Portable electronic device and transmission control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable electronic device and a transmission control method thereof. The portable electronic device comprises a transmission interface, a power management circuit, a switching circuit and a control circuit. The power management circuit detects whether an external device connected with the transmission interface is a power supply device or a power receiving device. The control circuit controls the switching circuit according to the detection result of the power management circuit. When the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel to be conducted with the transmission interface, the control circuit outputs a device identification signal through the first transmission channel to identify an external device connected with the transmission interface. When the external device can be successfully recognized by the device recognition signal, the control circuit receives an image signal of the external device through the first transmission channel. When the external device cannot be identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the second transmission channel to be conducted with the transmission interface, and the control circuit performs signal transmission with the external device through the second transmission channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a portable electronic device and its transmission control method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing portable camera devices are commonly worn by individuals to capture images of their surroundings. However, because the camera lens is fixed to the body, the shooting angle is limited, and the adjustment of the shooting angle is also constrained by the mounting position, making it inflexible.

[0003] Therefore, some portable camera devices adopt another way of setting up the shooting lens, extending the shooting lens outside the body through a transmission cable, so that the shooting angle of the shooting lens can be more flexible and easier to adjust. However, this method requires the body to have more than one port setting and a longer extension cable to meet diverse operating needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device and its transmission control method in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a portable electronic device, including a transmission interface, a power management circuit, a switching circuit, and a control circuit. The transmission interface is for connecting to an external device. The power management circuit detects whether the external device is a power supply device or a power receiving device. The switching circuit provides a first transmission channel or a second transmission channel connected to the transmission interface. The control circuit controls the switching circuit based on the detection result of the power management circuit. When the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel to connect to the transmission interface, the control circuit outputs a device identification signal through the first transmission channel to identify the external device connected to the transmission interface. When the external device can be successfully identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit receives the image signal of the external device through the first transmission channel. When the external device cannot be identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the second transmission channel to connect to the transmission interface, and the control circuit transmits signals to the external device through the second transmission channel.

[0006] This invention provides a transmission control method for a portable electronic device, comprising: when an external device is connected to the transmission interface of the portable electronic device, detecting that the external device is a power supply device or a power receiving device; controlling a switching circuit of the portable electronic device to select a first transmission channel or a second transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface based on the detection result; when the switching circuit selects the first transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface, outputting a device identification signal through the first transmission channel to identify the external device connected to the transmission interface; when the external device can be successfully identified by the device identification signal, receiving an image signal from the external device through the first transmission channel; and when the external device cannot be identified by the device identification signal, controlling the switching circuit to select the second transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface, and transmitting a signal to the external device through the second channel.

[0007] In summary, the portable electronic device and its transmission control method provided by the embodiments of the present invention enable the portable electronic device to confirm the type of external device through multiple verification methods, and then selectively use the transmission channel compatible with the external device for data transmission, thereby effectively expanding the different functional applications of the portable electronic device on a single transmission interface.

[0008] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device is provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device is provided for embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the content provided in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of the present invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of the present invention in detail, but the content provided is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted to include, as appropriate, any combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0020] This invention provides a portable electronic device and its transmission control method. The portable electronic device is connected to multiple external devices for different purposes through a single transmission interface. The portable electronic device can automatically identify the type of external device and selectively use the transmission channel compatible with the external device. This effectively reduces the number of transmission interfaces used by the portable electronic device and effectively expands the different functional applications of the portable electronic device through a single transmission interface.

[0021] [Examples of architecture used in portable electronic devices]

[0022] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1This invention provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The portable electronic device 1 described in this embodiment has a transmission interface 16, which allows an external device 3 to be connected to the portable electronic device 1. When the portable electronic device 1 is connected to different types of external devices 3, various functional applications of the portable electronic device 1 can be expanded. Furthermore, the portable electronic device 1 includes, but is not limited to, a control circuit 10, a switching circuit 12, and a power management circuit 14. The control circuit 10 is connected to the switching circuit 12 and the power management circuit 14, and the transmission interface 16 is connected to the switching circuit 12 and the power management circuit 14.

[0023] There are multiple transmission channels between the control circuit 10 and the switching circuit 12, and the control circuit 10 can control the switching circuit 12 to select one of the transmission channels to connect to the transmission interface 16. Figure 1 For example, the architecture includes a first transmission channel C1 and a second transmission channel C2 between the control circuit 10 and the switching circuit 12. When the switching circuit 12 selects the first transmission channel C1 to connect with the transmission interface 16, the first transmission interface 101 of the control circuit 10 transmits data through the first transmission channel C1 using a first transmission protocol. When the switching circuit 12 selects the second transmission channel C2 to connect with the transmission interface 16, the second transmission interface 102 of the control circuit 10 transmits data through the second transmission channel C2 using a second transmission protocol.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 based on the detection result of the power management circuit 14. When an external device 3 is connected to the transmission interface 16, i.e., the external device 3 is plugged into the portable electronic device 1, the power management circuit 14 can detect the type of the external device through the transmission interface 16. For example, the external device 3 can be a power supply device or a power receiving device. When the external device 3 is a power supply device, the power management circuit 14 can obtain power from the power supply device through the transmission interface 16. That is, the portable electronic device 1 can charge its internal rechargeable battery according to the power supply device. This rechargeable battery can be integrated into the power management circuit 14 or set independently outside the power management circuit 14. When the external device 3 is a power receiving device, the power management circuit 14 can supply power to the power receiving device through the transmission interface.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 to connect the first transmission channel C1 to the transmission interface 16, the control circuit 10 outputs a device identification signal through the first transmission channel C1 to identify the external device 3 connected to the transmission interface 16. When the external device 3 can be successfully identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit 10 can receive the external signal from the external device 3 through the first transmission channel C1. For example, when the external device 3 is a camera device, the external signal at this time is an image signal. On the other hand, when the external device 3 cannot be identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 to connect the second transmission channel C2 to the transmission interface 16, and the control circuit 10 can then transmit signals to the external device 3 through the second transmission channel C2.

[0026] For example, when the power management circuit 14 detects that the external device 3 is a powered device, the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 to select the first transmission channel C1. The control circuit 10 outputs a device identification signal through the first transmission channel C1 to identify whether the powered device can be successfully identified by the portable electronic device 1. When the powered device can be successfully identified by the portable electronic device 1, the transmission signal between the portable electronic device 1 and the powered device is transmitted in accordance with the first transmission protocol. On the other hand, when the powered device cannot be successfully identified by the portable electronic device 1, it means that the transmission signal between the portable electronic device 1 and the powered device cannot be transmitted in accordance with the first transmission protocol, and at this time, the external device 3 is not a powered device but may be a power supply device. Therefore, the control circuit 10 then controls the switching circuit 12 to select the second transmission channel C2, and the transmission signal between the portable electronic device 1 and the power supply device is then transmitted in accordance with the second transmission protocol.

[0027] In one embodiment, when the power management circuit 14 detects that the external device 3 is a power supply device, the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 to select the second transmission channel C2, and then the transmission signal between the portable electronic device 1 and the power supply device is transmitted in accordance with the second transmission protocol.

[0028] In other embodiments, when the power management circuit 14 detects that the external device 3 is plugged into the transmission interface 16, regardless of whether the external device 3 is a power receiving device or a power supply device, the control circuit 10 controls the switching circuit 12 to preferentially select the first transmission channel C1, and identifies whether the external device 3 can be successfully identified through the aforementioned device identification signal. If the external device 3 can be identified, the switching circuit 12 will maintain the selection of the first transmission channel C1; otherwise, if the external device 3 cannot be identified, the control circuit 10 will control the switching circuit 12 to select the second transmission channel C2.

[0029] As can be seen from the above description, the control circuit 10 can verify the type of external device in a multi-stage manner and select the transmission protocol and data transmission method compatible with the external device 3. Therefore, the portable electronic device 1 can be widely used with various external devices 3 with different transmission protocols through a single transmission interface 16.

[0030] It should be specifically noted that the first transmission channel C1 includes, for example, a first transmission path 21 and a third transmission path 23, wherein the first transmission path 21 can be used to transmit signals identified by the transmission device, and the third transmission path 23 can be used to transmit external signals provided by the external device 3. The second transmission channel C2 includes, for example, a second transmission path 22 and a fourth transmission path 24, wherein the second transmission path 22 can be used to transmit a first signal, and the fourth transmission path 24 can be used to transmit a second signal.

[0031] In one embodiment, when the external device 3 is a camera device compatible with the first transmission protocol, the external signal of the external device 3 is an image signal. For example, when the camera lens inside the camera device is a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) camera lens, the image signal output by this MIPI camera lens is processed by a digital image transmitter chip before being output. This digital image transmitter chip is, for example, a serializer capable of performing parallel-to-serial image processing. A digital image receiver chip 18 is disposed inside the portable electronic device 1 to process the image signal output by the camera device. This digital image receiver chip 18 is, for example, a deserializer capable of performing serial-to-parallel image processing, thereby converting the image signal output by the camera device into an image signal conforming to the MIPI specification. This digital image receiver chip 18 is, for example, disposed between the third transmission path 23 and the control circuit 10.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the external device 3 is a device compatible with the second transmission protocol, the external device is, for example, a USB device, a USB host, or a USB power bank. Here, the USB host can be, for example, a computer host or a USB dock.

[0033] In one embodiment, the transmission interface 16 is a connector compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) specification. The first signal used by the second transmission path 22 is compatible with USB 2.0, and the second signal used by the fourth transmission path 24 is compatible with USB 3.2.

[0034] In one embodiment, the power management circuit has a communication pin CC and a power transmission bus P1. The communication pin CC can communicate with an external device 3 through a transmission interface 16 to determine the type of the external device 3, and control the power transmission direction of the power transmission bus P1 based on the communication result of the communication pin CC. For example, the power transmission bus P1 can obtain power from the external device 3 through the transmission interface 16, or the power transmission bus P1 can also provide power to the external device 3 through the transmission interface 16.

[0035] [Circuit Examples of Portable Electronic Devices]

[0036] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The portable electronic device shown is based on Figure 1 The architecture further illustrates the possible operation modes of the switching circuit 12. This switching circuit 12 includes, but is not limited to, a first switch 121, a second switch 122, and a third switch 123. The first switch 121 provides a first transmission path 21 and a second transmission path 22 for connection to the control circuit 10; the second switch 122 provides a third transmission path 23 and a fourth transmission path 24 for connection to the control circuit 10; and the third switch 123 provides a fifth transmission path 25 and a sixth transmission path 26 for connection to the transmission interface 16.

[0037] Furthermore, the third switch 123 is connected to the first switch 121 and the second switch 122, and the first transmission path 21 or the second transmission path 22 is connected to the transmission interface 16 via the first switch 121 and the third switch 123; and the third transmission path 23 or the fourth transmission path 24 is connected to the transmission interface 16 via the second switch 122 and the third switch 123.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 outputs a first switching signal S1 to the first switch 121 and the second switch 122, so that the first switch 121 and the second switch 122 select the first transmission channel C1 or the second transmission channel C2 to transmit signals with the third switch 123 according to the first switching signal S1.

[0039] In one embodiment, the power controller in the power management circuit 14 detects the connection direction between the connector of the external device 3 and the transmission interface 16, and outputs a second switching signal S2 to the third switch 123 based on the detection result. This allows the third switch 123 to select either the fifth transmission path 25 or the sixth transmission path 26 to connect with the first transmission channel C1 or the second transmission channel C2, based on the second switching signal S2. Here, the fifth transmission path 25 can connect to the first contact surface of the connector on the transmission interface 16, and the sixth transmission path 26 can connect to the second contact surface of the connector on the transmission interface 16. The first and second contact surfaces are opposite sides of the connector.

[0040] For example, if the first switching signal S1 selects the first transmission channel C1 and the second switching signal S2 selects the fifth transmission path 25, then the signal transmission path between the control circuit 10 and the external device 3 is via the first transmission channel C1, the switching circuit 12, the fifth transmission path 25, and the transmission interface 16. Alternatively, if the first switching signal S1 selects the second transmission channel C2 and the second switching signal S2 selects the sixth transmission path 26, then the signal transmission path between the control circuit 10 and the external device 3 is via the second transmission channel C2, the switching circuit 12, the sixth transmission path 26, and the transmission interface 16.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 The portable electronic device 1a shown is based on Figure 1 The architecture further illustrates the possible operation modes of the switching circuit 12a. This switching circuit 12a includes, but is not limited to, a first switch 121, a second switch 122, and a third switch 123. The first switch 121 provides a first transmission path 21 and a second transmission path 22 for connection to the control circuit 10; the second switch 122 provides a third transmission path 23 and a fourth transmission path 24 for connection to the control circuit 10; and the third switch 123 provides a fifth transmission path 25 and a sixth transmission path 26 for connection to the transmission interface 16.

[0042] Furthermore, the third switch 123 is connected to the second switch 122, and the first transmission path 21 or the second transmission path 22 is connected to the transmission interface 16 via the first switch 121; the third transmission path 23 or the fourth transmission path 24 is connected to the transmission interface 16 via the second switch 122 and the third switch 123.

[0043] In one embodiment, the power controller in the power management circuit 14 detects the connection direction between the connector of the external device 3 and the transmission interface 16, and outputs a second switching signal S2 to the third switch 123 according to the detection result, so that the third switch 123 selects either the fifth transmission path 25 or the sixth transmission path 26 to be connected to the first transmission channel C1 or the second transmission channel C2 according to the second switching signal S2. Here, the fifth transmission path 25 can be connected to the first contact surface of the connector used by the transmission interface 16, and the sixth transmission path 26 can be connected to the second contact surface of the connector used by the transmission interface 16, the first contact surface and the second contact surface being opposite sides of the connector. It should also be noted that the first transmission path 21 or the second transmission path 22 is output to the transmission interface 16 via the first switch 121, that is, the first transmission path 21 or the second transmission path 22 is compatible with the first contact surface or the second contact surface of the connector used by the transmission interface 16.

[0044] For example, if the first switching signal S1 selects the first transmission channel C1 and the second switching signal S2 selects the fifth transmission path 25, then the signal transmission path between the control circuit 10 and the external device 3 is as follows: the control circuit 10 transmits signals to the external device 3 via the first transmission path 21, the first switcher 121, and the transmission interface 16; and the control circuit 10 transmits signals to the external device 3 via the third transmission path 23, the second switcher 122, the third switcher 123, the fifth transmission path 25, and the transmission interface 16. If the first switching signal S1 selects the second transmission channel C2 and the second switching signal S2 selects the sixth transmission path 26, then the signal transmission path between the control circuit 10 and the external device 3 is as follows: the control circuit 10 transmits signals to the external device 3 via the second transmission path 22, the first switcher 121, and the transmission interface 16; and the control circuit 10 transmits signals to the external device 3 via the fourth transmission path 24, the second switcher 122, the third switcher 123, the sixth transmission path 26, and the transmission interface 16.

[0045] Here Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission interface 16 may be a connector conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C specification, thus allowing the connector of the external device 3 to be plugged into the transmission interface 16 from either the front or the back.

[0046] [Example of a transmission control method for portable electronic devices]

[0047] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4The processes shown include, but are not limited to, the steps described below, and can be used in conjunction with the architecture of the portable electronic device described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0048] S401: Start. This process begins when the portable electronic device 1 is powered on.

[0049] S403: Connect external device 3. When the transmission interface 16 of the portable electronic device 1 is connected to the external device 3, the type of the external device 3 is detected to determine the transmission channel to be used, such as the first transmission channel C1 and the second transmission channel C2.

[0050] S405: Plug-in orientation detection. Here, the portable electronic device 1 can determine the plug-in orientation of the external device 3's connector to the transmission interface 16 through the detection transmission interface 16 of the power management circuit 14.

[0051] S407: First contact surface. When the detection result of step S405 indicates that the insertion direction is the first contact surface of the connector used by the transmission interface 16, the power management circuit 14 outputs the second switching signal S2 to the third switch 123 so that the fifth transmission path 25 can be connected to the first contact surface.

[0052] S409: Second contact surface. When the detection result of step S405 indicates that the insertion direction is the second contact surface of the connector used by the transmission interface 16, the power management circuit 14 outputs the second switching signal S2 to the third switch 123 so that the sixth transmission path 26 can be connected to the second contact surface.

[0053] S411: Power supply detection. In this portable electronic device 1, the power management circuit 14 communicates with the external device 3 via the transmission interface 16, and determines the type of the external device 3, such as whether it is a power receiving device or a power supply device, based on the communication result. In one embodiment, the power management circuit 14 and the external device 3 can communicate using a configuration channel (CC) pin to determine whether the other is a power supply or a power receiving device.

[0054] S413: Select the first transmission channel C1. When the detection result of step S411 indicates that the external device 3 is a powered device, the portable electronic device 1 selects the first transmission channel C1 to transmit data with the external device 3, and at the same time, the power management circuit 14 can supply power to the external device 3. For example, the control circuit 10 can output a first switching signal S1 to the first switcher 121 and the second switcher 122, so that the first switcher 121 selects the first transmission path 21 to conduct with the control circuit 10, the second switcher 122 selects the third transmission path 23 to conduct with the control circuit 10, and then the third switcher 123 connects the first transmission channel C1 (including the first transmission path 21 and the third transmission path 23) to the transmission interface 16.

[0055] S415: Identifiable. The portable electronic device 1 outputs a device identification signal to the external device 3 via the first transmission channel C1 to further confirm whether the type of the external device can be successfully identified by the portable electronic device. For example, in this case, the control circuit 10 outputs one or more device identification signals to the external device via the first transmission path 21, and determines whether the first transmission path 21 can successfully obtain the response signal from the external device within a preset time.

[0056] S417: Power Reset. Once a response signal from external device 3 is successfully obtained in step S415, it indicates that external device 3 can be successfully recognized by portable electronic device 1. Therefore, portable electronic device 1 can control power management circuit 14 to restart the power supply to external device 3. For example, control circuit 10 first controls power management circuit 14 to stop transmitting power to transmission interface 16, and then controls power management circuit 14 to resume transmitting power to transmission interface 16.

[0057] S419: Initialize external device. Here, the portable electronic device 1 initializes the external device 3 so that the external device 3 can start operating smoothly, and the portable electronic device 1 and the external device 3 can exchange relevant signals. For example, the control circuit 10 can output an initialization signal to the external device 3 through the first transmission path 21, and obtain external signals provided by the external device 3 through the third transmission path 23.

[0058] S421: Select the second transmission channel C2. When the detection result of step S411 indicates that the external device 3 is a power supply device, the portable electronic device 1 selects the second transmission channel C2 to transmit data with the external device 3, and at the same time, the power management circuit 14 can receive power from the external device 3.

[0059] S423: External device disconnected. Portable electronic device 1 determines whether external device 3 has been disconnected. For example, power management circuit 14 can determine whether external device 3 has been disconnected through the connection status of transmission interface 16.

[0060] S425: Restart power. If step S423 is correct, it can be determined that the transmission interface 16 is no longer connected to the external device 3. Therefore, the control circuit 10 first controls the power management circuit 14 to stop transmitting power to the transmission interface 16, then controls the power management circuit 14 to transmit power to the transmission interface 16 again, and then returns to step S401 to continue execution.

[0061] It is worth noting that in step S419, the control circuit 10 transmits data to the external device 3 using a first transmission protocol, and in step S421, the control circuit 10 transmits data to the external device 3 using a second transmission protocol. For example, the first transmission protocol may be compatible with the MIPI transmission protocol, and the second transmission protocol may be compatible with the USB transmission protocol. Therefore, when the external device 3 plugged into the transmission interface 16 is a MIPI camera device, the control circuit 10 transmits image signals to the MIPI camera device through the first transmission channel C1 and according to the MIPI transmission protocol; and when the external device plugged into the transmission interface 16 is a USB-related device, the control circuit 10 transmits data to the USB-related device through the second transmission channel C2 and according to the USB transmission protocol.

[0062] [Another embodiment of a portable electronic device]

[0063] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 A circuit block diagram of a portable electronic device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 The portable electronic device 1b shown is based on Figure 1 The architecture further illustrates the possible operation modes of the switching circuit 12. This switching circuit 12a includes, for example, a first switcher 121 and a second switcher 122. The first switcher 121 provides a first transmission path 21 and a second transmission path 22 to connect to the control circuit 10; the second switcher 122 provides a third transmission path 23 and a fourth transmission path 24 to connect to the control circuit 10; the control circuit 10 outputs a first switching signal S1 to the first switcher 121 and the second switcher 122, so that the first switcher 121 and the second switcher 122 select either the first transmission channel C1 or the second transmission channel C2 to connect to the transmission interface 16 according to the first switching signal S1.

[0064] In one embodiment, the power management circuit 14 determines whether an external device 3 is plugged into the transmission interface 16 based on changes in pin levels, and the control circuit 10 outputs a first switching signal S1 based on the detection result of the power management circuit 14. For example, the power management circuit can obtain the voltage level change of the detection pin D1 of the transmission interface 16. When the detection pin D1 is at the first level, it indicates that the external device 3 has been plugged into the transmission interface 16, and when the detection pin D1 is at the second level, it indicates that the external device 3 has not been plugged into the transmission interface 16.

[0065] When the control circuit 10 receives a notification from the power management circuit 14 that the external device 3 has been connected to the transmission interface 16, the control circuit 10 can output a first switching signal S1 to select either the first transmission channel C1 or the second transmission channel C2 to transmit data with the external device 3. Furthermore, when the control circuit 10 selects the first transmission channel C1, it can further confirm whether the external device 3 can be recognized by outputting a signal. If the control circuit 10 can recognize it, it will maintain the selection of the first transmission channel C1 for data transmission; if the control circuit 10 cannot recognize it, it will select the second transmission channel C2 for data transmission.

[0066] [Example of a transmission control method for portable electronic devices]

[0067] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 The processes shown include, but are not limited to, the steps described below, and can be used in conjunction with the architecture of the portable electronic device described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0068] S601: Select the first transmission channel C1. When the portable electronic device 1b is powered on, the control circuit 10 pre-selects the first transmission channel C1 to transmit data with the external device 3.

[0069] S603: Determine if an external device 3 is plugged in. The power management circuit 14 determines whether an external device 3 is plugged in to the transmission interface 16 by detecting the change in the detection pin D1 of the transmission interface.

[0070] S605: Level Detection. When the judgment result of step S603 indicates that the external device 3 is connected to the transmission interface 16, the power management circuit 14 further detects the voltage level of the detection pin D1 to determine whether the current voltage level of the detection pin D1 is the first level or the second level.

[0071] S607: Power supply to external device. When the voltage level of the detection pin D1 is at the first level, the power management circuit 14 supplies power to the external device 3, that is, the external device 3 is a powered device at this time.

[0072] S609: Recognizable. For instructions on how to execute step S609, please refer to step S415.

[0073] S611: Restart the power. The execution method for step S611 is the same as step S417.

[0074] S613: Initialize external devices. The execution method of step S613 is described in step S419.

[0075] S615: Select the second transmission channel C2. When the voltage level of the detection pin D1 is at the second level, the power management circuit 14 receives power from the external device 3, that is, the external device 3 is the power supply device at this time, and the control circuit 10 selects the second transmission channel C2 to transmit data with the external device 3.

[0076] S617: Disconnect the external device. The execution method for step S617 is described in step S423.

[0077] S619: Restart the power. The execution method for step S619 is the same as step S425.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A flowchart of a transmission control method for a portable electronic device provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 The processes shown include, but are not limited to, the steps described below, and can be used in conjunction with the architecture of the portable electronic device described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0079] S701: Select the first transmission channel C1. When the portable electronic device 1b is powered on, the control circuit 10 pre-selects the first transmission channel C1 to transmit data with the external device 3.

[0080] S703: Determine if an external device is plugged in. The power management circuit 14 determines whether an external device 3 is plugged in to the transmission interface 16 by detecting the change in the detection pin D1 of the transmission interface 16.

[0081] S705: Level Detection. When the result of step S703 indicates that external device 3 is connected to transmission interface 16, power management circuit 14 further detects the voltage level of detection pin D1 to determine whether the current voltage level of detection pin D1 is the first level or the second level. When the voltage level of detection pin D1 is the first level, step S707 is executed. And when the voltage level of detection pin is the second level, step S709 is executed. In this case, power management circuit 14 receives power from external device 3, meaning that external device 3 is the power supply device at this time.

[0082] S707: Power supply to external device. The power management circuit 14 supplies power to external device 3, meaning that external device 3 is a powered device at this time.

[0083] S709: Recognizable. For instructions on how to execute step S709, please refer to step S415.

[0084] S711: Restart the power. For instructions on how to perform step S711, please refer to step S417.

[0085] S713: Initialize external devices. The execution method of step S713 is described in step S419.

[0086] S715: Select the second transmission channel C2. When the control circuit 10 cannot recognize the external device 3, the control circuit 10 selects the second transmission channel C2 to transmit data with the external device 3.

[0087] S717: Disconnect external device 3. The execution method of this step S717 is described in step S423.

[0088] S719: Restart the power. For instructions on how to perform step S719, please refer to step S425.

[0089] [Example of supporting the use of multiple camera devices in portable electronic devices]

[0090] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 The portable electronic device 1c shown is compared to Figure 1 The portable electronic device 1 is further provided with a second camera device 3b, wherein the components having the same component symbols can be referred to in the description of the foregoing embodiments, and only the differences are described in detail here.

[0091] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 has a first transmission interface 101, a second transmission interface 102, and a third transmission interface 103. The control circuit 10 transmits data through the first transmission interface using a first transmission protocol in the first transmission channel C1. The control circuit 10 transmits data through the second transmission interface 102 using a second transmission protocol in the second transmission channel C2. The control circuit 10 transmits data through the third transmission interface 103 using a third transmission protocol in the third transmission channel C3. The third transmission channel C3 is connected to the control circuit 10 and the second camera device 3b.

[0092] The external device 3 is illustrated here using a first camera device 3a as an example. The first camera device 3a includes, but is not limited to, a camera lens 30, a transmission interface 32, a digital image transmitting chip 34, and a power supply circuit 36. The transmission interface 32 is connected to the camera lens 30, the digital image transmitting chip 34, and the power supply circuit 36. The camera lens 30 is connected to the digital image transmitting chip 34. Here, the camera lens 30 refers to a MIPI camera lens, the digital image transmitting chip 34 is a serializer, and the digital image receiving chip 18 is a deserializer.

[0093] When the power management circuit 14 detects through the communication pin CC that the first camera device 3a has been plugged into the transmission interface 16, and the control circuit 10 successfully identifies the first camera device 3a through the first transmission channel C1, the control circuit 10 can receive the image signal of the first camera device 3a through the first transmission channel C1.

[0094] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 can store the image signal of the first camera device 3a in the built-in memory of the portable electronic device 1c or an external memory card, or the control circuit 10 can display the image signal of the first camera device 3a on the display of the portable electronic device 1c.

[0095] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 can selectively acquire the image signal of the second camera device 3b or acquire the image signal of the first camera device 3a through the transmission interface 16, depending on an operation. For example, when the control interface of the portable electronic device 1c receives a user input to display the first camera device 3a, the control circuit 10 can control the image signal of the first camera device 3a to be displayed on the monitor. When the control interface of the portable electronic device 1c receives a user input to display the second camera device 3b, the control circuit 10 can control the image signal of the second camera device 3b to be displayed on the monitor. When the control interface of the portable electronic device 1c receives a user input to display multiple camera devices, the control circuit 10 can simultaneously control the image signals of the first camera device 3a and the second camera device 3b to be displayed on the monitor in a split manner.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a portable electronic device and an external device is provided for embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9 Portable electronic devices 1d compared to Figure 8 The difference between the portable electronic device 1c and the other device lies in the different detection methods of the power management circuit 14. Figure 9The power management circuit 14 shown detects changes in the voltage level of pin D1 to determine whether the first camera device 3a is connected to the transmission interface 16. Other components with the same component symbols can be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] In one embodiment, the control circuit 10 may be one or any combination of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system-on-a-chip (SOC), and may work with other related circuit components and firmware to implement the above-mentioned functional steps.

[0098] Therefore, as can be seen from the above embodiments, when the external device is a camera device that transmits data according to the first transmission protocol, this camera device can be connected to the transmission interface of the portable electronic device via a transmission cable, allowing the camera device to have a more flexible and unrestricted shooting angle. Furthermore, when the external device is another device that transmits data according to the second transmission protocol, the portable electronic device can also transmit data with these devices through the same transmission interface.

[0099] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0100] The portable electronic device and its transmission control method provided by the present invention allow the portable electronic device to connect to multiple external devices for different purposes through a single transmission interface. The portable electronic device can selectively use a transmission channel compatible with the external device to transmit data by verifying the type of the external device through multiple verification methods. This enables the portable electronic device to support multiple external devices with different transmission protocols on a single transmission interface.

[0101] The above-described contents are merely optional and feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention are included in the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, characterized in that, include: A transmission interface for connecting to an external device; A power management circuit detects whether the external device is a power supply device or a power receiving device; A switching circuit provides a first transmission channel or a second transmission channel connected to the transmission interface; and A control circuit controls the switching circuit based on the detection results of the power management circuit; When the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel and the transmission interface to be connected, the control circuit outputs a device identification signal through the first transmission channel to identify the external device connected to the transmission interface. When the external device can be successfully identified by the device identification signal, the control circuit receives an image signal from the external device through the first transmission channel. When the external device cannot be recognized by the device's recognition signal, the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the second transmission channel to connect with the transmission interface, and the control circuit transmits signals to the external device through the second transmission channel.

2. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the power management circuit detects that the external device is the powered device, the power management circuit supplies power to the powered device, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel and connect to the transmission interface; when the power management circuit detects that the external device is the powered device, the power management circuit receives power from the powered device, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the second transmission channel and connect to the transmission interface.

3. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the power management circuit detects that the external device is the powered device, the power management circuit supplies power to the powered device, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel and the transmission interface to be connected; and when the power management circuit detects that the external device is the powered device, the power management circuit receives power from the powered device, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit to select the first transmission channel and the transmission interface to be connected.

4. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The switching circuit includes: A first switcher provides a first transmission path and a second transmission path connected to the control circuit; and A second switch provides a third transmission path and a fourth transmission path connected to the control circuit; The first transmission channel includes the first transmission path and the third transmission path, and the second transmission channel includes the second transmission path and the fourth transmission path; The control circuit outputs a first switching signal to the first switcher and the second switcher, so that the first switcher and the second switcher select the first transmission channel or the second transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface according to the first switching signal; The first transmission path is used to transmit the device identification signal, the second transmission path is used to transmit a first signal, the third transmission path is used to transmit the image signal of the external device, and the fourth transmission path is used to transmit a second signal.

5. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The switching circuit further includes: A third switch provides a fifth transmission path and a sixth transmission path connected to the transmission interface; In the power management circuit, a power controller detects the connection direction between a connector of the external device and the transmission interface, and outputs a second switching signal to the third switch according to the detection result, so that the third switch selects the fifth transmission path or the sixth transmission path to be connected to the first transmission channel or the second transmission channel according to the second switching signal.

6. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The third switch is connected to the first switch and the second switch, and the first transmission path or the second transmission path is connected to the transmission interface via the first switch and the third switch; the third transmission path or the fourth transmission path is connected to the transmission interface via the second switch and the third switch.

7. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The third switch is connected to the second switch, and the first transmission path or the second transmission path is connected to the transmission interface via the first switch; the third transmission path or the fourth transmission path is connected to the transmission interface via the second switch and the third switch.

8. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A digital image receiving chip is disposed between the third transmission path and the control circuit, and the digital image receiving chip receives and converts the image signal of the external device.

9. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The digital image receiving chip is a deserializer that converts the image signal output by the external device via a serializer into an image signal that conforms to the mobile industry processor interface specification.

10. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission interface is a connector that conforms to the USB Type-C specification, and the external device is a camera device, a USB device, a USB host, or a power bank.

11. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control circuit determines that the external device belongs to a first camera device through the device identification signal, the control circuit first controls the power management circuit to stop supplying power to the first camera device, and then controls the power management circuit to resume supplying power to the first camera device.

12. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the control circuit determines that the external device has been disconnected from the transmission interface, the control circuit first controls the power management circuit to stop transmitting power to the transmission interface, and then controls the power management circuit to resume transmitting power to the transmission interface.

13. The portable electronic device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A second camera device is connected to the control circuit, the control circuit selectively acquiring an image signal from the second camera device or an image signal from the first camera device connected to the transmission interface, according to an operation.

14. A transmission control method for a portable electronic device, characterized in that, include: When an external device is connected to a transmission interface of the portable electronic device, the external device is detected as a power supply device or a power receiving device. Based on the test results, a switching circuit of the portable electronic device is controlled to select a first transmission channel or a second transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface. When the switching circuit selects the first transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface, a device identification signal is output through the first transmission channel to identify the external device connected to the transmission interface. When the external device can be successfully identified by the device identification signal, an image signal of the external device is received through the first transmission channel. as well as When the external device cannot be recognized by the device's signal, the switching circuit is controlled to select the second transmission channel to connect with the transmission interface, and to transmit signals to the external device through the second transmission channel.

15. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Determine the position of a contact surface between the external device and the transmission interface; Based on the determination result of the contact surface position, the switching circuit is controlled to connect the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel to the contact surface position respectively.

16. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: When the device identification signal is output to the external device multiple times through the first transmission channel, and a successful response signal from the external device cannot be obtained each time, the switching circuit is controlled to select the second transmission channel to connect with the transmission interface.

17. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: When the external device is the power receiving device, the portable electronic device supplies power to the power receiving device, and the switching circuit selects the first transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface; When the external device is part of the power supply device, the portable electronic device receives power from the power supply device, and the switching circuit selects the second transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface.

18. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: When the external device is the power receiving device, the portable electronic device supplies power to the power receiving device, and the switching circuit selects the first transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface; When the external device is part of the power supply device, the portable electronic device receives power from the power supply device, and the switching circuit selects the first transmission channel to be connected to the transmission interface.

19. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: When the device identifies the external device as a first camera device through the identification signal, and the first camera device is the power receiving device, the portable electronic device first stops supplying power to the first camera device, and then supplies power to the first camera device again. When the device identifies the external device as belonging to the first camera device through the identification signal, and the first camera device belongs to the power supply device, the portable electronic device controls the first camera device to reset. An operation is performed to selectively acquire an image signal from a second camera device inside the portable electronic device or an image signal from the first camera device connected to the transmission interface.

20. The transmission control method for a portable electronic device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: When it is determined that the external device has been disconnected from the transmission interface, the portable electronic device first stops supplying power to the transmission interface, and then resumes supplying power to the transmission interface.

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