Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially granted Apple a patent that relates to a possible future iPad system supported by a new modular expansion hub making it more like a mini-desktop for home or business. This future iPad system could offer a larger display and more importantly, support a wide variety of accessories for business, like an authentication card or credit card reader (magnetic strip), laser scanners, barcode scanners and provide an electrical connection to a power source.

Modular Electronic Device System

In an example embodiment, the modular electronic device system can include a case or cover for electronic device (described as a tablet), wherein the case includes an electrical connector to engage in electrical contact with the electronic device, an electrical connector facing in a rear direction from the case (i.e., facing in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the case or perpendicular to a rear surface of the electronic device), and latching portions on the case for attaching the case to a support base arm or to an accessory device.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below shows an exploded perspective view of a modular electronic device system; FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of electronic components of the modular electronic device system of FIG. 1.

Apple notes that the support base can be releasably connectable to the latching portion of the case and can provide an electrical connection to a power source, such as a power source used to charge the electronic device through the electrical connectors embedded or held by the case. An accessory device can include a latching portion that is releasably connectable to a latching portion of the case and can electronically connected to an electrical connector on the case.

In some embodiments, the electronic device can be protected by case while being easily attachable and detachable from the support base and the accessory device without having to remove the electronic device from the case and without having to connect and disconnect sensitive plugs at a side or end portion of the electronic device. In this way, with an electrical connector on the case and facing in rear direction, the case can be mounted to the support base with the arm latching portion facing the rear-facing electrical connector on the case. This orientation allows a user to make a pushing motion to attach the case to the support base arm for easy mounting. In other words, the user can hold the electronic device with the front of the user interface facing the user's face, and, while in that orientation, can move the electronic device in a rear direction to latch to the mount of the arm without having to look behind the electronic device or case.

Additionally, the stand latching portion of the case can support the case at the center of the rear of the case so that the case and any electronic device within it will be balanced as it is supported by the arm/stand.

Accessory devices can be modularly attached and detached from the case and, simultaneously, attached and detached from electrical communication with electrical connectors extending through the case so that power and information can be exchanged between the accessory device and electronic device positioned in the case.

Accessory devices can include devices such as credit card readers, light sensors, antennas, laser scanners, oxygen sensors, air sensors, printers, keypads, barcode scanners, magnetic strip readers, related devices, and combinations thereof.

At one point in the patent, Apple interestingly notes that In some embodiments, the cover #102 can include a material that is water-resistant, caustic-chemical-resistant, or anti-bacterial to provide additional durability and protection for the electronic device #104 and its users. In some cases, the cover can include a material that is easily cleanable. These features can be especially beneficial in hospitals and other health-related and dirty settings.

For those interested, there's a lot more details that you could review in granted patent 12001240.