WO2010139136A1

WO2010139136A1 - Signal source and television with the signal source

Info

Publication number: WO2010139136A1
Application number: PCT/CN2009/073301
Authority: WO
Inventors: 郭建伟; 刘超; 齐洪涛; 樊磊; 陈宜龙; 李金良
Original assignee: 海尔集团公司; 青岛海尔电子有限公司
Priority date: 2009-06-01
Filing date: 2009-08-17
Publication date: 2010-12-09
Also published as: CN101902551A

Abstract

A signal source is disclosed in the present invention, which is selectively connected to a television, is drove by the television and can extend functions of the television, wherein, the signal source includes a main board, a chip set connected to the main board, a processor connected to the chip set by a front-end bus, a storage unit and a audio and video unit for outward transmitting audio and video signal. At the same time, a television with the signal source is also disclosed in the present invention.

Description

The present invention claims the priority of a Chinese application filed on June 1, 2009, the application number is 200910015759.6, and the invention is entitled "Signal source and television set having the signal source". The entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a signal source and a television set having the same, and more particularly to a computer signal source connectable to a television set and a television set having the computer signal source.

Background technique

At present, most widely used televisions that receive analog signals, in the era of digital television, are mostly through external devices such as set-top boxes, DVD (Digital Video Disc), DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting), digital Video broadcast), converts the digital signal into an analog signal and outputs it to the TV for display. For example, the set-top box converts the digital signal into a standard video signal A/V interface signal or analog component video signal Y, U, V, etc. The interface signal outputs the converted low display resolution analog signal to the television.

As shown in Figure 1, the TV is connected to the DVD set-top box, DVB set-top box, and IP TV set-top box through the A/V port. However, in this architecture, each set-top box needs independent power supply to supply power. At the same time, each set-top box needs Independent remote controls control them separately, and the signals that the set-top box outputs to the TV are still analog, low-resolution images. At the same time, due to the variety of external devices, there are many resources between these devices, such as: Each device requires power, each device requires a remote control, each product has a number of output terminals of different colors and different colors, so that The external connection is complicated, it is extremely inconvenient to install and use, and it takes up space. When using different equipment, it is necessary to reconnect the thread. At the same time, multiple remote controls are inconvenient to save and operate. When a user adds a new device, it must be a complete machine, so the user's comprehensive use cost is high, and the output of each device is not standardized, and the interface and performance of similar products are greatly different.

On the other hand, some expensive high-end digital TVs with high resolution, such as 1080P, 1080i, 720P display modes, external devices need to pass a wide variety of interfaces, such as VGA (Video Graphics Array, Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. Due to the wide variety of interfaces on the TV itself, the output modes of external accessory products, such as set-top boxes, are also varied. Often, the output signals of the set-top boxes cannot ensure the image quality of high-end TVs to the fullest.

In the prior art, there is also a combination television set in which a DVD, DVB, and IP set-top box are built into a television set. For example, the invention patent No. 200420109717.1 discloses a television digital video disc playing integrated machine, which is built into a television set by the digital video disc DVD playing function, so that the television can watch both the television program and the digital video. Disc DVD. Another example is the invention patent No. 200520115859.3, which discloses a recordable IP TV integrated machine, which incorporates an IP TV set top box into the LCD TV. However, inside the above-mentioned combination television set, DVD, DVB, and IP TV set-top boxes are movement circuits in which different interface circuits are used to connect the television sets. The standards of various interfaces are not uniform, and there is no extended upgrade function. It is difficult to add new digital program receiving sources. Moreover, different interface types have made it difficult to upgrade existing systems. More importantly, it is unable to adapt to encrypted TV reception in different regions, and cannot meet different information flow requirements between different regions and operators. By making a particular function and host a complete machine, the standardization of the host is broken, and at the same time, certain functions may not be required by all customers. Such models are generally customized for a specific group of customers, for specific occasions, not for popularization, and the products cannot be fully promoted. Due to the differences between the modular modules, such combined TV sets have different product specifications and are difficult to achieve industry standardization. It is difficult to carry out related production of related products in the industry, so the production cost is high and the supporting products are not standardized.

With the development of digital technology, at present, DVD, DVB, IP TV set-top boxes and other devices have completely digitized the processing of audio and video signals, such as reading and decompressing, and the technical standards are standard. Digital audio and video standard interface for digital TV HDMI has been popularized around the world, so that there is no need to transmit analog signals between these devices and digital TVs, and direct transmission of standard audio and video digital signals will be the trend.

At the same time, as users' demand for computers and networks increases, they have operating systems and operating meters. Computers with functions such as computer software and Internet surfing have become the trend of the times. However, at present, most TV sets use a dedicated interface to connect to a host computer graphics card, so that they can be used between ordinary TV signals and computer output signals. Switching, to achieve computer functions, however, the TV of this structure only functions as a general display, and requires a computer host with an independent power supply to provide computer signals. This structure is not only complicated in connection, but also high in user cost. When the user has to operate the TV and the computer separately, such as switching on and off, the operation must be different for the TV and the computer.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to adapt to the continuous development trend of digital television technology, it is necessary to provide a signal source that complies with the digital television standard, has a computer function, has a wide adaptability range, and is resource-saving and convenient to operate. A television set with this signal source.

Summary of the invention

In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a signal source that conforms to the digital television standard and has a wide range of adaptation and a television set having the same.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

A signal source, optionally connected to a television set, and driven by the television set to extend the function of the television set, wherein the signal source comprises a main board, a chip set connected to the main board, and connected through a front side bus The processor of the chipset, and the storage unit and the audio and video unit that transmits the audio and video signals.

Further, the processor is a microcomputer CPU.

The television outputs a power signal to the signal source to drive the signal source to operate.

The television set includes a television system unit that connects the television system unit and transmits audio and video signals and communication and control signals to the television system unit.

Still further, the motherboard further includes an external port controller coupled to the external storage and control device, the external port controller being coupled to the chipset and controlled by the chipset.

Further, the storage unit includes a dynamic memory and a static memory, the static memory loading a computer software system, and the processor and the dynamic memory can calculate the computer software system. The signal source is connected to the television set via an switching device.

The technical solution of the present invention can also be implemented as follows:

A television set, wherein the television is selectively connected to a television function extension signal source and drives the signal source to operate, wherein the signal source comprises a main board, a chip set connected to the main board, and The front side bus connects the processor of the chipset, the storage unit, and the audio and video unit that transmits audio and video signals to the television set.

Further, the processor is a microcomputer CPU.

The television set includes a television system unit that connects the signal source and transmits audio and video signals and communication and control signals to the signal source.

Further, the storage unit includes a dynamic memory and a static memory, the static memory loading a computer software system, and the processor and the dynamic memory are operable to calculate the computer software system.

The television set is connected to the signal source via an switching device.

Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: a signal source provided by the embodiment of the present invention, having a main board, a chipset connected to the main board, and a processor, a storage unit, and a television set connected to the chipset through the front side bus An audio and video unit that transmits audio and video signals. Therefore, it has the function of computer, saves resources, has convenient control, wide application range and convenient upgrade.

DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic view showing a receiving device of a conventional television set;

2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a television set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the principle of the system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a block diagram showing a circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a circuit diagram showing a function expansion module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control method of a television set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. detailed description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Now, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, even if they are described in different figures.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a block diagram of a television structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The television set includes a television system 20 and a signal source 30, wherein the television system 20 includes a television core system 201 and an expansion port 202 that can be coupled to an external extended signal source 30.

It should be noted that, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal source 30 may be in the form of an expansion card, which may be an exposed circuit board with a user operation interface disposed on one side thereof. The external signal interface can be inserted, and the other side is provided with a patch terminal. The patch terminal corresponds to a patch port disposed on the television expansion port 202, so that the patch port can be plugged and unplugged with the patch terminal on the signal source 30 to place the signal source 30 on the television The system 20 is plugged or removed. In another embodiment of the present invention, the positional relationship between the patch terminal and the patch port may also be interchanged, that is, the patch port is disposed on the signal source 30, and the patch terminal is disposed in the extension of the television system 20. The port 202 is electrically connected to the television core system 201. Of course, those skilled in the art can understand other manifestations of the signal source 30, such as an expansion box, etc., based on the disclosure of the present invention. The signal source 30 of the present invention can also be connected to the television system 20 through other mediations, for example, by signal conversion. The connection box or the adapter board, the signal transfer box or the adapter board can also be provided with a plug port or a plug-in terminal that cooperates with the plug-in terminal or the plug-in port of the television system 20.

In addition, the preferred signal source 30 of the present invention is a computer signal source, which may include a MENLOW chipset, a multimedia embedded motherboard designed and developed by the Silverthorne + Poulsbo solution, which provides a DDR2-SODIMM (small dual internal The embedded memory module can support up to 1G, and supports YPBPR and VGA video output. It can be installed with operating system, such as: LINUX or WINDOWS. Through this motherboard, all functions on the computer can be realized in the TV. Moreover, the motherboard has a small package, low power consumption, and high stability.

As shown in FIG. 3, the signal source 30 of the present invention adopts a modular design, that is, the above-mentioned connector terminal, due to full consideration of the diversity of the digital television signal source and the optimal display effect of the digital television and the future expansion capability of the system. And the plug port is made by means of a gold finger connector. The design of the gold finger connector is standardized to match the modularization of the signal source 30, so that the product connection is convenient and flexible, so that the digital television source display standard can be fully embodied, and different types of digital television sources can be simultaneously viewed, such as Digital broadcast sources, digital broadcast sources, and digital network sources can also complete the transition from analog TV to digital TV at this stage, and implement functions such as computer, time-recordable recording, learning entertainment, and network downloading to upgrade or add new functions. The consumer only needs to purchase the signal source 30 that conforms to the standardized interface, thereby providing a combination of the signal source 30 of different functions and the television core system 201 at a lower and flexible cost, while the signal source 30 also supports separate use. Due to the flexible configuration of "modular", it also expands the consumption field of products. New technologies and new products can be applied to the system by adding newly developed signal source modules. Compared with the signal source 30 having different functions, the corresponding gold finger connector has a uniform specification of the plug terminal and the plug port, and the specifications herein refer not only to the arrangement of the electrical signals of the patch terminal and the patch port. The same, but also refers to the physical size specifications of the patch terminal and the patch port. The signals transmitted by the gold finger connector of the present invention include at least a power signal, a communication and control signal, and an audio and video signal. The connector terminal is disposed on the signal source 30, which may be a gold finger connector made of a printed circuit board. When the connector terminal is inserted into the connector port, the conductive portions on the two are in contact with each other to form an electrical connection, so that communication and control are performed. Signals, audio and video signals, and power signals are transmitted between signal source 30 and television core system 201. The surface of the conductive portion of the connector terminal is gold plated, and has the characteristics of good electrical conductivity, wear resistance and oxidation resistance. The signal transmitted by the gold finger connector includes a power signal, so that the television core system 201 can supply power to the signal source 30 through the power signal, and at the same time through the interactive communication and control signals in the signal source 30 and the television core system. A control information contact mechanism is established between 201 to coordinately operate to transmit audio and video signals between the signal source 30 and the television core system 201. Through this configuration, the signal source 30 is powered and controlled by the TV core system 201, effectively achieving energy saving and convenient operation, and meeting user needs.

The signal source 30 may be a television extension function that performs data communication with the television core system 201. The signal source 30 can include modular circuits of different functions, and the implemented functions Can also be different, for example: can play high-definition video and video recording time tracking module circuit, can learn English and play games learning entertainment module circuit; can replace the digital TV module circuit to play digital signal, can be online Download the movie download module circuit of the movie, the module circuit with computer function, and so on. A television that supports the extended signal source 30 can implement different functions by replacing the signal source 30 of different functions. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a computer signal source 30 that enables the television to implement computer functions.

As shown in FIG. 4, the television set to which the signal source 30 of the present invention is connected includes a television system 20, a power supply module 21, and an LCD panel 22. The power module 21 is electrically connected to the television system 20 and the LCD panel 22 to provide an operating voltage. Of course, the power module 21 can also be integrated into the television system 20.

The television system 20 is a main board of a television set that is disposed inside the television set and includes functional modules such as a television core system 201, an audio output 202, and a memory 203. The television core system 201 includes a plurality of functional units such as a microprocessor, a graphics processor, a video processing unit, an audio processing unit, a demodulator, a decoder, a data communication bus, and a 10 interface. It can transmit audio and video signals in different formats through various external interfaces of the TV. These signals can be analog signals or digital signals. These signals may include a radio frequency (RF) signal, a composite video broadcast signal (CVBS), a luminance/chrominance signal (Y/C), a color difference signal (Y/Pb/Pr), and a VGA ( Video Graphics Array, video graphics, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) signals, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) signals, and other existing audio and video signals. The audio and video signals are processed and output to the TV's display panel and audio equipment.

The television system 20 is connected and communicated with an external device through a peripheral 10 interface, and the communication can use a general purpose 10 interface (GPIO), a pulse width modulation (PWM), a universal asynchronous transceiver ( Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, UART), Infrared (IR) and many other methods. The television system 20 processes the signals received in different formats to convert the video signals into LVDS signals. (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) and output to the LCD panel 22 to display an image, and an audio signal is output to the audio output 202 to generate sound.

The audio output 202 is for converting an audio signal in the form of an electrical signal into an acoustic signal in the form of an air vibration, which may be a device such as a speaker or a speaker.

The memory 203, as a storage data unit of the television system 20, can store audio and video signal data as well as communication and control signal data. It includes dynamic memory and static memory. Static memory is a fixed memory that is generally used to store global variables or pre-compiled data, instructions, etc., which can be flash (Flash). Dynamic memory is an on-demand memory that is typically used to store function parameters, automatic variables, or runtime-assigned data, instructions, etc., which can be dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as DDR or SDR.

The signal source 30 includes a function expansion module 301, a DC-DC power supply 302, and a memory 303 disposed on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

The function expansion module 301 is a core component of the signal source 30, and includes a processor and various functional units, which receive communication and control signals input by the patch terminal, audio and video signals or data signals input by an external interface, and then the above signals Perform operations, processing, operations, etc., and return the processing results or data to the television system 20 or to an external device or external network connected to the external interface.

The memory 303 functions as a storage data unit of the function expansion module 301, and can store audio or video signal data, communication and control signal data, computer software, an operating system, and the like. It includes dynamic memory and static memory. The static memory can be a flash (Flash), a hard disk (Disk), or the like. Dynamic memory can be dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as DDR, SDR, etc.

The DC-to-DC power supply 302 receives a power signal input from the plug-in terminal, such as 12V, which acts as a switching power supply to boost or step down the input power signal to convert it to the desired fixed voltage. The voltage is output to the function expansion module 301 to provide a suitable operating voltage. Of course, the above is only a common circuit architecture of the signal source 30, and the circuit architecture of the signal source 30 of different functions can be adjusted according to the functional characteristics.

The invention standardizes the signal source 30, and can adapt to a wider geographical area, and more applicable manufacturers. And The standard modular design of each functional unit or interface allows for flexible and cost-effective configuration. When designing a product, it is only necessary to combine functional units or interfaces according to functional requirements. In this way, there is enough room for future new functions, new modules, and new interfaces to be added, and the future modules are connected with the existing modules, and everything is prepared from interface specifications and software upgrades. In the future, new function modules can be added directly by using the same interface specifications and conforming to the unified protocol specification. In addition, the entire system software can be updated and upgraded through various methods such as USB interface and network interface.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is a circuit block diagram of a signal source 30 function expansion module, which is a computer signal source 30. The signal source 30 cooperates with the television system 20 to implement a television set. Computer functions, such as: installation of operating systems and software systems, document editing, surfing the Internet, etc. The function expansion module 301 of the signal source is a multimedia embedded motherboard designed and developed by the Silverthorne + Poulsbo solution, wherein the MENLOW chipset 3011 includes a SCH (System Controller Hub) chip 3011a. The SCH chip is equipped with Integrated graphics and video 3011b. Integrated graphics and video3011b can replace the traditional motherboard North Bridge, mainly controlling the internal system such as processor, memory and display device. The SCH chip 3011a can also replace the drive board. Controls USB, SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) and some of the vulgar peripherals of the South Bridge. A processor 3012 is connected to the motherboard and communicates with the chipset 3011 at a transmission rate of 400/533 MHz. The processor 3012 can be a microcomputer CPU. In the present invention, the processor preferably uses a TDP. (Thermal Design Power, thermal design power) ATOM microcomputer CPU of no more than 3W guarantees low power consumption of the signal source 30; at the same time, other devices on the motherboard, such as for motherboard connection and control: can be used System Management Bus (SMBUS) 3013 for detecting memory parameters, SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CONTROLLOR 3016, Communication Protocol (SPI) 3020 for BIOS connection, clock required to generate all chips on the motherboard Signal clock generator (CLOCK GENERATION) 3017, and PWN3018; storage unit controller connected to the storage unit: Memory controller (DDR) 3014 connected to dynamic memory, ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) hard disk controller (PCIE SATA) 3015 connected to static memory via PCIE (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) protocol serial; External port controller for external devices: Low-speed I/O device (SUNU 3019) for PS/2 mouse and keyboard, COM or parallel port printer, free extension terminal (SYSTEM DEVICES) 3021 for other devices, external parallel ATA Hard disk and CF (Compact Flash, standard flash card) card interface PATA&CF3022, SD and MMC card reader SDIO/MMC3023, PCIE protocol network card (PCIE LAN) 3024, USB 3025 for connecting external network; for output audio and video The audio and video unit of the signal: an INTEL HIGH DEFINITION AUDIO 3026, an EXTERNAL DISPLAY 3027, etc., can communicate with the chipset 3011, controlled by the chipset 3011, because the device and the The connection and communication method between the chipset 3011 is well known to those skilled in the art. Or it is easy to get from the prior art, so it will not be repeated.

When the television set is connected to the signal source 30 through the television system 20 for expansion, the flow chart of the control method of the television set according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6 can be seen as follows:

601. First connect the signal source 30 directly to the television or indirectly through the transfer box or the adapter board to the television.

602. The television can provide power to the signal source 30.

603. While connected to the television set, the signal source 30 is also connected to the television system 20 inside the television set. At this time, the television system 20 can detect the external access device.

604. If the external device is detected to pass, the television system 20 will control the television to send a power signal to the signal source 30, and the driving signal source 30 operates.

605. Second, the television system 20 detects the signal output type of the signal source. For example, the identification signal can use a set of binary codes to represent the signal source 30 of different functional types. The signal source 30 outputs an audio/video type signal identifier to the television core subsystem, and the audio and video type signal identifier can represent a signal type of the input source by an external interface through a set of binary codes, including radio frequency signals (RF), composite Video broadcast signal (Composite Video Broadcast Signal, CVBS), luminance/chrominance signal (Y/C), color difference signal (Y/Pb/Pr), VGA (Video Graphics Array) signal, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) signal, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) signal, and others Various existing audio and video signals.

606. After receiving the identification signal, the television system 20 switches the corresponding display channel and outputs the audio/video content of the signal source 30.

607. Perform mutual signal control and communication between the television system 20 and the signal source 30 by using a communication mode such as UART/IIC/IR/COM to realize unified control and facilitate user operation.

Thereafter, the user can select whether the television is to watch the program in the normal television reception mode or the source mode through the remote controller. After the infrared command sent by the remote controller is received and decoded by the television, it may be transmitted to the television system 20, and then processed by the television system 20 to issue a control command, which is transmitted by the gold finger connector to the signal source 30 for corresponding operation; Since the signal source 30 has an external device interface that can receive UART/IIC/IR/COM commands, the remote controller can also directly communicate data with the signal source 30 to control its operation. It makes it possible to control the TV and signal source 30 with one remote control, which is convenient for the user to control the TV.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed by way of the embodiments of the invention Improvements, additions and substitutions are possible.

Claims

Claim

A signal source, optionally connected to a television set, and driven by the television set to extend the function of the television set, wherein: the signal source comprises a main board and a chip set connected to the main board. The processor of the chipset is connected through a front side bus, and a storage unit and an audio and video unit that transmits audio and video signals outward.

2. The signal source of claim 1 wherein the processor is a microcomputer CPU.

3. The signal source of claim 2, wherein the television outputs a power signal to the signal source to drive the signal source to operate.

4. The signal source according to claim 3, wherein said television set comprises a television system unit, said signal source being coupled to said television system unit, and transmitting audio and video signals and communications with said television system unit And control signals.

The signal source according to claim 2, wherein the main board further comprises an external port controller connected to the external storage and control device, the external port controller is connected to the chipset, and Chipset control.

6. The signal source according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit comprises a dynamic memory and a static memory, the static memory loading computer software system, the processor and the dynamic memory computing unit Computer software system.

The signal source according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal source is connected to the television set via an switching device.

8. A television set comprising a television and a television function extension signal source, wherein: the television is driven to operate the signal source, the signal source comprising a motherboard, connected to a chipset of the motherboard, and a processor, a storage unit that connects the chipset through a front side bus, and an audio and video unit that transmits audio and video signals to the television set.

9. The television set according to claim 8, wherein the processor is a microcomputer CPU.

10. The television set according to claim 9, wherein the television output power Signaling to the signal source drives the signal source to operate.

11. The television set according to claim 10, wherein the television set comprises a television system unit, the television system unit is connected to the signal source, and transmits audio and video signals and communications with the signal source. And control signals.

12. The television set according to claim 9, wherein the main board further comprises an external port controller connected to the external storage and control device, the external port controller is connected to the chipset, and Chipset control.

The television set according to claim 9, wherein the storage unit comprises a dynamic memory and a static memory, the static memory loading computer software system, the processor and the dynamic memory computing unit Computer software system.

The television set according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the television set is connected to the signal source via an switching device.