CHARGE AND DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A data transfer and charging system comprising:
- a portable device with at least one multipurpose connector, the portable device recognizing at least one non-standard charge signaling option to initiate charging, signals of the at least one non-standard charge signaling option preclude simultaneous data transfer;
a docking station to charge and transfer data to the portable device, the docking station selectively coupled using data transfer lines to the portable device via the at least one multipurpose connector, the docking station further comprising;
at least one data transfer source selectively accessible to the portable device across the data transfer lines;
at least one auxiliary charger having a signal generator and a current source, the signal generator configured to send non-standard charging signals to the portable device via the data transfer lines and the current source providing an alternative charging option to a power line;
at least one timer coupled to the at least one auxiliary charger to enable charging until expiration of timer; and
a multi-way switch to change the data transfer lines from the at least one auxiliary charger to the data transfer source upon expiration of the timer while leaving the current source charging.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Charge signal simulates a stock charger to connected portable device(s) to trigger a charging cycle. Monitoring charging port(s) for overcurrent and/or electrical short charging conditions allows charge current to be modified when necessary. While attached portable device(s) continue to charge, docking station automatically switches from charger mode to data transfer mode so that other attached devices can use and/or be used by portable device(s). Once data lines, except power line, are switched portable device(s) simultaneously charges and transfers data at same time. To identify proper charge signal, vendor identification (VID) or product identification (PID) may be read from attached portable device(s) and referenced against charging standards. Updatable firmware allows new device configurations and corresponding charge signals to be added.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A data transfer and charging system comprising:
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a portable device with at least one multipurpose connector, the portable device recognizing at least one non-standard charge signaling option to initiate charging, signals of the at least one non-standard charge signaling option preclude simultaneous data transfer; a docking station to charge and transfer data to the portable device, the docking station selectively coupled using data transfer lines to the portable device via the at least one multipurpose connector, the docking station further comprising; at least one data transfer source selectively accessible to the portable device across the data transfer lines; at least one auxiliary charger having a signal generator and a current source, the signal generator configured to send non-standard charging signals to the portable device via the data transfer lines and the current source providing an alternative charging option to a power line; at least one timer coupled to the at least one auxiliary charger to enable charging until expiration of timer; and a multi-way switch to change the data transfer lines from the at least one auxiliary charger to the data transfer source upon expiration of the timer while leaving the current source charging. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A data transfer and charging apparatus, comprising:
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at least one power and data transfer interface, coupled to a signal source, to selectively connect to a portable device and to detect when the portable device is connected and/or charging; at least one auxiliary charge controller, coupled to the interface, to generate non-standard charging signals upon detection of a connection to the portable device; at least one auxiliary current source, coupled to the interface, to charge the portable device upon detection of a connection to the portable device; at least one timer, coupled to the auxiliary charge controller, enabling the at least one auxiliary charge controller, upon detection of a connection to the portable device, to continuously generate the non-standard charging signals until expiration of the timer; and a multi-way switch, coupled to the timer, to change the signal source of the interface from the signals generated by the auxiliary charge controller to data transfer signals upon expiration of the timer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for data transfer and charging of a selectively connected portable device, comprising:
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detecting, by a power and data port/receptacle, connection to the portable device; providing, by an auxiliary power source, a charge current; continuously sending at least one charging signal to the portable device until a charging response is received and/or the timer expires; and upon expiration of the timer, switching to data transfer except power line. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification