CN102387331A - playing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a playing device and a playing method. The playing device comprises a video processor, a signal selector, an output port, a state detector and a controller. The video processor provides signals of at least two video specifications. The state detector determines a video specification of a display to generate a mode signal. The controller outputs a control signal according to the mode signal, and causes the video processor to output one of the at least two video specifications to the display through the signal selector and the output port.

Description

Playing device and method

technical field

The present invention relates to a playing device and a playing method, and in particular to a playing device and a playing method which can be used by various video standard displays.

Background technique

Generally, the playback device can be connected with an external display for playback, and there are many kinds of video specifications of the display. For monitors with different video specifications, there are interfaces of corresponding video specifications and signal connectors of the monitors. In the known technology, a video standard signal can only be corresponded to one output port, and it is difficult to output different types of video standard signals through the same output port.

If the playback device intends to provide signals of multiple video specifications to an external display to play the video, in the prior art, various output ports connected to the display signal connectors are all configured on the playback device, for example, the playback device has three primary colors (RGB ) output port, high definition multimedia interface (high definition multimedia interface, HDMI) output port, and low voltage differential signaling (low voltage differential signaling, LVDS) output port.

If the existing playback system only supports HDMI specification monitors. However, if a user wants to use a display with RGB specifications, he must spend extra money to purchase a decoder capable of converting RGB from HDMI, otherwise the display with RGB specifications cannot be used.

It can be seen from the above that the traditional playback device not only wastes more components, increases the manufacturing cost, but also increases the size of the printed circuit board, which is not practical for users.

It is worth mentioning that the development trend of today's playback devices is towards thinner, lighter and smaller. For the design of the thin and light playback device, the size and manufacturing cost of the printed circuit board need to be considered, so it is not conducive to dispose the output ports of various video specifications on the same printed circuit board.

Contents of the invention

The invention provides a playback device. The playing device has an output port, and can provide corresponding display signals according to the video specifications of the external display, so as to supply the external display for playing.

The present invention further provides a playback method, which is used in a playback device with an output port. The playing method can provide a corresponding display signal according to the video specification of the external display, so as to supply the external display for playing.

To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes a playback device. The playback device includes a video processor, a signal selector, an output port, a state detector and a controller. The video processor provides signals of at least two video formats. The signal selector is coupled to the video processor. The signal selector switches to one of the signals corresponding to the at least two video standards according to a control signal to output a display signal. The output port is used to output the display signal to an external display. The state detector is coupled to the output port. The status detector can generate a mode signal for judging the video specification of the display. The controller is coupled to the state detector, the video processor and the signal selector. The controller outputs the above-mentioned control signal according to the mode signal, and makes the video processor output one of the signals of the at least two video standards as a display signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the video processor can provide at least two signals among a high-definition multimedia interface standard signal, a three primary color standard signal, a low voltage differential signaling standard signal and a DisplayPort standard signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the output port may be a high-definition multimedia interface output port.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the state detector can determine the video specification of the display by reading the ROM data of the display.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the state detector generates a mode signal corresponding to the video standard through voltage division when the signal connector of the display is inserted into the output port.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the state detector generates a mode signal corresponding to the video standard according to the relationship between the voltage division change and a look-up table.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control signal may be a general input and output signal, and the controller uses the general input and output signal to control the switching of the signal selector.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the output port can be the output port of the first video standard; when the signal connector of the display belongs to the connector of the first video standard, the signal connector of the display is directly connected to the output port; when the display When the signal connector of the monitor is a connector of the second video specification, the signal connector of the monitor is connected to the output port through an adapter.

From another point of view, the present invention proposes a playing method. This playback method is suitable for playback devices with output ports. The playback method includes the following steps: providing at least two signals of video specifications for selection when outputting to an external display; judging the video specifications of the display to generate a mode signal; outputting a control signal according to the mode signal, and the control signal makes the Outputting one of the signals of at least two video standards to become a display signal; and outputting the display signal to the display through the output port.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing at least two video standard signals may further include: providing a high-definition multimedia interface standard signal, a three primary color standard signal, a low voltage differential signal standard signal and a DisplayPort At least two of the specification signals.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the video specification of the display and generating the mode signal may further include: reading ROM data of the display to determine the video specification of the display.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of judging the video specification of the display and generating the mode signal may further include: when the signal connector of the display is inserted into the output port, the divided voltage changes, and the mode corresponding to the video specification is generated according to the divided voltage. Signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the video standard of the display and generating the mode signal may further include: generating the mode signal corresponding to the video standard according to the relationship between the voltage division change and a look-up table.

Based on the above, the playback device of the present invention has an output port. Because the playback device can correctly provide corresponding display signals according to the video specifications of the external display, the size of the playback device can be made thinner and smaller, and related printed circuits can also be saved. Board size and manufacturing cost.

In order to make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, a number of embodiments will be described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a playback device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the state detector 140 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of another playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a playback method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[Description of main component symbols]

100, 400: playback device

110, 410: video processor

120, 420: signal selector

130, 430: Controller

140, 440: state detector

240: Lookup Table

250: Partial pressure detection unit

A1, A2: endpoints

CLK: clock signal

Conn1: output port

Conn2: Adapter

DATA: data signal

Device1～Device4: display

Sc: control signal

Sm: mode signal

R1～R3: resistance

S510～S540: Each step of the playing method

VCC: Potential

Detailed ways

In the following embodiments, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a circuit block diagram of a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The playback device 100 may include a video processor 110 , a signal selector 120 , an output port Conn1 , a status detector 140 and a controller 130 . As shown in FIG. 1 , there are two types of displays Device1 and Device2 outside the playback device 100 .

Based on the above, the video processor 110 can provide signals of two video standards, for example, one of which can be a high definition multimedia interface (high definition multimedia interface, HDMI) standard signal, and the other can be a three-primary color (RGB) standard signal. The signal selector 120 is coupled between the video processor 110 and the output port Conn1. The state detector 140 is coupled to the output port Conn1. When the signal connector of one of the external displays is coupled to the output port Conn1, the state detector 140 can generate a mode signal Sm. The manner in which the state detector 140 generates the mode signal Sm will be described in detail later in the embodiment. The mode signal Sm can let the controller 130 know the video specification of the external display. The controller 130 is coupled to the state detector 140 , the video processor 110 and the signal selector 120 . The controller 130 outputs a control signal Sc according to the mode signal Sm, and enables the video processor 110 to output one of the signals of the aforementioned two video standards into a display signal. The signal selector 120 switches to the channel of one of the corresponding video standard signals according to the control signal Sc, so as to become the aforementioned display signal. Then, the display signal can be output to the display through the output port Conn1 for playback.

The video processor 110 shown in FIG. 1 is only an optional embodiment, and those skilled in the art can also change the type of video specifications according to their needs.

It is worth mentioning that the control signal Sc can be a general purpose input output (GPIO) signal, and the controller 130 can use the GPIO signal to control the channel switching of the signal selector 120 .

In one embodiment, the output port Conn1 is an output port that defines and includes all display signals. When the output port Conn1 is the output port of the first video specification, if the signal connector of the display belongs to the connector of the first video specification, the signal connector of the display can be directly connected to the output port Conn1; if the signal connector of the display is the second In the case of connectors of different video specifications, the signal connector of the display can be indirectly connected to the output port Conn1 through the adapter Conn2, wherein the adapter Conn2 does not have the function of a decoder.

In addition, the design method of the output port Conn1 can adopt one of the video specifications with more signal pins. When the video processor 110 provides HDMI standard signals and RGB standard signals, the output port Conn1 may be a high-definition multimedia interface output port. If an RGB display is to be connected to the output port Conn1, an HDMI-to-RGB adapter Conn2 can be used as a connection. Among them, the HDMI-to-RGB adapter Conn2 does not have the function of a decoder.

It is worth mentioning the way the state detector 140 is designed. One is to use the serial bus as a message communication channel for status detection, please refer to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a playback device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Two pins can be designed in the output port as the transmission connection of the serial bus, which are respectively defined to transmit the data signal DATA and the clock signal CLK. The status detector 140 can use the serial bus and the read-only memory (ROM) of the display as a message communication channel, read the read-only memory data of the display according to the data signal DATA and the clock signal CLK, and then The video specification of the display is judged according to the ROM data, wherein the ROM data records the video specification of the display itself. As for the method of judging the video specification of the display according to the ROM data, a look-up table 240 can also be configured in the state detector 140 . Various video standards are recorded in the lookup table 240, which can make it easier for the state detector 140 to generate the mode signal Sm corresponding to the video standard.

Please refer to FIG. 3 for another design of the status detector 140 . FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the state detector 140 according to an embodiment of the invention. The state detector 140 may include resistors R1 - R3 and a voltage division detection unit 250 . When the signal connectors of different displays are inserted into the playback device, they correspond to a corresponding resistor. For example, the display Device1 and Device2 correspond to the resistors R1 and R2 respectively. (or a pin) is corresponding to a corresponding resistor. Take the display Device1 as an example, when its signal connector is not inserted into the output port, the potential of the terminal A2 is VCC; when its signal connector is inserted into the output port, the terminal A1 from the ground potential is connected to one end of the resistor R1, so that the resistor R1 The potential at one end is grounded, and the potential at terminal A2 is equal to R1/(R1+R3)*VCC. Similar to the above principle, when the display Device2 is plugged in, the potential of the terminal A2 is equal to R2/(R2+R3)*VCC. That is to say, the divided voltage detection unit 250 can generate the mode signal Sm corresponding to the video standard according to the divided voltage potential of the terminal A2.

Please note that in this embodiment, the voltage division detection unit 250 can be designed according to actual needs, for example, in the form of a hardware circuit, or in the form of firmware or software, which is not particularly limited here. In addition, the state detector 140 may further include a look-up table 240 . The look-up table 240 records various voltage division potentials and corresponding video specifications, so it can be easily extended to more video specifications. Therefore, the state detector 140 can easily generate the mode signal Sm corresponding to the video standard according to the relationship between the divided potential of the terminal A2 and the look-up table 240 .

Please refer to FIG. 4 , which is a circuit block diagram of another playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The playback device 400 may include a video processor 410 , a signal selector 420 , an output port Conn1 , a status detector 440 and a controller 430 . The block diagram and principle of the circuit in FIG. 4 are similar to the corresponding embodiment in FIG. 1 . The main difference between FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 is that the video processor 410 can provide four types of video standard signals, such as HDMI standard signal, RGB standard signal, low voltage differential signaling (low voltage differential signaling, LVDS) standard signal and display Port (DisplayPort) specification signal. The video processor 410 can support displays with at least 4 video specifications. The controller 430 makes the video processor 410 output only the corresponding video standard signal according to the mode signal Sm, and controls the signal selector 420 to switch to the channel corresponding to the video standard signal, so the corresponding video standard signal will become the display signal. Then, the display signal is output to the display through the output port Conn1 for playback.

Although several possible types of playback devices have been described in the above-mentioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should know that each manufacturer has different designs for playback devices, so the application of the present invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned several possible types . In other words, as long as it is a playback device with an output port, the ROM data of the display is read through the state detector, or the voltage division potential change caused by a certain pin of the display is judged by the state detector, it is already in compliance with this standard. The spirit of invention. Several implementation modes are given below so that those skilled in the art can further understand the spirit of the present invention and implement the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 5 , which is a flowchart of a playing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. This playback method is applicable to a playback device with an output port, and for the part of the playback device, reference may be made to the aforementioned related embodiment in FIG. 1 . The playback method includes the following steps: In step S510, at least two signals of video specifications are provided for selection when outputting to an external display; then, in step S520, the video specification of the display is judged to generate a mode signal; In step S530, a control signal is output according to the mode signal, and the control signal causes one of the at least two video standards to be output as a display signal; finally, in step S540, the display signal is output to the display through an output port.

Please note that in this embodiment, the step S510 of providing at least two video standard signals may also include: only providing HDMI standard signal and RGB standard signal, or providing HDMI standard signal, RGB standard signal, LVDS standard signal and At least two signals (three or all) of the DisplayPort standard signals, or provide at least two signals among multiple video standard signals.

In addition, the step S520 of determining the video specification of the display to generate the mode signal may also include: reading ROM data of the display to determine the video specification of the display. As for how to read the ROM data of the display, it can be performed with reference to the description of the above-mentioned related embodiment in FIG. 2 .

It is also worth mentioning that the step S520 of determining the video specification of the display and generating the mode signal may also include: when the signal connector of the display is inserted into the output port, the voltage division is changed, and the mode corresponding to the video specification is generated according to the voltage division. signal; or generate a mode signal corresponding to the video standard according to the relationship between the voltage division change and a look-up table. As for how to generate the mode signal corresponding to the video standard according to the divided voltage, it can be performed with reference to the description of the related embodiment in FIG. 3 .

To sum up, the playback device of the present invention has an output port, because the playback device itself can correctly provide the display signal of the corresponding video standard according to the insertion of the external display, so it is more convenient for the user. In addition, the playback device or playback method of the present invention can solve the technical problem in the known technology that a video standard signal can only correspond to one output port, and can make the design size of the playback device thinner and smaller, and can also save related Printed circuit board size and manufacturing cost.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, so the protection of the present invention The scope is to be determined as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. playing device comprises:

One video processor provides the signal of at least two kinds of video specification;

One signal selector couples this video processor, and this signal selector switches to the passage of wherein a kind of signal of corresponding said at least two kinds of video specification according to a control signal, to export a shows signal;

One output port is in order to export this shows signal to an outside display;

One state detector couples this output port, and this state detector produces a mode signal, in order to judge the video specification of this display; And

One controller; Couple this state detector, this video processor and this signal selector; This controller is according to this control signal of this mode signal output, and wherein a kind of signal that this video processor will said at least two kinds of video specification is exported and become this shows signal.

2. playing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein this video processor provides a HDMI specification signal, a three primary colors specification signal, a low-voltage differential at least two kinds of signals in a specification signal and the display port specification signal of posting a letter.

3. playing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein this output port is the HDMI output port.

4. playing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein this state detector is judged the video specification of this display through reading the ROM data of this display.

5. playing device as claimed in claim 1, the dividing potential drop when wherein the Signal connector of this state detector through this display inserts this output port produces this mode signal of corresponding video specification.

6. playing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein this state detector changes this mode signal that produces corresponding video specification with the relation of a look-up table according to dividing potential drop.

7. playing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein this control signal is a universal input/output signal, this controller switches with the passage of this universal this signal selector of input/output signal control.

8. playing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein this output port is the output port of one first kind of video specification; When the Signal connector of this display belonged to the joint of this first kind of video specification, the Signal connector of this display was directly done with this output port and is connected; And when the Signal connector of this display was the joint of one second kind of video specification, the Signal connector of this display was done with this output port through an adapter and is connected.

9. player method, this player method is applicable to the playing device with output port, this player method comprises:

The signal of at least two kinds of video specification is provided, when exporting outside display to alternatively;

Judge the video specification of a display and produce a mode signal;

Export a control signal according to this mode signal, and this control signal makes wherein a kind of signal output of said at least two kinds of video specification and becomes a shows signal; And

Export this shows signal to this display through this output port.

10. player method as claimed in claim 9 wherein provides the step of the signal of said at least two kinds of video specification also to comprise:

One HDMI specification signal, a three primary colors specification signal, a low-voltage differential at least two kinds of signals in a specification signal and the display port specification signal of posting a letter are provided.

11. player method as claimed in claim 9 is wherein judged the video specification of this display and the step that produces this mode signal also comprises:

Read the ROM data of this display, judge the video specification of this display.

12. player method as claimed in claim 9 is wherein judged the video specification of this display and the step that produces this mode signal also comprises:

Dividing potential drop when the Signal connector of this display inserts this output port changes, and produces this mode signal of corresponding video specification according to the dividing potential drop size.

13. player method as claimed in claim 12 is wherein judged the video specification of this display and the step that produces this mode signal also comprises:

Change this mode signal that produces corresponding video specification with the relation of a look-up table according to dividing potential drop.

14. player method as claimed in claim 9, wherein this output port is the output port of one first kind of video specification; When the Signal connector of this display belonged to the joint of this first kind of video specification, the Signal connector of this display was directly done with this output port and is connected; And when the Signal connector of this display was the joint of one second kind of video specification, the Signal connector of this display was done with this output port through an adapter and is connected.

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