Mobile Device Earphone Port Data Input via Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication devices face challenges with small input devices that are difficult and slow to use, and require separate connectors for data input, which increases complexity and cost due to manufacturer-specific data ports.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the standard earphone/microphone port to receive data from external data input devices by detecting and extracting modulated data signals, eliminating the need for a dedicated connector and enabling compatibility with various devices through standard interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate dedicated connector is added for data input devices, then data input capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing earphone/microphone connector universal by enabling it to handle both traditional audio functions and new data input functions. The connector maintains physical compatibility with standard earphone/microphone plugs while adding the capability to detect and process data signals through firmware or software logic that identifies device types and routes signals appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data input function with the existing audio connector, combining multiple functions (audio input, audio output, and data input) into a single physical interface. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated data connector and reduces overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific data ports are used, then data input functionality is achieved, but compatibility with other devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a universal approach by using the industry-standard earphone/microphone connector that is already widely compatible across different mobile devices. This allows data input devices to work with any mobile device that has this standard connector, eliminating manufacturer-specific proprietary connections and improving cross-device compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If the built-in keypad is made larger, then ease of use is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external data input device as an intermediary tool that connects to the mobile device through the earphone/microphone connector. This external keyboard or input device provides a larger, more comfortable typing surface without increasing the size of the mobile device itself, effectively separating the input function from the device form factor.
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 simplifies the mobile device design by using existing earphone/microphone ports for data input, reducing complexity and cost while ensuring compatibility with multiple devices, and allowing efficient data transfer through modulated signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
extracting data from modulated data signals generated by data input device
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile electronic device includes an earphone/microphone port, an I/O circuit to receive a modulated data signal from data input devices via the earphone/microphone port, and a processor unit programmed to extract data from the modulated data signal. The processor unit (or the I/O circuit) detects connection of a device to an earphone/microphone connector of the mobile electronic device and determines whether the connected device is a data input device. If the connected device is a data input device, the processor unit is programmed to extract data from modulated data signals generated by data input device.