EP4055462A1

EP4055462A1 - Display device and method for outputting signals

Info

Publication number: EP4055462A1
Application number: EP20797706.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Angel Chen; Tobias Barl
Original assignee: Fujitsu Client Computing Ltd
Current assignee: Fujitsu Client Computing Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-05
Filing date: 2020-10-23
Publication date: 2022-09-14
Also published as: WO2021089344A1; JP2023500122A

Abstract

The invention pertains to a display device and corresponding method implemented for receiving input signals from an input signal source connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface, providing upstream signals depending on the input signals, automatically detecting a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of at least two upstream signal interfaces of the display device, and automatically switching the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external device on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces.

Description

Display device and method for outputting signals

The invention pertains to a display device and corresponding method implemented for switching upstream signals within a display device to an upstream signal interface of the display device.

With the increasing number of mobile devices equipped with signal interfaces, e.g. USB Type C ports, some displays or display devices come with integrated signal interface hubs, e.g. USB hubs, providing at least two upstream ports (e.g. lx USB Type B port, lx USB Type C port) to support the legacy system and new system at the same time. Most of the performance display products in the market right now provide a possibility for users to select among the upstream ports by manual OSD (on-screen display) selection. Once the upstream port is selected by user in the OSD menu, then it will be fixed to e.g. either traditional USB Type B channel or new USB Type C channel for data transmission. This often is time consuming, non-intuitive or inflexible.

Hence, the object of the present invention is to describe a display device and corresponding method implemented for switching upstream signals within a display device to an upstream signal interface of the display device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The object is solved in a first aspect by a display device according to claim 1. Further implementations and embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The display device according to claim 1 provides at least one input signal interface for receiving input signals from an input signal source. The input signal source hereto is connected to the display device via the at least one input signal interface. The input signal source is for example given by an external device connected to the display device. According to an exemplary implementation, the display device provides two input signal interfaces. These two input signal interfaces may be configured so as to receive input signals of a same type or standard or to receive input signals of at least two different types or standards. The input signals comprise one or a combination of video, image, sound or data signals from an external source.

Further, the display device provides at least two upstream signal interfaces for exchanging upstream signals.

The display device may be configured so as to provide at least two upstream signal interfaces for exchanging upstream signals depending on the input signals.

Each upstream signal interface can be configured as input and/or output signal interface to receive and/or provide input and/or output signals respectively. Hence, depending on the configuration, upstream signals may comprise one or a combination of input signals and/or output signals of the kind explained above.

At least one upstream signal interface may be configured as output signal interface providing output signals, in particular data signals, in particular KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) data signals. Additionally or alternatively, at least one upstream signal interface may be configured as input signal interface receiving input signals, in particular one or a combination of video, image, sound or data signals from an external source.

The display device may be configured such that at least one of the at least two upstream signal interfaces is a signal interface for combined exchange of output signals and input signals of the kind explained above.

Herein the display device is configured to automatically detect a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces and to automatically switch the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces.

Thus, a plug & play connection of several external devices via the one or more upstream signal interfaces is allowed. Moreover, an automated, easy and flexible switching of input signals received at the display device to one of the at least two upstream signal interfaces of the display device is realized, avoiding cumbersome manual OSD selection. Hence, a flexible and easy to handle upstream port switching is realized in line with an actual signal routing depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces. In an embodiment, the display device is configured to automatically switch the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces at which a connection to one or more external devices is detected. Therefore, manual switching of the upstream signals to the upstream signal interface at which one or more external devices are connected is superfluous after connecting one or more external device to said interface. Rather, the display device provides triggering of an automated switching of the upstream signals to said interface at which one or more external devices are detected.

In an embodiment, the display device is configured to automatically switch the upstream signals from a first upstream signal interface at which an external devices is connected to a second upstream signal interface, after a connection to one or more external devices at the second upstream signal interface has been detected. Therefore, manual switching of the upstream signal to the second upstream signal interface at which one or more external devices are connected is superfluous after connecting one or more external device to said second interface. The upstream signal is provided to the most recently connected external devices via the corresponding upstream signal interface, automatically .

In an embodiment, the at least two upstream signal interfaces comprise different interfaces, in particular a first interface according to the USB Type B Standard and a second interface according to the USB Type C Standard. Thus, different upstream interface standards can be operated and used. The USB Type B Standard allows data transmission. The USB Type C Standard, additionally to data transmission, also allows power supply and a video signal transmission between the display device and the external device. Therefore, the USB Type C Standard can work as an upstream interface for exchanging video signals and data signals in the form of input signals and output signals of the kinds mentioned above at the same time.

In an embodiment, the display device is configured to receive input signals of at least two different types or standards, in particular first input signals according to the HDMI or DisplayPort Standard and second input signals according to the USB Type C Standard, in particular second input signals comprising DisplayPort over USB Type C. Thus, different input interface standards can be operated and used. By using an upstream signal interface according to USB Type C Standard further connections via input signal interfaces become superfluous. Via an interface according to USB Type C Standard upstream signals comprising one or a combination of input signals and output signals can be transmitted (at the same time).

In an embodiment, the display device is configured to memorize the last used type of input signals and to automatically switch to input signals of the last used type, in particular, if besides the input signals of the last used type also input signals of at least one different type are received at the same time. Therefore, manual switching of the input signal to the most recently used input signal interface becomes superfluous. Furthermore, the display device allows an automated switching of the input signal to the most recently used input signal interface. In an embodiment, the display device is configured to provide a user controlled swap function for swapping between input signals of at least two different types or standards and/or for swapping upstream signals between at least two upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to external devices on the at least two upstream signal interfaces. This allows a user to easily change or correct the automatic selection of signal interfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the swap function is provided by a push-button actuation function, in particular actuation of a push-button over a predetermined time, for example 2 or more than 2 seconds. Thus, easy swapping of the signal interfaces is allowed, but at the same time unintentional swapping can be avoided.

In an embodiment, the display device is a computer monitor.

In further embodiments several types of display devices such as TV screens, beamers, etc. can be used.

The object is further solved in a second aspect by a method according to claim 9. Further implementations and embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

A method for switching upstream signals within a display device to an upstream signal interface of the display device, comprises : receiving input signals from an input signal source connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface, providing upstream signals (for example depending on the input signals), automatically detecting a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of at least two upstream signal interfaces of the display device, and automatically switching the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external device on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces.

Thus, a plug & play connection of several external devices via the one or more upstream signal interfaces is allowed.

The method may be applied to a display device as it is described above.

Each upstream signal interface can be configured as input and/or output signal interface to receive and/or provide input and/or output signals of the kinds described above respectively. Hence, depending on the implementation, upstream signals may comprise one or a combination of input signals and/or output signals of the kind explained above.

At least one upstream signal interface may be configured as output signal interface providing output signals, in particular data signals, in particular KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) data signals.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one upstream signal interface may be configured as input signal interface receiving input signals, in particular one or a combination of video, image, sound or data signals from an external source. A further method additionally comprises automatically switching the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces at which a connection to one or more external devices is detected. Therefore, manual switching of the upstream signal to the upstream signal interface at which one or more external devices are connected is superfluous after connecting one or more external device to said interface .

A further method additionally comprises automatically switching the upstream signals from a first upstream signal interface at which an external devices is connected to a second upstream signal interface, after a connection to one or more external devices at the second upstream signal interface has been detected. Therefore, manual switching of the upstream signal to the second upstream signal interface at which one or more external devices are connected is superfluous after connecting one or more external devices to said second interface. The upstream signal is provided to the most recently connected external devices via the corresponding upstream signal interface, automatically.

In a further method, the at least two upstream signal interfaces comprise different interfaces, in particular a first interface according to the USB Type B Standard and a second interface according to the USB Type C Standard.

A further method additionally comprises receiving input signals of at least two different types or standards, in particular first input signals according to the HDMI or DisplayPort Standard and second input signals according to the USB Type C Standard, in particular second input signals comprising DisplayPort over USB Type C. A further method additionally comprises memorizing the last used type of input signals and automatically switching to input signals of the last used type, in particular, if besides the input signals of the last used type also input signals of at least one different type are received at the same time. Therefore, manual switching of the input signal to the most recently used input signal interface becomes superfluous .

A further method additionally comprises providing a user controlled swap function for swapping between input signals of at least two different types or standards and/or for swapping upstream signals between at least two upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to external devices on the at least two upstream signal interfaces. This allows a user to easily change or correct the automatic selection of signal interfaces.

In a further method, the display device is a computer monitor. In further embodiments several types of display devices such as TV screens, beamers, etc. can be used.

Any structural features, aspects, advantages and effects described herein can be adapted to any method features, aspects, advantages and effects described herein and vice versa.

In the following the invention is described in detail by means of exemplary implementations and embodiments under consideration of several drawings.

Considering exemplary user scenarios and a benefit of USB Type C standard interfaces which can support a display device or display or video signal transmission (kind of input signals), data transmission (kind of input and/or output signals) and power supply with only one cable, an intuitive operation mode for a user is described wherein the sources for a display signal and data transmission are switched automatically and the display signal and data transmission are switched automatically and more easily.

An automatic display signal detection mechanism and the characteristics of USB Type C standard technology are utilized to set or determine the proper priority or correct settings for a user scenario.

Besides, a smart and/or quick access button is available for a user to switch a display signal and a USB upstream port at the same time when two active sources are used simultaneously or alternately.

With such concept, a plug & play experience is provided for users in most scenarios that avoids any complicated OSD operation process to switch amongst/between sources. The concept is for example realized in the context of a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) system or application used for a display device. An exemplary display device comprises several ports for the connection of external devices. For example, a keyboard, a mouse and a headset can be connected to the display device via different ports. Another port for example provides an interface for Ethernet connection.

Further ports provide interfaces for input signals via HDMI or DP technology, for upstream signals (data signals) via USB Type B standard technology and for upstream signals (data signals and/or video signals) via USB Type C technology.

In the following different exemplary implementations and user scenarios according to the invention are illustrated. The invention is not limited to the illustrated scenarios.

Figure 1: Schematic illustration of an implicit KVM application for a DP/HDMI source;

Figure 2: Schematic illustration of an implicit KVM application for a USB Type C source;

Figure 3a: Schematic illustration of an implicit KVM application for a latest plugged source;

Figure 3b: Schematic illustration of an implicit KVM application for a different latest plugged source;

Figure 4: Schematic illustration of an implicit KVM one touch solution;

Figure 5: Switch flowchart of the KVM system.

1) Implicit KVM application for a DP/HDMI source: In figure 1 a scenario is illustrated in which an external device 1A, in particular a notebook, is connected to the display device 2, which here exemplarily is a computer monitor. The external device 1A is connected to the computer monitor 2 via an USB Type B interface 3 and a DP/HDMI interface 4. The display device 2 will automatically switch to a USB Type B upstream port once it detects the USB Type B port is connected together with the active DP/HDMI input source. Another port/interface 5 for USB Type C is not used in this scenario.

2) Implicit KVM application for a USB Type C source:

In figure 2 a scenario is illustrated in which an external device IB, for example a notebook, is connected to the computer monitor 2. The external device IB is connected to the computer monitor 2 via an USB Type C interface 5. The display device 2 will automatically switch to a USB Type C upstream port once it detects the USB Type C port is connected together with the active DP Altmode (alternative mode) signal via USB Type C connection. The other port/interface 4 (see explanations to figure 1 above) is not used in this scenario.

3) Implicit KVM application for a latest plugged source:

When an USB Type C upstream is currently active (see device IB on interface 5 in figure 3a) and a second electrical device 1A gets plugged to the USB Type B upstream port, the display device 2 will automatically switch to the USB Type B upstream interface 3 connected to device 1A and optionally to the DP/HDMI interface 4 also connected to device 1A as demonstrated in figure 3a.

On the other hand, when a USB Type B upstream is currently active (see device 1A on interface 3 in figure 3b), optionally together with the DP/HDMI interface 4 also connected to device 1A as demonstrated in figure 3a, and a second electrical device IB gets plugged to the USB Type C upstream port, the display device 2 will automatically switch to the USB Type C upstream interface 5 connected to device IB, optionally together with the active DP Altmode (alternative mode) signal via USB Type C connection as demonstrated in figure 3b.

Table 1 below shows the possible scenarios for combinations of USB Cable (upstream) and current input connections.

When, for example, a HDMI/DP input signal is currently active and a second electrical device IB gets plugged to the USB Type C port, the display device 2 will automatically switch to the USB Type C input signal and choose the USB Type C interface for data upstream.

On the other hand, when a HDMI/DP input signal becomes active (is newly activated) the data upstream will automatically switch to the USB Type B port, if available. Otherwise, it is not possible to switch to a HDMI/DP input signal.

Table 1: 4) Explicit KVM one touch solution:

After the display device 2 has exemplarily switched from a combined USB Type B interface 3 and DP/HDMI interface 4 connection to a USB Type C interface 5 connection or vice versa, the display device 2 in one exemplary implementation memorizes the latest user preferred input source, here for example the DP/HDMI source. Once there are two different active KVM sources alive (USB Type C with integrated DP Altmode signal and USB Type B with DP/HDMI signal), the user can easily switch between the different systems by pressing a button "Swap inputs". The display device 2 will then automatically switch the input signal source and the KVM upstream source. In the present example shown in figure 4 the connected external devices are a notebook (via USB Type C connection) and an external hard drive (via USB Type B and DP/HDMI connection).

"Swap inputs" function:

Once external devices at both ports, USB Type B respectively DP/HDMI and USB Type C, are connected, user can quickly execute the "Swap Inputs" function to switch the input ports of the display signal and/or the USB upstream interfaces by pressing said button for 2 seconds, for example.

Table 2 shows the current input and following input source when pressing the "Swap inputs" button in different scenarios . Table 2:

The "Swap inputs" function is for example only available when at least two USB upstream connections are active or available.

The KVM system remembers the previous input source when "Swap inputs" is triggered. Thus, the system only swaps between the two mentioned input sources.

5) Display signal input detection and switch flowchart:

The flowchart in figure 5 shows possible switching scenarios of the present example.

First, the KVM system checks, whether a USB cable is connected to a port. If no USB connection is detected, the system continues checking.

When a USB cable is connected, the system detects the type of USB connection.

If only a USB Type C cable is connected, the system sets "USB upstream port = USB-C" and switches the signal input source to "USB-C" (DP Altmode) as demonstrated in the left-hand branch of the flowchart. If only a USB Type B cable is connected, the system checks whether an active DP/HDMI signal input is available as demonstrated in the central branch of the flowchart.

If an active DP/HDMI signal input is available, the system sets "USB upstream port = USB-B" and the signal input source is switched to "valid signal".

If no active DP/HDMI signal input is available, the system checks again, whether a USB Type C cable is connected.

If a USB Type C cable is connected, the system sets "USB upstream port = USB-C" and switches the signal input source to "USB-C" (DP Altmode).

If no USB Type C cable is connected, the system sets "USB upstream port = USB-B".

If a USB Type B cable is connected and in addition a USB Type C cable is plugged in, the system sets again "USB upstream port = USB-C" and switches the signal input source to "USB-C" (DP Altmode) as demonstrated in the right-hand branch of the flowchart .

If a USB Type C cable is connected and in addition a USB Type B cable is plugged in, the system sets again "USB upstream port = USB-B" and switches the signal input source to "DP/HDMI". This scenario is not represented in the flowchart.

All implementations, embodiments and scenarios explained with regard to the figures are only exemplary. Reference Signs:

1A, IB External devices 2 Display device

3 USB Type B connection

4 DP/HDMI connection

5 USB Type C connection

Claims

1. A display device (2) providing at least one input signal interface for receiving input signals from an input signal source connected to the display device via the at least one input signal interface (4) and at least two upstream signal interfaces (3, 5) for exchanging upstream signals, wherein the display device is configured to automatically detect a connection to one or more external devices (1A, IB) on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces and to automatically switch the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces.

2. The display device according to claim 1, configured to automatically switch the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces at which a connection to one or more external devices is detected.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to automatically switch the upstream signals from a first upstream signal interface at which an external devices is connected to a second upstream signal interface, after a connection to one or more external devices at the second upstream signal interface has been detected.

4. The display device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two upstream signal interfaces comprise different interfaces, in particular a first interface according to the USB Type B Standard (3) and a second interface according to the USB Type C Standard (5).

5. The display device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display device is configured to receive input signals of at least two different types or standards, in particular first input signals according to the HDMI or DisplayPort Standard and second input signals according to the USB Type C Standard, in particular second input signals comprising DisplayPort over USB Type C.

6. The display device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display device is configured to memorize the last used type of input signals and to automatically switch to input signals of the last used type, in particular, if besides the input signals of the last used type also input signals of at least one different type are received at the same time.

7. The display device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display device is configured to provide a user controlled swap function, in particular a push-button actuation function, in particular actuation of a push-button over a predetermined time, for example 2 or more than 2 seconds, for swapping between input signals of at least two different types or standards and/or for swapping upstream signals between at least two upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to external devices on the at least two upstream signal interfaces.

8. The display device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display device is a computer monitor.

9. Method for switching upstream signals within a display device (2) to an upstream signal interface of the display device, the method comprising: receiving input signals from an input signal source connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface (4), providing upstream signals, automatically detecting a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of at least two upstream signal interfaces (3, 5) of the display device, and automatically switching the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to one or more external devices (1A, IB) on at least one of the upstream signal interfaces.

10. Method according to claim 9, further comprising automatically switching the upstream signals to one or more of the upstream signal interfaces at which a connection to one or more external devices is detected.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising automatically switching the upstream signals from a first upstream signal interface at which an external devices is connected to a second upstream signal interface, after a connection to one or more external devices at the second upstream signal interface has been detected.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least two upstream signal interfaces comprise different interfaces, in particular a first interface according to the USB Type B Standard (3) and a second interface according to the USB Type C Standard (5).

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising receiving input signals of at least two different types or standards, in particular first input signals according to the HDMI or DisplayPort Standard and second input signals according to the USB Type C Standard, in particular second input signals comprising DisplayPort over USB Type C.

14. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising memorizing the last used type of input signals and automatically switching to input signals of the last used type, in particular, if besides the input signals of the last used type also input signals of at least one different type are received at the same time.

15. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising providing a user controlled swap function, in particular a push-button actuation function, in particular actuation of a push-button over a predetermined time, for example 2 or more than 2 seconds, for swapping between input signals of at least two different types or standards and/or for swapping upstream signals between at least two upstream signal interfaces depending on the received input signals and/or depending on a detection of a connection to external devices on the at least two upstream signal interfaces.

16. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the display device is a computer monitor.