Control unit to support image output

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control unit (C1) for supporting image output. The control unit (C1) comprises a transmission interface and a control circuit (1). The transmission interface has a first transmission port (P1) and a second transmission port (P2). When a handheld device (20) is connected to the first transmission port (P1), the control circuit (1) receives a first input power supplied by the handheld device (20) via the first transmission port (P1). When the second transmission port (P2) is connected to a first external device, the control circuit (1) identifies the first external device. If the first external device is a display device (21), the control circuit (1) controls the handheld device (20) to supply power to the display device (21) and controls the display device (21) to display a display signal from the handheld device (20).If the first external device is a charger (22), the control circuit (1) controls the charger (22) so that it supplies power to the handheld device (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit, in particular a control unit for supporting image output.

[0002] A handheld device is characterized by its ease of carrying during operation. However, since some users find that the control function of a handheld device alone does not meet their personal needs, there are control units on the market that can be combined with a handheld device. Such a control unit is mechanically designed so that the control unit and the handheld device remain portable even when combined as a single unit.

[0003] Therefore, some users (e.g., gamers) who value ease of control can, in the case where the aforementioned controller is combined with a handheld device, perform corresponding input controls for the handheld device via the control interface provided by the controller itself. However, since the display image of a handheld device is limited by the size of the device body, the handheld device can only offer a limited display effect during operation.

[0004] Starting from the disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention aims to offer a control unit to support image output.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides a control unit for supporting image output, comprising a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface has a first transmission port and a second transmission port. The control circuit is configured to receive a first input signal from a handheld device connected to the first transmission port, and to identify a first external device connected to the second transmission port.When the control circuit detects the first external device as a display device, it operates by outputting the first input power to the second transmission port to power the display device. A display signal from the handheld device is received via the first transmission port and output to the display device via the second transmission port. When the control circuit detects the first external device as a charger, it ceases receiving the first input power and receives a second input power from the charger via the second transmission port, which is output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a control unit for supporting image output, comprising a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface has a first transmission port, a second transmission port, and a third transmission port. The control circuit is configured to receive a first input signal from a handheld device connected to the first transmission port, and to identify the first external device if a first external device is connected to the second transmission port and a second external device is connected to the third transmission port.When the control circuit detects that the first external device is a charger and the second external device connected to the third transmission port is a display device, the control circuit stops receiving the first input power, receives a second input power provided by the charger via the second transmission port, causes the second input power to be output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device and to the third transmission port to power the display device, receives a display signal from the handheld device via the first transmission port, and causes the display signal to be output to the display device via the third transmission port for display.

[0007] In summary, when a handheld device is used in combination with a control unit to support image output according to the embodiments of the present invention, a display image from the handheld device can be shown on a display device externally connected to the control unit. Furthermore, various external devices can be connected to the control unit as needed, which increases the ease of use of the control unit.

[0008] For a better understanding of the features and technical content of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and the drawings of the present invention, which, however, serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the architecture of a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a display device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a charger. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the connections between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and several external devices. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the connections between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and several external devices. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a charger. Fig. Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and Fig. Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention are described below using specific, concrete examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages and technical effects of the present invention can be derived from the disclosures in this description. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other specific embodiments, whereby various modifications or alterations can be made to the details disclosed in this description, depending on requirements and application, without departing from the fundamental ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that the individual components of the present invention are not shown in their actual size, but only schematically.The following embodiments serve to further describe the configurations of the present invention, but the corresponding disclosures do not constitute a limitation of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0010] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used to describe various elements or signals, are not to be interpreted as restrictive. Rather, such terms serve to distinguish one element from another or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" used in this description may, where applicable, encompass any of the listed items or a combination of several such items.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention provide a control device for supporting image output. The control device described here can be combined with a handheld device and allows the user to perform various input operations on the handheld device via the control device. For example, if the control device is connected to the handheld device via a transmission interface, an input signal generated by the control device according to the user's operation can be transmitted to the handheld device via the transmission interface. Furthermore, the control device can be connected to external devices with different functions to expand its range of applications.For example, the control unit can output a display image from the handheld device to an external device for display; or the control unit can receive electrical input power to charge the handheld device, thereby increasing the ease of use of the control unit. [Examples of how the control unit works]

[0012] It will be directed to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Referenced, whereby Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an architecture of a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a display device. The control unit C1 for supporting image output according to the present embodiment can perform input control of a handheld device via control interfaces U1, U2, which allows the user to perform various controls of the software implemented in the handheld device 20 by operating the control interfaces U1, U2. The control unit C1 is connected, for example, via a bridging mechanism B1 between two handles H1, H2 for operation by the user's left and right hands, so that when using the handheld device 20 in combination with the control unit C1, the handheld device 20 can be positioned between the two handles H1, H2.In other embodiments, however, the handheld device 20 can also be combined with the control unit C1 at any other location that allows operation, depending on the actual usage requirements.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bridging mechanism B1 can be designed to be retractable, flexible or pluggable, so that the two handles H1, H2 can be connected to each other via the bridging mechanism B1, while the bridging mechanism B1 can in turn provide a signal transmission channel between the two handles H1, H2, so that an input signal generated by the user by operating the control interfaces U1, U2 of one of the two handles can be smoothly transmitted to the handheld device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the transmission interface provided by the control unit C1 is equipped with at least a first transmission port P1 and a second transmission port P2, wherein the first transmission port P1 is used for connection to the handheld device 20 and the second transmission port P2 is used for connection to an external device. The control unit C1 can determine the function of the second transmission port P2 depending on the object to which the second transmission port P2 is connected. The first transmission port P1 is used for a permanent connection to the handheld device 20, while the second transmission port P2 is used to connect to an external device, which can be of a different type depending on the functional and operational requirements.

[0015] For better illustration, the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 are shown here arranged together on one of the handles H1. In other embodiments, however, the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 can also be arranged on a different handle, e.g., handle H2. For example, the first transmission port P1 can be located on... Fig. 1 is located on one side of the handle H1 next to the bridging mechanism B1, while the second transmission port P2 can be flexibly arranged on either side of the handle H1 according to the connection requirements of the respective external device.

[0016] In one embodiment, a control circuit 1 is provided in the handle H1. This circuit is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 and can control the direction of data or electrical power transmission between these ports. For example, the control circuit 1 can transmit input signals generated by the control interfaces U1 and U2 of the control unit C1 to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1. The control circuit 1 identifies the external device connected to the second transmission port P2 to determine whether it is a power supply device or a current collector device. In other embodiments, either only the control interface U1 or only the control interface U2 is provided and located on one of the handles H1 or H2.

[0017] In one embodiment, if the external device is a current collector, the control circuit 1 can receive a display signal and an initial input power from the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and transmit this display signal and this initial input power to the external device via the second transmission port P2. If the external device is a power supply device, the control circuit 1 can receive a second input power provided by the external device via the second transmission port and transmit this second input power to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1.

[0018] In one embodiment, if the power supply device is, for example, a charger, the charger can charge the handheld device 20 via the control unit C1. If the current-consuming device is, for example, a display device, the display device can receive and display a display signal from the handheld device 20 via the control unit C1, whereby the power supply for the operation of the display device can be provided by the handheld device 20.

[0019] In one embodiment, the handheld device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a handheld game console, a navigation device, or a video playback device. The first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 can be connectors, which may be configured as either plugs or sockets, depending on the application requirements. The connector can comply with the USB transmission specification. Furthermore, the connector can be, for example, a USB Type-C transmission port interface or a connector for transmitting video and power signals.

[0020] As can be seen from Fig. 2 results in the control unit C1 being connected to an external device and a handheld device 20, where the external device is exemplified here as a display device (displayer) 21.

[0021] When the control unit C1 is used in combination with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C1 is connected to the handheld device 20 and the second transmission port P2 of the control unit C1 is connected to the display device 21. The control circuit 1 in the control unit C1 can then detect, via the second transmission port P2, that the currently connected external device is the display device 21 and, based on this detection, control the handheld device 20 to output a display signal to the display device 21. For example, the display signal from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted to the display device 21 for display via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2.Simultaneously, the initial input power from the handheld device 20 is also transmitted to the display device 21 via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 to power it. This means that the display device 21 can not only receive the initial input power supplied by the handheld device 20 for operation, but can also display the signal provided by the handheld device 20.

[0022] In one embodiment, the display device 21 is, for example, a VR headset or a flat screen. Accordingly, when the user operates the handheld device 20 via the control unit C1, a display image from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted to the display device 21 to improve ease of use.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a charger. The Fig. 3 The control unit C1 shown is connected to an external device and a handheld device 20, the external device being exemplified here as a charger 22.

[0024] When the control unit C1 is used in combination with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C1 is connected to the handheld device 20 and the second transmission port P2 of the control unit C1 is connected to the charger 22, whereby the control circuit 1 in the control unit C1 can determine via the second transmission port P2 that the currently connected external device is the charger 22, and can control the charger 22 on the basis of this determination to charge the handheld device 20.

[0025] For example, a charging signal from the charger 22 can be transmitted to the handheld device 20 via the second transmission port P2 and the first transmission port P1 to charge it, where the charging signal can be a second input power. Since the external device is no longer the one in Fig. Since the display device 21 shown in section 2 is involved, the display signal of the handheld device 20 is no longer displayed as shown in the diagram. Fig. 2. The first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 are transmitted to the external device for display, and the first input power of the handheld device 20 is not entered into the control unit C1.

[0026] Put another way: In the architecture of Fig. 3. The control unit C1 can receive the second input power provided by the charger 22, which can be used to charge the handheld device 20 in order to extend the operating time of the handheld device 20.

[0027] In one embodiment, the charger 22 is, for example, a charging device or a mobile power supply.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the connections between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and several external devices. The in Fig. The control unit shown in Figure 4 is connected to several external devices and a handheld device 20, the several external devices being represented here by way of example as a display device 21 and a charger 22.

[0029] When the control unit C2 is used in combination with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C2 is connected to the handheld device 20, the second transmission port P2 of the control unit C2 to the display device 21, and a third transmission port P3 of the control unit C2 to the charger 22, with the second transmission port P2 of the control unit C2 being permanently connected to the display device 21 and the third transmission port P3 being permanently connected to the charger 22. The in Fig. The control unit C2 shown has, in comparison to the control unit C1, the following features: Fig. 3 additionally via a third transmission port P3, so that the control unit C2 can be connected to several external devices via the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3.

[0030] If, for example, the control circuit 1 of the control unit C2 determines via the second transmission port P2 that the currently connected first external device is the display unit 21 and the currently connected second external device to the third transmission port P3 is the charger 22, the control circuit 1 of the control unit C2 can control the charger 22 to charge the handheld device 20 and supply power to the display unit 21.For example, a charging signal from the charger 22 can be transmitted on the one hand via the third transmission port P3 and the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20 for charging and on the other hand via the third transmission port P3 and the second transmission port P2 to the display device 21 for power supply, while a display signal from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 to the display device 21 for display.

[0031] In one embodiment, since in Fig. In the architecture shown in Figure 4, the external objects connected to the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 are defined. The second transmission port P2 will not function if the display device 21 is not connected to it, and the third transmission port P3 will also not function if the charger 22 is not connected to it. If only the second transmission port P2 is connected to the display device 21, the control unit C2 can operate according to... Fig. 2. If, however, only the third transmission port P3 of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 is connected to the charger 22, the control unit C2 can be operated according to Fig. 3 work.

[0032] Accordingly, the control unit C2 can be by the in Fig. The architecture shown in Figure 4 outputs a display image from the handheld device 20 to the display device 21 for display. The display device 21 does not need to be powered by the handheld device 20, but is powered by the charger 22. The charger 22 can also charge the handheld device 20 simultaneously, so that the user can use this connection architecture to enable prolonged viewing of the display device 21 and ensure long-term operation of the handheld device 20.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the connections between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and several external devices. The in Fig. The control unit shown in Figure 5 is connected to several external devices and a handheld device 20, the external devices being represented here by way of example as a display device 21 and a charger 22.

[0034] When the control unit C3 is used in combination with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C3 is connected to the handheld device 20, while both the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 of the control unit C3 can be optionally connected to either the display unit 21 or the charger 22 as an external device, depending on the requirements of the use. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second transmission port P2 of the control unit C3 is connected to the charger 22 and the third transmission port P3 of the control unit C3 is connected to the display unit 21.

[0035] If the control circuit 1 of the control unit C3 detects via the second transmission port P2 that the first external device currently connected is the charger 22 and the second external device currently connected to the third transmission port P3 is the display unit 21, the control circuit 1 of the control unit C3 can control the charger 22 to charge the handheld device 20 and to power the display unit 21. For example, a charging signal (i.e.,a second input power) of the charger 22 is transmitted on the one hand via the second transmission port P2 and the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20 for charging and on the other hand via the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 to the display device 21 for power supply, while a display signal from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted via the first transmission port P1 and the third transmission port P3 to the display device 21 for display. Similarly, if the control circuit 1 of the control unit C3 detects that the connection of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 is as shown in . Fig. As shown in section 4, relative control can be achieved by referring to the in Fig. The method described in section 4 will be carried out.

[0036] It is remarkable that this in Fig. The control unit C3 shown in Figure 5 can determine the function of a transmission port depending on which of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 establishes a connection first, depending on the object to which the transmission port is first connected. For example, if the control circuit 1 first determines that the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 is the charger 22, it can be set to use the second external device subsequently connected to the third transmission port P3 as the display device 21; or if the control circuit 1 first determines that the first external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is the charger 22, it can be set to use the second external device subsequently connected to the second transmission port P2 as the display device 21.

[0037] It is noteworthy that in the Fig. In the architecture shown in Figure 5, the control unit C3 can automatically identify the objects connected to the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3; that is, the objects connected to the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 are not fixed. This increases ease of use by allowing the flexible connection of various external devices to the control unit C3.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit C3 can be made of Fig. 5 furthermore be equipped with a corresponding indication interface to inform the user which object (e.g. the display device 21 or the charger 22) is currently connected to the second transmission port P2 or the third transmission port P3.

[0039] For example, the indication interface can be provided with a first indicator L1 or a second indicator L2 on one side next to the second transmission port P2 or the third transmission port P3, as shown in Fig. 5 can be seen. If the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 is the charger 22, the first indicator L1 next to the second transmission port P2 displays a light signal associated with the charger 22 (e.g., a first indicator signal), while the second indicator L2 next to the third transmission port P3 displays a light signal associated with the display device 21 (e.g., a second indicator signal). If the first external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is the charger 22, the second indicator L2 next to the third transmission port P3 displays a light signal associated with the charger 22 (e.g., a first indicator signal), while the first indicator L1 next to the second transmission port P2 displays a light signal associated with the display device 21 (e.g., a second indicator signal).In this way, the user can clearly identify from the displayed light signal which object is connected to the second transmission port P2 or the third transmission port P3.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first indicator L1 is a first light-emitting element and the second indicator L2 is a second light-emitting element, while the first indicator signal is a first light signal and the second indicator signal is a second light signal, wherein the first and second light signals are distinct from each other. Furthermore, the first light-emitting element is located next to the second transmission port P2 and the second light-emitting element is located next to the third transmission port P3. The first and second light-emitting elements are, for example, designed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0041] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a connection between a control unit for supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention and a charger. The connection shown in Fig. 6 The control unit C4 shown is connected to a charger and a handheld device 20, the charger being shown here as an example in the form of a mobile power supply PB.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the mobile power supply PB is located in the area of ​​the bridging mechanism B2 between the two handles H1 and H2. This means that the third transmission port P3 can be positioned near the bridging mechanism B2, allowing the mobile power supply PB to be mounted on the bridging mechanism B2 and connected to the third transmission port P3. In this way, if the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C4 is connected to the handheld device 20, the second transmission port P2 to the display device 21, and the third transmission port P3 to the charger, and if the display device 21 is a VR headset and the charger is a mobile power supply PB, then the mobile power supply PB can be mounted on one side of the bridging mechanism B2 and the handheld device 20 is located on the opposite side of the bridging mechanism B2.With the handheld device 20 and the mobile power supply PB positioned on the front and back of the bridging mechanism B2 respectively, the user wearing the VR glasses directly can still operate the control unit C3 smoothly by holding it, even when moving. [Examples of the control unit circuits]

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control circuit 1 in the Fig. The control unit C1 shown in Figure 7 comprises, for example, but not exclusively, a transmission controller 10, a power transmission circuit 11, a data transmission circuit 12, a peripheral controller 13, and a peripheral input device 14, wherein the transmission controller 10 is connected to the first transmission port P1, the second transmission port P2, the power transmission circuit 11, the data transmission circuit 12, and the peripheral controller 13. The power transmission circuit 11 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. The peripheral controller 13 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the peripheral input device 14. The data transmission circuit 12 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the first transmission port P1 is connected to the handheld device 20, the transmission controller 10 and the peripheral controller 13 can receive power supplied by the handheld device 20 via the power transmission circuit 11 after communication with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1, so that the control unit C1 can be operated as intended. For example, the peripheral controller 13 here provides various input operations for the peripheral input device 14 and transmits the input signals generated by the peripheral input device 14 to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 to control the handheld device 20. The peripheral input device 14 serves here as control interfaces U1, U2 of the control unit C1 and can, for example, be various combinations of buttons and joysticks, where the buttons can be digital or analog.

[0045] For example, the transmission controller 10 communicates with the handheld device 20 or an external device by having a first identification pin and a second identification pin, the first identification pin being connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second identification pin being connected to the second transmission port P2. In this way, the transmission controller 10 can detect the port of the handheld device 20 via the first identification pin and identify the external device via the second identification pin, and control the power transmission circuit 11 according to the identification results of the first and second identification pins to transmit either the first input power or the second input power.

[0046] In particular, the transmission control unit 10 ensures the transmission of data or power between the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. For example, if the control unit C1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the handheld device 20 is connected via the first transmission port P1 and an external device in the form of a display device 21 via the second transmission port P2. The second identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can communicate with the external device via the second transmission port P2 to identify that this external device is a display device 21. The first identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can then communicate with the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 to inform the handheld device 20 of the need for a continuous power supply to the control unit C1.This means that the first input power of the handheld device 20 is continuously fed into the power transmission circuit 11 via the first transmission port P1, whereby the transmission control 10 controls the power transmission circuit 11 in such a way that, in addition to transmitting the first input power to the peripheral control 13 and the transmission control 10 for power supply, it also transmits the first input power to the second transmission port P2, so that the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2 can receive the first input power and operate as intended.

[0047] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 10 has already informed the handheld device 20, connected to the first transmission port P1, via the first identification pin, that a display device 21 is currently connected to the second transmission port P2. Therefore, the transmission control unit 10 can continue to receive a display signal output by the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and control this display signal so that it is transmitted via the data transmission circuit 12 to the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2, enabling the display device 21 to reproduce the display signal when it receives it.

[0048] On the other hand, if the control unit C1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the handheld device 20 is connected via the first transmission port P1 and an external device in the form of a charger 22 via the second transmission port P2. The second identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can communicate with the external device via the second transmission port P2 to identify it as a charger 22. The first identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can then communicate with the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 to inform the handheld device 20 that it no longer needs to supply power to the control unit C1. This means that the first input power from the handheld device 20 no longer needs to be continuously fed into the power transmission circuit 11 via the first transmission port P1, but instead a second input power provided by the charger 22 is used.The transmission control 10 controls the power transmission circuit 11 so that it transmits the second input power not only to the peripheral control 13 and the transmission control 10 for power supply, but also to the first transmission port P1, so that the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 can receive the second input power for charging.

[0049] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 10 has already informed the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 via the first identification pin that a charger 22 is currently connected to the second transmission port P2. Therefore, the display signal of the handheld device 20 no longer needs to be transmitted to the control unit C1; that is, the transmission control unit 10 controls the data transmission circuit 12 so that it stops transmitting data to the charger 22 connected to the second transmission port P2.

[0050] In particular, the transmission control unit 10 communicates from Fig. 7 communicates with the externally connected object via the first transmission port P1 or the second transmission port P2 and, based on the communication results, controls the power transmission circuit 11 to perform a corresponding power transmission or the data transmission circuit 12 to perform a corresponding data transmission. The power transmission circuit 11 has a bidirectional power transmission function. For example, the power transmission circuit 11 can receive input power either from the first transmission port P1 or from the second transmission port P2 and output this input power to the other transmission port, whereby the input power received by the power transmission circuit 11 also simultaneously serves as a power source for the operation of the relevant components within the control unit C1.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The architecture of the control unit shown in Fig. The control unit shown in section 8 differs from... Fig. 7 additionally an auxiliary control 15. Here only the differences are explained, whereby for the description of the elements with the same reference symbols on Fig. 7 can be referenced. The auxiliary control 15 in the in Fig. The control circuit 1a shown in Figure 8 is connected between the first transmission port P1, the power transmission circuit 11 and the peripheral control 13.

[0052] In this case, the auxiliary control 15 can receive power via the power transmission circuit 11, which may be a first input power provided by the handheld device 20 connected externally to the first transmission port P1, or a second input power provided by the charger 22 connected externally to the second transmission port P2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the auxiliary controller 15 can process the audio data in the display signal of the handheld device 20 individually before outputting an audio signal to the data transmission circuit 12. The data transmission circuit 12 can then output the image data (which can be received from the first transmission port P1) and the audio data (which can be received from the auxiliary controller 15) from the display signal of the handheld device 20 to the display device 21, which is externally connected to the second transmission port P2.

[0054] It should be noted that the in Fig. 8. Display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2 supports the reception of image data and sound data independently, instead of supporting the use of a single audiovisual transmission interface that can receive both image data and sound data, as is the case with the in Fig. 7 is the case for the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2, where the single audiovisual transmission interface is, for example, a DP (DisplayPort) transmission interface. In other words, the audio data in the DP display signal received by the handheld device 20 at the first transmission port P1 can be processed by the auxiliary controller 15 in the Fig. The control unit C1 shown in section 8 is taken out individually and processed, and then output via the data transmission circuit 12 to the display unit 21 connected to the second transmission port P2, so that the image data in the received DP display signal and the separate sound data can continue to be reproduced as intended by the display unit 21, in which the audio part and the image data are used separately.

[0055] Fig. Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The architecture of the control unit shown in Fig. The control unit C2 shown in section 9 differs from... Fig. 8 additionally a third transmission port P3. Only the differences are explained here, whereby the description of the elements with the same reference symbols refers to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 can be referred to. The one in Fig. The third transmission port P3 shown in Figure 9 is connected to the data transmission circuit 12 and the power transmission circuit 11.

[0056] In Fig. 9 defines the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3. In one embodiment, a control circuit 1b ensures that a charger 22 is used as the first external device and a display device 21 is used as the second external device.

[0057] For example, if the control unit C2 is only connected to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1, the transmission control 10, after communication with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1, controls the power transmission circuit 11 so that it receives a first input power provided by the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1, which can then be distributed to the transmission control 10, the auxiliary control 15 and the peripheral control 13.

[0058] If, subsequently, the third transmission port P3 of the control unit C2 is first connected to the display unit 21 and then the second transmission port P2 to the charger 22, the transmission control 10, after communication with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and with the charger 22 via the second transmission port P2, controls the power transmission circuit 11 so that it receives a second input power provided by the charger 22 via the second transmission port P2, which can not only be further distributed to the transmission control 10, the auxiliary control 15 and the peripheral control 13, but can also be transmitted via the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20 for charging and via the third transmission port P3 to the display unit 21 for powering it.

[0059] Furthermore, the transmission controller 10 controls the data transmission circuit 12 so that it receives a display signal from the handheld device 20 and outputs this display signal to the display device 21 for playback via the third transmission port P3. In the Fig. In the architecture shown in Figure 9, the display signal of the handheld device 20 is, for example, a DP display signal which, when input via the first transmission port P1 into the control unit C2, is transmitted in the form of two signal types: image data and audio data. The image data in the DP display signal is output directly to the data transmission circuit 12, while the audio data in the DP display signal is transmitted to the auxiliary controller 15 to be processed by the auxiliary controller 15 into an audio playback format compatible with the display device 21. Finally, the data transmission circuit 12 can transmit the image data and the audio data in the DP display signal separately to the display device 21 for playback.

[0060] In one embodiment, if after connecting the handheld device 20 to the control unit C2 in Fig. 9 If first the second transmission port P2 is connected to the charger 22 and then the third transmission port P3 is connected to the display unit 21, the transmission control 10 can, upon detecting this situation, control the display unit 21 so that it stops working.

[0061] In one embodiment, if after connecting the handheld device 20 to the control unit C2 in Fig. 9 If only the third transmission port P3 is connected to the display device 21, the transmission control 10 can, upon detecting this situation, control the display device 21 so that it stops functioning.

[0062] Fig. Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The architecture of the control unit shown in Fig. The control unit C3 shown in section 10 has, in comparison to Fig. 9 additionally includes a detection control 16 and another data transmission circuit (e.g., a second data transmission circuit 122). Only the differences are explained here; for the description of the elements with the same reference numerals, reference can be made to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0063] It should be noted that in Fig. 10. The first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 are not specified. In one embodiment, the control unit C2 is controlled by a control circuit 1c such that the first external device can be a charger 22 and the second external device a display device 21, or that the first external device can be a display device 21 and the second external device a charger 22, or that one of the first external devices and the second external device can be a combination of a charger (or a display device) and an input device (such as a mouse or a keyboard).

[0064] The acquisition control 16 in Fig. 10 is connected to the transmission controller 10 and the third transmission port P3. Furthermore, the first data transmission circuit 121 is connected to the first transmission port P1, the auxiliary controller 15, and the second transmission port P2, and the second data transmission circuit 122 is connected to the first transmission port P1, the auxiliary controller 15, and the third transmission port P3. The third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can be connected to the detection controller 16, with the transmission controller 10 communicating with the external device connected to the third transmission port P3 via the third identification pin. The third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 identifies the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 via the detection controller 16.In other embodiments, the third identification pin of the transmission control 10 can also be directly connected to the third transmission port P3 to identify the second external device.

[0065] In one embodiment, if after connecting the handheld device 20 to the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C3 in Fig. 10 If a charger 22 is connected as the first external device to the second transmission port P2 and a display device 21 is connected as the second external device to the third transmission port P3, the transmission control 10 can detect the current connection status of the control unit C3 based on the communication results of the first identification pin, the second identification pin and the third identification pin and then control the power transmission circuit 11 so that it receives a second input power provided by the charger 22 from the second transmission port P2.In addition to further distributing the second input power to the transmission control 10, the auxiliary control 15, and the peripheral control 13, the power transmission circuit 11 can also transmit the second input power via the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20 for charging and via the third transmission port P3 to the display device 21 for power supply. Simultaneously, the transmission control 10 controls the second data transmission circuit 122 so that it receives a display signal from the handheld device 20 and outputs this display signal via the third transmission port P3 to the display device for playback.

[0066] In one embodiment, if after connecting the handheld device 20 to the first transmission port P1 of the control unit C3 in Fig. 10 If a display device 21 is connected as the first external device to the second transmission port P2 and a charger 22 as the second external device to the third transmission port P3, the transmission control 10 can detect the current connection status of the control unit C3 based on the communication results of the first identification pin, the second identification pin and the third identification pin and then control the power transmission circuit 11 so that it receives a second input power provided by the charger 22 from the third transmission port P3.In addition to further distributing the second input power to the transmission control 10, the auxiliary control 15, and the peripheral control 13, the power transmission circuit 11 can also transmit the second input power via the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20 for charging and via the second transmission port P2 to the display device 21 for power supply. Simultaneously, the transmission control 10 controls the first data transmission circuit 121 so that it receives a display signal from the handheld device 20 and outputs this display signal via the second transmission port P2 to the display device 21 for playback.

[0067] Fig. Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The architecture of the control unit shown in Fig. The control unit C3 shown in section 11 has, in comparison to Fig. 9 additionally an indication interface LD. Only the differences are explained here, whereby for the description of the elements with the same reference numerals reference can be made to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0068] In one embodiment, the indication interface LD in the control circuit 1d is connected to the peripheral control 13 and the peripheral control 13 to the transmission control 10, wherein the peripheral control 13 controls the indication interface LD according to the identification results of the transmission control 10 at the second identification pin and the third identification pin.

[0069] In one embodiment, the indication interface LD comprises, for example, a first indicator L1 and a second indicator L2, wherein the peripheral controller 13 controls the first indicator L1 to display a first indicator signal and the second indicator L2 to display a second indicator signal when the first external device is a charger 22 and the second external device is a display device 21. When the first external device is a display device 21 and the second external device is a charger 22, the peripheral controller controls the first indicator L1 to display a second indicator signal and the second indicator L2 to display a first indicator signal.

[0070] In one embodiment, the auxiliary control 15 is made from the above Fig.Sections 8 to 11 apply to a case in which the display device 21 connected to the control unit C1 uses the audio data in the DP display signal separately. However, if the display device 21 connected to the control unit C1 can directly support the use of a DP display signal (i.e., the audio data in the DP display signal is not used separately), the control unit C1 does not need to use the auxiliary control 15; that is, the display signal of the first transmission port P1 is transmitted directly to the data transmission circuit 12.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first transmission port P1, the second transmission port P2, and the third transmission port P3 are connectors that conform to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C specification, wherein the first identification pin, the second identification pin, and the third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 each communicate with the object connected to the first transmission port P1, the second transmission port P2, and the third transmission port P3, respectively, in the form of a configuration channel pin (CC), and can recognize the connected object based on the CC channel signal of this configuration channel pin.In addition, the first transmission port P1, the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 can have a USB Type-C transmission port interface that supports the DP (DisplayPort) video function, so that the display signal of the handheld device 20 can be output via the control unit C1 to another display device, which can then reproduce the images and sounds in the display signal.

[0072] In one embodiment, the control circuit 1 can be, for example, one or any combination of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system-on-chip (SOC), and can interact with other associated circuit elements and firmware to implement the functional sequence described above.

[0073] In one embodiment, the transmission controller 10 can be a USB-PD controller, the peripheral controller 13 a USB controller, and the auxiliary controller 15 a USB hub. [Advantageous effects of the exemplary embodiments]

[0074] When a handheld device is used in combination with a control unit according to the invention to support image output, a display image from the handheld device can be shown on a display device externally connected to the control unit, which increases the ease of use of the control unit.

[0075] The above description merely represents preferred possible embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention, so that all equivalent technical modifications made by applying the content of the description and the drawings of the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. Reference symbol list C1, C2, C3, C4 control unit B1, B2 bridging mechanism P1 First transmission port P2 Second transmission port P3 Third transmission port H1, H2 handle U1, U2 control interface 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Control circuit 10 Transmission control 11 Power transmission circuit 12 Data transmission circuit 13 Peripheral control 14 Peripheral input device 15 Auxiliary control 16 Data Acquisition Control 121 First data transmission circuit 122 Second data transmission circuit 20 handheld devices 21 Display unit 22 charger LD indication interface L1 First Indicator L2 Second Indicator PB Mobile Power Supply

Claims

[1] Control unit for supporting image output, comprising: - a transmission interface having a first transmission port (P1) and a second transmission port (P2); and - a control circuit (1) configured to receive, in the case where a handheld device (20) is connected to the first transmission port (P1), a first input power provided by the handheld device (20) via the first transmission port (P1), and, in the case where a first external device is connected to the second transmission port (P2), to identify the first external device; wherein, when the control circuit (1) recognizes the first external device as a display device (21), the control circuit (1) is operated such that the first input power is output to the second transmission port (P2) to power the display device (21), and a display signal from the handheld device (20) is received via the first transmission port (P1), which is output to the display device (21) via the second transmission port (P2) for display;wherein when the control circuit (1) recognizes the first external device as a charger (22), the control circuit (1) stops receiving the first input power and receives a second input power provided by the charger (22) via the second transmission port (P2), which is output to the first transmission port (P1) to power the handheld device (20). [2] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit (1) comprises: - a transmission control (10) with a first identification pin and a second identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port (P2); - a data transmission circuit (12) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the second transmission port (P2); - a peripheral input device (14); - a peripheral controller (13) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the peripheral input device (14), wherein the peripheral controller (13) generates an input signal according to an operation of the peripheral input device (14), which is transmitted to the first transmission port (P1) to control the handheld device (20); and - a power transfer circuit (11) connected to the first transfer terminal (P1), the second transfer terminal (P2), the transfer controller (10) and the peripheral controller (13); wherein the transfer controller (10) identifies the first external device by means of the second identification pin and controls the power transfer circuit (11) according to the identification result of the second identification pin to transfer the first input power or the second input power. [3] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if the first external device is the charger (22), the transmission control (10) controls the power transmission circuit (11) such that it receives the second input power and stops receiving the first input power, the second input power being transmitted to the transmission control (10), the peripheral control (13) and the first transmission port (P1). [4] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if the first external device is the charger (21), the transmission control (10) controls the power transmission circuit (11) to receive the first input power and to transmit the first input power to the second transmission port (P2), to the transmission control (10) and to the peripheral control (13) and the data transmission circuit (12) to output the display signal to the second transmission port (P2). [5] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising an auxiliary control (15) which is connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the peripheral control (13), wherein the auxiliary control (15) receives an audio signal input from the first transmission port (P1) and outputs this to the data transmission circuit (12), which in turn outputs the audio signal to the second transmission port (P2). [6] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the peripheral input device (14) is a key device or a joystick device and the charger (22) is a charging device or a mobile power supply (PB). [7] Control unit for supporting image output, comprising: - a transmission interface comprising a first transmission port (P1), a second transmission port (P2), and a third transmission port (P3); and - a control circuit (1b) configured to receive, in the case where a handheld device (20) is connected to the first transmission port (P1), a first input power provided by the handheld device (20) via the first transmission port (P1), and, in the case where a first external device is connected to the second transmission port (P2) and a second external device is connected to the third transmission port (P3), to identify the first external device;wherein, when the control circuit (1b) detects that the first external device is a charger (22) and the second external device connected to the third transmission port (P3) is a display device (21), the control circuit (1b) stops receiving the first input power, receives a second input power provided by the charger (22) via the second transmission port (P2), causes an output of the second input power to the first transmission port (P1) to power the handheld device (20) and to the third transmission port (P3) to power the display device (21), receives a display signal from the handheld device (20) via the first transmission port (P1), and causes an output of the display signal via the third transmission port (P3) to the display device (21) for display. [8] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit (1b) comprises: - a transmission control (10) with a first identification pin and a second identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port (P2); - a data transmission circuit (12) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the third transmission port (P3); - a peripheral input device (14); - a peripheral controller (13) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the peripheral input device (14), wherein the peripheral controller (13) generates an input signal according to an operation of the peripheral input device (14), which is transmitted to the first transmission port (P1) to control the handheld device (20); and - a power transfer circuit (11) connected to the first transfer terminal (P1), the second transfer terminal (P2) and the third transfer terminal (P3), the transfer controller (10) and the peripheral controller (13); wherein the transfer controller (10) identifies the first external device by means of the second identification pin and controls the power transfer circuit (11) according to the identification result of the second identification pin to transfer the first input power or the second input power. [9] Control unit for supporting image output according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an auxiliary control (15) which is connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the peripheral control (13), wherein the auxiliary control (15) receives an audio signal input from the first transmission port (P1) and outputs it to the data transmission circuit (12). [10] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the peripheral input device (14) is a key device or a joystick device and the charger (22) is a charging device or a mobile power supply. [11] Control unit for supporting image output according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control circuit (1c) comprises: - a transmission control (10) with a first identification pin, a second identification pin and a third identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port (P1), the second identification pin to the second transmission port (P2) and the third identification pin to the third transmission port (P3); - a first data transmission circuit (121) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the second transmission port (P2); - a second data transmission circuit (122) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the third transmission port (P3); - a peripheral input device (14); - a peripheral controller (13) connected to the first transmission port (P1) and the peripheral input device (14), wherein the peripheral controller (13) generates an input signal according to an operation of the peripheral input device (14), which is transmitted to the first transmission port (P1) to control the handheld device (20); and - a power transfer circuit (11) connected to the first transfer port (P1), the second transfer port (P2) and the third transfer port (P3), the transfer controller (10) and the peripheral controller (13); wherein the transfer controller (10) identifies the first external device and the second external device by means of the second identification pin and the third identification pin respectively, and controls the operation of the power transfer circuit (11), the first data transmission circuit (121) and the second data transmission circuit (122) according to the identification results of the second and third identification pins. [12] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 11, wherein, when the transmission control (10) recognizes the first external device as the charger (22) and the second external device as the display device (21), the transmission control (10) controls the power transmission circuit (11) such that it transmits the second input power to the first transmission port (P1), the third transmission port (P3) and the peripheral control (13), and controls the second data transmission circuit (122) such that it outputs the display signal to the third transmission port (P3). [13] Control unit for supporting image output according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising an auxiliary control (15) connected to the first transmission port (P1), the peripheral control (13), the first data transmission circuit (121) and the second data transmission circuit (122), wherein the auxiliary control (15) receives an audio signal input from the first transmission port (P1), while the transmission control (10) controls the second data transmission circuit (122) such that it outputs the audio signal to the third transmission port (P3). [14] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, when the transmission control (10) recognizes the first external device as the display device (21) and the second external device as the charger (22), the transmission control (10) controls the power transmission circuit (11) such that it transmits the second input power to the first transmission port (P1), the second transmission port (P2) and the peripheral control (13), and controls the first data transmission circuit (121) such that it outputs the display signal to the second transmission port (P2). [15] Control unit for supporting image output according to claim 14, further comprising an auxiliary control (15) connected to the first transmission port (P1), the peripheral control (13), the first data transmission circuit (121) and the second data transmission circuit (122), wherein the auxiliary control (15) receives an audio signal input from the first transmission port (P1), while the transmission control (10) controls the first data transmission circuit (121) such that it outputs the audio signal to the second transmission port (P2). [16] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a detection control (16) which is connected between the transmission control (10) and the third transmission port (P3), wherein the transmission control (10) identifies the second external device via the detection control (16). [17] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising an indication interface (LD), wherein the indication interface (LD) is connected to the peripheral control (13) and the peripheral control (13) is connected to the transmission control (10), wherein the peripheral control (13) controls the indication interface (LD) according to the identification results of the transmission control (10) at the second identification pin and the third identification pin. [18] Control unit for supporting an image output according to claim 17, wherein the indication interface (LD) comprises a first indicator (L1) and a second indicator (L2), wherein, when the first external device is the charger (22) and the second external device is the display device (21), the peripheral control (13) controls the first indicator (L1) to display a first indicator signal and controls the second indicator (L2) to display a second indicator signal, and wherein, when the first external device is the display device (21) and the second external device is the charger (22), the peripheral control (13) controls the first indicator (L1) to display the second indicator signal and controls the second indicator (L2) to display the first indicator signal. [19] Control unit for supporting image output according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first indicator (L1) is a first light-emitting element, the second indicator (L2) is a second light-emitting element, the first indicator signal is a first light signal and the second indicator signal is a second light signal, wherein the first light signal and the second light signal are different from each other, and wherein the first light-emitting element is arranged next to the second transmission port (P2) and the second light-emitting element is arranged next to the third transmission port (P3), and wherein the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are designed as light-emitting diodes. [20] Control unit for supporting image output according to one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the third transmission port (P3) is located on a bridging mechanism (B2) of the control unit for supporting image output, which bridging mechanism (B2) is arranged between a first handle (H1) and a second handle (H2) of the control unit for supporting image output, wherein the charger (22) is a mobile power supply (PB) and the display device (21) is a VR headset, wherein the mobile power supply (PB) is mounted on the bridging mechanism (B2) when the mobile power supply (PB) is connected to the third transmission port (P3).

Images