Multi-Button Headset Control via Standard Jack Microprocessor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headsets for mobile communication devices require non-standard jacks and additional hardware in the device, limiting the versatility and compatibility of multi-button controls, as they typically use single-button controls that can only provide two different control signals.
Innovation Solution
A headset with a multi-button control system using a standard jack, where a microprocessor decodes button presses and transmits corresponding control signals via the microphone line, eliminating the need for additional hardware in the mobile communication device and allowing for limitless button configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-button control is used in the headset, then the headset can be compatible with standard headset jacks, but the control functionality is limited to only two different control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control functionality by allowing a single button to perform multiple functions based on different press durations. Short presses trigger one set of commands while long presses trigger another set, enabling the system to differentiate between multiple control signals using a single static button. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing versatile control functionality without adding physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the button from static to dynamic by introducing time-based differentiation. The control system detects whether a button press lasts for a short or long duration and responds accordingly with different commands. This parameter change (time duration) allows a single button to provide multiple control functions, resolving the limitation of only two control signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple button controls are implemented in the headset, then control functionality is enhanced, but non-standard jacks and additional hardware are required in the mobile communication device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing microphone line and single button in the headset universal by programming the microprocessor to interpret different press durations as different control commands. The existing standard headset jack infrastructure is utilized for multiple functions (audio transmission and control signaling), eliminating the need for additional hardware or non-standard jacks. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced control without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset's microprocessor autonomously handles the interpretation of button press durations and generates appropriate control signals without requiring external hardware assistance from the mobile communication device. The system uses its own existing resources (microprocessor, microphone line) to provide multi-button functionality, making the solution self-contained and compatible with standard devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard headset jacks are used with multiple button controls, then multi-button functionality is achieved, but mobile communication devices require updates and additional hardware to receive the non-standard jack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing standard headset jack and microphone line to serve multiple functions by programming the microprocessor to decode different button press patterns. The same physical infrastructure (standard jack, microphone line) is used for both audio transmission and multi-button control signaling, eliminating the need for non-standard jacks or device updates. This universality resolves the contradiction by providing multi-button capability while maintaining broad device compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional conductors are added to headsets for multi-button control, then control functionality is enhanced, but the headset requires non-standard jack configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically utilizes the existing microphone line conductor by encoding multiple control signals through time-based differentiation of button presses rather than adding separate conductors. The single microphone line carries both audio and control signals, with the microprocessor interpreting different press durations as different commands. This dynamic signal encoding resolves the contradiction by enhancing control functionality without adding physical conductors or changing jack configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed at a headset for a mobile communication device having a multi-button control and is implemented with a standard headset jack. The multi-button control is decoded by a microprocessor after which an encoded signal is then transmitted from the processor to the handset. In this manner, by using the standard jack, no additional hardware is required on the handset.