Adaptable Audio Headset with Dual Signalling Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio headsets are typically manufactured to work with specific device types, requiring active or passive signalling modes, which can lead to processing resource usage and delays when adapting to different devices, as existing solutions often need software loading and conversion of signalling schemes.

Innovation Solution

An audio headset with both active and passive signalling circuits that can be automatically activated or deactivated based on the connected device's signalling mode, using a microphone bias voltage or user input, allowing seamless adaptation without the need for additional software loading or resource-intensive conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software adaptation is used to convert passive signalling to active signalling commands, then compatibility with different devices is improved, but processing resources are consumed and delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different devicesVSAvoiddelay in audio control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The headset dynamically switches between active and passive signalling modes based on the connected device type. The system detects the device type and automatically configures the appropriate signalling mode, eliminating the need for software conversion and reducing delays. This dynamic adaptation allows the headset to maintain compatibility across different devices while avoiding processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The headset performs preliminary detection of the connected device's signalling mode and pre-configures the appropriate circuitry before audio communication begins. By detecting whether the device uses active or passive signalling in advance and setting up the corresponding mode beforehand, the system eliminates conversion delays during actual audio operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If software adaptation is used to convert passive signalling to active signalling commands, then compatibility with different devices is improved, but processing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different devicesVSAvoidprocessing resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The headset autonomously detects the connected device's signalling mode and self-configures the appropriate circuitry without requiring external software intervention. The system uses built-in detection mechanisms to identify whether active or passive signalling is needed and automatically switches modes, eliminating the need for resource-intensive software conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the device type and signalling mode before audio communication starts, pre-configuring the appropriate hardware circuits. This preliminary setup avoids the need for continuous software processing during audio operation, significantly reducing processing resource consumption while maintaining device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single signalling mode is used in the headset, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different devicesVSAvoidsignalling mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headset is divided into separate active signalling circuitry and passive signalling circuitry, each optimized for its specific function. The system includes detection mechanisms that identify the connected device type and selectively activate the appropriate circuit segment, allowing the headset to support multiple signalling modes without requiring the entire system to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headset dynamically switches between separate active and passive signalling circuits based on the connected device type. By having distinct circuit segments that can be independently activated, the system achieves multi-device compatibility without requiring all circuitry to be permanently complex, as only the necessary segment is active at any given time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3082348B1A device-adaptable audio headset
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3082348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3082348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3082348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device-adaptable headset device is provided, comprising: a microphone; one or more speakers; an audio connector comprising: a microphone output pin; and one or more speaker input pins respectively connected to the one or more speakers; a microphone line between the microphone output pin and the microphone; a ground line; one or more input devices in communication with the microphone line; a first circuit and a second circuit respectively configured for active signalling and passive signalling on the microphone line; and, a processor configured to: determine a present signalling mode; when the signalling mode is active, and when the one or more input devices is actuated, generate active signals on the microphone line using the first circuit; and, when the signalling mode is passive, and when the one or more input devices is actuated, generate passive signals on the microphone line using the second circuit.