A signal switching system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of signal switching system, configuration in first electronic device, comprising: main control unit;External interface unit, to electrically connect a second electronic device;USB device unit;And, signal conversion unit, data connection the USB device unit, including first data transmission channel, connection to the main control unit;Second data transmission channel, connection to the data pin of the external interface unit;And switching controller, coupled in the main control unit, to selectively turn on the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel;Wherein, when the first data transmission channel is turned on, the second data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to the main control unit;When the second data transmission channel is turned on, the first data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to a second electronic device via the external interface unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to smart terminal devices, and more particularly to a signal switching system that enables the external connection of a built-in USB device in a smart terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] Current smart terminal devices (such as POS machines and self-service terminals) commonly integrate various USB function modules, such as touch screens, barcode scanners, and magnetic card readers (MSRs). However, these embedded USB devices connect to the local host controller and can only provide services to the device itself. This prevents the rich USB peripheral resources inside the smart terminal device from being accessed by the external host, resulting in low hardware reuse and limited functional expandability and flexibility.

[0003] In addition, smart devices are usually equipped with external USB ports, such as Type-A and Type-C, but these interfaces are generally only used for basic functions such as charging the device or upgrading firmware, failing to utilize their data transmission capabilities and resulting in a waste of resources.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new type of signal switching system to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a signal switching system that enables the USB device integrated inside a smart device to not only serve the local host, but also be called by an external host through the external USB port, thereby realizing functional expansion and data interaction in multiple scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a signal switching system configured in a first electronic device, comprising:

[0007] Main control unit;

[0008] An external interface unit is used to electrically connect to a second electronic device;

[0009] USB device unit; and,

[0010] The signal conversion unit, which is connected to the USB device unit for data transfer, includes:

[0011] The first data transmission channel is connected to the main control unit;

[0012] The second data transmission channel is connected to the data pin of the external interface unit; and

[0013] A switching controller, coupled to the main control unit, is used to selectively activate either the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel.

[0014] When the first data transmission channel is turned on, the second data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to the main control unit.

[0015] When the second data transmission channel is turned on, the first data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to a second electronic device via the external interface unit.

[0016] Preferably, the external interface unit is coupled to the main control unit through an independent control path;

[0017] When the switching controller activates the first data transmission channel, the external interface unit is configured to establish a communication connection with the main control unit via the control path; when the second data transmission channel is activated, the external interface unit is configured to disconnect the communication connection with the main control unit.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a USB hub, the USB device unit including at least one USB device built into the first electronic device;

[0019] When there are multiple USB devices, the multiple USB devices are connected to the signal conversion unit through the USB hub; or when there is a single USB device, the single USB device is directly connected to the signal conversion unit.

[0020] Preferably, the control terminal of the switching controller is coupled to the output terminal of the main control unit, and the output terminal of the switching controller is coupled to the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel respectively;

[0021] The main control unit is configured to control the switching controller to selectively activate either the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel.

[0022] Better options also include:

[0023] The insertion / removal detection circuit is communicatively connected to the main control unit; the insertion / removal detection circuit is integrated into the external interface unit to detect the electrical connection between the second electronic device and the external interface unit, and to generate an insertion signal or a removal signal.

[0024] Specifically, the main control unit controls the switching controller to turn on the first data transmission channel and turn off the second data transmission channel based on the unplug signal; and the main control unit controls the switching controller to turn on the second data transmission channel and turn off the first data transmission channel based on the plug signal.

[0025] Preferably, the main control unit is also configured to run a system interface; or, the first electronic device further includes physical buttons, and the physical buttons are electrically connected to the main control unit.

[0026] The main control unit triggers a control signal via the physical button or system interface to control the switching controller to activate the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel.

[0027] Preferably, the external interface unit includes an external USB interface that supports data transfer and power transfer protocols.

[0028] Preferably, the external interface unit is a Type-C interface, or a Type-A interface, or a Micro USB interface.

[0029] Preferably, the USB device unit includes at least one USB device built into the first electronic device; the USB device includes a touch screen, a camera, a magnetic card reader, and a microphone.

[0030] Preferably, the signal conversion unit is a USB multiplexer chip, which also includes a common terminal that is data-connected to the USB device unit.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the signal switching system provided by this utility model realizes the switching of the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel through the signal conversion unit, so that the data signal of the USB device unit can be allocated to the main control unit inside the first electronic device or transmitted to the external second electronic device through the external interface unit as needed, so that the USB peripheral resources inside the first electronic device can be called by the second electronic device, realizing functional expansion and data interaction in multiple scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a signal switching system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the framework structure of a signal switching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To provide a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of this utility model, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0035] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same element. This specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The term "comprising" throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to".

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the framework structure of one embodiment of the signal switching system of this utility model.

[0037] This utility model proposes a signal switching system configured in a first electronic device 1, such as an All-In-One PC, a POS machine, a smart vending machine, an ATM, a public transport card reader, etc., and this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0038] The aforementioned signal switching system includes a main control unit 30, an external interface unit 40, a USB device unit 10, and a signal conversion unit 20. The main control unit 30 is the core control module of the first electronic device 1, such as an embedded processor, integrating USB controller functionality to drive and manage the USB device unit 10. The external interface unit 40 can connect to a second electronic device 2, which in this invention is a USB external host such as a laptop / tablet or game console. The signal conversion unit 20 is data-connected to the USB device unit 10 and includes a first data transmission channel L1, a second data transmission channel L2, and a switching controller 21. The first data transmission channel L1 is connected to the main control unit 30, the second data transmission channel L2 is connected to the data pin of the external interface unit 40, and the switching controller 21 is coupled to the main control unit 30 to selectively activate either the first data transmission channel L1 or the second data transmission channel L2.

[0039] In one embodiment, the signal conversion unit 20 is, for example, a USB multiplexer (Mux) chip. The common terminal 22 of the USB Mux chip is connected to the USB device unit. The switching controller 21 corresponds to the control terminal of the USB Mux chip. The first and second data channels L1 and L2 correspond to the first channel CH0 and the second channel CH1 of the USB Mux chip, respectively.

[0040] Specifically, when the switching controller 21 activates the first data transmission channel L1, the second data transmission channel L2 is deactivated, and the main control unit 30 is disabled from enumerating and controlling the USB device unit 10. The data signal of the USB device unit 10 is transmitted to the main control unit 30 via the first data transmission channel L1. For example, taking an AIO all-in-one machine as an example, the camera, microphone, etc., which are built into the USB device unit 10, are connected to the main control unit 30 of the AIO all-in-one machine via the first data transmission channel L1 and can be called by the local conferencing software (such as Zoom Rooms) of the AIO all-in-one machine.

[0041] When the switching controller 21 activates the second data transmission channel L2, the first data transmission channel L1 is deactivated. The data signal from the USB device unit 10 is transmitted to the second electronic device 2 via the second data transmission channel L2 and the external interface unit 40. For example, if the first electronic device 1 is an all-in-one computer and the second electronic device 2 is a laptop computer, the laptop computer is connected to the all-in-one computer via the external interface unit 40. The aforementioned camera, microphone, etc., which are USB devices, are used by the laptop computer for remote conferencing through the second data transmission channel L2 and the external interface unit 40, realizing functional expansion and data interaction in multiple scenarios.

[0042] As can be seen, the signal switching system proposed in this utility model enables the USB device integrated inside the first electronic device 1 to not only serve the first electronic device 1 itself, but also to be called by the external host second electronic device 2 through the external interface unit 40, so as to realize functional expansion and data interaction in multiple scenarios.

[0043] In one embodiment, the main control unit 30 is coupled to the external interface unit 40 via an independent control path. When the switching controller 21 turns on the first data transmission channel L1 and turns off the second data transmission channel L2, the external interface unit 40 is configured to establish a power supply and communication connection with the main control unit 30 via the independent control path to control power supply or firmware upgrade functions. When the switching controller 21 turns on the second data transmission channel L2 and turns off the first data transmission channel L1, the main control unit 30 is configured to disconnect the power supply and communication connection with the external interface unit 40.

[0044] Furthermore, the independent control path includes, for example, a power supply line and a communication line: the power supply line connects the VBUS pin of the external interface unit 40 to the power management module of the main control unit 30, and the communication line connects the external interface unit 40 to the main control unit 30.

[0045] When the first data transmission channel L1 is activated, the main control unit 30 can receive power input from the external interface unit 40 through the power supply line, thereby enabling the charging function of the first electronic device 1. Simultaneously, the main control unit 30 establishes a communication connection with external maintenance equipment through the communication line. At this time, the external maintenance equipment (such as a maintenance terminal) can send firmware upgrade data packets to the main control unit 30 through this communication line, enabling system upgrades to be completed without interrupting the local USB device unit service.

[0046] When the second data transmission channel L2 is turned on, the main control unit 30 will turn off the data transmission function of the communication line, and the communication connection between the main control unit 30 and the external interface will be disconnected. The USB device unit 10 inside the first electronic device 1 will be called by the external host (i.e., the second electronic device 2) through the external interface unit 40.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the signal switching system further includes a USB hub 50. The USB device unit 10 includes at least one USB device built into the first electronic device 1, such as a touchscreen, camera, microphone, magnetic card reader, keyboard, mouse, etc., and this invention is not limited thereto. When there are multiple USB devices, they are aggregated into a single uplink through the USB hub 50, reducing interface occupancy. If there is only one USB device, it is directly connected to the signal conversion unit 20 to reduce hub-level latency.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control terminal of the switching controller 21 is coupled to the output terminal of the main control unit 30, and the output terminal of the switching controller 21 is coupled to the first data transmission channel L1 and the second data transmission channel L2, respectively. The main control unit 30 is used to control the switching controller 21 to selectively turn on the first data transmission channel L1 or the second data transmission channel L2.

[0049] Specifically, in one possible embodiment, the main control unit 30 is configured to run a system interface, or the first electronic device 1 further includes physical buttons, which are electrically connected to the main control unit 30. The main control unit 30 triggers control signals via the physical buttons or the system interface to control the switching controller 21 to activate the first data transmission channel L1 or the second data transmission channel L2, so that the data signals of the USB device unit 10 are distributed to the main control unit 30 inside the first electronic device 1 or transmitted to the external second electronic device 2 via the external interface unit 40, according to user needs.

[0050] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the signal switching system described above also includes a plug-in / plug-out detection circuit, which is communicatively connected to the main control unit 30 and integrated into the external interface unit 40, for detecting the electrical connection between the second electronic device 2 and the external interface unit 40, and generating an insertion signal or a plug-out signal.

[0051] The external interface unit 40 includes an external USB interface, which supports data transmission and power transmission protocols. The external interface unit 40 may be a Type-C interface, a Type-A interface, or a Micro USB interface.

[0052] For example, by default, the first data transmission channel L1 is on, and the second data transmission channel L2 is off, so the data signal of the USB device unit 10 is transmitted to the main control unit 30. The insertion detection circuit detects the change in the VBUS voltage of the power supply pin of the external USB interface. When there is an insertion event, the VBUS voltage jumps, for example, outputting a high-level signal to trigger the main control unit 30 to start the detection process. The main control unit 30 reads the physical identifier of the external interface unit 40 (such as Type-C / Type-A / Micro USB), samples the CC pin voltage for the Type-C interface, and samples the D+ / D- voltage for the Type-A / Micro USB interface. Based on the detection results, the main control unit 30 determines whether it is an external USB host (i.e., the second electronic device 2) that is inserted. When it is determined that the second electronic device 2 is electrically connected to the external interface, an insertion signal is generated, controlling the switching controller 21 to turn on the second data transmission channel L2 and turn off the first data transmission channel L1. The main control unit 30 disconnects the VBUS power supply and communication connection with the external interface, and the USB device unit 10 inside the first electronic device 1 is called by the second electronic device 2 through the external interface unit 40. When a disconnection event occurs, the VBUS voltage changes, for example, by outputting a low-level signal. The main control unit 30 generates a disconnection signal, keeping the switching controller 21 on the first data transmission channel L1 and off the second data transmission channel L2. The main control unit 30 maintains the VBUS power supply and communication connection with the external interface.

[0053] That is, the switching action can be manually triggered by the user, such as through a physical button or system interface, or automatically triggered by the signal switching system, such as through the detection of the plug-in / plug-out detection circuit, and directly control the switching controller 21 inside the USB signal conversion unit 20, but this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0054] In summary, the signal switching system provided by this utility model realizes the switching of the first data transmission channel L1 and the second data transmission channel L2 through the signal conversion unit 20, so that the data signal of the USB device unit 10 can be allocated to the main control unit 30 inside the first electronic device 1 or transmitted to the external second electronic device 2 through the external interface unit 40 as needed. This enables the USB device resources inside the first electronic device 1 to be called by the second electronic device 2, realizes functional expansion and data interaction in multiple scenarios, and improves hardware reuse rate.

[0055] This utility model has been described by the above-described embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely examples for implementing this utility model. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of this utility model. Conversely, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model are within the scope of patent protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A signal switching system, configured in a first electronic device, characterized in that, include: Main control unit; An external interface unit is used to electrically connect to a second electronic device; USB device unit; as well as, The signal conversion unit, which is connected to the USB device unit for data transfer, includes: The first data transmission channel is connected to the main control unit; The second data transmission channel is connected to the data pin of the external interface unit; and A switching controller, coupled to the main control unit, is used to selectively activate either the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel. When the first data transmission channel is turned on, the second data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to the main control unit. When the second data transmission channel is turned on, the first data transmission channel is turned off, and the data signal of the USB device unit is transmitted to a second electronic device via the external interface unit.

2. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The external interface unit is coupled to the main control unit through an independent control path; When the switching controller activates the first data transmission channel, the external interface unit is configured to establish a communication connection with the main control unit via the control path; when the second data transmission channel is activated, the external interface unit is configured to disconnect the communication connection with the main control unit.

3. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a USB hub, the USB device unit including at least one USB device built into the first electronic device; When there are multiple USB devices, the multiple USB devices are connected to the signal conversion unit through the USB hub; or when there is a single USB device, the single USB device is directly connected to the signal conversion unit.

4. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal of the switching controller is coupled to the output terminal of the main control unit, and the output terminal of the switching controller is coupled to the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel respectively. The main control unit is configured to control the switching controller to selectively activate either the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel.

5. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The insertion / removal detection circuit is communicatively connected to the main control unit. The insertion / removal detection circuit is integrated into the external interface unit to detect the electrical connection between the second electronic device and the external interface unit, and to generate an insertion signal or a removal signal. Specifically, based on the unplug signal, the main control unit controls the switching controller to turn on the first data transmission channel and turn off the second data transmission channel; and based on the plug signal, the main control unit controls the switching controller to turn on the second data transmission channel and turn off the first data transmission channel.

6. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main control unit is also configured to run a system interface; or, the first electronic device further includes physical buttons, and the physical buttons are electrically connected to the main control unit. The main control unit triggers a control signal via the physical button or system interface to control the switching controller to activate the first data transmission channel or the second data transmission channel.

7. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The external interface unit includes an external USB interface that supports data transfer and power transfer protocols.

8. The signal switching system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The external interface unit is a Type-C interface, or a Type-A interface, or a Micro USB interface.

9. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The USB device unit includes at least one USB device built into the first electronic device; the USB device includes a touch screen, a camera, a magnetic card reader, and a microphone.

10. The signal switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal conversion unit is a USB multiplexer chip, which also includes a common terminal that is connected to the USB device unit.

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