Expansion device for use with computing equipment and computing system

Abstract

Disclosed are an expansion device for use with a computing device and a computing system including the expansion device. The computing device includes a first OPS port. The expansion device includes a second OPS port configured to couple to the first OPS port of the computing device; and a network adapter configured to connect the computing device to a network, the network adapter being connected to a data terminal in the second OPS port to implement data communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of computer technology, and in particular, to an expansion device for use with a computing device and a computing system including the expansion device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of computer technology, computing devices (such as conference interactive devices) usually need to access the network to communicate with other devices. For example, terminal computing devices can communicate with servers to obtain corresponding services. Generally speaking, computing devices can be integrated with wired or wireless network cards for accessing computer networks during the production process to achieve network communication functions. However, in actual use, this single network access method may be far from enough. For example, for computing devices such as conference interactive tablets, their mainboard circuits usually only include wireless network cards that support Wi-Fi. Therefore, if there is no Wi-Fi device (such as a router) nearby or the Wi-Fi device fails, such computing devices will not be able to achieve Internet access. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a device and system that can alleviate, mitigate or even eliminate the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an expansion device for use with a computing device is provided, wherein the computing device includes a first OPS port, and the expansion device includes: a second OPS port configured to couple to the first OPS port of the computing device; a network adapter configured to connect the computing device to a network, the network adapter being connected to a data terminal in the second OPS port to implement data communication.

[0005] In the extension device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the network adapter is further connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port to achieve power transmission.

[0006] In the extension device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first transformer is further included, wherein the network adapter is connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port via the first transformer.

[0007] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, it further includes: a third OPS port configured to be coupled to the OPS device, and the data terminal and the power terminal in the third OPS port are respectively connected to the data terminal and the power terminal in the second OPS port.

[0008] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a data port expander is further included, wherein the data terminal in the second OPS port is connected to the data terminal in the third OPS port and the network adapter respectively via the data port expander.

[0009] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second transformer is further included, and wherein the data port expander is connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port via the second transformer to achieve power transmission.

[0010] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a data communication port, wherein the network adapter is connected to the data terminal in the second OPS port via the data communication port.

[0011] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the expansion device further includes a power port, wherein the network adapter is connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port via the power port.

[0012] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the data communication port includes a universal serial bus port.

[0013] In the extension device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the network adapter includes a mobile communication network adapter.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the computing device includes a conference interaction device.

[0015] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second transformer includes at least one of a DC-DC converter and a low-dropout linear regulator.

[0016] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling includes pluggable coupling.

[0017] In the expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection includes a pluggable connection.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computing system is provided, comprising: a computing device including a first OPS port; an expansion device including a second OPS port configured to be pluggably coupled to the first OPS port of the computing device; and a network adapter configured to connect the computing device to a network, the network adapter being connected to a data terminal in the second OPS port to implement data communication.

[0019] In a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the computing device includes: a mainboard, which includes a first data port; an OPS adapter, which includes a second data port and the first OPS port, the second data port is connected to the first data port, and the data terminal in the first OPS port is connected to the second data port.

[0020] In the computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the OPS adapter further includes a fourth OPS port configured to be pluggably coupled to an OPS device, and a data terminal in the fourth OPS port is connected to the second data port.

[0021] In a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the OPS adapter further includes a data port expander, wherein the second data port is connected to a data terminal in the first OPS port and a data terminal in a fourth OPS port respectively via the data port expander.

[0022] In a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the computing device further includes a power source configured to at least one of: provide power to the mainboard, and provide power to the expansion device through the OPS adapter.

[0023] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further details, features and advantages of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an expansion device and a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates an expansion device and a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates an expansion device and a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematically illustrates an expansion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 Schematically illustrates an expansion device and a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6A computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0031] It should be understood that these drawings are merely schematic and not necessarily true to scale. Furthermore, some technical features may be omitted in these drawings for the sake of brevity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Regarding the aforementioned network access issue, the applicant discovered that, based on relevant technologies, the following two solutions can be used to support network access and expand network access functionality. The first solution is to add an external device, which can, for example, support a specific network access function. For example, a computing device such as a conference tablet can be equipped with an external device that supports mobile communication network access, such as 4G or 5G networks. The external device can be connected to the computing device externally via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. However, the connection between the external device and the computing device may not be tight and secure, resulting in poor contact. Furthermore, the external device can negatively impact the appearance and portability of the computing device. The second solution is to modify the computing device's mainboard circuitry and integrate a device that supports a specific network access function within the computing device. For example, the mainboard circuitry of a computing device such as a conference tablet can be modified to add a circuit system that supports 4G or 5G network access functionality. However, modifying the mainboard circuitry requires a significant budget, consumes additional manpower and time, and is difficult to resolve network support issues for already manufactured computing devices.

[0033] Based on the above analysis, the applicant further discovered that in the relevant technical field, there is the following demand: allowing computing devices to access additional networks without adding external devices or modifying the mainboard circuit, for example, allowing computing devices such as conference tablets whose mainboard circuits only integrate Wi-Fi functions to access mobile communication networks such as 4G and 5G networks.

[0034] Therefore, the applicant has proposed a technical solution for extending the network access function of computing devices based on OPS ports. Before introducing the technical solution of the present disclosure in detail, some concepts are briefly introduced first.

[0035] In the present disclosure, a "port" may refer to a structure for achieving coupling between two devices or apparatuses, and may also be referred to as an "interface". The "port" mentioned in the present disclosure may cover ports in both physical and logical senses. In the physical sense, a "port" means a physical port used to achieve functions such as data and / or power transmission between a certain device or apparatus and another device or apparatus. For example, the two devices or apparatuses may respectively include a male port and a female port that match each other, so that the two devices or apparatuses can be coupled together by matching the male port and the female port included to achieve transmission of data and / or power, etc. In the logical sense, a "port" means a logical port that follows a certain protocol to transmit data and / or power, etc. between different devices or apparatuses according to the protocol. For example, the two devices or apparatuses may each include a port that follows the same protocol, so that the two devices or apparatuses can be coupled together based on the protocol to achieve transmission of data and / or power, etc.

[0036] In this disclosure, an "OPS port" may refer to a port that complies with the Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) and may also be referred to as an "OPS interface." The OPS specification is a standardized specification published by Intel for coupling pluggable devices with other devices. It includes different versions, such as OPS-C and OPS-C+. References to "OPS" in this disclosure should be understood to encompass different versions of the OPS specification, such as OPS-C and OPS-C+.

[0037] In the present disclosure, an "OPS device" may refer to a pluggable device that includes an OPS port and can transmit data and / or power, etc. through the OPS port. For example, a conference tablet typically includes an OPS port that allows access to an OPS device. For example, a conference tablet typically integrates an SoC (System on Chip) board that supports the Android system, and, optionally, can connect to an OPS box that supports the Windows system through the OPS port, thereby achieving a dual system to expand the functionality of the conference tablet.

[0038] In this disclosure, a "terminal" may refer to a structure exposed in a port that is used to form a coupling relationship with another port. In a physical sense, it may refer to a pin or needle used for connection; in a logical sense, it may refer to the input / output portion of a port responsible for the transmission of data and / or power, etc. A "data terminal" may refer to one or a group of terminals responsible for data transmission, and a "power terminal" may refer to one or a group of terminals responsible for power transmission.

[0039] In this disclosure, "network" may refer to various wired or wireless networks, such as at least one of a broadband network, a Wi-Fi network, a 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or other mobile communication network.

[0040] In addition, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various devices, features, or parts, these devices, features, or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one (or a group of) devices, features, or parts from another (or another group of) devices, features, or parts. It should also be understood that the "connection," "coupling," or similar terms mentioned in this disclosure may refer to direct connection, direct coupling, or indirect connection, indirect coupling achieved via one or more intermediate devices, components, or the like. In some embodiments, "connection," "coupling," or similar terms may refer to fixed connections, couplings, or the like, or to pluggable (or detachable) connections, couplings, or the like. For example, in a description of an element or device being connected / coupled to another element or device, it may refer to an element or device being fixedly connected / coupled to the other element or device, or it may refer to an element or device being pluggable / coupled to the other element or device.

[0041] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates an expansion device 120 and a computing system 100 including the expansion device 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, the computing system 100 includes a computing device 110 and an expansion device 120. The computing device 110 includes a first OPS port OPS_1. For example, the computing device 110 may include a conference interaction device, such as a conference tablet. The expansion device 120, used in conjunction with the computing device 110, includes a second OPS port OPS_2 and a network adapter 121. The second OPS port OPS_2 of the expansion device 120 is configured to couple to the first OPS port OPS_1 of the computing device 110, for example, fixedly or pluggably coupled to the first OPS port OPS_1 of the computing device 110, to enable data and / or power transmission between the expansion device 120 and the computing device 110. The network adapter 121 of the expansion device 120 is configured to connect the computing device 110 to a network, thereby enabling data to be sent and / or received via the connected network. For example, the network adapter 121 may include a mobile communication network adapter to connect the computing device 110 to a mobile communication network, such as a 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication network. The network adapter 121 can be connected to the data terminal D of the second OPS port OPS_2 to achieve data communication. Exemplarily, the network adapter 121 can be a 2G module, a 3G module, a 4G module or a 5G module, etc., which can take the form of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that integrates radio frequency and baseband. Thus, the computing device 110 can obtain access to the corresponding network via the expansion device 120. Specifically, the computing device 110 can access the corresponding network with the help of the network adapter 121 through a data channel formed by the coupling between the first OPS port OPS_1 and the second OPS port OPS_2, and the connection between the data terminal D of the second OPS port OPS_2 and the network adapter 121, and receive and / or send data through the accessed network, such as sending and / or receiving data to and / or from the server to use the services provided by the server. It should be understood that Figure 1 The data terminals D shown may be all or part of the terminals in the second OPS port OPS_2 that can be used for data transmission.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the expansion device 120 used in conjunction with the computing device 110 can be a pluggable device that can provide the computing device with expanded functionality to access one or more networks (such as one or more of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other networks). Since the OPS port is typically located within the housing of the computing device and can allow for tight and secure coupling, the expansion device 120 coupled via OPS can provide the computing device 110 with functionality to access one or more networks without the use of external devices. In addition, for computing devices with OPS ports, such as the conference tablet mentioned above, the expansion device 120 can be used without modifying the internal circuitry of the computing device. Alternatively, even for computing devices that originally do not have an OPS port, the expansion device 120 can be used by adding a structure such as an OPS adapter board to its internal circuitry (without modifying the original internal circuitry) to convert one or more original ports (such as data communication ports and / or power delivery ports) into OPS ports.

[0044] In the expansion device for use with a computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by designing an OPS port, full use is made of the motherboard interface structure of the computing device (such as the OPS port for coupling an OPS box), and its network communication function (such as 5G) is effectively expanded without modifying or redesigning the internal motherboard structure of the interactive device; and the expansion device can be coupled to its motherboard inside the entire computing device, avoiding contact and aesthetic problems caused by external devices; at the same time, due to the simple structural design, development costs are reduced and work efficiency is improved.

[0045] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates an expansion device 220 and a computing system 200 including the expansion device 220 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the computing system 200 includes a computing device 210 and an expansion device 220 for use with the computing device 210. Figure 1 , the computing device 210 includes a first OPS port OPS_1, the expansion device 220 includes a second OPS port OPS_2 and a network adapter 221, and are similarly coupled or connected. Figure 2 In the following figures, the drawing of terminals is basically omitted, but it should be understood that various ports drawn may include one or more terminals.

[0047] For example, the OPS port can be in the form of an 80-pin port as shown in the figure, but other forms of ports can also be used according to actual needs. Generally speaking, an 80-pin port may include 80 pins or pins (pins), some of which can be configured to transmit data, such as TMDS signals (Transition-minimized differential signaling, minimized transmission differential signaling), display signals, audio signals, control signaling, and data transmitted based on protocols such as USB and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). Other pins or pins can be configured to transmit power, such as 12-19 V power.

[0048] In some embodiments, the network adapter 221 can also be connected to a power terminal in the second OPS port OPS_2 to achieve power transmission. Thus, power can be provided to the network adapter 221 via the coupling between the second OPS port OPS_2 and the first OPS port OPS_1, allowing it to obtain power from the computing device 210. Alternatively, power can be provided to the network adapter 221 through other means, such as a built-in power supply in an expansion device or connected to a power supply via another port.

[0049] In some embodiments, the expansion device 220 may further include a first transformer 222, and the network adapter 221 may be connected to the power terminal of the second OPS port OPS_2 via the first transformer 222. For example, the first transformer 222 may be a DC transformer, the input end of which may be connected to the power terminal of the second OPS port OPS_2, and the output end of which may be connected to the power terminal of the network adapter 221, so as to convert the voltage at the power terminal of the second OPS port OPS_2 into a voltage that can be used by the network adapter 221.

[0050] In some embodiments, the computing device 210 may include a motherboard and an OPS adapter 213. The motherboard may be, for example, Figure 2 The SoC motherboard 212 or other forms of motherboard shown may include a first data port. The first data port may include a port or a portion thereof on the motherboard for data transmission. For example, the first data port may include Figure 2The portion of the 41Pin port and / or USB port shown as being used for data transmission, or other types of ports for data transmission may also be included. Specifically, the 41Pin port and / or USB port, etc. may be used to transmit both data and power, that is, it may have both a data terminal and a power terminal, and the first data port may only include the portion thereof related to the data terminal or a portion of the portion thereof related to the data terminal. Accordingly, the OPS adapter 213 may include a second data port and the first OPS port OPS_1 mentioned above. The second data port may include a port of a type that matches the first data port of the motherboard, and is coupled to the first data port so as to perform data transmission between the motherboard and the OPS adapter. For example, the second data port may include Figure 2 The data terminals of the first OPS port (the 80-pin port shown in the figure) and the second data port (the data terminals (all or part) of the 41-pin port and the USB port shown in the figure) in the OPS adapter 213 can be connected accordingly, thereby achieving conversion from the data port included in the motherboard to the OPS port.

[0051] In some embodiments, the computing device 210 may further include a power source 211, which may be configured to at least one of: provide power to a mainboard (e.g., the SoC mainboard 212) and provide power to the expansion device 220 via the OPS adapter 213. The power source 211 may refer to a structure within the computing device 210 for providing electrical power, such as a built-in power supply and associated circuitry, or circuitry such as a plug structure for connecting to an external power source. As shown, the power source 211 may include a port P_SoC for providing electrical power to the SoC mainboard 212, and the SoC mainboard 212 may include a corresponding port. These two ports may be coupled together to power the SoC mainboard 212 via the power source 211. Alternatively or additionally, the power source 211 may include a port P_OPS for providing electrical power to the OPS adapter 213, and the OPS adapter 213 may include a corresponding port. These two ports may be coupled together to power the OPS adapter 213 via the power source 211, thereby powering the expansion device 220 coupled to the OPS adapter 210 (fixedly coupled or pluggable). In this embodiment, the power port P_OPS in the OPS adapter 213 may have a power terminal and may be connected to a power terminal in the first OPS port (such as an 80-pin port) in the OPS adapter 213. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 2The power terminals in the illustrated 41-pin port and / or USB port can be connected to the power terminals in the first OPS port (e.g., 80-pin port) in the OPS adapter 213. Thus, the expansion device 220 coupled (fixedly coupled or pluggably coupled) to the OPS adapter 213 can be powered directly (via the P_OPS port) or indirectly (via the SoC mainboard 212) by the power source 211 in the computing device 210.

[0052] In such Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, expansion device 220 can be implemented based on the housing of an OPS device known in related art. For example, a network adapter (e.g., a PCB-based network adapter) supporting one or more networks can be installed within the OPS device housing. The network adapter can be connected to the data terminals and / or power terminals of the OPS port on the OPS device housing. Circuit structures such as a transformer can also be optionally provided as needed. This allows for more convenient design and production of expansion device 220, further reducing labor, time, and other costs.

[0053] Figure 3 An expansion device 320 and a computing system 300 including the expansion device 320 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically shown.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the computing system 300 includes a computing device 310 and an expansion device 320 for use with the computing device 310. Figure 1 and 2 , the computing device 310 includes a first OPS port OPS_1 , and the expansion device 320 includes a second OPS port OPS_2 and a network adapter 321 , and are similarly coupled or connected. Figure 3 The computing device 310 is shown with Figure 2 The structure of the computing device 210 shown is basically the same, and will not be described again here. The following description will focus on the differences between the expansion device 320 and the expansion device 220.

[0055] Compared to Figure 2 The expansion device 220 shown in the figure, the second OPS port OPS_2 and the network adapter 321 included in the expansion device 320 can be arranged similarly to the description of the expansion device 220, and Figure 2 The various embodiments described for the expansion device 220 may also be applicable to Figure 3 The expansion device 320 is shown.

[0056] In such Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, compared with Figure 2The expansion devices 220 and 320 shown in FIG. 3 may further include a third OPS port OPS_3 configured to be coupled (fixedly or removably) to an OPS port of an OPS device 330. The data and power terminals of the third OPS port OPS_3 may be connected to the data and power terminals of the second OPS port OPS_2, respectively. Similarly, the third OPS port OPS_3 may also be an 80-pin port, or other port configurations as needed.

[0057] In some embodiments, the expansion device 320 may further include a data port expander 322. The data port expander 322 may be configured to expand a single data port into at least two data ports, wherein the data port may be an actual data port or an equivalent data port consisting of one or a group of data terminals. The data terminals of the network adapter 321 and the third OPS port OPS_3 may be connected to the data terminals of the second OPS port OPS_2 via the data port expander 322.

[0058] In some embodiments, the expansion device 320 may further include a second transformer, and the data port expander 322 may be connected to a power terminal in the second OPS port OPS_2 via the second transformer to achieve power transmission, thereby powering the data port expander 322 via the second OPS port OPS_2. Alternatively, power may be provided to the data port expander 322 in other ways, such as by having a built-in power supply in the expansion device or by connecting to a power supply via other ports.

[0059] about Figure 3 The various embodiments described herein allow for expanding network access capabilities through the OPS port of a computing device while still allowing access to an OPS device to expand other computing device functionality. For example, for computing devices such as conference tablets, while providing access to 4G, 5G, and other networks through the addition of an expansion device, other expanded functionality can still be provided through the addition of an OPS box, such as providing an additional Windows operating system for a conference tablet device that only supports the Android system.

[0060] Figure 4 The present invention schematically illustrates some embodiments of the present invention in more detail. Figure 3 The expansion device 320 in FIG. Figure 4As shown, some of the terminals in the second OPS port OPS_2 in the form of 80 pins can be regarded as an equivalent USB port (actually a part of the terminals in the 80 pin port), such as an equivalent USB2.0 or USB3.0 port. The equivalent USB port may include both data terminals and power terminals. Thus, the network adapter 321 can achieve data transmission and optionally obtain electrical power by connecting to such an equivalent USB port. Similar to the above description about Figure 1 It should be understood that, in addition to the data terminals involved in the equivalent USB port, the second OPS port OPS_2 in the 80-pin format may also have one or more other terminals for data transmission. Alternatively, data transmission between the network adapter 321 and the second OPS port OPS_2 may also be achieved through other solutions.

[0061] In addition, optionally, the network adapter 321 can be further connected to the power terminal or part of the power terminal in the 80Pin port to obtain electrical power through the port. Figure 4 As shown, the 80-pin port used as the second OPS port OPS_2 may have a power terminal for providing 18 V voltage, and the network adapter 321 may be connected to the 18 V power terminal to obtain the corresponding electrical power. Optionally, the voltage level required by the network adapter 321 may be different from the voltage level that the 80-pin port can provide. In this case, a first transformer 323 may be provided to convert the voltage of, for example, 18 V into a voltage suitable for the network adapter 321 (for example, Figure 4 5 V as shown), so that the network adapter 321 can be indirectly connected to the power terminal in the 80Pin port via the first transformer 323.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the network adapter 321 and the data terminals of the third OPS port OPS_3 can be connected to the data terminals of the second OPS port OPS_2 via a USB HUB (USB hub) 3221. The USB HUB can be used to expand one USB port into at least two USB ports. As described above, a USB port can include both data terminals and power terminals. Therefore, the USB HUB can be used as Figure 3The data port expander 322 shown. The USB HUB 3221 can expand the equivalent USB port provided by the 80Pin port into at least two equivalent USB ports for use by the network adapter 321 and the third OPS port OPS_3. Optionally, the USB HUB 3221 can be a passive USB HUB, an active USB HUB, or an intelligent USB HUB, etc. Alternatively, other types of components can be used as the data port expander 322 according to actual needs. Further optionally, a second transformer can be provided in the expansion device 320, the input end of the second transformer can be directly connected to the power terminal of the 80Pin port, such as for providing 18V electrical power, and the output end can be connected to the power terminal of the USB HUB 3221, thereby converting the voltage such as 18V into a voltage that can be used by the USB HUB 3221, such as 3.3V, 1.8V, etc. Alternatively, the input end of the second transformer can be connected to the output end of the first transformer 323, and the output end can be connected to the USB HUB 3221, thereby converting the voltage converted by the first transformer 323, such as 5 V, into a voltage usable by the USB HUB 3221, such as 3.3 V or 1.8 V. The transformer mentioned in this disclosure can be any suitable structure that can achieve a voltage conversion function, such as a DC-DC converter, an LDO (low dropout linear regulator), etc.

[0063] Figure 5 An expansion device 420 and a computing system 400 including the expansion device 420 according to further embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically shown.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the computing system 400 includes a computing device 410 and an expansion device 420 for use with the computing device 410. Figure 1 、 2 and 3, the computing device 410 includes a first OPS port OPS_1, and the expansion device 420 includes a second OPS port OPS_2 and a network adapter 421, and are similarly coupled or connected. Figure 4 The computing device 410 is shown with Figure 2 The computing device 210 is shown as well as Figure 3 The structure of the computing device 310 shown is basically the same, and will not be described again here. The following description focuses on the differences between the expansion device 420 and the expansion device 320.

[0065] Compared to Figure 3The second OPS port OPS_2, the third OPS port OPS_3 and the data port expander 422 included in the expansion device 320 shown in the figure can be arranged similarly to the corresponding parts in the expansion device 320, and Figure 3 The various embodiments described for the expansion device 320 may also be applicable to Figure 5 An expansion device 420 is shown.

[0066] In such Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, compared with Figure 3 The expansion device 320 shown, the expansion device 420 may further include a data communication port, and the network adapter 421 may be connected to the data terminal in the second OPS port OPS_2 via the data communication port.

[0067] Exemplarily, the network adapter 421 may be an integrated network access module 4211. The network access module 4211 may be a module configured to provide access to one or more networks (such as one or more of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or other networks), which may, for example, take the form of a packaged PCB or PCB group and include another data communication port that matches the data communication port in the expansion device 420. Alternatively, the other data communication port may be provided by a USB port or other suitable type of port. Exemplarily, a commercially available standard network access module may be used, or a commercially available standard network access module may be used. Figure 2 A network access module similar to the expansion device 220 shown in FIG. For example, for a 5G network, a commercially available standard 5G card (typically having a USB port) can be used as the network access module 4211, or the expansion device 220 including a network adapter 221 supporting access to a 5G network can be used as the network access module 4211.

[0068] Accordingly, the data communication port of the expansion device 420 may be provided by a universal serial bus port, or alternatively by an OPS port or other suitable type of port. Figure 4 The expansion device 420 shown provides the data communication port via a USB port. As previously described, a USB port can include both data terminals and power terminals. In this embodiment, the expansion module 420 can use a USB hub as a data port expander to expand the equivalent USB port in the second OPS port OPS_2 (as shown as an 80-pin port) into at least two equivalent USB ports for use by the data communication port of the expansion device 420 and the third OPS port OPS_3.

[0069] In some embodiments, the expansion device 420 may further include a power port P, through which the network adapter may be connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port. The power port P may be directly or indirectly connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port OPS_2 to provide additional electrical power to the network adapter 421. For example, the power port P may be indirectly connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port OPS_2 via an additional transformer.

[0070] Figure 6 A computing system 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the computing system 500 includes a computing device 510 and an expansion device 520. The expansion device 520 may be similar to the one described above. Figure 1 Or the expansion device described in 2, the following focuses on the computing device 510 and Figure 2 、 3 , 5 , and the differences between the computing devices 210 , 310 , and 410 shown in FIG.

[0072] Compared to Figure 2 、 3 , 5, the computing devices 210, 310, 410, the motherboard and the optional power source included in the computing devices can be arranged similarly to the description of the computing devices 210, 310, 410, and the various embodiments described with respect to the computing device 210 are also applicable to Figure 6 Computing device 510 is shown.

[0073] exist Figure 6 In the computing device 510 shown, compared to Figure 2 、 3 , 5, the computing devices 210, 310, 410 shown in FIG, the OPS adapter 513 may further include a fourth OPS port OPS_4, which may be configured to be coupled (fixedly coupled or pluggably coupled) to the OPS device 530. The OPS device 530 may be any applicable OPS device, which may be coupled (fixedly coupled or pluggably coupled) to the fourth OPS port OPS_4 of the OPS adapter 513 via the OPS port. For example, the OPS device 530 may be an OPS box for providing a Windows system for a computing device such as a conference tablet. The data terminal of the fourth OPS port OPS_4 may be connected to the second data port (e.g. Figure 6 The data terminals (all or part) of the 41-pin port used for data transmission are connected. Figure 2As described, the second data port of the OPS adapter may include a port of a type that matches the first data port of the motherboard and is coupled to the first data port to enable data transmission between the motherboard and the OPS adapter. Figure 6 Only the 41-pin port of the SoC main board 512 is drawn, but it should be understood that similar to the Figure 2 As described, the first data port and the second data port may include a portion of a 41-pin port and / or a USB port for data transmission, or may also include other types of ports for data transmission. Additionally, the OPS adapter may further include a power port, such as P_OPS shown in the figure, to directly obtain power from the power source 511 of the computing device 510, or indirectly obtain power from the power source 511 via the SoC motherboard 512.

[0074] pass Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, a minor modification can be made to an OPS adapter that originally provided only one OPS port to provide two OPS ports, so that the expansion device 520 can be used to provide access to one or more networks and the OPS device can be used to provide other extended functions. Alternatively, a minor modification can be made to an OPS adapter that originally provided only one OPS port to provide more than two OPS ports.

[0075] In some embodiments, the OPS adapter 513 may further include a data port expander 5131. The data terminal of the first OPS port OPS_1 and the data terminal of the fourth OPS port OPS_4 may be connected to the second data port via the data port expander 5131. Optionally, the data port expander 5131 may be configured according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The described data port expander 322 is similarly arranged to expand the second data port into at least two data ports for use by the first OPS port OPS_1 and the fourth OPS port OPS_4. For example, the combination of the second data port and the power port of the OPS adapter can provide an equivalent USB port. The data port expander 5131 can employ a corresponding USB HUB to expand this equivalent USB port into at least two equivalent USB ports for access and use by the first OPS port OPS_1 and the fourth OPS port OPS_4, as well as for use by the coupled expansion device 520 and OPS device 530.

[0076] Variations on the disclosed embodiments will be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0077] In the description of this specification, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

Claims

1. An expansion device for use with a computing device, the computing device including a first OPS port, the expansion device comprising: a second OPS port configured to couple to the first OPS port of the computing device, a portion of the second OPS port being configured as a first equivalent USB port, the first equivalent USB port including a first data terminal; a third OPS port configured to be coupled to an OPS device, a portion of the third OPS port being configured as a second equivalent USB port, the second equivalent USB port including a second data terminal; a network adapter configured to connect the computing device to a network, wherein the network adapter comprises a mobile communication network adapter for connecting the computing device to a mobile communication network; The USB HUB is configured to connect the network adapter and the second data terminal of the second equivalent USB port to the first data terminal of the first equivalent USB port.

2. The expansion device according to claim 1, wherein: The network adapter is also connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port to achieve power transmission. 3 . The expansion device according to claim 2 , further comprising a first transformer, wherein the network adapter is connected to a power terminal in the second OPS port via the first transformer. 4 . The expansion device according to claim 1 , wherein the power terminal in the third OPS port is connected to the power terminal in the second OPS port.

5. The expansion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The computing device includes a conference interaction device.

6. The expansion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The coupling includes pluggable coupling.

7. A computing system comprising: a computing device comprising a first OPS port; An expansion device comprising: a second OPS port configured to be pluggably coupled to the first OPS port of the computing device, a portion of the second OPS port being configured as a first equivalent USB port, the first equivalent USB port including a first data terminal; a third OPS port configured to be coupled to an OPS device, a portion of the third OPS port being configured as a second equivalent USB port, the second equivalent USB port including a second data terminal; a network adapter configured to connect the computing device to a network, wherein the network adapter comprises a mobile communication network adapter for connecting the computing device to a mobile communication network; The USB HUB is configured to connect the network adapter and the second data terminal of the second equivalent USB port to the first data terminal of the first equivalent USB port.

8. The computing system of claim 7, wherein: The computing device comprises: a mainboard comprising a first data port; The OPS adapter includes a second data port and the first OPS port, wherein the second data port is connected to the first data port, and a data terminal in the first OPS port is connected to the second data port.

9. The computing system of claim 8, wherein: The OPS adapter further includes a fourth OPS port configured to be pluggably coupled to an OPS device, and a data terminal in the fourth OPS port is connected to the second data port.

10. The computing system of claim 9, wherein: The OPS adapter further includes a data port expander, wherein the second data port is connected to the data terminal in the first OPS port and the data terminal in the fourth OPS port respectively via the data port expander.

11. The computing system of claim 8, wherein: The computing device also includes a power source configured to at least one of: Providing power to the motherboard, and The expansion device is provided with power via the OPS adapter.

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