Universal docking station

Details Universal docking station Universal docking station

2000-01-11

2001-07-03

Myers, Paul R. (Department: 2181)

Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/

Intrasystem connection

Bus access regulation

C361S689000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06256691

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to computers and more particularly to docking stations used to interface a portable computer to multiple peripheral devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Though popular, portable computers, such as notebook, laptop or palmtop computers have several shortcomings when compared to conventional desktop computers. They typically include a keyboard that is smaller and more difficult to use than a conventional keyboard, and a smaller, lower resolution screen than a conventional desktop monitor. In addition, portable computers rarely include such peripherals as CD ROMS, tape backups, secondary hard drives, modems, and network connectors.
A portable computer user seeking these features has limited options. The user can purchase separate portable and desk top computers. However, given that the user can only use one computer at a time, this option is costly and requires frequent data transfers between the two computers. A second option is to plug the various peripherals into their designated ports on the portable computer. Unfortunately, most portable computers do not have connectors for many of the peripherals desired. Moreover, separately connecting and unconnecting the various peripherals is time consuming and burdensome.
A third option for the portable computer user seeking to expand the capabilities of their portable computer is to purchase a docking station or expansion base into which the particular portable computer may easily be docked during desktop use. Thus, only one computer is necessary, and data transfer is not required. The docking station typically sits on the user's desk and provides connections to various peripheral devices, such as full-size keyboards and monitors, modems, network connectors, etc. Once the portable computer is docked in the docking station, the portable computer has access to all of the various peripherals attached to the docking station. When travel is necessary, the user can simply remove the portable computer from the docking station and carry it with him on the road.
A major shortcoming of current docking stations is their reliance on proprietary connectors to connect the portable computer to the docking station. Consequently, one must purchase the docking station that corresponds to the make and model of the portable computer they currently own, and is most likely precluded from using docking stations manufactured by different companies. This severely limits the usefulness of the docking station concept because a portable computer user is confined to a small number of stations into which he can dock his computer. A strong need exists for a universal docking station that provides the added advantages and capabilities of a desktop computer, particularly a full-size keyboard and monitor, but does not require a proprietary connection to the portable computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A universal docking station for connecting a portable computer to a plurality of peripheral devices is provided, wherein at least one of the peripheral devices is a user input device, at least one of the user input devices is capable of receiving a write command, and the portable computer is capable of writing data. The docking station comprises a PCMCIA interface adapted to be coupled to the portable computer, peripheral control units adapted to be coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices, and a docking station control unit coupled to the PCMCIA interface and the peripheral control units, wherein the docking station control unit selectively transfers data between the PCMCIA interface and one of the peripheral control units, and wherein the docking station control unit extends the period of time data written by the computer remains stable on the PCMCIA interface.
A computer system is also provided comprising a portable computer having a PCMCIA interface, the portable computer capable of generating output signals for designated peripheral devices, a control unit having a PCMCIA interface for interfacing with the portable computer PCMCIA interface, a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to the control unit, with at least one of the peripheral devices being a user input device capable of generating input signals, and at least one of the peripheral devices being a display device, the control unit comprising means for converting the output signals from the portable computer into a form compatible with the designated peripheral device, means for routing the converted signal to the designated peripheral device, means for converting the input signal into a form compatible with the portable computer, and means for prioritizing access to the PCMCIA bus by the input signals. In one embodiment, the means for converting the output signal into a form compatible with the designated peripheral comprises extending the period of time the output signal remains stable.
A method for interfacing a standard peripheral device to a computer via a PCMCIA bus is also provided. The method comprises the steps of driving data to be written to the peripheral device on the PCMCIA bus, extending the time the data is available to the peripheral device on the PCMCIA bus for a period sufficient to satisfy the timing requirements of the peripheral device, and writing the data to the peripheral device. In one embodiment, the extending step is accomplished by activating the write signal a period before a standard write signal.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5432916 (1995-07-01), Hahn et al.
patent: 5579491 (1996-11-01), Jeffries et al.
patent: 5632020 (1997-05-01), Gephardt et al.
patent: 5634080 (1997-05-01), Kikinis et al.
patent: 5941965 (1999-08-01), Moroz et al.
patent: 6044215 (2000-03-01), Charles et al.

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