Interface Circuit for Telephone and Intercom Port Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of key telephone systems is hindered by the need for dedicated connection ports and units for intercoms, which also increases system costs and occupies valuable space, especially when users do not require intercom functionality.
Innovation Solution
An interface circuit that allows both telephones and intercoms to connect to the same port using a power supply circuit and state detection circuit, which adjusts power supply voltage and sensitivity based on the connected device, enabling seamless differentiation between telephone and intercom states without requiring a dedicated connection port or unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated connection port for intercom is provided to the main device, then intercom functionality is enabled, but the main device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single connection port to support both telephone and intercom functions. The control circuit detects whether a telephone or intercom is connected and automatically configures the circuit parameters (impedance, power supply voltage) to match the connected device type, allowing one port to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated ports for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated unit for intercom connection is provided separately, then intercom functionality is enabled without increasing main device ports, but installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intercom connection functionality directly into the main device's existing port infrastructure. Instead of requiring a separate external adapter or dedicated unit, the control circuit and switching elements are integrated within the main device, combining the telephone exchange function with intercom support in a single unified unit that requires no additional installation space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated unit for intercom is provided separately, then intercom connection is possible, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system cost by implementing a universal port design that eliminates the need for separate dedicated units or adapters. The control circuit automatically detects the device type and configures the appropriate circuit parameters, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support both telephones and intercoms without requiring additional components that would increase manufacturing costs.
4Volume of moving object
If the same port is used for both telephone and intercom, then miniaturization is achieved, but device differentiation and proper configuration become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service through automatic device detection and self-configuration. The control circuit automatically detects whether a telephone or intercom is connected to the port and autonomously adjusts the circuit parameters (impedance values, power supply voltage) without requiring manual configuration or complex external control systems. This automation reduces the overall system complexity despite the multi-functional port design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages circuit complexity through systematic parameter changes based on device type detection. The control circuit switches between predetermined circuit configurations by adjusting key parameters such as impedance values and power supply voltages. These parameter changes are automatically selected based on the detected device type, providing a manageable approach to handling multiple device types through a single port without requiring complex circuitry for each possibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There is provided an interface circuit according to which a telephone or an intercom may be connected to a port of a main device including a telephone exchange function. The interface circuit includes a power supply circuit that supplies necessary power supply voltage according to the telephone or the intercom connected to the port, and a state detection circuit that detects, in a case where the telephone is connected to the port, whether the telephone is in an on-hook state or in an off-hook state, based on the value of an input impedance of the telephone, and that detects, in a case where the intercom is connected to the port, whether the intercom is in a standby state or in an activation button pressed state, based on a value of the input impedance of the intercom.