Peripheral Device Identification via Pin Voltage State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices face challenges in efficiently identifying peripheral devices due to the need for multiple connecting ports, which is impractical for miniaturized designs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a connector having a first pin and a second pin, which reads initial and subsequent voltage states to identify peripheral devices by setting the pins to specific voltage levels and modes, allowing for automatic detection and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting ports are used to identify different peripheral devices, then device identification capability is improved, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral device identification capabilityVSAvoidconnector area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single integrated connector to perform multiple functions: it can identify different peripheral devices (earphones, chargers, headsets) through voltage detection on shared pins, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ports for each device type. The connector universally supports various peripheral devices through software-based identification rather than hardware differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical differentiation system (multiple physical ports with different shapes and arrangements) with an electrical detection system. Instead of using mechanical structures to prevent incompatible connections, the system uses voltage level detection and state reading to identify peripheral devices, substituting physical differentiation with electrical signal-based identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting ports are used to identify different peripheral devices, then device identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral device identification capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector structure is simplified to a universal design that works with all peripheral devices. Instead of having complex specialized structures for different device types, a single pin arrangement (e.g., TRRS connector) is used for all connections, reducing structural complexity while maintaining identification capability through electrical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical identification systems with a simpler electrical detection system. The controller reads voltage states and pin configurations to identify devices, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocking structures, shape-coded ports, or physical guides that would increase connector complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If voltage levels are changed to identify peripheral devices, then identification accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral device identification accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by sequentially changing voltage levels on pins rather than maintaining continuous high-level signals. The controller applies voltage to specific pins in sequence, reads the states, then resets or changes to the next pin configuration. This periodic voltage application reduces average power consumption compared to continuous voltage maintenance, while still achieving accurate device identification through the sequence of state readings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8719460B2Electronic device, electronic system and method therefor for automatically detecting and identifying peripheral device

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 HTC CORP

AI summary

The invention provides a method for an electronic device for automatically detecting and identifying a peripheral device. The electronic device comprises a connector having a first pin and a second pin and connects to a peripheral device through the connector. The method comprises the steps of determining whether the peripheral device is connected to the connector; reading a first state of the first pin and the second pin when determining that the peripheral device is connected to the connector; setting a voltage of the first pin to a first voltage level and then reading a second state of the first pin and the second pin; and identifying the peripheral device according to the first state and the second state. The invention also provides an electronic device and an electronic system utilizing the above-mentioned method.