WO2008064514A1

WO2008064514A1 - Information terminal and information communicating method by the same

Info

Publication number: WO2008064514A1
Application number: PCT/CN2006/003099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong Wing Tse; Newton Galileo Guillen
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2006-11-17
Filing date: 2006-11-17
Publication date: 2008-06-05

Abstract

An information terminal using a multi-pole connector for communication of information with various external devices, the information terminal comprising: a data unit connected with the multi-pole connector for communicating data information with the external devices; a switching unit connected between the data unit and the multi-pole connector, to selectively enable data communicating in accordance with a first control signal from a central controller of the information terminal; and an audio input unit for receiving audio information from the external devices via the switch unit and at least one pole of the multi-pole connector in accordance with the first control signal from the central controller when the data communicating is disabled.

Description

INFORMATION TERMINAL AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATING METHOD

BY THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information terminal and information communicating method by the same, particularly to an information terminal using a multi- pole connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the development of communication technologies, it is desirable to provide compact size information terminal, such as mobile communication device, digital audio player, and computer including desktop computer and potable computer etc. In addition, there is a need to reduce the number of jacks needed for all the connection of the information terminal . The connection includes audio output for headphone, USB connection, DC charging connection, line-in connection and mic-in connection. So far we have seen several functions in one connector being used in the information terminal, such as USB connection and DC charging connection via the USB connector, monophonic or stereo voice input function, line-in connection and stereo output function via the ear jack connector. However, at present, data communicating interface such as the USB interface and the mic-in function, line-in function are designed to have the different connector, and such arrangement makes the product complex and increases the manufacturing cost of the product .

In addition, as Bluetooth product is getting popular and some information terminal such as audio player is started to incorporate the Bluetooth feature, there is a need to provide user to use in-ear headphone with built-in microphone for headset/hands-free function. Thus, there is an additional requirement for having the mic-in feature being shared with the same connector. In view of the above, we have to tackle the above mentioned problem by incorporating the mic-in function, line-in connection, audio output function and the data communicating function, and avoiding the signals of these functions mixed together at any time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an information terminal using multi-pole connector, which incorporates the USB interface and the existing microphone interface of the information terminal, and the multi-pole connector can realize more connection function without adding the number of poles .

According to one aspect of the invention, provide an information terminal using a multi-pole connector for communication of information with various external devices, the information terminal comprising: a data unit connected with the multi-pole connector for communicating data information with the external devices; a switching unit connected between the data unit and the multi-pole connector, to selectively enable data communicating in accordance with a first control signal from a central controller of the information terminal; and an audio input unit for receiving audio information from the external devices via the switch unit and at least one pole of the multi-pole connector in accordance with the first control signal from the central controller when the data communicating is disabled.

In one embodiment, the data unit is a USB interface unit, and the multi-pole connector is a 4 -pole connector; the information terminal further comprises an audio output unit for transmitting audio information to the external devices via at least one pole of the multi-pole connector other than the pole for receiving audio information, when the audio receiving is enabled; and a data and audio out switching unit connected with outputs of the data unit and the audio output unit, to selectively connect the data unit or the audio output unit to the multi-pole connector. According to another aspect of the invention, provide a method for communicating information between an information terminal using an a multi-pole connector and various external devices, comprising steps of communicating data information between the information terminal and the external devices via the multi-pole connector; selectively enabling the data communicating by a switching unit, in accordance with a first control signal from a central controller of the information terminal; and receiving audio information from the external devices via the switch unit and at least one pole of the multi-pole connector in accordance with the first control signal from the central controller when the data communicating is disabled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an illustrative block diagram showing the information terminal using the multi-pole connector according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the information terminal according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart for controlling of the information terminal according to the first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is an illustrative block diagram showing the information terminal using the multi-pole connector according to the second embodiment of the invention,-

Fig. 5 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the information terminal according to the second embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a flow chart for controlling of the information terminal according to the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will now be given with reference to attached figures to illustrate many advantages/features of the present invention, according to various illustrative embodiments of the present invention. In the attached figures, the like figure numbers indicate the similar elements.

(First embodiment) Fig.l is an illustrative block diagram showing the information terminal 100 using multi-pole connector according to the first embodiment of the invention. A description will now be given to illustrate the configuration and operation process of the information terminal 100.

As shown in Fig.l, information terminal 100, such as audio player or mobile communication terminal and the like, includes a central processor unit (CPU) 101, an interface device 110 and a 4 -pole connector 103. Under the control of the CPU 101, the information terminal 100 communicates data information with an external device (not shown) , such as computer and the like, and receives audio information from the external device, such as mic- in audio from a microphone or line-in audio from other audio output device, by the interface device 110 and the 4-pole connector 103.

The interface device 110 includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface^* unit 102, a switch unit 104 and an audio input unit 105 such as an audio amplifier. The USB interface unit 102 communicates data information with the 4-pole connector 103 via the switch unit 104, and the audio input unit 105 receives audio information from the 4-pole connector 103 via the switch unit 104 when the data communicating is disabled.

The switch unit 104 is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch, and connected on one of the data communicating paths between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4-pole connector 103. A control signal is provided by the CPU 101, the timing sequence of the control signal will be described in detail later. According to the control signal, the data communicating via the switch unit 104 between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4-pole connector 103 can be enabled or disabled. When it is required for a user to download data information, such as text data, audio data, video data and the like from an external computer to the information terminal 100, or upload these data information from the information terminal 100 to the computer, the user can input an instruction by a input device, such as keyboard, the CPU 101 then transmits a control signal to the switch unit 104, so that the data communicating path between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4-pole connector 103 can be enabled. At this point, the 4-pole connector 103 have the following assignment: a USB power line, two data lines and a GND line. In addition, in such USB connection mode, the information terminal 100 can be charged by an external power supply, that is, at a DC charging connection. Such technology is known to one skilled in the art, and is not described in this embodiment in detail .

Alternatively, the data communicating path between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4-pole connector 103 is connected at default. The CPU 101 can also transmit the control signal according to an external event. In the context, the external event is any action that requires the information terminal 100 to change the mode, specifically enabling and disabling the USB connection mode or audio input mode. For example, the external event could be an incoming phone call, or can be as basic as the information terminal automatically detecting a USB jack or an ear jack was inserted in the connector. When there is no data communicated between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4 -pole connector 103, and it is needed for the user to input audio information to the information terminal 100, the CPU 101 can transmit a control signal to the switch unit 104 according the instruction of the user or an external event, so that the audio receiving path via the switch unit 104 between the audio input unit 105 and the 4-pole connector 103 can be enabled.

As described above, since the data communicating function and the audio receiving function are realized on a single connector, it is possible to obtain a more compact size digital product, that is, to incorporate the USB interface and the existing microphone interface of the information terminal, and the cost for manufacturing the product is also reduced.

Fig.2 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the information terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention. In Fig.2, USB_MIC is the timing sequence caused by the control signal for the USB interface unit 102, and MIC_EN is the timing sequence caused by the control signal for the audio input unit 105. At Tl, the CPU 101 receives an instruction from the user or an external event, so as to enter into an audio input mode. At this point, the CPU 101 transmits a control signal to the switch unit 104, so as to the path between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4 -pole connector 103 is disconnected, and the USB_HIC is high. To ensure break of the path, a waiting time about 50 to 100ms is set. After the waiting time, that is, at T2, the path between the audio input unit 105 and the 4 -pole connector is connected, and the MIC_EN changes to be high. At T3 , the CPU 101 receives an instruction from the user or an external event, and exits from the audio input mode. At this point, the CPU 101 transmits a control signal to the switch unit 104, so as to the path between the audio input unit 105 and the 4 -pole connector is disconnected, and the MIC_EN is low. To ensure break of the path, a waiting time about 50 to 100ms is set. After the waiting time, that is, at T4 , the path between the USB interface unit 102 and the 4 -pole connector 103 is connected, and the USB_MIC changes to be low. Fig.3 is a flow chart for controlling the information terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

At step SlOl, the USB functionality of the interface device 110 is enabled, the data communicating path is connected. The state can be a default state. At step S102, receiving user instruction or external event, to determine whether it is required to enter into the audio input mode. When the result is No, the process return to step SlOl, the USB functionality is still enabled. When the result is Yes, the process goes forward to step S103. At step S103, transmitting control signal to select audio input connection, and thus the USB_MIC is high, then at step S104, waiting for about 50- 100ms to ensure the USB connection to be broken. In step S105, enter into audio input mode, and thus the MIC_EN becomes high, and in step S106, the audio information is input to the audio unit.

At step S107, receiving user instruction or external event, to determine whether it is required to finish the audio input mode. When the result is No, the process return to step S106, the audio input mode is still enabled. When the result is Yes, the process goes forward to step S108. At step S108, transmitting control signal to select USB connection, and thus the MIC_EN becomes low, then in step S109, waiting for about 50- 100ms to ensure the audio input connection to be broken. In step SIlO, enter into USB connection mode, and thus the USBJY[IC becomes low, and the data communicating is enabled.

Although the specific configuration and the operation process based on the first embodiment of the present invention is described above, it cannot be considered to be a limit to the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, USB interface unit and the corresponding 4 -pole connector which are the common means used in the information terminal presently are adapted to illustrate the embodiment. However, it is apparent to one skilled in the art to use other data communicating interface and the corresponding multi-pole connector. The switch unit 104 is a single-pole double-throw switch, and connected on one path of the data communicating paths to match the monophonic audio input. However, if the stereo input is needed, it is apparent to one skilled in the art - S - to select other switch unit and arrange it on a plurality of data communicating paths as required.

(Second embodiment) As Bluetooth product is getting popular, and some information terminals, such as personal digital assistant (PDA) , audio player and the like, are started to incorporate the Bluetooth feature, there is a need to provide user to use in-ear headphone with built-in microphone for headset/hands-free function. At this point, the information terminal is used as a receiver of other communication terminal equipped with Bluetooth function, such as a mobile phone with Bluetooth function. Thus, there is an additional requirement for having the audio input function and the audio output function performed at the same time, while being shared with the data communicating paths of the information terminal. The second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated based on such Bluetooth application. However, it shall be appreciated that other application incorporating the USB connection and the audio connection are also suitable to the present invention.

Fig.4 is an illustrative block diagram showing the information terminal 200 using the multi-pole connector 203 according to the second embodiment of the invention. In the following description, the same contents as that of the first embodiment are omitted. As shown in Fig.4, the Bluetooth module 206 is added to make the information terminal 200 have Bluetooth function. The interface device 210 includes an audio input unit 205, an audio output unit 207, a switch unit 204, a USB interface unit 202 and a data and audio out switching unit 208.

As described above in the first embodiment, when it is required for a user to download data information, from an external computer to the information terminal 200, or upload data information from the information terminal 200 to the computer, according' the instruction of the user or an external event, the CPU 201 can transmit a control signal to the switch unit 204, and transmit another control signal to the data and audio out switching unit 208 to switch to USB connection mode, so that the data communicating path between the USB interface unit 202 and the 4 -pole connector 203 can be enabled. When the data communicating path is disabled, under the control of CPU 201, the information terminal 200 can be used as a Bluetooth receiver. Thus, the data and audio out switching unit 208 is switched to audio out mode according to the other control signal, that is, the audio output unit 207 is connected to the multi-pole connector 203 via the data and audio out switching unit 208, and the audio input path between the audio input unit 205 and the switch unit 204 is connected. At this point, the 4- pole connector has the following assignment: audio input line, audio output left channel, audio output right channel and ground. The USB power line is used as an audio input line. Alternatively, the 4 -pole connector can has the following assignment: audio output line, audio input left channel, audio input right channel and ground. The Bluetooth module 206 receives audio information from outside, such as a mobile phone, the audio information then is transmitted to the 4 -pole connector 203 via the interface device 210, then to a 4 -pole ear jack of the user. At the same time, the audio information from a microphone of the 4 -pole ear jack is transmitted to the Bluetooth module 206 via the 4-pole connector 203 and the interface device 210, the Bluetooth module 206 then transmits the audio information to outside device. Fig. 5 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the information terminal according to the second embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 6 is a flow chart for controlling the information terminal according to the second embodiment of the invention.

USB_MIC is the timing sequence caused by the control signal for the USB interface unit 202, and MIC_EN is the timing sequence caused by the control signal for the audio input unit 205 and audio out unit 207. In audio connection mode, the information terminal 200 can perform audio input and audio output function via the 4 -pole connector 203, and in USB connection mode, the information terminal 200 can perform data download and upload function via the 4-pole connector 203. The timing sequence and the control process of the information terminal 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the invention, and thus are omitted.

In the second embodiment, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that a user can use the individual audio output connection to receive audio information via the 4-pole connector 203 from the information terminal.

Alternatively, the data and audio out switching unit 208 can be a switch integrate circuit, so that it can selectively connect the audio output unit 207 or the USB interface unit 202 to the multi-pole connector 203 in accordance with the type of the external device, without the instruction from the user and the control signal. When it is needed the information terminal 200 to communicate data with the external computer, the switch integrate circuit is powered by the external computer, and thus connects the USB interface unit 202 to the multi-pole connector 203 automatically by the internal circuit of the switch integrate circuit. Otherwise, the switch integrate circuit connects the audio output unit 207 to the multi-pole connector 203 automatically by the internal circuit. Such switch integrate circuit is known to one skilled in the art, so its description is omitted.

As described above, the data communicating function, DC charging function, the audio input including mic-in and line in, and audio output function are realized on a single 4 -pole connector, so* a 5 -pole connector is not needed, and it is possible to obtain a more compact size digital product . The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention and it will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous alternative arrangements which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are within its spirit and scope. It is to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

1. An information terminal using a multi-pole connector for communication of information with various external devices, the information terminal comprising: a data unit connected with the multi-pole connector for communicating data information with the external devices ; a switching unit connected between the data unit and the multi-pole connector, to selectively enable data communicating in accordance with a first control signal from a central controller of the information terminal; and an audio input unit for receiving audio information from the external devices via the switch unit and at least one pole of the multi-pole connector in accordance with the first control signal from the central controller when the data communicating is disabled.

2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data unit is a USB interface unit, and the multi-pole connector is a 4 -pole connector.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprises : an audio output unit for transmitting audio information to the external devices via at least one pole of the multi-pole connector other than the pole for receiving audio information, when the audio receiving is enabled; and a data and audio out switching unit connected with outputs of the data unit and the audio output unit, to selectively connect the data unit or the audio output unit to the multi-pole connector.

4. The information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the data unit or the audio output unit are selectively connected to the multi-pole connector in accordance with a second control signal from the central controller.

5. The information terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the data and audio out switching unit is a switch integrate circuit, and selectively connects the data unit or the audio output unit to the multi-pole connector in accordance with a type of the external devices .

6. A method for communicating information between an information terminal using a multi-pole connector and various external devices, comprising steps of

-communicating data information between the information terminal and the external devices via the multi-pole connector; -selectively enabling the data communicating by a switching unit, in accordance with a first control signal from a central controller of the information terminal; and -receiving audio information from the external devices via the switch unit and at least one pole of the multi-pole connector in accordance with the first control signal from the central controller when the data communicating is disabled.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the multi-pole connector is a 4 -pole connector for a USB interface .

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising steps of -transmitting audio information to the multi-pole connector via at least one pole of the 4-pole connector other than the pole for receiving audio information, when the audio receiving is enabled.

9. The method according to claim 8 , further comprising selectively communicating data information or transmitting audio information by a data and audio output unit in accordance with a second control signal from the central controller.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising selectively communicating data information or transmitting audio information by a data and audio output unit in accordance with a type of the external device.