Docking station, its control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses a docking station, a control method thereof, and a storage medium, relating to the technical field of electronic devices. The docking station includes a housing, on the surface of which there are a plurality of interfaces. Inside the housing, there are a main control chip and a USB Hub chip, and the main control chip, the USB Hub chip, and the interfaces are electrically connected to each other. The main control chip can identify the devices connected to each interface, and obtain and set the working parameters of each device. The main control chip can respond to the request commands of each device through an interrupt signal. The main control chip can communicate with the host through a USB Hub chip by connecting a USB cable, or the main control chip can communicate with the host in a wireless connection manner. According to the docking station of the embodiment of the present invention, the host can not only directly communicate with each device, but also the user can send control signals to the main control chip of the docking station through the host / mobile phone / keyboard / other control devices, thereby controlling the devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a docking station, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] A docking station, also known as a port replicator, is an external device designed specifically for laptop computers. By replicating or even expanding the ports of a laptop computer, the docking station enables the laptop computer to be connected to multiple external devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, printer, external monitor, etc.). However, existing docking stations need to be connected to a laptop computer via a USB cable, and the volume and weight of the docking station are relatively large, which makes it inconvenient to move the laptop computer and loses the lightness and convenience of the laptop computer. Moreover, existing docking stations have a single function and can only realize communication between external devices and the host, and the docking station cannot control external devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the present invention provides a docking station, a control method thereof, and a storage medium.

[0004] On the one hand, a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] A housing with a plurality of interfaces provided on its surface. A main control chip and a USB Hub chip are disposed inside the housing, and the main control chip, the USB Hub chip, and the interfaces are electrically connected to each other;

[0006] The main control chip can identify each device connected to each interface, and acquire and set the working parameters of each device. The main control chip can respond to the request commands of each device through an interrupt signal;

[0007] The main control chip can communicate with a host through the USB Hub chip by connecting a USB cable, or the main control chip can communicate with the host in a wireless connection manner.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip can communicate with a mobile phone or a keyboard in a wired or wireless manner, and the mobile phone or the keyboard can set the working parameters of each device through the main control chip.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one positioning groove is provided on the periphery of each interface.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes at least one of a key device, a speaker, a camera, a handwriting board, and an intercom. The key device, the speaker, the camera, the handwriting board, or the intercom is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface, and then communicates with the host. The main control chip can set the working parameters of the key device, the speaker, the camera, the handwriting board, or the intercom.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes a first trackball device. The first trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface, and then communicates with the host. The main control chip can set the sensitivity of the first trackball device.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes a second trackball device. The second trackball device is provided with an encoder. The second trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface, and then communicates with the host. The main control chip can set the function of the encoder.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes a display device. The display device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface, and then communicates with the host. The main control chip can set the working parameters of the display device.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes a fingerprint device. The fingerprint device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface, and then communicates with the host. The main control chip can set the working parameters of the fingerprint module.

[0015] The docking station according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: After devices (such as USB interface devices like cameras, speakers, keyboards, and handwriting boards) are inserted into the interfaces of the docking station, they can communicate with the host through the USB Hub chip of the docking station by connecting a USB cable. At the same time, the main control chip of the docking station can set the working parameters of each device to achieve control of each device, thereby making the functions of the docking station more diverse and intelligent. In addition, since the main control chip can be connected to the host in either a wired manner (by connecting a USB cable through the USB Hub) or a wireless manner (such as Bluetooth, radio frequency communication, etc.), when the host needs to be moved, there is no need to move the docking station together, which is beneficial to ensuring the portability and lightness of the laptop computer and expanding the usage range of the laptop computer.

[0016] On the other hand, the control method of the docking station according to the embodiments of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0017] The device is connected to the interface of the docking station;

[0018] The main control chip is communicatively connected to the device and acquires and / or sets the operating parameters of the device.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip is communicatively connected to the device and acquires and / or sets the operating parameters of the device, specifically including:

[0020] The device generates an interrupt signal and sends the interrupt signal to the main control chip so that the main control chip detects the number of devices connected to the docking station;

[0021] The main control chip broadcasts a first command to each device, and each device randomly generates an N-bit identification code according to the first command and inverts the interrupt signal; where N is a positive integer;

[0022] The main control chip broadcasts a second command to each device, and each device queries the identification code values of the 0th to N-1th bits of the corresponding identification code according to the second command and adjusts the state of the interrupt signal according to each identification code value;

[0023] After all the identification codes are queried, the main control chip broadcasts a third command to each device, and each device ends the query according to the third command and pulls up the interrupt signal;

[0024] The main control chip sends a connection command to each device, and each device is communicatively connected to the main control chip according to the connection command so that the main control chip acquires and / or sets the operating parameters of the device.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip is communicatively connected to the device and acquires and / or sets the operating parameters of the device, specifically including:

[0026] The main control chip is communicatively connected to the device in the form of Ethernet;

[0027] The main control chip acquires the operating parameters of each device through the corresponding IP address;

[0028] The main control chip sets the operating parameters of the device by sending TCP packets.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip is communicatively connected to the device and acquires and / or sets the operating parameters of the device, specifically including:

[0030] The main control chip is communicatively connected to the device through the corresponding serial port;

[0031] The main control chip obtains and / or sets the operating parameters of the device through the serial port.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following steps is further included:

[0033] The main control chip reads or updates the firmware version of the device;

[0034] The main control chip resets the device.

[0035] The control method of the docking station according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The main control chip can identify the devices connected to each interface, realize the connection with each device, and control the working state of the device, which is convenient for subsequent reading of the device type, setting of device parameters, reading or updating of the firmware version of the device, resetting of the device, etc., making the functions of the docking station more comprehensive.

[0036] On the other hand, according to the storage medium of the embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to make a computer execute the above control method of the docking station.

[0037] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partially given in the following description, partially become obvious from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, where:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the docking station according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are schematic structural diagrams of two different types of plugs;

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic circuit block diagram of the docking station according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of one of the USB Hub chips according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of another USB Hub chip according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of the power supply circuit of the main control chip and the interface between the main control chip and the USB Hub chip according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 The circuit schematic diagram of the main control chip according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 The circuit schematic diagram of a part of the key device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 The circuit schematic diagram of another part of the key device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 11 The circuit schematic diagram of a part of the first trackball device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 12 The circuit schematic diagram of another part of the first trackball device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 13 The circuit schematic diagram of the second trackball device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 The circuit schematic diagram of a part of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 The circuit schematic diagram of another part of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 16 The circuit schematic diagram of the fingerprint device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 17 The step flow chart of the control method of the docking station according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Reference numerals:

[0056] Housing 100, interface 110, positioning groove 120, main control chip 200, USB Hub chip 300, host 400. Detailed implementation manners

[0057] This part will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present invention. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. The function of the drawings is to supplement the description of the text part of the specification, enabling people to intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present invention, but it cannot be construed as a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

[0058] In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "several" is one or more, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two, and understandings such as "greater than", "less than", "exceeding", etc. do not include the corresponding number, while understandings such as "above", "below", "within", etc. include the corresponding number. If there is a description of "first" and "second", it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0059] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, words such as "set", "installed", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above words in the present invention in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0060] USB Hub: Universal Serial Bus Hub, a universal serial bus hub, refers to a device that can expand one USB interface into multiple and enable these interfaces to be used simultaneously.

[0061] On the one hand, the docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown. A plurality of interfaces 110 are provided on the surface of the housing 100, and a main control chip 200 and a USB Hub chip 300 are provided inside the housing 100. The main control chip 200, the USB Hub chip 300, and the interfaces 110 are electrically connected to each other; the main control chip 200 can identify the devices connected to each interface 110 through internal communication interfaces (such as UART, I2C, SPI, etc.), and obtain and set the working parameters of each device. The main control chip 200 can respond to the request commands of each device through an interrupt signal (IRQ); the main control chip 200 is connected to the host 400 through the USB Hub chip 300 to communicate via a USB cable, or the main control chip 200 communicates with the host 400 through a wireless connection method (such as wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth, radio frequency, WiFi, etc.).

[0062] The host 400 can send control signals to the main control chip 200 of the docking station through USB / Bluetooth / radio frequency, etc. The main control chip 200 then converts the control signals of the host 400 into control commands and sends them to the relevant devices through the internal communication interface to achieve control of the devices, such as setting the working parameters of the devices and the color of the shell atmosphere lights, etc.;

[0063] Meanwhile, the main control chip 200 can also communicate with the mobile phone via USB / Bluetooth / Wi-Fi, etc. The user can send control signals to the main control chip 200 through the mobile phone APP. The main control chip 200 then converts the control signals of the mobile phone APP into control commands and sends them to the relevant devices through the internal communication interface to achieve the control of the devices, such as setting the working parameters of the devices and the color of the shell atmosphere lights, etc.;

[0064] Meanwhile, the main control chip 200 can also communicate with the keyboard (or other dedicated devices) via USB / Bluetooth / radio frequency communication. Devices such as the keyboard send control signals to the main control chip 200. The main control chip 200 then converts the control signals sent by the keyboard into control commands and sends them to the relevant devices through the internal communication interface to achieve the control of the devices, such as setting the working parameters of the devices and the color of the shell atmosphere lights, etc.;

[0065] In addition, control buttons can be set on the docking station to send control signals to the main control chip 200 through the control buttons, thereby achieving the control of the devices, such as setting the working parameters of the devices and the color of the shell atmosphere lights, etc.

[0066] Taking a speaker as an example, for a traditional docking station, the host can directly control the volume of the speaker via the USB Hub chip 300 of the docking station, but cannot change the sound effect mode of the speaker or the color of the mood light on the speaker housing, etc.; while for the docking station according to the embodiments of the present invention, the host 400 can not only directly control the volume of the speaker via the USB Hub chip 300 of the docking station, but also the user can send control signals to the main control chip 200 of the docking station through the host 400 / mobile phone / keyboard / other control devices, so as to change the sound effect mode of the speaker or the color of the mood light on the housing. That is to say, all devices can communicate directly with the host 400 using the USB interface, and the user can also control these devices through the main control chip 200 when the host 400 is turned off. For the docking station according to the embodiments of the present invention, one or more USB Hub chips 300 are arranged on the main control board, and each USB Hub chip 300 can expand multiple interfaces and communicate with these interfaces simultaneously. By arranging multiple interfaces 110 on the housing 100, external devices can be connected to the interfaces 110 in a USB connection manner, thereby realizing the connection between the devices and the main control chip 200; the main control chip 200 can be connected to the host 400 in a wired or wireless manner, and finally realize the connection between the devices and the host 400. For the docking station according to the embodiments of the present invention, after the device is inserted into the interface 110 of the docking station, it can communicate with the host 400 by connecting a USB cable through the USB Hub chip 300 of the docking station; at the same time, the main control chip 200 of the docking station can set the working parameters of each device to achieve the control of each device, so that the functions of the docking station are more diverse and more intelligent; in addition, since the main control chip 200 can be connected to the host in a wired manner (by connecting a USB cable through a USB Hub) or a wireless manner (such as Bluetooth, radio frequency communication, etc.), when the host 400 needs to be moved, there is no need to move the docking station together, which is beneficial to ensuring the portability and lightness of the notebook computer and expanding the usage range of the notebook computer. At the same time, the host 400 can not only directly communicate with each device via the USB Hub chip 300 of the docking station, but also the user can send control signals to the main control chip 200 of the docking station through the host 400 / mobile phone / keyboard / other control devices, so as to control the devices.

[0067] In the embodiments of the present invention, two USB Hub chips 300 (which can also be one or more, and the specific quantity is not limited) are arranged in the housing 100, Figure 5 One of the USB Hub chips 300 and its peripheral circuit are shown, Figure 6Another USB Hub chip 300 and its peripheral circuit are shown. In this example, the model of the USB Hub chip 300 is GL850G-60 (other models can also be used), and each USB Hub chip 300 can expand into 4 interfaces. As Figure 7 shown, two USB Hub chips 300 can be connected to the host 400 through the USB cable via CON1, thereby realizing communication between the main control chip 200 and the host 400. The main control chip 200 is as Figure 8 shown, and the model used is CH571F (the specific model is not limited). The main control chip 200 is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through the 12th pin and the 13th pin, and then connected to the host 400 through the USB cable; at the same time, the main control chip 200 can also be connected to the host 400 in a Bluetooth manner through the 21st pin. Figure 7 The U4 shown is a voltage conversion chip that converts the 5V voltage into a 3.3V voltage to provide the operating voltage for the main control chip 200 and the USB Hub chip 300. Figure 7 J1 to J6 shown represent 6 interfaces 110 for connecting devices. The devices are connected to the USB Hub chip 300 and the main control chip 200 through the interfaces 110; among them, the main control chip 200 detects the interrupt signals of the devices through INT1 to INT6, and detects whether there are connected devices at each interface 110 through DETECT1 to DETECT6.

[0068] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, at least one positioning groove 120 is provided on the periphery of each interface 110. The positioning groove 120 can play the roles of restricting direction, position, and clamping, and can be used to fix the device. At the same time, the positioning groove 120 can also be integrated with the interface 110. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the plug on the device is provided with positioning posts corresponding to the positioning grooves 120. When the device is to be inserted into the interface 110, the positioning posts on the device just insert into the positioning grooves 120, thereby realizing the functions of restricting the direction, position, and clamping of the device. Through such a setting, the docking station can be used as a placement platform for placing multiple devices; after the device is connected to the interface 110, it can be directly fixed on the docking station, thus saving space. The user can change the position and direction of the device on the docking station as needed, and the position adjustment of the device is very convenient.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the docking station is connected to a key device. The key device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface 110. The key device is used to generate key information and send the key information to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300. The circuit schematic diagram of the key device is as Figure 9 andFigure 10 As shown, the button device includes a first control chip (i.e., Figure 9 U5 in it, and models such as CH556L can be used) and button K1. The first control chip is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through interface JP1 to achieve connection with the main control chip 200. Button K1 is connected to the first control chip. When button K1 is pressed, button information is generated, and the first control chip sends the button information to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300 to achieve corresponding functions. Figure 9 The transistor Q1 and transistor Q2 shown in Figure 10 are power switches for controlling the on / off of the working power supply of the button device. As

[0070] shown, the button device is also provided with a display screen. The first control chip is connected to the display screen through CON2. The host 400 can set the display content of the display screen through the first control chip to indicate the function of the current button. U6 and U7 are voltage conversion chips. U6 is used to provide a working voltage of 3.3V for the first control chip, and U7 is used to provide a working voltage of 12V for the display screen. The docking station can also be connected to USB interface devices such as speakers, cameras, graphics tablets, and walkie-talkies. These devices can communicate with the host through the USB Hub chip 300. At the same time, users can send control signals to the main control chip 200 through control devices such as the host, mobile phone, and keyboard, and then the main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of these devices.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the docking station is connected to a first trackball device. The first trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface 110. The first trackball device is used to generate a first trackball operation signal and send the first trackball operation signal to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300; users can send control signals to the main control chip 200 through control devices such as the host, mobile phone, and keyboard, and then the main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of the first trackball device, such as setting the sensitivity of the first trackball device. The circuit schematic diagram of the first trackball device is as Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown. The first trackball device includes a second control chip (i.e., Figure 11 U8 in it, and models such as CH549F can be used). The second control chip is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through interface JP2 to achieve connection with the main control chip 200. The first trackball device is similar to a mouse. Switches Left and Right correspond to the left and right buttons of the first trackball device, used to generate corresponding operation signals and send them to the host 400 to achieve corresponding functions; the main control chip 200 can set the sensitivity of the first trackball device through the second control chip. Figure 12U9 in it is a high-performance hexadecimal buffer, which can provide setting the output level or performing active-high and active-low functions; U10 is used to convert the movement signal of the first trackball device into a digital signal and send it to the second control chip; U11 is a voltage conversion chip, which is used to provide a working voltage of 3.3V for the second control chip.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the docking station is connected to a second trackball device. The second trackball device is provided with an encoder. The second trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface 110. The second trackball device is used to generate a second trackball operation signal and send the second trackball operation signal to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300; the user can send a control signal to the main control chip 200 through control devices such as the host, mobile phone, and keyboard, and then the main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of the second trackball device, such as setting the function of the encoder. The circuit schematic diagram of the second trackball device is as Figure 13 shown. The second trackball device includes a third control chip (i.e., Figure 11 U12 in it, and models such as CH556L can be used). The third control chip is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through the interface JP3 to achieve connection with the main control chip 200. An encoder is provided inside the third control chip for the user to set its function. The second trackball device is similar to a mouse. The switches Left2 and Right2 correspond to the left and right buttons of the second trackball device, which are used to generate corresponding operation signals and send them to the host 400 to achieve corresponding functions; the main control chip 200 can set the sensitivity of the second trackball device through the third control chip. Figure 13 CON3 in it is used to connect the signal of the roller of the second trackball device and realize corresponding functions according to the movement of the roller.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the docking station is connected to a display device. The display device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface 110, and then communicates with the host through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300. The display device is used to display the status information of the docking station; at the same time, the user can send a control signal to the main control chip 200 through control devices such as the host, mobile phone, and keyboard, and then the main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of the display device. The circuit schematic diagram of the display device is as Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown. The display device includes a fourth control chip (i.e., Figure 14 U13 in it, and models such as MO32SG6AE can be used). The fourth control chip is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through the interface JP4 to achieve connection with the main control chip 200. The fourth control chip is connected to the display screen through CON4, and the display screen can be used as an external monitor of the host 400.Figure 15 U14 in it is a voltage conversion chip, and U15 is a voltage stabilizing chip. U14 and U15 are used to provide a stable operating voltage for the fourth control chip.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, the docking station further includes a fingerprint device. The fingerprint device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface 110. The fingerprint device is used to identify fingerprint information and send the fingerprint information to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300. At the same time, the user can send a control signal to the main control chip 200 through control devices such as the host, mobile phone, and keyboard, and then the main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of the fingerprint device. The circuit schematic diagram of the fingerprint device is as Figure 16 shown. The fingerprint device includes a fifth control chip (i.e., Figure 16 U16 in it, and models such as CH556L can be used). The fifth control chip is connected to the USB Hub chip 300 through the interface JP5 to realize the connection with the main control chip 200. The fifth control chip is connected to the fingerprint module through CON5. The fifth control chip can send the fingerprint information of the fingerprint module to the host 400 through the main control chip 200 or the USB Hub chip 300 to realize the function of fingerprint recognition. Figure 16 Q4 in it is a power switch, which is used to control the working power supply of the fifth control chip.

[0074] On the other hand, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a docking station. As Figure 17 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0075] Step S100: The device connects to the interface 110 of the docking station;

[0076] Step S200: The main control chip 200 communicates with the device and obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device.

[0077] Specifically, for the above step S200, in order to realize the communication between the main control chip 200 and the device, multiple different methods can be adopted. One of the methods includes the following steps:

[0078] The device generates an interrupt signal and sends the interrupt signal to the main control chip 200 so that the main control chip 200 detects the number of devices connected to the docking station;

[0079] The main control chip 200 broadcasts a first command to each device, and each device randomly generates an N-bit identification code according to the first command and inverts the interrupt signal; where N is a positive integer;

[0080] The main control chip 200 broadcasts the second command to each device. Each device queries the identification code values of bits 0 to N-1 of the corresponding identification code according to the second command, and adjusts the state of the interrupt signal according to each identification code value;

[0081] After all the identification codes are queried, the main control chip 200 broadcasts the third command to each device. Each device ends the query according to the third command and pulls up the interrupt signal;

[0082] The main control chip sends a connection command to each device. Each device communicates and connects with the main control chip 200 according to the connection command, so that the main control chip 200 can obtain and / or set the working parameters of the device.

[0083] That is to say, first plug the device into the interface 110, and power on the device, the main control chip 200 and the USB Hub chip 300 together. Then the device generates an interrupt signal IRQ and pulls down IRQ. The main control chip 200 knows how many devices are plugged into the docking station through the situation that IRQ is pulled down; Subsequently, the main control chip 200 broadcasts a command to generate an identification code (i.e., the first command). Each device randomly generates a 16-bit (the specific number of bits is not limited) identification code and pulls up IRQ; The main control chip 200 checks if there is any IRQ that has not been pulled up. If so, the main control chip 200 broadcasts the command to generate an identification code again; After all IRQs are pulled up, the main control chip 200 broadcasts a command to query the identification code value of the nth (0-15) bit (i.e., the second command). Each device pulls up or pulls down IRQ according to its own nth bit identification code value until the 16-bit identification code is queried completely; The main control chip 200 broadcasts a command to end the query of the identification code (i.e., the third command), and all devices pull up IRQ; If the main control chip 200 finds that two or more devices have the same identification code, the main control chip 200 broadcasts the command to generate an identification code again; Finally, the main control chip 200 sends a connection command to each device. When the device successfully connects to the main control chip 200, it returns a successful connection status, and the main control chip 200 can then obtain and / or set the working parameters of the device.

[0084] In order to realize the communication between the main control chip 200 and the device, another way that can be adopted includes the following steps:

[0085] The main control chip 200 communicates and connects with the device in the form of Ethernet;

[0086] The main control chip 200 obtains the working parameters of each device through the corresponding IP address;

[0087] The main control chip 200 sets the working parameters of the device by sending TCP packets.

[0088] That is to say, the main control chip 200 is connected to the device in the form of Ethernet. After each device is inserted into the interface 110 of the docking station, it will obtain an IP address from the DHCP server through the TCP / IP protocol. The main control chip 200 communicates with each device through the assigned IP address to obtain the attributes of each device. When the main control chip 200 needs to set the working parameters of the device, it can send commands through TCP packets.

[0089] To achieve communication between the main control chip 200 and the device, another method that can be adopted includes the following steps:

[0090] The main control chip 200 communicates and connects with the device through the corresponding serial port;

[0091] The main control chip 200 obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device through the serial port.

[0092] That is to say, the main control chip 200 is connected to each device through an independent serial port. When the device is inserted into the interface of the docking station, it will actively send information to reveal its identity, enabling the main control chip 200 to obtain the working parameters of the device. The main control chip 200 can set the parameters of the device through the corresponding serial port.

[0093] For the first connection method described above, the format of the data packet sent by the main control chip 200 to the device is as follows (the following is only an example and not a limitation of the present invention):

[0094] 0xC5 ID Len Cmd Data Checksum

[0095] Parameter description:

[0096] Packet header: Fixed at 0xC5;

[0097] ID: Represents the identity number of the device;

[0098] Len: Length, referring to the number of bytes from Cmd to Checksum;

[0099] Cmd: Command, representing the function and role of the command, fixed at 1 byte;

[0100] Data: Data, variable length, and its definition is related to the command to which it belongs;

[0101] Checksum: Checksum, the exclusive OR sum from 0xC5 to Data.

[0102] The format of the data packet returned by the device is as follows:

[0103] 0xC8 ID Len Cmd Status Data Checksum

[0104] Parameter description:

[0105] Packet Header: Fixed at 0xC8;

[0106] ID: Represents the identity number of the device;

[0107] Len: Length, the number of bytes from Cmd to Checksum;

[0108] Cmd: Command, representing the function and role of the command, fixed at 1 byte;

[0109] Status: Status, representing the status of processing the command, fixed at 1 byte;

[0110] Data: Data, variable length, its definition is related to the command it belongs to;

[0111] Checksum: Checksum, the exclusive OR sum from 0xC5 to Data.

[0112] Classification of commands:

[0113] 0x20 - 0x2F: Setting commands, used to set various parameters of the device;

[0114] 0x30 - 0x3F: Reading commands, used to read various characteristics of the device;

[0115] 0xA0 - 0xAF: Update commands, used for firmware update;

[0116] 0xE0 - 0xEF: Broadcast commands, which need to be processed by each device when received;

[0117] 0xF0 - 0xFF: System commands, used for reset or reading firmware version.

[0118] The command for generating the identification code is defined as follows:

[0119] 0xC5 0xFF 0x02 0xE0 Checksum

[0120] The command for querying the identification code value is defined as follows:

[0121] 0xC5 0xFF 0x03 0xE1 n-bit Checksum

[0122] n-bit represents querying the nth bit of the identification code value.

[0123] The command for ending the query of the identification code is defined as follows:

[0124] 0xC5 0xFF 0x02 0xE2 Checksum

[0125] The command for connecting the device is defined as follows:

[0126] 0xC5 0xFF 0x03 0xE3 code_lo code_hi ID Checksum

[0127] code_lo: Low byte of the identification code;

[0128] code_hi: High byte of the identification code;

[0129] ID: After successful connection, the main control chip 200 will communicate with the device using this ID.

[0130] The command for reading the device type is defined as follows:

[0131] 0xC5 ID 0x02 0x30 Checksum

[0132] Device returns:

[0133] 0xC8 ID 0x03 0x30 0x00 Type Checksum

[0134] Type: Represents the device type.

[0135] The command for reading the firmware version is defined as follows:

[0136] 0xC5 ID 0x02 0xF6 Checksum

[0137] Device returns:

[0138] 0xC8 ID 0x03 0xF6 0x00 Ver Checksum

[0139] Ver: Represents the firmware version.

[0140] The reset command is defined as follows:

[0141] 0xC5 ID 0x02 0xFF Checksum

[0142] Device returns:

[0143] 0xC8 ID 0x03 0xFF 0x00 Checksum

[0144] 0x00: Indicates successful reset.

[0145] It should be noted that the formats of the data packets listed above are only examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and the specific formats of the data packets are not limited.

[0146] According to the control method of the docking station in the embodiments of the present invention, the main control chip 200 can identify the devices connected to each interface 110, implement connections with various devices, and control the working states of the devices, such as reading the device type, setting working parameters, reading the firmware version, updating the firmware, resetting the device, etc., making the functions of the docking station more comprehensive.

[0147] On the other hand, in some embodiments of the present invention, a storage medium is also proposed. The storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to cause a computer to execute the above control method of the docking station.

[0148] Although specific embodiments are described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other modifications or alternative embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any one of the functions and / or processing capabilities described in connection with a particular device or component can be performed by any other device or component. Additionally, while various exemplary implementations and architectures have been described in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other modifications to the exemplary implementations and architectures described herein are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149] Certain aspects of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts of systems, methods, systems, and / or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that one or more blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented respectively by executing computer-executable program instructions. Similarly, according to some embodiments, some blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts may not need to be executed in the order shown, or may not need to be executed at all. Additionally, additional components and / or operations beyond those shown in the blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts may be present in certain embodiments.

[0150] Accordingly, the blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the specified functions, and means for performing the specified functions by program instructions. It should also be understood that each block in the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by a special purpose hardware computer system that performs a particular function, element, or step, or by a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0151] The program modules, applications, etc. described herein may include one or more software components, including, for example, software objects, methods, data structures, etc. Each such software component may include computer-executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause at least a portion of the functions described herein (e.g., one or more operations of the exemplary methods described herein) to be performed.

[0152] Software components can be coded in any of a variety of programming languages. An exemplary programming language can be a low-level programming language, such as an assembly language associated with a particular hardware architecture and / or operating system platform. Software components including assembly language instructions may need to be converted by an assembler into executable machine code before being executed by the hardware architecture and / or platform. Another exemplary programming language can be a higher-level programming language that can be ported across multiple architectures. Software components including a higher-level programming language may need to be converted by an interpreter or compiler into an intermediate representation before execution. Other examples of programming languages include, but are not limited to, macro languages, shell or command languages, job control languages, scripting languages, database query or search languages, or report writing languages. In one or more exemplary embodiments, a software component containing instructions in one of the above examples of programming languages can be directly executed by an operating system or other software component without first being converted into another form.

[0153] Software components can be stored as files or other data storage constructs. Software components having similar types or related functions can be stored together in, for example, a particular directory, folder, or library. Software components can be static (e.g., pre-set or fixed) or dynamic (e.g., created or modified at execution time).

[0154] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention within the knowledge scope of those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A docking station, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing with a plurality of interfaces on its surface. Inside the housing, there are a main control chip and a USB Hub chip, and the main control chip, the USB Hub chip, and the interfaces are electrically connected to each other. The main control chip can identify the devices connected to each interface, and acquire and set the working parameters of each device. The main control chip can respond to the request commands of each device through an interrupt signal. The main control chip can communicate with the host by connecting a USB cable through the USB Hub chip, or the main control chip can communicate with the host in a wireless connection manner. The main control chip can communicate and connect with the device, and acquire and / or set the working parameters of the device. The specific method is as follows: The device generates an interrupt signal and sends the interrupt signal to the main control chip so that the main control chip can detect the number of devices connected to the docking station. The main control chip broadcasts a first command to each device, and each device randomly generates an N-bit identification code according to the first command and inverts the interrupt signal; where N is a positive integer. The main control chip broadcasts a second command to each device, and each device queries the identification code values of the 0th to N-1th bits of the corresponding identification code according to the second command and adjusts the state of the interrupt signal according to each identification code value. After all the identification codes are queried, the main control chip broadcasts a third command to each device, and each device ends the query according to the third command and raises the interrupt signal. The main control chip sends a connection command to each device, and each device communicates and connects with the main control chip according to the connection command so that the main control chip can acquire and / or set the working parameters of the device.

2. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein The main control chip can communicate with a mobile phone or a keyboard in a wired or wireless manner, and the mobile phone or the keyboard can set the working parameters of each device through the main control chip.

3. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein At least one positioning groove is provided on the periphery of each interface.

4. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes at least one of a key device, a speaker, a camera, a graphics tablet, and a walkie-talkie. The key device, the speaker, the camera, the graphics tablet, or the walkie-talkie is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface and then communicates with the host; the main control chip can set the working parameters of the key device, the speaker, the camera, the graphics tablet, or the walkie-talkie.

5. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a first trackball device. The first trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface and then communicates with the host; the main control chip can set the sensitivity of the first trackball device.

6. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a second trackball device. The second trackball device is provided with an encoder. The second trackball device is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface and then communicates with the host; the main control chip can set the function of the encoder.

7. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a display device which is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface and then communicates with the host; the main control chip can set the working parameters of the display device.

8. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a fingerprint device which is connected to the docking station through the corresponding interface and then communicates with the host; the main control chip can set the working parameters of the fingerprint device.

9. A control method for a docking station, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: The device is connected to the interface of the docking station. The main control chip communicates with the device and obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device, specifically including: The device generates an interrupt signal and sends the interrupt signal to the main control chip so that the main control chip can detect the number of devices connected to the docking station. The main control chip broadcasts a first command to each device, and each device randomly generates an N-bit identification code according to the first command and inverts the interrupt signal; where N is a positive integer. The main control chip broadcasts a second command to each device, and each device queries the identification code values of the 0th to N-1th bits of the corresponding identification code according to the second command and adjusts the state of the interrupt signal according to each identification code value. After all the identification codes are queried, the main control chip broadcasts a third command to each device, and each device ends the query according to the third command and raises the interrupt signal. The main control chip sends a connection command to each device, and each device communicates with the main control chip according to the connection command so that the main control chip can obtain and / or set the working parameters of the device.

10. The control method of the docking station according to claim 9, wherein The main control chip communicates with the device and obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device, specifically including: The main control chip communicates with the device in the form of Ethernet. The main control chip obtains the working parameters of each device through the corresponding IP address. The main control chip sets the working parameters of the device by sending TCP packets.

11. The control method of the docking station according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main control chip communicates with the device and obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device, specifically including: The main control chip communicates with the device through the corresponding serial port. The main control chip obtains and / or sets the working parameters of the device through the serial port.

12. The control method of the docking station according to claim 9, wherein, It further includes at least one of the following steps: The main control chip reads or updates the firmware version of the device. The main control chip resets the device.

13. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to execute the control method of the docking station according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

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