Mobile device interface for input devices using existing mobile device connectors

A method for receiving data in a mobile electronic device from a data input device, the method comprising:

• detecting connection of a device to an earphone/microphone connector of the mobile electronic device;
• determining whether the connected device is a data input device by using at least one of the following in any order:
• a) examining an operational state of a device included within the mobile electronic device;
• b) determining a presence of the data input device using an electrical sensing circuit;
• c) determining a presence of the data input device using a mechanical sensing circuit;
• and
• collecting and processing data generated by the data input device in response to determining that the connected device is a data input device.

An apparatus for receiving data in a mobile electronic device from a data input device comprising:

• means for detecting connection of a device to a connector of the mobile electronic device, wherein the connector is a connector that is used to communicate data from the mobile electronic device;
• means for determining whether the connected device is a data input device;
• and
• means for extracting data generated by the data input device in response to determining that the connected device is a data input device.

An apparatus for receiving data in a mobile electronic device from a data input device comprising:

• means for detecting connection of a device to an earphone/microphone connector of the mobile electronic device;
• means for determining whether the connected device is a data input device;
• and
• means for processing data generated by the data input device in response to determining that the connected device is a data input device.

A computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions which, upon being executed, causes the computing device to perform a process of:

• detecting connection of a device to a connector of a mobile electronic device, wherein the connector is a connector that is used to communicate data from the mobile electronic device;
• determining whether the connected device is a data input device;
• and
• processing data generated by the data input device in response to determining that the connected device is a data input device.

A computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions which, upon being executed, causes the computing device to perform a process of:

• detecting connection of a device to an earphone/microphone connector of a mobile electronic device;
• determining whether the connected device is a data input device;
• and
• processing data generated by the data input device in response to determining that the connected device is a data input device.