MANAGING THE USE OF SECURE COMPARTMENTS IN CHARGING STATIONS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
First Claim
1. A method for operating a charging station for a portable electronic device, comprising:
- obtaining input from a user to the charging station; and
if the input matches an ongoing transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device by the charging station;
using the input to identify a first secure compartment of the charging station containing the portable electronic device, wherein power is supplied to the portable electronic device within the first secure compartment;
releasing a first door of the first secure compartment; and
upon detecting a presence of the portable electronic device in the first secure compartment after the first door is subsequently closed, securing the first door and continuing to supply power to the portable electronic device without requiring additional input from the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The disclosed embodiments provide a charging station for portable electronic devices. During operation, the charging station obtains input from a user to the charging station. If the input matches an ongoing transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device by the charging station, the charging station uses the input to identify a first secure compartment of the charging station containing the portable electronic device, wherein power is supplied to the portable electronic device within the first secure compartment. Next, the charging station releases a first door of the first secure compartment. Finally, upon detecting a presence of the portable electronic device in the first secure compartment after the first door is subsequently closed, the charging station secures the first door and continues to supply power to the portable electronic device without requiring additional input from the user.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating a charging station for a portable electronic device, comprising:
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obtaining input from a user to the charging station; and if the input matches an ongoing transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device by the charging station; using the input to identify a first secure compartment of the charging station containing the portable electronic device, wherein power is supplied to the portable electronic device within the first secure compartment; releasing a first door of the first secure compartment; and upon detecting a presence of the portable electronic device in the first secure compartment after the first door is subsequently closed, securing the first door and continuing to supply power to the portable electronic device without requiring additional input from the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A charging station, comprising:
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a set of secure compartments, wherein each of the secure compartments is configured to supply power to a portable electronic device; and a control apparatus configured to; obtain input from a user to the charging station; and if the input matches an ongoing transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device by the charging station; use the input to identify a first secure compartment from the set of secure compartments containing the portable electronic device; release a first door of the first secure compartment; and upon detecting a presence of the portable electronic device in the first secure compartment after the first door is subsequently closed, secure the first door and continue to supply power to the portable electronic device without requiring additional input from the user. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 20)
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17. The charging station of claim 17, wherein if the input does not match the ongoing transaction or the recently ended transaction, the control apparatus is further configured to:
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select a third secure compartment from the set of secure compartments; release a third door of the third secure compartment; and initiate a transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device within the third secure compartment. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification