Modular Device Docking with Camera Protrusion Alignment

摘要

A modular portable device system includes two devices configured to be attached to each other to form a more powerful combined device. The combined device is still generally sized to fit a user's pocket, purse, briefcase, backpack etc. The first device is a stand-alone capable high function device configured to mate with and connect to an add-on device to gain specific supplemental functionality. The base device includes a circular camera protrusion sized to fit in a corresponding camera opening in the add-on device, as well as one or more alignment sockets. In this way, when the camera protrusion is located in the camera opening and the one or more alignment sockets are mated to a corresponding one or alignment pins on the add-on device, the two devices are electrically connected and physically aligned.

主权项

1. A modular device system including:
a base portable electronic communication device having at least a processor, a display, and a camera, the base portable electronic communication device having a substantially flat-shaped first surface, the camera forming a protrusion extending out of the first surface, the base device further including a contact array on the first surface, the contact array exposing a plurality of electrical contacts; and an add-on electronic device having at least a processor and a contact array on a second surface, the second surface having a camera opening therein sized to receive the camera protrusion extending out of the first surface of the base portable electronic communication device, such that the add-on electronic device is aligned with the base portable electronic device when the camera protrusion of the first surface of the base portable electronic communication device is inserted into the opening on the second surface of the add-on electronic device and the contact array on the second surface is mated with the contact array on the first surface.