Patent Publication Number: US-2016224504-A1

Title: Device with an audio port changeable between data paths

Description:
FIELD 
     The specification relates generally to audio ports, and specifically to a method, system and device for changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Devices generally connect with accessories using data ports that are specifically configured for such connections, for example USB (universal serial bus) ports. However, use of many such data ports requires a dedicated processor, for example a USB processor, in order to handle communications on that port, dedicated processor being both on a device and a connected accessory, in addition to an applications processor. The use of such additional processors can be expensive, especially with general downward pressure to reduce cost of such accessories. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a device configured for changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic block diagram of a system which includes the device of  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method for changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the device determining an electrical configuration of an audio port, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a switch of device changing communications of the audio port to an applications processor based on an electrical configuration of the audio port, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a switch of device changing communications of the audio port to an audio processor based on an electrical configuration of the audio port, according to non-limiting implementations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, this disclosure is directed to a device that includes an audio port, for example a 3.5 mm audio port, and a switch configured to change communications with the audio port between an audio processor and an applications processor, the applications processor configured to implement a digital communication protocol that is processor independent, for example an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol. The switch changes the communications based on an electrical configuration of the audio port that is, in turn, affected by an accessory to which the audio port is connected. For example, the audio port can be connected to an audio device, such as headphones and the like, or the audio port can be connected to an external accessory that operates according to the digital communications protocol that is specifically different from an audio protocol and processor independent. The switch changes between the audio processor and the applications processor depending on whether a connected accessory is an audio accessory or a non-audio accessory; the decision to change between the audio processor and the applications processor can be based on the electrical configuration of the pins of the audio port, which in turn depends on the nature of the connected accessory. The applications processor is generally configured to implement a data communications protocol when the applications processor is connected to the audio port using the switch, but is not dedicated to implementing the data communications protocol; for example, the applications processor can also be configured to communicate with other components of the device to control those other components. 
     In this specification, reference may be made herein to the terms program material, sound data and audio data which can refer to data used to drive a speaker and/or a loudspeaker including, but not limited to, voice data, music data, video data, and the like. In other words program material, sound data and audio data as used interchangeably herein can refer to sound data and/or sound files which can be processed to produce an input signal to a loudspeaker and/or a speaker. In some instances, the terms program material, sound data and audio data, however, will be used colloquially and interchangeably with the terms input signal and output signal, signifying that the program material, sound data and/or audio data is used to produce an input signal to a loudspeaker and/or an output signal that drives the loudspeaker, the output signal comprising a filtered version of the input signal. 
     In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function. 
     It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language of “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y and Z” can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, ZZ, and the like). Similar logic can be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of “at least one . . . ” and “one or more . . . ” language. 
     An aspect of the specification provides a device comprising: an audio port configured to connect with an external accessory; an applications processor configured to implement a digital communication protocol; an audio processor configured to process audio data; and, a switch configured to change communications of the audio port between the applications processor and the audio processor based on an electrical configuration of the audio port, the electrical configuration changing according to the external accessory. 
     The applications processor can be further configured to control the switch based on the electrical configuration of the audio port. 
     The digital communication protocol can comprise I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). 
     The audio port can comprise a 3.5 mm audio port. 
     The switch can be configured to change communications of the audio port to the applications processor when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol. 
     The device can further comprise a power supply, and the switch can be configured to connect the power supply to a pin of the audio port when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol. 
     The switch can be configured to change communications of the audio port to the audio processor when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to a protocol compatible with the audio processor. 
     The electrical configuration of the audio port can be determined from an electrical state of pins of the audio port. 
     The device can further comprise a memory storing possible electrical states of pins of the audio port, and the electrical configuration of the audio port can be determined by comparing an electrical state of the pins of the audio port with the possible electrical states of the pins of the audio port. 
     Another aspect of the specification provides a method comprising: at a device comprising: an audio port configured to connect with an external accessory; an applications processor configured to implement a digital communication protocol; an audio processor configured to process audio data; and, a switch configured to change communications of the audio port between the applications processor and the audio processor, changing, using the switch, communications of the audio port to the applications processor when an electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol; and, changing, using the switch, the communications of the audio port to the audio processor when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to a protocol compatible with the audio processor. 
     The switch can changes the communications of the audio port based on the electrical configuration of the audio port, the electrical configuration changing according to the external accessory. 
     The method can further comprise the applications processor controlling the switch to change the communications based on the electrical configuration of the audio port. 
     The digital communication protocol can comprise I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). 
     The audio port can comprise a 3.5 mm audio port. 
     The device can further comprise a power supply, and the method can further comprise: connecting the power supply to a pin of the audio port when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol. 
     The electrical configuration of the audio port can be determined from an electrical state of pins of the audio port. 
     The device can further comprise a memory storing possible electrical states of pins of the audio port, and the method can further comprise determining the electrical configuration of the audio port by comparing an electrical state of the pins of the audio port with the possible electrical states of the pins of the audio port. 
     A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method comprising: at a device comprising: an audio port configured to connect with an external accessory; an applications processor configured to implement a digital communication protocol; an audio processor configured to process audio data; and, a switch configured to change communications of the audio port between the applications processor and the audio processor, changing, using the switch, communications of the audio port to the applications processor when an electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol; and, changing, using the switch, the communications of the audio port to the audio processor when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to a protocol compatible with the audio processor. The computer usable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer usable medium. 
     The device can further comprise a power supply, and the method can further comprise: connecting the power supply to a pin of the audio port when the electrical configuration of the audio port indicates that the external accessory operates according to the digital communication protocol. 
     The device can further comprise a memory storing possible electrical states of pins of the audio port, and the method can further comprise determining the electrical configuration of the audio port by comparing an electrical state of the pins of the audio port with the possible electrical states of the pins of the audio port. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  which respectively depict a front perspective view and a schematic diagram of a mobile electronic device  101 , referred to interchangeably hereafter as device  101 , according to non-limiting implementations. Specifically,  FIG. 2  depicts a system  200  that includes device  101 , an accessory  103  external to device  101  (and interchangeably referred to as external accessory  103 ), and an audio cable  105 , audio cable  105  comprising ends  106  configured to mate with audio ports of device  101  and accessory  103 . 
     Device  101  comprises: an audio port  107  configured to connect with external accessory  103 ; an applications processor  120  configured to implement a digital communication protocol (applications processor  120  will be interchangeably referred to hereafter as processor  120 ); an audio processor  121  configured to process audio data; a switch  123  configured to change communications of audio port  107  between applications processor  120  and audio processor  121  based on an electrical configuration of audio port  107 , the electrical configuration changing according to the external accessory  103 . While optional, device  101  further comprises a communication interface  124  (interchangeably referred to hereafter as interface  124 ), an input device  128 , and a speaker  132 . Device  101  further comprises a power supply  136 . While not depicted, device  101  can further comprise a microphone. In general, audio port  107  comprises an aperture and pins  140  (depicted in cross-section in  FIG. 2 ) therein, audio port  107  configured to mate with an end  106  of audio cable  105 ; specifically, pins  140  are configured to mate with corresponding pins of an end  106  in a one-to-one relationship. However, in  FIG. 2 , neither end  106  of audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  107 ; in other words, as depicted components of system  200  are not mated with each other. Furthermore, in  FIG. 1 , an external aperture and/or input of audio port  107  is depicted as being on a top of a chassis of device  101 , however the input of audio port  107  can be located at any position on device  101  that facilitates connection of audio cable  105  thereto. 
     Furthermore, while five pins  140  of audio port  107  (and/or ends  106 ) are depicted, a number of pins  140  can be greater than or less than five. Furthermore, one or more of pins  140  can comprise a pin configured to connect with shielding of audio cable  105 . 
     Similarly, accessory  103  comprises an audio port  139  similar to audio port  107 . In  FIG. 2 , neither end  106  of audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  139 . 
     In implementations, where external accessory  103  comprises an accessory that operates according to the digital communication protocol, audio port  139  can be interconnected with an accessory processor  141  of accessory  103 . In particular, accessory processor  131  is protocol independent in that processor  131  can process a digital communications protocol, including, but not limited to I2C, but is not dedicated to processing the digital communications protocol (i.e. unlike a USB processor which is dedicated to processing USB commands and/or data). In other words, accessory processor  131  is configured to process a digital communications protocol which is processor independent as well as functionality and/or applications of accessory  103 . In these implementations, (though not depicted), accessory  103  can further comprise sensors, devices, and combinations thereof, having specialized functions, for example heart monitors, clocks, joysticks and the like. Indeed, accessory  103  can comprise any suitable combination of heart monitors accessories, clock accessories (including, but not limited to, an alarm clock accessory), a joystick accessory, a watch accessory, and the like, with sensors and/or devices having specialized functionality depending on the functionality of accessory  103 . 
     However, in other implementations processor  141  can be optional and/or not present at accessory  103 . Furthermore, in some of these implementations, accessory  103  can comprise an audio accessory and/or an accessory that operates according to a protocol compatible with audio processor  121  (for example see accessory  103   a  depicted in  FIG. 6 , described below). In such implementations, accessory  103  can comprise headphones, speakers, and the like. 
     As depicted, audio cable  105  comprises a 3.5 mm audio cable, with 3.5 mm ends and/or audio jacks, having five pins each (though the fifth pin can comprise a connection to shielding of the 3.5 mm audio cable). 
     In some implementations, audio cable  105  can be integrated with accessory  103 ; for example, in these implementations, audio cable  105  can extend from accessory  103 , and audio cable  105  has one end  106  for mating with device  101 , with the opposite end being connected and/or permanently connected with accessory  103 . In other words, in these implementations, accessory  103  does not have an audio port  139 , but rather audio cable  105  permanently extends there from. 
     Device  101  can be any type of electronic device that can be used in a self-contained manner to communicate with accessory  103  and/or one or more communication networks. Device  101  can include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of electronic devices, communications devices, computing devices, personal computers, laptop computers, portable electronic devices, mobile computing devices, portable computing devices, tablet computing devices, laptop computing devices, desktop phones, telephones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), cellphones, smartphones, e-readers, internet-enabled appliances and the like. Other suitable devices are within the scope of present implementations. For example, device  101  need not comprise a mobile communication device, but rather can comprise a device with specialized functions, which can be implemented in association with accessory  103 . 
     It should be emphasized that the shape and structure of device  101  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are purely examples, and contemplate a device that can be used for both wireless voice (e.g. telephony) and wireless data communications (e.g. email, web browsing, text, and the like). However,  FIG. 1  contemplates a device that can be used for any suitable specialized functions, including, but not limited, to one or more of, telephony, computing, appliance, and/or entertainment related functions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , device  101  comprises at least one input device  128  generally configured to receive input data, and can comprise any suitable combination of input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a keypad, a pointing device (as depicted in  FIG. 1 ), a mouse, a track wheel, a trackball, a touchpad, a touch screen and the like. Other suitable input devices are within the scope of present implementations. 
     Input from input device  128  is received at processor  120  (f which can be implemented as a plurality of processors, including but not limited to one or more central processors (CPUs)). Processor  120  can further comprise one or more hardware processors. Processor  120  is configured to communicate with a memory  122  comprising a non-volatile storage unit (e.g. Erasable Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), Flash Memory) and a volatile storage unit (e.g. random access memory (“RAM”)). Programming instructions that implement the functional teachings of device  101  as described herein are typically maintained, persistently, in memory  122  and used by processor  120  which makes appropriate utilization of volatile storage during the execution of such programming instructions. Those skilled in the art will now recognize that memory  122  is an example of computer readable media that can store programming instructions executable on processor  120 . Furthermore, memory  122  is also an example of a memory unit and/or memory module. 
     Processor  120  is generally configured to implement a data communications protocol when processor  120  is connected to audio port  107  using switch  123 , but is not dedicated to implementing the data communications protocol; for example, processor  120  can also be configured to communicate with other components of device  101  to control those other components, as described below. 
     Memory  122  further stores an application  146  that, when processed by processor  120 , enables processor  120  to control switch  123  to change communications of audio port  107  between applications processor  120  and audio processor  121  based on an electrical configuration of audio port  107 , the electrical configuration changing according to external accessory  103 . However, processor  120  can comprise a module and/or a hardware module and/or have specialized functionality for controlling switch  123  to change communications of audio port  107  between applications processor  120  and audio processor  121  based on an electrical configuration of audio port  107 , the electrical configuration changing according to external accessory  103 , and the like. Alternatively device  101  can comprise hardware and/or circuitry dedicated to controlling switch  123  to change communications of audio port  107  between applications processor  120  and audio processor  121  based on an electrical configuration of audio port  107 , the electrical configuration changing according to external accessory  103 , and the like. 
     Furthermore, memory  122  storing application  146  is an example of a computer program product, comprising a non-transitory computer usable medium having a computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method, for example a method stored in application  146 . 
     Memory  122  can further store data  147  comprising possible electrical states of pins  140  of audio port  107 . 
     Switch  123  is generally configured to change communications of audio port  107  between processor  120  and audio processor  121  based on an electrical configuration of audio port  107 , the electrical configuration changing according to accessory  103 . In particular, switch  123  is configured to change connections from pins  140  between processor  120  and audio processor  121 , as described in further detail below. In particular, while a connection  150  between switch  123  and audio port  107  is depicted as a single line, connection  150  can comprise any number of connections between pins  140  and switch  123 , a number of connections  150  can be less than, equal to, or greater than a number of pins  140 . Similarly, a data path  151  between switch  123  and processor  120  can comprise any number of connections between switch  123  and processor  120 , and an audio path  152  between switch  123  and audio processor  121  can comprise any number of connections between switch  123  and audio processor  121 . As depicted, power supply  136  is connected to switch  123  via a power path  153 , such that switch  123  can connect power supply  136  to a pin  140  of audio port  107  when the electrical configuration of audio port  107  indicates that external accessory  103  operates according to the digital communication protocol. However, in other implementations, processor  120  can supply power to audio port  107  using data path  151 ; in these implementations, power path  153  is optional and/or not present in device  101 . It is appreciated that each of connection  150 , data path  151 , audio path  152 , and power path  153  comprise connections and/or electrical lines and/or electrical traces and/or data buses and/or electrical buses between the various components. 
     Furthermore, switch  123  can comprise a plurality of switches, each of which change a connection of a respective pin  140  of audio port  107  between a respective connections to processor  120  and audio processor  121 . 
     In some implementations, data path  151  includes a control connection between processor  120  and switch  123 , such that processor  120  can control switch  123  whether connected to audio port  107  or not. In other words, processor  120  can be configured to control switch  123 , and in particular a connection state of switch  123 , regardless of whether switch  123  is connecting audio port  107  with processor  120  or audio processor  121 . 
     It is further noted that when audio cable  105  is not mated with audio port  107 , switch  123  can connect applications processor  120  with audio port  107 . 
     Audio processor  121  is generally configured to process audio data, for example audio data, sound data and/or program material stored at memory  122  (such as music and the like) and/or audio data generated by other components of device  101 , and output the audio data to an audio accessory via audio port  107 . For example, when accessory  103  comprises an audio accessory, such as headphones and the like, connected to audio port  107 , audio processor  121  can process audio data and output an audio signal to audio port  107  so that accessory  103  can output sound in accordance with the audio data. 
     Processor  120  can be further configured to communicate with display  126 , which comprises any suitable one of, or combination of, flat panel displays (e.g. LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma displays, OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays, capacitive or resistive touchscreens, CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and the like. 
     Processor  120  also connects to communication interface  124  (interchangeably referred to interchangeably as interface  124 ), which can be implemented as one or more radios and/or connectors and/or network adaptors, configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more communication networks (not depicted). It will be appreciated that interface  124  is configured to correspond with network architecture that is used to implement one or more communication links to the one or more communication networks, including but not limited to any suitable combination of USB (universal serial bus) cables, serial cables, wireless links, cell-phone links, cellular network links (including but not limited to 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G+ such as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code division multiple access), FDD (frequency division duplexing), LTE (Long Term Evolution), TDD (time division duplexing), TDD-LTE (TDD-Long Term Evolution), TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) and the like, wireless data, Bluetooth links, NFC (near field communication) links, WLAN (wireless local area network) links, WiFi links, WiMax links, packet based links, the Internet, analog networks, the PSTN (public switched telephone network), access points, and the like, and/or a combination. 
     Power supply  136  can comprise, a battery, a power pack and the like; however, in other implementations, power supply  136  can comprise a connection to a mains power supply and/or a power adaptor (e.g. and AC-to-DC (alternating current to direct current) adaptor). Furthermore, power supply  136  powers components of device  101  including, but not limited to, processor  120 , audio processor  121  etc. As depicted, power supply  136  is also connected to switch  123 , which can be configured to switch power from power supply  136  to one of pins  140  as described below. 
     In some implementations, an output of power supply  136  to switch  123  and/or audio port  107  can be limited, for example by including components on power path  153 , and the like, which limit an output of power supply  136  to a voltage and/or current and/or power compatible accessory  103 . For example, in some implementations, an output voltage of power supply to audio port  107  can be limited to 3V. Indeed, in some implementations, when power supply  136  is connected to audio port  107 , such a connection can include a reference ground and +3V rail voltage, which is compatible with I2C accessories. However other limiting voltages and/or limiting currents and/or limiting powers are within the scope of present implementations. 
     In some implementations, audio port  107  comprises a 3.5 mm audio port with four pins, though audio port  107  can include a connection to shielding of audio cable  105  which can hence be conceptually referred to as fifth pin. In these implementations audio port  139  is similar to audio port  107 . Furthermore, in these implementations, audio cable  105  comprises a 3.5 mm audio cable and each of ends  106  comprises a 3.5 mm comprising four pins, with ends  106  further comprising a connection to the shielding of audio cable  105 . Hence, four connections between audio port  107  and audio port  139  can occur using the four pins of ends  106 , with a fifth connection occurring between audio port  107  and audio port  139  using the shielding of audio cable  105 . 
     Processor  120  is generally configured to implement a digital communications protocol, for example when processor  120  and accessory  103  are in communication using switch  123 . In some of these implementations, the digital communications protocol comprises I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), however other digital communications protocols that are not processor specific are within the scope of present implementations. 
     In some implementations, the 3.5 mm audio port can be combined with I2C. In these implementations, device  101  comprises: a 3.5 mm audio port configured to connect with an external accessory; an applications processor configured to implement I2C; an audio processor configured to process audio data; and, a switch configured to change communications of the 3.5 mm audio port between the applications processor and the audio processor based on an electrical configuration of the audio port, the electrical configuration changing according to the external accessory. 
     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 3  which depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method  300  of changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor, according to non-limiting implementations. In order to assist in the explanation of method  300 , it will be assumed that method  300  is performed using device  101 , and specifically by switch  123  of device  101 , for example under control of processor  120  and when processor  120  processes application  146 . Indeed, method  300  is one way in which device  101  can be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method  300  will lead to a further understanding of device  101 , and its various components. However, it is to be understood that device  101  and/or method  300  can be varied, and need not work exactly as discussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that such variations are within the scope of present implementations. 
     Regardless, it is to be emphasized, that method  300  need not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, unless otherwise indicated; and likewise various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence; hence the elements of method  300  are referred to herein as “blocks” rather than “steps”. It is also to be understood, however, that method  300  can be implemented on variations of device  101  as well. 
     At block  301 , an electrical configuration of audio port  107  is determined. For example, processor  120  can query pins  140  when switch  123  is connects processor  120  and audio port  107 , as described in detail below. 
     At block  303 , communications of audio port  107  changes to applications processor  120  when the electrical configuration of audio port  107  indicates that external accessory  103  operates according to the digital communication protocol. In some implementations, block  303  can include connecting power supply  136  to a pin  140  of audio port  107  when the electrical configuration of audio port  107  indicates that external accessory  103  operates according to the digital communication protocol. In other implementations, power can be supplied to a pin of switch from processor  120 . 
     At block  305 , communications of audio port  107  changes to audio processor  12  when the electrical configuration of audio port  107  indicates that external accessory  103  operates according to a protocol compatible with the audio processor. 
     Method  300  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 6 , each of which is substantially similar to  FIG. 2  with like elements having like numbers, unless otherwise noted. However, in contrast to  FIG. 2 , in each of  FIGS. 4 to 6 , audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  107 . 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 4  which depicts accessory  103  connected to device  101  using audio cable  105  with one end  106  of audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  107  while an opposite end  106  of audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  139 . 
     Furthermore, as depicted, it is assumed that a default position of switch  123  is to connect audio port  107  with processor  120 ; in other words, as depicted, switch  123  is configured to connect audio port  107  with processor  120  when audio port  107  is not mated with audio cable  105  and/or not in communication with accessory  103 . For example, when audio cable  105  is mated with audio port  107  but not with accessory  103 , switch  123  behaves as if there is nothing mated with audio port  107 . 
     In any event, as depicted, processor  120  can communicate with each pin  140  of audio port  107  to determine an electrical configuration of audio port  107 . For example, processor  120  can electrically query  401  each of pins  140  to determine an electrical state of each pin  140  and compare the electrical states of pins  140  to data  147 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The electrical state of each pin  140  will depend on which components each pin  140  is connected to in accessory  103 . For 3.5 mm audio accessories with four pins (as numbered in  FIG. 4 ) and shielding which can be referred to as pin  5 , the electrical state of each pin  140  when connected to an accessory can be well defined, as shown in Table 1, which can be representative of data  147 : 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ACCESSORY 
                 PIN1 
                 PIN2 
                 PIN3 
                 PIN4 
                 PIN5 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 I2C 
                 Float 
                 Float 
                 Float 
                 Float 
                 Short 
               
               
                 Stereo (HP with Mic) 
                   
                   
                 Ground 
                 Mic 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Mic 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Line Audio Cable 
                 LOL 
                 LOR 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Mono Headset 
                 HPL 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Mic 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 Ground 
                 Mic 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 HPL 
                 Ground 
                 Mic 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 HPL 
                 Mic 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 Float 
                 Ground 
                 Mic 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 Float 
                 Mic 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Stereo Headphone 
                 HPL 
                 HPR 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 HPL 
                 Float 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 Float 
                 HPR 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Line Out Audio Cable 
                 Cap/Float 
                 LOR 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                   
                 LOL 
                 Cap/Float 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Privacy Security Plug 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Stereo Extension 
                 Cap/Float 
                 Cap/Float 
                 Ground 
                 Ground 
                 Open 
               
               
                 Cable 
               
               
                 Unsupported 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Open 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In Table 1, HP refers to headphones, Mic refers to a microphone, for example a microphone on a headphone, LOL refers to Lineout Left, LOR refers to Lineout Right, HPL refers to Headphone Left, and HPR refers to Headphone Right. In other words, the electrical state of each of pins  140  (i.e. PIN1, PIN2, PIN3, PIN4 and PIN5 (the shielding)), can depend on a connection to an accessory. For example, each of configurations from the row labeled Line Audio Cable to the row labeled Stereo Extension Cable operate according to protocols compatible with audio processor  121 , while the I2C configuration in the first row operates according to I2C. Table 1, and/or data  147 , can be populated at a factory and/or during a provisioning process. 
     Hence, by querying each pin  140 , processor  120  can determine the electrical configuration of audio port  107  and/or the electrical state of each pin  140 , and determine a type of accessory  103 . For example, when PIN1 has an electrical state of LOL, PIN2 has an electrical state of LOR, PIN3 has an electrical state of Ground, PIN4 has an electrical state of Ground, PIN5 has an electrical state of Open, processor  120  can determine that accessory  103  comprises a Line Audio Cable by comparing the current electrical state of each pin  140  with data  147 , as represented by Table 1. In other words, when the electrical state of pins  140  comprises any of configurations of Table 1, other than that of the first and last rows, it can be determined that an external accessory connected to device  101  using audio port  107  comprises an accessory that operates according to a protocol compatible with audio processor  121 . 
     However, when PIN1 has an electrical state of Float, PIN2 has an electrical state of Float, PIN3 has an electrical state of Float, PIN4 has an electrical state of Float, PIN5 has an electrical state of Short, processor  120  can determine that accessory  103  comprises an I2C accessory (i.e. an accessory which operates according to the digital I2C communication protocol) by comparing the current electrical state of each pin  140  with data  147 , as represented by Table 1. However, while it is assumed in Table 1, that the configuration in the first row corresponds to an I2C accessory, in other implementations, other digital communication protocols can be associated with a similar configuration, assuming the digital communication protocol is processor independent. 
     Hence, in  FIG. 4 , an electrical configuration of audio port  107  is determined from an electrical state of pins  140  of audio port  107 . Furthermore, device  101  comprises memory  122  storing possible electrical states of pins of the audio port in data  147 , and the electrical configuration of audio port  107  are determined by comparing an electrical state of pins  140  of audio port  107  with the possible electrical states of pins  140  of audio port  107  as represented by data  147 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , and assuming that accessory  103  comprises an accessory which operates according to I2C, then as represented in  FIG. 5  by communications  501 , switch  123  is controlled to change communications of audio port  107  to processor  120 , if not already connected thereto (e.g. block  301  of method  300 ). Similarly, switch  123  can connect at least one pin  140  of audio port  107  to power supply  136  (e.g. block  303  of method  300 ). 
     Furthermore, processor  120  can load and/or process data which enables processor  120  to communicate using I2C, as also depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
     While the description of  FIGS. 4 and 5  assume that processor  120  controls switch  123 , in other implementations device  101  can comprise additional circuits and/or dedicated circuits which are specifically configured to query audio port  107  to determine an electrical configuration thereof and control switch  123  accordingly. In addition, while  FIG. 4  depicts processor  120  comparing the electrical configuration of audio port  107  (i.e. a state of pins  140 ) to data  147  to determine a type of accessory  103 , in other implementations, circuits configured to query audio port  107  to determine an electrical configuration thereof and control switch  123  accordingly can be hardwired to control switch  123  based on data  147 . 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 6  which depicts a system  200   a  similar to system  200  where accessory  103  and audio cable  105  have been replaced with accessory  103   a  which comprises headphones, an audio cable  105   a  and an end  106   a , with audio cable  105   a  being substantially similar to audio cable  105  but having only one end  106   a . Hence accessory  103   a  comprises an audio accessory which operates according to a protocol compatible with audio processor  121 . For example, when electrical configuration of pins  140  is queried, it will be determined that the electrical configuration corresponds to a Stereo Headphone as shown in Table 1. Hence, processor  120  (and/or additional circuits and/or dedicated circuits) can control switch  123  to change communications of audio port  107  to audio processor  121 , as represented in  FIG. 6  by communications  601 , as the electrical configuration of audio port  107  indicates that external accessory  103   a  operates according to a protocol compatible with audio processor  121 . Accessory  103   a  can comprise a processor or may not comprise a processor, depending on the audio functionality of accessory  103   a.    
     When accessory  103   a  is disconnected, switch  123  can return to a state depicted in  FIG. 4 , in which audio port  107  is again connected to and/or in communication with, processor  120 . Indeed, in some implementations, switch  123  is configured to automatically change communications to processor  120  when an audio accessory is disconnected from audio port  107 . 
     In any event, disclosed herein are a device, method and system for changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor based on an electrical configuration of the audio port which changes according to the nature of an accessory connected thereto. In specific implementations, the audio port comprises a 3.5 mm audio port, and the applications processor, when connected to the audio port, communicates with a connected accessory using I2C. Such a communications configuration can be used in place of communications protocols and ports which require a dedicated processor, such as USB ports and associated USB processors. Hence, lower cost accessories can be connected to devices using the 3.5 mm audio port present on many devices rather than a USB port, obviating use of USB processors, and the like, in such accessories. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementations, the functionality of device  101  can be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other implementations, the functionality of device  101  can be achieved using a computing apparatus that has access to a code memory (not depicted) which stores computer-readable program code for operation of the computing apparatus. The computer-readable program code could be stored on a computer readable storage medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these components, (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, fixed disk, USB drive). Furthermore, the computer-readable program can be stored as a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium. Further, a persistent storage device can comprise the computer readable program code. The computer-readable program code and/or computer usable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable program code and/or non-transitory computer usable medium. Alternatively, the computer-readable program code could be stored remotely but transmittable to these components via a modem or other interface device connected to a network (including, without limitation, the Internet) over a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be either a non-mobile medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a mobile medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.