Universal dock for context sensitive computing device
First Claim
1. A dock for a computing device, the dock comprising:
- a support structure configured to receive the computing device in response to the computing device being placed on a support surface of the dock; and
a plurality of tags configured to wirelessly transmit multiple values to the computing device, wherein the multiple values include tag identifiers that identify individual tags of the plurality of tags and an application identifier that indicates that an application having a corresponding application identity is to be executed by the computing device to automatically configure the computing device for use with the dock in response to a reading of the application identifier by the computing device, and wherein the application is associated with a location of the dock.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dock for interacting with a computing device. The computing device configures itself for operations based on its context, which may be determined form the dock by reading a value from a tag on the dock. The computing device may use low power transmissions such that receiving a value from the tag provides an indication of proximity to the dock. The value read provides an indication of a desired operation, and, in response to reading a value of the tag, the computing device may launch an application, pair with devices in the vicinity of the dock, or take other actions that configure the computing device. A universal dock, usable with computing devices of a plurality of form factors, may be implemented by providing an array of tags and, in some cases, a non-contact power supply.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A dock for a computing device, the dock comprising:
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a support structure configured to receive the computing device in response to the computing device being placed on a support surface of the dock; and a plurality of tags configured to wirelessly transmit multiple values to the computing device, wherein the multiple values include tag identifiers that identify individual tags of the plurality of tags and an application identifier that indicates that an application having a corresponding application identity is to be executed by the computing device to automatically configure the computing device for use with the dock in response to a reading of the application identifier by the computing device, and wherein the application is associated with a location of the dock. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating a dock for a computing device, the method comprising:
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supporting the computing device on a support surface of the dock; receiving radiation from the computing device; and in response to receiving the radiation, emitting radiation from a plurality of tags, wherein the radiation from the plurality of tags encode multiple values, the multiple values including values identifying individual tags of the plurality of tags, and a value indicating that an application with a corresponding identity is to be executed by the computing device to automatically configure the computing device for use with the dock in response to the computing device receiving the value, wherein the application is associated with a location of the dock. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A dock for a portable computing device, the dock comprising:
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a support structure having a surface configured to receive the computing device; and a plurality of tags, encoded with multiple values, the multiple values including tag identifiers that identify individual tags of the plurality of tags and the multiple values including an application identifier indicating that an application having a corresponding identifier is to be executed by the computing device to automatically configure the computing device for use with the dock in response to a reading of the application identifier by the computing device, the plurality of tags configured to wirelessly transmit the value to the computing device, wherein the application is associated with a location of the dock. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification