Headset Plug Movement Detection for Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controlling audio programming functions on electronic devices is burdensome when the device is holstered or stowed, as traditional input devices are obstructed or inconvenient to access.

Innovation Solution

Adapting electronic devices to detect movement of a headset plug relative to a socket, using a joystick or transducers to translate plug movements into control inputs, allowing for auxiliary control of audio programming and other functions without modifying the headset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional input devices are used on the electronic device, then the device can be controlled, but the device cannot be accessed when holstered or stowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of input devicesVSAvoidusability when device is stowed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism - the headset plug - that mediates between the user and the electronic device functions. The plug, which is already necessary for audio output, serves as an additional control interface through its physical movements (insertion, extraction, rotation) that trigger device functions, eliminating the need to access the device body when stowed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The headset plug is transformed from a single-function audio connector into a multi-functional control interface. It simultaneously serves its original purpose of audio transmission while adding control capabilities for audio playback, pausing, and other device functions through its physical movements, making it a universal control solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If control functions are added to the headset plug, then control convenience is improved, but the headset must be modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidheadset modification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the headset plug to add control functionality, the patent inverts the approach by modifying the electronic device's socket to detect plug movements. The control functionality is embedded in the device side rather than the headset side, eliminating the need for headset manufacturing changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates physical plug movements into control signals. This intermediary layer allows the existing headset plug to control device functions without any modification to the headset itself, as the translation happens at the device interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional input devices are added to the electronic device, then control options are increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput control optionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing headset socket is transformed into a multi-functional interface that not only transmits audio signals but also detects control movements. This universalization allows one existing component to serve multiple purposes (audio output and control input) without adding new physical devices to the device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The headset plug itself serves dual purposes: it is both the audio connection component and the control input mechanism. Its necessary presence for audio functionality automatically provides control capability, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 convenient control of audio programming and other functions by utilizing a standard headset plug for input, even when the device is holstered, without requiring special headsets or modifications, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

adapting or configuring the electronic device to be capable of detecting movement of the plug of the headset relative to a socket therefore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical transduction:

Implementation Method 2

a headset socket having a series of transducers for detecting movement of a headset plug relative thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransduction:

Data Source

PatentUS9513616B2System and method for controlling functions on electronic devices

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A system and method are provided that adapt or configure an electronic device to be capable of detecting movement of the plug of a headset relative to a socket therefore (i.e. be capable of detecting relative movement of the coupling between the headset and the device). The plug can then be used to control functions on the electronic device, including those associated with audio programming. The resultant auxiliary controls can also be used for other applications, even those where the device is actively being used, e.g. a video game, to provide further control inputs for the electronic device.