USB to multiple connect and support bays for peripheral devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A docking station for computer peripherals, comprising:
- a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication link adapted to connect to a USB node;
translator circuitry coupled to the USB communication link;
an industry standard serial communication link other than USB coupled to the translator circuitry, and adapted to communicate by industry standard serial code other than USB code; and
a docking bay adapted to physically support and electrically connect an industry standard serial computer peripheral device other than USB to the industry standard serial communication link other than USB;
wherein the translator circuitry is adapted to translate the industry standard serial code other than USB into USB code and USB code into the Industry Standard serial code other than USB in a bidirectional manner between the industry standard serial communication link other than USB and the USB communication link.
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Abstract
A keyboard compatible with Universal Serial Bus protocol has multiple bays with physical engagement interfaces and electrical connectors for supporting serial-compatible peripheral devices. Identical bays in the keyboard, having a common physical shape and electrical pin matrix, are adapted to specific peripheral devices by use of adapters that interface both with the generic bay and the specific peripheral device. Translation between USB protocol and standard serial protocol is accomplished by enhancements to a keyboard controller in the keyboard that also serves conventional keyboard functions.
201 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A docking station for computer peripherals, comprising:
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a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication link adapted to connect to a USB node; translator circuitry coupled to the USB communication link; an industry standard serial communication link other than USB coupled to the translator circuitry, and adapted to communicate by industry standard serial code other than USB code; and a docking bay adapted to physically support and electrically connect an industry standard serial computer peripheral device other than USB to the industry standard serial communication link other than USB; wherein the translator circuitry is adapted to translate the industry standard serial code other than USB into USB code and USB code into the Industry Standard serial code other than USB in a bidirectional manner between the industry standard serial communication link other than USB and the USB communication link. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A PC Universal-Serial-Bus-compatible keyboard, comprising:
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a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication link adapted to connect an on-board keyboard controller to a USB node; translator circuitry implemented as a part of the on-board keyboard controller and coupled to the USB communication link; an industry standard serial communication link other than USB coupled to the translator circuitry; and a docking bay adapted to physically and electrically connect an industry standard serial computer peripheral device other than USB to the industry standard serial communication link other than USB; wherein the translator circuitry is adapted to translate industry standard serial code other than USB code to USB code and USB code to industry standard serial code other than USB in a bi-directional manner between the USB link and the industry standard serial communication link other than USB. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for connecting multiple computer devices adapted to communicate on industry standard serial protocol other than USB protocol to a single Universal Serial Bus (USB) node, comprising steps of:
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(a) connecting a USB link to a translator adapted to translate bidirectionally between industry standard serial protocol other than USB protocol and USB protocol; (b) connecting an industry standard serial communication link other than USB to the translator; (c) connecting a docking bay for the industry standard serial peripheral computer device to the industry standard serial communication link other than USBF. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification