Control method and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a control method and electronic equipment. Comprises: acquiring a control signal; based on the control signal, switching an equipment type of a display unit from a first equipment type to a second equipment type so as to control the display unit to display by adopting the second equipment type, wherein the device types comprise a brightness adjustment supporting type and a hot plug function supporting type, and the first device type is different from the second device type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to display technology, in particular to a control method and electronic equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] In modern computer systems, a display unit and a host device can be connected through a display interface. When the display unit can implement a brightness adjustment function based on the host unit, if a user directly performs a hot plug operation on the display unit, the display unit will display abnormally, resulting in poor user experience. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present application provide a control method and electronic equipment, which can realize dynamic switching of the device type of a display unit, thereby realizing better function adaptation in different use scenarios.

[0004] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application are implemented as follows: The embodiments of the present application provide a control method, which comprises: obtaining a control signal; based on the control signal, switching the device type of a display unit from a first device type to a second device type, to control the display unit to display in the second device type; wherein the device type comprises a brightness adjustment support type and a hot plug function support type, and the first device type is different from the second device type.

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide an electronic equipment, which comprises a display unit, a host unit, and a detection unit; wherein the detection unit is configured to detect the connection state or relative posture between the display unit and the host unit, and generate a control signal according to the detection result; the host unit is configured to switch the device type of the display unit from a first device type to a second device type based on the control signal, to control the display unit to display in the second device type; wherein the device type comprises a brightness adjustment support type and a hot plug function support type, and the first device type is different from the second device type. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is an implementation flow diagram of a control method provided by the embodiments of the present application; Figure 2 is a connection structure diagram of a display unit and a host unit provided by the embodiments of the present application; Figure 3 is a component structure diagram of an electronic equipment provided by the embodiments of the present application; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of display control provided by the embodiments of the present application; Figure 5is a display signal switching architecture flowchart provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 is another display signal switching architecture flowchart provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 is a hardware entity schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0007] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "first", "second" are only used to distinguish different schemes, and do not represent the degree of superiority or priority in the implementation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the described embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0009] In the following description, "some embodiments" are described, which describe a subset of all possible embodiments, but it can be understood that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subset of all possible embodiments, and can be combined with each other without conflict. The term "first / second / third" referred to is only to distinguish similar objects, and does not represent a specific order of the objects. It can be understood that "first / second / third" can interchange the specific order or sequence as allowed, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0010] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0011] In the following description, some terms and concepts referred to will be explained in this part in order to better understand the technical scheme and advantages of the present application.

[0012] 1) Display unit: refers to a hardware device for presenting image or video content, such as built-in screen or external display of notebook computer, etc.

[0013] 2) Control signal: a signal used to instruct the system to perform a specific operation, such as user input instruction, physical key trigger signal or gesture detection signal, etc.

[0014] 3) Device Type: indicates the functional attribute of the display unit in the system, and in this invention, it mainly involves the support of brightness adjustment type and the support of hot plug function type. These two types correspond to different display signal types and operating system identification methods.

[0015] 4) eDP (Embedded DisplayPort): a display interface protocol commonly used for notebook built-in display screens, with characteristics including low power consumption, high bandwidth, and support for backlight adjustment, but not support for hot plug.

[0016] 5) DP (DisplayPort): a display interface protocol that supports hot plug, suitable for external displays, but may not meet the brightness adjustment requirements under certain certification standards (such as WHQL).

[0017] 6) Hot plug: refers to the function of inserting or removing hardware devices without shutting down the system during system operation. In the application scenario of display units, hot plug capability allows users to replace display screens of different specifications without causing system crashes or no display.

[0018] 7) WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Lab) certification: Microsoft's compatibility testing and certification for hardware devices, which ensures stable operation on Windows operating systems.

[0019] Currently, in modern computer systems, in order to achieve deep control of display units by operating systems (such as system-level brightness adjustment and advanced power management), the eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) protocol interface can be used to achieve operating system control of display units. This is because the eDP protocol defines special pins or AUX channels (Auxiliary Channel) commands to directly control the backlight power and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming of the display unit. In the case of using the eDP protocol, the brightness of the display unit can be controlled by the brightness slider, keyboard shortcut, or adaptive brightness sensor of the operating system (such as Windows).

[0020] However, with the development of mobile computing technology, detachable two-in-one tablets, modular notebooks, and other device forms are becoming increasingly popular. The core feature of such devices is their detachable architecture, which allows the display unit (such as the tablet screen part) and the computing unit (such as the keyboard base) to be physically separated and connected during system operation, enabling flexible mode switching and component replacement. The emergence of this architecture requires that, in the case of connecting the display unit, the operating system can immediately recognize and normally drive the display without restarting the system.

[0021] Furthermore, the eDP protocol was originally designed to connect displays fixed inside devices. When the eDP interface is physically hot-plugged directly in a detachable architecture, a series of serious problems arise: When inserted, eDP lacks an explicit and reliable hot-plug detection (HPD) mechanism, making it difficult for the system to reliably detect connection events of the display unit. This can lead to prolonged black screen, flickering, or eventual failure to light up after insertion, or the need to restart the device to recognize the screen, severely impacting the user experience. When removed, since the graphics processing unit (GPU) is continuously sending video data streams, a sudden disconnection can cause the GPU to experience link loss. Additionally, if there are ongoing operations on the display unit (such as unsaved documents or full-screen applications), the ongoing operations will instantly lose their output target, leading to application errors or data loss.

[0022] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a control method and an electronic device. The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] The control methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by an electronic device, which may include a display unit, an embedded controller (EC), a central processing unit (CPU), and an operating system (OS). That is, the control methods in the embodiments of this application can output signals through the display unit, process and switch signals through the embedded controller or the CPU, or identify and control the state of the display unit through the operating system.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The following will be combined with... Figure 1 The steps shown will be explained. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The control method described here is illustrated using an electronic device as the executing entity, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps S101 and S102.

[0025] Step S101: Obtain control signals.

[0026] The control signal can be a signal used to indicate that the device type of the display unit is switched from a first device type to a second device type.

[0027] In this step, the control signal can be a trigger signal obtained from one or more sources.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the control signal can be a detection signal from the physical connection layer between the display unit and the host unit.

[0029] Specifically, a detection pin can be set on the display interface used for connection between the display unit and the host unit. When the display unit is inserted into or removed from the display interface, a level transition signal or a digital logic state will be triggered. The transition signal or digital logic state can be used to indicate whether the display unit and the host unit are physically connected or physically disconnected.

[0030] Considering that the mechanical contact of the physical display interface can cause signal jitter during insertion / removal, leading to system misjudgments and the misinterpretation of multiple connection / disconnection events, directly using the raw detection signal generated at the physical layer would trigger an incorrect device switching process. Therefore, in another possible implementation, instead of directly using the detection signal from the physical connection layer between the display unit and the host unit, the embedded controller, after polling or confirming the detection signal, generates a control signal to indicate switching the display unit's device type from a first device type to a second device type.

[0031] Furthermore, the hot-plug detection mechanisms and signal formats of different types of display interfaces are completely different. For example, the hot-plug detection mechanisms and signal formats of dedicated eDP connectors, USB Type-C interfaces, and Thunderbolt interfaces are completely different. If the system directly processes various raw signals, it will lead to complex driver and firmware logic, making it difficult to maintain and expand. However, the embedded controller, as a hardware abstraction layer, can uniformly translate and map various low-level events such as "changes in the level of dedicated detection pins," "changes in the logic state of USB Type-C configuration channels," and "USB power transmission communication messages" into standard internal control signals. In this way, the control signals can be seamlessly adapted to various existing and future physical interface standards.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the control signal can also be a user intent signal from the operating system.

[0033] Specifically, users can initiate a mode switching request via a graphical interface or a dedicated shortcut key. This request can be a software command, such as "switch to second screen only" or "recognize as built-in display," to switch the device type of the display unit from the first device type to the second device type.

[0034] Step S102: Based on the control signal, the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type to control the display unit to use the second device type for display.

[0035] The device types include those that support brightness adjustment and those that support hot-swapping. The first device type is different from the second device type.

[0036] In this embodiment, the supported brightness adjustment type corresponds to the built-in display type. When the display unit is identified as this type, the operating system (such as Windows) can enable deep control functions associated with the built-in display. These deep control functions may include, but are not limited to, brightness adjustment via the operating system slider, power management technologies such as application panel self-refresh, and hibernation when the lid is closed. It should be noted that when the display unit is identified as this type, the underlying interface protocol supported by the display interface used for connection between the display unit and the host unit is essentially eDP or its behavioral equivalent protocol.

[0037] Specifically, the supported brightness adjustment types can correspond to built-in display types that have passed Windows Hardware Quality Labs certification. Windows Hardware Quality Labs certification is also known as WHQL certification.

[0038] For the Windows operating system, functions such as brightness adjustment and panel self-refresh, which involve system power status and display stability, are considered privileged operations that are only open to trusted built-in system components. Therefore, if the display unit has passed the Windows Hardware Quality Labs certification, it can be considered a known and trusted built-in system component of the Windows operating system. The Windows operating system will classify it as a built-in system component during device enumeration and unlock system-level brightness control sliders and related power management policies accordingly.

[0039] Conversely, if the display unit fails to pass or is not WHQL certified (i.e., certification fails), the operating system will be unable to correctly recognize it as a trusted built-in device and will be unable to enable the system-level brightness control slider and related power management strategies for it. This will result in the display unit being unable to support brightness adjustment.

[0040] It should be noted that, in addition to WHQL certification, the following certification methods may also be used to identify the display unit as a trusted built-in device, thereby enabling system-level brightness control sliders and related power management strategies: 1. ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface) firmware-level declaration.

[0041] In the computer's ACPI table, the system firmware reports the system's hardware configuration to the operating system. By defining an external display device as a built-in display device in the ACPI table, Windows can directly recognize it as an integral part of the system early in the boot process.

[0042] 2. Virtualization authentication.

[0043] A "virtual built-in display" can be created within the system using virtual machine software (such as VMware, Hyper-V) or special remote desktop / virtual graphics card drivers. This virtual display is "built-in" to the host system. A physically external display can then serve as an output extension of this virtual display, thus recognizing the display unit as a trusted built-in device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the hot-swappable type corresponds to either an external display or a universal plug-and-play display. When a display unit is identified as this type, the operating system allows it to be dynamically connected and disconnected during system runtime and provides standard external display management functions. It should be noted that when a display unit is identified as this type, the underlying interface protocol supported by the display interface used for connection between the display unit and the host unit can essentially be DP protocol (standard DisplayPort), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), or its equivalent protocol.

[0045] In this step, after the host unit obtains the control signal, it can parse the control signal to determine whether the indication information corresponding to the control signal is to switch the device type of the display unit from the type that supports brightness adjustment to the type that supports hot-swappable function, or to switch the device type of the display unit from the type that supports hot-swappable function to the type that supports brightness adjustment.

[0046] After the host device parses the indication information of the control signal, it can switch the device type of the display unit to the device type corresponding to the control signal according to the indication information, and after the switch, the control display unit displays based on the switched device type.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control signal may be a signal triggered by a disconnection event. In this case, the display unit may initially be a brightness-adjustable type. After the host unit receives the control signal, it can determine that the user has disconnected the connection between the display unit and the host unit. At the same time, the device type of the display unit can be switched from a brightness-adjustable type to a hot-swappable type.

[0048] In other embodiments, the control signal may also be a user-input signal. In this case, the display unit may initially be a hot-swappable type. After the host unit receives the user-input control signal, it can determine that the user wants to start adjusting the brightness of the display unit. At the same time, the device type of the display unit can be switched from a hot-swappable type to a brightness-adjustable type.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the device type of the display unit can be dynamically switched according to the control signal, so as to realize the flexible switching between supporting brightness adjustment and supporting hot-swapping function of the display unit, which can improve the user experience.

[0050] In some embodiments, control signals may be acquired through at least one of the following methods.

[0051] Method 1: Generate control signals in response to user-input trigger commands.

[0052] The trigger command includes the command information input by the user to the electronic device where the display unit is located.

[0053] In this embodiment, the trigger command input by the user can refer to the operation performed by the user on the electronic device through a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, or other input device. These operations can be recognized by the host unit and converted into specific control signals. For example, clicking an icon on the screen, pressing a function key on the keyboard, or sliding via the touchpad can all serve as trigger commands input by the user.

[0054] In practice, user-inputted trigger commands can be used to initiate hot-swapping or brightness adjustment processes. For example, after a user clicks the "Replace Display Unit" button, a corresponding control signal can be generated based on the user-inputted trigger command, and this control signal can be sent to notify the relevant hardware components in the display device to switch.

[0055] This allows users to flexibly initiate hot-plug requests through a graphical interface or keyboard shortcuts without relying on physical buttons, improving user convenience and system interactivity.

[0056] Method 2: Respond to the trigger signal of a physical button on an electronic device to generate a control signal.

[0057] Physical buttons refer to physical buttons located on electronic devices, which users can press to send trigger signals. Physical buttons typically have clear function labels, such as power buttons, volume up / down buttons, and hot-swap buttons.

[0058] In this embodiment, when a user presses a designated physical button (e.g., a dedicated hot-swap button), the physical button sends a trigger signal. After receiving the trigger signal from the physical button, the embedded controller can forward the trigger signal to the central processing unit (CPU), thereby triggering the logic for switching the display signal type.

[0059] This allows users to quickly initiate switching processes via physical buttons even when there is no graphical interface or when users cannot use input devices, thereby improving the system's availability and fault tolerance.

[0060] Considering that relying solely on the connection status of the display interface to trigger control signals is prone to signal jitter due to contact vibration during plugging and unplugging, this could lead to misinterpretation as multiple connection events. In related technologies, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the display unit 201 and the host unit 202 can be connected by a locking assembly 203.

[0061] Therefore, in some embodiments, a detection signal for the hot-swappable pin can be triggered in response to a change in the plugging state of the latching assembly 203 between the display unit 201 and the host unit 202; and the detection signal can be used as a control signal.

[0062] The latch assembly 203 refers to a mechanical structure connecting the display unit 201 and the host unit 202, which can be used to fix or release the display unit. The latch assembly 203 is typically made of metal or high-strength plastic, possessing good conductivity and stability. When the user manually inserts or removes the display unit 201, the state of the latch assembly 203 changes. For example, when the latch is fully engaged (locked state) or disengaged (unlocked state), the state of the micro-switch (such as a microswitch, reed switch, Hall sensor, etc.) integrated inside the latch assembly 203 changes.

[0063] This microswitch can be directly connected to a general-purpose GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pin or a dedicated detection pin within the host unit 202 system, or it can be connected via circuitry to a general-purpose GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pin or a dedicated detection pin within the host unit 202 system. This pin can be configured as a hot-plug detection pin by the system firmware or embedded controller.

[0064] For example, when a user inserts the tablet into the base and fastens the locking assembly 203, the physical movement of the locking assembly 203 can trigger the internal detection switch to close (or open). The change in the switch's state then causes a level transition on the connected detection pin (e.g., from high to low). This level transition signal can be input to the host unit 202 as a control signal in step S101. After the host unit 202 receives this signal, it can proceed to the S102 process, initiating the step of switching the display unit 201 from a hot-swappable function type (or a non-connected state) to a brightness adjustment type.

[0065] In this embodiment, by setting a linkage mechanism between the locking component 203 and the hot-swappable pin, the connection status change of the display unit 201 can be detected in real time, thereby generating a corresponding detection signal and realizing dynamic monitoring of the connection status of the display unit 201. This allows for timely notification to the system to switch display modes. It enables the hot-swapping function of the display unit 201 without powering off, improving system flexibility and user experience.

[0066] In some embodiments, step S102 can be implemented by steps S1021 and S1022.

[0067] Step S1021: According to the control signal, the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface between the display unit and the host unit is switched from the first signal type to the second signal type.

[0068] The device type of the display unit is matched with the signal type of the display signal, which includes a signal type for indicating brightness adjustment and a signal type for indicating hot-plugging.

[0069] In this embodiment, the signal type of the display signal can refer to the functional characteristics of the underlying protocol stack carrying video data, specifically including signal types for indicating brightness adjustment. The signal type for indicating brightness adjustment can correspond to the eDP protocol stack or its functional equivalent; the physical link or auxiliary channel (AUXCH) corresponding to this signal type embeds a command set and timing specifically for backlight control and panel power management. It can also include signal types for indicating hot-plugging. The signal type for indicating hot-plugging can correspond to the standard DisplayPort or HDMI protocol stack; this signal type includes a complete hot-plug detection (HPD) state machine, a plug-and-play EDID reading mechanism, and dynamic link training capabilities.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the switching of the signal type of the display signal from the first signal type to the second signal type can be performed by a multiplexer (MUX).

[0071] Specifically, the host unit's graphics processing unit (GPU) can simultaneously generate both eDP and standard DP signals. A high-speed video switch (MUX) controlled by an embedded controller can select one of the signals to route to the physical connector based on the control signal.

[0072] It should be noted that when the signal type is switched to a signal type used to indicate brightness adjustment (i.e., eDP type), the operating system will naturally recognize it as a type that supports brightness adjustment after interacting with it, and vice versa.

[0073] Step S1022: In response to the display signal being displayed to the display unit according to the second signal type, determine that the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type.

[0074] In this step, if the link is successfully established and the image is displayed correctly, it can be determined that the display signal is displayed to the display unit according to the second signal type. Specifically, if the display unit can stably receive and synchronize the display signal sent by the host unit according to the new signal type (second signal type), it can be determined that the link between the display unit and the host unit is successfully established; and if the display unit can present the expected, error-free image based on the display signal, it can be determined that the host unit has successfully displayed the image correctly on the display unit.

[0075] When the display signal is displayed to the display unit according to the second signal type, it can be determined that the device type of the display unit has switched from the first device type to the second device type.

[0076] By employing the above technical solution and forcibly matching the signal type with the device type, it can be ensured that when the operating system recognizes it as a built-in display, its underlying physical link does indeed support eDP brightness control commands; and when it recognizes it as an external display, the link does indeed support standard hot-swapping. This eliminates the risk of function and interface mismatch.

[0077] In some embodiments, in response to the detection signal indicating that the insertion state of the latch assembly has switched from a first state to a second state, the signal type of the display signal is switched from a first signal type to a second signal type.

[0078] Specifically, the latch assembly's insertion state can be represented as closed or open, corresponding to the first state and the second state, respectively. When the latch assembly is in the closed state, it indicates that the display unit has been correctly installed; when the latch assembly is in the open state, it indicates that the display unit is being removed or inserted.

[0079] The transition from the first to the second state of the latching assembly signifies a change in its position or connection. This transition can occur when the user manually pries open the screen cover. In this solution, the user's intention to perform a hot-plug operation can be determined by detecting this transition, and the transmission method of the display signal can be adjusted accordingly.

[0080] In practical applications, when a user pries open the screen cover while the device is powered on, causing the latch assembly to change from a closed to an open state, the system receives a detection signal via GPIO. The embedded controller (EC) then notifies the central processing unit (CPU) via the SM Bus to switch the display signal. Upon receiving the instruction, the CPU switches the output type of the Digital Display Interface (DDI) from Embedded Display Port (eDP) to Display Port (DP), enabling the operating system to recognize the current display unit as an external monitor and thus supporting hot-swapping. When the user reinserts the display unit and closes the latch assembly, the system switches back to Embedded Display Port (eDP) mode, restoring the function of the built-in display.

[0081] In this way, by detecting changes in the insertion status of the latching component and responsively switching the display signal type, dynamic adaptation of the display signal is achieved, thereby providing stable display output in different scenarios.

[0082] In this embodiment, in response to a display signal indicating brightness adjustment, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from a hot-swappable type to a brightness adjustment type; and in response to a display signal indicating hot-swapping, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from a brightness adjustment type to a hot-swappable type.

[0083] In one possible implementation, when a display signal indicating brightness adjustment is recognized as being used to control screen brightness adjustment, the device type of the display unit can be switched from a hot-swappable type to a brightness adjustment type. This switching operation indicates that the display unit is no longer in hot-swappable mode but has entered normal display mode, allowing the operating system to perform brightness adjustment operations on the display unit.

[0084] Brightness adjustment refers to the function of adjusting the monitor's backlight brightness through a software interface or hardware buttons. In this solution, brightness adjustment is only allowed when the display signal type is switched to eDP (Embedded DisplayPort). This is because the eDP protocol itself supports the transmission of brightness adjustment commands, while the DP (DisplayPort) protocol does not directly support brightness adjustment in some cases, especially when connected to an external display device.

[0085] In practical applications, when a user inserts a built-in display panel and completes hot-plugging, the system detects a brightness adjustment request. When the system detects a brightness adjustment request, the central processing unit switches the digital display interface output signal from DisplayPort back to Embedded DisplayPort. The operating system can then recognize the display unit as a built-in display device, and the operating system restores the brightness adjustment function.

[0086] With a specific hot-swap control mechanism, the system can immediately restore the display unit to normal display function after a hot-swap operation, avoiding display abnormalities or functional loss caused by signal type incompatibility, thereby effectively improving the user experience. In another possible implementation, when the display signal indicating hot-plugging is recognized as indicating hot-plug functionality, the device type of the display unit can be switched from a brightness adjustment-supporting type to a hot-plugging-supporting type. This switching operation indicates that the display unit has entered a hot-plug-ready state. The operating system will no longer perform brightness adjustment operations on the display unit, but will instead treat it as an external display device.

[0087] Hot-swapping refers to the ability of a user to safely remove or insert a display device during system operation without causing system crashes or display interruptions. In this solution, when a user wishes to replace the display unit, the system uses a latch module to mechanically interact with the embedded controller (EC) chip and the central processing unit (CPU), thereby triggering the Digital Display Interface (DDI) signal to switch from the embedded display port (eDP) protocol to the display port (DP) protocol, thus supporting hot-swapping operations.

[0088] In practical applications, when the user removes the display unit, the latch module triggers the GPIO module to send a notification to the EC (Engineer Controller). The EC module then sends a notification to the CPU via the bus. The CPU module subsequently switches the DDI interface type, converting the display signal to DP output format. Once the operating system detects that the display unit is an external display device, it stops providing brightness adjustment functionality but continues to support hot-swapping.

[0089] By adopting the above technical solution, the device type of the display unit can be dynamically switched according to the content of the display signal, allowing for flexible switching of the display signal type in different usage scenarios. This dynamic switching method simultaneously meets the needs of brightness adjustment and hot-swapping, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the display system and ultimately enabling more efficient display management.

[0090] Considering that the physical form of a 2-in-1, flip-up, or foldable device determines its optimal usage mode, relying solely on connection status to determine the device type can lead to a mismatch where the form changes but the functionality remains the same.

[0091] For example, a user flips the screen of a 2-in-1 device 180 degrees so that the screen faces outwards to display content to others. In this case, the data interface (such as an eDP connector or USB-C) between the display unit (screen) and the host unit (keyboard / dock) remains electrically connected. Based on this connection state, the system firmware and operating system will continue to recognize it as a built-in display connected via eDP. This prevents the display unit from being easily set to a second-screen-only mode for wired projection, and also causes the touchpad / keyboard to remain in laptop mode as the primary input, when in fact the user might prefer screen touch or an external remote control to be the focus.

[0092] Therefore, in some embodiments, step S101 can be implemented by the following steps.

[0093] Step S1011: Obtain the attitude detection signal of the display unit.

[0094] The attitude detection signal is a signal triggered when the angle change of the display unit is not less than a preset angle threshold.

[0095] In this step, the attitude detection signal is acquired through the attitude sensing module built into the device. This module is used to monitor the spatial angle and / or orientation changes of the display unit relative to the host unit or relative to the direction of gravity in real time or periodically.

[0096] Specifically, in devices with a hinge structure, the opening angle between the display unit and the host unit can be directly measured by integrating Hall sensors, magnetic encoders, or potentiometers at the hinge; inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes can be integrated into the display unit and / or host unit, and attitude information such as pitch and roll angles of the display unit can be calculated through sensor data fusion algorithms; and optical sensors can be used to determine the orientation of the display unit.

[0097] In some embodiments, before the user physically unplugs the display unit, the host unit can detect the user's intention to share in advance through attitude detection signals, and proactively switch the device type from built-in to external / hot-swappable. This enables the device to shift from passively responding to connection events to proactively responding to user intentions.

[0098] It should be noted that the preset angle threshold can be a non-fixed value, that is, it can be a strategy parameter corresponding to the device state machine and the usage scenario.

[0099] In one possible implementation, to prevent frequent mode switching caused by oscillations around the threshold, the threshold can be set as a hysteresis range. For example, considering that a user holding a 2-in-1 laptop will experience slight wobbling between 169° and 171°, the threshold for entering "sharing mode" from "laptop mode" can be set to >170°, while the threshold for returning from "sharing mode" can be set to <160°. This ensures the stability and determinism of mode switching.

[0100] In another possible implementation, a preset time threshold can be set based on a preset angle threshold. That is, the angle change not only needs to exceed the amplitude threshold, but also needs to last for a certain period of time (such as 200 milliseconds). This can filter out non-intentional actions of users quickly flipping the screen and then flipping it back.

[0101] In another possible implementation, the decision to enter "sharing mode" can also be set as a composite condition. For example, this composite condition can be expressed as: (hinge angle > 170°) AND (duration > 200ms) AND (front light sensor reading change > threshold) AND (IMU roll angle indicates the device is approximately horizontal). Such multi-condition decision-making can improve the accuracy of intent recognition.

[0102] The above step S102 can be achieved through the following steps.

[0103] Step S1023: Based on the attitude detection signal, the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface between the display unit and the host unit is switched from the third signal type to the fourth signal type.

[0104] The device type of the display unit is matched with the signal type of the display signal, which includes a signal type for indicating brightness adjustment and a signal type for indicating hot-plugging.

[0105] Step S1024: When the display signal is displayed to the display unit according to the fourth signal type, determine that the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type.

[0106] In some embodiments, in response to the attitude detection signal meeting a first preset condition, the signal type of the display signal may be switched from a signal type for indicating hot-plugging to a signal type for indicating brightness adjustment, and then in response to the display signal indicating brightness adjustment, the device type of the display unit may be switched from a hot-plugging function type to a brightness adjustment type.

[0107] The first preset condition may be a trigger condition that indicates the display unit to return from an external or discrete usage mode corresponding to its physical posture to a usage mode that is closely integrated with the host unit or as a built-in device.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the first preset condition may include the hinge angle transitioning from a large angle range to a small closed angle range. For example, the device changes from a tent mode, sharing mode, or tablet-detached posture with an unfolded angle greater than 150 degrees, to a classic laptop mode with a hinge angle between approximately 90 and 120 degrees, or further to a closed mode range of less than 10 degrees. In another possible implementation, the first preset condition may also include the spatial orientation returning from a direction away from the user to a direction facing the user. For example, when the screen normal vector of the display unit rotates from a direction away from the user (e.g., towards the external environment) to a general direction pointing towards the user. In this embodiment, when the attitude detection signal meets the first preset condition, it can be assumed that the user's intention is to end the external display or separate the device, returning to the integrated personal computing experience. Therefore, the signal type of the display signal can be switched from a signal type indicating hot-plugging to a signal type indicating brightness adjustment. Accordingly, the device type of the display unit is switched from a hot-plugging support type back to a brightness adjustment support type. This restores deeply integrated built-in display functions such as operating system-level brightness control and panel self-refresh, and applies matching power and management strategies.

[0109] In some embodiments, in response to the attitude detection signal meeting a second preset condition, the signal type of the display signal is switched from a signal type indicating brightness adjustment to a signal type indicating hot-plugging; in response to the display signal indicating hot-plugging, the device type of the display unit is determined to be switched from a brightness adjustment support type to a hot-plug support type.

[0110] The second preset condition may be a trigger condition that indicates the display unit to switch from a built-in or integrated usage mode corresponding to its physical posture to a mode suitable for external display, sharing or use as a stand-alone display device.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the second preset condition may include the hinge angle transitioning from a small angle range to a large angle range. For example, it could change from a "notebook mode" (approximately 90-120 degrees) to a "tent mode" or "sharing mode" with a hinge angle greater than 150 degrees, or even close to 180 degrees or 360 degrees. In another possible implementation, the second preset condition may also include sensor mode matching. For example, when flipping to nearly 360 degrees, a sensor located on the back of the display unit (such as a Hall sensor) detects an attraction or separation event from a magnet on the host unit, explicitly indicating a physical separation action.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the attitude detection signal meets the second preset condition, it can be assumed that the user's intention is to begin content sharing, engage in multi-screen collaboration, or prepare to use the display unit as an independent device. Therefore, the signal type of the display signal can be switched from a signal type indicating brightness adjustment to a signal type indicating hot-plugging. Correspondingly, the device type of the display unit switches from supporting brightness adjustment to supporting hot-plugging. This makes the display unit more flexible and independent, facilitating operations such as screen rotation, multi-monitor expansion, and wired projection.

[0113] By adopting the above technical solution, it is possible to accurately and reliably identify the user's intention to switch functions by changing the device form, thereby driving the precise and automatic switching between the underlying display protocol and the upper-layer device type, and ultimately realizing the intelligent and dynamic matching of device functions and physical usage forms.

[0114] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides an electronic device. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device 300 includes a display unit 301, a host unit 302, and a detection unit 303, wherein: The host unit 302 is used to switch the device type of the display unit from a first device type to a second device type based on a control signal, so as to control the display unit 301 to display using the second device type; wherein, the device type includes a type that supports brightness adjustment and a type that supports hot-swapping function, and the first device type is different from the second device type.

[0115] The description of the system-side embodiments above is similar to that of the method embodiments above, and has similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0116] The following describes the application of the control method provided in the embodiments of this application in a real-world scenario, which can be used in eDP hot-swappable schemes under Detachable architecture.

[0117] For current computer displays, Microsoft certification recognizes them as built-in displays. Therefore, the display signal must be connected via eDP (an interface based on the DisplayPort protocol) and then converted to the required display signal for the display unit. It cannot be converted via DP or HDMI, otherwise it will cause problems such as inability to adjust screen brightness and Microsoft certification failure. However, eDP signals themselves cannot be hot-swapped. In a detachable architecture, if a user attempts to hot-swap, it will result in the screen not displaying, causing inconvenience.

[0118] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a switching scheme between eDP and DP, which leverages the advantages of both eDP and DP to dynamically switch signals between different scenarios. Using the embodiments of this application, not only can the Microsoft certification requirements be met in normal use scenarios, but the signal can also be switched in hot-plugging scenarios to ensure normal display after hot-plugging.

[0119] In this embodiment, the latch structure (locking mechanism) under the detachable architecture can link the EC (embedded controller) and the CPU, enabling dynamic switching of the display signal and allowing the operating system to switch between the built-in and external display units, thereby realizing the design scheme of hot-swappable display units.

[0120] Under normal power-on conditions, such as Figure 4 As shown, the default DDI port (display data channel port) can be set to eDP output to the panel, in which case normal display and backlight adjustment can be performed, which can meet the requirements of Microsoft certification.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the architecture of a display signal switching embodiment provided in this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the embedded controller (EC) can control the central processing unit (CPU) to switch the working mode of its internal display data interface (DDI) based on the physical state of the latch, thereby changing the way the operating system (OS) recognizes the screen.

[0122] The method can be implemented through the following steps.

[0123] S1. The user performs the latch release action.

[0124] S2, EC (embedded controller) detected that the latch has been opened.

[0125] S3 and EC send instructions to the CPU via SMBUS (System Management Bus).

[0126] S4. After receiving the instruction, the CPU executes the Config DDI switch operation. Specifically, it switches the output signal of the corresponding DDI port from the eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) protocol to the standard DP (DisplayPort) protocol.

[0127] At this point, the signal path points to the External panel logic, and from the OS's (host unit's) perspective, the port is now recognized as a standard, hot-pluggable DP external display.

[0128] It should be noted that this switch is completed before the physical disconnection, so that the subsequent screen removal operation is equivalent to unplugging a regular external monitor from the operating system's perspective, thus avoiding system errors or display failures that may be caused by a sudden interruption of the eDP link.

[0129] The method can also be implemented through the following steps.

[0130] W1, System starts (or the latch is pulled back and closed).

[0131] W2 and EC transmit the current integrated form information to the CPU via SMBUS.

[0132] W3. The CPU executes the Config DDI switch to configure the DDI port to output the eDP protocol.

[0133] At this point, the signal path points to the Panel (built-in panel), and the OS correctly identifies it as a built-in display connected via eDP.

[0134] This ensures that the operating system can enable all features specific to the built-in display, such as the system brightness slider, automatic brightness adjustment, and precise panel power management. Furthermore, this connection method fully complies with the mandatory requirements of hardware certifications such as Microsoft WHQL and is the default state for both factory shipment and daily use.

[0135] Figure 6 This is another display signal switching architecture flowchart provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, by detecting the physical state of the Box Latch, the output protocol of the Display Data Interface (DDI) in the central processing unit (CPU) is dynamically switched, thereby intelligently managing the device identity of the display unit to simultaneously meet the combined requirements of system authentication (WHQL) and hardware connectivity.

[0136] This method can be implemented through the following steps.

[0137] T1. When the user engages the detachable display unit (such as the tablet part) with the host unit (such as the keyboard dock) through the latch and then pulls the latch back (locks it), this mechanical action is converted into an electrical signal.

[0138] T2, the embedded controller (EC) acts as a hardware management unit, detecting the locked state of the latch in real time.

[0139] T3 and EC send control commands to the CPU via the System Management Bus (SMBUS) to notify the system that it is currently in an integrated state.

[0140] T4. After receiving the instruction, the CPU's internal display engine performs the "Config DDI switch" operation.

[0141] Specifically, the output signal protocol of the target DDI port can be configured as eDP (Embedded DisplayPort).

[0142] T5 and eDP signals are routed to the device's internal panel for display.

[0143] T6. Because the signal originates from the eDP channel, the operating system (OS) can correctly identify the display unit as an "internal panel." This allows the OS to fully enable features specific to the internal panel, such as system-level brightness adjustment sliders, automatic brightness, and precise power management compliant with panel specifications.

[0144] The embodiments of this application are primarily used to improve the user experience. It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above methods are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0145] This application also provides an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor, and the processor executes the computer program to implement any of the methods described above.

[0146] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method. The computer-readable storage medium can be transient or non-transient.

[0147] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement some or all of the steps in any of the above-described methods. The computer program product can be implemented specifically through hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In one optional embodiment, the computer program product is specifically embodied in a computer storage medium; in another optional embodiment, the computer program product is specifically embodied in a software product, such as a software development kit (SDK), etc.

[0148] It should be noted that, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware entity of an electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the hardware entity of the electronic device 800 includes: a processor 801, a communication interface 802, and a memory 803, wherein: The processor 801 typically controls the overall operation of the electronic device 800.

[0149] Communication interface 802 enables electronic devices to communicate with other terminals or servers via a network.

[0150] The memory 803 is configured to store instructions and applications executable by the processor 801, and can also cache data to be processed or already processed (e.g., image data, audio data, voice communication data, and video communication data) in the processor 801 and various modules in the electronic device 800. It can be implemented using flash memory or random access memory (RAM). Data transfer between the processor 801, the communication interface 802, and the memory 803 can be performed via bus 804.

[0151] It should be noted that the descriptions of the storage medium and device embodiments above are similar to the descriptions of the method embodiments above, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the storage medium and device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0152] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0153] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above steps / processes do not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each step / process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above embodiments of this application are merely descriptive and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0154] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0155] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0156] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0157] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0158] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0159] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and scope of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method, comprising: Acquire control signals; Based on the control signal, the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type, so as to control the display unit to use the second device type for display; The device types include those that support brightness adjustment and those that support hot-swapping, and the first device type is different from the second device type.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the control signal comprises at least one of the following: The control signal is generated in response to a trigger command input by the user, the trigger command including instruction information input by the user to the electronic device where the display unit is located; A control signal is generated in response to a trigger signal from a physical button on the electronic device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein generating a control signal in response to a trigger signal from a physical button on the electronic device comprises: In response to a change in the insertion state of the latching assembly between the display unit and the host unit, a detection signal for the hot-plug pin is triggered; The detection signal is used as the control signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein switching the device type of the display unit from a first device type to a second device type based on the control signal includes: According to the control signal, the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface between the display unit and the host unit is switched from a first signal type to a second signal type, wherein the device type of the display unit matches the signal type of the display signal, and the signal type of the display signal includes a signal type for indicating brightness adjustment and a signal type for indicating hot-plugging; In response to the display signal being displayed to the display unit according to the second signal type, it is determined that the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein switching the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface from a first signal type to a second signal type according to the control signal comprises: In response to the detection signal indicating that the insertion state of the latch assembly has switched from a first state to a second state, the signal type of the display signal is switched from a first signal type to a second signal type.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein determining the device type of the display unit to switch from the first device type to the second device type comprises: In response to the display signal indicating brightness adjustment, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from the hot-swap support type to the brightness adjustment support type; In response to the display signal indicating hot-plugging, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from the brightness adjustment support type to the hot-plug support type.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein acquiring the control signal comprises: Acquire the attitude detection signal of the display unit; wherein, the attitude detection signal is a signal triggered when the angle change of the display unit is not less than a preset angle threshold; The step of switching the device type of the display unit from a first device type to a second device type based on the control signal includes: Based on the attitude detection signal, the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface between the display unit and the host unit is switched from the third signal type to the fourth signal type. The device type of the display unit matches the signal type of the display signal. The signal type of the display signal includes a signal type for indicating brightness adjustment and a signal type for indicating hot-plugging. When the display signal is displayed to the display unit according to the fourth signal type, it is determined that the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein switching the signal type of the display signal output by the data interface from a third signal type to a fourth signal type based on the attitude detection signal comprises: In response to the attitude detection signal satisfying a first preset condition, the signal type of the display signal is switched from the signal type used to indicate hot-plugging to the signal type used to indicate brightness adjustment; The step of determining whether the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type includes: In response to the display signal indicating brightness adjustment, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from the hot-swappable type to the brightness-adjustable type.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to the attitude detection signal satisfying the second preset condition, the signal type of the display signal is switched from the signal type used to indicate brightness adjustment to the signal type used to indicate hot-plugging. The step of determining whether the device type of the display unit is switched from the first device type to the second device type includes: In response to the display signal indicating hot-plugging, the device type of the display unit is determined to switch from the brightness adjustment support type to the hot-plug support type.

10. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising a display unit, a host unit, and a detection unit; wherein, The detection unit is used to detect the connection status or relative posture between the display unit and the host unit, and generate control signals based on the detection results; The host unit is configured to switch the device type of the display unit from a first device type to a second device type based on the control signal, so as to control the display unit to display using the second device type; wherein, the device type includes a type that supports brightness adjustment and a type that supports hot-swapping function, and the first device type is different from the second device type.

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