USB ID Pin Audio Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small devices like mobile phones and audio players face space constraints for connectors and interfaces, making it difficult to accommodate both USB functionality and traditional audio connections like 2.5mm or 3.5mm headsets, which require bulky and expensive jacks, and existing USB On-The-Go solutions do not efficiently enable communication between devices without interfering with the USB standard.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes the ID pin of a serial interface, such as USB, to enable communication between devices, allowing for additional signaling or data transmission without disrupting the standard data lines, thereby enabling enhanced data communication and simplifying the connection of accessories like headsets using a single USB connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional audio connectors (2.5mm or 3.5mm UHJ) are used for headset connections, then audio functionality is achieved, but device space is consumed and cost increases due to bulky connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The USB connector is made universal by enabling it to perform both its standard data/power transfer functions and audio signal transmission functions. The ID pin, traditionally used only for device role identification in USB OTG, is repurposed to carry audio signals (microphone input, headphone output), allowing a single connector to replace both USB and traditional audio connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors (USB and audio jack) are provided for different functionalities, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the audio connector functionality into the USB connector by routing audio signals through the USB interface pins. Specifically, the ID pin is used to carry audio signals, combining what were previously separate functions (USB data transfer and audio connection) into a single physical connector, thereby reducing the number of connectors from two to one.
3Ease of operation
If the ID pin is used for device role identification according to USB OTG standard, then device role negotiation is enabled, but additional communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ID pin is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose of device role identification in USB OTG and a new purpose of audio signal transmission. The pin can detect device roles according to the USB OTG standard while simultaneously carrying audio signals, allowing a single pin to perform multiple communication functions without interfering with either function.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method, a computer program product, an apparatus and a system enabling a communication between a first electronic device and a compatible second electronic device via the identification (ID) pin of a serial interface of said first electronic device.