Electronic device, electronic system and operating method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device, an electronic system and an operation method thereof. The electronic device comprises a processor and a controller. The controller is coupled to the processor. The controller receives an input signal from an input device. The controller executes a first control operation according to the input signal based on the lookup table, or transmits the input signal to the processor based on the lookup table, so that the processor executes a second control operation according to the input signal. Therefore, the electronic device can improve the efficiency of the control operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device, electronic system, and method of operation thereof that uses an input device to perform control operations. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, users operate a computer using input devices. An input device is, for example, a keyboard that uses a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. When one or more keys on the keyboard are pressed, the keyboard generates a corresponding input signal. The keyboard transmits the input signal to the computer's processor via the USB interface, allowing the processor to perform corresponding control operations based on the input signal.

[0003] However, when the computer is busy, the current input signals are limited by the bandwidth of the USB interface and cannot be efficiently transmitted to the processor, which in turn causes the processor to be unable to execute the corresponding control operations in a timely manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an electronic device that can improve the efficiency of control operations corresponding to input devices.

[0005] The electronic device of this invention includes a processor and a controller. The controller is coupled to the processor. The controller is configured to receive input signals from an input device. The controller is configured to perform a first control operation based on a lookup table and the input signals, or to transmit the input signals to the processor based on a lookup table, so that the processor performs a second control operation based on the input signals.

[0006] This invention also provides an electronic system. The electronic system includes an input device and an electronic device. The input device generates an input signal. The electronic device is coupled to the input device. The electronic device includes a processor and a controller. The controller is coupled to the processor and the input device. The controller receives the input signal. The controller performs a first control operation based on a lookup table and the input signal, or transmits the input signal to the processor based on the lookup table, so that the processor performs a second control operation based on the input signal.

[0007] This invention also provides an operating method for an electronic system. The operating method includes the following steps: generating an input signal via an input device and transmitting the input signal to a controller; executing a first control operation based on a lookup table and the input signal via the controller, or transmitting the input signal to a processor via the controller based on a lookup table, so that the processor executes a second control operation based on the input signal.

[0008] Based on the above, the electronic device, electronic system, and operating method of the present invention use an input device to obtain an input signal, and the controller determines whether to directly execute the control operation corresponding to the input signal based on a lookup table, so as to execute the corresponding control operation in real time without being affected by the bandwidth of the transmission interface.

[0009] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic system illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 Based on the present invention Figure 3 The operation flowchart of the electronic device illustrated in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 Based on the present invention Figure 3 The operation flowchart of the electronic device illustrated in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an operational schematic diagram of an electronic system illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0017] 10, 60: Electronic systems

[0018] 100, 300, 600: Electronic devices

[0019] 110, 310, 610: Controller

[0020] 120, 320, 620: Processor

[0021] 200, 800: Input devices

[0022] 311: Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface

[0023] 312: General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) Interface

[0024] 313: Host Interface

[0025] 314: LPC and PNPCFG logic device interface

[0026] 315: Embedded Controller (EC) Bus Interface

[0027] 316: Internal bus interface

[0028] 340: Keyboard Controller

[0029] 350, 650: Operating System

[0030] 820: Lighting Fixtures

[0031] 830: Fence device

[0032] 831: Relay

[0033] 832: Fence

[0034] LUT: Lookup Table

[0035] S210~S230, S410~S480, S510~S550: Steps

[0036] S1: Input signal

[0037] SC1: First control signal Detailed Implementation

[0038] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Component symbols used in the following description, when appearing in different drawings, are considered to be the same or similar components. These embodiments are only a part of the present invention and do not disclose all possible implementations of the invention. More precisely, these embodiments are merely examples within the scope of the present invention's patent application.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 1 The electronic system 10 includes an electronic device 100 and an input device 200. The electronic device 100 is coupled to the input device 200. The user can perform control operations on the electronic device 100 through the input device 200 to enable the electronic device 100 to perform corresponding functions.

[0040] In this embodiment, the input device 200 can be externally connected to the electronic device 100 via an input connection terminal (not shown) in the electronic device 100. The input device 200 is a Human Interface Device (HID) that uses the USB transmission standard. The input device 200 is, for example, a keyboard, or an electronic device with multiple keys to implement keyboard functions. In some embodiments, the input device 200 can be connected to the electronic device 100 wirelessly.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a desktop computer. The electronic device 100 includes a controller 110 and a processor 120. The controller 110 is coupled to the processor 120 and an input device 200.

[0042] In this embodiment, the controller 110 is, for example, an embedded controller (EC), a power delivery (PD) controller, or other similar device or a combination of these devices, which can load and execute computer program-related firmware or software to achieve control and execution functions.

[0043] In this embodiment, the processor 120 is, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a signal converter, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), or other programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), programmable controller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (PLD), or other similar device or combination of these devices, which can load and execute relevant firmware or software to realize control and execution functions.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The electronic system 10 executes steps S210 to S230. The order of these steps S210 to S230 is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting.

[0045] In step S210, in response to the user's operation on the input device 200 (e.g., pressing a key on the input device 200), the input device 200 generates an input signal S1 and transmits the input signal S1 to the controller 110. The input signal S1 indicates the user's control command to operate the input device 200.

[0046] Next, the controller 110 receives the input signal S1. Furthermore, the controller 110 accesses a lookup table (LUT). The lookup table (LUT) indicates the correspondence between the control command and control operation corresponding to the input device 200. The lookup table (LUT) is stored, for example, in the controller 110, or in the memory (not shown) of the electronic device 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, the controller 110 determines whether to process the input signal S1 itself or provide it to the processor 120 for processing, based on the lookup table (LUT) and the input signal S1. That is, the controller 110 selectively executes step S220 or step S230 based on the lookup table (LUT) and the input signal S1.

[0048] In step S220, the controller 110 performs a first control operation based on the lookup table (LUT) and the input signal S1. The first control operation is a control operation indicated in the lookup table (LUT). The first control operation may be, for example, controlling the current operating mode of the electronic device 100, or controlling the electronic device 100 to perform various functions applied thereto.

[0049] Alternatively, in step S230, the controller 110 transmits the input signal S1 to the processor 120 based on the lookup table (LUT), so that the processor 120 executes a second control operation according to the input signal S1. The second control operation may be, for example, controlling the current operating mode of the electronic device 100, or controlling the electronic device 100 to perform various functions applied thereto, and is different from the first control operation.

[0050] It is worth mentioning that by using a lookup table (LUT) to selectively process the input signal S1 based on the input signal S1, the electronic device 100 can directly execute the control operation corresponding to the input signal S1. Thus, the electronic device 100 is freed from transmitting the input signal S1 to other control elements (e.g., the processor 320) and is unaffected by the bandwidth of the transmission interface, thereby responding to the input signal S1 and executing the corresponding control operation in real time.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 3 The electronic device 300 uses the USB transmission standard. The electronic device 300 includes a controller 310 and a processor 320. The electronic device 300 can be used in... Figure 1 In the electronic system 10, the electronic device 300 is also coupled to an input device (e.g., an input device). Figure 1 The input device 200 shown is used for input device operation. The controller 310, processor 320 and input device can be deduced by referring to the relevant description of electronic device 100.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, controller 310 uses the USB HID protocol to receive input signal S1 from the input device. Controller 310 is, for example, an embedded controller (EC) and is implemented, for example, as an integrated circuit.

[0053] In this embodiment, the controller 310 includes multiple blocks and multiple buses to illustrate the internal functions of the embedded controller. For example, the multiple blocks include a USB interface 311, a General-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface 312, a host interface 313, and an LPC (Low Pin Count) and PNPCFG logic device interface 314, etc. The multiple buses include an EC bus interface 315 and an internal bus interface 316.

[0054] In this embodiment, the electronic device 300 further includes a keyboard controller (KBC) 340. The keyboard controller 340 is coupled to the controller 310 and the processor 320. The keyboard controller 340 is implemented, for example, as an integrated circuit. The keyboard controller 340 is, for example, integrated into the controller 310.

[0055] In this embodiment, the electronic device 300 also includes an operating system (OS) 350. The operating system 350 is coupled to the controller 310 via a processor 320.

[0056] Figure 4 Based on the present invention Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device in the embodiment. (See reference) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The electronic device 300 executes steps S410 to S480. These steps S410 to S480 are applied in the operating mode of the electronic device 300. The order of these steps S410 to S480 is only for illustrative purposes and is not limited thereto.

[0057] In step S410, multiple buttons on the input device are pressed to generate an input signal S1. In this embodiment, the input signal S1 corresponds to a key code formed by the combination of multiple buttons, indicating a control command for the target.

[0058] In this embodiment, multiple keys on the input device are pressed simultaneously. These pressed keys include modifier keys and at least one non-modifier key. Modifier keys are, for example, "Shift," "Ctrl," "Alt," "Win" (i.e., the Windows logo), or keys used in combination with other keys to indicate specific functions. Non-modifier keys are, for example, various letter keys or number keys. Non-modifier keys can also be referred to as generic keys.

[0059] In step S420, the controller 310 receives the input signal S1. Specifically, the controller 310 receives and transmits the input signal S1 from the input device via the USB interface 311 and the EC bus interface 315, and also receives the input signal S1 via the host interface 313. Furthermore, the controller 310 accesses the lookup table (LUT) via the host interface 313.

[0060] In step S430, the controller 310 searches the lookup table (LUT) through the host interface 313 according to the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 to obtain the lookup result. The lookup result indicates the control operation corresponding to the aforementioned key code.

[0061] In this embodiment, the lookup table (LUT) includes the correspondence between key codes and control operations. The key codes in the LUT include those corresponding to a single modifier key and combinations of multiple non-modifier keys. In other words, the LUT indicates the correspondence between key combinations of modifier keys and multiple non-modifier keys and control operations.

[0062] It should be noted that because the hotkeys preset by the operating system 350 are limited by the bandwidth of the transmission interface (including interfaces 315 and 316 using the USB transmission standard), the preset hotkeys consist of a single modifier key and a single non-modifier key. Unlike the preset hotkey combinations, the key combinations in the lookup table (LUT) consist of a single modifier key and multiple non-modifier keys (e.g., two, or even six). In this way, the key combinations in the lookup table (LUT) do not conflict with the preset hotkeys of the operating system 350 and can indicate their respective shortcut functions.

[0063] For example, a key combination in a lookup table (LUT) includes the modifier key "Alt", the unmodifier key "G", and the unmodifier key "P". This key combination indicates control of the media device connected to the GPIO interface 312. As another example, a key combination in a lookup table (LUT) includes the modifier key "Alt", the unmodifier key "P", and the unmodifier key "R". This key combination indicates control of the power module of the electronic device 300 (e.g., the "HW RESET SYSTEM" module) to switch the current operating mode of the electronic device 300.

[0064] In some embodiments, the key codes in the lookup table (LUT) include key codes corresponding to combinations of a single modifier key and a single non-modifier key. The aforementioned key combinations differ from the hotkeys preset by the operating system 350.

[0065] Next, the electronic device 300 executes steps S440 to S480 to continue the control operation in the working mode. Specifically, the controller 310 generates a first control signal SC1 through the host interface 313 according to the search result in step S430 to execute a first control operation according to the first control signal SC1, or transmits the input signal S1 to the processor 320 through the keyboard controller 340.

[0066] In other words, when the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 matches the key code in the lookup table LUT, it indicates that the lookup result suggests that the control operation corresponding to this key code can be processed by the controller 310. The electronic device 300 continues with steps S440 to S470.

[0067] In step S440, when the electronic device 300 is operating in the working mode, the controller 310 determines whether the search result indicates the execution of a first control operation (e.g., a peripheral event) to generate a first control signal SC1.

[0068] Next, in step S450, based on the result of the determination in step S440, the controller 310 executes peripheral events according to the first control signal SC1 to control the media device used by the electronic device 300.

[0069] Specifically, the controller 310 transmits the first control signal SC1 to the GPIO interface 312 via the host interface 313, so that the first control signal SC1 is output to the controlled media device via the GPIO interface 312. The media device operates according to the first control signal SC1 to achieve the corresponding function.

[0070] In this embodiment, peripheral events are, for example, control operations of the media device used by the electronic device 300, thereby realizing various functions applied by the electronic device 300. Peripheral events include, for example, control operations such as controlling the brightness of the display of the electronic device 300 and adjusting the volume of the electronic device 300.

[0071] In step S460, based on the negative result in step S440, the controller 310 further determines whether the search result indicates the execution of another first control operation (e.g., a shutdown event) to generate a first control signal SC1. In some embodiments, the controller 310 first determines whether the search result indicates the execution of a shutdown event, and after obtaining a negative result, continues to determine whether the search result indicates the execution of a peripheral event.

[0072] Next, in step S470, based on the result of the determination in step S460, the controller 310 executes a shutdown event according to the first control signal SC1 to put the electronic device 300 into a non-working mode.

[0073] Specifically, the controller 310 outputs the first control signal SC1 to the power module of the electronic device 300 via the host interface 313. The power module operates according to the first control signal SC1 to switch from the working mode to the non-working mode.

[0074] In this embodiment, a power-off event is, for example, a control operation that switches the electronic device 300 from an operating mode to a power-off mode. In some embodiments, the power-off event in steps S460 to S470 may be replaced by a sleep event to switch the electronic device 300 from an operating mode to a sleep mode.

[0075] On the other hand, when the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 does not match the key code in the lookup table LUT, it indicates that the lookup result suggests that the control operation corresponding to this key code cannot be processed by the controller 310 itself, but is processed by other control elements (e.g., processor 320). The electronic device 300 continues with step S480.

[0076] In step S480, the controller 310 transmits the input signal S1 to the processor 320 via the keyboard controller 340 based on the search result. Specifically, based on the negative results of steps S440 and S460, the keyboard controller 340 receives the input signal S1 transmitted from the host interface 313 of the controller 310. The keyboard controller 340 transmits the input signal S1 to the processor 320 via the internal bus interface 316 and the LPC and PNPCFG logic device interface 314.

[0077] Continuing with the above description, when the processor 320 receives the input signal S1 transmitted by the controller 310, the processor 320 executes the second control operation according to the key code corresponding to the input signal S1. In this embodiment, the processor 320 transmits the input signal S1 to the operating system 350, so that the operating system 350 executes the second control operation according to the input signal S1.

[0078] It should be noted that the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 in step S480 is different from the key code in the lookup table (LUT). This key code corresponding to the input signal S1 is, for example, the key code of a hotkey preset by the operating system 350. That is to say, the second control operation is, for example, the control operation corresponding to a preset hotkey.

[0079] Figure 5 Based on the present invention Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device in the embodiment. (See reference) Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The electronic device 300 executes steps S510 to S550. These steps S510 to S550 can be applied in the non-operating mode of the electronic device 300. The order of these steps S510 to S550 is only for illustrative purposes and is not limited thereto. Non-operating modes include, for example, power-off mode or sleep mode.

[0080] In step S510, multiple keys on the input device are pressed to generate an input signal S1. In step S520, the controller 310 receives the input signal S1. In step S430, the controller 310 searches the lookup table (LUT) according to the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 to obtain the lookup result. These steps S510 to S530 can be deduced by referring to the relevant descriptions of steps S410 to S430.

[0081] In this embodiment, based on the lookup result in step S530, the electronic device 300 executes steps S540 to S550 to continue control operations in non-operating mode. When the key code corresponding to the input signal S1 matches the key code in the lookup table LUT, it indicates that the lookup result suggests that the control operation corresponding to this key code can be processed automatically by the controller 310.

[0082] In step S540, when the electronic device 300 is operating in a non-working mode, the controller 310 determines whether the search result indicates the execution of a first control operation (e.g., a power-on event or a wake-up event) to generate a first control signal SC1.

[0083] Next, in step S550, based on the result of the determination in step S540, the controller 310 executes a power-on event to power on the electronic device 300, or executes a wake-up event to wake up the electronic device 300, according to the first control signal SC1.

[0084] On the other hand, based on the result of the determination in step S540 being negative, the controller 310 determines that the search result does not indicate the execution of a power-on event or a wake-up event, so that the electronic device 300 remains in a non-working mode.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 6 The electronic system 60 includes an electronic device 600 and an input device 800. The electronic device 600 includes a controller 610, a processor 620, and an operating system 650. The controller 610, processor 620, operating system 650, and input device 800 can be deduced from the relevant description of the electronic device 300.

[0086] exist Figure 6In this embodiment, the media devices used by the electronic device 600 include an external lighting fixture 820 and a wirelessly connected fence device 830. The fence device 830 includes a relay 831 and a fence 832. Figure 6 The media devices and their quantities shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0087] In this embodiment, the user controls the lighting effect of the lamp 820 by pressing a single modifier key and multiple non-modifier keys on the input device 800. Alternatively, the user controls whether the relay 831 is turned on or off by pressing a single modifier key and multiple non-modifier keys on the input device 800, thereby further controlling the opening or closing of the fence 832.

[0088] In summary, the electronic device, electronic system, and operating method of the present invention, through a controller using a lookup table to select whether to process input signals automatically based on the input signals corresponding to multiple keys, or through a keyboard controller to transmit input signals to a processor, can perform specific control operations without being affected by the bandwidth of the transmission interface. In some embodiments, based on the key combinations specified by the lookup table, the controller can avoid accidental activation of preset hotkeys in the operating system. Furthermore, the controller can also power on, power off, or wake up the electronic device in various operating modes.

[0089] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: One processor; as well as A controller, coupled to the processor, is used to: Receive an input signal from an input device; as well as Based on a lookup table, a first control operation is performed according to the input signal; or Based on the lookup table, the input signal is transmitted to the processor so that the processor performs a second control operation according to the input signal.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, This controller is used for: The lookup table is consulted based on the key code corresponding to the input signal to obtain a search result; Based on the search result, a first control signal is generated to execute the first control operation, or the input signal is transmitted to the processor via a keyboard controller.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, When the electronic device is operating in a working mode, the controller is used to control a media device used by the electronic device according to the first control signal.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, When the electronic device is operating in a working mode, the controller is used to cause the electronic device to enter a non-working mode according to the first control signal.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, When the electronic device is operating in a non-working mode, the controller is used to power on or wake up the electronic device according to the first control signal.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The input signal corresponds to a key code formed by combining multiple keys. The lookup table includes the correspondence between key codes and control operations, and the key codes in the lookup table include key codes corresponding to a modifier key and a combination of multiple non-modifier keys.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, This processor is used for: When the input signal transmitted by the controller is received, the second control operation is performed according to the key code corresponding to the input signal, wherein the key code corresponding to the input signal is different from the key code in the lookup table.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A keyboard controller, coupled to the processor and the controller, is used to receive the input signal transmitted from the controller and to transmit the input signal to the processor.

9. An electronic system, characterized in that, include: An input device for generating an input signal; as well as An electronic device coupled to the input device includes a processor and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the processor and the input device, and the controller is used to: Receive the input signal; as well as Based on a lookup table, a first control operation is performed according to the input signal; or Based on the lookup table, the input signal is transmitted to the processor so that the processor performs a second control operation according to the input signal.

10. A method for operating an electronic system, characterized in that, include: An input signal is generated through an input device and transmitted to a controller; as well as The controller performs a first control operation based on the input signal, using a lookup table. or The controller transmits the input signal to a processor based on the lookup table, so that the processor performs a second control operation according to the input signal.

Images