Mobile Terminal Interface Switching for External Device Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face structural limitations and inefficiencies in supporting various external devices due to the need for multiple interfaces, which restrict their ability to efficiently transmit and receive data at different speeds, limiting their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determines the type of connected external device and switches between high-speed data transmission using a transceiver and USB communication, optimizing data transfer based on the device's requirements through a switch mechanism within the mobile terminal's interface unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface units are provided to support various external devices, then the mobile terminal can support more functions, but the structural complexity and restrictions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for various external devicesVSAvoidstructural restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface unit that can dynamically switch between different communication protocols (UART, USB, high-speed data transmission) to support various external devices. Instead of providing separate dedicated interfaces for each device type, the system uses a single multi-functional interface that adapts its communication mode based on the connected device's requirements, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility

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

Solution Approach 2:

The interface unit incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to change its operational state based on real-time requirements. The system can dynamically select between different data transmission modes (UART for low-speed, USB for medium-speed, and dedicated high-speed transmission) depending on the type of external device connected and the data transmission demands, making the interface adaptable rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If various data transmission forms and speeds are provided for external devices, then external devices can perform optimum functions, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different data transmission qualities and speeds to different external devices based on their specific requirements. The interface unit detects the connected device type and configures the appropriate transmission mode locally for that device - using high-speed transmission for devices requiring large data throughput, USB for standard communications, and UART for simple control signals. This localized optimization avoids the need for a complex unified interface that must handle all possibilities simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single connector is used for various external devices, then structural simplicity is achieved, but the ability to efficiently transmit data at different speeds is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The single connector is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different external devices. Internally, the interface unit detects the connected device and dynamically configures the transmission path and protocol, enabling the same physical connector to support both high-speed data transmission for devices like memory cards and standard-speed communication for devices like earphones, without requiring multiple physical connectors

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

Data Source

PatentEP2184908B1Method of controlling mobile terminal on external device basis and external device operating system using the same
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2184908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2184908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2184908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling a mobile terminal on an external device basis and an external device operation system using the same are provided. The system includes a connector for connecting an external device, a switch for determining a type of the external device connected to the connector and switching according to the type thereof, a transceiver to be connected, if the external device is an external device which requires a high speed data transmission, to the external device according to switching of the switch, and a USB switch to be connected, if the external device is an external device which does not require a high speed data transmission, to the external device according to switching of the switch.