Audio Jack Accessory Identification for Remote Media Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, face inconvenience when trying to adjust volume or select music while the device is not in their hands, as they need to retrieve the device from a bag to perform these actions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a 2.5 or 3.5 mm standard audio jack that includes a jack, data signal transceiving unit, measuring unit, switching unit, and processing unit, which detects the insertion of an electronic accessory and measures parameters to control functions like volume adjustment and music playback through switch buttons on the accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user wants to control the electronic device (adjust volume or select music), then the device must be held in hand to access buttons or touch screen, but this requires the user to take out the device from bag which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic accessory (mediator device) that connects to the electronic device via audio jack and provides control buttons. This intermediary allows users to control music playback and volume adjustment without directly handling the main electronic device, thus eliminating the need to retrieve it from the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions are segmented from the main electronic device and relocated to a separate electronic accessory. The audio jack serves as the interface to divide the control capability from the media player, allowing independent operation of the accessory for basic controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic accessory has control buttons for volume and music selection, then user control capability is improved, but the accessory structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic accessory is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an audio output device and a control interface. The same audio jack connection provides both audio signal transmission and control signal input, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control buttons and audio interface are merged into a single integrated electronic accessory. The audio jack serves dual purposes: transmitting audio signals and receiving control commands, thereby combining multiple functions into one device without increasing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the measuring unit measures parameters through the first contact terminal when plug is inserted, then identification accuracy is improved, but the circuit switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit operates periodically, alternating between measurement mode and normal audio mode. During brief measurement intervals, the first contact terminal is connected to the measuring unit to detect accessory parameters. After measurement, the connection switches back to the audio output unit, maintaining audio functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit performs parameter measurement immediately when the plug is inserted, before full audio playback begins. This preliminary measurement allows the system to identify the accessory type and configure appropriate settings in advance, ensuring accurate measurement without interfering with subsequent audio operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to control electronic device functions, such as volume and music playback, without needing to physically interact with the device, enhancing convenience by allowing control through connected accessories.
Implementation Method 1
the parameter is a voltage, a resistance or a current. The measuring unit is further adapted to convert the measured parameter into a digital value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device connectable with an electronic accessory according to the present disclosure is provided. The electronic device includes a jack, a data signal transceiving unit, a measuring unit, a switching unit and a processing unit. The jack is adapted to receive an insertion of a plug of the electronic accessory and has a first contact terminal adapted to be in contact with a first contact of the plug. The data signal transceiving unit is adapted to transmit to or receive from the electronic accessory a data signal through the first contact terminal of the jack. The measuring unit is adapted to measure a parameter resulted from the contact of the first contact terminal of the jack with the first contact of the plug through the first contact terminal when the plug is inserted into the jack. The switching unit is adapted to selectively connect the first contact terminal of the jack electrically to the data signal transceiving unit or the measuring unit. The processing unit executes a corresponding function according to the measured parameter when the measured parameter has a first predetermined value.