"The data and power inductors may be separate, integral or they may be superimposed on one another," Apple added. "In another implementation, power is transferred via an inductance-based system and data is transferred via a wireless system. The combination of inductance and wireless provides an efficient way to transfer both power and data while keeping both the docking station and portable electronic device fully enclosed."
According to the filing, in small handheld computing device such as cell phones, PDAs or media players, the inductive coils are generally configured to transmit between about 3-5 Watts of power. On the other hand, larger handheld computing devices such as Tablet PCs would have inductive coils that are generally configured to transmit between about 15-25 Watts of power.
"One advantage of planar like electronic devices is that larger inductive coils may be used, spread across the planar surface," Apple said.
The filing, which is reminiscent of some filed last year, is credited to Apple employees Steve Hotelling and Gus Pabon.
Comments
A couple of magnets to attract the device to the correct position (and also give it a 'feel' ) would be nice.
Would be good for in-car use, (entertainment/navigation etc) a market I'm fairly confident apple will be aggressively targeting with a multi function device slightly larger than the iphone at some point.
...and, cue Ireland..
Oh what I would give to have a Macbook docking station...
I like Apple's current svelte docking solution which is a USB, DisplayPort, and Power cable coming from a 24" ACD in one bundle.
I like Apple's current svelte docking solution which is a USB, DisplayPort, and Power cable coming from a 24" ACD in one bundle.
It is nice, but in a work environment, it would be so nice to just plug the macbook into a docking station that already has a the keyboard and mouse and monitor connected, along with extra usb ports for the printers and hard drives, and not to mention the network cable.
As much as I hate to admit it, I actually like how Dell has things set up.
Next Apple moves will be Books and Games?
http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09...ooks-and-games
Check this out:
Next Apple moves will be Books and Games…
http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09...ooks-and-games
Yep, Books, Games, Light Browsing, & Navigation could all be nailed with one 7 incher
Oh what I would give to have a Macbook docking station...
The dock described here would initially be only for tablets and pods. Apple's view is that you only need a dock if you are syncing the computers. An auxiliary screen or keyboard is simply an auxiliary screen or keyboard.
An Atom Silverthorne-based mini Mac tablet that is 6" x 3.5" x .7" with a 5" 1024x600 touchscreen and auto screen rotate, 16gb SSD, 1gb RAM, SDHC slot, Bluetooth2.1,Wireless802.11b/g, only one button-power button placed upper right backside, one USB 2.0 charging/port, one docking port, one headphone microphone port, small stand built-in for propping up, stylus and stylus slot, slim faux leather sleeve, and usb to AC charger.
Retails for $499 or $599 for the 32gb SSD model.
Everything else, like wired ethernet and display port, can be added to a mini docking port that the user carries at their whim.
Apple, here is what you should do.
An Atom Silverthorne-based mini Mac tablet that is 6" x 3.5" x .7" with a 5" 1024x600 touchscreen and auto screen rotate, 16gb SSD, 1gb RAM, SDHC slot, Bluetooth2.1,Wireless802.11b/g, only one button-power button placed upper right backside, one USB 2.0 charging/port, one docking port, one headphone microphone port, small stand built-in for propping up, stylus and stylus slot, slim faux leather sleeve, and usb to AC charger.
Retails for $499 or $599 for the 32gb SSD model.
Everything else, like wired ethernet and display port, can be added to a mini docking port that the user carries at their whim.
What... no 802.11n?
7" diag is the ticket.
I really like the circular spinner tho. Feels very "Plan 9 From Outer Space" retro.
A laptop format automatically supports a raised screen.
With a tablet, you either lay them flat.... which is not a great way to work...
Or need a stand of some kind. Which undermines portability.
If you are writing on the tablet, or poking it with a finger, the stand would have to be substantial.
Perhaps the best solution is a tablet you hold in one hand and poke at with the other.
But Apple already make one of those.
C.
What... no 802.11n?
7" diag is the ticket.
I really like the circular spinner tho. Feels very "Plan 9 From Outer Space" retro.
"Circular Spinner"?
802.11n when it becomes available and cheaper.
Any bigger than described and it might be not be pocketable, which is the goal here. Think more robust features than an ipod or iphone. They can always make a 10" Tablet, but I was thinking of those who want smaller size and toteability like a student or anyone tired of lugging a bag around.
This indicates why tablets are such a problem.
If you are writing on the tablet, or poking it with a finger, the stand would have to be substantial.
Perhaps the best solution is a tablet you hold in one hand and poke at with the other.
But Apple already make one of those.
C.
A small built-in stand is already used in the Samsung Q1u for when watching a movie or propping up for external bluetooth keyboard use.
My idea would allow some real note taking along with real computer use with Leopard or Windows through visualization. No need to blackberry your fingers.
...and, cue Ireland..
Don't forget moi.
*ahem..clears throat*
MACTOUCH FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Apple, here is what you should do.
An Atom Silverthorne-based mini Mac tablet that is 6" x 3.5" x .7" with a 5" 1024x600 touchscreen and auto screen rotate, 16gb SSD, 1gb RAM, SDHC slot, Bluetooth2.1,Wireless802.11b/g, only one button-power button placed upper right backside, one USB 2.0 charging/port, one docking port, one headphone microphone port, small stand built-in for propping up, stylus and stylus slot, slim faux leather sleeve, and usb to AC charger.
Retails for $499 or $599 for the 32gb SSD model.
Everything else, like wired ethernet and display port, can be added to a mini docking port that the user carries at their whim.
Apple will never touch the Atom. I think with the PA Semi acquisition and them trying to get Papermaster onboard its kinda obvious now (Steve even said so) that Apple wants to design their own chips for ipods and iphones. Perhaps down the line they might even kick intel to the curb when it comes to chips for the macs and macbooks.
http://hrmpf.com/wordpress/113/iphon...ctive-charging