Computer Wall Docking Station

• US 20090174998A1
• Filed: 01/21/2009
• Published: 07/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Parker, Kim Anthony, Struthers, Scott, Call, Ray, Supran, Ari, Spencer, Geoff
• Granted Patent: US 8,229,501 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.410
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/63 to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/021 Aspects relating to docking-station type assemblies to obtain an acoustical effect, e.g. the type of connection to external loudspeakers or housings, frequency improvement

Abstract

A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Claims

14-1. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a video screen that receives electronic signals from the computer.

16. A docking station for coupling a portable device to an entertainment system, comprising:

a wall-mount that receives the device; and

a power connector that provides both (a) power to the device and (b) a data interface over a power line to the entertainment system.

17. The docking station of claim 16, further comprising a wireless interface to receive commands.

18. The docking station of claim 17, wherein the wireless interface is programmable to receive commands from at least two different media system controllers.

19. The docking station of claim 16, wherein the data interface communicates with a media entertainment system coupled with the power line.

20. The docking station of claim 16, further comprising a power outlet.