Electronic device control based on user gestures applied to a media headset

Abstract

An electronic device including an interface for receiving a control signal from a peripheral control device via a wired communications channel where the control signal is derived from a user control gesture. The electronic device also includes a data store for storing a list of known control signals where each known control signal has an associated control instruction. The electronic device further includes a processor that identifies the received control signal by comparing the received control signal with the list of known control signals and controls an operation of the electronic device based on the control instruction associated with the identified control signal.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 020,988, filed on Jan. 14, 2008, entitled “Simultaneous Communication of Audio and Control Data Through the Microphone Node of a Multiple-Region Jack for a Mobile Device.” This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 3, 2008, having Attorney Docket No. P6133US1, and entitled “Electronic Device Accessory.” The entire contents of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to controlling an electronic device based on user gestures applied to a media headset connected to the electronic device via an audio jack.[0003]Traditional mobile telephones and media devices include a communications jack for accessories. One such traditional accessory is a media headset that includes two speakers and a single microphone. A user can conduct a teleph...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in the prior art by providing systems, methods and devices that enable a user to control an electronic device via a peripheral control unit of a media headset using selected control gestures that can be input conveniently by the user via control interfaces of the peripheral control unit, but also delivered to the electronic device via an audio jack and, thereby, eliminate the need for an additional control interface or connector.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with existing electronic devices or media devices is that a user can become distracted from their surroundings or have to interrupt an activity in order to interact with their electronic device.

Even though electronic devices and media devices have become more compact and portable, it can be inconvenient for a user to hold, retrieve, or manipulate an electronic device while performing other activities such as walking or running which also makes it difficult to control the media device during other activities.

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