Signal management systen and projector

Abstract

A signal management system includes a signal input / output module and a control unit. When the control unit determines that a signal conversion unit of the signal input / output module is in an idle state, the signal input / output module is controlled to operate in a low power consumption mode, otherwise, the signal input / output module is controlled to operate in a normal working mode. A first power consumption value of the signal conversion unit in the low power consumption mode is less than a second power consumption value in the normal working mode, thereby improving the problem of continuous power consumption of the signal conversion unit in the idle state and improving energy utilization efficiency.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal management system and a projector, and more particularly to a signal management system and a projector having the signal management system. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Generally, electronic devices such as projectors have signal input / output modules for connecting external devices to receive or provide signals. These modules mainly include ports for connecting signal cables or wireless communication, and signal processors for processing input / output signals. However, when a port on one of the signal input / output modules is not in use, but the corresponding signal processor is still operating, this results in wasted power in the electronic device.

[0003] The "Prior Art" paragraph is only used to help understand the content of this invention. Therefore, the content disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph may include some prior art that does not constitute conventional art known to those skilled in the art. The content disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph does not mean that the content or the problem to be solved by one or more embodiments of this invention was known or recognized by those skilled in the art prior to this application. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] In view of the poor energy efficiency of modules used for inputting / outputting signals in existing electronic devices, the present invention provides a signal management system and a projector to improve energy efficiency.

[0005] The signal management system of the present invention includes at least one signal input / output module and a control unit. The at least one signal input / output module is electrically connected to the control unit and is adapted to be controlled by the control unit to operate in either a normal operating mode or a low-power mode. The at least one signal input / output module includes a connection port, a power supply unit, and a signal conversion unit. The connection port is configured to receive a raw input signal. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the connection port and is configured to receive the raw input signal from the connection port. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit and is configured to provide power to the signal conversion unit. When the at least one signal input / output module is operated in the normal operating mode, the connection port is adapted to receive the raw input signal, and the power supply unit provides the power to the signal conversion unit so that the signal conversion unit performs format conversion on the raw input signal from the connection port to generate a target format signal. When the control unit determines that the signal conversion unit is idle, the control unit controls the at least one signal input / output module to operate in the low-power mode. The signal conversion unit has a first power consumption value in the low-power mode and a second power consumption value in the normal operating mode, wherein the first power consumption value is less than the second power consumption value.

[0006] The projector of the present invention includes a signal management system, an image processing unit, a light source module, a light modulation module, and a projection lens. The signal management system includes at least one signal input / output module and a control unit. The at least one signal input / output module is electrically connected to the control unit and is adapted to be controlled by the control unit to operate in one of a normal operating mode and a low-power mode. The at least one signal input / output module includes a connection port, a power supply unit, and a signal conversion unit. The connection port is configured to receive a raw input signal. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the connection port and is configured to receive the raw input signal from the connection port. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit and is configured to provide power to the signal conversion unit. When the at least one signal input / output module is operated in the normal operating mode, the connection port is adapted to receive the raw input signal, and the power supply unit provides the power to the signal conversion unit so that the signal conversion unit performs format conversion on the raw input signal from the connection port to generate a target format signal. When the control unit determines that the signal conversion unit is idle, the control unit controls the at least one signal input / output module to operate the at least one signal input / output module in the low-power mode. The signal conversion unit has a first power consumption value in the low-power mode and a second power consumption value in the normal operating mode, wherein the first power consumption value is less than the second power consumption value. The image processing unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit to receive the target format signal, and is configured to perform image processing on the target format signal to provide a processed target format signal. The light source module is configured to provide an illumination beam. The light modulation module is electrically connected to the image processing unit and is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam, and is configured to convert the illumination beam into an image beam based on the processed target format signal provided by the image processing unit. The projection lens is disposed on the transmission path of the image beam and is configured to project the image beam outside the projector.

[0007] Based on the above, the signal management system and projector of the present invention can automatically or passively reduce the power consumption of the signal conversion unit or stop supplying power to the signal conversion unit according to the actual usage or needs of the signal conversion unit. In this way, the signal management system and the projector with the signal management system can effectively save power without affecting usage, making better use of energy and avoiding energy waste.

[0008] To make the foregoing easier to understand, several embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the figures.

Implementation Method

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to assist the reader in fully understanding the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art may suggest various changes, modifications, or equivalent substitutions to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods described herein. Additionally, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted. Furthermore, where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and description to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0010] Some projectors have a built-in power-saving mode to conserve power. For example, a common practice is that when the projector does not detect an input source for a period of time, it enters power-saving mode. In power-saving mode, the projector reduces or turns off the light source until it detects an input signal again, at which point the projector's brightness is restored to its original setting. However, generally speaking, when the projector is in sleep mode, idle integrated circuits (ICs) continue to operate, thus consuming some power.

[0011] In addition, projectors typically have various input / output (I / O) terminals to receive input signals from external devices. It is worth noting that even when the projector is in operation, some I / O terminals are idle, but the signal conversion ICs of these idle terminals continue to operate. In other words, these signal conversion ICs still consume power.

[0012] In this invention, the control unit reduces the power consumption of the signal conversion IC or stops supplying power to the signal conversion IC based on the actual usage of the signal conversion IC. This improves the power-saving effect of the projector.

[0013] Figures 1A to 1C respectively illustrate different embodiments of the signal management system 100A, 100B and 100C of the present invention.

[0014] First, please refer to FIG1A. The signal management system 100A of the present invention includes at least one signal input / output module 110 and a control unit 120. FIG1A illustrates a signal input / output module 110 as an example. The signal input / output module 110 is electrically connected to the control unit 120, and the signal input / output module 110 includes at least one connection port 112, a power supply unit 114, and at least one signal conversion unit 116. The connection port 112 is used to connect an external device to receive a raw input signal sig_in, and the signal conversion unit 116 is electrically connected to the connection port 112 to receive the raw input signal sig_in from the connection port 112. The power supply unit 114 is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit 116 to provide power to the signal conversion unit 116. The signal input / output module 110 is adapted to be controlled by the control unit 120 to operate in one of a normal operating mode and a low power mode.

[0015] More specifically, referring to FIG1B, in some embodiments, the control unit 120 is respectively coupled to the connection port 112, the power supply unit 114, and the signal conversion unit 116 of the signal input / output module 110, thereby receiving signals from the connection port 112, the power supply unit 114, and the signal conversion unit 116, or transmitting control signals. In some embodiments, the signal management system 100A is adapted to be configured in an electronic device (not shown), the electronic device including a user interface 200, and the control unit 120 is also electrically connected to the user interface 200 for presenting relevant information to the user or receiving operation signals from the user.

[0016] Referring to FIG1C, in some embodiments, the signal management system 100C includes a plurality of signal input / output modules 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 122. Each of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 includes a connection port 112, a power supply unit 114, and a signal conversion unit 116, and the control unit 120 of the signal management system 100C is respectively coupled to each signal input / output module 110 and the storage unit 122. In some embodiments, the control unit 120 is respectively coupled to the connection port 112, the power supply unit 114, and the signal conversion unit 116 in each signal input / output module 110.

[0017] As shown in FIG1C, the storage unit 122 is built into the control unit 120. The storage unit 122 may include a combination of one or more static or mobile random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk, or any other similar device. In other embodiments, the storage unit 122 is not configured within the signal management system 100C, but is instead coupled to an external component of the control unit 120.

[0018] Referring again to Figures 1A to 1C, when the control unit 120 controls the signal input / output module 110 to operate in normal working mode, the connection port 112 is adapted to receive the raw input signal sig_in from an external device, and the power supply unit 114 provides power to the signal conversion unit 116 so that the signal conversion unit 116 performs format conversion on the raw input signal from the connection port 112 to generate a target format signal sig_ta. The target format signal sig_ta is, for example, an input signal of a target format required by the back-end circuitry of the electronic device where the signal management system 100A~100C is located. Alternatively, the target format signal sig_ta may also be an output signal provided to another connection port (not shown).

[0019] When the signal conversion unit 116 does not receive the original input signal or does not perform format conversion, it is in an idle state.

[0020] When the control unit 120 determines that the signal conversion unit 116 is idle, the control unit 120 can control the signal input / output module 110 to operate in a low-power mode. When the control unit 120 controls the signal input / output module 110 to operate in a low-power mode, the signal input / output module 110 will reduce its power consumption (i.e., have a lower power consumption value). For example, the signal conversion unit 116 of the signal input / output module 110 may have a first power consumption value in the low-power mode, while the signal conversion unit 116 of the signal input / output module 110 may have a second power consumption value in the normal operating mode, and the first power consumption value is less than the second power consumption value.

[0021] The specific implementation of the signal input / output module 110 operating in low power mode is described below.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control unit 120 sends a power-saving command to the signal conversion unit 116, causing the signal conversion unit 116 to enter a power-saving state, thereby operating the signal input / output module 110 in a low-power mode. The power-saving state of the signal conversion unit 116 includes at least one of the following methods: reducing the operating frequency, turning off specific circuit blocks (e.g., audio-related circuit blocks), or turning off specific functions, thereby controlling the signal input / output module 110 to operate in a low-power mode.

[0023] In some other embodiments, the control unit 120 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 114. The control unit 120 can also control the power supply unit 114 to not supply power to the signal conversion unit 116, thereby allowing the signal input / output module 110 to operate in a low-power mode. Specifically, the control unit 120 is electrically connected to the enable pin of the power supply unit 114. When the signal input / output module 110 is operated in normal working mode, the control unit 120 outputs a high-potential signal to the enable pin of the power supply unit 114 to enable the power supply unit 114. The power supply unit 114 normally provides power to the signal conversion unit 116, and the signal conversion unit 116 has a second power consumption value. When the signal input / output module 110 is operated in low-power mode, the control unit 120 outputs a low-potential signal to the enable pin of the power supply unit 114 to disable the power supply unit 114. The power supply unit 114 does not provide power to the signal conversion unit 116, and the signal conversion unit 116 has no power input and thus stops working. At this time, the first power consumption value of the signal conversion unit 116 is 0.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control unit 120 may include a central processing unit (CPU), or other programmable general-purpose or special-purpose MCUs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), graphics processing units (GPUs), input signal processors (ISPs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other similar elements or combinations thereof. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connection port 112 may include a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) input port, a display port (DP), a serial digital interface (SDI) input port, a serial digital interface output port, a high-definition substrate transmission (HDBaseT) port, a combination of the above elements, or other similar elements.

[0026] The signal conversion unit 116 is used to receive input signals provided by the input port 112 or the preceding stage circuit, and to convert the received input signals into a format acceptable to the subsequent stage circuit. Furthermore, the signal conversion unit 116 can be implemented using appropriate hardware components, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0027] The power supply unit 114 is, for example, one or a combination of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, an LLC converter, or any power supply device capable of providing suitable operating power for the signal conversion unit 116. In some embodiments, each signal input / output module 110 has its own independent power supply unit 114. In other embodiments, the power supply units 114 of at least two signal input / output modules 110 may be integrated into the same power supply device, provided that the plurality of output terminals connected to each signal conversion unit 116 are isolated from each other.

[0028] Figures 2A to 2E are flowcharts of the operation of the signal management system of the present invention.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1A to 1C and Figure 2A for the operation flow of the signal management system 100A~100C. The main steps 200A include S210A to S230A.

[0030] In step S210A, the control unit 120 is configured to determine whether the signal conversion unit 116 of the signal input / output module 110 is in an idle state. If yes, then proceed to step S220A, where the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a low-power mode. If no, then proceed to step S230A, where the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a normal operating mode.

[0031] The following further explains the specific implementation method of the operation process 200A of the signal management system 100A~100C.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C and 2B, in the first embodiment, the operation flow 200B includes steps S210B to S260B. In step S210B, the active power saving function of the signal input / output module 110 is enabled. Specifically, for example, the control unit 120 receives a power saving function enable command from the user interface 200, thereby enabling the active power saving function and executing subsequent steps accordingly. In step S220B, the control unit 120 is configured to receive a status indication signal from the connection port 112 and determine whether the connection port 112 is connected or disconnected based on the status indication signal. In response to the control unit 120 determining that the connection port 112 is disconnected in step S220B, the process proceeds to step S230B, where the control unit 120 determines that the signal conversion unit 116 is idle, and then proceeds to step S240B, where the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a low-power mode. In response to the control unit 120 determining that the connection port 110 is in a connected state in step S220B, the process proceeds to step S250B, where the control unit 120 determines that the signal conversion unit 116 is in a non-idle state, and then proceeds to step S260B, where the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a normal operating mode.

[0033] The status indication signal of the connection port 112 is configured to indicate whether the connection port 112 is in a connected state (i.e., the connection port 112 is occupied) or an unconnected state (i.e., the connection port 112 is not occupied). For example, in some embodiments, the connection port 112 (e.g., HDMI, DP, HDBaseT) includes a hot plug detection (HPD) pin. The hot plug detection pin is used to receive a hot plug detection voltage from a corresponding pin of an external device as a status indication signal. For example, when the connection port 112 is connected to an external device, the external device provides a first voltage (e.g., a logic high voltage) to the hot plug detection pin as a hot plug detection voltage, and the status indication signal of the hot plug detection pin indicates that the connection port 112 is in a connected state. On the other hand, when no external device is connected to the connection port 112, the hot-plug detection pin has a second voltage (e.g., logic low voltage), and the status indication signal of the hot-plug detection pin indicates that the connection port 112 is in an unconnected state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0034] As an extension of this embodiment, when the signal input / output module 110 is already in low-power mode, in response to the status indication signal of the connection port 112 of the signal input / output module 110 indicating that the connection port 112 is in a connected state, the control unit 120 controls the signal input / output module 110 to switch from low-power mode to normal operation mode. In other words, the control unit 120 automatically controls each signal input / output module 110 to switch between low-power mode and normal operation mode according to the change in the connection state indicated by the status indication signal of the connection port 112 of the signal input / output module 110, thereby avoiding energy waste caused by the signal conversion unit 116 of the connection port 112 that is not connected to an external device running idle.

[0035] It should be noted that in most embodiments, particularly in embodiments where the connection port 112 is not configured to provide a connection status indication signal, the control unit 120 may receive a wake-up command via the user interface 200. The wake-up command is used to instruct the signal input / output module 110 to switch from a low-power mode to a normal operating mode. Furthermore, the control unit 120 controls the signal input / output module 110 to switch from a low-power mode to a normal operating mode according to the wake-up command.

[0036] Next, please refer to Figures 1A to 1C and 2C. In the second embodiment, the operation flow 200C of the signal management system includes steps S210C to S260C.

[0037] In step S210C, similar to step S210B, the active power saving function of the control signal input / output module 110 can be enabled, and the relevant details can be referred to the description of step S210B, which will not be repeated here.

[0038] In step S220C, the control unit 120 determines whether the signal conversion unit 116 is in an idle state based on the operating status information returned by the signal conversion unit 116. If yes, proceed to step S230C. If the signal conversion unit 116 is determined to be in an idle state, proceed to step S240C. In response to the signal conversion unit 116 being determined to be in an idle state, the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a low-power mode; if no, proceed to step S250C. If the signal conversion unit 116 is determined to be in a non-idle state, proceed to step S260C. The control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a normal operating mode.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit 116 to receive operating status information from the signal conversion unit 116. Specifically, the signal conversion unit 116 provides operating status information to the control unit 120, for example, via an Integrated Circuit Bus (I2C) communication protocol or a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol. For example, the operating status information indicates whether the signal conversion unit 116 is in an operating state (e.g., performing signal format conversion) or a non-operating state (e.g., not performing signal format conversion).

[0040] In this way, the control unit 120 can automatically adjust the signal input / output module 110 to normal working mode or low power mode according to the working state of the signal conversion unit 116, thereby improving the energy utilization efficiency of the signal input / output module 110.

[0041] Next, please refer to Figures 1A to 1C and Figure 2D. In the third embodiment, the operation flow 200D of the signal management system includes steps S210D to S260D.

[0042] In step S210D, the control unit 120 can receive the operation status setting information of the corresponding signal conversion unit 116 via the user interface 200. Next, in step S220D, the control unit 120 can determine whether the operation status setting information indicates that the signal conversion unit 116 is a preset idle unit or a preset working unit. If the signal conversion unit 116 is a preset idle unit, then step S230D is performed, determining that the signal conversion unit 116 is in an idle state, and then step S240D is performed, whereby the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a low-power mode; if the signal conversion unit 116 is a preset working unit, then step S250D is performed, determining that the signal conversion unit 116 is in a non-idle state, and then step S260D is performed, whereby the control unit 120 is configured to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter a normal working mode.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 is adapted to receive operation status setting information from the user interface 200. The operation status setting information is configured to indicate that the signal conversion unit 116 is a preset idle unit or a preset working unit. In other words, the user can establish operation status setting information corresponding to the signal conversion unit 116 corresponding to the connection port 112 in each control signal input / output module 110 through the user interface 200, thereby determining whether the signal conversion unit 116 is preset to a low-power mode or a normal working mode.

[0044] In this way, the control unit 120 can automatically adjust the signal input / output module 110 to be operated in normal working mode or low power mode according to the user's usage habits or needs, thereby improving the user experience of the projector with the signal input / output module 110.

[0045] Next, please refer to Figures 1C and 2E. In the fourth embodiment, the operation flow 200E of the signal management system includes steps S210E to S270E.

[0046] In step S210E, similar to steps S210B and S210C, the active power saving function of the signal input / output module 110 can be enabled, and the relevant details can be referred to the description of step S210B, which will not be repeated here.

[0047] After enabling the active power saving function, in step S220E, the control unit 120 is configured to set the priority information corresponding to each signal conversion unit 116 in the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 according to the cumulative usage time information corresponding to each of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110. In step S230E, the control unit 120 determines whether the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 is set to high priority or low priority. When the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of one of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 is set to low priority, then step S240E is performed, the control unit 116 determines that the signal conversion unit 116 of that one of the signal input / output modules 110 is in an idle state, and then step S250E is performed to control that one of the signal input / output modules 110 to enter a low power mode. When the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of one of the signal input / output modules 110 is set to high priority, step S260E is performed. The control unit 116 determines that the signal conversion unit 116 of the signal input / output module 110 is in a non-idle state, and then proceeds to step S270E to control the signal input / output module 110 to enter the normal operation mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG1C, there are multiple signal input / output modules 110, and the control unit 120 can record the cumulative usage time of the connection port 112 of each signal input / output module 110. The cumulative usage time is calculated, for example, based on the cumulative time when the connection port 112 is connected to an external device, and the signal conversion unit 116 performs format conversion on the original input signal sig_in obtained from the external device to generate the target format signal sig_ta, thereby generating a priority order among the multiple signal input / output modules 110. Specifically, the control unit 120 ranks the cumulative usage time information of the connection port 112 of each of the multiple signal input / output modules 110. Then, the control unit 120 obtains a first group of signal input / output modules among the multiple signal input / output modules 110 within a preset ranking and a second group of signal input / output modules among the multiple signal input / output modules 110 outside the preset ranking. Then, the control unit 120 sets the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of each of the first group of signal input / output modules in the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 to high priority, and sets the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of each of the second group of signal input / output modules in the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 to low priority.

[0049] In this way, the control unit 120 will give high priority to the signal conversion unit 116 corresponding to the connection port 112 that is frequently used by users; and the control unit 120 will give low priority to the signal conversion unit 116 corresponding to the connection port 112 that is less frequently used. Since the low-priority signal conversion unit 116 will be preset to operate in low power mode, power waste will be reduced according to the user's usage habits.

[0050] In addition, the signal input / output module 110 may also have special function setting information. The special function setting information is used to indicate whether this signal input / output module 110 is a signal input / output module 110 used by a special function. The control unit 120 sets the priority information of the signal conversion processing unit 116 of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110 according to the special function setting information of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules 110. For example, when the special function setting information corresponding to one of the signal input / output modules 110 is set to an "on" state, the control unit 120 resets the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 of that signal input / output module 110 to a high priority.

[0051] For example, special functions may include picture-in-picture (PIP) or 3D concatenation. When the special function setting information of one of the signal input / output modules 110 includes the picture-in-picture function, and the projector's picture-in-picture function is enabled, regardless of whether the signal input / output module 110 is set to high priority or low priority based on the cumulative usage time information of its connection port 112, the priority information of the signal input / output module 110 is overwritten as high priority, thereby enabling the signal conversion unit 116 of the corresponding signal input / output module 110 to enter normal working state.

[0052] The control unit 120 can store the cumulative time information of the connection port 112 of each of the multiple signal input / output modules 110 and the priority information of the signal conversion unit 116 to the storage unit 122, so as to serve as the basis for judgment and operation in this embodiment.

[0053] In other embodiments, in response to a status indication signal indicating that the connection port 112 of one of the signal input / output modules 110 is in a connected state, the control unit 120 controls the one of the signal input / output modules 110 to switch from a low-power mode to a normal operating mode. In other words, the control unit 120 automatically controls each signal input / output module 110 to switch between a low-power mode and a normal operating mode according to the change in the connection state indicated by the status indication signal of the connection port 112 of the signal input / output module 110.

[0054] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of a projector according to the present invention. FIG3A illustrates an example of the overall hardware architecture of a projector 30A having a signal input / output module 310.

[0055] Referring first to Figure 3A, the signal management system of the present invention can be applied, for example, to a projector 30A. The projector 30A includes a signal management system 310A, an image processing unit 330, a light modulation module 340, a light source 350, and a projection lens 360. The signal management system 310A includes a signal input / output module 310, a control unit 320, and a storage unit 322, and the signal input / output module 310 includes a connection port 312, a power supply unit 314, and a signal conversion unit 316. The connection and operation of the signal input / output module 310, control unit 320, storage unit 322, connection port 312, power supply unit 314, and signal conversion unit 316 in the signal management system 310A are the same as those described in other paragraphs of this description for the connection and operation of the signal input / output module 110, control unit 120, storage unit 122, connection port 112, power supply unit 114, and signal conversion unit 16 in the signal management systems 100A to 100C, and have similar or identical application effects, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0056] In this embodiment, the raw input signal sig_in received by the connection port 312 is an image signal. Connection ports 312 conforming to different standards are used to receive raw input signals sig_in of different standards, and the corresponding signal conversion unit 316 is used to convert the raw input signal sig_in into a target format signal sig_ta, one of the image signal formats acceptable to the image processing unit 330. The image processing unit 330 is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit 316 to receive the target format signal sig_ta. Furthermore, the image processing unit 330 is configured to perform image processing (e.g., scaling, cropping, deformation, etc.) on the target format signal sig_ta to provide the processed target format signal sig_ta to the optical modulation controller 342 of the optical modulation module 340. In some embodiments, the image processing unit 330 may also be integrated into the signal management system 310A or the signal input / output module 310; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] The light source 350 is configured to provide an illumination beam L1. A light modulation module 340 is disposed in the transmission path of the illumination beam L1 and configured to convert the illumination beam L1 into an image beam L2. Specifically, the light modulation module 340 includes a light valve 341 and a light modulation controller 342. The light modulation controller 342 is electrically connected to the image processing unit 330 and the light valve 341, and is configured to control the operation of the light valve 341 based on the processed target format signal sig_ta provided by the image processing unit 330, causing the light valve 341 to convert the illumination beam L1 into an image beam L2. Additionally, a projection lens 360 is disposed in the transmission path of the image beam L2 to project the image beam L2 onto the outside of the projector 30A.

[0058] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, only one signal input / output module 310 is shown in Figure 3A. However, as shown in Figure 1C, the number of signal input / output modules 310 can be multiple. Furthermore, the electrical connection relationship between the signal input / output module 310 and the control unit 320 can be varied by referring to the electrical connection relationships in Figures 1A to 1C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0059] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the control unit 320 may be the main control microcontroller unit (MCU) of the projector 30A, that is, the signal management system 310A directly uses the main control MCU of the projector 30A as the control unit 320. In other embodiments, the control unit 320 may be another computing unit independent of the main control MCU (not shown) of the projector 30A. In other words, the control unit 320 is a processor specifically for the signal management system 310A.

[0060] The projector 30A may further include a user interface 370. The user interface 370 is coupled to the control unit 320 and can be configured to receive operation status setting information, wake-up commands, and power-saving function activation commands, and to provide operation status setting information, wake-up commands, and power-saving function activation commands to the control unit 320. In some embodiments, the user interface 370 may include an on-screen display, a remote controller, a button module, other elements with input functions, or a combination of these elements. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the plurality of signal input / output modules 310 may include a first signal input / output module and a second signal input / output module. Furthermore, in response to the signal conversion unit 316 of the first signal input / output module being in an idle state, the control unit 320 controls the second signal input / output module to enter a low-power mode.

[0062] In other words, when there are multiple signal input / output modules 310, and one of the signal input / output modules 310 is not idle, it means that the projector 30A uses the external device connected to the connection port 312 of this signal input / output module 310 as the source of the original input signal, and performs image format conversion to generate the target format signal sig_ta via the signal conversion unit 316 of this signal input / output module 310. In this case, the other signal input / output modules 310 may not be used and are idle. Therefore, the control unit 320 can reduce the power consumption of the other signal input / output modules 310, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the projector 30A.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 3B. Figure 3B illustrates a block diagram of a signal management system 300B and an image processing unit 330. The signal management system 300B in Figure 3B is an example of a partial circuit architecture illustrating the relationship between the connection port 312, the signal conversion unit 316, the control unit 320, and the image processing unit 330. Here, the power supply unit of the signal input / output module in the signal management system 300B and its corresponding connection relationship are omitted. For detailed information on the architecture and electrical connection relationships between components, please refer to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0064] In one embodiment, the signal management system 300B may include a plurality of connection ports 312a to 312g and a plurality of signal conversion units 316a to 316f. For example, connection ports 312a to 312g are sequentially connectors conforming to HDBaseT, HDMI, HDMI, DisplayPort, HDMI (Output), SDI In, and SDI Out transmission interface specifications. Each of the plurality of connection ports 312a to 312g may be electrically connected to one of the plurality of signal conversion units 316a to 316f. For example, as shown in FIG3B, connection port 312a is electrically connected to a signal conversion unit 316a. Alternatively, two or more of the plurality of connection ports may be connected to the same signal conversion unit. For example, connection ports 312b and 312c are also HDMI transmission interfaces, and therefore can be electrically connected to the same signal conversion unit 316b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0065] Alternatively, the connection port may be connected to the image processing unit via multiple signal conversion units. For example, a two-stage signal conversion unit 316a and a signal conversion unit 316c are provided between the connection port 312a with an HDBaseT transmission interface and the image processing unit 330. Alternatively, a three-stage signal conversion unit 316d, 316b, and 316c are provided between the connection port 312d with a DisplayPort transmission interface and the image processing unit 330, wherein the original input signal is first converted into a signal format that can be received by the signal conversion unit 316b by the signal conversion unit 316d before being transmitted to the signal conversion unit 316b.

[0066] Other possible application embodiments of the target format signal sig_ta are described herein. For example, signal conversion unit 316b can receive raw input signals sig_in1, sig_in2, or sig_in3 from one of connection ports 312b, 312c, or 312d, perform format conversion on the raw input signals sig_in1, sig_in2, or sig_in3 to generate a converted output signal sig_out1, and output the converted output signal sig_out1 to connection port 312e. Connection ports 312b, 312c, or 312d are connected to a first device (signal source device, e.g., a computer), and connection port 312e is connected to a second device (display device, e.g., an LCD screen). In this case, the target format signal sig_ta generated by signal conversion unit 316b is the converted output signal sig_out1, and signal conversion unit 316b is also determined by control unit 320 to be in a non-idle state.

[0067] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of the application status of a signal management system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 4A, which illustrates an active power saving function menu screen presented by a user interface 370 (e.g., On Screen Display). In another embodiment, the active power saving function menu screen is also presented through, for example, an input unit (e.g., an LCD Panel). When the user checks the "On" option checkbox using the user interface 370, the user interface 370 receives an active power saving function activation command, thereby continuing to execute subsequent steps, such as steps S210B, S210C, or S210E in the aforementioned first, second, and fourth embodiments.

[0069] Please refer to Figures 3B and 4B together. Figure 4B illustrates the power-saving operation status setting function menu screen presented in the user interface 370. Specifically, the power-saving operation status setting function menu screen lists the names and corresponding approval boxes of various connection ports 312 (e.g., including HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI Output, DisplayPort, VGA, Ethernet, HDBaseT, SDI-IN, SDI-OUT). When the user checks the approval box corresponding to at least one connection port 312 (e.g., SDI-IN and SDI-OUT) using the input unit in the user interface 370, it indicates that the operation status setting information of the signal conversion unit 316 corresponding to the connection port 312 is a pre-idle unit. The user interface 370 generates operation status setting information indicating that the signal conversion unit 316 corresponding to the checked connection port 312 is a pre-idle unit and transmits it to the control unit 316. At the same time, the user interface 370 can also generate operation status setting information for the signal conversion unit 316 corresponding to the unselected connection port 312 as a preset working unit, and transmit it to the control unit 316.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 2E and 4C together. Figure 4C illustrates the percentage of cumulative usage time of different connection ports 312 relative to the total usage time. Accordingly, the control unit 320 can generate priority information for each signal conversion unit 316 based on the cumulative usage time. For detailed operation, please refer to the description of the aforementioned fourth embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] In summary, the signal management system and projector of the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following advantages: they can automatically or passively reduce the power consumption of the signal conversion unit or stop supplying power to the signal conversion unit according to the actual usage or needs of the signal conversion unit. In this way, the signal management system and the projector with the signal management system effectively save power without affecting usage, making better use of energy and avoiding energy waste.

[0072] For those skilled in the art, changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0073] Figure 1A is a block diagram of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 1B is a block diagram of another signal management system of the present invention. Figure 1C is a block diagram of yet another signal management system of the present invention. Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the first embodiment of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the second embodiment of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the third embodiment of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the fourth embodiment of the signal management system of the present invention. Figure 3A is a block diagram of a projector of the present invention. Figure 3B is a block diagram of some components of another signal management system of the present invention. Figure 4A is a user interface of the projector of the present invention showing the active power saving function menu. Figure 4B is a user interface of the present invention showing the power saving operation status setting function menu. Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing the percentage of cumulative usage time of different connection ports compared to the total usage time of the present invention.

Claims

1. A signal management system, comprising: At least one signal input / output module and a control unit; The at least one signal input / output module is electrically connected to the control unit and adapted to be controlled by the control unit to operate in either a normal operating mode or a low-power mode. The at least one signal input / output module includes a connection port, a power supply unit, and a signal conversion unit. The connection port is configured to receive a raw input signal. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the connection port and configured to receive the raw input signal from the connection port. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit and configured to provide power to the signal conversion unit. When the at least one signal input / output module is operated in the normal operating mode, the connection port is adapted to receive the raw input signal, and the power supply unit provides power to the signal conversion unit so that the signal conversion unit performs format conversion on the raw input signal from the connection port to generate a target format signal. When the control unit determines that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is in an idle state, the control unit controls the at least one signal input / output module to operate the at least one signal input / output module in the low-power mode; wherein, the signal conversion unit has a first power consumption value in the low-power mode and a second power consumption value in the normal operating mode, and the first power consumption value is less than the second power consumption value; wherein, the control unit is configured to determine that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is in the idle state based on one of the following information: a status indication signal received from the connection port of the at least one signal input / output module indicates that the connection port is not connected; operating status information received from the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module indicates that the signal conversion unit is in a non-operating state; operating status setting information received from the user interface indicates that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is a preset idle unit; and the priority information of the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is set to low priority.

2. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit, and the control unit causes the signal conversion unit to enter a power-saving state by transmitting a power-saving command, thereby controlling the at least one signal input / output module to operate in the low-power mode; wherein, When the signal conversion unit enters the power-saving state, the power consumption of the preset circuit block of the signal conversion unit is reduced or the preset circuit block of the signal conversion unit is turned off.

3. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the power supply unit, and the control unit controls the power supply unit not to provide the power so that the at least one signal input / output module is operated in the low-power mode.

4. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the connection port and configured to receive a status indication signal from the connection port.

5. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the status indication signal is configured to indicate that the connection port is in a connected state or the disconnected state, wherein in response to the status indication signal indicating that the connection port is in the connected state, the control unit determines that the signal conversion unit is in a non-idle state, and then controls the at least one signal input / output module to operate in the normal operating mode.

6. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection port includes a hot plug detection (HPD) pin, the hot plug detection pin being configured to provide a hot plug detection voltage as a status indication signal to the control unit; when the hot plug detection voltage is a first voltage, the status indication signal indicates that the connection port is in the connected state; when the hot plug detection voltage is a second voltage, the status indication signal indicates that the connection port is in the disconnected state.

7. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit to receive the operating status information of the signal conversion unit.

8. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal conversion unit is configured to provide the operating status information to the control unit via an integrated circuit bus (I2C) communication protocol or a serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication protocol.

9. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation status setting information is configured to indicate that the signal conversion unit is the preset idle unit or the preset working unit.

10. The signal management system as described in claim 1, wherein the number of the at least one signal input / output module is multiple; the control unit is configured to: record the usage time of the connection port of each of the multiple signal input / output modules to generate cumulative usage time information corresponding to each of the multiple signal input / output modules; wherein, When the signal conversion unit of one of the plurality of signal input / output modules performs format conversion on the original input signal from the connection port of that signal input / output module to generate the target format signal, the connection port of that signal input / output module is determined to be in use; based on the cumulative usage time information corresponding to each of the plurality of signal input / output modules, the priority information corresponding to the signal conversion unit of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules is set; when the priority information of the signal conversion unit of that signal input / output module is set to the low priority, the signal conversion unit of that signal input / output module is determined to be in the idle state.

11. The signal management system of claim 10, wherein when the control unit sets the priority information of the signal conversion unit corresponding to each of the plurality of signal input / output modules based on the cumulative usage time information of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules, the control unit is configured to: rank the cumulative usage time information of the connection ports of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules; obtain a first group of signal input / output modules among the plurality of signal input / output modules within a preset ranking and a second group of signal input / output modules among the plurality of signal input / output modules outside the preset ranking; and set the priority information of the signal conversion unit of each of the first group of signal input / output modules among the plurality of signal input / output modules to high priority, and set the priority information of the signal conversion unit of each of the second group of signal input / output modules among the plurality of signal input / output modules to low priority.

12. The signal management system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to: set the priority information of the signal conversion unit of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules according to the special function setting information of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules.

13. The signal management system as claimed in claim 10, comprising: a storage unit electrically connected to the control unit; wherein, The control unit stores the cumulative time information of the connection port of each of the plurality of signal input / output modules and the priority information of the signal conversion unit into the storage unit.

14. The signal management system of claim 1, wherein the number of the at least one signal input / output module is multiple, and the multiple signal input / output modules include a first signal input / output module and a second signal input / output module; the control unit is configured to: control the second signal input / output module to enter the low-power mode in response to the signal conversion unit of the first signal input / output module not being in the idle state.

15. The signal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection port includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input port, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) output port, a DisplayPort, a Serial Digital Interface (SDI) input port, a Serial Digital Interface (SDI) output port, or a High Definition Substrate Transmission (HDBaseT) port.

16. The signal management system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive a wake-up command from a user interface, and the control unit is adapted to control the signal input / output module to switch from the low-power mode to the normal operating mode according to the wake-up command.

17. The signal management system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one signal input / output module to switch from the low-power mode to the normal operating mode in response to a status indication signal indicating that the connection port is in a connected state.

18. The signal management system of claim 1, further comprising: an image processing unit electrically connected to the signal conversion unit to receive the target format signal, the image processing unit being configured to perform image processing on the target format signal to provide a processed target format signal.

19. A projector comprising a signal management system, an image processing unit, a light source module, an optical modulation module, and a projection lens: the signal management system includes at least one signal input / output module and a control unit; the at least one signal input / output module is electrically connected to the control unit and adapted to be controlled by the control unit to operate in one of a normal operating mode and a low-power mode, the at least one signal input / output module including a connection port, a power supply unit, and a signal conversion unit, wherein the connection port is configured to receive a raw input signal; the signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the connection port and configured to receive the raw input signal from the connection port; and the power supply unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit and configured to provide power to the signal conversion unit; wherein, When the at least one signal input / output module is operated in the normal operating mode, the connection port is adapted to receive the raw input signal, and the power supply unit provides power to the signal conversion unit so that the signal conversion unit performs format conversion on the raw input signal from the connection port to generate a target format signal; when the control unit determines that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is in an idle state, the control unit controls the at least one signal input / output module to operate in the low power mode; wherein, the signal conversion unit has a first power consumption value in the low power mode and a second power consumption value in the normal operating mode, and the first power consumption value is less than the second power consumption value; wherein, the control unit is configured to determine that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is in the idle state based on one of the following information: a status indication signal received from the connection port of the at least one signal input / output module indicates that the connection port is in an unconnected state; The working status information received from the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module indicates that the signal conversion unit is in a non-working state; the operation status setting information received from the user interface indicates that the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is a preset idle unit; and the priority information of the signal conversion unit of the at least one signal input / output module is set to low priority; the image processing unit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit to receive the target format signal, and the image processing unit is configured to perform image processing on the target format signal to provide a processed target format signal; the light source module is configured to provide an illumination beam; the light modulation module is electrically connected to the image processing unit and is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam, and is configured to convert the illumination beam into an image beam based on the processed target format signal provided by the image processing unit; the projection lens is disposed on the transmission path of the image beam and is configured to project the image beam outside the projector.

20. The projector as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: The user interface is configured to: receive the operation status setting information and provide the operation status setting information to the control unit, wherein the operation status setting information is configured to indicate that the signal conversion unit is the preset idle unit or the preset working unit.

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