Computer docking station with internal microprocessor

摘要

The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking station having connection means for connecting a portable computer to the docking station, the docking station having an internal microprocessor. In preferred embodiments, the microprocessor of the docking station: performs processing to the portable computer and applications across a communications bus between the microprocessor and said portable computer; controls the means by which the portable computer is mechanically connected to the docking station; controls the means by which the portable computer is electrically connected to said docking station; controls the means by which the portable computer is mechanically and electrically connected to said docking station; controls the power to the portable computer, connects the portable computer to the docking station from a software point of view; ejects the portable computer to from the docking station from a software point of view; controls processing across the bus; controls the function of free form switches on the docking station; and controls itself under a first mode of operation and is under at least partial from a central processing unit in said portable computer under a second mode of operation.