The U.S Patent Office has published a 23-page filing made by Apply for a versatile tablet docking station. Is Apple finally making a tablet Mac? Or at least seriously thinking about it?

The published patent was originally filed in February of this year and looks to be more of an exercise in possible power and data transfer capabilities using induction coils. The docking station would provide quick and easy coupling of a tablet to another system such as a monitor or keyboard so that they tablet can remain free from the other peripherals.

One of the approaches shown in the patent includes a recess in the docking station and a protrusion in the tablet. Connection would allow for 360 degree uses of the table while still providing a power and data connection (we personally think it would make more sense to have the recess on the tablet and the protrusion on the docking station, less mess to deal with when actually holding the tablet).

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The induction idea looks more streamlined. The docking station and the tablet could each have planar surfaces, and rely on the power created by induction docking to transfer power and data. Or at least a combination of induction power and wire-less data transfer. Apple seemed to have a lot to say about the possibilities of induction docking.

"With regards to non-contact platforms, inductive coils can be placed in each device to transfer both power and data," the company said, "The inductive coils are typically hidden from view behind the housings of each device and therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing than electrical contacts, which need to be exposed in order to operate effectively. Furthermore, inductively based systems are more robust than electrical contacts. For example, there are no contacts to wear out and/or oxidize."

"In inductive based systems, the docking station includes the primary coil and the portable electronic device includes the secondary coil," Apple continued. "In wireless systems, both the docking station and the portable electronic device include their own transceiver that both transmits and receives data."

"The data and power inductors may be separate, integral or they may be superimposed on one another," Apple added, "In another implementation, power is transferred via an inductance-based system and data is transferred via a wireless system. The combination of inductance and wireless provides an efficient way to transfer both power and data while keeping both the docking station and portable electronic device fully enclosed."

All we can do now is tell Apple that we are waiting, somewhat patiently, for tablet awesomeness.

Via AppleInsider