JP2023500122A - Display device and method for outputting signal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device and corresponding method, which receives an input signal from an input signal source connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface, and responds to the input signal. and automatically detects a connection to one or more external devices at at least one of the at least two output signal interfaces of the display device, in response to the input signal received; and/or Implementation is provided for automatically switching output signals to one or more of the output signal interfaces in response to detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the output signal interfaces.

Description

The present invention relates to a display device and corresponding method implemented for switching an input signal received at the display device to an output signal interface of the display device.

Due to the increasing number of mobile devices with signal interfaces, e.g. USB Type C ports, some displays or display devices are equipped with integrated signal interface hubs, e.g. USB hubs, and have at least two upstream ports (e.g. 1x USB Type B port, 1x USB Type C port) to support legacy and new systems simultaneously. Most of the performance display products on the market today offer the possibility for the user to select among the upstream ports by manual OSD (On Screen Display) selection. When the upstream port is selected by the user in the OSD menu, it is locked to either the traditional USB type B channel or the new USB type C channel for data transmission, for example. This is often time consuming, non-intuitive, or inflexible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to describe a display device and corresponding method implemented for switching an input signal received at the display device to an output signal interface of the display device which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. be.

This 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 of Claim 1 provides at least one input signal interface for receiving an input signal from an input signal source. The input signal source in this is connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface. According to one exemplary implementation, the display device provides two input signal interfaces. These two input signal interfaces may be configured to receive input signals of the same type or standard, or to receive input signals of at least two different types or standards.

Further, the display device provides at least two output signal interfaces for providing output signals. The display device may be configured to provide at least two output signal interfaces that provide output signals in response to input signals. The display device may be arranged such that at least one of the at least two output signal interfaces may be the input signal interface. This means that at least one of the at least two output signal interfaces can simultaneously receive an input signal.

As used herein, the display device automatically detects a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the output signal interfaces, depending on the received input signal and/or the output signal interface. It is configured to automatically switch output signals to one or more of the output signal interfaces in response to detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of them.

Thus, plug-and-play connection of several external devices via one or more output signal interfaces is enabled. Furthermore, automated, easy and flexible switching of the input signal received by the display device to one of the at least two output signal interfaces of the display device is realized, eliminating cumbersome manual OSD selection. Avoided. Therefore, depending on the received input signals and/or depending on the detection of a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the output signal interfaces, flexible handling in line with the actual signal routing. Easy upstream port switching is realized.

In one embodiment, the display device is configured to automatically switch output signals to one or more of the output signal interfaces upon detection of connection to one or more external devices. Therefore, manual switching of the output signal for an output signal interface to which one or more external devices are connected is unnecessary after connecting one or more external devices to said interface. Rather, the display device provides a trigger for automated switching of output signals to the interface when one or more external devices are detected.

In one embodiment, the display device switches from a first output signal interface to which an external device is connected to a second output signal interface after detecting a connection to one or more external devices at the second output signal interface. to automatically switch the output signal. Therefore, manual switching of the output signal to the second output signal interface to which one or more external devices are connected is unnecessary after connecting one or more external devices to said second interface. The output signal is automatically provided to the most recently connected external device via the corresponding output signal interface.

In one embodiment, the at least two output 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. Therefore, different output interface standards can be operated and used. The USB Type B standard allows data transmission. In addition to data transmission, the USB Type C standard also allows power supply and video signal transmission between the display device and an external device.

In one embodiment, the display device supports at least two different types or standards of input signals, in particular a first input signal conforming to the HDMI or DisplayPort standard and a second input signal conforming to the USB Type C standard. and in particular the second input signal comprises DisplayPort over USB Type C. Therefore, different input interface standards can be operated and used. By using an output signal interface according to the USB type C standard, no further connection via an input signal interface is necessary. Output and input signals can be transmitted (simultaneously) via an interface conforming to the USB Type C standard.

In one embodiment, the display device memorizes the last used type of input signal and automatically switches to the last used type of input signal, in particular the last used type of input signal. is configured to switch automatically if at least one different type of input signal is additionally received at the same time. Therefore, manual switching of the input signal to the most recently used input signal interface becomes unnecessary. In addition, the display device allows automated switching of input signals to the most recently used input signal interface.

In one embodiment, the display device is adapted to swap between at least two different types or standards of input signals and/or depending on the received input signal and/or to an external device on at least two output signal interfaces. is configured to provide a user-controlled swap function for swapping output signals between at least two output signal interfaces in response to detection of a connection of the. This allows the user to easily change or correct the automatic selection of the signal interface.

In one preferred embodiment, the swap function is provided by a push button activation function, in particular activation of the push button for a predetermined period of time, eg 2 seconds or more. Thus, easy swapping of signal interfaces is enabled, but at the same time unintentional swapping can be avoided.

In one 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 above 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 an input signal received at a display device to an output signal interface of the display device comprising:
- receiving an input signal from an input signal source connected to the display device via at least one input signal interface;
- providing an output signal (e.g. in response to an input signal);
- automatically detecting a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the at least two output signal interfaces of the display device;
- output to one or more of the output signal interfaces in response to a received input signal and/or in response to detection of a connection to one or more external devices at at least one of the output signal interfaces; automatically switching signals;
including.

Thus, plug-and-play connection of several external devices via one or more output signal interfaces is enabled.

A further method further includes automatically switching output signals to one or more of the output signal interfaces for which connection to one or more external devices is detected. Therefore, manual switching of the output signal for an output signal interface to which one or more external devices are connected is unnecessary after connecting one or more external devices to said interface.

A further method outputs an output signal from a first output signal interface with an external device connected to a second output signal interface after a connection to one or more external devices at the second output signal interface is detected. Further including the step of automatically switching. Therefore, manual switching of the output signal to the second output signal interface to which one or more external devices are connected is unnecessary after connecting one or more external devices to said second interface. The output signal is automatically provided to the most recently connected external device via the corresponding output signal interface.

In a further method, the at least two output 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.

the further method further comprising receiving at least two different types or standards of input signals, in particular a first input signal according to the HDMI or DisplayPort standard and a second input signal according to the USB Type C standard; Specifically, the second input signal includes DisplayPort over USB Type C.

A further method comprises the steps of memorizing the last used type of input signal and automatically switching to the last used type of input signal, in particular in addition to the last used type of input signal. automatically switching if at least one different type of input signal is also received simultaneously. Therefore, manual switching of the input signal to the most recently used input signal interface becomes unnecessary.

A further method is to swap between at least two different types or standards of input signals and/or depending on the input signals received and/or to detect a connection to an external device on at least two output signal interfaces. Accordingly, further comprising providing a user-controlled swap function for swapping output signals between the at least two output signal interfaces. This allows the user to easily change or correct the automatic selection of the signal interface.

In one preferred embodiment, the swap function is provided by a push button activation function, in particular activation of the push button for a predetermined period of time, eg 2 seconds or more. Thus, easy swapping of signal interfaces is enabled, but at the same time unintentional swapping can be avoided.

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 may be matched with any method features, aspects, advantages and effects described herein, and vice versa. is.

In the following, the invention will be explained in detail using exemplary implementations and embodiments in view of several drawings.

Considering the exemplary user scenarios and advantages of the USB Type C standard interface, which can support a display device or display or video signal transmission (input signal), data transmission, and power supply using only one cable, the user An intuitive mode of operation is described for , in which the sources of display signals and data transmissions are automatically switched, and display signals and data transmissions are switched automatically and more easily.

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

Additionally, when two active sources are used simultaneously or alternately, smart and/or quick access buttons are available for the user to switch between display signals and USB upstream ports simultaneously.

Such a concept provides users with a plug-and-play experience that avoids the complicated OSD manipulation process for switching between sources in most scenarios. This concept is implemented, for example, in the context of KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) systems or applications used for display devices.

One exemplary display device includes several ports for connection of external devices. For example, a keyboard, mouse and headset can be connected to the display device through different ports. Another port provides an interface for an Ethernet connection, for example.

Additional ports provide interfaces for input signals via HDMI or DP technology, for output signals via USB Type B standard technology, and for input/output via USB Type C technology.

The following different exemplary implementations and user scenarios according to the invention are presented. The invention is not limited to the illustrated scenario.
Schematic diagram of implicit KVM application for DP/HDMI sources. Schematic diagram of an implicit KVM application for a USB Type C source. Schematic diagram of implicit KVM application for modern pluggable sources. Schematic diagram of implicit KVM application for different modern pluggable sources. Schematic of the implicit KVM one-touch solution. Switching flowchart of the KVM system.

1) Implicit KVM application for DP/HDMI sources:

Figure 1 shows a scenario in which an external device 1A, in particular a notebook, is connected to a display device 2, where the display device 2 is illustratively a computer monitor. The external device 1A is connected to the computer monitor 2 via a USB type B interface 3 and a DP/HDMI interface 4. When the display device 2 detects that the USB type B port is connected with an active DP/HDMI input source, it will automatically switch to the USB type B upstream port. In this scenario, another port/interface 5 of USB type C is not used.

2) Implicit KVM application to USB type C source:

FIG. 2 shows a scenario in which an external device 1B, eg a notebook, is connected to a computer monitor 2. In FIG. External device 1B is connected to computer monitor 2 via USB type C interface 5 . When the display device 2 detects that the USB Type C port is connected with an active DP Altmode signal over the USB Type C connection, it will automatically switch to the USB Type C upstream port. . In this scenario, the other port/interface 4 (see description of Figure 1 above) is not used.

3) Implicit KVM application for modern pluggable sources:

When the USB type C upstream is currently active (see device 1B on interface 5 in Fig. 3a) and a second electrical device 1A is plugged into the USB type B upstream port, the display The device 2 automatically switches to the USB type B upstream interface 3 connected to the device 1A and optionally to the DP/HDMI interface 4 further connected to the device 1A, as shown in Fig. 3a.

On the other hand, USB type B upstream is currently active, optionally together with DP/HDMI interface 4 further connected to device 1A as shown in Fig. 3a (see device 1A on interface 3 in Fig. 3b ), when the second electrical device 1B is plugged into the USB Type C upstream port, the display device 2 optionally switches to an active DP Altmode (alternative mode) signal automatically switches to the USB type C upstream interface 5 connected to the device 1B.

Table 1 below shows possible scenarios for USB cable (output) and current input connection combinations.

For example, when the HDMI/DP input signal is currently active and the second electrical device 1B is plugged into the USB type C port, the display device 2 will automatically switch to the USB type C input signal and the data upstream Select the USB type C interface for

On the other hand, when the HDMI/DP input signal becomes active (newly activated), the data upstream automatically switches to the USB type B port, if available. Otherwise, it cannot switch to the HDMI/DP input signal.

4) Explicit KVM one-touch solution:

After the display device 2 illustratively switches 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 in one exemplary implementation The device 2 stores the most recent user preferred input source, here for example the DP/HDMI source. With two different active KVM sources remaining (USB type C with integrated DP Altmode signal and USB type B with DP/HDMI signal), the user can press the "Swap inputs" button. You can easily switch between different systems by pressing. The display device 2 then automatically switches between the input signal source and the KVM upstream source. In this example shown in FIG. 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 connections).

"Input swap" feature:

Once the external devices on both ports, USB type B respectively, DP/HDMI and USB type C are connected, the user can switch the display signal input port and/or USB up by pressing the button for 2 seconds, for example. A quick "input swap" function for switching stream interfaces can be performed.

Table 2 shows the current input and subsequent input sources when pressing the "input swap" button in different scenarios.

The "input swap" feature, for example, is only available when at least two USB upstream connections are active or available.

The KVM system remembers the previous input source when an "input swap" is triggered. Therefore, the system only swaps between the two mentioned input sources.

5) Display signal input detection and switching flowchart:

The flow chart of FIG. 5 illustrates a possible switching scenario for this example.

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

When the USB cable is connected, the system will detect the type of USB connection.

If only a USB type C cable is connected, the system will set “USB upstream port=USB-C” and set the signal input source to “USB-C” (DP Altmode), as shown in the left branch of the flowchart. ).

If only a USB type B cable is connected, the system will check if an active DP/HDMI signal input is available as shown in the middle branch of the flow chart.

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

If no active DP/HDMI signal input is available, the system will check again if the USB Type C cable is connected.

If a USB type C cable is connected, the system will set “USB upstream port=USB-C” and switch the signal input source to “USB-C” (DP Altmode).

If no USB type C cable is connected, the system will set “USB upstream port=USB-B”.

If a USB type B cable is connected and a USB type C cable is plugged in, the system will again set "USB upstream port = USB-C" and signal Switch the input source to “USB-C” (DP Altmode).

If a USB type-C cable is connected and a USB type-B cable is plugged in, the system will set the "USB upstream port = USB-B" again and the signal input source to "DP/HDMI". switch. This scenario is not shown in the flowchart.

All implementations, embodiments and scenarios described with respect to the figures are exemplary only.

1A, 1B external device 2 display device 3 USB type B connection 4 DP/HDMI connection 5 USB type C connection

Claims (16)

A display device,
- at least one input signal interface for receiving an input signal from an input signal source connected to the display device via said at least one input signal interface;
- at least two output signal interfaces providing output signals;
to provide
The display device automatically detects a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the output signal interfaces, and depending on the received input signal and/or one of the output signal interfaces. automatically switching the output signal to one or more of the output signal interfaces upon detection of a connection to one or more external devices in at least one of the . 2. The display device of claim 1, configured to automatically switch the output signal to one or more of the output signal interfaces for which a connection to one or more external devices is detected. automatically transferring said output signal from a first output signal interface to which an external device is connected to said second output signal interface after connection to one or more external devices at said second output signal interface is detected; 3. A display device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, configured to switch to . 4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least two output 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. 11. A display device according to claim 1. The display device is adapted to receive at least two different types or standards of input signals, in particular a first input signal according to the HDMI or DisplayPort standard and a second input signal according to the USB Type C standard. 5. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the second input signal comprises DisplayPort over USB type C. The display device memorizes the last used type of input signal and automatically switches to the last used type of input signal, in particular to the last used type of input signal. 6. A display device according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to switch automatically if at least one different type of input signal is additionally received at the same time. The display device is
- to swap between input signals of at least two different types or standards; and/or - in response to said received input signals and/or in response to detection of a connection to an external device at at least two output signal interfaces. , for swapping output signals between said at least two output signal interfaces;
7. Any one of claims 1 to 6, adapted to provide a user-controlled swap function, in particular a push button actuation function, in particular actuation of the push button for a predetermined period of time, for example two seconds or more. 11. A display device according to claim 1. 8. A display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display device is a computer monitor. A method for switching an input signal received at a display device to an output signal interface of the display device, comprising:
- receiving an input signal from an input signal source connected to said display device via at least one input signal interface;
- providing an output signal;
- automatically detecting a connection to one or more external devices on at least one of the at least two output signal interfaces of the display device;
to one or more of said output signal interfaces in response to said received input signal and/or in response to detection of a connection to one or more external devices at at least one of said output signal interfaces; automatically switching the output signal to
method including. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising automatically switching the output signal to one or more of the output signal interfaces for which connection to one or more external devices is detected. automatically transferring said output signal from a first output signal interface to which an external device is connected to said second output signal interface after connection to one or more external devices at said second output signal interface is detected; 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the step of switching to . 12. Any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said at least two output 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. The method described in section. receiving at least two different types or standards of input signals, in particular a first input signal according to the HDMI or DisplayPort standard and a second input signal according to the USB Type C standard, in particular 13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second input signal comprises DisplayPort over USB type C. storing the last used type of input signal and automatically switching to said last used type of input signal, in particular at least one other than said last used type of input signal; 14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising automatically switching if two different types of input signals are also received at the same time. - to swap between input signals of at least two different types or standards; and/or - in response to said received input signals and/or in response to detection of a connection to an external device at at least two output signal interfaces. , for swapping output signals between said at least two output signal interfaces;
15. Any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising providing a user-controlled swap function, in particular a push button activation function, in particular activation of the push button for a predetermined period of time, for example two seconds or more. The method described in . 16. The method of any one of claims 9-15, wherein the display device is a computer monitor.

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