Notebook Audio Signal Routing via Switch Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current notebook computers have limited audio output capabilities due to the neglect of external MIC ports and complex procedures for playing music files, resulting in suboptimal acoustic quality and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A sound-source signal processing module that switches between different output modes via a switch module, allowing external audio signals to be directly transmitted to a speaker, comprising an audio processing module, a switch module, a receiving port, and a speaker, enabling convenient operation without additional elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the notebook computer uses built-in audio processing module for all audio output, then the audio processing capability is maintained, but the operation procedure becomes complex and the external MIC port function is neglected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation procedureVSAvoidaudio output configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two audio output modes: built-in loudspeaker mode and external earphone mode. The switch module dynamically changes the audio signal transmission path based on user selection, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states. This resolves the contradiction by providing simple, direct switching between modes rather than requiring complex configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing module is designed to serve multiple functions: it can process audio signals for the built-in loudspeaker and also route signals to external earphones through the external MIC port. By making the external MIC port multi-functional (既能接收麦克风信号又能输出音频信号), the system eliminates the need for separate configuration procedures and simplifies user operation.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the audio signal is transmitted through the audio processing module to the built-in loudspeaker, then the audio output quality is good, but the portability and simplicity of the device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output qualityVSAvoiddevice simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output system is segmented into two independent paths: one through the built-in loudspeaker for high-quality audio output, and another through the external MIC port to external earphones for portable use. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate path based on their needs, maintaining audio quality when required while enabling simplicity and portability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external MIC port serves as an intermediary component that enables dual functionality. It can receive audio signals from the audio processing module and transmit them to external earphones, acting as a mediator between the audio processing module and external audio devices. This intermediary approach maintains audio quality while enabling portable operation without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the external MIC port is used for audio output, then the device portability and convenience are improved, but the audio output quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidaudio output quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The external MIC port is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both receiving microphone signals and transmitting audio signals to external earphones. By utilizing the existing external MIC port for audio output, the system achieves portability and convenience without adding separate components, while the audio quality is maintained through the existing audio processing module that ensures proper signal processing.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7778428B2Sound-source signal processing module
Publication Date: 2010.08.17 ZHIGU HLDG
  • US7778428B2 patent drawing
  • US7778428B2 patent drawing
  • US7778428B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sound-source signal processing module is provided, wherein a first or a second sound-source signal connection is provided by a receiving port, and the first sound-source signal in a predetermined state is processed by an audio processing module, and the second sound-source signal is enabled to be output from a speaker via an audio processing module, in response to an enable signal of a switch module.