Buttable multipurpose electronic tablet system

Abstract

This document describes techniques for dockeable and dedockeable multipurpose electronic tablet devices. These techniques enable a tablet device to be docked to a docking seat, which secures the tablet device, for example, to use a display screen of the tablet device and / or a speaker of the docking seat. The tablet device may also be electrically coupled to the dock to enable communication between the tablet device and the dock and to enable power transfer from the dock to the tablet device for charging a battery of the tablet device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 364,479, filed on May 10, 2022, entitled “DOCKABLE AND UNDOCKABLE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRONIC TABLET DEVICE,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] Electronic tablet devices have become increasingly popular devices due to their larger display screens and touch input capabilities. However, challenges arise when a user places a tablet device on a surface but wishes to continue to interact with the device to consume media content. Due to their form factor, tablet devices are typically designed to be placed on a flat surface, which enables the user to view the display by looking down. For example, if a user wishes to place a tablet device on a kitchen countertop to view a recipe or watch a basketball game while preparing a meal, challenges arise in stabilizing the device in an upright position. Summary of the invention

[0003] This document describes technologies for a dockable and undockable multi-purpose electronic tablet device. These technologies enable a tablet device operable in a tablet device mode to be docked to a docking station (dock), which secures the tablet device in an upright position for substantially horizontal viewing of a display screen of the tablet device. The tablet device may also be electrically coupled to the docking station to enable communication between the tablet device and the docking station, and to enable power transfer from the docking station to the tablet device for charging a battery of the tablet device.

[0004] In various aspects, the tablet device includes electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pads) on a back surface that is opposite the display screen of the tablet device. When docked to a docking station, the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to corresponding socket contacts on the docking station, thereby forming a stable physical connection that enables the transfer of electrical current and electrical signals. The electrical contacts can be positioned at any suitable location on the back surface that enables the electrical contacts to couple to (e.g., mate with) corresponding socket contacts on the docking station.

[0005] The tablet device may be docked (e.g., mounted, coupled, fixed) to the docking station via a coupling mechanism, which may include a magnetic coupling mechanism or a mechanical coupling mechanism. For example, magnets may be implemented in the docking station and / or the tablet device to generate a magnetic attraction force that securely connects and holds the tablet device to the docking station. The tablet device may be decoupled from the docking station with sufficient reaction force (e.g., pulling force) applied by the user.

[0006] The tablet device and the docking station together form a modular system. In one example, the docking station may include an audio output device (e.g., a speaker) for providing audio output from the tablet device. Digital signals can be transmitted from the tablet device to the docking station via electrical contacts and corresponding socket contacts, and the docking station can output audio signals via the audio output device accordingly. In this way, the tablet device and the docking station can communicate via a physical connection rather than via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth™). However, in some embodiments, the tablet device can communicate with the docking station via wireless communication.

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of a dockable and undockable multi-purpose electronic tablet device, which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] This document describes details of one or more aspects of a dockable and undockable multi-purpose electronic tablet device with reference to the following drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components:

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a tablet docking station system is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 An example of a device that can be docked with a docking station or "dock" using magnets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic front view of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic side view of an example of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 A schematic front view of an example of a magnetically docked tablet computer is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic rear view of an embodiment of a tablet docking system with a tablet magnetically docked with the docking station is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 A schematic side view of an example of a tablet computer docked with a docking station is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a tablet docking system having a tablet magnetically docked with the docking station, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 Schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views are shown of a foot of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.10 Schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views are shown of a foot of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.11 Schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views are shown of a foot of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.12 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a dock according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Fig.13 An illustrative docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Fig.14 An example of a device that can be docked with a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Fig.15 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a tablet docking system having a tablet magnetically docked with the docking station, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This document describes a dockable and undockable multi-purpose electronic device, such as a tablet computer or tablet device. Aspects described herein include an electronic device (e.g., a tablet device) that can operate as an independent computing device when undocked and can receive power from and communicate with a docking station when docked.

[0025] The tablet device can be docked when oriented in a landscape orientation. When undocked, the tablet can be operated in a landscape or portrait orientation. The tablet device and the docking station can be configured to communicate wirelessly. The tablet device includes electrical contacts (e.g., spring pin pads) that are exposed to the environment and are configured to physically connect to corresponding electrical contacts on the docking station. Such physical connection enables the tablet device to communicate with the docking station without wirelessly communicating with the docking station, and enables the tablet device to receive power from the docking station. As an example, when the tablet device receives power from the docking station, the tablet can output an audio signal to the docking station, which is used to generate sound via one or more speakers of the docking station.

[0026] While the features and concepts of the described dockable and undockable multi-use electronic tablet device can be implemented in any number of different environments, various aspects are described in the context of the following examples.

[0027] In some embodiments, the docking station includes a speaker, and the docking station and the tablet device form an acoustic environment in front of the speaker, wherein the acoustic environment is configured to properly transmit sound from the speaker without significant attenuation or distortion, for example.

[0028] In some embodiments, the docking station may include one or more wear-resistant feet that significantly reduce sliding movement on the surface, particularly when the tablet device is docked to the docking station in an upright position and the system experiences vibrations caused by, for example, using a speaker to generate audio signals.

[0029] In some embodiments, either or both of the dock and the tablet device include one or more sensors configured to generate signals that can be used to determine whether the tablet device is properly aligned on the dock. In response to determining that the tablet device is properly aligned on the dock, the dock can provide power to the tablet device using one or more electrical contacts, and the dock can communicate with the device using the one or more electrical contacts.

[0030] Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device docking station system 100 is shown. The system 100 may include a computing device, such as a tablet computer 102, a docking station 104, a network 106; and a cloud-based server system 108. The tablet computer 102 may include: a processing system 110; one or more microphones 112; an electronic display 118; and a wireless interface 120. The processing system 110 may include one or more processors, which may include a dedicated or general-purpose processor that executes instructions stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable media. The processing system 110 may include one or more processors designed to execute machine learning (ML) models. Such processors, while capable of analyzing the presence of speech, may or may not be capable of analyzing the content of such speech, such as to detect trigger words or trigger phrases. Therefore, the privacy of the speech content can be maintained unless the trigger word or phrase is spoken. Syntiant® Neural Decision Processors™ represent a commercial processor family that can execute a machine learning model that is trained to analyze speech with respect to the presence of keywords or phrases, but otherwise ignores the content of this speech. When a keyword or phrase is detected, additional processing may be performed on the speech, either locally or remotely, such as to determine the command or action intended by the user who spoke the keyword or phrase.

[0031] The microphone 112 is configured to receive audio input from a user of the tablet computer 102. One or more microphones 112 may communicate with the processing system 110. If there are multiple microphones 112, the direction from which the sound (such as speech) originates may be determined with respect to the SIM device based on the time difference of the sound arriving at the multiple microphones. The one or more microphones 112 may communicate directly with the processing system 110 only via a direct connection. Specifically, the one or more microphones 112 may be electrically connected only to a processing system that executes a machine learning model that determines (e.g., a binary determination of whether speech is present) whether speech is present or scores whether speech is present (e.g., indicating the likelihood of the presence of speech). The processing system may not have the ability to analyze speech content. In various embodiments, the tablet computer 102 may include a speaker 122 of a type known in the art for outputting audio feedback to commands.

[0032] Magnetic system 124 may include one or more magnets arranged to magnetically couple with corresponding one or more magnets of docking station's magnet system 138. Magnetic system 124 and magnet system 138 may be used to align tablet computer 102 with docking station 104 during docking. Magnetic system 124 (and / or magnet system 138) may include one or more electronically controllable magnets, one or more permanent magnets, one or more non-electronically controllable magnets, one or more magnet modules, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments, magnet system 124 (and / or magnet system 138) may include one or more magnetic field sensors, such as one or more magnetic field sensors, one or more magnetometers, one or more Hall effect sensors, and / or one or more other types of sensors configured to sense the presence of a magnet or magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating proximity to a magnet.

[0034] The wireless interface 120 communicates with the processing system 110 and allows communication with various wireless networks and / or wireless devices using one or more communication protocols. The wireless interface 120 may allow communication with a wireless local area network based on Wi-Fi. The wireless interface 120 may allow direct communication with other devices, such as via Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or some other low-power device-to-device communication protocol. In some embodiments, the wireless interface 120 allows communication with the wearer's smartphone, thereby allowing information collected using the tablet computer 102 to be analyzed by the wearer's smartphone and presented using the wearer's smartphone. In some embodiments, the wireless interface 120 allows communication with the wireless network interface 132 of the docking station 104.

[0035] In some embodiments, there may be an electronic display 118. In various aspects, the electronic display 118 may display any visual information associated with any application running on the tablet computer 102. The electronic display 118 may allow information determined based on data collected from various sensors of the tablet computer 102 to be presented directly to the user. For example, the electronic display 118 may display information, interfaces, and / or commands associated with smart home devices, social media applications, internet searches, weather applications, news applications, etc. For example, the electronic display 118 may allow a user to control various smart home devices located throughout the home.

[0036] Tablet computer 102 may be a smart phone, smart watch, laptop computer, gaming device, or a smart home hub device for interacting with various smart home devices present in the home, or may be used with them. Docking station 104 may be part of a smart home assistant device system. Typically, docking station 104 may include a housing (e.g., docking station housing) that houses some or all of the components of docking station 104.

[0037] The docking station 104 may include a processing system 130. The processing system 130 may include one or more processors configured to perform various functions. The processing system 130 may include one or more dedicated or general-purpose processors. Such dedicated processors may include processors specifically designed to perform the functions detailed herein. Such dedicated processors may be ASICs or FPGAs, which are general-purpose components physically and electrically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute dedicated software stored using one or more non-temporary processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD).

[0038] The docking station 104 may include a mating system 137, embodiments of which are described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The docking station 104 may include a speaker 140 (which may represent an embodiment of the speaker 122) for outputting audio (such as music and / or feedback to commands), and a wireless network interface 132, which may represent an embodiment of the wireless interface 120.

[0039] The mating system 137 may include a magnet system 138 and one or more magnetic field sensors 139. The magnet system 138 may include one or more magnets arranged to magnetically couple with corresponding one or more magnets of the magnet system 124 of the tablet computer 102. The magnet system 124 and the magnet system 138 may be used to align the tablet computer 102 with the docking station 104 during docking. The magnet system 138 (and / or the magnet system 124) may include one or more electronically controllable magnets (e.g., electropermanent magnets), one or more permanent magnets, one or more non-electronically controllable magnets, one or more magnet modules, or combinations thereof.

[0040] The magnetic field sensor 139 may include, for example, one or more magnetic field sensors, one or more Hall effect sensors, and / or one or more other types of sensors configured to sense the presence (and possibly the magnitude) of a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of proximity to a magnet.

[0041] Processing system 130 can be configured to receive a signal that can be analyzed to determine whether tablet computer 102 is properly docked with docking station 104. The signal can be transmitted, for example, by either or both of magnet system 124 and magnetic field sensor 139. In response to receiving the signal, processing system 130 can be configured to provide power and / or communication signals to tablet computer 102 through electrical contacts of docking station 104.

[0042] In various embodiments, other sensors or components (not shown) may be located on docking station 104. For example, one or more environmental sensors may be incorporated into docking station 104, and may include light sensors, microphones for receiving audio input from users, temperature sensors, etc. In some embodiments, there may be multiple instances of some or all of these sensors. Cameras and / or humidity sensors may be incorporated into docking station 104 and / or tablet computer 102. As another example, active infrared sensors may be included. In some embodiments, some data (such as humidity data) may be obtained from nearby weather stations with available data via the Internet. In some embodiments, active acoustic sensing methods may be implemented, including but not limited to sonar and ultrasound, and including single or arrayed sound sources and / or receivers. Such arrangements may be used as one or more auxiliary sensing modalities combined with other sensors and methods described herein.

[0043] Tablet computer 102 may include various interfaces. Display 118, which may be a touch screen, may allow processing system 110 to present information for viewing by one or more users, and may receive user input provided as input to processing system 110. A wireless network interface may allow communication using a wireless local area network (WLAN) such as a WiFi-based network. Other network-based wireless communication protocols and direct wireless communication protocols are also possible, such as Bluetooth family protocols, WiFi Direct, etc. Speaker 122 may allow output of sound, such as synthesized speech. For example, a response to a verbal command received via microphone 112 may be output via speaker 122 and / or display 118. The verbal command may be analyzed locally by tablet computer 102, or may be transmitted to cloud-based server system 108 via a wireless network interface for analysis. A response based on the analysis of the verbal command may be sent back to the tablet computer via the wireless network interface to be output via speaker 122 and / or display 118. Additionally or alternatively, speaker 122 and microphone 112 may be configured together for active acoustic sensing, including ultrasonic acoustic sensing. Additionally or alternatively, other forms of wireless communication are also possible, such as using low-power wireless mesh network radios and protocols (e.g., Thread) to communicate with various smart home devices. In some embodiments, a wired network interface (such as an Ethernet connection) can be used to communicate with the network. In addition, the evolution of wireless communication to fifth-generation (5G) and sixth-generation (6G) standards and technologies provides higher throughput and lower latency, which enhances mobile broadband services. 5G and 6G technologies also provide new service categories for vehicle-to-everything (V2X), fixed wireless broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT) through control channels and data channels. Such standards and technologies can be used for communication of tablet computer 102.

[0044] Low-power wireless mesh network radios and protocols can be used to communicate with power-constrained devices. Power-constrained devices can be purely battery-powered devices. Such devices can rely solely on one or more batteries for power, and therefore, the amount of power used for communication can be kept low so as to reduce the frequency of needing to replace one or more batteries. In some embodiments, power-constrained devices may have the ability to communicate via a relatively high-power network (e.g., WiFi) and a low-power mesh network. Power-constrained devices may use relatively high-power networks infrequently to save power. Examples of such power-constrained devices include environmental sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, smoke sensors, motion sensors, presence detectors) and other forms of remote sensors.

[0045] Some embodiments of the tablet computer 102 do not have any still or video cameras. By not incorporating an onboard camera, nearby users can be assured of their privacy. For example, the tablet computer 102 may be typically installed in the user's bedroom. For a variety of reasons, the user does not want a camera to be placed in such a private space or pointed at the user while the user is sleeping. In other embodiments, the tablet computer 102 may have a camera. In some of these embodiments, the lens of the camera may be obscured by a mechanical lens shutter. In order to use the camera, the user may need to physically open the shutter to allow the camera to have a view of the environment of the tablet computer 102. When the shutter is closed, the user can ensure privacy from being captured by the camera.

[0046] The wireless network interface can allow wireless communication with the network 106. The network 106 can include one or more public networks and / or private networks. The network 106 can include a private local wired or wireless network, such as a home wireless LAN. The network 106 can also include a public network, such as the Internet. The network 106 can allow the tablet computer 102 to communicate with a remotely located cloud-based server system 108.

[0047] The cloud-based server system 108 may additionally or alternatively provide other cloud-based services. For example, the tablet computer 102 may also act as a home assistant device. The home assistant device may respond to a speech query from a user. In response to detecting that a speech trigger phrase is being spoken, the tablet computer 102 may record audio. The stream of audio may be transmitted to the cloud-based server system 108 for analysis. The cloud-based server system 108 may perform a speech recognition process, using a natural language processing engine to understand queries from users, and provide responses to be output by the tablet computer 102 as synthesized speech, output to be presented on the display 118, and / or commands to be executed by the tablet computer 102 (e.g., raising the volume of the tablet computer 102) or sent to other smart home devices. In addition, queries or commands may be submitted to the cloud-based server system 108 via the display 118 (which may be a touch screen). For example, the tablet computer 102 may be used to control various smart home devices or home automation devices. Such commands may be sent directly by the tablet computer 102 to the device to be controlled, or may be sent via the cloud-based server system 108.

[0048] In some embodiments, the tablet computer 102 is docked to the dock 104 causing a portion of the tablet computer 102 to obscure a portion of the speaker 122 of the dock 104. Despite the obstruction, the acoustic environment formed by the dock 104 and the tablet computer 102 still properly transmits sound from the speaker 122 without significant attenuation or distortion, for example.

[0049] In some embodiments, docking station 104 may include one or more wear feet that significantly reduce sliding movement on a surface on which docking station 104 is placed. For example, when tablet computer 102 is docked to docking station 104 in an upright position, the system experiences vibrations, such as due to the generation of audio signals using speaker 122. The one or more wear feet of docking station 104 may be shaped to generate sufficient friction with the surface to minimize or prevent the possibility of sliding movement.

[0050] Figure 2 An embodiment of an electronic device 200 is shown, which is configured to dock with a docking station using magnets and, in some embodiments, electrical contacts. The electronic device 200 can be a tablet computer, such as the tablet computer 102, or more specifically, a tablet computer used as a home assistant device or hub as previously described in detail. One or more magnets can be hidden in the electronic device 200, behind the back 202. The device 200 includes a plurality of conductive contacts 220 (e.g., metal pads) for transmitting data with the docking station and / or obtaining power from the docking station when the electronic device 200 is in a docking position. As shown, there are four electrical contacts 220. In other embodiments, there may be a greater or lesser number of electrical contacts 220. The arrangement of the electrical contacts 220 may also vary depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts include, for example, one or more contact pads, one or more pins, or a combination of pads and pins. Other components (such as a camera 230) may be present on the back 202 or accessible through the back 202.

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic front view of a docking station 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The docking station 300 may include a mating system, such as a system described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the docking station 300 may have features similar or identical to those of the docking station 104 described above.

[0052] The mating system of docking station 300 may include a magnet system and one or more magnetic field sensors. The magnet system may include one or more magnets arranged to align and magnetically couple with corresponding one or more magnets of a magnet system of an electronic device docked with docking station 300, so that the mating surface of the electronic device is held against mating surface 304 of docking station 300 by the magnet system of docking station 300 and the magnetic field of the magnet system of the electronic device.

[0053] The magnetic field sensor of docking station 300 may include, for example, one or more magnetic field sensors, one or more magnetometers, one or more Hall effect sensors, and / or one or more other types of sensors configured to sense the presence of a magnet or magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field, which may indicate proximity to one or more magnets.

[0054] The docking station 300 may include a processing system configured to receive a signal indicating whether the electronic device is properly docked with the docking station 300. The signal may be initiated, for example, by either or both of a magnetic field sensor of the docking station 300 and / or a magnetic field sensor of the electronic device. In response to receiving the signal, the processing system may be configured to provide power and / or a communication signal to the electronic device through the electrical contacts 320 of the docking station 300.

[0055] In some embodiments, docking station 300 may include an internal speaker facing speaker face 308. Docking station 300 may be configured to cause the internal speaker to generate sound based on data from, for example, an audio file, or based on a signal from, for example, a microphone system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the docking station 300 may include stabilizing feet 306 that significantly reduce sliding movement on a surface on which the docking station 300 is placed. For example, the docking station 300 may experience vibrations, such as due to the use of a speaker of the docking station 300. The stabilizing feet 306 of the docking station 300 may be shaped to generate sufficient friction with the surface to minimize or prevent sliding movement.

[0057] The legs 306 may include an elastomeric material. For example, in some embodiments, the legs 306 include silicon. In addition, the legs 306 may be attached to the surface of the housing 307 of the docking station 300 using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the legs 306 are attached to the surface of the housing 307 by topological features of the legs 306 that protrude through holes in the surface of the housing 307. In some embodiments, the legs 306 are attached to the surface of the housing 307 using another mechanism, such as a fastener.

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic side view of a docking station 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the mating face 304, speaker face 308 and feet 306 of the docking station 300 are indicated. In addition, a speaker 310 with indicated speaker components 303 (magnetic column) and 309 (spider) is shown, as well as the mechanical orientation and connection arrangement.

[0059] also, Figure 4A speaker plane 312 is identified. The speaker plane 312 is defined by a speaker that faces in a direction perpendicular to the speaker plane 312. In some embodiments, the speaker includes a diaphragm that defines the speaker plane 312. For example, the diaphragm can have a substantially planar portion that moves in response to an audio signal provided to the speaker to induce sound waves, wherein the planar portion of the diaphragm defines the speaker plane 312. Alternatively, the speaker plane can be defined by a surround of the speaker. As shown, the interior speaker plane 312 of the docking station 300 faces outwardly toward the speaker face 308.

[0060] Figure 4 Also identified is a foot plane 314 defined by the foot 306. For example, when the dock 300 is positioned on a surface, the portion of the contact surface of the foot 306 can define the foot plane 314. In some embodiments, the speaker plane 312 and the foot plane 314 intersect at an angle between any of the following: 45 degrees and 55 degrees, between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, between 65 degrees and 75 degrees, between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, between 85 degrees and 95 degrees, between 44 degrees and 48 degrees, between 47 degrees and 51 degrees, between 49 degrees and 53 degrees, between 52 degrees and 56 degrees, between 54 degrees and 58 degrees, between 57 degrees and 61 degrees, between 59 degrees and 63 degrees, between 62 degrees and 66 degrees. degrees, between 64 degrees and 68 degrees, between 67 degrees and 71 degrees, between 69 degrees and 73 degrees, between 72 degrees and 76 degrees, between 74 degrees and 78 degrees, between 77 degrees and 81 degrees, between 79 degrees and 73 degrees, between 72 degrees and 86 degrees, between 74 degrees and 78 degrees, between 77 degrees and 81 degrees, between 79 degrees and 83 degrees, between 82 degrees and 86 degrees, between 84 degrees and 88 degrees, between 87 degrees and 91 degrees, between 89 degrees and 93 degrees, and between 92 degrees and 96 degrees.

[0061] In some embodiments, the speaker plane 312 and the foot plane 314 intersect at an angle less than any of the following: 90 degrees, 85 degrees, 80 degrees, 75 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 45 degrees, 43 degrees, 40 degrees, 38 degrees, 35 degrees, 33 degrees, 30 degrees, 28 degrees, 25 degrees, 23 degrees, 20 degrees, 18 degrees, and 15 degrees.

[0062] In some embodiments, the speaker face 308 and the foot plane 314 intersect at an angle between any of the following: 45 degrees and 55 degrees, between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, between 65 degrees and 75 degrees, between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, between 85 degrees and 95 degrees, between 44 degrees and 48 degrees, between 47 degrees and 51 degrees, between 49 degrees and 53 degrees, between 52 degrees and 56 degrees, between 54 degrees and 58 degrees, between 57 degrees and 61 degrees, between 59 degrees and 63 degrees, between 62 degrees and 66 degrees. degrees, between 64 degrees and 68 degrees, between 67 degrees and 71 degrees, between 69 degrees and 73 degrees, between 72 degrees and 76 degrees, between 74 degrees and 78 degrees, between 77 degrees and 81 degrees, between 79 degrees and 73 degrees, between 72 degrees and 86 degrees, between 74 degrees and 78 degrees, between 77 degrees and 81 degrees, between 79 degrees and 83 degrees, between 82 degrees and 86 degrees, between 84 degrees and 88 degrees, between 87 degrees and 91 degrees, between 89 degrees and 93 degrees, and between 92 degrees and 96 degrees.

[0063] In some embodiments, the speaker face 308 and the foot plane 314 intersect at an angle less than any of the following: 90 degrees, 85 degrees, 80 degrees, 75 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 45 degrees, 43 degrees, 40 degrees, 38 degrees, 35 degrees, 33 degrees, 30 degrees, 28 degrees, 25 degrees, 23 degrees, 20 degrees, 18 degrees, and 15 degrees.

[0064] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematic front and back views of an embodiment of an electronic device 200 docked with a docking station 300 are shown, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, either or both of the electronic device 200 and the docking station 300 include a magnet or magnet system, e.g., similar or identical to those discussed elsewhere herein, that causes the electronic device 200 to be held in position against the docking station 300, e.g., such that the mating face 202 of the electronic device 200 is held in position against the mating face 304 (not shown) of the docking station 300.

[0065] Figure 7 A schematic side view of an embodiment of an electronic device 200 docked with a docking station 300 is shown, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The mating face 202 of the electronic device 200 is magnetically held in place against the mating face 304 of the docking station 300.

[0066] When the electronic device 200 is docked with the docking station 300, the lowest point on the electronic device 200 is spaced a distance A from the closest point of the foot plane 314. In some embodiments, the distance A is less than any of the following: 30 mm, 28 mm, 25 mm, 23 mm, 20 mm, 18 mm, 16 mm, 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm. In some embodiments, the lowest point on the electronic device 200 contacts the foot plane or is below the foot plane. In some embodiments, the distance A is any of the following: less than 30 mm and greater than 27 mm, less than 28 mm and greater than 25 mm, less than 25 mm and greater than 22 mm, less than 23 mm and greater than 21 mm, less than 20 mm and greater than 18 mm, less than 18 mm and greater than 16 mm, less than 16 mm and greater than 14 mm, less than 15 mm and greater than 13 mm, less than 14 mm and greater than 13 mm, less than 13 mm and greater than 12 mm, less than 12 mm and greater than 11 mm, less than 11 mm and greater than 10 mm, less than 10 mm and greater than 9 mm, less than 9 mm and greater than 8 mm, less than 8 mm and greater than 7 mm, less than 7 mm and greater than 6 mm, less than 6 mm and greater than 5 mm, less than 5 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 4 mm and greater than 3 mm, less than 3 mm and greater than 2 mm, less than 2 mm and greater than 1 mm, less than 1 mm and greater than 0 mm. In some embodiments, the lowest point on the electronic device 200 contacts or is below the plane of the feet.

[0067] When the electronic device 200 is docked with the docking station 300, the lowest point on the electronic device 200 is spaced from the closest point of the docking station 300 by a distance B. In some embodiments, the distance B is less than any of the following: 30 mm, 28 mm, 25 mm, 23 mm, 20 mm, 18 mm, 16 mm, 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm. In some embodiments, distance B is any of the following: less than 30 mm and greater than 27 mm, less than 28 mm and greater than 25 mm, less than 25 mm and greater than 23 mm, less than 23 mm and greater than 21 mm, less than 20 mm and greater than 18 mm, less than 18 mm and greater than 16 mm, less than 16 mm and greater than 14 mm, less than 15 mm and greater than 13 mm, less than 14 mm and greater than 13 mm, less than 13 mm and greater than 12 mm, less than 12 mm and greater than 11 mm, less than 11 mm and greater than 10 mm, less than 10 mm and greater than 9 mm, less than 9 mm and greater than 8 mm, less than 8 mm and greater than 7 mm, less than 7 mm and greater than 6 mm, less than 6 mm and greater than 5 mm, and less than 5 mm and greater than 4 mm.

[0068] The shielding plane 710 contacts the front-most portion of the housing of the docking station 300 at or near the intersection of the plane defined by the speaker face 308 and the foot plane 314, such that the speaker face 308 is shielded by the electronic device 200 from some or all viewpoints that are both to the left of the electronic device 200 according to the orientation of the figure and above the shielding plane 710 according to the orientation of the figure. In some embodiments, the shielding plane contacts the electronic device and the docking station such that the docking station is shielded by the electronic device from a viewpoint between the shielding plane and the electronic device on the device-front side of the electronic device. The shielding plane 710 intersects the foot plane 314 at an angle less than any of the following: 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 45 degrees, 43 degrees, 40 degrees, 38 degrees, 35 degrees, 33 degrees, 30 degrees, 28 degrees, 25 degrees, 23 degrees, 20 degrees, 18 degrees, and 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the blocking plane 710 intersects the foot plane 314 at an angle that is any of the following: less than 60 degrees and greater than 55 degrees, less than 55 degrees and greater than 50 degrees, less than 50 degrees and greater than 45 degrees, less than 48 degrees and greater than 43 degrees, less than 45 degrees and greater than 40 degrees, less than 43 degrees and greater than 38 degrees, less than 40 degrees and greater than 35 degrees, less than 38 degrees and greater than 33 degrees, less than 35 degrees and greater than 30 degrees, less than 33 degrees and greater than 30 degrees, less than 30 degrees and greater than 27 degrees, less than 28 degrees and greater than 25 degrees, less than 25 degrees and greater than 23 degrees, less than 23 degrees and greater than 21 degrees, less than 20 degrees and greater than 18 degrees, less than 18 degrees and greater than 16 degrees, and less than 15 degrees and greater than 13 degrees.

[0069] The docking station 300 may be configured to generate sound based on the data of the test audio file when the electronic device 200 is docked with the docking station or not docked with the docking station. For example, when the electronic device 200 is not docked with the docking station 300, the docking station 300 may use an internal speaker to generate a sound with a reference power spectrum characteristic, so that according to the orientation of the figure and in the plane of the figure as measured at the test distance D to the left side of the docking station 300, the sound power can be measured for each frequency interval in multiple frequency intervals (frequencybin). For example, for each frequency interval in 2048 adjacent frequency intervals starting from 32 Hz and having a width of 16 Hz, the sound power value can be measured. During the measurement, the electronic device 200 can be placed in a position so that the electronic device 200 does not affect the measurement. The test distance D can be, for example, less than any of the following: 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 75 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm and other distances. In some embodiments, the test distance D can be, for example, any of the following: less than 10 cm and greater than 8 cm, less than 15 cm and greater than 12 cm, less than 20 cm and greater than 16 cm, less than 25 cm and greater than 20 cm, less than 30 cm and greater than 25 cm, less than 35 cm and greater than 30 cm, less than 40 cm and greater than 35 cm, less than 50 cm and greater than 45 cm, less than 60 cm and greater than 50 cm, less than 75 cm and greater than 60 cm, less than 90 cm and greater than 70 cm, and less than 100 cm and greater than 75 cm.

[0070] In some embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is docked with the docking station 300, the docking station 300 may use an internal speaker to generate a sound having a test power spectrum characteristic, so that the sound power value may be measured for each frequency interval in a plurality of frequency intervals as measured at the same point at which the measurement is performed to characterize the reference power spectrum characteristic.

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the acoustic power values ​​of the test power spectrum characteristic differs from the corresponding acoustic power value of the reference power spectrum characteristic by less than any of: 10 dB, 9 dB, 8 dB, 7 dB, 6 dB, 5 dB, 4 dB, 3 dB, 2 dB, 1.8 dB, 1.5 dB, 1.3 dB, 1 dB, 0.8 dB, 0.5 dB, and 0.3 dB. Thus, when docked, the electronic device 200 affects the sound produced by the docking station 300. However, for each measured frequency interval, the impact is less than the threshold power value.

[0072] Figure 8800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by, for example, a docking station 300 having an electronic device 200 docked therewith, for example, Figures 5 to 7 Any or all of the following may be shown.

[0073] At 802, an electronic signal is provided to a speaker of a docking station. The electronic signal may be generated based on data of an audio file. In some embodiments, the audio file is stored on an electronic device.

[0074] In response to the electronic signal, at 804, the speaker generates an audio compression wave corresponding to the data of the audio file.

[0075] At 808, the audio compression wave propagates from the docking station and passes through the electronic device. For each frequency interval in a plurality of frequency intervals, the electronic device has an effect on the sound produced by the docking station that is less than a threshold power value. For example, in some embodiments, the change in the sound power value of the sound is less than any of the following: 10 dB, 9 dB, 8 dB, 7 dB, 6 dB, 5 dB, 4 dB, 3 dB, 2 dB, 1.8 dB, 1.5 dB, 1.3 dB, 1 dB, 0.8 dB, 0.5 dB, and 0.3 dB. Therefore, when docked, the electronic device has a minimal effect on the sound produced by the docking station.

[0076] The foot of a docking station (such as docking station 300) can have an outwardly facing portion that is configured to engage with a support surface on which the docking station is placed. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing portion of the foot is planar or substantially planar.

[0077] Fig. 9 A schematic plan view 910 and schematic cross-sectional views 920 and 930 of a foot 900 having a non-planar outwardly facing portion 950 of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Due at least in part to the structure of the foot 900, the static friction between the foot and the support surface holding the docking station is sufficient to prevent the docking station from sliding or moving along the support surface, for example, when a speaker of the docking station is generating sound. Due to the sound waves generated by the docking station, the docking station experiences vibrations. In addition, when the generated sound is at the resonant frequency of the docking station, the vibrations can have particularly high energy. In some cases, if there is no foot 900, the vibrations will cause the docking station to move or slide along the support surface. This problem is particularly significant if the support surface is not horizontal.

[0078] As shown in cross-sections 920 and 930, outwardly facing portion 950 is concave. Thus, when the docking station is placed on a support surface, outwardly facing portion 950 of foot 900 engages the support surface around the perimeter of foot 900. In some embodiments, outwardly facing portion 950 of foot 900 does not engage the support surface in a central portion of outwardly facing portion 950.

[0079] In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the foot 900 conformably engages the support surface. For example, the foot 900 can be formed of an elastomeric material that conforms so that the peripheral portion of the foot 900 engages the support surface. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the foot 900 that engages the support surface extends from the perimeter a distance less than any of: 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the foot 900 that engages the support surface extends from the perimeter a distance any of: less than 10 mm and greater than 8 mm, less than 9 mm and greater than 7 mm, less than 8 mm and greater than 6 mm, less than 7 mm and greater than 5 mm, less than 6 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 5 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 4 mm and greater than 3 mm, less than 3 mm and greater than 2 mm, less than 2 mm and greater than 1 mm, less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm.

[0080] Fig.10 A schematic plan view 1010 and schematic cross-sectional views 1020 and 1030 of a foot 1000 having a non-planar outwardly facing portion 1050 of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Due at least in part to the structure of the foot 900, the static friction between the foot and the support surface holding the docking station is sufficient to prevent the docking station from sliding or moving along the support surface, for example, when a speaker of the docking station is generating sound. Due to the sound waves generated by the docking station, the docking station experiences vibrations. In addition, when the generated sound is at the resonant frequency of the docking station, the vibrations can have particularly high energy. In some cases, if there is no foot 900, the vibrations will cause the docking station to move or slide along the support surface. This problem is particularly significant if the support surface is not horizontal.

[0081] As shown in cross-sections 1020 and 1030, outwardly facing portion 1050 has a concave central region 1002 and a planar peripheral region 1005. Thus, when the docking station is placed on a support surface, outwardly facing portion 1050 of foot 1000 engages the support surface around peripheral region 1005 of foot 1000 and does not engage the support surface in concave central region 1002.

[0082] In some embodiments, the peripheral region 1005 of the foot 1000 extends from the perimeter a distance less than any of 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm. In some embodiments, the peripheral region 1005 of the foot 1000 extends from the perimeter a distance any of less than 10 mm and greater than 8 mm, less than 9 mm and greater than 7 mm, less than 8 mm and greater than 6 mm, less than 7 mm and greater than 5 mm, less than 6 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 5 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 4 mm and greater than 3 mm, less than 3 mm and greater than 2 mm, less than 2 mm and greater than 1 mm, less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm.

[0083] Fig.11 A schematic plan view 1110 and schematic cross-sectional views 1120 and 1130 of a foot 1100 having a non-planar outwardly facing portion 1150 of a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Due at least in part to the structure of the foot 900, the static friction between the foot and the support surface holding the docking station is sufficient to prevent the docking station from sliding or moving along the support surface, for example, when a speaker of the docking station is generating sound. Due to the sound waves generated by the docking station, the docking station experiences vibrations. In addition, when the generated sound is at the resonant frequency of the docking station, the vibrations can have particularly high energy. In some cases, if there is no foot 900, the vibrations will cause the docking station to move or slide along the support surface. This problem is particularly significant if the support surface is not horizontal.

[0084] As shown in cross-sections 1120 and 1130, outwardly facing portion 1150 has a non-planar central region 1102 and a planar peripheral region 1105. Thus, when the docking station is placed on a support surface, outwardly facing portion 1150 of foot 1100 engages the support surface around peripheral region 1105 of foot 1100 and does not engage the support surface in planar central region 1102.

[0085] In some embodiments, the peripheral region 1105 of the foot 1100 extends from the perimeter a distance less than any of 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm. In some embodiments, the peripheral region 1105 of the foot 1100 extends from the perimeter a distance any of less than 10 mm and greater than 8 mm, less than 9 mm and greater than 7 mm, less than 8 mm and greater than 6 mm, less than 7 mm and greater than 5 mm, less than 6 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 5 mm and greater than 4 mm, less than 4 mm and greater than 3 mm, less than 3 mm and greater than 2 mm, less than 2 mm and greater than 1 mm, less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm.

[0086] Fig.12 1 shows a flow chart of a method 1200 of operating a docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by, for example, a docking station 300 having a foot, such as Figures 9 to 11 The docking station may have an electronic device (such as electronic device 200) docked therewith, or may not have an electronic device docked therewith.

[0087] At 1202, an electronic signal is provided to a speaker of a docking station positioned on a support surface so that an outer portion of a foot of the docking station engages the support surface. The electronic signal may be generated based on data of an audio file. In some embodiments, the audio file is stored on an electronic device.

[0088] In response to the electronic signal, at 1204, the speaker generates an audio compression wave corresponding to the data of the audio file.

[0089] At 1206, an outer portion of the foot is frictionally engaged with the support surface so that the dock does not move relative to the support surface even if the speaker is operated. In some embodiments, the frictional engagement of the foot with the support surface causes the friction between the foot and the support surface to be any of: greater than 2 ounces and less than 4 ounces, greater than 3 ounces and less than 5 ounces, greater than 4 ounces and less than 6 ounces, greater than 5 ounces and less than 7 ounces, greater than 6 ounces and less than 8 ounces, greater than 7 ounces and less than 9 ounces, greater than 8 ounces and less than 10 ounces, greater than 9 ounces and less than 11 ounces, greater than 10 ounces and less than 12 ounces, greater than 12 ounces and less than 15 ounces, greater than 14 ounces and less than 17 ounces, greater than 16 ounces and less than 20 ounces, and greater than 18 ounces and less than 24 ounces. In some embodiments, the coefficient of static friction between the foot and the supporting service is any of the following: greater than 1 ounce / pound and less than 3 ounces / pound, greater than 2 ounces / pound and less than 4 ounces / pound, greater than 3 ounces / pound and less than 5 ounces / pound, greater than 4 ounces / pound and less than 6 ounces / pound, greater than 5 ounces / pound and less than 7 ounces / pound, greater than 6 ounces / pound and less than 8 ounces / pound, greater than 7 ounces / pound and less than 9 ounces / pound, greater than 8 ounces / pound and less than 10 ounces / pound, greater than 9 ounces / pound and less than 11 ounces / pound, greater than 10 ounces / pound and less than 12 ounces / pound, greater than 12 ounces / pound and less than 15 ounces / pound, greater than 14 ounces / pound and less than 17 ounces / pound, greater than 16 ounces / pound and less than 20 ounces / pound, and greater than 18 ounces / pound and less than 24 ounces / pound. In some embodiments, frictional engagement of the feet with the support surface prevents movement of the dock even if the speaker generates an audio signal having a power measured at a distance of 1 M from the dock and the support surface is tilted 1.5 degrees from horizontal: between 10 dB and 20 dB, between 15 dB and 25 dB, between 20 dB and 30 dB, between 25 dB and 35 dB, between 30 dB and 40 dB, between 35 dB and 45 dB, between 45 dB and 55 dB, between 50 dB and 60 dB, between 55 dB and 65 dB, between 60 dB and 70 dB, between 65 dB and 70 dB, between 70 dB and 80 dB, and between 75 dB and 85 dB.

[0090] Fig.13 A schematic front view of a docking station 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The docking station 300 may include a mating system, such as a system described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the docking station 300 may have features similar or identical to those of the docking station 104 described above.

[0091] The mating system of docking station 300 may include a magnet system and one or more magnetic field sensors, wherein the magnetic field sensors are located, for example, at one or more locations within docking station 300 corresponding to optional placement locations 1312 on mating surface 304. In some embodiments, magnetic field sensors are located at only two of the optional placement locations 1312. For example, magnetic field sensors may be located at two lower optional placement locations 1312 according to the orientation of the figure, but not at two upper optional placement locations 1312 according to the orientation of the figure. In some embodiments, only two magnetic field sensors are used, and the two magnetic field sensors are located at diagonal positions of optional placement locations 1312. Other numbers of magnetic sensors and other configurations of magnetic sensors may be used.

[0092] The magnet system may include one or more magnets that are arranged to align and magnetically couple with one or more magnets corresponding to the magnet system of the electronic device docked with the docking station 300, so that the mating surface of the electronic device is held against the mating surface 304 of the docking station 300 by the magnet system of the docking station 300 and the magnetic field of the magnet system of the electronic device. The magnets of the docking station 300 can be located at any position. Therefore, the number and position of the magnets are not limited, and the number and position of the magnetic field sensors are also not limited. In some embodiments, one or more magnetic field sensors include a magnet that is magnetically coupled with one or more magnets corresponding to the magnet system of the electronic device docked with the docking station 300.

[0093] The magnetic field sensor of docking station 300 may include, for example, one or more magnetic field sensors, one or more magnetometers, one or more Hall effect sensors, and / or one or more other types of sensors configured to sense the presence of a magnet or magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating proximity to a magnet.

[0094] Fig.14 An embodiment of an electronic device 200 configured to dock with a docking station using an internal magnet system is shown. The magnet system of the electronic device 200 may include one or more magnets positioned, for example, behind the back 202 within the electronic device 200, at a location corresponding to the optional placement location 1412 on the mating surface 202 and corresponding to the optional placement location 1212 of the magnetic field sensor of the docking station 300. The device 200 includes a plurality of conductive contacts 220 (e.g., metal pads) for communicating data with the docking station and / or obtaining power from the docking station when the electronic device 200 is in the docked position. Other components (such as a camera 230) may be present on the back 202 or accessible through the back 202.

[0095] The magnet system may also include one or more magnets that are arranged to align and magnetically couple with the corresponding one or more magnets of the magnet system of the docking station 300, so that the mating surface 202 of the electronic device 200 is held against the mating surface 304 of the docking station 300 by the magnet system of the docking station 300 and the magnetic field of the magnet system of the electronic device 200. The magnets of the electronic device 200 may be located at any position. Therefore, the number and position of the magnets are not limited, and the number and position of the magnetic field sensors are also not limited. In some embodiments, one or more magnetic field sensors include a magnet that is magnetically coupled with the corresponding one or more magnets of the magnet system of the docking station 300.

[0096] The magnetic field sensor (if any) of the electronic device 200 may include, for example, one or more magnetic field sensors, one or more magnetometers, one or more Hall effect sensors, and / or one or more other types of sensors configured to sense the presence of a magnet or magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating proximity to a magnet.

[0097] In some embodiments, the magnet system of either or both of the docking station 300 and the electronic device 200 includes one or more magnet modules configured to receive one or more control signals. In response to a control signal generated by a processing system, for example, each magnet module in the magnet module is configured to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the received control signal. For example, the control signal may cause the magnetic field of the magnet module to have at least one of the following: increase, decrease, substantially become zero, and change the north pole / south pole polarity. Therefore, the control signal may cause the attraction between the electronic device and the docking station 300 to have at least one of the following: increase, decrease, substantially become zero, and become negative, so that the force between the electronic device and the docking station 300 is repulsive.

[0098] Fig.15 A flow chart of a method 1500 of operating a docking station having an electronic device magnetically docked with the docking station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 1500 may be performed by, for example, a docking station 300 having an electronic device 200 docked therewith.

[0099] At 1502, the processing system of the docking station causes the electrical contacts of the electronic device to be electrically inactive. For example, the processing system can cause a ground potential to be applied to the electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the processing system causes the electrical contacts to be in a high impedance state, a tri-state state, or an open circuit state, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0100] In some embodiments, in response to determining that the electronic device is not docked with the docking station, the processing system of the docking station causes the electrical contacts to be electrically inactive. For example, one or more sensors of either or both of the docking station and the electronic device can generate or initiate a signal corresponding to an undocking condition, and the processing system can determine that the electronic device is not docked with the docking station based on the generated signal. For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, the sensor may include a magnetic sensor that generates a signal corresponding to a sensed low magnetic field, thereby indicating that the magnetic sensor is separated from the corresponding magnet by a distance greater than a specific minimum value corresponding to the undocking condition. In embodiments in which the sensor of the electronic device generates or initiates a signal, the signal may be transmitted to the docking station wirelessly. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the electronic device is not docked with the docking station and after a predetermined delay, the processing system of the docking station causes the electrical contacts to be electrically inactive.

[0101] At 1504, a processing system of the docking station receives a signal from a sensor of either or both of the docking station and the electronic device, wherein the signal corresponds to either of: 1) an undocking condition corresponding to the electrical device not being docked with the docking station, and 2) a docking condition corresponding to the electrical device being docked with the docking station. For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, the sensor may include a magnetic sensor that generates a signal corresponding to a sensed low magnetic field, thereby indicating that the magnetic sensor is separated from the corresponding magnet by a distance greater than a certain minimum distance corresponding to the undocking condition, and the magnetic sensor generates a signal corresponding to a sensed high magnetic field, thereby indicating that the magnetic sensor is separated from the corresponding magnet by a distance less than a certain maximum distance corresponding to the docking condition. In embodiments where the sensor of the electronic device generates or initiates the signal, the signal may be transmitted to the docking station wirelessly.

[0102] At 1506, the processing system determines whether the electronic device is docked with the docking station.For example, the processing system may receive a signal indicating that each of the plurality of sensors is generating or has generated a signal corresponding to a docking condition or an undocking condition.

[0103] If the processing system determines that the electronic device is undocked, the processing system responds by causing or continuing to cause the electrical contacts of the electronic device to be electrically inactive at 1508. In some embodiments, the processing system causes the electrical contacts to be electrically inactive in response to determining that the electronic device is not docked with the docking station and after a predetermined delay.

[0104] In some embodiments, the processing system responds by changing the magnetic state of one or more magnet modules of the docking station at 1508. In some cases, changing the magnetic state of the magnet modules can cause the electronic device to move relative to the docking station, and the movement can cause the electronic device to be properly aligned with the docking station so that the electronic device is properly docked.

[0105] In some embodiments, at 1508, the processing system responds by generating an indication that the electronic device is not properly docked. For example, the processing system may cause a speaker of the docking station to generate a characteristic sound. In some embodiments, the processing system may cause a characteristic light, light pattern, or light signal sequence to be generated. In some embodiments, the docking station may output a synthesized voice message indicating misalignment.

[0106] In some embodiments, at 1508, the processing system responds by wirelessly transmitting to the electronic device a signal indicating that the electronic device is not properly docked. In response to receiving the transmitted signal, the electronic device may generate an indication for the user that the electronic device is not properly docked. For example, the electronic device may cause a speaker of the docking station or the electronic device to generate a characteristic sound. In some embodiments, the electronic device may cause the docking station or the electronic device to generate a characteristic light, light pattern, or light signal sequence. In some embodiments, the electronic device may cause a message to be displayed indicating that the electronic device is not properly docked with the docking station. In some embodiments, the tablet device may output a synthesized voice message indicating misalignment.

[0107] In some embodiments, a message indicating correct or incorrect alignment may be output via the dock and / or the electronic device. For example, if aligned correctly, a message indicating that the alignment is correct and / or the electronic device is charging may be displayed, or an auditory signal indicating that the alignment is correct and / or the electronic device is charging may be output. In some embodiments, method 1500 does not involve any additional steps other than outputting some form of indication regarding alignment.

[0108] In some embodiments, the docking station may have the ability to readjust the alignment of the electronic device without assistance from the user. For example, if multiple electropermanent magnets are present as part of the docking system, the docking station may be able to reverse the polarity of the electropermanent magnets to cause the alignment of the electronic device to be adjusted. Such adjustments may be sufficient to manipulate the electronic device into the correct alignment.

[0109] If, at 1506, the processing system determines that the electronic device has been properly docked and aligned, then at 1510, the processing system may respond by causing electrical contacts of the electronic device to be electrically active. For example, the processing system may activate communication with the docking station via the electrical contacts and / or activate power to the electrical contacts so that the electronic device may be powered and / or its one or more batteries may be charged. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the electronic device is properly docked with the docking station and after a predetermined delay, the processing system causes the electrical contacts to be electrically active.

[0110] It should be noted that the methods, systems and devices discussed above are intended to be examples only. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may omit, replace or add various programs or components as needed. For example, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the method may be performed in an order different from the described order, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, in various other embodiments, the features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. In addition, it should be emphasized that technology is constantly evolving, and therefore many elements are examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0111] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, in order to avoid blurring the embodiments, known processes, structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary details. This description only provides example embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present invention. Instead, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0112] In addition, it is worth noting that the embodiments can be described as processes depicted in flowcharts or block diagrams. Although each flowchart or block diagram describes the operations as a sequential process, many operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations can be rearranged. The process can have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0113] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, in which other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the present invention. In addition, several steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the above elements.

Claims

1. An electronic device docking system, comprising: An electronic device, comprising: a device front surface, the device front surface being configured to display an image, a device back side, the device back side being opposite to the device front side and comprising one or more device conductive elements, one or more device magnetic elements; and A docking seat, the docking seat comprising: a docking seat front face, the docking seat front face comprising one or more docking seat conductive elements, one or more docking station magnet elements configured to magnetically couple with the device magnet element, the device back surface of the electronic device being held against the dock front surface at least in part by an attractive force generated by the docking station magnet element and the device magnet element due to alignment of the device magnet element with the docking station magnet element, wherein the docking station conductive element is in electrical contact with the device conductive element due to the alignment of the device magnetic element with the docking station magnetic element, and a processing system configured to selectively provide communication signals and power to the docking station conductive element; and one or more magnetic field sensors configured to generate a sensing signal, Wherein, the processing system of the docking station is configured as follows: determining a device state based on the sensing signals received from the one or more magnetic field sensors; and At least one of power and a communication signal is applied to the electronic device through the dock conductive element based on the device status.

2. The electronic device docking station system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The docking station includes the one or more magnetic field sensors.

3. The electronic device docking station system as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The device magnet element of the electronic device is positioned on the electronic device so as to align with the magnetic field sensor on the docking station when the electronic device is docked with the docking station.

4. The electronic device docking station system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The one or more magnetic field sensors include Hall effect sensors.

5. The electronic device docking station system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The processing system of the dock is configured to render the dock conductive element electrically inactive due to the device state corresponding to the dock magnetic element not being aligned with the device magnetic element.

6. The electronic device docking station system of claim 1, wherein: The processing system of the dock is configured to generate an indication that the electronic device is not properly docked due to the device state corresponding to the dock magnet element not being aligned with the device magnet element.

7. The electronic device docking station system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more magnetic field sensors include exactly two sensors.

8. The electronic device docking station system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more magnetic field sensors include more than two sensors.

9. An electronic device docking system, comprising: A docking seat, the docking seat comprising: Front of docking station; one or more docking station magnet elements; a speaker configured to generate sound having a power at each of a plurality of frequency intervals, and feet; and An electronic device, comprising: a device front surface, the device front surface being configured to display an image, a device back side, the device back side being opposite to the device front side, and one or more device magnet elements configured to align with the dock magnet elements, the device back surface being held against the dock front surface at least in part by an attractive force generated by the dock magnet elements and the device magnet elements, wherein, when the electronic device is docked with the docking station, the speaker is configured to generate a docking sound, wherein the docking sound has a docking sound power at each of the plurality of frequency intervals at a distance of 30 cm from the speaker, and wherein the docking sound is generated based on data of an audio file, wherein, in a case where the electronic device is undocking, the speaker is configured to generate an undocking sound having an undocking sound power at each of the plurality of frequency intervals at a distance of 30 cm from the speaker, and wherein the undocking sound is generated based on the data of the audio file, The difference between the docking sound power at each specific frequency interval and the undocking sound power at the specific frequency interval is less than 4 dB.

10. The electronic device docking station system of claim 9, wherein: The foot defines a foot plane, and wherein a portion of the electronic device closest to the foot plane is less than 30 mm from the foot plane.

11. The electronic device docking station system of claim 10, wherein: The portion of the electronic device closest to the plane of the foot is less than 30 mm from the docking station.

12. The electronic device docking station system of claim 9, wherein: The shielding plane contacts the electronic device and the docking seat, so that the docking seat is shielded by the electronic device when viewed from a viewpoint between the shielding plane and the electronic device on the device front side of the electronic device.

13. The electronic device docking station system of claim 12, wherein: The foot defines a foot plane, and wherein the shielding plane intersects the foot plane at an angle less than 50 degrees.

14. The electronic device docking station system of claim 9, wherein: The foot defines a foot plane, and wherein the speaker of the docking station defines a speaker plane, and wherein the speaker plane intersects the foot plane at an angle of less than 90 degrees.

15. A docking station for an electronic device docking station system, the docking station comprising: shell; a speaker, the speaker being located in the housing; A foot secured to the housing, wherein the foot includes an outwardly facing portion, the outwardly facing portion including: a first portion defining a foot plane, and a second portion, the second portion being located between the support foot plane and the housing; a front element having a mating surface attached to the housing; and One or more docking station magnet elements configured to generate an attractive force for holding the electronic device against the mating surface.

16. The docking station of claim 15, wherein: The first portion of the foot is spaced a first distance from a first portion of the housing closest to the first portion of the foot, wherein the second portion of the foot is spaced a second distance from a second portion of the housing closest to the second portion of the foot, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

17. The docking station of claim 15, wherein: The outwardly facing portion is non-planar.

18. The docking station of claim 15, wherein: The outwardly facing portion is concave.

19. The docking station of claim 15, wherein: The outwardly facing portion includes a concave portion and a planar portion.

20. The docking station of claim 15, wherein: The outwardly facing portion is non-planar and includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion.

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