Abstract
Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces (the back surfaces) of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform comprises a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A docking accessory system, comprising: a mobile device platform comprising a recess and a first mating component carried by a, wherein the first mating component is disposed in the recess of the mobile device platform, wherein the first mating component is configured to receive a plurality of types of docking accessories, and wherein the first mating component comprises an aligning element configured to align the plurality of types of docking accessories; a second mating component carried by a first docking accessory, the first docking accessory being of a first type from the plurality of types of docking accessories, and configured to engage the first mating component to removably connect the first docking accessory to the mobile device platform; and a third mating component carried by a second docking accessory, the second docking accessory being of a second type from the plurality of types of docking accessories different from the first type, and configured to engage the first mating component to removably connect the second docking accessory to the mobile device platform, wherein the first and second docking accessories are configured to be aligned on the mobile device platform using the aligning element of the first mating component.
22. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first mating component comprises a magnetic element configured to form detachable magnetic attachments to the second mating component and to the third mating component.
23. The docking accessory system of claim 22, wherein the first mating component further comprises one or more mechanical connectors for further securing the first and second docking accessories to the mobile device platform.
24. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the aligning element is further configured to align at least the first docking accessory in a plurality of positions relative to the mobile device platform.
25. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a wireless accessory configured to transmit at least one of data and power to a mobile electronic device.
26. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the wireless accessory comprises at least one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and RFID reader.
27. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first mating component comprises an annular magnetic attachment system.
28. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first mating component comprises a disc-shaped magnetic element.
29. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is configured to transmit at least one of data and power to a mobile electronic device.
30. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first mating mechanism comprises a spring tab.
31. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first mating mechanism further comprises electronic contacts configured to transmit at least one of data and power to the first and/or second docking accessories.
32. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a flexible circuit disposed between a substantially flush mating surface of the first docking accessory proximal to the mobile device platform and an outer portion of the first docking accessory.
33. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is an extendable accessory configured to extent outward from the mobile device platform and to retract back to the mobile device platform.
34. The docking accessory system of claim 33, wherein the extendable accessory comprises a tapered tubular accordion having a first end and a second end, the tapered tubular accordion movable for expanding and collapsing along a longitudinal axis of the first docking accessory.
35. The docking accessory system of claim 34, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a disk operatively coupled to the first end of the tapered tubular accordion, and wherein the second end at least partially surrounds the second mating component.
36. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a rotatable docking accessory configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first docking accessory relative to the mobile device platform.
37. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a tiltable docking accessory configured to tilt at an angle relative to the mobile device platform.
38. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is one of a battery and a solar charger.
39. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is a speaker.
40. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is a wireless audio device.
41. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a game controller.
42. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a light source.
43. The docking accessory system of claim 21, wherein the first and/or second type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a slideably-adjustable docking accessory.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1A (Prior Art) shows a cell phone device with a typical end connector and a cable-connected accessory.
[0029] FIG. 1B (Prior Art) shows a device with an end connector and a rigid partial-case accessory.
[0030] FIG. 1C (Prior Art) shows a device with an end connector and a rigid full-case accessory.
[0031] FIG. 1D (Prior Art) shows a device and a docking sleeve, the device and sleeve specially adapted to mate with each other.
[0032] FIG. 1E (Prior Art) shows a device and a rectangular dummy accessory, the device and dummy accessory specially adapted to enable the dummy accessory to attach to rails on the inner edges of the rectangular cavity on the backside of the device without increasing the effective carrying size of the device.
[0033] FIG. 2A is an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device with a docking platform according to at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions.
[0034] FIG. 2B is a back view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A, with a detailed view of one of the docking connectors.
[0035] FIG. 2C is side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A.
[0036] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a mobile electronic device with a docking platform according to an embodiment wherein the electrical contacts of the docking connectors are disposed in sockets at the base of the docking connectors. This is an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 2A, wherein the electrical contacts of the docking connectors are disposed evenly around the inner edge of the female snap-fit feature of the docking connectors.
[0037] FIG. 3B is a detailed view of one of the docking connectors of FIG. 3A.
[0038] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2 and two unattached basic generic docking accessories.
[0039] FIG. 4B is a side view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2A and two unattached basic generic docking accessories.
[0040] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2A with two basic generic docking accessories attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a detailed isometric bottom view of a basic generic docking accessory.
[0042] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2A and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0043] FIG. 6B is an exploded isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2A and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0044] FIG. 6C is an exploded side view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2A and two unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0045] FIG. 6D is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with docking platform of FIG. 2 and two attached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0046] FIG. 6E is an exploded side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A with unattached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0047] FIG. 6F is a side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A with attached expandable generic docking accessories in their expanded states.
[0048] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A with attached generic docking accessories that are either basic accessories or expandable accessories in their collapsed states.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a side view of the mobile electronic device with a docking platform of FIG. 2A with attached expandable generic docking accessories in one of their partially collapsed states, wherein the bodies of the docking accessories are rotated at oblique angles to the back surface of the mobile device.
[0050] FIG. 9A is an isometric bottom view of an expandable generic docking accessory in its fully expanded state.
[0051] FIG. 9B is an isometric top view of an expandable generic docking accessory accordion of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state.
[0052] FIG. 9C is an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the expandable generic docking accessory of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, with a detailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory body female flex-circuit connector.
[0053] FIG. 9D is an exploded, isometric, top view of the expandable generic docking accessory of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, with a detailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory accordion flex circuit.
[0054] FIG. 9E is an isometric view of the expandable generic docking accessory body female connector of FIG. 9C.
[0055] FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with two docked speaker accessories, according to one embodiment of the invention, in partially expanded modes.
[0056] FIG. 10B is an isometric top view of the speaker accessory of FIG. 10A.
[0057] FIG. 10C is an exploded, isometric, top view of the speaker accessory of FIG. 10A.
[0058] FIG. 10D is an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speaker accessory of FIG. 10A.
[0059] FIG. 11A is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with a docked solar charging accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 11B is an isometric top view of the solar charging accessory of FIG. 11A.
[0061] FIG. 11C is an isometric bottom view of the solar charging accessory of FIG. 11A.
[0062] FIG. 12A is an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device with a docked supplemental battery accessory, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIG. 12B is a top view of the supplemental battery accessory of FIG. 12A.
[0064] FIG. 12C is a bottom view of the supplemental battery accessory of FIG. 12A.
[0065] FIG. 13A is an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device with two docked electrophysiology accessories in one of their partially collapsed states, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 13B is an isometric top view of the electrophysiology sensor accessory of FIG. 13A.
[0067] FIG. 13C is an isometric exploded side view of the electrophysiology sensor accessory of FIG. 13A.
[0068] FIG. 14A is an isometric top view of a game controller accessory in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0069] FIG. 14B is a bottom view of the game controller accessory of FIG. 14A.
[0070] FIG. 14C is a back view of the mobile electronic device with the game controller accessory of FIG. 14A docked in a partially open state.
[0071] FIG. 14D is a front view of the mobile electronic device with the game controller accessory of FIG. 14A docked in its open state.
[0072] FIG. 15A is an isometric back view of a docking system comprising a generic docking accessory and a mobile electronic device with a generic docking platform formed on its back face.
[0073] FIG. 15B is an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device of FIG. 15A with isometric back views of at least six embodiments of docking platform 2 radiating outward from the mobile electronic device of FIG. 15A. Moving clockwise from upper left, the first docking platform is the docking platform of FIG. 2; the second platform is the platform of FIG. 3; the third platform comprises an oval docking accessory cavity with two docking connectors, each comprising an annular magnetic element, for bonding with docking accessories, and ten electrical contacts embedded in an annular connector cavity; the fourth platform comprises an oval accessory cavity with a single magnetic element that is operable to bond simultaneously with multiple independent docking accessories that are operable to wirelessly transfer at least one of power or data between the accessories and the mobile electronic device; the fifth platform comprises an hourglass docking accessory cavity with two docking connectors, each comprising a fixed tab and a spring tab for forming detachable attachments with docking accessories, each connector further comprising five electrical contacts on an outer edge of the accessory cavity; the sixth platform comprises an oval docking accessory cavity with two docking connectors, each comprising nine electrical contacts formed inside eight connector cavities.
[0074] FIG. 16 is an isometric drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention implemented with a tablet device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0075] The following table lists elements of the illustrated embodiments of the invention and their associated reference numbers for convenience.
TABLE-US-00001 Ref. No. Element 1. Mobile electronic device 2. Docking platform 3. Docking accessory cavity first embodiment 4. Docking connector first embodiment 5. Docking connector second embodiment 6. Basic generic docking accessory first embodiment 7. Basic generic docking accessory First embodiment male snap-fit connector 8. Expandable generic docking accessory 9. Expandable generic docking accessory body 10. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion 11. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion vent 12. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion vertical wall 13. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion flexural hinge 14. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion flipper wall 15. Accordion male snap-fit connector 16. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion flex circuit 17. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion connector female index key 18. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion male connector electrical contacts 19. Docking connector electrical contacts 20. Expandable generic docking accessory accordion flex circuit male connector electrical contacts 21. Expandable generic docking accessory body female connector 22. Basic generic accessory first embodiment connector female index key 23. Basic generic accessory first embodiment connector electrical contacts 24. Docking connector first embodiment female snap-fit 25. Expandable accessory body female connector port 26. Docking connector first and second embodiment male index key 27. Speaker accessory 28. Speaker accessory body 29. Speaker accessory piezoelectric speaker 30. Solar charger accessory 31. Supplemental battery accessory 32. Tablet device 33. Electrophysiology sensor accessory 34. Electrophysiology sensor accessory body 35. Electrophysiology sensor accessory electrode 36. Game controller accessory 37. Game controller accessory sliding control panel 38. Game controller accessory base 39. Game controller accessory buttons 40. Game controller accessory base tracks 41. Generic docking accessory cavity 42. Docking connector third embodiment 43. Docking connector third embodiment connector cavities 44. Docking connector third embodiment female aligning element 45. Basic generic docking accessory second embodiment 46. Basic generic docking accessory second embodiment male aligning element 47. Basic generic docking accessory second embodiment electrical contact 48. Basic generic docking accessory second embodiment contact insulator 49. Docking connection system 50. Docking connector third embodiment magnetic attachment system 51. Docking accessory cavity second embodiment 52. Docking connector fourth embodiment 53. Docking connector fourth embodiment connector cavity 54. Docking connector fourth embodiment female aligning element 55. Docking connector fourth embodiment magnetic attachment system 56. Docking connector fifth embodiment 57. Docking connector fifth embodiment spring tab 58. Docking connector sixth embodiment 59. Docking connector sixth embodiment magnetic attachment system 60. Docking accessory cavity third embodiment 61. Generic docking accessory 62. Docking connector fifth embodiment fixed tab
[0076] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a first embodiment of docking connectors 4 according to the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of docking connectors 5. In both of these cases two (or more) electrical contacts are arranged in a circular pattern, although other patterns and shapes of connectors are possible. Contacts 19 might be organized in any convenient pattern. As an example, a pin docking connector is arranged as shown in Table 1. The same contacts could be arranged in various circular patterns to form, for example, the connectors in FIGS. 2A-2C or FIGS. 3A-3B if desired. Depending on the specific docking connector configuration of the mobile electronic device and what accessory is to be used, various pins are connected and active.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Pin Name Description 1 GND Ground 2 V+ Out Power Out (to docking accessory) 3 V+ In Power In (from docking accessory) 4 D+ Data Positive 5 D− Data Negative 6 Detection/ (optional) Identification/ Configuration 7 Clock (optional) 8 and greater Expansion (optional)
[0077] FIG. 2A is an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device 1 with a first embodiment of a docking platform 2 comprising a docking connection system 49, the connection system comprising two docking connectors 4 situated in accessory cavity 3. FIG. 2B is a back view of mobile electronic device 1 with a docking platform of FIG. 2A and a detailed view of one of the docking connectors 4 comprising female snap-fit 24, male index key 26, and docking connector electrical contacts 19. FIG. 2C is side cutaway view of device 1 with a docking platform 2 of FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, circular arrays of docking connector electrical contacts 19 are disposed evenly around the inner edge of female snap-fits 24 of docking connectors 4.
[0078] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a mobile electronic device 1 with a docking platform 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the electrical contacts 19 of the docking connectors 5 of the docking connection system 49 are disposed in concentric circles and form sockets at the base of the docking connectors. FIG. 3B is a detailed view of one of the docking connectors 5 of FIG. 3A. This is an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 2A, wherein the electrical contacts 19 of docking connectors 4 are disposed evenly around the inner edge of female snap-fit feature 24 of the docking connectors. These connectors 5 also include male index keys 26.
[0079] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with docking platform 2 of FIGS. 2A-2C and two unattached basic generic docking accessories 6. FIG. 4B is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A, showing basic generic docking accessories 6 each with a docking accessory male snap-fit 7. FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A, but with docking accessories 6 attached to docking connectors 4 of docking platform 2. Note that docking accessory cavity 3 in this embodiment allows the back surface of device 1 to be substantially flat even when accessories 6 are snapped into place. This is a convenient arrangement since accessories 6 do not increase the thickness of device 1 or catch on clothing or the like. Even when accessories 6 are too thick to sit flush with the back surface of device 1, cavity 3 minimizes the interference caused by accessories 6.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a detailed isometric bottom view of basic generic docking accessory 6. Docking accessory 6 of FIG. 5 is configured for docking connector 4 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. Female index key 22 helps align accessory 6 properly with connector 4 as male snap-fit connector 7 mates with female snap-fit 24 and accessory connector electrical contacts 23 make contact with docking connector electrical contacts 19.
[0081] FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate one very useful type of extendable docking accessory assembly 8 formed of docking accessory body 9 attached to docking accessory accordion 10. Expandable docking accessory assembly 8 can temporarily extend outward from the back of device 1 by expanding accessory accordion 10. Accessory assembly 8 is very similar to the sockets (comprising in general an accordion and an end cap) as taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/403,729 to the present inventor.
[0082] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with docking platform 2 of FIG. 2A and two unattached docking accessory assemblies 8 in their expanded states. FIG. 6B is an exploded isometric view of the arrangement of FIG. 6A, showing docking accessory bodies 9 separated from accordions 10. Flex circuits 16 are disposed within accordions 10.
[0083] FIG. 6C is an exploded side view the arrangement of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6D is an isometric view of the arrangement of FIG. 6A, where accessory assemblies 8 are attached to docking connectors 4.
[0084] FIG. 6E is an exploded side cutaway view of the arrangement of FIGS. 6B and 6C. Female connector 21 can be seen within accessory 9. Accordion 10 comprises accordion flex circuit 16 which allow accordions 10 to collapse flat against the back surface of device 1, within cavity 3. Female index key 17 aligns with male index key 26 to ensure proper connection. FIG. 6F is a side cutaway view of the arrangement of FIG. 6E, assembled. Male snap-fit connector 15 attaches to docking connector 4 female snap-fit 24. Bi-stable accordion flipper walls 14 are in their upward states.
[0085] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with a docking platform of FIGS. 2A-2C or FIGS. 3A-3B, with attached generic docking accessories that are either basic accessories 6 or expandable docking accessory assemblies 8 in their collapsed states.
[0086] FIG. 8 is a side view of mobile electronic device 1 with expandable docking accessory assemblies 8 in one of their partially collapsed states. This configuration is useful for orienting the faces of certain docking accessories, for example electrophysiology devices such as ECG accessories, for optimal functioning.
[0087] FIG. 9A is an isometric bottom view of an extendable docking accessory assembly 8 in its fully expanded state. Male electrical contacts 18 are configured to engage female electrical contacts 19 of docking connector 4 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. Female index key 17 aligns with male index key 26 to ensure proper connection. During the collapse of accessory assembly 8, flexural hinges 13 flex to allow vertical walls 12 to move into a stable concentric configuration as flipper walls 14 of accordion 10 move from their current stable upward state, with their outer edges above their inner edges, to a stable downward state, whereby their outer edges are below their inner edges.
[0088] FIG. 9B is an isometric top view of accordion 10 of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is an exploded, isometric, bottom view of accessory 8 and accordion 10, and FIG. 9D is a top view of the same arrangement. An accordion flex circuit 16 is disposed within accordion 10, and provides electrical connection between device 1 (via contacts 19, shown in FIG. 2B, and 18, shown in FIG. 9A, as described above) and accessory body 9, via connector 21. FIG. 9E is an isometric view of accessory connector 21. Contacts 20 are inserted into port 25 to connect accessory body 9. As an option, accessory body 9 might be detachable from accordion 10.
[0089] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D show one example of a set of speaker accessories 27 used in conjunction with accordions 10. FIG. 10A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with two docked speaker accessories 27, in partially expanded modes, resting on one edge of device 1 and one edge each of speaker accessory bodies 28. This extension configuration is useful for holding the device in a near-vertical position without blocking speaker accessories 27.
[0090] FIG. 10B is an isometric top view of speaker accessory 27, comprising speaker accessory body 28 and accordion 10. FIG. 10C shows an isometric side exploded view of the speaker accessory 27 of FIG. 10B. Accordion flex circuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached from speaker accessory body 28. FIG. 10D is an exploded, isometric, bottom view of speaker accessory 27. Piezoelectric speaker 29 connects to accessory connector 21, which will connect to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. As an example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, speaker 29 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprising Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative. Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory detection. As another example, speaker 29 might use pins 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9, comprising Ground, Power Out, Detection, left channel analog audio, and right channel analog audio. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for a self-powered speaker accessory.
[0091] As an example, speaker accessory piezoelectric speaker 29 is a Murata VSLBF series; size 0.5 mm thick, 13 mm wide, 19 mm long; frequency range 200 Hz to 20 kHz; sound pressure level 93.5 dB+/−3.0 dB; resonant frequency 1150 Hz+/−20%; capacitance 1.5 μF+/−30%; maximal sinusoidal voltage 5.0 Vrms; operating temperature range −20 to 70° C.
[0092] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show one example of a solar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with docked solar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11B is an isometric top view of solar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11C is a bottom view of solar charging accessory 30. In this embodiment, docking connectors 4 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C are used. As an alternative, docking connectors 5 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B could be used. Again taking the pin-out arrangement of Table 1 as an example, charging accessory 30 might connect to pins 1, 3, and 6, comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration, respectively.
[0093] As an example, solar charger accessory 30 is a custom monocrystalline silicon solar cell encapsulated in epoxy resin; 5.5V; 60 mA; maximum power (Pm) 0.33W.
[0094] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show one example of a supplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with docked supplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12B is a top view of supplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12C is a bottom view of supplemental battery accessory 31. As in the case of solar charging accessory 30, docking connectors 4 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C are used, but docking connectors 5 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B could also be used. Again taking the pin-out arrangement of Table 1 as an example, supplemental battery accessory 31 might connect to pins 1, 3, and 6, comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration, respectively.
[0095] As an example, supplemental battery accessory 31 is a custom polymer Li-Ion, 3.7V, 800 mAh, 2.96 wh, UN approved.
[0096] FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show one example of a set of electrophysiology sensor accessories used in conjunction with accordions 10. FIG. 13A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with two docked electrophysiology sensor accessories 33, in partially expanded modes. This extension configuration is useful for holding the pair of sensors against a person's chest for gathering electrophysiological data.
[0097] FIG. 13B is an isometric top view of electrophysiology sensor accessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10.
[0098] FIG. 13C is an exploded, isometric, side view of electrophysiology sensor accessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10. Accordion flex circuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached from electrophysiology sensor accessory body 34. Electrophysiology sensor electrode 35 connects to accessory connector 21 (shown in FIG. 9C), which will connect to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. As an example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, electrophysiology sensor 33 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprising Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively, in conjunction with accessory-mounted isolation or other safety components. Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory identification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for a self-powered electrophysiology sensor accessory.
[0099] As an example, electrophysiology sensor accessory 33 is an electrocardiograph (ECG) sensor consisting of a silver chloride electrode, analog front end, digital-to-analog converter, microprocessor, and USB controller.
[0100] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show one example of a game controller accessory. FIG. 14A is an isometric top view of game controller accessory 36 in its closed state. FIG. 14B is a bottom view of game controller accessory 36 of FIG. 14A. As in the case of solar charging accessory 30, docking connectors 4 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C are used, but docking connectors 5 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B could also be used.
[0101] FIG. 14C is a back view of mobile electronic device 1 with docked game controller accessory 36 in one of its partially open states. Game controller base tracks 40 allow game controller accessory sliding control panel 37 to slide into the partially open state shown in FIG. 14C.
[0102] FIG. 14D is front view of mobile electronic device 1 with docked game controller accessory 36 in its fully open state. This state is convenient for holding the mobile electronic device 1 while operating the game controller accessory buttons 39. As an example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, game controller accessory 36 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprising Ground, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively. Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory identification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible. As an example, game controller accessory 36 is a thumb-operated keypad consisting of a mechanical-slide subassembly, user interface switches, a microcontroller, and a USB controller.
[0103] FIG. 15A is an isometric back view of a generic docking system comprising generic docking accessory 61 and mobile electronic device 1, device 1 forming docking platform 2, docking platform 2 comprising generic docking accessory cavity 41 and docking connection system 49. Docking accessory 61 might for instance be a battery, breathalyzer, massage paddle, LED light, camera flash, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, RFID reader, hand crank charger, hand pump charger, game controller, laser level, laser water purifier, scent generator, self-defense taser, lie detector device, credit card reader, robotic foot, low-energy display, thermometer, power adaptor, halitosis detector, hygrometer, digital scale, anemometer, water analysis tool, altimeter, barometer, wireless headset, mechanical keyboard, optical projection keyboard, proximity sensor, projector, remote control, memory card, headphones connector, accelerometer, pedometer, 3D motion tracking device, security perimeter, electrophysiology sensor, biofeedback device, diagnostic ultrasound device, therapeutic ultrasound, defibrillator, blood glucose monitor, pulse oximeter, finger print ID, laptop data lock, speaker, solar panel, walkie talkie, laser hair removal device, laser hair stimulator, or UV disinfector. FIG. 15B is an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device 1 of FIG. 15A with isometric back views of at least six embodiments of docking platform 2 radiating outward from device 1. Clockwise from the upper left corner of FIG. 15B, the first embodiment of docking platform 2 is the platform of FIGS. 2A-2C, with Detail A view of docking connector first embodiment 4. The second embodiment of docking platform 2, center top of FIG. 15B, is the platform of FIGS. 3A-3B, with Detail B view of docking connector second embodiment 5. The third embodiment of docking platform 2, top right of FIG. 15B, comprises oval docking accessory cavity 51 and two docking connectors 52, each formed at one of the centers of the two circular ends of oval accessory cavity 51. Detail C is a detailed view of docking connector 52, connector 52 comprising annular connector cavity 53, cavity 53 further comprising a set of ten docking connector electrical contacts 19, this set of ten contacts comprising two duplicate sets of five electrical contacts 19, this pair of duplicate sets of contacts, together with two female aligning elements 54, enable attached docking accessories to be oriented in either of two positions separated by 180 degrees of rotation, connector 52 further comprising annular magnetic attachment system 55, attachment system 55 comprising a disc-shaped magnetic element formed beneath the surface of connector 52 to enable compatible docking accessories to form detachable magnetic attachments to connector 52. The fourth embodiment of docking platform 2, bottom right of FIG. 15B, comprises oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 58, connector 58 comprising magnetic attachment system 59, magnetic system 59 comprising a single elongated magnetic element formed beneath the bottom face of accessory cavity 51 to enable docking connector 58 to form a detachable attachment to multiple independent docking accessories, the docking accessories operable to wirelessly transmit and/or receive at least one of data or power with mobile device 1. Note that docking connector 58 comprises no electrical contacts. The fifth embodiment of docking platform 2, bottom center of FIG. 15B, comprises hourglass docking accessory cavity 60 and two docking connectors 56, connectors 56 each comprising fixed tab 62, spring tab 57, and docking connector electrical contacts 19. Detail D is a detailed view of spring tab 57 and five electrical contacts 19. Docking connector 56 is operable to form a detachable attachment to compatible docking accessories that are wedged between fixed tab 62 and spring tab 57. To release the docking accessories, spring tab 57 slides in the direction opposite the docking accessory. The sixth embodiment of docking platform 2, bottom left of FIG. 15B, comprises oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 42. Detail E is a detailed view of docking connector 42, connector 42 comprising eight docking connector cavities 43, nine electrical contacts 19, one female aligning element 44, docking connector magnetic attachment system 50, attachment system 50 comprising a single annular magnetic element formed beneath the surface of accessory cavity 51, for forming detachable attachments with compatible docking accessories.
[0104] FIG. 16 is an isometric drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention implemented with a tablet device 32. In this embodiment, tablet device 32 is shown with one attached generic expanding docking accessory 8, whose expanding docking accessory body measures roughly five inches in diameter, and whose expanding docking accessory accordion expands roughly three inches away from the backside of tablet device 32.
[0105] While the exemplary preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein with particularity, those skilled in the art will appreciate various changes, additions, and applications other than those specifically mentioned, which are within the spirit of this invention. For example, mobile electronic device 1 might be a mobile media tablet, as in FIG. 16. Docking platform 2 would then be sized accordingly, and the appropriate number and configuration of cavities provided. The platform, cavities, and docking connectors might have different shapes and sizes. The docking connectors might have different modes of attachment to docking accessories. Accessories might be self powered, and might communicate with the device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth®. E.g., a digital scale accessory might be docked for transport, then removed and positioned next to the device, while communicating via Bluetooth®, as an object is placed on the scale and its weight displayed on the screen of the device. Accessories might be operable for wireless power transmission between themselves and the device.
