TWI898862B - Control device with video output - Google Patents

Abstract

A control device with video output is provided. The control device includes a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface has a first transmission port and a second transmission port. When the control circuit is connected to a handheld device at the first transmission port, the first input power supply provided by the handheld device is obtained through the first transmission port. When the second transmission port is connected to a first external device, the control circuit identifies the first external device. When the first external device is a display device, the control circuit controls the handheld device to supply power to the display device, and controls the display device to display a display signal of the display device. When the first external device is a charging device, the control circuit controls the charging device to supply power to the handheld device.

Description

Control devices that support image output

The present invention relates to a control device, and in particular to a control device that can support image output.

Handheld devices are convenient for portability during operation. However, some users find that the control functions of the handheld devices themselves do not meet their personal needs. Therefore, control devices that can be integrated with handheld devices have emerged on the market. These control devices utilize a mechanical design that allows them to be integrated into a single unit while still maintaining the convenience of portability.

Therefore, for users who prioritize convenient control (such as gamers), the aforementioned control device can be combined with a handheld device, allowing the user to perform corresponding input operations on the handheld device through the control interface provided by the control device itself. However, due to the limited size of the handheld device's display, the viewing experience of the handheld device during the overall operation process will be limited.

The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a control device that supports image output in order to address the shortcomings of existing technologies.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a control device capable of supporting image output, comprising a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface has a first transmission port and a second transmission port. When the first transmission port is connected to a handheld device, the control circuit receives a first input power from the handheld device via the first transmission port. When the second transmission port is connected to a first external device, the control circuit identifies the first external device. When the control circuit identifies the first external device as a display device, the control circuit controls the first input power to be output to the second transmission port to power the display device, receives a display signal from the handheld device via the first transmission port, and controls the display signal to be output to the display device via the second transmission port for display. When the control circuit identifies the first external device as a charging device, the control circuit stops receiving the first input power, obtains the second input power provided by the charging device through the second transmission port, and controls the second input power to be output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a control device capable of supporting image output, comprising a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface has a first transmission port, a second transmission port, and a third transmission port. The control circuit receives a first input power from a handheld device via the first transmission port when the first transmission port is connected to the handheld device. Furthermore, the control circuit identifies the first external device when the second transmission port is connected to the first external device and the third transmission port is connected to the second external device. When the control circuit identifies that the first external device is a charging device and the second external device connected to the third transmission port is a display device, the control circuit stops receiving the first input power and obtains the second input power provided by the charging device through the second transmission port. The control circuit then controls the second input power to be output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device and to the third transmission port to power the display device. The control circuit also obtains a display signal from the handheld device through the first transmission port and controls the display signal to be output to the display device through the third transmission port for display.

In summary, the control device provided by the embodiments of the present invention supports image output. When used in conjunction with a handheld device, the display screen of the handheld device can be displayed on an external display device connected to the control device. Furthermore, the handheld device can be connected to various external devices as needed, thereby enhancing the convenience of operating the control device.

For a deeper understanding of the features and technical content of this invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

C1, C2, C3, C4: Control devices

B1, B2: Bridge mechanism

P1: First transmission port

P2: Second transmission port

P3: The third transmission port

H1, H2: Handle

U1, U2: Control interface

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d: Control circuit

10: Transmission Controller

11: Power transmission circuit

12: Data transmission circuit

13: Peripheral Controller

14: Peripheral input device

15: Auxiliary Controller

16: Detection Controller

121: First data transmission circuit

122: Second data transmission circuit

20: Handheld device

21: Display device

22: Charging device

LD: indicator interface

L1: First indicator

L2: Second indicator

PB: Power Bank

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a control device that supports image output according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between a control device and a display device that supports image output according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection between a control device that supports image output and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a control device that supports image output and multiple external devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a control device that supports image output and multiple external devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a control device that supports image output and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages and effects of the present invention from the content provided in this specification. The present invention may be implemented or applied through various other specific embodiments, and the details in this specification may be modified and altered based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the accompanying figures of the present invention are for schematic illustration only and are not drawn to actual size. This is to be noted in advance. The following embodiments further illustrate the relevant technical aspects of the present invention in detail, but the content provided is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" used herein may include any one or more combinations of the associated listed items, as appropriate.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control device that supports image output. This control device can be combined with a handheld device and allows the user to perform various input operations on the handheld device through the control device. For example, when the control device is connected to the handheld device via a transmission interface, input signals generated by the control device in response to user operations can be transmitted to the handheld device via this transmission interface. Furthermore, the control device can be connected to external devices with different functionalities to expand its use. For example, the control device can output the handheld device's display to an external device for display, or it can receive input power to charge the handheld device, thereby enhancing the control device's operational convenience.

[Control device control example]

Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a control device supporting image output according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the control device supporting image output and a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C1 supporting image output described in this embodiment can perform input control on a handheld device via control interfaces U1 and U2. This allows the user to perform various operations on the software running on the handheld device 20 by operating the control interfaces U1 and U2. The control device C1 is connected, for example, via a bridge mechanism B1 between two handles H1 and H2 for left-hand operation. When the handheld device 20 is used in conjunction with the control device C1, the handheld device 20 can be positioned between the two handles H1 and H2. However, in other embodiments, the handheld device 20 and the control device C1 can be combined at any other operable position based on actual usage requirements.

In one embodiment, the bridge mechanism B1 can be configured in various configurations, such as retractable, bendable, or pluggable, allowing the two handles H1 and H2 to be connected as a single unit via the bridge mechanism B1. The bridge mechanism B1 also provides a signal transmission channel between the two handles H1 and H2, allowing input signals generated by user manipulation of the control interface U1 or U2 on either handle to be smoothly transmitted to the handheld device.

In one embodiment, the transmission interface provided by the control device C1 includes at least a first transmission port P1 and a second transmission port P2. The first transmission port P1 is connected to the handheld device 20, while the second transmission port P2 is connected to an external device. The control device C1 can determine the function of the second transmission port P2 based on the object to which it is connected. Here, the first transmission port P1 is used for a fixed connection to the handheld device 20, while the external device connected to the second transmission port P2 can be selected based on different functional operating requirements.

For ease of explanation, the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 are located on one handle H1. However, in other embodiments, the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 may be located on different handles, such as handle H2. For example, the first transmission port P1 in Figure 1 may be located on the side of handle H1 adjacent to the bridge mechanism B1, while the second transmission port P2 can be flexibly located on either side of handle H1 based on external device connection requirements.

In one embodiment, a control circuit 1 is provided within the handle H1. This control circuit 1 is connected to a first transmission port P1 and a second transmission port P2. The control circuit 1 controls the direction of data or power transmission between the first and second transmission ports P1 and P2. For example, the control circuit 1 transmits input signals generated by the control interfaces U1 and U2 of the control device C1 via the first transmission port P1 to the handheld device 20. The control circuit 1 identifies the external device connected to the second transmission port P2 to determine whether the external device is a power supply or a power receiving device. In other embodiments, only one of the control interfaces U1 and U2 may be provided and located on either handle H1 or H2.

In one embodiment, when the external device is a power receiving device, the control circuit 1 can obtain the display signal and first input power from the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and transmit this display signal and first input power to the external device via the second transmission port P2. Furthermore, when the external device is a power supply device, the control circuit 1 can obtain the second input power provided by the external device via the second transmission port and transmit this second input power to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1.

In one embodiment, when the power supply device is, for example, a charging device, the charging device can charge the handheld device 20 via the control device C1. When the power receiving device is, for example, a display device, the display device can receive and display the display signal of the handheld device 20 via the control device C1, and the power used by the display device can be provided by the handheld device 20.

In one embodiment, the handheld device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a handheld game console, a navigation device, or a video playback device. The first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 may be connectors, which may be male or female depending on the intended use. The connectors may comply with the USB transmission standard. Specifically, the connectors may be, for example, a USB Type-C transmission port interface or a connector capable of transmitting image signals and power signals.

Please refer to Figure 2. The control device C1 shown in Figure 2 is connected to an external device and a handheld device 20 respectively. Here, the external device is a display device (displayer) 21 as an example.

When the control device C1 is used in conjunction with the handheld device 20, for example, its first transmission port P1 is connected to the handheld device 20, and its second transmission port P2 is connected to the display device 21. The control circuit 1 within the control device C1 can then determine, via the second transmission port P2, that the currently connected external device is the display device 21. Based on this determination, it can control the handheld device 20 to output a display signal to the display device 21. For example, the display signal from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted to the display device 21 via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. Simultaneously, the first input power of the handheld device 20 also supplies power to the display device 21 via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. That is, at this time, the display device 21 can obtain the first input power provided by the handheld device 20 to operate, and can also display the display signal provided by the handheld device 20.

In one embodiment, the display device 21 is, for example, a VR headset or a flat-panel display. When a user operates the handheld device 20 via the control device C1, the display image of the handheld device 20 can be transmitted to the display device 21 for display, thereby improving operational convenience.

Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between a control device that supports image output and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C1 shown in Figure 3 is connected to an external device and a handheld device 20, respectively. Here, the external device is illustrated as a charging device 22.

When the control device C1 is used in conjunction with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control device C1 is connected to the handheld device 20, and the second transmission port P2 of the control device C1 is connected to the charging device 22. The control circuit 1 within the control device C1 can then determine via the second transmission port P2 that the currently connected external device is the charging device 22, and based on this determination, can control the charging device 22 to charge the handheld device 20.

For example, the charging signal from the charging device 22 can be used to charge the handheld device 20 via the second transmission port P2 and the first transmission port P1. The charging signal can serve as the second input power source. Since the external device is no longer the display device 21 shown in Figure 2, the display signal from the handheld device 20 is no longer transmitted to the external device for display via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the first input power source of the handheld device 20 is no longer input to the control device C1.

In other words, under the architecture of Figure 3, the control device C1 can obtain the second input power provided by the charging device 22, and the second input power can charge the handheld device 20, thereby extending the usage time of the handheld device 20.

In one embodiment, the charging device 22 is, for example, a charger or a mobile power bank.

Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a control device capable of supporting image output and multiple external devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device shown in Figure 4 is connected to multiple external devices and a handheld device 20. Here, the multiple external devices are illustrated as a display device 21 and a charging device 22.

When the control device C2 is used in conjunction with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control device C2 is connected to the handheld device 20, the second transmission port P2 of the control device C2 is connected to the display device 21, and the third transmission port P3 of the control device C2 is connected to the charging device 22. In this case, the second transmission port P2 of the control device C2 is fixedly connected to the display device 21, and the third transmission port P3 is fixedly connected to the charging device 22. Compared to the control device C1 in Figure 3, the control device C2 shown in Figure 4 is equipped with a third transmission port P3. This allows the control device C2 to connect to multiple external devices via the second and third transmission ports P2 and P3.

For example, when the control circuit 1 of the control device C2 determines via the second transmission port P2 that the currently connected first external device is the display device 21 and the currently connected second external device via the third transmission port P3 is the charging device 22, the control circuit 1 of the control device C2 can control the charging device 22 to charge the handheld device 20 and supply power to the display device 21. For example, the charging signal from the charging device 22 can charge the handheld device 20 via the third transmission port P3 and the first transmission port P1, and the charging signal from the charging device 22 can also supply power to the display device 21 via the third transmission port P3 and the second transmission port P2. Furthermore, the display signal from the handheld device 20 can be transmitted to the display device 21 via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2 for display.

In one embodiment, in the architecture shown in Figure 4, since the external objects connected to the second and third transmission ports P2 and P3 are fixed, when the second transmission port P2 is not connected to the display device 21, the second transmission port P2 is inoperative. Similarly, when the third transmission port P3 is not connected to the charging device 22, the third transmission port P3 is also inoperative. When only the second transmission port P2 of the second and third transmission ports P3 is connected to the display device 21, the control method of the control device C2 can be referred to as Figure 2. Furthermore, when only the third transmission port P3 of the second and third transmission ports P2 and P3 is connected to the charging device 22, the control method of the control device C2 can be referred to as Figure 3.

Based on the architecture shown in Figure 4, the control device C2 can output the display screen of the handheld device 20 to the display device 21 for display. The handheld device 20 does not need to supply power to the display device 21. Instead, the charging device 22 provides power to the display device 21. The charging device 22 can also charge the handheld device 20 simultaneously. This connection architecture allows users to view the display device 21 for extended periods of time while ensuring the long-term operation of the handheld device 20.

Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a control device capable of supporting image output and multiple external devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device shown in Figure 5 is connected to multiple external devices and a handheld device 20. Here, the external devices are illustrated as a display device 21 and a charging device 22.

When the control device C3 is used in conjunction with the handheld device 20, for example, the first transmission port P1 of the control device C3 is connected to the handheld device 20. The second and third transmission ports P2 and P3 of the control device C3 can be flexibly connected to either the display device 21 or the charging device 22, depending on the user's needs. As shown in Figure 5, the second transmission port P2 of the control device C3 is connected to the charging device 22, while the third transmission port P3 of the control device C3 is connected to the display device 21.

Furthermore, when the control circuit 1 of the control device C3 determines, via the second transmission port P2, that the currently connected first external device is the charging device 22 and the currently connected second external device via the third transmission port P3 is the display device 21, the control circuit 1 of the control device C3 can control the charging device 22 to charge the handheld device 20 and supply power to the display device 21. For example, the charging signal (second input power source) from the charging device 22 can charge the handheld device 20 via the second transmission port P2 and the first transmission port P1, and the charging signal from the charging device 22 can supply power to the display device 21 via the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3. Furthermore, the display signal from the handheld device 20 can be displayed on the display device 21 via the first transmission port P1 and the third transmission port P3. Similarly, when the control circuit 1 of the control device C3 determines that the connection method of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 is as shown in Figure 4, the corresponding control can be performed with reference to the method shown in Figure 4.

It's worth noting that the control device C3 shown in Figure 5 can determine the function of a transmission port based on which of the second and third transmission ports P2 and P3 is connected first. For example, if the control circuit 1 first determines that the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 is the charging device 22, the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 can be configured to connect to the display device 21. Alternatively, if the control circuit 1 first determines that the first external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is the charging device 22, the second external device connected to the second transmission port P2 can be configured to connect to the display device 21.

It is worth noting that in the architecture shown in Figure 5, the control device C3 can automatically identify the connection targets of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3. In other words, the connection targets of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 are not fixed, thereby increasing the user's flexibility in connecting and using different external devices on the control device C3.

In one embodiment, the control device C3 in FIG5 may further be provided with a corresponding indicator interface to guide the user to know the current connection objects (such as the display device 21 or the charging device 22) of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3.

For example, the indicator interface can be provided with a first indicator L1 and a second indicator L2 adjacent to the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3, respectively, as shown in Figure 5. When the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 is the charging device 22, the first indicator L1 adjacent to the second transmission port P2 displays the corresponding light signal of the charging device 22 (e.g., the first indication signal), and the second indicator L2 adjacent to the third transmission port P3 displays the corresponding light signal of the display device 21 (e.g., the second indication signal). When the first external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is a charging device 22, the second indicator L2 adjacent to the third transmission port P3 displays the corresponding light signal of the charging device 22 (e.g., the first indicator signal), and the first indicator L1 adjacent to the second transmission port P2 displays the corresponding light signal of the display device 21 (e.g., the second indicator signal). Therefore, the user can clearly identify the connected devices of the second transmission port P2 and the third transmission port P3 through this light display.

In one embodiment, the first indicator L1 is a first light-emitting element and the second indicator L2 is a second light-emitting element. The first indicator signal is a first light signal and the second indicator signal is a second light signal. The first light signal and the second light signal display different light signals. The first light-emitting element is adjacent to the second transmission port P2 and the second light-emitting element is adjacent to the third transmission port P3. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between a control device that supports image output and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C4 shown in Figure 6 is connected to the charging device and the handheld device 20, respectively. Here, the charging device is illustrated as a power bank PB.

As shown in Figure 6, the power bank PB is connected to the bridge mechanism B2 between the two handles H1 and H2. This means that the third transmission port P3 can be located near the bridge mechanism B2, allowing the power bank PB to be mounted on the bridge mechanism B2 and connected to the third transmission port P3. Therefore, when the first transmission port P1 of the control device C4 is connected to the handheld device 20, the second transmission port P2 is connected to the display device 21, and the third transmission port P3 is connected to the charging device, and at this time, the display device 21 is a VR headset and the charging device is a power bank PB, since the power bank PB is mounted on one side of the bridge mechanism B2 and the handheld device 20 is located on the opposite side of the bridge mechanism B2, that is, the handheld device 20 and the power bank PB are located on the front and rear sides of the bridge mechanism B2 respectively. In conjunction with the user directly wearing the VR headset, the user can still operate the handheld control device C3 smoothly even when moving.

[Circuit implementation example of control device]

Please refer to Figure 7, which provides a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control circuit 1 in the control device C1 shown in Figure 7 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a transmission controller 10, a power transmission circuit 11, a data transmission circuit 12, a peripheral controller 13, and a peripheral input device 14. The transmission controller 10 is connected to a first transmission port P1, a second transmission port P2, the power transmission circuit 11, the data transmission circuit 12, and the peripheral controller 13. The power transmission circuit 11 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. The peripheral controller 13 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the peripheral input device 14. The data transmission circuit 12 is connected to the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2.

In one embodiment, when the first transmission port P1 is connected to the handheld device 20, the transmission controller 10 and the peripheral controller 13 communicate with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1. The transmission controller 10 and the peripheral controller 13 then receive power from the handheld device 20 via the power transmission circuit 11, allowing the control device C1 to operate normally. For example, the peripheral controller 13 is responsible for various input operations of the peripheral input device 14 and transmits the input signals generated by the peripheral input device 14 to the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1, thereby controlling the operation of the handheld device 20. Here, the peripheral input device 14 serves as the control interface U1, U2 of the control device C1. The peripheral input device 14 can be, for example, a combination of buttons and joysticks. The buttons can further be digital buttons or analog buttons.

For example, the transmission controller 10 communicates with the handheld device 20 or an external device as follows: the transmission controller 10 has a first identification pin and a second identification pin. The first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port P1, and the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port P2. Therefore, the transmission controller 10 can detect the connection status of the handheld device 20 through the first identification pin and identify the external device through the second identification pin. Based on the identification results of the first and second identification pins, the transmission controller 10 controls the power transmission circuit 11 to transmit the first input power or the second input power.

Specifically, the transmission controller 10 is responsible for transmitting data or power between the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. For example, when the control device C1 is connected to the handheld device 20 at the first transmission port P1 and to the external device, a display device 21, at the second transmission port P2, as shown in Figure 2, the second identification pin of the transmission controller 10 communicates with the external device via the second transmission port P2 to identify the external device as display device 21. The first identification pin of the transmission controller 10 then communicates with the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1, informing the handheld device 20 that it needs to continue to power the control device C1. That is, the first input power of the handheld device 20 will continue to be input into the power transmission circuit 11 through the first transmission port P1. The transmission controller 10 will control the power transmission circuit 11 to not only transmit this first input power to the peripheral controller 13 and the transmission controller 10 for power supply, but also to simultaneously transmit this first input power to the second transmission port P2. This allows the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2 to obtain the first input power supply and operate normally.

Furthermore, since the transmission controller 10 has already informed the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 via the first identification pin that the second transmission port P2 is currently connected to the display device 21, the transmission controller 10 can further receive the display signal output by the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and control the transmission of this display signal via the data transmission circuit 12 to the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2. Upon receiving this display signal, the display device 21 can then begin playback.

On the other hand, when the control device C1 is connected to the handheld device 20 at the first transmission port P1 as shown in FIG3 , and the external device connected to the second transmission port P2 is a charging device 22, the second identification pin of the transmission controller 10 communicates with the external device via the second transmission port P2 to detect that the external device is the charging device 22. The first identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can then communicate with the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 to inform the handheld device 20 that it no longer needs to power the control device C1. That is, the first input power of the handheld device 20 no longer needs to be continuously input to the power transmission circuit 11 through the first transmission port P1. Instead, it is supplied by the second input power provided by the charging device 22. The transmission controller 10 controls the power transmission circuit 11 to transmit this second input power to the peripheral controller 13 and the transmission controller 10. In addition, the power transmission circuit 11 also transmits this second input power to the first transmission port P1, allowing the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 to obtain the second input power for charging.

Furthermore, because the transmission controller 10 has already informed the handheld device 20 connected to the first transmission port P1 via the first identification pin that the second transmission port P2 is currently connected to the charging device 22, the display signal of the handheld device 20 no longer needs to be transmitted to the control device C1. In other words, the transmission controller 10 now controls the data transmission circuit 12 to stop transmitting data to the charging device 22 connected to the second transmission port P2.

Specifically, the transmission controller 10 in Figure 7 communicates with external devices via the first transmission port P1 and the second transmission port P2. Based on these communication results, it controls the power transmission circuit 11 to supply power and the data transmission circuit 12 to transmit data. The power transmission circuit 11 has bidirectional power transmission capabilities. For example, the power transmission circuit 11 can receive input power from one of the first and second transmission ports P1 and P2 and output this input power to the other. Furthermore, this input power also serves as power for the internal components of the control device C1.

Please refer to Figure 8, which provides a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device shown in Figure 8 differs from the architecture of Figure 7 by adding an auxiliary controller 15. Only the differences are described here; components with the same reference numerals can be found in Figure 7. The auxiliary controller 15 in the control circuit 1a shown in Figure 8 is connected between the first transmission port P1, the power transmission circuit 11, and the peripheral controller 13.

The auxiliary controller 15 can obtain power through the power transmission circuit 11. This power supply can be a first input power source provided by the first transmission port P1 to the external handheld device 20, or a second input power source provided by the second transmission port P2 to the external charging device 22.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary controller 15 can separately process the audio data in the display signal of the handheld device 20 and then output an audio signal to the data transmission circuit 12. The data transmission circuit 12 can then output the image data (available via the first transmission port P1) and audio data (available via the auxiliary controller 15) in the display signal of the handheld device 20 to the external display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2.

It should be noted that the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2 in Figure 8 supports independent reception of image and audio data, rather than a single audio/video transmission interface that can simultaneously receive both image and audio data, such as the DisplayPort (DP) transmission interface, as shown in Figure 7 . In other words, the auxiliary controller 15 in the control device C1 shown in Figure 8 can extract and process the audio data from the DP display signal received from the handheld device 20 at the first transmission port P1, and then output it via the data transmission circuit 12 to the display device 21 connected to the second transmission port P2. This allows the display device 21, which uses the audio portion independently of the image data, to continue to play the image data and independent audio data received from the DP display signal normally.

Please refer to Figure 9, which provides a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C2 shown in Figure 9 differs from the architecture of Figure 8 by adding a third transmission port P3. Only the differences are described here; components with the same reference numerals can be found in Figures 7 and 8 . The third transmission port P3 shown in Figure 9 is connected to the data transmission circuit 12 and the power transmission circuit 11.

As shown in Figure 9, the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 are stationary. In one embodiment, the control circuit 1b controls the first external device to be stationary using the charging device 22 and the second external device to be stationary using the display device 21.

For example, when only the first transmission port P1 of the control device C2 is connected to the handheld device 20, the transmission controller 10 communicates with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1. The transmission controller 10 then controls the power transmission circuit 11 to receive the first input power provided by the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1. This first input power can then be distributed to the transmission controller 10, the auxiliary controller 15, and the peripheral controller 13.

Next, when the third transmission port P3 of the control device C2 is first connected to the display device 21 and then the second transmission port P2 is connected to the charging device 22, the transmission controller 10 communicates with the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and with the charging device 22 via the second transmission port P2. The transmission controller 10 then controls the power transmission circuit 11 to receive the second input power from the charging device 22 via the second transmission port P2. This second input power can be further distributed to the transmission controller 10, the auxiliary controller 15, and the peripheral controller 13. Furthermore, the second input power can be used to charge the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and to power the display device 21 via the third transmission port P3.

Furthermore, the transmission controller 10 controls the data transmission circuit 12 to obtain the display signal from the handheld device 20. The data transmission circuit 12 then outputs the display signal from the handheld device 20 to the display device 21 via the third transmission port P3 for playback. Taking the architecture shown in FIG9 as an example, the display signal from the handheld device 20 is, for example, a DP display signal. When this DP display signal is input into the control device C2 via the first transmission port P1, the DP display signal is split into two signals: image data and audio data, which are transmitted separately. The image data in the DP display signal is directly output to the data transmission circuit 12, while the audio data in the DP display signal is transmitted to the auxiliary controller 15. The auxiliary controller 15 processes this audio data into a format suitable for audio playback on the display device 21. Finally, the data transmission circuit 12 can transmit the image data and audio data in the DP display signal to the display device 21 for playback.

In one embodiment, when the control device C2 in Figure 9 is connected to the handheld device 20, the second transmission port P2 is first connected to the charging device 22, and then the third transmission port P3 is connected to the display device 21, the transmission controller 10 detects this situation and controls the display device 21 to stop functioning.

In one embodiment, after the control device C2 in FIG9 is connected to the handheld device 20, when only the third transmission port P3 is connected to the display device 21, the transmission controller 10 detects this condition and controls the display device 21 to stop functioning.

Please refer to Figure 10 , which provides a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C3 shown in Figure 10 , compared to the architecture of Figure 9 , incorporates a detection controller 16 and an additional data transmission circuit (e.g., second data transmission circuit 122). Only the differences are described here. For descriptions of components with the same reference numerals, please refer to the preceding embodiments.

Note that the first external device connected to the second transmission port P2 and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 shown in Figure 10 are not fixed. In one embodiment, under the control of the control circuit 1c, the control device C2 can be the charging device 22 and the second external device can be the display device 21. Alternatively, the first external device can be the display device 21 and the second external device can be the charging device 22. Alternatively, one of the first and second external devices can be a combination of a charging device (or display device) and an input device (such as a mouse or keyboard).

In Figure 10 , the detection controller 16 connects the transmission controller 10 and the third transmission port P3; the first data transmission circuit 121 connects the first transmission port P1, the auxiliary controller 15, and the second transmission port P2; and the second data transmission circuit 122 connects the first transmission port P1, the auxiliary controller 15, and the third transmission port P3. The third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can be connected to the detection controller 16. The transmission controller 10 communicates with an external device connected to the third transmission port P3 via the third identification pin. The third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 identifies the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 via the detection controller 16. In other embodiments, the third identification pin of the transmission controller 10 can also be directly connected to the third transmission port P3 to identify the second external device.

In one embodiment, after the first transmission port P1 of the control device C3 in FIG10 is connected to the handheld device 20, if the first external device subsequently connected to the second transmission port P2 is the charging device 22, and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is the display device 21, the transmission controller 10 can determine the latest connection status of the control device C3 based on the communication results of the first, second, and third identification pins. The transmission controller 10 can then control the power transmission circuit 11 to obtain the second input power provided by the charging device 22 from the second transmission port P2. The power transmission circuit 11 can further distribute power to the transmission controller 10, auxiliary controller 15, and peripheral controller 13. The second input power can also charge the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and power the display device 21 via the third transmission port P3. Simultaneously, the transmission controller 10 controls the second data transmission circuit 122 to obtain the display signal from the handheld device 20. The second data transmission circuit 122 then outputs the display signal from the handheld device 20 via the third transmission port P3 to the display device for playback.

In one embodiment, after the first transmission port P1 of the control device C3 in FIG10 is connected to the handheld device 20, if the first external device subsequently connected to the second transmission port P2 is the display device 21, and the second external device connected to the third transmission port P3 is the charging device 22, the transmission controller 10 can determine the latest connection status of the control device C3 based on the communication results of the first, second, and third identification pins. The transmission controller 10 can then control the power transmission circuit 11 to obtain the second input power provided by the charging device 22 from the third transmission port P3. The power transmission circuit 11 can further distribute power to the transmission controller 10, auxiliary controller 15, and peripheral controller 13. The second input power can also charge the handheld device 20 via the first transmission port P1 and power the display device 21 via the second transmission port P2. Simultaneously, the transmission controller 10 controls the first data transmission circuit 121 to obtain the display signal from the handheld device 20. The first data transmission circuit 121 then outputs the display signal from the handheld device 20 to the display device 21 via the second transmission port P2 for playback.

Please refer to Figure 11, which provides a circuit block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device C3 shown in Figure 11 differs from that in Figure 9 by adding an indicator interface LD. Only the differences are described here. Components with the same reference numerals can be found in the preceding embodiments.

In one embodiment, the indication interface LD in the control circuit 1d is connected to the peripheral controller 13, which is connected to the transmission controller 10. The peripheral controller 13 controls the indication interface LD based on the identification results of the transmission controller 10 at the second and third identification pins.

In one embodiment, the indication interface LD includes, for example, a first indicator L1 and a second indicator L2. When the first external device is the charging device 22 and the second external device is the display device 21, the peripheral controller 13 controls the first indicator L1 to display a first indication signal and the second indicator L2 to display a second indication signal. When the first external device is the display device 21 and the second external device is the charging device 22, the peripheral controller controls the first indicator L1 to display a second indication signal and the second indicator L2 to display a first indication signal.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary controller 15 shown in Figures 8 to 11 is adapted to enable the display device 21 connected to the control device C1 to independently utilize the audio data in the DP display signal. However, if the display device 21 connected to the control device C1 directly supports the use of the DP display signal (i.e., the audio data in the DP display signal is not independently utilized), the control device C1 does not require the auxiliary controller 15. In other words, the display signal from the first transmission port P1 is directly transmitted to the data transmission circuit 12.

In one embodiment, the first transmission port P1, the second transmission port P2, and the third transmission port P3 are connectors compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C specification. The first, second, and third identification pins of the transmission controller 10 can communicate with the devices connected to the first, second, and third transmission ports P1, P2, and P3 via configuration channel (CC) pins, respectively. The connected devices are detected based on the CC channel signals from these channel pins. Furthermore, the first, second, and third transmission ports P1, P2, and P3 can be USB Type-C transmission port interfaces supporting DP (DisplayPort) video capabilities. This allows the display signal of the handheld device 20 to be output to another display device via the control device C1, allowing the display device to play the images and sounds contained in the display signal.

In one embodiment, the control circuit 1 may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system-on-chip (SOC), or any combination thereof, and may be coordinated with other related circuit components and firmware to implement the aforementioned functional processes.

In one embodiment, the transmission controller 10 may be a USB-PD controller, the peripheral controller 13 may be a USB controller, and the auxiliary controller 15 may be a USB hub.

[Beneficial Effects of the Embodiment]

The present invention provides a control device that supports image output. When used in conjunction with a handheld device, the handheld device's display can be displayed on an external display device, thereby enhancing the convenience of operating the control device.

The above content is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent technical changes made by using the content of the description and drawings of the present invention are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

C1: Control device

P1: First transmission port

P2: Second transmission port

1: Control circuit

10: Transmission Controller

11: Power transmission circuit

12: Data transmission circuit

13: Peripheral Controller

14: Peripheral input device

Claims (20)

A control device capable of supporting image output comprises: A transmission interface having a first transmission port and a second transmission port; and A control circuit, which, when the first transmission port is connected to a handheld device, obtains a first input power provided by the handheld device via the first transmission port, and, when the second transmission port is connected to a first external device, identifies the first external device. When the control circuit identifies the first external device as a display device, the control circuit controls the first input power to be output to the second transmission port to power the display device, obtains a display signal from the handheld device via the first transmission port, and controls the display signal to be output to the display device via the second transmission port for display. When the control circuit identifies the first external device as a charging device, the control circuit stops receiving the first input power source, obtains a second input power source provided by the charging device via the second transmission port, and controls the second input power source to be output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises: a transmission controller having a first identification pin and a second identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port and the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port; a data transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port and the second transmission port; a peripheral input device; a peripheral controller connected to the first transmission port and the peripheral input device, wherein the peripheral controller generates an input signal to the first transmission port based on an operation of the peripheral input device to control the handheld device; and a power transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port, the second transmission port, the transmission controller, and the peripheral controller; The transmission controller identifies the first external device via the second identification pin and controls the power transmission circuit to transmit the first input power or the second input power based on the identification result of the second identification pin. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 2, wherein when the first external device is the charging device, the transmission controller controls the power transmission circuit to obtain the second input power and stop receiving the first input power, and the second input power is transmitted to the transmission controller, the peripheral controller and the first transmission port. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 2, wherein when the first external device is the display device, the transmission controller controls the power transmission circuit to obtain the first input power and transmits the first input power to the second transmission port, the transmission controller and the peripheral controller, and the transmission controller controls the data transmission circuit to output the display signal to the second transmission port. The control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 2 further includes an auxiliary controller, which is connected to the first transmission port and the peripheral controller. The auxiliary controller receives a sound signal input from the first transmission port and outputs the sound signal to the data transmission circuit, and the data transmission circuit outputs the sound signal to the second transmission port. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 2, wherein the peripheral input device is a key device or a joystick device, and the charging device is a charger or a mobile power supply. A control device capable of supporting image output comprises: a transmission interface having a first transmission port, a second transmission port, and a third transmission port; and a control circuit, which, when the first transmission port is connected to a handheld device, obtains a first input power source provided by the handheld device via the first transmission port, and, when the second transmission port is connected to a first external device and the third transmission port is connected to a second external device, identifies the first external device. When the control circuit identifies that the first external device is a charging device and the second external device connected to the third transmission port is a display device, the control circuit stops receiving the first input power and obtains a second input power provided by the charging device through the second transmission port. The control circuit controls the second input power to be output to the first transmission port to power the handheld device and to the third transmission port to power the display device. The control circuit also obtains a display signal from the handheld device through the first transmission port and controls the display signal to be output to the display device through the third transmission port for display. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 7, wherein the control circuit comprises: a transmission controller having a first identification pin and a second identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port and the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port; a data transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port and the third transmission port; a peripheral input device; a peripheral controller connected to the first transmission port and the peripheral input device, wherein the peripheral controller generates an input signal to the first transmission port based on an operation of the peripheral input device to control the handheld device; and a power transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port, the second transmission port, the third transmission port, the transmission controller, and the peripheral controller; The transmission controller identifies the first external device via the second identification pin and controls the power transmission circuit to transmit the first input power or the second input power based on the identification result of the second identification pin. The control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 8 further includes an auxiliary controller connected to the first transmission port and the peripheral controller, and the auxiliary controller receives a sound signal input from the first transmission port and outputs the sound signal to the data transmission circuit. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 8, wherein the peripheral input device is a key device or a joystick device, and the charging device is a charger or a mobile power supply. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 7, wherein the control circuit comprises: a transmission controller having a first identification pin, a second identification pin, and a third identification pin, wherein the first identification pin is connected to the first transmission port, the second identification pin is connected to the second transmission port, and the third identification pin is connected to the third transmission port; a first data transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port and the second transmission port; a second data transmission circuit connected to the first transmission port and the third transmission port; a peripheral input device; a peripheral controller connected to the first transmission port and the peripheral input device, wherein the peripheral controller generates an input signal to the first transmission port based on an operation of the peripheral input device to control the handheld device; and A power transmission circuit is connected to the first transmission port, the second transmission port, and the third transmission port, the transmission controller, and the peripheral controller. The transmission controller identifies the first external device and the second external device via the second identification pin and the third identification pin, and controls the operation of the power transmission circuit, the first data transmission circuit, and the second data transmission circuit based on the identification results of the second identification pin and the third identification pin. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 11, wherein when the transmission controller identifies that the first external device is the charging device and the second external device is the display device, the transmission controller controls the power transmission circuit to transmit the second input power to the first transmission port, the third transmission port and the peripheral controller, and the transmission controller controls the second data transmission circuit to output the display signal to the third transmission port. The control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 12 further includes an auxiliary controller, which is connected to the first transmission port, the peripheral controller, the first data transmission circuit and the second data transmission circuit. The auxiliary controller receives a sound signal input from the first transmission port, and the transmission controller controls the second data transmission circuit to output the sound signal to the third transmission port. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 11, wherein when the transmission controller identifies that the first external device is the display device and the second external device is the charging device, the transmission controller controls the power transmission circuit to transmit the second input power to the first transmission port, the second transmission port and the peripheral controller, and the transmission controller controls the first data transmission circuit to output the display signal to the second transmission port. The control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 14 further includes an auxiliary controller, which is connected to the first transmission port, the peripheral controller, the first data transmission circuit and the second data transmission circuit. The auxiliary controller receives a sound signal input from the first transmission port, and the transmission controller controls the first data transmission circuit to output the sound signal to the second transmission port. The control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 11 further includes a detection controller, which is connected between the transmission controller and the third transmission port, and the transmission controller identifies the second external device through the detection controller. The control device supporting image output as described in claim 11 further comprises: An indication interface connected to the peripheral controller, which is connected to the transmission controller, and the peripheral controller controls the indication interface based on the recognition results of the second and third recognition pins by the transmission controller. As described in claim 17, the control device that supports image output, the indication interface includes a first indicator and a second indicator. When the first external device is the charging device and the second external device is the display device, the peripheral controller controls the first indicator to present a first indication signal and the second indicator to present a second indication signal; when the first external device is the display device and the second external device is the charging device, the peripheral controller controls the first indicator to present the second indication signal and the second indicator to present the first indication signal. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 18, wherein the first indicator is a first light-emitting element and the second indicator is a second light-emitting element, the first indication signal is a first light signal and the second indication signal is a second light signal, the first light signal and the second light signal display different light signals, the first light signal is adjacent to the second transmission port and the second light-emitting element is adjacent to the third transmission port, and the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are light-emitting diodes. A control device capable of supporting image output as described in claim 14, wherein the third transmission port is arranged on a bridge mechanism of the control device capable of supporting image output, the bridge mechanism is arranged between a first handle and a second handle of the control device capable of supporting image output, and the charging device is a mobile power supply and the display device is a VR glasses, and when the mobile power supply is connected to the third transmission port, the mobile power supply is mounted on the bridge mechanism.