Portable Terminal Microphone Control for Seamless Audio Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable terminals face inconvenience when trying to make calls with high-quality earphones lacking microphones, as they need to disconnect the earphone to use the built-in microphone for call reception/origination, disrupting the audio experience.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control the built-in microphone of a portable terminal to determine the presence of a microphone in connected devices, allowing audio input through the built-in microphone when an earphone without a microphone is connected, ensuring seamless call connectivity without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user connects an earphone without a microphone to a portable terminal, then high-quality sound output is achieved, but the user cannot make calls without disconnecting the earphone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio output function of the earphone with the audio input function of the built-in microphone into a single operational mode. When an earphone without a microphone is connected, the system combines the earphone's speaker output with the terminal's built-in microphone for call operations, allowing both functions to work simultaneously without disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal's audio system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different scenarios. The built-in microphone serves dual purposes: it can work independently when no earphone is connected and can also partner with connected earphones (even those without built-in microphones) to provide full audio functionality during calls.
2Reliability
If a user disconnects the earphone to use the built-in microphone for calls, then call functionality is achieved, but the user experiences inconvenience and disruption of audio experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the connected audio device's capabilities before a call occurs. When an earphone without a microphone is detected, the system pre-configures the built-in microphone to activate during call events, ensuring seamless transition without requiring the user to manually disconnect or switch devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the connection status and capabilities of audio devices. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts which microphone(s) should be active during call events, automatically selecting the appropriate audio path without user intervention and maintaining reliable call connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the portable terminal automatically detects and uses the built-in microphone when an earphone without microphone is connected, then seamless call connectivity is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system performs self-service by automatically detecting the capabilities of connected earphones and autonomously determining which microphone should be used. The system self-configures the audio path for call events based on the detected hardware capabilities, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while adapting to different device setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on the connected device's capabilities. When an earphone without a microphone is detected, the system modifies the audio configuration parameters to enable the built-in microphone for call input, automatically adapting the system behavior to match the connected hardware's limitations and capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided that includes a wireless communication device configured to connect with wireless external devices. The electronic device obtains information regarding the wireless external devices. Before and after a call connection event, it is determined whether each of the wireless external devices includes a microphone based on the information. In response to receiving the call connection event, when it is determined that only one of the wireless external devices includes a microphone, an audio input is obtained from the one of the wireless external devices that includes the microphone. In response to receiving the call connection event, when it is determined that at least two of the wireless external devices each include a respective microphone, an audio input is selectively obtained from a microphone of one of the at least two of the plurality of wireless external devices.