JP2002041441A - Communication device connection device and peripheral device having connection function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a communication device connection device and a peripheral device having a connection function capable of notifying a user of a transfer speed mode and a power supply state of a connected device with a simple configuration. SOLUTION: An upstream port 102 and a downstream port 10 are provided.
In the connection device having a function of connecting the communication device to the downstream device, the detection unit 105 detects a speed mode, which is a communication transfer speed of a device connected to any downstream port.
106, and display units 107 and 108 for notifying the user of the detected speed mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device connecting apparatus having an upstream port and at least one downstream port, and having a function of connecting the upstream port to any one of the downstream ports. The present invention relates to a peripheral device having a connection function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, keyboards, mice, speakers,
As a standard for connecting peripheral devices such as modems and printers,
USB (Universal Serial Bus) has begun to be used.
Here, the USB interface is such that an interface different for each peripheral device can be easily connected to a host such as a personal computer by the same interface connector.

In this USB interface, there is always one host (for example, a personal computer), and peripheral devices (logical functions are called functions) can be connected to this host to transmit and receive data. In addition, the USB interface allows a peripheral device (function) to be further connected to itself by providing a hub.

A USB cable has a pair of data lines D
+, D- and power supply lines V +, V-. Also, USB has full speed of 12Mbp
It has two transfer modes called a transfer speed of s and a low speed. Then, the data line D + is pulled up in the full speed function, and the data line D− is pulled up in the low speed function.

The transfer mode is determined by the hub located above the USB device by determining which of D + and D- becomes the "H" level when the USB device is connected to the port. Do.

[0006] In the USB, sufficient power is supplied to the necessity of supplying power to a keyboard and a mouse, and to peripheral devices using an AC adapter. The device includes a self-powered device that has its own power supply unit, and a bus that receives power from a USB cable.
There are power devices.

[0007] Further details regarding these USB communication standards can be found on the website http://www.usb.org/docs.htm.
And can be downloaded from “USB Implementers For
um ”is being standardized, promoted, connected, and so on.

[0008]

The functions of a USB hub as a connection device satisfying the USB standard include port connection detection, port ON / OFF function, signal state detection, and the like.
Some hubs have a power supply function. The hub function may be built in a peripheral device instead of an independent connection device.

[0009] However, the conventional connection device does not have means for notifying the user of these detected states.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-97352 discloses that when power supply from a peripheral device which is a self-powered device is cut off, the device is operated by a host power supply from a hub port connected to a host. However, there is no means for notifying the user of the power supply state of the hub device or the hub function unit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-301899 describes that one USB interface can be switched between a full speed mode and a low speed mode. There is no means to notify.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has a communication device connection device and a connection function capable of notifying a user of a transfer speed mode and a power supply state of a connected device with a simple configuration. It is an object to provide a peripheral device having the same.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an upstream port and at least one downstream port, wherein the upstream port and any one of the downstream ports are connected to each other. And a speed detecting means for detecting a speed mode which is a communication transfer speed of a device connected to any one of the downstream ports, and notifying the user of the detected speed mode. Notification means.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has an upstream port and at least one downstream port, and has a function of connecting the upstream port to any one of the downstream ports. Detecting whether the device connected to any one of the downstream ports can supply power required for communication from the device itself, or whether power must be supplied from the outside. There is a detecting means, and a notifying means for notifying a user of a detection result by the detecting means.

Preferably, the notifying unit notifies the user of the detection result only when the device can supply power required for communication.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises speed detecting means for detecting a speed mode, which is a communication transfer speed of a device connected to any one of the downstream ports, and the notifying means includes a device for controlling the device to perform communication. Only when the required power can be supplied, the user is notified of the detected speed mode and the detection result.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration and operation of a connection device that meets the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a connection device according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a connection device, which is generally called a “hub”.
is called. 102 is an upstream port (Up
stream Port), which is connected to a connector called Series A in the USB standard, and is connected to a root hub of a host or an upper hub (not shown). Reference numerals 103 and 104 denote downstream ports (Downstream Ports) of the hub 100, to which functions of peripheral devices or lower hubs are connected. 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes a USB controller including a switching control unit, which controls switching between a function connected to the downstream ports 103 and 104 and an upstream port connected to the host. Some hubs also have a power supply function, and may supply power when the function is in the bus power mode.

Note that, in the example shown in FIG.
However, this may have any number of ports as long as it is 16 or less in the USB standard.

Reference numerals 105 and 106 denote detection units as detection means for detecting a transfer speed mode or a power supply mode of a function connected to the downstream ports 103 and 104. The detection units 105 and 1
The detailed configuration of 06 will be further described later with reference to FIG.

Reference numerals 107 and 108 denote display units as display means for notifying the user of the transfer speed mode and the power supply mode detected by the detection units 105 and 106. Here, as an inexpensive configuration method of the display units 107 and 108, for example, a visible display using an LED is generally used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the USB cable. In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a USB cable, which includes two signal (data) lines D + and D- and a power supply V +,
And ground V-. A series A connector from the upstream port 102 shown in FIG.
The lines from the USB controller 101 in the hub 100 to each port have the same configuration as well as the cables from the devices 03 and 104 to the peripheral devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal form of a peripheral device having a USB interface. In FIG. 3A, reference numeral 300 denotes a model of a full speed function, and a data line D to a USB transceiver 301 is provided.
+ Is pulled up to Vcc 5V by a pull-up resistor 302. In FIG. 3B, reference numeral 310 denotes a low-speed function model;
Is pulled up to Vcc 5V by a 312 pull-up resistor.
Note that the resistance values of the pull-up resistors 302 and 312 are 1.5K.
Ω.

Next, the detection units 105 and 106 shown in FIG.
Will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the detection unit according to the first embodiment. The detection units 105 and 10
Reference numeral 6 denotes a speed mode which is a communication transfer speed of a peripheral device connected to the downstream ports 103 and 104.
The speed mode as the detection result is notified to the user. For USB interface, downstream port 1
The devices connected to 03 and 104 are as shown in FIG.
In the full speed mode, the data line D + is pulled up, and in the low speed mode, the data line D− is pulled up.

In order to detect this, 402 shown in FIG.
Data circuit D + (or D−) 4
Latch the state of 01. The latch circuit 40
The transistor 403 is turned on / off according to the output of 2.
When the output of the latch circuit 402 is high and the transistor is ON, the LED 405 is turned on. 4
The connection detection unit 06 is also connected to the other one of the target data lines of the USB cable 407, and determines whether a peripheral device is connected to this connection port. Here, the connection detection unit 496 generates a one-shot pulse when detecting the connection, and uses this signal as a clock of the latch circuit 402 to latch the level of the data line of interest.

The data line 401 is a USB cable D.
If this configuration is used only for D +, for example, it is possible to notify the user of the speed mode by turning on the LED only in the full speed mode.

This configuration is used for both D + and D-, and the speed mode is notified by changing the color of the LED or changing the brightness when the LED is turned on by changing the resistance value of 404. It is also possible.

According to the first embodiment, the connector of the device is provided by detecting the speed mode of the connection device having the hub function or the peripheral device connected downstream of the connection portion and notifying the user of the speed mode. At the time of connection, the user can check the speed mode of the device, or can check the speed mode of the connected device by looking at the connection device and the connection function unit.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the second embodiment, a peripheral device connected to a downstream port detects whether power required for communication can be supplied from the device itself or whether power must be supplied from the outside. It has a detecting means and notifies the user of the detection result.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the connection device according to the second embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a connection device that can notify a user of this power supply mode. Reference numeral 501 denotes a USB controller, which has a connection switching control unit and a power supply mode detection unit. In addition, 50
2 to 504, 507 and 508 correspond to 102 to 504 shown in FIG.
It is the same as 104, 107 and 108, and the description is omitted here.

In the above configuration, the downstream port 503,
When a peripheral device having a USB interface is connected to the 504 side, the host side that detects the connection first generates a reset signal to the connected device, and further determines the address of the hub 500. Subsequently, the host is informed by the configuration whether the power supply is a self-power mode performed by a connected device or a bus mode in which power is supplied from the host or the hub 500 or the like. The controller 501 determines the bit information of the power supply mode, and the display unit 507 or 508 can notify the user of the power supply mode of the connected device according to the result.

The above-mentioned display method is an LED or L
A message by CD or the like may be used. When an LED is used, the LED may be turned on only in one of the self-power mode and the bus power mode, as determined by the controller 501, or the color or brightness of the LED may be changed in each mode. Is also conceivable.

Here, only when it is determined that the mode is the self-power mode, power is supplied from the connected peripheral device to turn on the LED.

Next, the configuration and operation of the above-described USB controller 501 will be described.

In the second embodiment, a peripheral device connected to a downstream port detects whether power required for communication can be supplied from the device itself or whether power must be supplied from the outside. Means, a means for detecting a speed mode which is a communication transfer rate of a peripheral device connected to the downstream port, and a means for notifying a user of the detection result, and the peripheral device connected to the downstream port supplies power. The result is notified to the user only when possible.

FIG. 6 shows the USB controller 5 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the first embodiment. In the figure, 601 is U
Reference numeral 602 denotes a power supply V + of the SB cable, and reference numeral 602 denotes a data line D + (or D-) on the side of interest of the USB cable. A signal obtained by ANDing the both is input to the latch circuit 603, and the transistor 605 is turned on / off according to the output of the latch circuit 603. Here, when the output of the latch circuit 603 is high and the transistor 605 is turned on, the LED 606 is turned on. Reference numeral 607 denotes a connection detection unit which is connected to each line other than the data line or power supply line of the USB cable 608 and determines whether a peripheral device is connected to this connection port. here,
When the connection detection unit 607 detects that the connection is established,
A shot pulse is generated, and this signal is
The input signal level of the latch circuit 603 is latched using the third clock.

Therefore, when the peripheral device is connected to the downstream port, the LED is turned on only when the data line is high and the power supply V + is supplied.

As in the first embodiment, the data line 602
Is the D + or D- of the USB cable. For example, if this configuration is used only for D +, it is possible to notify the user of the speed mode by turning on the LED only in the full speed mode.

It is also conceivable to notify the speed mode by changing the color of the LED with D + and D-, or by changing the resistance at 604 to change the brightness when the LED is turned on.

According to the second embodiment, it is determined whether the peripheral device connected to the downstream port can supply power required for communication from the device itself or whether power must be supplied from the outside. By having a means for detecting and a means for notifying the user of the detection result, when the connector of the device is connected, the user can check whether the device is a self-powered device that supplies power from the device side or a power supply from the bus. You can check whether the device is a bus or power device to be supplied. In addition, there is an effect that a power supply abnormality on the device side, a detachment of a connector, or the like can be confirmed.

[Modification] In the first and second embodiments,
Although the connection device has been described as a configuration of an independent hub, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to a hub function unit built in a peripheral device instead of an independent hub. Further, some devices can supply power to the hub itself.

The display of the power supply mode has been described by taking the USB interface as an example in the first and second embodiments.
This is not limited to the USB interface. What is necessary is to determine whether the connected peripheral device can supply power itself or determine whether power supply is required from a host or a hub and display the result. Interface may be used.

The configuration in the first and second embodiments is merely an example, and includes a microcomputer and the like, analyzes configuration signals and the like to determine each mode, and uses a LCD or the like as a display means to display characters. It is also possible to perform mode display by using.

The timing of displaying the detection result of the speed mode or the like may be displayed only until the user connects the connector or the like and the configuration of the peripheral device is completed, or may be performed while the connection is established. Various forms are conceivable, such as displaying as a so-called status display.

As described above, when the connection device is an independent hub, it is possible to connect more bus power devices by the notification means because of what kind of device is connected and the power supply restriction of the host. It is also possible to make an estimate.

Further, there is provided a means for detecting a transfer speed mode and a power supply mode of a peripheral device connected to the downstream port, and these results are obtained only when the device connected to the downstream port can supply power. Is notified to the user, which has the effect of saving the limited power supply from the host. Further, the user can confirm the speed mode and the power supply mode when the LED or the like is lit, and can confirm the power supply mode when the LED or the like is not lit.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile) Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (CPU or MP) of the system or apparatus.
It goes without saying that U) can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
A ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of the transfer speed mode and the power supply state of the connected device with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a connection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a USB cable.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a peripheral device having a USB interface.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a connection device according to a second embodiment.

6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a USB controller 501 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Connection device 101 USB controller 102 USB upstream port 103 USB downstream port 104 USB downstream port 105 Detecting unit 106 Detecting unit 107 Display unit 108 Display unit 201 USB cable 300 Peripheral device 301 USB transceiver 302 Pull-up resistor 401 Data line 402 Latch circuit 403 Transistor 404 Resistance 405 LED 406 Connection detection unit 407 USB signal line 500 Connection device 501 USB controller 601 Power supply line 602 Data line 603 Latch circuit 604 Resistance 605 Transistor 606 LED 607 Connection detection unit 608 USB signal line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 29/08 H04L 13/00 307C

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A communication device connection device having an upstream port and at least one or more downstream ports, and having a function of connecting the upstream port to any one of the downstream ports. A communication device connection device, comprising: speed detection means for detecting a speed mode that is a communication transfer speed of a device connected to a downstream port; and notification means for notifying a user of the detected speed mode. 2. A communication device connecting apparatus having an upstream port and at least one or more downstream ports, and having a function of connecting the upstream port to any downstream port. A detection unit that detects whether a device connected to the downstream port can supply power required for communication from the device itself or whether power must be supplied from the outside; and a detection result of the detection unit. A communication device connection device comprising: a notification unit that notifies a user. 3. The communication device connection device according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the detection result only when the device can supply power required for communication. 4. A speed detecting unit for detecting a speed mode, which is a communication transfer speed of a device connected to any one of the downstream ports, wherein the notifying unit includes a power supply required for the device to perform communication. 3. The communication device connection device according to claim 2, wherein the user is notified of the detected speed mode and the detection result only when it is possible to supply the speed mode. 5. A peripheral device having a connection function, which is connected to the communication device connection device according to claim 1.