Dynamic Audio Channel Switching in Communication Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication modules lack the ability to dynamically regulate audio channels, failing to adapt to various audio input/output combinations required by different products, as they do not have user interfaces to select and switch between multiple audio interfaces effectively.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for switching audio channels in a communication module, comprising an audio channel establishing unit, a selection unit, and a switching unit, which receive external instructions to establish and switch audio channels based on channel identifiers, allowing the module to adapt to different signal type combinations by connecting appropriate audio channels to corresponding interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio interfaces are provided in the communication module, then the adaptability to different application occasions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the large number of audio channels and interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different application occasionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic audio channel switching capability, allowing the communication module to adapt different audio channels according to different application scenarios. The module can dynamically select and switch between multiple audio channels (first audio channel, second audio channel, third audio channel) based on external instructions, transforming a static multi-interface design into a dynamic adaptive system that reduces complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single communication module universal by enabling it to handle multiple audio interface types (analog and digital) through a unified channel switching mechanism. The module can provide analog audio signals or digital signals through the same physical interface by switching between different audio channels, making the module applicable to various products including smart phones, wireless network cards, laptops, and MID devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication module provides many audio interfaces for different signal types, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the module cannot dynamically regulate audio channels without User Interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of audio interfacesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module implements self-service capability by automatically selecting and switching audio channels based on external instructions without requiring manual User Interface operations. The module can autonomously regulate audio channels according to different application requirements, receiving switching instructions from external devices and automatically configuring the appropriate audio channel (analog or digital) without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If analog and digital audio interfaces are provided in the same communication module, then the adaptability to different signal requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple audio channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to signal type combinationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges analog and digital audio interface functionalities into a single communication module with a unified channel switching mechanism. Instead of maintaining separate independent circuits for analog and digital audio, the module combines them share a common switching control system that can route signals through different audio channels based on the required signal type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2560349B1Method and apparatus for switching audio channels of a communication module
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 ZTE CORP
  • EP2560349B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2560349B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for switching audio channels of a communication module are disclosed by the disclosure, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: establishing one-to-one corresponding audio channels for signal type combinations of all audio interfaces of the communication module; receiving external audio channel switching instructions, and selecting the audio channels which are to be switched according to the audio channel switching instructions; and switching the selected audio channels, which are to be switched, to the corresponding audio interfaces of the communication module. With the disclosure, the communication module can be adapted to various signal type combinations of different products, i.e., the communication module can select appropriate audio channels according to audio input/output types of different products, thus the applicability of the communication module is improved enormously.