HK1164480A - System and method of providing scalable computing between a portable computing device and a portable computing device docking station - Google Patents

Description

System and method for providing scalable computing between a portable computing device and a portable computing device docking station

Related application

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/164,115 entitled "system and METHOD for providing scalable COMPUTING BETWEEN a PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE and a PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION (SYSTEM AND METHOD OF providing scalable COMPUTING environment pivoting DEVICE AND available COMPUTING environment DOCKING STATION)".

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to portable computing devices, and more particularly to portable computing device docking stations.

Background

Portable Computing Devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices may include cellular telephones, Portable Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronic devices. As technology improves, PCDs are becoming increasingly powerful and competitive laptop and desktop computers in terms of computing power and storage capacity.

One drawback to using PCD, however, is the small form factor typically associated therewith. As PCDs become smaller and more portable, it may become increasingly difficult to use PCDs. Additionally, the small form factor of a PCD may limit the amount of ports or connections that may be incorporated into the shell or housing of the PCD. Thus, even as PCDs become more powerful and have increased capacity, access to capabilities and capacity may be limited by the size of the PCD.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method for utilizing the computing power provided by a PCD.

Disclosure of Invention

A method of managing processor cores within a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is disclosed and may include: determining whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station while the PCD is powered on; and powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station. The method may include: determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition; and powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

In this aspect, the method may include: determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; and determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the dual processor core condition. Additionally, the method may include: powering up a second processor core when the total processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

Further, in this aspect, the method may include: powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core while the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. The method may include: determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition; and powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition. Further, the method may include: determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the quad processor core condition; and powering up a fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

In another aspect, a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is disclosed and may include: means for determining whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station when the PCD is powered on; and means for powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station. The portable computing device may also include: means for determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; means for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition; and means for powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

Additionally, the portable computing device may include: means for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; means for determining whether the total processor requirement equals a dual processor core condition; and means for powering up the second processor core when the total processor requirement equals a dual processor core condition.

In this aspect, the portable computing device may include: means for powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. The portable computing device may also include: means for determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; means for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition; and means for powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition. Also, the portable computing device may include: means for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; means for determining whether the total processor requirement equals a four processor core condition; and means for powering up the fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the four processor core condition.

In yet another aspect, a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is disclosed and may include a processor. The processor is operable to: determining whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station when the PCD is powered on; and power up the first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station. The processor is further operable to: determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition; and powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

In this aspect, the processor is operable to: determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition; and powering up the second processor core when the total processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition. Further, the processor is operable to: powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core while the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. The processor is operable to: determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition; and powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

The processor is further operable to: determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition; and powering up the fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the four processor core condition.

In another embodiment, a computer program product is disclosed and may comprise a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include: at least one instruction for determining whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station when the PCD is powered on; and at least one instruction for powering up the first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station. The computer-readable medium may include: at least one instruction for determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; at least one instruction for determining whether the application processor requirement equals a dual processor core condition; and at least one instruction for powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include: at least one instruction for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; at least one instruction for determining whether an overall processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition; and at least one instruction for powering up the second processor core when the total processor requirement equals a dual processor core condition.

The computer-readable medium may include: at least one instruction to power up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include: at least one instruction for determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; at least one instruction for determining whether the application processor requirement equals a quad processor core condition; and at least one instruction for powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the four processor core condition.

In this aspect, the computer-readable medium may also include: at least one instruction for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; at least one instruction for determining whether an overall processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition; and at least one instruction for powering up the fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the four processor core condition.

Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a Portable Computing Device (PCD) in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a PCD in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a PCD;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a PCD;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD;

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the first aspect of the PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

fig. 8 is a first side plan view of the first aspect of the PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

fig. 9 is a second side plan view of the first aspect of the PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the first aspect of the PCD docking station in an open configuration;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked thereto;

fig. 12 is a side plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration having a PCD partially docked therewith;

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked thereto;

fig. 16 is a side plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration having a PCD partially docked therewith;

fig. 18 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

fig. 19 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

fig. 20 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 22 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;

fig. 23 is a side plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;

fig. 24 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

FIG. 25 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 26 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration;

FIG. 27 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked thereto;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a third aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a fourth aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD;

FIG. 33 is a first part of a flow chart illustrating a method of managing processors within a PCD; and

FIG. 34 is a second portion of a flow chart illustrating a method of managing a processor within a PCD.

Detailed Description

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

In this description, the term "application" may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, bytecodes, markup language files, and patches. In addition, an "application" referred to herein may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed.

The term "content" may also include files with executable content, such as: object code, scripts, bytecodes, markup language files, and patches. In addition, "content" referred to herein may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed.

As used in this description, the terms "component," "database," "module," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the internet with other systems by way of the signal).

Referring initially to fig. 1-4, an exemplary Portable Computing Device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 100. As shown, the PCD100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may include an upper housing portion 104 and a lower housing portion 106. Fig. 1 shows that the upper housing portion 104 may include a display 108. In a particular aspect, the display 108 may be a touch screen display. The upper housing portion 104 may also include a trackball input device 110. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper housing portion 104 may include a power-on button 112 and a power-off button 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper housing portion 104 of the PCD100 may include a plurality of indicator lights 116 and a speaker 118. Each indicator light 116 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

In a particular aspect, as depicted in fig. 2, the upper housing portion 104 is movable relative to the lower housing portion 106. Specifically, the upper housing portion 104 is slidable relative to the lower housing portion 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower housing portion 106 may include a multi-button keypad 120. In a particular aspect, the multi-button keyboard 120 may be a QWERTY keyboard. The multi-button keypad 120 may be exposed when the upper housing portion 104 is moved relative to the lower housing portion 106. FIG. 2 further illustrates that the PCD100 may include a reset button 122 on the lower housing portion 106.

As shown in FIG. 3, the PCD100 may include a multi-pin connector array 130 that is built or otherwise disposed in a short end of the PCD100 (e.g., the bottom of the PCD 100). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the PCD100 may include a multi-pin connector array 132 that is built or otherwise disposed in a long end of the PCD100 (e.g., the left side of the PCD100 or the right side of the PCD 100). In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector arrays 130, 132 may provide connectivity between aspects of the PCD100 and a PCD docking station, described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 520. As shown, PCD 520 includes an on-chip system 522 that includes a digital signal processor 524 and an analog signal processor 526 coupled together. The on-chip system 522 may include more than two processors. For example, the system-on-chip 522 may include four core processors and an ARM 11 processor, i.e., as described below in connection with FIG. 32. It may be appreciated that the system on chip 522 may include other types of processors, such as a CPU, a multi-core DSP, a GPU, a multi-core GPU, or any combination thereof.

As illustrated in fig. 5, a display controller 528 and a touchscreen controller 530 are coupled to the digital signal processor 524. In turn, a touchscreen display 532 external to the on-chip system 522 is coupled to the display controller 528 and the touchscreen controller 530.

Fig. 5 further indicates that a video encoder 534, such as a Phase Alternating Line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM) encoder, or a National Television System Committee (NTSC) encoder, is coupled to the digital signal processor 524. Additionally, a video amplifier 536 is coupled to the video encoder 534 and the touchscreen display 532. Also, a video port 538 is coupled to the video amplifier 536. As depicted in fig. 5, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller 540 is coupled to the digital signal processor 524. Also, a USB port 542 is coupled to the USB controller 540. A memory 544 and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 546 may also be coupled to the digital signal processor 524. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, a digital camera 548 can be coupled to the digital signal processor 524. In an exemplary aspect, the digital camera 548 is a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, a stereo audio CODEC 550 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 526. Further, an audio amplifier 552 can be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker 554 and a second stereo speaker 556 are coupled to the audio amplifier 552. FIG. 5 shows that a microphone amplifier 558 can also be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. Additionally, a microphone 560 may be coupled to the microphone amplifier 558. In a particular aspect, a Frequency Modulation (FM) radio tuner 562 can be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. Also, an FM antenna 564 is coupled to the FM radio tuner 562. Additionally, a stereo headset 566 can be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550.

Fig. 5 further indicates that a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver 568 can be coupled to the analog signal processor 526. An RF switch 570 can be coupled to the RF transceiver 568 and to an RF antenna 572. As shown in fig. 5, a keypad 574 can be coupled to the analog signal processor 526. Also, a mono headset with a microphone 576 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 526. Additionally, a vibrator device 578 can be coupled to the analog signal processor 526. Fig. 5 also shows that a power supply 580 can be coupled to the on-chip system 522. In a particular aspect, the power supply 580 is a Direct Current (DC) power supply that provides power to various components of the PCD 520 that require power. Additionally, in a particular aspect, the power source is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power source derived from an Alternating Current (AC) to DC transformer connected to an AC power source.

As shown in FIG. 5, PCD 520 may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module 582. The GPS module 582 may be used to determine the location of the PCD 520. Additionally, the GPS module 582 may be used to determine whether the PCD 520 is in motion by determining continuous location information. Also, based on the continuous location information, a rate at which the PCD 520 is moving may be determined.

Fig. 5 indicates that PCD 520 may include, for example, a management module 584 within memory 544. The management module 584 may be used to manage power to the PCD, power to the PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, in another aspect, the management module 584 may be used to manage memory 544 within the PCD 520, memory within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. In particular, the management module 584 may be used to manage one or more applications stored within the PCD 520, one or more content items stored within the PCD 520, one or more applications stored within the PCD docking station, one or more content items stored within the PCD docking station, one or more application download requests received from the PCD 520, one or more content item download requests received from the PCD 520, one or more application download requests received from the PCD docking station, one or more content item download requests received from the PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.

In yet another aspect, the management module 584 may also be used to manage security between the PCD 520 and a PCD docking station (e.g., a paired PCD docking station, an unpaired PCD docking station, or a combination thereof). Additionally, the management module 584 may also be used to manage the display 532 within the PCD 520, the display within the PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the management module 584 may be used to manage calls received at the PCD 520, for example, when the PCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module 584 may be used to manage calls transferred from the PCD 520, for example, when the PCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module 584 may also be used to manage other data transmissions to and from the PCD 520 while the PCD 520 is docked or undocked (e.g., via a Wi-Fi network, WPAN, cellular network, or any other wireless data network).

In yet another aspect, the management module 584 may be used to manage the processors within the PCD 520, for example, when the PCD 520 is docked with a PCD docking station, when the PCD 520 is undocked from a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. The management module 584 may also be used to manage execution of applications within the PCD 520 when the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. For example, the management module 584 may manage execution of a primary application version, a secondary application version, a standard application version, an enhanced application version, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5 indicates that the PCD 520 may further include a sensor 586 connected to the DSP 524. The sensor 586 may be a motion sensor, a tilt sensor, a proximity sensor, a shock sensor, or a combination thereof. The sensors 586 may be used for situational awareness applications. For example, the sensor 586 may be used to detect a motion of the user lifting the PCD 520 to his or her ear, and automatically connect an incoming call at the apex of the motion. Additionally, the sensor 586 may detect a persistent lack of motion of the PCD 520, while the PCD 520 may be automatically powered down, or in a sleep mode. The sensor 586 may remain powered such that when motion is again detected, the PCD 520 may switch from a sleep mode or an off mode into an active mode.

Sensor 586 may be used with a tilt sensing application. For example, the sensor 586 may be used for user interface applications where movement is relevant. The sensor 586 may be used to sense picture or screen orientation. Additionally, the sensors 586 may be used to navigate, scroll, browse, zoom, pan, or a combination thereof based on tilt sensing. The sensors 586 may also be used in conjunction with gaming applications. In another application, the sensor 586 may be used for shock detection in order to protect a hard drive within the PCD 520 or a hard drive within a PCD docking station in which the PCD 520 is docked or otherwise engaged. Additionally, sensor 586 may be used for tap detection.

FIG. 5 further indicates that the PCD 520 may also include a network card 588, which may be used to access a data network, such as a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. Network card 588 may be a bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a Personal Area Network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra low power technology (peanout) network card, or any other network card known in the art. Additionally, the network card 588 may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., the network card 588 may be a complete solution in a chip and may not be a separate network card 588.

As depicted in fig. 5, the touchscreen display 532, the video port 538, the USB port 542, the camera 548, the first stereo speaker 554, the second stereo speaker 556, the microphone 560, the FM antenna 564, the stereo headset 566, the RF switch 570, the RF antenna 572, the keypad 574, the mono headset 576, the vibrator 578, and the power supply 580 are external to the on-chip system 522.

In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in memory 544 as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by the processors 524, 526 in order to perform the methods described herein. Additionally, the processors 524, 526, the display controller 528, the touchscreen controller 530, the memory 544, the management module 584, the network card 588, or a combination thereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein.

Referring now to fig. 6-11, a first aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 600. As shown, the PCD docking station 600 may include a housing 602 having a generally flat box-shaped lower housing portion 604 and a generally flat box-shaped upper housing portion 606. In a particular aspect, the upper housing portion 606 can be connected to the lower housing portion 604 by a first hinge 608 and a second hinge 610. The upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602 is rotatable about hinges 608, 610 relative to the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. Accordingly, the upper housing portion 606 may be rotated or otherwise moved relative to the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 between a closed position or configuration shown in fig. 6-9 and an open position or configuration shown in fig. 10 and 11. It can be appreciated that the open position can include a plurality of open positions in which the upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602 is rotated away from the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 and disposed at a plurality of angles relative to the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602.

Although the PCD docking station 600 is shown with hinges 608, 610 coupling the upper housing portion 606 to the lower housing portion 604. It can be appreciated that the upper housing portion 606 can be coupled or otherwise connected to the lower housing portion 604 via a sliding assembly (not shown). The upper housing portion 606 may slide relative to the lower housing portion 604 in order to expose one or more components within the lower housing portion 604, the upper housing portion 606, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the upper housing portion 606 and the lower housing portion 604 may be snapped together, or may be coupled or otherwise connected via various other coupling mechanisms well known in the art.

As shown in fig. 6-9, the PCD docking station 600 may include a first front leg 612 and a second front leg 614. Additionally, the PCD docking station 600 may also include a first rear leg 616 and a second rear leg 618. Each foot 612, 614, 616, 618 may be made of a polymer, rubber, or other similar type of material to support the PCD docking station 600 when the PCD docking station 600 is placed on a table or stand and to prevent the PCD docking station 600 from sliding relative to the table or stand.

As illustrated in fig. 6, 10, and 11, the PCD docking station 600 may include a latch assembly 620. The latch assembly 620 may include a first hook 622 and a second hook 624 extending from the upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602. The first hook 622 and the second hook 624 may be connected to each other and to the slider 626. The latch assembly 620 may also include a first hook pocket 628 and a second hook pocket 630 formed within the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. The first hook pocket 628 and the second hook pocket 630 may be sized and shaped to receive and engage the first hook 622 and the second hook 624. The slider 626 may be moved or otherwise slid relative to the upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602 in order to release the hooks 624, 626 from the hook pockets 628, 630 and unlock the PCD docking station 600 in order to allow the upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602 to rotate relative to the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602.

Fig. 9 illustrates that the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include a plurality of external device connections 640. For example, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include an IEEE 1284 connection 642, a first Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection 644, a second USB connection 646, a Registered Jack (RJ)11 connection 648, an RJ-45 connection 650, a microphone jack 652, and a headset/speaker jack 654. Additionally, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include an S-video connection 656, a Video Graphics Array (VGA) connection 658, and an Alternating Current (AC) power adapter connection 660. The lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include other connections described elsewhere herein.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 11, the upper housing portion 606 of the PCD docking station 600 may include a display 670 incorporated therein. For example, the display 670 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, a backlit LED display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or any other type of display. The lower housing portion 604 of the PCD docking station 600 may include a keyboard 672 incorporated therein. The keyboard 672 may be a full QWERTY keyboard. The lower housing portion 604 of the PCD docking station 600 may include a touch pad mouse 674 incorporated therein. Additionally, the lower housing portion 604 of the PCD docking station 600 may include a first mouse button 676 and a second mouse button 678 incorporated therein. The mouse buttons 676, 678 may be proximate to the touch pad mouse 674. Additionally, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include a first speaker 680 and a second speaker 682 incorporated therein. The lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may also include a fingerprint reader 684 incorporated therein.

As illustrated in fig. 10, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include an open-faced closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 formed in a surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4. The open-sided, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 may be a recess or hole formed in the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. As shown, the open-sided, closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 may be an open space or volume formed within the left side wall 692, the right side wall 694, the rear side wall 696, the front side wall 698, and the bottom surface 700.

Fig. 10 indicates that the open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 may include a multi-pin connector array 702. The multi-pin connector array 702 may be formed in one of the sidewalls 692, 694, 696, 698, extend from one of the sidewalls 692, 694, 696, 698 (or a combination thereof). In the aspect shown in fig. 10, the multi-pin connector 702 may extend from a left side wall 692 of the open-ended PCD docking pocket 690. The multi-pin connector array 702 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the open-aspect closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 may also include a latch assembly 704 extending over an edge of one of the side walls 692, 694, 696, 698. In aspects as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the latch assembly 704 may extend over an edge of a right side wall 694 of the open-ended PCD docking pocket 690 opposite the left side wall 692 of the open-ended PCD docking pocket 690. The latch assembly 704 may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in a surface of the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly 704 may be moved in, for example, a rightward direction so as to allow a PCD (such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4) to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-end PCD docking pocket 690. Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly 704 may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly 704 may then engage the upper surface of the PCD100 in order to maintain the PCD100 within the PCD docking pocket 690. FIG. 11 illustrates the PCD100 engaged with a PCD docking station 600.

As shown in fig. 11, the PCD100 may be mounted within an open-sided closed-end docking pocket 690 as described herein. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array 702, the PCD100 may be mounted face up or face down within the open face closed end docking pocket 690. When the PCD100 is installed within the docking pocket 690, the multi-pin connector array 130 of the PCD100 may engage with the multi-pin connector array 702 formed in the open face closed-ended docking pocket 690. Additionally, when the PCD100 is mounted face-up within the docking tray 690, the display 670 within the PCD docking station 600 may operate as a primary display and the PCD100 may operate as a secondary display.

For example, an executing application may be displayed on a primary display, and one or more commands may be displayed on a secondary display. In another aspect, in a video mode, a video may be displayed on a primary display and a list of videos and one or more video controls may be displayed on a secondary display. In yet another aspect, in audio player mode, album art may be displayed on the primary display and one or more audio controls may be displayed in the secondary display.

In the phone mode, a contact list, call history, caller photo, call number, or a combination thereof may be displayed on the primary display and a numeric keypad may be displayed on the secondary display. When a call occurs, for example, an application manager within PCD100 may switch from a current application displayed on the secondary display to a phone application displayed on the secondary display. The call may be answered via the PCD100 by undocking the PCD 100. Alternatively, the call may be answered via the PCD docking station 600, for example via speakers 680, 682 and a microphone connected to the PCD docking station. Further, the call may be answered via a headset (e.g., a bluetooth headset coupled to the PCD 100).

In yet another aspect, in an email application, a current email may be displayed on a primary display and a list of other emails may be displayed on a secondary display. In a gaming application, an executing game may be displayed on a primary display and a game control may be displayed on a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 600, the combination may be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 600, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 600 is portable and the housing 602 of the PCD docking station 600 may be closed. Also, the PCD docking station 600 may contain a switch, such as a push button switch, within the open face closed end docking pocket 690. When the PCD100 is installed within the open aspect closed end docking pocket 690, the PCD100 may close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 600 to power up, such as power up. The PCD docking station 600 may be powered down when the PCD100 is ejected from, or otherwise removed from, the open face closed end docking pocket 690. In another aspect, merely engaging the PCD100 with the multi-pin connector array 702 may cause the PCD docking station 600 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100 from the multi-pin connector array 702 may cause the PCD docking station 600 to power down.

Referring now to fig. 12-15, a second aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 1200. In general, the PCD docking station 1200 shown in fig. 12-15 is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in connection with fig. 6-11. However, the PCD docking station 1200 shown in fig. 12-15 does not include an open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 (fig. 10).

As illustrated in fig. 13 and 14, the PCD docking station 1200 may include a housing 1202 having a lower housing portion 1204 and an upper housing portion 1206. In this aspect, the lower housing portion 1204 may include an open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 formed therein. The open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4. The open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may be a recess or hole formed in the lower housing portion 1204 of the housing 1202. As shown, the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may be an open space or volume formed within the left side wall 1212, the rear side wall 1214, the front side wall 1216, and the bottom surface 1218. Additionally, the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 is open on one side (e.g., the right side) so as to allow the PCD to slide or otherwise move into the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210.

Fig. 12-14 indicate that the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may include a multi-pin connector array 1222. The multi-pin connector array 1222 may be formed in one of the sidewalls 1212, 1214, 1216, extend from one of the sidewalls 1212, 1214, 1216 (or a combination thereof). In aspects as shown in fig. 12-14, the multi-pin connector 1222 may extend from the left sidewall 1212 of the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210. The multi-pin connector array 1222 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, a PCD (such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4) may be slid into the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 from the open right side of the open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210. The PCD may be moved to the left until the multi-pin connector array on the PCD engages the multi-pin connector array 1222 extending into the open ended PCD docking pocket 1210. When fully engaged with the open-sided open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210, as depicted in fig. 15, a touch screen display within the PCD is available for use by a user.

Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array 1222, the PCD100 may be mounted face up or face down within the open-ended docking pocket 1210. When the PCD100 is mounted face-up within the docking pocket 1210, the display within the PCD docking station 1200 may operate as a primary display and the PCD100 may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1200, the combination may be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1200, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 1200 is portable and the housing 1202 of the PCD docking station 1200 may be closed. Also, the PCD docking station 1200 may include a switch, such as a push button switch, within the open-ended docking pocket 1210. When the PCD100 is installed within the open aspect open end docking pocket 1210, the PCD100 may close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 1200 to power up, such as power up. When the PCD100 is ejected or otherwise removed from the open-ended docking pocket 1210, the PCD docking station 1200 may be powered down. In another aspect, merely engaging the PCD100 with the multi-pin connector array 1222 may cause the PCD docking station 1200 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100 from the multi-pin connector array 1222 may cause the PCD docking station 1200 to power down.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate a third aspect of a PCD docking station, and is generally designated 1600. In general, the PCD docking station 1600 shown in fig. 16 and 17 is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in connection with fig. 6-11. However, the PCD docking station 1600 shown in fig. 16 and 17 does not include an open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 (fig. 10).

As illustrated in fig. 16 and 17, the PCD docking station 1600 may include a housing 1602 having a lower housing portion 1604 and an upper housing portion 1606. In this aspect, the lower housing portion 1604 may include a closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 formed therein. The closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4. The closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may be a recess or hole formed in the lower housing portion 1604 of the housing 1602. As shown, the closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may be an open space or volume formed within the left side wall 1612, the rear side wall 1614, the front side wall 1616, the bottom surface 1618, and the top surface 1620. Additionally, the closed-face open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 is open on one side (e.g., the right side) to allow a PCD to slide or otherwise move into the closed-face open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610.

Fig. 16 and 17 indicate that the closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may include a multi-pin connector array 1622. The multi-pin connector array 1622 may be formed in one of the sidewalls 1612, 1614, 1616, extend from one of the sidewalls 1612, 1614, 1616 (or a combination thereof). In an aspect as shown in fig. 16 and 17, a multi-pin connector 1622 may extend from a left side wall 1612 of the closed-face open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610. The multi-pin connector array 1622 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown in fig. 17, a PCD, such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4, may be slid into the closed-face open-end PCD docking pocket 1610 from the open right side of the closed-face open-end PCD docking pocket 1610. The PCD may be moved to the left until the multi-pin connector array on the PCD100 engages the multi-pin connector array 1622 extending into the closed-face open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610. When fully engaged with the closed-faced open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610, the PCD100 is not available to the user.

As shown in fig. 16, the PCD docking station 1600 may further include an eject button 1624. When the eject button 1624 is pressed, the PCD100 may be ejected from the PCD docking tray 1610 and the PCD docking station 1600 for retrieval by a user. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array 1622, the PCD100 may be mounted face up or face down within the closed face open end docking pocket 1610. When the PCD100 is installed within the docking pocket 1610, the multi-pin connector array 130 of the PCD100 may engage with the multi-pin connector array 1622 formed in the closed-face open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610.

It can be appreciated that when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1600, the combination may be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1600, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 1600 is portable and the housing 1602 of the PCD docking station 1600 may be closed. Also, the PCD docking station 1600 may include a switch, such as a push button switch, within the closed-face open-end docking pocket 1610. When the PCD100 is installed within the closed-face open-end docking pocket 1610, the PCD100 may close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 1600 to power up, such as power up. The PCD docking station 1600 may be powered down when the PCD100 is ejected from, or otherwise removed from, the closed-face open-end docking pocket 1610. In another aspect, merely engaging the PCD100 with the multi-pin connector array 1622 may cause the PCD docking station 1600 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100 from the multi-pin connector array 1622 may cause the PCD docking station 1600 to power down.

Referring to fig. 18-22, a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 1800. In general, the PCD docking station 1800 shown in fig. 18-22 is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in connection with fig. 6-11. However, the PCD docking station 1800 shown in fig. 18-22 does not include an open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 (fig. 10).

As illustrated in fig. 18-22, the PCD docking station 1800 may include a housing 1802 having a lower housing portion 1804 and an upper housing portion 1806. In this aspect, the lower housing portion 1804 may include a PCD docking tray 1810 extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray 1810 may slidably engage with the lower housing portion 1804 of the PCD docking station 1800. The PCD docking tray 1810 may extend from one side (e.g., left, right, or front side) of the lower housing portion 1804. In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray 1810 may extend outward from a right side of the lower housing portion 1804 of the PCD docking station 1800. Additionally, the PCD docking tray 1810 may be movable between an open or extended position (where the PCD docking tray 1810 extends from the PCD docking station 1800) and a closed or retracted position (where the PCD is retracted into the PCD docking station 1800).

The PCD docking tray 1810 may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate 1812 having a proximal end 1814 and a distal end 1816. Panel 1818 may be attached to distal end 1816 of support plate 1812 or formed with distal end 1816 of support plate 1812. As shown, in a particular aspect, the panel 1818 can be perpendicular to the support panel 1812. Fig. 19 and 20 further show that the PCD docking tray 1810 may be formed with a central opening 1820. In a particular aspect, the central opening 1820 can be generally rectangular and can be oriented such that a long axis of the central opening 1820 is generally parallel to the proximal end 1814 and the distal end 1816 of the support plate 1812.

As shown, the PCD docking tray 1810 may also include a support arm 1822 sized and shaped to fit into a central opening 1820 formed in the support plate 1812. The support arm 1822 may be generally rectangular and may include a proximal end 1824 and a distal end 1826. The proximal end 1824 of the support arm 1822 may be connected to the support plate 1812 via a rod or pin (not shown) that passes through the proximal end 1824 of the support arm 1822 and into the support plate 1812 on each side of the central opening 1820 that flank the support arm 1822.

Additionally, as depicted, the support plate 1812 can include an array of multi-pin connectors 1828 adjacent to the central opening 1820 and the support arm 1822. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array 1828 can be positioned adjacent to the proximal end 1824 of the support arm 1822. The multi-pin connector array 1828 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray 1810 may be movable between an open position (where the PCD docking tray 1810 is fully extended from within the housing 1802) and a closed position (where the PCD docking tray 1810 is retracted into the housing 1802) as shown in fig. 19. In the closed position, the panel 1818 of the PCD docking tray 1810 may be flush with the sides of the housing 1802.

Moreover, in a particular aspect, the support arm 1822 can pivot between the first position and the second position within the central opening 1820 of the support plate 1812. In the first position shown in fig. 19 (where the support arm 1822 fits into the central opening 1820 of the support plate 1812), the support arm 1822 is flush with the support plate 1812, i.e., the upper surface of the support arm 1822 is flush with the upper surface of the support plate 1812, the lower surface of the support arm 1822 is flush with the lower surface of the support plate 1812, or a combination thereof.

In the second position, the support arm 1822 may form an angle with respect to the support plate 1812. In a particular aspect, the support arm 1822, the support plate 1812, or a combination thereof, can include a detent (not shown), a spring (not shown), or other similar mechanism to retain the support arm 1822 in the second position. By exerting pressure on the distal end 1826 of the support arm 1822, the force of the pawl or spring may be overcome, and the support arm 1822 may return to the first position.

As shown in fig. 21 and 22, in the second position, a PCD (such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4) may rest on the support arm 1822 and the multi-pin connector array on the PCD100 may engage the multi-pin connector array 1828 on the PCD docking tray 1810. The support arm 1822 may support the PCD100 at an angle to facilitate viewing of the PCD100 during operation of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 1800.

In a particular aspect, as shown in fig. 18, the PCD docking station 1800 may further include an eject button 1830. An eject button 1830 may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray 1810. Alternatively, an eject button 1830 may be incorporated into the PCD docking station 1800 adjacent to the PCD docking tray 1810. When the eject button 1830 is pressed, the PCD docking tray 1810 may move from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the PCD100 may interface with the PCD docking tray 1810 and be supported by the PCD docking tray 1810.

When the PCD100 is engaged within the PCD docking tray 1810, a display within the PCD docking station 1800 may operate as a primary display and the PCD100 may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1800, the combination may be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 1800 is portable.

Referring to fig. 23-25, a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 2300. In general, the PCD docking station 2300 shown in fig. 23-25 is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in connection with fig. 6-11. However, the PCD docking station 2300 shown in fig. 23-25 does not include an open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 690 (fig. 10).

As illustrated in fig. 23-25, the PCD docking station 2300 may include a housing 2302 having a lower housing portion 2304 and an upper housing portion 2306. In this aspect, the upper housing portion 2306 may include a PCD docking tray 2310 extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray 2310 may be slidably engaged with the upper housing portion 2306 of the PCD docking station 2300. The PCD docking tray 2310 may extend from one side (e.g., the left, right, or front side (i.e., the top side when the upper housing portion 2306 is open)) of the upper housing portion 2306. In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray 2310 may extend outwardly from a right side of the upper housing portion 2306 of the PCD docking station 2300.

The PCD docking tray 2310 may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate 2312 having a proximal end 2314 and a distal end 2316. The panel 2318 may be attached to the distal end 2316 of the support plate 2312 or formed with the distal end 2316 of the support plate 2312. In a particular aspect, the panel 2318 can be perpendicular to the support plate 2312. Fig. 24 and 25 further show that the PCD docking tray 2310 may include a support lip 2320 formed along a bottom edge of the support plate 2312. In a particular aspect, the support lip 2320 can be generally "L" shaped, and a pocket is provided between the support lip 2320 and the support plate 2312 in which an end of a PCD can fit and rest during use.

Additionally, as depicted in fig. 23, the upper housing portion 2306 of the PCD docking station 2302 may include a multi-pin connector array 2328 adjacent to the PCD docking tray 2310. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array 2328 may be positioned adjacent to the proximal end 2314 of the support plate 2312. The multi-pin connector array 2328 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray 2310 may be movable between an open or extended position shown in fig. 24 (where the PCD docking tray 2310 is fully extended from within the housing 2302 (e.g., the upper housing portion 2306)) and a closed or retracted position (where the PCD docking tray 2310 is retracted into the housing 2302 (e.g., the upper housing portion 2306)). In the retracted position, the face plate 2318 of the PCD docking tray 2310 may be flush with the sides of the upper housing portion 2306.

In the extended position, as shown in fig. 25, the PCD100 may rest on the PCD docking tray 2310 and the array of multi-pin connectors on the PCD100 may engage the array of multi-pin connectors 2328 on the upper housing portion 2306. The PCD docking tray 2310 may support the PCD100 at the same angle as the upper housing portion 2306 is angled relative to the lower housing portion 2304 to facilitate viewing of the PCD100 during operation of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 2300.

In a particular aspect, as shown in fig. 23, the PCD docking station 2300 may further include an eject button 2330. An eject button 2330 may be incorporated into the PCD docking station 2300 adjacent to the PCD docking tray 2310. Alternatively, the eject button 2330 may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray 2310. When the eject button 2330 is pressed, the PCD docking tray 2310 may be moved from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, the PCD100 may be docked with the PCD docking tray 2310 and supported by the PCD docking tray 2310.

When the PCD100 is engaged with the PCD docking tray 2310, the display within the PCD docking station 2300 may operate as a primary display and the PCD100 may operate as a secondary display.

It can be appreciated that when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 2300, the combination may be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 2300 is portable.

Referring now to fig. 26 and 27, a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 2600. In general, the PCD docking station 2600 shown in fig. 26 and 27 is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in connection with fig. 6-11. However, the PCD docking station 2600 shown in fig. 26 and 27 does not include the touch pad mouse 674, the first mouse button 676, the second mouse button 678, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in fig. 26 and 27, the PCD docking station 2600 may include a housing 2602 having a lower housing portion 2604 and an upper housing portion 2606. The lower housing portion 2604 of the housing 2602 may include an open ended PCD docking pocket 2610 formed in a surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-face closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4.

In a particular aspect, the open-ended PCD docking pocket 2610 may be a recess or hole formed in the lower housing portion 2604 of the housing 2602. As shown, the open-sided, closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610 may be an open space or volume formed within the left sidewall 2612, the right sidewall 2614, the rear sidewall 2616, the front sidewall 2618, and the bottom surface 2620.

Fig. 26 indicates that the open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610 may include a multi-pin connector array 2622. The array of multi-pin connectors 2622 may be formed in one of the sidewalls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618, extend from one of the sidewalls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 (or a combination thereof). In an aspect as shown in fig. 26, the multi-pin connector 2622 may extend from a left side wall 2612 of the open ended PCD docking pocket 2610. The multi-pin connector array 2622 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, such as the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in fig. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in fig. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown in fig. 26 and 27, the open-sided closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610 may also include a latch assembly 2624 extending over an edge of one of the sidewalls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In aspects as shown in fig. 26 and 27, the latch assembly 2624 may extend over an edge of the right side wall 2614 of the open-faced closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610 opposite the left side wall 2612 of the open-faced closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610. The latch assembly 2624 may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in a surface of the lower housing portion 2604 of the housing 2602. In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly 2624 may be moved in, for example, a rightward direction so as to allow a PCD (such as the PCD100 shown in fig. 1-4) to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-end PCD docking pocket 2610. Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly 2624 may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly 2624 may then engage the upper surface of the PCD100 in order to maintain the PCD100 within the PCD docking pocket 2610. FIG. 27 illustrates a PCD100 engaged with a PCD docking station 2600.

As shown, the PCD100 may be mounted within an open-faced closed-end docking pocket 2610 as described herein. When the PCD100 is installed within the docking pocket 2610, the multi-pin connector array 130 of the PCD100 may engage the multi-pin connector array 2622 formed in the open face closed-end docking pocket 2610.

In a particular aspect, the PCD100 may be used as a supplemental display when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 2600. Additionally, the PCD100 may function as an input device, e.g., the PCD100 may function as a mouse pad and may include a first mouse button and a second mouse button. Also, the PCD100 may function as a supplemental display and as a mouse pad with corresponding mouse buttons.

It can be appreciated that when PCD100 is docked with PCD docking station 2600, the combination can be considered a Mobile Computing Device (MCD), such as a laptop computing device. Additionally, when the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 2600, the combination of the PCD100 and the PCD docking station 2600 is portable and the housing 2602 of the PCD docking station 2600 may be closed. Also, the PCD docking station 2600 may include a switch, such as a push button switch, within the open ended PCD docking pocket 2610. When the PCD100 is installed within the open aspect closed-end docking pocket 2610, the PCD100 may close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 2600 to be powered on, e.g., powered up. When the PCD100 is ejected from the open face closed end docking pocket 2610 or otherwise removed from the open face closed end docking pocket 2610, the PCD docking station 2600 may be powered down. In another aspect, merely engaging the PCD100 with the multi-pin connector array 2622 may cause the PCD docking station 2600 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100 from the multi-pin connector array 2622 may cause the PCD docking station 2600 to power down.

FIG. 28 depicts a first aspect of a PCD system, generally designated 2800. As shown, the PCD system 2800 may include a PCD 2802 and a PCD docking station 2804. In a particular aspect, the PCD 2802 may be removably engaged with a PCD docking station 2804 via a dock connector 2806. The dock connector 2806 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD 2802 and one or more components within the PCD docking station 2804. Additionally, the dock connector 2806 may be a multi-pin dock connector 2806. Additionally, the dock connector 2806 may be one of the multi-pin connector arrays described herein.

As shown in fig. 28, PCD 2802 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)2808, which may include PCD electronic components. The PCD electronics may be packaged as a System On Chip (SOC) or some other suitable device that integrates and connects the electronics in order to control the PCD 2802. PCB 2808 may include one or more of the components described in connection with fig. 5. A battery 2810 may be coupled to the PCB 2808.

Fig. 28 indicates that the PCD docking station 2804 may include a battery 2820 connected to a dock connector 2806. The power management module 2822 may be connected to a battery 2820. Additionally, an Alternating Current (AC) power connection 2824 may be connected to the power management module 2822. The AC power connection 2824 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown).

FIG. 28 further shows that a first universal serial bus high speed (USB-HS) port 2838 can be connected to the dock connector 2806. The first USB connector 2840 may be connected to a first USB-HS port 2838. As depicted in fig. 28, the PCD docking station 2804 may also include a second USB-HS port 2848. The keyboard 2856 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 2838. In particular, the keyboard 2856 may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

Fig. 28 indicates that the PCD docking station 2804 may also include a display 2860 connected to the dock connector 2806. As shown, the dock connector 2806 may be further connected to a ground connection 2868.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 2806 may include forty-four (44) pins. For example, the dock connector 2806 may include eight (8) pins for the battery 2820, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 2838, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2848, twenty (20) pins for the display 2860, and eight (8) pins for the ground connection 2868.

Referring to FIG. 29, a second aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated 2900. As shown, the PCD system 2900 may include a PCD 2902 and a PCD docking station 2904. In a particular aspect, the PCD 2902 may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station 2904 via a dock connector 2906. The dock connector 2906 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD 2902 and one or more components within the PCD docking station 2904.

As shown in fig. 29, the PCD 2902 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)2908, which may include PCD electronic components. The PCD electronics may be packaged as a System On Chip (SOC) or some other suitable device that integrates and connects the electronics in order to control the PCD 2802. Additionally, PCB 2908 may include one or more of the components described in connection with fig. 5. Battery 2910 may be coupled to PCB 2908.

Fig. 29 indicates that the PCD docking station 2904 may include a battery 2920 connected to a dock connector 2906. The power management module 2922 may be connected to the battery 2920. Additionally, an Alternating Current (AC) power connection 2924 may be connected to the power management module 2922. The AC power connection 2924 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)2926 may be connected to the dock connector 2906, and one or more speakers 2928 may be connected to the audio I/O2926.

As illustrated, a gigabit ethernet media access controller (GbE MAC)2934 may also be connected to the dock connector 2906. Ethernet port 2936 may be connected to GbE MAC 2934. In a particular aspect, the ethernet port 2936 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 29 further shows that a first universal serial bus high speed (USB-HS) port 2938 can be connected to the dock connector 2906. A first USB connector 2942 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 2938. As depicted in fig. 29, the PCD docking station 2904 may also include a second USB-HS port 2948. A second USB connector 2950 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 2948. Further, as depicted, the third USB-HS port 2954 may be connected to the dock connector 2906. The keyboard 2956 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 2954. In particular, the keyboard 2956 may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

Fig. 29 indicates that the PCD docking station 2904 may also include a display 2960. Additionally, the PCD docking station 2904 may include an rgb (a) connector 2962 coupled to the dock connector 2906. The D-sub connector 2964 may be connected to an RGB (A) connector 2962. As shown, the dock connector 2906 may be connected to a ground connection 2968.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 2906 may include one hundred nineteen (119) pins. For example, the dock connector 2906 may include ten (10) pins for the battery 2920, three (3) pins for the audio I/O2926, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC 2934, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 2938, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2948, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port 2954, twenty (20) pins for the display 2960, twenty-eight (28) pins for the rgb (a) connector 2962, and ten (10) pins for the ground connection 2968.

FIG. 30 illustrates a third aspect of a PCD system, generally designated 3000. As shown, the PCD system 3000 may include a PCD 3002 and a PCD docking station 3004. In a particular aspect, the PCD 3002 may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station 3004 via a dock connector 3006. The dock connector 3006 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD 3002 and one or more components within the PCD docking station 3004.

As shown in fig. 30, the PCD 3002 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)3008, which may include PCD electronic components. The PCD electronics may be packaged as a System On Chip (SOC) or some other suitable device that integrates and connects the electronics in order to control the PCD 3002. Additionally, the PCD 3008 may include one or more of the components described in connection with fig. 5. A battery 3010 may be coupled to the PCB 3008.

Fig. 30 indicates that the PCD docking station 3004 may include a battery 3020 connected to a dock connector 3006. The power management module 3022 may be connected to a battery 3020. Additionally, an Alternating Current (AC) power connection 3024 may be connected to the power management module 3022. AC power connection 3024 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3026 may be connected to the dock connector 3006 and one or more speakers 3028 may be connected to the audio I/O3026.

As further illustrated in fig. 30, a Mobile Display Digital Interface (MDDI)3030 may be connected to dock connector 3006. Camera 3032 may be connected to MDDI 3030. Additionally, a gigabit ethernet media access controller (GbE MAC)3034 may also connect to the dock connector. Ethernet port 3036 may be connected to GbE MAC 3034. In a particular aspect, the ethernet port 3036 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 30 further shows that a first Universal Serial bus high speed (USB-HS) port 3038 can be connected to dock connector 3006. The USB hub 3040 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 3038. A first USB connector 3042 and a second USB connector 3044 may be connected to the USB hub 3040. In addition, a keyboard 3046 may be connected to the USB hub 3040. In particular, the keyboard 3046 may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

As depicted in fig. 30, the PCD docking station 3004 may also include a second USB-HS port 3048. A first Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) to USB converter 3050 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 3048. A Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive 3052 may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter 3050. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3004 may include a third USB-HS port 3054. The second SATA-USB converter 3056 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3054, and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)3058 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3054.

Fig. 30 indicates that the PCD docking station 3004 may also include a display 3060. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3004 may include an rgb (a) connector 3062 coupled to the dock connector 3006. D-sub connector 3064 may connect to RGB (A) connector 3062. As shown, dock connector 3006 may be connected to ground connection 3068.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 3006 may include one hundred twenty seven (127) pins. For example, dock connector 3006 may include ten (10) pins for battery 3020, five (5) pins for audio I/O3026, six (6) pins for MDDI 3030, thirty-six (36) pins for GbE MAC 3034, four (4) pins for first USB-HS port 3038, four (4) pins for second USB-HS port 3048, four (4) pins for third USB-HS port 3054, twenty (20) pins for display 3060, twenty-eight (28) pins for rgb (a) connector 3062, and ten (10) pins for ground connection 3068. Dock connector 3006 may also include additional three (3) pins for SATA 3050 connecting to second USB-HS port 3048.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a fourth aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated 3100. As shown, the PCD system 3100 may include a PCD 3102 and a PCD docking station 3104. In a particular aspect, the PCD 3102 may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station 3104 via a dock connector 3106. The dock connector 3106 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD 3102 and one or more components within the PCD docking station 3104.

As shown in fig. 31, the PCD 3102 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)3108, which may include PCD electronic components. The PCD electronics may be packaged as a System On Chip (SOC) or some other suitable device that integrates and connects the electronics in order to control the PCD 3102. Additionally, the PCB 3108 may include one or more of the components described in connection with fig. 5. A battery 3110 may be coupled to the PCB 3108.

Fig. 31 indicates that the PCD docking station 3104 may include a battery 3120 connected to a dock connector 3106. The power management module 3122 may be connected to a battery 3120. Additionally, an Alternating Current (AC) power connection 3124 may be connected to the power management module 3122. The AC power connection 3124 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3126 may be connected to the dock connector 3106 and one or more speakers 3128 may be connected to the audio I/O3126.

As further illustrated in fig. 31, a Mobile Display Digital Interface (MDDI)3130 may be connected to the dock connector 3106. Camera 3132 may connect to MDDI 3130. In addition, a gigabit ethernet media access controller (GbE MAC)3134 may also be connected to the dock connector. Ethernet port 3136 may connect to GbE MAC 3134. In a particular aspect, the ethernet port 3136 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 31 further shows that a first universal serial bus high speed (USB-HS) port 3138 can be connected to the dock connector 3106. The USB hub 3140 may be connected to a first USB-HS port 3138. A first USB connector 3142 and a second USB connector 3144 may be connected to the USB hub 3140. Additionally, a keyboard 3146 may be connected to the USB hub 3140. In particular, the keyboard 3146 may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

As depicted in fig. 31, the PCD docking station 3104 may also include a second USB-HS port 3148. A first Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) to USB converter 3150 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 3148. A Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive 3152 may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter 3150. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3104 may include a third USB-HS port 3154. The second SATA-USB converter 3156 may be connected to a third USB-HS port 3154, and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)3158 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3154.

Fig. 31 indicates that the PCD docking station 3104 may also include a display 3160. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3104 may include an rgb (a) connector 3162 coupled to a dock connector 3106. The D-sub connector 3164 may be connected to an rgb (a) connector 3162. A High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)3166 may also be connected to the dock connector 3106. As shown, the dock connector 3106 may be connected to a ground connection 3168.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 3106 may include one hundred forty-six (146) pins. For example, dock connector 3106 may include ten (10) pins for battery 3120, five (5) pins for audio I/O3126, six (6) pins for MDDI 3130, thirty-six (36) pins for GbE MAC 3134, four (4) pins for first USB-HS port 3138, four (4) pins for second USB-HS port 3148, four (4) pins for third USB-HS port 3154, twenty (20) pins for display 3160, twenty-eight (28) pins for rgb (a) connector 3162, nineteen (19) pins for HDMI 3166, and ten (10) pins for ground connection 3168. The dock connector 3106 may also include additional three (3) pins for SATA 3150 connected to the second USB-HS port 3148.

Referring to FIG. 32, a PCD processor system is shown and is generally designated 3200. As shown, the PCD processor system 3200 may include a first core processor 3202, a second core processor 3204, a third core processor 3206, and a fourth core processor 3208. Additionally, the PCD processor system 3200 may include a 32-bit processor 3210, such as an ARM 11 processor.

As shown, one or more hardware peripherals 3212 may be connected to the first core processor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the third core processor 3206, the fourth core processor 3208, the 32-bit processor 3210, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, the process monitoring and load balancer 3214 may be connected to the first core processor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the third core processor 3206, and the fourth core processor 3208. As described herein, the process monitoring and load balancer 3214 may act as a processor manager to turn on and off the core processors 3202, 3204, 3206, 3208 depending on operational requirements, whether the PCD is docked, whether the PCD is undocked, or a combination thereof. The process monitoring and load balancer 3214 may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein.

Fig. 32 further indicates that the first process 3216 and the second process 3218 may be executed by a 32-bit processor 3210. The third process 3220, the fourth process 3222, the fifth process 3224, the sixth process 3226, the seventh process 3228, and the nth process 3230 may be executed by the first core processor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the third core processor 3206, the fourth core processor 3208, or a combination thereof via the process monitoring and load balancer 3214.

PCD processor system 3200 may further include a modem Real Time Operating System (RTOS)3232, which may operate over first process 3216 and second process 3218. An application RTOS 3234 may operate over the third process 3220, the fourth process 3222, the fifth process 3224, the sixth process 3226, the seventh process 3228, and the nth process 3230. In a particular aspect, the application RTOS may be implemented by Linux^TMThe RTOS is provided. Multiple applications 3236 may be modulatedDemodulator RTOS 3232 and application RTOS 3234 execute.

Referring to FIG. 33, a method of managing processor cores within a PCD is shown and is generally designated 3300. Beginning at block 3302, a loop statement may be entered in which when the PCD is powered on, the following steps may be performed. At decision 3304, the processor management module may determine whether the PCD is docked or undocked with the PCD docking station.

If the PCD is undocked, the method 3300 may move to block 3306 and the processor management module may power up the first processor core. At block 3308, another loop statement may be entered in which when an application is selected, the following steps may be performed. Moving to block 3310, the processor management module may determine processor requirements for the application. Thereafter, at decision 3312, the processor management module may determine whether the application processor requirement equals or exceeds a dual core condition. A dual core condition may be a threshold processor requirement beyond which at least two cores may be necessary to execute an application. If so, the method 3300 may continue to block 3314 and the processor management module may power up a second processor core in addition to the first processor core. The method 3300 may then proceed to decision 3316 and the processor management module may determine whether a new application is selected. If a new application is selected, method 3300 may return to block 3310 and continue as described herein.

Returning to decision 3312, if the application processor requirement does not equal or exceed the dual core condition, the method 3300 may continue to block 3318 and the processor management module may determine the total processor requirement, i.e., the processor requirement resulting from the current application and any other open applications currently being executed. At decision 3320, the processor management module may determine whether the total processor requirement equals or exceeds a dual core condition.

If the total processor requirement equals or exceeds the dual core condition, method 3300 may continue to block 3314 and continue as described herein. On the other hand, if the total processor requirement does not equal or exceed the dual core condition, the method 3300 may move to decision 3316 and continue as described herein.

At decision 3316, if a new application is not selected, the method 3300 may continue to decision 3322 and the processor management module may determine whether the application is closed. If the application is not shut down, the method 3300 may proceed to block 3324 and the processor management module may maintain the current processor configuration. Otherwise, if the application is closed, method 3300 may end.

Returning to decision 3304, if the PCD is docked, the method 3300 may proceed directly to 3326 of fig. 34. At block 3326, the processor management module may power up the first processor core, the second processor core, and the third processor core. At block 3328, another loop statement may be entered in which when an application is selected, the following steps may be performed. Moving to block 3330, the processor management module may determine processor requirements for the application. Thereafter, at decision 3332, the processor management module may determine whether the application processor requirement equals or exceeds a quad-core condition. A quad-core condition may be a threshold processor requirement beyond which at least four cores may be necessary to execute an application. If so, the method 3300 may move to block 3334 and the processor management module may power up a fourth processor core in addition to the first, second, and third processor cores. The method 3300 may then proceed to decision 3336 and the processor management module may determine whether a new application is selected. If a new application is selected, the method 3300 may return to block 3330 and continue as described herein.

Returning to decision 3332, if the application processor requirement does not equal or exceed the quad-core condition, the method 3300 may continue to block 3338 and the processor management module may determine the total processor requirement, i.e., the processor requirement resulting from the current application and any other open applications currently being executed. At decision 3340, the processor management module may determine whether the total processor requirement equals or exceeds a quad-core condition.

If the total processor requirement equals or exceeds the quad-core condition, the method 3300 may continue to block 3334 and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the total processor requirement does not equal or exceed the quad-core condition, the method 3300 may move to decision 3336 and continue as described herein.

At decision 3336, if a new application is not selected, the method 3300 may continue to decision 3342 and the processor management module may determine whether the application is closed. If the application is not shut down, the method 3300 may proceed to block 3344 and the processor management module may maintain the current processor configuration. On the other hand, if the application is closed, method 3300 may end.

With the configuration described herein, the PCD/PCD docking station combination provides feature partitioning between the PCD and the PCD docking station. The PCD may engage the PCD docking station in one of the manners described herein. For example, the PCD may engage with a PCD engagement mechanism (e.g., a PCD docking pocket, a PCD docking tray, or the like). In addition, dual display use is provided, for example, by a display in a PCD and a display in a PCD docking station. When engaged with the PCD docking station, the PCD may be charged by the PCD docking station. Further, seamless user interface and application transitions may be provided when a PCD is docked or undocked.

In a particular aspect, user interface features may be provided when a PCD is docked or undocked. One such aspect is a "fish-eye" bubble that may be provided on all applications displayed on the PCD. In addition, application layer scaling may be provided. For example, when a PCD is docked, a primary application version may be executed, and when a PCD is undocked, a secondary application version may be executed. Alternatively, a standard application version may be executed when the PCD is undocked and an enhanced application version may be executed when the PCD is docked. In the undocked mode, the PCD may execute less computationally intensive, less space consuming applications. In the docked mode, the PCD may execute fully functional applications. Whether the PCD is docked or undocked may be automatically detected, and the appropriate application version may be executed when available.

When the PCD is undocked, two low power processors are available for the small screen application and the PCD Operating System (OS). Additionally, the two high performance processors may be used to execute larger applications when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. In another aspect, one processor may be used for mouse control and graphical user interface control, i.e., touch screen control, when the PCD is docked; one processor may be used for shared input/output control; one processor for the PCD OS; and one processor may be for the desktop OS stored on the PCD docking station. In yet another aspect, each processor may run a different OS and framework.

The PCD docking station may be connected to a home network, and when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, the PCD may in turn be connected to the home network. Further, data (e.g., applications, content, or a combination thereof) may be automatically backed up to the PCD docking station when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. The PCD docking station may include a display, a display buffer, a HDD, additional memory, LAN capabilities, WLAN capabilities, one or more USB ports, a printer connection, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The PCD docking station may include a large screen application memory. When the PCD is undocked, the large screen application and OS state may remain in the PCD docking station memory so as to be immediately enabled when the PCD is docked again. The large screen application may include a browser application, a document processor application, a spreadsheet application, a presentation application, an email application, a calendar application, a video application, or a combination thereof. The small screen application may include a media player application, a phone application, a control application, or a combination thereof.

When the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, a user may utilize a relatively large display incorporated into the PCD docking station. In addition, a user may access data stored in the PCD using a full keyboard and mouse. The PCD docking station may be incorporated into a vehicle, a kiosk, a set-top box, etc., and the PCD may be docked therewith.

It will be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order described. Additionally, words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are only used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, strictly speaking, any connection is termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

While selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (40)

1. A method of managing processor cores within a Portable Computing Device (PCD), the method comprising: determining, while the PCD is powered on, whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station; and powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; and

determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the dual processor core condition.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

powering up a second processor core when the total processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core while the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; and

determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the quad processor core condition.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

powering up a fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

11. A Portable Computing Device (PCD), comprising:

means for determining whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station when the PCD is powered on; and

means for powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station.

12. The portable computing device of claim 11, further comprising:

means for determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; and

means for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition.

13. The portable computing device of claim 12, further comprising:

means for powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

14. The portable computing device of claim 12, further comprising:

means for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; and

means for determining whether the overall processor requirement is equal to the dual processor core condition.

15. The portable computing device of claim 14, further comprising:

means for powering up a second processor core when the total processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

16. The portable computing device of claim 11, further comprising:

means for powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station.

17. The portable computing device of claim 16, further comprising:

means for determining application processor requirements when selecting an application; and

means for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition.

18. The portable computing device of claim 17, further comprising:

means for powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

19. The portable computing device of claim 17, further comprising:

means for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; and

means for determining whether the overall processor requirement is equal to the quad processor core condition.

20. The portable computing device of claim 19, further comprising:

means for powering up a fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

21. A Portable Computing Device (PCD), comprising:

a processor, wherein the processor is operable to:

determining, when a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is powered on, whether the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station; and

powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station.

22. The portable computing device of claim 21, wherein the processor is further operable to:

determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition.

23. The portable computing device of claim 22, wherein the processor is further operable to:

powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

24. The portable computing device of claim 22, wherein the processor is further operable to:

determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; and

determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the dual processor core condition.

25. The portable computing device of claim 24, wherein the processor is further operable to:

powering up a second processor core when the total processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

26. The portable computing device of claim 21, wherein the processor is further operable to:

powering up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core while the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station.

27. The portable computing device of claim 26, wherein the processor is further operable to:

determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition.

28. The portable computing device of claim 27, wherein the processor is further operable to:

powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

29. The portable computing device of claim 27, wherein the processor is further operable to:

determining a total processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; and

determining whether the total processor requirement is equal to the quad processor core condition.

30. The portable computing device of claim 29, wherein the processor is further operable to:

powering up a fourth processor core when the total processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

31. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium, comprising:

at least one instruction for determining whether a Portable Computing Device (PCD) is docked with a PCD docking station when the PCD is powered on; and

at least one instruction for powering up a first processor core when the PCD is not docked with the PCD docking station.

32. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

at least one instruction for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a dual processor core condition.

33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for powering up a second processor core when the application processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

34. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the dual processor core condition; and

at least one instruction for determining whether the overall processor requirement is equal to the dual processor core condition.

35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for powering up a second processor core when the overall processor requirement equals the dual processor core condition.

36. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction to power up a first processor core, a second processor core, and a third processor core when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station.

37. The computer program product of claim 36, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining an application processor requirement when selecting an application; and

at least one instruction for determining whether the application processor requirement is equal to a quad processor core condition.

38. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for powering up a fourth processor core when the application processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.

39. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining an overall processor requirement when the application processor requirement is not equal to the quad processor core condition; and

at least one instruction for determining whether the overall processor requirement is equal to the quad processor core condition.

40. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for powering up a fourth processor core when the overall processor requirement equals the quad processor core condition.