Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus expansion or extension
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-07
2004-11-23
Vo, Tim (Department: 2112)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus expansion or extension
C710S300000, C710S304000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06823415
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a mobile docking station, and more particularly to a mobile docking station which increases the ease of use and efficiency of a mobile computer coupled thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the modem office and home environment, desk space is at a premium. Increasing numbers of computer users require their computing power and data while in the office, at home and while traveling. Mobile computers provide the means to have the computing power and data move with the user. However, simultaneously computer users have come to expect the high resolution displays offered by today's desktop monitors and the ease of use of a full-size keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse), typically found in the desktop environment.
Hitherto the present invention, such mobile computer offerings have been deficient in efficiency, ease of use, performance, overhead, etc.
For example, some systems require maintaining a separate computer for each use. As a result, it is expensive and time-consuming to keep multiple copies of important applications and data up to date and synchronized. Many users solve the problem by using a single mobile unit for all modes of usage connecting to docking stations and port replicators for access to full-sized monitors and keyboards while at home and the office. However, existing docking solutions are cumbersome, and still require too much desk space (e.g., a large footprint).
Additionally, known prior hardware and software which may perhaps perform a similar function (e.g., an all-in-one-computer design) incorporate the electronics and covers of a conventional desktop computer onto the back of a flat panel LCD display. However, these models are integrated into a common design package and cannot be separated from the display for mobile use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing and other problems of the conventional methods and structures, an object of the present invention is to provide a combined mobile and desktop computing system which is easy to use and which is efficient.
Another object is to provide a mobile docking station with a high-resolution display, a full-size keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse).
Yet another object is to provide a mobile docking station in which a mobile computer can be detached from the structure of a flat panel LCD display.
In a first aspect of the present invention, a docking station for a mobile computer, includes a dock housing coupled to a desktop display and including a first bus, and a bridge coupled between the first bus and a second bus, the first bus residing in the dock housing, and the second bus for being coupled to the mobile computer.
In a second aspect, a communication system, includes a mobile computer including a central processing unit (CPU), an input/output (I/O) bus and a graphics adaptor, a desktop display panel for being operatively coupled to the mobile computer, a pointing device for providing inputs for display on the display panel, a dock for mating with the mobile computer over the input/output (I/O) bus to drive the graphics adaptor and the panel along with the pointing device, the computing power being provided by the mobile CPU with access to the user's data from the mobile computer.
In a third aspect, a computer system, includes a mobile computer having an adaptor, a docking station for receiving the mobile computer, a bridge having a first side coupled to the mobile computer and a second side linked to the docking station, and a flat panel display formed with the docking station for being coupled to the mobile computer via the docking station, the adaptor of the mobile computer using a serial or parallel connector to mate the two sides of the bridge.
With the unique and unobvious aspects of the present invention, a desktop station can dock mobile computers (e.g., laptops, palmtops, devices having the size and functionality of the IBM ThinkPad®, etc.) to a flat panel display with a keyboard and a mouse. The combined mobile unit and dock provide a desktop “all-in-one” design that minimizes the desktop footprint and at the same time combines the power of today's mobile units with the high resolution characteristics of a large screen liquid crystal display (LCD) utilizing full input/output (I/O) bus bandwidth.
Hence, the all-in-one design of the present invention combines the typical desktop computer and the flat panel LCD display to provide a small footprint computer. Further, by replacing the integrated desktop computer components with a docking bay (e.g., a sleeve) and an I/O bus docking connector, a docking station is preferably and exemplarily created with a flat panel LCD display, a digital video interface (DVI) graphics adaptor, a keyboard and a mouse.
Thus, the present invention provides a high performance, low-overhead solution to users desiring mobile computing power while at home, office, or during travel. That is, with the invention, there is no need to maintain a separate computer for each use, thereby avoiding the expense and time consumed in maintaining multiple copies of important applications and data up to date and synchronized. Further, the invention is sleek, has a minimal form factor, and requires a minimum of desk space. Additionally, the all-in-one design of the invention is integrated into a common design package and can be easily and quickly separated from the display for mobile use.
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Asaad Sameh W.
Dono Nicholas R.
Mandese Ernest Nelson
Schneider Bengt-Olaf
Warren Kevin W.
Vo Tim
Zarick, Esq. Gail H.
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