Audio Signal Path Switching via EM Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in changing the audio signal path to an external electronic device without prior knowledge of the device's name or operation menu navigation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device detects an electromagnetic signal from nearby external devices and automatically identifies them, allowing for seamless changes in the audio signal path based on the identified device information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual menu navigation is used to change audio signal path, then device control precision is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of external electronic devices and pre-configures audio signal paths before user interaction. When a user approaches with an external device, the system automatically detects it and establishes the audio connection in advance, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation and reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation by automatically detecting external electronic devices and configuring audio signal paths without requiring user intervention in the settings menu. The device autonomously identifies compatible external devices and establishes audio connections based on detected information, allowing users to simply activate functions without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic detection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal detection mechanism that can identify various types of external electronic devices (headphones, speakers, tablets, etc.) through common electromagnetic signals. The same detection and configuration framework handles multiple device types, reducing the need for device-specific complex logic while maintaining ease of operation across different scenarios.

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

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

This solution streamlines the process of connecting audio output to external devices by eliminating the need for manual menu navigation and device name recognition, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic device obtains an EM signal from a nearby external electronic device and identifies the external electronic device based on the obtained EM signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3857863B1Method for changing audio signal path according to external electronic device transmitting em signal and electronic device therefor
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3857863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3857863B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3857863B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An electronic device and method for changing a path of an audio signal by the electronic device are provided. The method includes obtaining an electromagnetic signal (EM) signal of an external electronic device through EM sensing circuitry, identifying the external electronic device based on the obtained EM signal, changing the path of the audio signal that is output by the electronic device to be output through the external electronic device, when the identified external electronic device is capable of inputting or outputting the audio signal and is connected with the electronic device, and displaying, on a touchscreen display of the electronic device, a screen for establishing a communication connection with the external electronic device, when the identified external electronic device is capable of inputting or outputting the audio signal and is not connected with the electronic device.