Audio Socket Interface Switching for Shared Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld devices have limited sockets due to their small size, necessitating an effective method to utilize these limited interfaces for various operation modes, such as telecommunications, media playback, and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
An interface switching system with an electronic device that includes an audio socket, switching devices, and a processor, allowing the audio socket to be coupled to either audio interface lines or data interface lines based on the type of plug connected to the interface socket, enabling operation mode switching between normal and switched modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device includes multiple separate sockets for different functions, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio socket is designed to serve multiple functions by switching between audio transmission mode and data transmission mode. The switching device enables the same physical socket to be universally used for both audio output and data transfer operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sockets for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio interface and data interface into a single shared audio socket. The switching device merges the functionality of separate audio and data transmission paths into one unified interface, allowing the same physical socket to handle both types of communication based on the connected plug type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device includes multiple separate sockets for different functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio socket serves as a universal interface that can adapt to different plug types (audio plugs, USB plugs, MHL plugs) through the switching device. This multi-functionality allows the same physical socket to provide adaptability for various connection types without requiring separate dedicated sockets for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple interface functions into a single shared socket location, reducing the physical area required on the device. By combining audio and data transmission capabilities in one socket rather than providing separate sockets for each function, the overall device size is reduced while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If the audio socket is always coupled to audio interface lines, then the audio function is reliable, but the data transfer function cannot be accessed through the same socket
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device dynamically changes the coupling configuration of the audio socket based on the type of plug detected in the interface socket. When an audio plug is connected, the audio socket is coupled to audio interface lines for reliable audio transmission. When a data plug (USB or MHL) is connected, the switching device dynamically recouples the audio socket to data interface lines, enabling data transfer functionality through the same physical socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the audio socket by switching its coupling destination. The audio socket transitions between different operational states: coupled to audio interface lines for audio transmission and coupled to data interface lines for data transfer. This parameter change allows the same socket to reliably serve different functions based on the connected device type.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an interface switching system including an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes an audio socket, a first set of interface lines, a set of audio interface lines, a first switching device, an interface socket and a processor. The audio socket is arranged to be coupled to an audio plug. The first switching device is arranged to couple the audio socket to the first set of interface lines or the set of audio interface lines. The interface socket is arranged to be coupled to a first interface plug or a second interface plug. The processor is arranged to enable the first switching device to couple the audio socket to the first set of interface lines when the interface socket is coupled to the second interface plug.