Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7184794?dq=6,250,774
Timestamp: 2015-07-03 22:32:23
Document Index: 135171494

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 900', 'art 1000', 'art 1100', 'art 300', 'art 400', 'art 1200', 'art 1300', 'art 1400', 'art 1200', 'art 1300', 'art 1400', 'art 600', 'art 700', 'art 1500', 'art 1600', 'art 1700', 'art 1800', 'art 1900', 'art 2000', 'art 1800', 'art 1900', 'art 2400']

Patent US7184794 - Electronic apparatus and system with multi-purpose interface - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA highly versatile interface that is capable of digital and audio signal coupling is provided. The interface comprises contacts (122, 124, 216, 218) that are used to couple both audio and digital signals, and separate contacts (126, 220) that are used initiate and negotiate signaling mode transitions....http://www.google.com/patents/US7184794?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7184794 - Electronic apparatus and system with multi-purpose interfaceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7184794 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/937,125Publication dateFeb 27, 2007Filing dateSep 9, 2004Priority dateSep 9, 2004Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20060052072Publication number10937125, 937125, US 7184794 B2, US 7184794B2, US-B2-7184794, US7184794 B2, US7184794B2InventorsDavid M. Hess, Mark J. Carlson, Timothy M. McCuneOriginal AssigneeMotorola, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (10), Referenced by (11), Classifications (11), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetElectronic apparatus and system with multi-purpose interface
US 7184794 B2Abstract
A highly versatile interface that is capable of digital and audio signal coupling is provided. The interface comprises contacts (122, 124, 216, 218) that are used to couple both audio and digital signals, and separate contacts (126, 220) that are used initiate and negotiate signaling mode transitions. Transitions can be effected without creating glitches, e.g., audible noise, in audio signals that are being coupled through the interface.
The present invention relates in general to peripheral interfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose peripheral interface.
The adaptation of handheld communication devices, such as cellular telephones, text messaging devices and devices that support multiple different communication modes, has had a transformative effect on personal communications over the last decade. Such handheld devices have untethered their users from the fixed Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) land lines and desktop computers networked through the POTS and have provided ubiquitous communications and instant reachability.
In the future, it is expected that handheld communication devices (in particular cellular telephones) will carry a variety of personal and/or financial information, and be able to interface with a variety of disparate systems. Such enhanced cellular telephones are expected to be used for, among other things, file storage and transfer, identification, access control, and making and receiving payments—in addition to communication.
FIG. 11 is a third signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 9–10;
FIG. 14 is a fourth signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 12–13 in order to transition from analog mono audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode;
FIG. 17 is a fifth signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 15–16 in order to transition from analog stereo audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode;
FIG. 20 is a sixth signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 18–19 in order to transition from analog mono audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode;
FIG. 23 is a seventh signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 21–22 in a case in which there is no interrupt collision;
FIG. 24 is a eighth signal chart showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 21–22 in a case in which there is an interrupt collision.
FIG. 9 is a fifth flowchart 900 showing actions performed by a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the course of initiating analog stereo audio mode signaling to an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a sixth flowchart 1000 showing actions performed by an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in coordination with the actions shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a third signal chart 1100 showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 9–10. As indicated in blocks 902, 1002 the operations shown in the fifth 900 and sixth 1000 flowcharts commence with the hosting device and the accessory in the UART state which is entered upon executing programs embodying the first flowchart 300 and the second flowchart 400. This is reflected in the first 502 and second 504 lines of the third signal chart. In block 904 the hosting device drives the ID line low, as shown at 1102 in FIG. 11, and in block 906 the hosting device transmits a SET_AUDIO UART command 1104 on the D− line to configure the accessory to receive stereo analog audio signals. Block 1004 is a decision block the outcome of which depends on whether the accessory receives the SET_AUDIO command. When the SET_AUDIO command is received, in block 1006, the accessory sends an acknowledgement 1106 of the SET_AUDIO command in the form of a UART message signal sent back to the hosting device through the D+ line. As indicated in block 908, after having sent the SET_AUDIO UART command, the hosting device waits for acknowledgment. As indicated in block 910, when the acknowledgement is received, the hosting device will drive the D− and D+ lines to a speaker bias voltage as shown at 1108 in FIG. 11. In addition, after the acknowledgement is received, the hosting device releases the ID line in block 912. The hosting device then waits for a predetermined period in block 914 and then commences to output audio on the D+ and D− lines in block 916. After the ID line is released, the voltage level on the ID line will then rise as indicated at 1110. When, in block 1010, the accessory detects that the voltage on the ID line has risen above a predetermined threshold in block 1012 the accessory enables speaker audio. In the case of the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 enabling speaker audio includes operating the third MUX/DEMUX 228 to couple the D+ line to the first speaker amplifier 226 and operating the fourth MUX/DEMUX 246 to couple the D− line to the second speaker amplifier 244.
FIG. 12 is a seventh flowchart 1200 showing actions performed by a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in order to transition from analog mono audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode. FIG. 13 is an eighth flowchart 1300 showing actions performed by an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in response to the actions shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a fourth signal chart 1400 showing signals exchanged in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 12–13 in order to transition from analog mono audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode. As indicated in blocks 1202, 1302 the seventh flowchart 1200 and the eighth flowchart 1300 commence with the hosting device and the accessory in mono audio signaling mode. This also shown in the first 502 and second 504 lines of fourth signal chart 1400. The latter mode is reached upon executing programs embodying the third flowchart 600 and the fourth flowchart 700 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 15 is a ninth flowchart 1500 showing actions performed by a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in order to transition from analog stereo audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode. FIG. 16 is a tenth flowchart 1600 showing actions performed by an accessory such the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in response to the actions shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a fifth signal chart 1700 showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 15–16 in order to transition from analog stereo audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode.
FIGS. 15–17 are analogous to FIGS. 12–14; however FIGS. 15–17 describe a process for transitioning from stereo analog audio signaling mode, as opposed to the process of transitioning from mono audio signaling mode shown in FIGS. 12–14. However, in both instances it is the hosting device that initiates the transitions. The following description addresses the aspects of transitioning from stereo analog signaling mode to UART signaling mode that differ from the process of transitioning from to mono analog signaling which is described above. As indicated in blocks 1502, 1602 the process shown in FIGS. 15–16 commence with the hosting device and the accessory operating in stereo audio signaling mode. Stereo signaling mode is entered by executing the processes described above with reference to the fifth 900 and sixth 1000 flowcharts and the third 1100 signal chart. The principle difference in the actions performed by the hosting device and the accessory is that both the hosting device and the accessory mute both speakers. This is shown in block 1504 in the case of the hosting device, and in block 1604 in the case of the accessory. In the case of the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1 acting as the hosting device, muting both speakers includes ceasing to operate the D/A 148 to output audio, and reconfiguring the first MUX/DEMUX 132 and the second MUX/DEMUX 133 to decouple the D/A 148 from the first signaling line contact (D+) 122 and the second signaling line contact (D−) 124. In the case of the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 muting both speakers includes reconfiguring the third MUX/DEMUX 228 and the fourth MUX/DEMUX 246 to decouple the fourth signaling line contact (D−) 218 from the second speaker amplifier 244 and to decouple the third signaling line contact (D+) 216 from the first speaker amplifier 226. Initial muting of both speakers by the hosting device is indicated by reference numeral 1702 in FIG. 17.
FIG. 18 is an eleventh flowchart 1800 showing actions performed by an accessory such as the accessory 200 shown in FIG. 2 in order to transition from analog mono audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode. FIG. 19 is a twelfth flowchart 1900 showing actions performed by a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in response to the actions shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a sixth signal chart 2000 showing signals exchanged between the hosting device and the accessory in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 18–19 in a case in which no interrupt collision occurs. In contrast to the process described above with reference to FIGS. 12–14, in the process to be described with reference to FIGS. 18–20 it is the accessory, not the hosting device, that initiates the signaling mode transition.
As indicated in blocks 1802, 1902 the actions shown in the eleventh flowchart 1800 and the twelfth flowchart 1900 commence with accessory and the hosting device operating in mono audio signaling modes labeled ph_aud, acc_aud in FIG. 20. The latter modes are reached upon completion of the processes shown in FIGS. 6–7. In block 1804 the accessory transitions to the audio mute state, labeled acc_mute in FIG. 20. In block 1806, the accessory mutes audio coming in to the accessory's speaker or other device that receives analog audio signals. In block 1808 the accessory mutes audio going out from the accessory's microphone (e.g., 225) or other device that generates analog audio signals. In block 1810 the accessory enters an interrupt state, labeled acc_int in FIG. 20, and in block 1812, as indicated by reference numeral 2002 in FIG. 20, the accessory drives the ID line from high state to low state for a time period Tacc_id_int. The high state is characterized by one voltage level and the low state is characterized by another voltage level. It is noteworthy the time period Tacc_id_int for which the accessory drives the ID line low in order to initially signal the hosting device that a signaling mode transition is to be made is shorter than the time Tph_id_int that was mentioned above, for which the hosting device drives the ID line low in order to initially signal the accessory that a signaling mode transition is to be made. The significance of this difference is discussed further below. In block 1814 the accessory enters an Accessory Collision Check state, labeled acc_col_ck in FIG. 20, and after a time period Tacc_coll_det that is measured from when the ID line was first driven low elapses in block 1816 the accessory proceeds to block 1818. Tacc_coll_det is suitably about equal to the time for which the ID line is driven low Tacc_id_int by the accessory plus a time required for the ID line to charge back up to a high state after being driven low in block 1812. Tacc_coll_det is also less than the time Tph_id_int for which the hosting device drives the ID low in order to initially signal a mode transition.
FIG. 24 is an eighth signal chart 2400 showing signals exchanged between a hosting device such as the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory such as the accessory shown in FIG. 2 in the course of performing the actions shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 21, 22 in a case in which an interrupt collision occurs. The interrupt collision occurs when both the hosting device and the accessory attempt to pull the ID line low to initiate a signaling mode transition at the same time. In the eighth line 802 of FIG. 24 a portion of graph 2402 depicting what the ID line signal would be if only the accessory had initiated the interrupt is shown with a dashed line. The true signal due to the hosting device also initiating a mode transition by pulling the ID line low is shown with a solid line. As discussed above when the accessory detects that the hosting device is also trying to initiate a signaling mode transition, the accessory will defer to the hosting device, and service the interrupt of the hosting device. In doing so, the accessory will pull the ID line low as indicated at 2404 to acknowledge the ID line having been pulled low by the hosting device at 2406. Other aspects of the operation of the accessory in case an interrupt collision occurs are discussed above with reference to FIGS. 18 and 21. When a collision occurs, the hosting device need not alter its operation, because the accessory defers to the hosting device. The processes by which the hosting device transitions from audio signaling mode to UART signaling mode that are initiated by the hosting device are described above with reference to FIGS. 12–17.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6959205 *Jan 15, 2002Oct 25, 2005Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Data communication system, connector cable and communication adapter medium used in the data communication systemUS7103381 *Jan 22, 2002Sep 5, 2006Cypress Semiconductor Corp.Method and/or apparatus for implementing USB and audio signals shared conductorsUS20030104836 *Nov 1, 2002Jun 5, 2003Nec CorporationCellular radio telephone setUS20040063464 *Sep 30, 2002Apr 1, 2004Tahir AkramHigh-speed data and power source interface cable for mobile devicesUS20050055244 *Jul 14, 2004Mar 10, 2005Janet MullanWireless medical communication system and methodUS20050064905 *Sep 23, 2003Mar 24, 2005Motorola. Inc.Method and apparatus to self-configure an accessory deviceUS20050075133 *Sep 23, 2003Apr 7, 2005Pinder Ellis A.Interface system for an acessory and a communication deviceUS20050208963 *May 11, 2005Sep 22, 2005Nec CorporationCellular radio telephone setUS20050267999 *May 9, 2005Dec 1, 2005Sony CorporationElectronic device, method for controlling the same, information processing apparatus, and computer programUS20060190529 *Jun 30, 2004Aug 24, 2006T & D CorporationMultipurpose semiconductor integrated circuit device* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7298765 *Feb 14, 2003Nov 20, 2007Kyocera Wireless Corp.System and method for multiplexing digital and analog signals using a single electrical connectorUS7447823 *Nov 27, 2006Nov 4, 2008Smk CorporationData input terminal deviceUS7466042 *Apr 6, 2005Dec 16, 2008Flexsil, Inc.Universal DC powerUS7576665 *Nov 27, 2007Aug 18, 2009Amx LlcSystem and method for receiving analog and digital inputUS7593382 *Aug 25, 2004Sep 22, 2009Kyocera CorporationInformation processing device with an externally connectible communication moduleUS7664560 *Aug 29, 2006Feb 16, 2010Inventec Appliances Corp.Portable media player with common earphone transmission port and signal adaptor cable thereofUS8359064 *Jun 24, 2008Jan 22, 2013Kabushiki Kaisha KenwoodWireless apparatusUS8411603 *Aug 28, 2008Apr 2, 2013Broadcom CorporationMethod and system for dual digital microphone processing in an audio CODECUS8930647Apr 6, 2012Jan 6, 2015P4tents1, LLCMultiple class memory systemsUS20090316731 *Aug 28, 2008Dec 24, 2009Hongwei KongMethod and system for dual digital microphone processing in an audio codecUS20100184387 *Jun 24, 2008Jul 22, 2010Kabushiki Kaisha KenwoodWireless apparatus* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification455/559, 455/556.1, 455/550.1International ClassificationH04M1/00, H04B1/38Cooperative ClassificationH04M1/72527, H04B1/3877, H04M1/6075European ClassificationH04B1/38P6, H04M1/60T2C, H04M1/725F1BLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionDec 8, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: MOTOROLA, INC., ILLINOISFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HESS, DAVID M.;CARLSON, MARK J.;MCCUNE, TIMOTHY M.;REEL/FRAME:015437/0652Effective date: 20041208Jul 2, 2010FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Dec 13, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC, ILLINOISFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MOTOROLA, INC;REEL/FRAME:025673/0558Effective date: 20100731Oct 2, 2012ASAssignmentOwner name: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC, ILLINOISFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029216/0282Effective date: 20120622Jul 25, 2014FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Nov 25, 2014ASAssignmentOwner name: GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC, CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC;REEL/FRAME:034448/0001Effective date: 20141028RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services