Dockable computer system capable of electric and electromagnetic communication
US5668977A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dockable computer system includes a portable computer (notebook or laptop) and a docking station (base unit). The portable computer and docking station both include a communication system so that messages can be communicated when the docking station is in an undocked state preparatory to a docked state. The communication system is preferably an infrared communication system. A communication protocol is also provided for generating an advance notice signal to warn of an impending dock. The communication protocol includes a CONNECT message, a CONNECT DETECTED message, and a CONFIRM message. Preferably, the CONNECT message is sent at a non-standard AT/PC baud rate. The communication system allows the dockable computer system to advantageously generate an advance notice signal of an impending dock and to transfer parameters necessary for the employment of sophisticated protective measures which protect the active buses of the portable computer and docking station during a docking event. Preferably, the portable computer performs an interrupt subroutine in response to receiving the CONNECT message. The notice signal is generated as part of the interrupt subroutine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.