WO2014020745A1 - Information processing device and control method for same - Google Patents

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in communication speed. An information processing device (1) is provided with interface circuits (11-1 to 11-n), a switch (12), and a control unit (13). The interface circuits (11-1 to 11-n) each have a communication port (P), and via the communication port (P), control an input/output interface with apparatuses. The switch (12) is a matrix switch positioned between the interface circuits (11-1 to 11-n) and the apparatuses (D1 to Dm), and on the basis of switch instructions, switches connections between each communication port (P) of the interface circuits (11-1 to 11-n) and the apparatuses (D1 to Dm). The control unit (13), in accordance with the loads of the communication ports of the interface circuits (11-1 to 11-n), outputs switch instructions so as to control the switch (12).

Description

Information processing apparatus and control method thereof

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method thereof.

As the standard of the computer expansion bus, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and PCI Express are mainstream, but recently, USB (Universal Serial Bus) is also used.

USB is an interface that mainly connects a computer and peripheral devices, and is often used in connection with space saving of a board and downsizing of a PC (Personal Computer). In recent years, USB 3.0 capable of higher-speed communication has been standardized.

As a technology related to USB, there is a technology of multiplex connection with two or more USB hosts through one system of USB device interface. There is also a technique for performing access control from an application to a USB device in accordance with the state of a device connected to the USB.

On the other hand, as a technology related to an interface circuit called HBA (Host Bus Adapter), there is a technology for distributing I / O (In / Out) requests generated from an application to a plurality of I / F circuits.

JP 2009-176152 A JP 2007-279976 A

Keith R. Kammer, “Dell to improve storage availability ｜ EMC Power Path”, Dell Power Solutions August 2002 edition

As USB transfer speeds have improved, USB devices connected to USB hosts have become more sophisticated, and the amount of data handled has increased. For this reason, when a plurality of USB devices are connected to one USB host and operate, congestion may occur, and the communication speed between the USB host and each USB device may decrease.

In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a control method thereof that suppress a decrease in communication speed with a plurality of connected devices.

In one proposal, an information processing device is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a plurality of interface circuits, switches, and a control unit. Each of the plurality of interface circuits includes a communication port, and controls an input / output interface with at least one device via the communication port. The switch is located between each interface circuit and the plurality of devices, and switches the connection between the communication port of each interface circuit and each of the plurality of devices based on the switch instruction. The control unit outputs a switch instruction and controls the switch according to the load of each communication port.

Also, in one proposal, a method for controlling the information processing apparatus is provided that performs the same control as the information processing apparatus.

According to one aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in communication speed in the information processing apparatus and the control method thereof.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments by way of example of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the internal structural example of a USB switch. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a matrix table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an occupation rate table. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a BIOS selection menu. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of switch control of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of switch control of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring process of the device addition after the operation start. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a selection menu. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of switch control of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of switch control of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of switch control of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the USB device connected to a USB host. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a USB device. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a USB device. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a USB device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 includes I / F circuits (interface circuits) 11-1 to 11-n, a switch 12, and a control unit 13.

The I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n have a communication port P and control input / output interfaces with the devices D1 to Dm via the communication port P. The devices D1 to Dm may be internal devices mounted in advance in the device, or may be external devices connected from outside the device.

The switch 12 is disposed between the I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n and the devices D1 to Dm. The switch 12 switches connections between the communication ports P of the I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n and the devices D1 to Dm based on the switch instruction.

The control unit 13 outputs a switch instruction to the switch 12, and controls the switch 12 according to the load of each communication port P of the I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n. For example, the control unit 13 outputs a switch instruction so that the communication data amount per unit time in each of the I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n falls within a predetermined range.

Here, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, an example in which the switch 12 performs switching between the I / F circuits 11-1 and 11-2 and the devices D1 to D4 will be described. Also, assume that the load on the device D1 is 0.5, the load on the device D2 is 0.6, the load on the device D3 is 0.5, and the load on the device D4 is 0.3. The “load” here refers to, for example, the maximum communication per unit time for each device when the maximum data amount that each of the I / F circuits 11-1 and 11-2 can communicate per unit time is 1. Indicates the amount of data.

In the connection state St1, the devices D1 and D2 are connected to the communication port P1 of the I / F circuit 11-1, and the devices D3 and D4 are connected to the communication port P2 of the I / F circuit 11-2. At this time, since the load of the communication port P1 is 1.1 and the load of the communication port P2 is 0.8, in the I / F circuit 11-2, the loads of the devices D3 and D4 are within the allowable range. In the / F circuit 11-1, the loads on the devices D1 and D2 exceed the allowable range.

On the other hand, the connection state St2 is a state when the device arrangement is performed by the switch control of the control unit 13 in the present embodiment, and is connected to the communication port P1 of the I / F circuit 11-1 via the switch 12. Are connected to the devices D1 and D3, and the devices D2 and D4 are connected to the communication port P2 of the I / F circuit 11-2. In this connection state St2, the load on the communication port P1 is 1, and the load on the communication port P2 is 0.9. For this reason, the load on the device is within the allowable range in both the I / F circuits 11-1 and 11-2.

As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 connects the communication port of the I / F circuit and the device according to the load of the communication port of the I / F circuit with respect to the switch that connects the I / F circuit and the device to each other. Flexible switch control of connection.

As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in communication speed between the I / F circuit and a plurality of devices connected to the I / F circuit. It becomes possible to improve.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, as a second embodiment, an information processing apparatus having a USB interface to which the function shown in the first embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus 1a is realized as a computer having the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

The information processing apparatus 1 a includes a chip set 20, USB hubs 31 and 32, a USB switch 33, and a table register 34. The USB devices d1 to d8 may be preinstalled inside the apparatus or may be connected from the outside of the apparatus.

The chipset 20 includes a USB host 21 and 22, an I / O (input / output) controller 23, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 25, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26, a flash memory 27, and a graphic. I / F28 is provided. The chip set 20 may include at least one of the USB hubs 31 and 32, the USB switch 33, and the table register 34.

The USB hosts 21 and 22 realize the functions of the I / F circuits 11-1 to 11-n in FIG. The USB switch 33 corresponds to the switch 12 in FIG. 1, and the CPU 24 implements the function of the control unit 13 in FIG. Further, the USB devices d1 to d8 correspond to the devices D1 to Dm in FIG.

The two USB hosts 21 and 22 are connected to 4-port USB hubs 31 and 32, respectively. The communication port p1 of the USB host 21 is connected to the port a0 of the USB hub 31, and the communication port p2 of the USB host 22 is connected to the port b0 of the USB hub 32. Thus, the information processing apparatus 1a is configured to be able to connect eight USB devices d1 to d8 to a total of eight ports of USB interfaces by the USB hubs 31 and 32.

The USB ports a1 to a4 of the USB hub 31 are connected to the switch ports s1-1 to s1-4 of the USB switch 33, respectively, and the USB ports b1 to b4 of the USB hub 32 are respectively connected to the switch port s2 of the USB switch 33. -1 to s2-4 are connected. Further, the device ports s1 to s8 of the USB switch 33 are connected to the USB devices d1 to d8, respectively.

USB hosts 21 and 22 function as host controllers in the USB interface. The USB hubs 31 and 32 are concentrators that are connected to one communication port p1 and p2 of the USB hosts 21 and 22, respectively, and can accommodate a plurality of interfaces.

The USB switch 33 is a matrix switch that changes the connection destination of the USB interface according to the external setting and flexibly changes the connection between the USB port and the USB devices d1 to d8. The table register 34 manages a table by holding a matrix table T1 and an occupation ratio table T2 described later.

In the chip set 20, the CPU 24 is connected to the I / O controller 23, the HDD 25, the RAM 26, and the flash memory 27 via a bus. In the flash memory 27, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program is written. The CPU 24 executes the BIOS program in the flash memory 27 before executing the OS (Operating System) when the power is turned on or the device is reset.

The RAM 26 functions as a primary storage device for the information processing apparatus 1a. For example, the RAM 26 temporarily stores at least a part of a BIOS program, an OS program, and an application program to be executed by the CPU 24. The RAM 26 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 24.

The HDD 25 functions as a secondary storage device of the information processing apparatus 1a. For example, the HDD 25 stores an OS program and application programs executed by the CPU 24 and various data necessary for executing each program. As the secondary storage device, other types of nonvolatile storage devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

The graphic I / F 28 displays an image on the monitor 28a in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 24. The monitor 28a may be connected to the outside of the information processing apparatus 1a or may be mounted inside the information processing apparatus 1a.

The I / O controller 23 performs input / output I / F control among the CPU 24, USB hosts 21 and 22, HDD 25, graphic I / F 28, and table register 34.
Next, the internal configuration of the USB switch 33 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the USB switch. FIG. 3 shows a connection portion of the USB device d1 among the USB devices d1 to d8. The connection parts of the USB devices d2 to d8 have the same configuration. In other words, the USB switch 33 is actually provided with the number of USB devices connected to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 (eight here).

The USB switch 33 has selectors 3-1-1 to 3-1-8 for the connection part of the USB device d1. The switch ports s1-1 to s1-4 and s2-1 to s2-4 of the USB switch 33 are connected to one terminals of the selectors 3-1-1 to 3-1-8, respectively.

Further, select signals SEL1-1 to SEL1-8 are connected to the other terminals of the selectors 3-1-1 to 3-1-8, respectively. Select signals SEL1-1 to SEL1-8 are control signals output from the I / O controller 23 based on instructions from the CPU 24.

When the select signal is enabled, the corresponding selector is turned ON, and the USB host side switch port of the USB switch 33 and the USB device side device port are connected. For example, when the select signal SEL1-1 is enabled, the selector 3-1-1 is turned on. Then, the switch port s1-1 and the device port s1 are electrically connected to each other, and the USB device d1 is connected to the communication port p1 of the USB host 21 via the USB hub 31 shown in FIG.

Next, the matrix table T1 and the occupation ratio table T2 held in the table register 34 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the matrix table.
In the matrix table T1, eight USB switch ports s1-1 to s1-4 and s2-1 to s2-4 are shown in each row, and each column is connected to eight USB device ports s1 to s8. The USB devices d1 to d8 are shown. In the matrix table T1, “0” is described when the USB switch port and the USB device associated with each other are not connected, and “1” is described when they are connected.

The CPU 24 sets “1” or “0” to the matrix table T1. Here, since the USB switch port and the USB device are connected on a one-to-one basis, two or more “1” s are not registered in each row and each column. When the setting in the matrix table T1 is completed, the CPU 24 generates the select signal shown in FIG. 3 so as to connect the locations that are “1” in the matrix table T1.

As described above, since the USB switch port and the USB device are connected in a one-to-one relationship, two or more “1” s are not registered in each row and each column, and each row and each column. The sum of is always “1”. The CPU 24 can arbitrarily change the connection matrix of the matrix table T1, but may confirm that the sum total of each row and each column after the change is “1”.

In this case, for example, if the sum is “2” or more, the CPU 24 recognizes that the sum is duplicated, and returns or resets the connection matrix. Further, when the sum is “0”, it means an unconnected error. However, the CPU 24 permits the sum “0”, and may be used when, for example, an operation for disabling unnecessary USB devices is performed. Good.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the occupation rate table. The occupation rate table T2 includes items of a USB device name, an operating bus occupation rate (a maximum bus occupation rate during operation), a non-operating bus occupation rate, and a use flag. The CPU 24 acquires individual bus occupancy rates (when operating and when not operating) from each USB device and registers them in the occupancy rate table T2.

The bus occupancy rate indicates a ratio of occupying the bus of the USB host to which the corresponding USB device is connected during communication of the corresponding USB device. More specifically, the bus occupation rate indicates a ratio of the communication data amount per unit time of the USB device to the maximum communication data amount per unit time of the USB host.

The operating bus occupancy rate is the maximum value of the ratio of occupying the bus of the USB host to which the corresponding USB device is connected when the corresponding USB device is operating. The non-operating bus occupancy rate is the maximum value of the ratio of occupying the bus of the USB host to which the USB device is connected when the USB device is not operating.

The use flag is flag information indicating whether or not the user has set the corresponding USB device to use (activate the corresponding USB device).
Here, when a plurality of USB devices are connected to one USB host and the total bus occupation ratio of the USB interface exceeds 100%, some of the connected USB devices become inoperable, The performance will deteriorate.

For example, when USB network device (WWAN: Wireless Wide Area Network) # 1, USB touch panel, and USB camera # 11 are connected to one USB host and operate simultaneously, the total bus occupancy rate is calculated from the numerical example of FIG. Is 40 + 10 + 50 + 20 = 120%. In this calculation, a system occupation ratio of 20% is added. The system occupation rate is a bus occupation rate by communication performed between the USB host and the USB device in a state where each USB device is not transmitting / receiving actual data.

Since the system occupancy rate of 20% is added, the maximum total is actually 80% or less only with the USB device occupancy rate. The CPU 24 notifies the user that the USB device to be operated is inoperable when the occupation ratio of the USB interface exceeds 100%.

In the above example, when the USB network device # 1 and the USB touch panel are operated, the occupation ratio of the USB interface is only 30% (= 100-40-10-20). For this reason, the CPU 24 determines that the USB camera # 11 that requires 50% occupancy during operation cannot be operated and displays an error.

Next, a specific procedure for switch control will be described. In the present embodiment, switch control is performed based on a BIOS program before starting an OS (Operating System).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the BIOS selection menu screen. Before starting the OS after turning on the power, the BIOS selection menu m1 is displayed through the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the information processing apparatus 1a. The user selects and sets a USB device to be used or a USB device that is not to be used in accordance with the BIOS selection menu m1.

7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the switch control operation of the second embodiment. The flow shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is processing realized by the CPU 24 executing the BIOS program. That is, when the information processing apparatus 1a is activated in response to a power-on or restart request, the CPU 24 reads the BIOS program from the flash memory 27 before reading the OS program, and executes the following processing according to the BIOS program.

[S1] The CPU 24 checks the state of the activation flag stored in the flash memory 27. The activation flag is flag information indicating whether the user selects a USB device to be used when the information processing apparatus 1a is activated, or whether the USB device currently used is used as it is. Note that the initial value of the activation flag is “1”.

[S2] When the activation flag = 1, the CPU 24 goes to step S3, and when the activation flag = 0, the CPU 24 goes to step S5. Here, the activation flag = 1 accepts the selection setting from the user via the BIOS selection menu m1, and the activation flag = 0 accepts the setting state of the use flag in the current occupation ratio table T2 without accepting the selection setting. Shall be used. When the activation flag = 0, the CPU 24 updates the activation flag to “1” and executes the process of step S5.

[S3] The CPU 24 displays the BIOS selection menu m1 on the monitor 28a. Then, a USB device to be used is selected by a user operation.
[S4] The CPU 24 turns on the use flag of the selected USB device and registers it in the occupation rate table T2.

[S4a] The CPU 24 initializes all set values in the matrix table T1 to “0”.
[S5] The CPU 24 refers to the occupancy rate table T2 and acquires the operating bus occupancy rate of one usage target USB device from the usage target USB devices whose use flag is ON.

[S6] The CPU 24 selects a USB host connected to the USB device to be used, and sets the system occupancy rate (for example, the occupancy rate addition value), which is a temporary calculation value corresponding to the selected USB host, as an initial value. 20%). This occupancy rate addition value is created for each USB host, and held in, for example, the RAM 26 of the information processing apparatus 1a until the assignment of the USB device to each USB host is completed.

[S7] The CPU 24 determines whether or not there is an empty USB port in the corresponding USB host. If there is no available USB port, go to step S8, and if there is available, go to step S10.

[S8] The CPU 24 determines whether there is another USB host. If there is another USB host, the process returns to step S6, and if there is no other USB host, the process goes to step S9.
[S9] The CPU 24 displays an error on the monitor 28a because the USB arrangement is impossible. After step S9, the process goes to step S31 described later.

[S10] The CPU 24 selects the next USB device to be used. Then, the CPU 24 refers to the occupation rate table T2 and acquires the operating bus occupation rate of the selected use target USB device.

[S11] The CPU 24 adds the operating bus occupancy obtained in step S10 to the occupancy addition value.
[S12] The CPU 24 determines whether or not the occupation rate addition value exceeds 100%. If it exceeds 100%, the process returns to step S8, and if it is 100% or less, the process goes to step S13.

[S13] The CPU 24 assigns the USB device to be used to the unassigned USB switch port connected to the USB host. In this case, the CPU 24 sets “1” in the corresponding intersection column between the USB switch port and the usage target USB device in the matrix table T1.

[S14] The CPU 24 determines whether there is a USB device to be used that is not assigned. If there is an unassigned use target USB device, the process returns to step S7, and if there is no unassigned use target USB device, the process goes to step S15.

[S15] Since the process of assigning the USB device to be used to the USB host has been completed in step S14, the CPU 24 next performs the process of assigning a USB device that is not used (unused USB device).

[S16] The CPU 24 selects a USB host for allocating an unused USB device.
[S17] The CPU 24 determines whether there is an empty USB switch port among the USB switch ports connected to the selected USB host. If there is no empty USB switch port, the process goes to step S18, and if there is an empty USB switch port, the process goes to step S20.

[S18] The CPU 24 determines whether there is another USB host. If there is another USB host, the process returns to step S16, and if there is no other USB host, the process goes to step S19.

[S19] The CPU 24 displays an error on the monitor 28a because the USB arrangement is impossible. After step S19, the process proceeds to step S31 described later.
[S20] The CPU 24 selects the next unused USB device. Then, the CPU 24 refers to the occupation rate table T2, and acquires the non-operating bus occupation rate of the selected unused USB device.

[S21] The CPU 24 adds the non-operating bus occupation rate of the unused USB device acquired in step S20 to the occupation rate addition value corresponding to the USB host.
[S22] The CPU 24 determines whether or not the sum of the occupancy ratios including the system occupancy ratio is 100% or less. If it exceeds 100%, the process returns to step S18, and if it is 100% or less, the process goes to step S23.

[S23] The CPU 24 assigns an unused USB device to an unassigned USB switch port connected to the USB host. In this case, the CPU 24 sets “1” in the corresponding intersection column between the USB switch port and the unused USB device in the matrix table T1.

[S24] The CPU 24 determines whether there are still unused USB devices that are not assigned. If there is an unassigned unused USB device, the process returns to step S17, and if there is no unassigned unused USB device, the process goes to step S25.

In the above steps S13 to S24, the case where the power is turned on also for the unused USB device is shown. However, for example, when the power is not turned on for unused USB devices, the CPU 24 may simply assign the unused USB devices sequentially to the unassigned USB switch ports instead of the processing of steps S13 to S24.

[S25] The CPU 24 outputs a select signal to the USB switch 33 based on the matrix table T1 for which the setting has been completed, and controls the connection state of the ports in the USB switch 33.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the CPU 24 performs the switch control by executing the BIOS program recorded in the memory before starting the OS. For example, the CPU 24 cumulatively adds the occupancy rate of the USB device to the USB host 21, and assigns the USB device to each USB port of the USB hub 31 connected to the USB host 21 if it does not exceed 100%.

When the occupation ratio exceeds 100%, the CPU 24 moves to the next USB host 22 and allocates a USB device while confirming the occupation ratio. Such processing is repeated until there is no USB device to be used.

After that, the CPU 24 assigns unused USB devices to vacant USB ports. Of course, since the number of USB ports connected to one USB host is determined, if there is no USB port that can be connected even if there is a margin in the occupation ratio, the process moves to the next USB host.

When the arrangement of all the USB devices is completed, the CPU 24 activates the OS program and installs a driver for each USB device. Thereby, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1a is started.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a device addition monitoring process after the start of operation. The flow of FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU 24 executing a predetermined monitoring application program after the OS program is started.

[S31] The CPU 24 determines whether there is an added USB device. The addition of a USB device corresponds to, for example, an operation of an unused USB device is requested by executing another application program, or a new USB device is connected to an unconnected USB port. If there is an added USB device, the CPU 24 proceeds to step S32, and if not, repeats the determination in step S31 at regular intervals.

[S32] The CPU 24 turns on the use flag of the added USB device and registers it in the occupation rate table T2.
[S33] The CPU 24 updates the activation flag of the flash memory 27 from “1” to “0”. Note that the processing order of steps S32 and S33 may be reversed.

[S34] The CPU 24 restarts the information processing apparatus 1a.
As a result, in the information processing apparatus 1a after the restart, the processing of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed again, the matrix table T1 is reset, and the selection based on the matrix table T1 reset for the USB switch 33 is selected. A signal is output. Since the activation flag is “0” in the state after the restart, steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 7 are skipped and the set value of the use flag immediately before the restart is used as it is. As a result, switch control is performed in consideration of the bus occupancy during operation of the added USB device.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the switch control of the information processing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is modified so as to be performed entirely by executing an application program without using a BIOS program. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the selection menu screen. During the operation after the OS is started, the CPU 24 executes a predetermined application program to display the selection menu m2. The user selects / sets a USB device to be used or a USB device not to be used according to the selection menu m2.

11 to 13 are flowcharts showing the switch control operation of the third embodiment. The flow shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is processing realized by the CPU 24 executing the application program. That is, the CPU 24 reads the application program from the HDD 25 without using the BIOS program, and executes the following processing according to the application program.

[S41] The CPU 24 displays the selection menu m2 on the monitor 28a. Then, a USB device to be used is selected by a user operation.
[S42] The CPU 24 turns on the use flag of the selected USB device and registers it in the occupation ratio table T2.

[S43] The CPU 24 initializes all set values in the matrix table T1 to “0”.
[S44] The CPU 24 refers to the occupancy rate table T2, and acquires the operating bus occupancy rate of one usage target USB device from the usage target USB devices whose use flag is ON.

[S45] The CPU 24 selects a USB host to be connected to the USB device to be used, and with respect to the “occupation rate addition value” that is a temporary calculation value corresponding to the selected USB host, the system occupancy rate (for example, 20%). This occupancy rate addition value is created for each USB host, and held in, for example, the RAM 26 of the information processing apparatus 1a until the assignment of the USB device to each USB host is completed.

[S46] The CPU 24 determines whether or not there is a free USB port in the USB host. If there is no available USB port, go to step S47, and if there is available, go to step S49.

[S47] The CPU 24 determines whether there is another USB host. If there is another USB host, the process returns to step S45, and if there is no other USB host, the process goes to step S48.

[S48] The CPU 24 displays an error on the monitor 28a because the USB arrangement is impossible. After step S48, the process goes to step S31 described above.
[S49] The CPU 24 selects the next USB device to be used. Then, the CPU 24 refers to the occupation rate table T2 and acquires the operating bus occupation rate of the selected use target USB device.

[S50] The CPU 24 adds the operating bus occupancy obtained in step S49 to the occupancy addition value.
[S51] The CPU 24 determines whether or not the occupation rate addition value exceeds 100%. If it exceeds 100%, the process returns to step S47, and if it is 100% or less, the process goes to step S52.

[S52] The CPU 24 assigns the USB device to be used to the unassigned USB switch port connected to the USB host. In this case, the CPU 24 sets “1” in the corresponding intersection column between the USB switch port and the usage target USB device in the matrix table T1.

[S53] The CPU 24 determines whether there is an unassigned USB device to be used. If there is an unassigned use target USB device, the process returns to step S46, and if there is no unassigned use target USB device, the process goes to step S54.

[S54] Since the process of allocating the USB device to be used to the USB host is completed in the step S53, the CPU 24 performs the process of allocating a USB device that is not used (unused USB device).

[S55] The CPU 24 selects a USB host for allocating an unused USB device.
[S56] The CPU 24 determines whether or not there is an empty USB switch port among the USB switch ports connected to the selected USB host. If there is no empty USB switch port, the process goes to step S57. If there is an empty USB switch port, the process goes to step S59.

[S57] The CPU 24 determines whether another USB host exists. If there is another USB host, the process returns to step S55, and if there is no other USB host, the process goes to step S58.

[S58] The CPU 24 displays an error on the monitor 28a because the USB arrangement is impossible. In addition, after the process of step S58, it goes to the above-mentioned step S31.
[S59] The CPU 24 selects the next unused USB device. Then, the CPU 24 refers to the occupation rate table T2, and acquires the non-operating bus occupation rate of the selected unused USB device.

[S60] The CPU 24 adds the non-operating bus occupation rate of the unused USB device acquired in step S59 to the occupation rate addition value.
[S61] The CPU 24 determines whether or not the sum of the occupancy ratios including the system occupancy ratio is 100% or less. If it exceeds 100%, the process returns to step S57, and if it is 100% or less, the process goes to step S62.

[S62] The CPU 24 assigns an unused USB device to an unassigned USB switch port connected to the USB host. In this case, the CPU 24 sets “1” in the corresponding intersection column between the USB switch port and the unused USB device in the matrix table T1.

[S63] The CPU 24 determines whether there are still unused USB devices that are not assigned. If there is an unassigned unused USB device, the process returns to step S56, and if there is no unassigned unused USB device, the process goes to step S64.

In the above steps S41 to S63, the case where the power is turned on also for the unused USB device is shown. However, for example, when the power is not turned on for unused USB devices, the CPU 24 may simply assign the unused USB devices sequentially to the unassigned USB switch ports instead of the processing of steps S41 to S63.

[S64] The CPU 24 outputs a select signal to the USB switch 33 based on the matrix table T1 for which the setting has been completed, and controls the port connection state in the USB switch 33. Thereby, operation of the USB device is started.

[S65] The CPU 24 determines whether there is an added USB device. The addition of a USB device corresponds to, for example, an operation of an unused USB device is requested by executing another application program, or a new USB device is connected to an unconnected USB port. If there is an added USB device, the CPU 24 proceeds to step S66, and if not, the determination in step S65 is repeated at regular intervals.

[S66] The CPU 24 recalculates the occupation ratio in the current connection state including the added USB device.
[S67] The CPU 24 determines whether or not the recalculation result exceeds 100%. If it exceeds 100%, the process returns to step S41, and the USB switch 33 is reset. On the other hand, if it does not exceed 100%, the CPU 24 goes to step S68.

[S68] The CPU 24 turns on the use flag of the added USB device, registers it in the occupation rate table T2, and continues the operation in the current switch control state including the added USB device.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the CPU 24 executes the application program recorded in the HDD 25 after the OS is started to perform switch control.
In the third embodiment, switch control is performed through an application after the OS is started. For example, when there is a request for using an unused USB device during normal operation, the USB device can be restarted without restarting. Arrangement can be performed promptly.

Next, an example of the arrangement of USB devices for each usage scene will be described. The following arrangement examples in FIGS. 14 to 17 are common to the second embodiment and the third embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a USB device connected to the USB host. The USB devices include cameras d1, d2, BD / DVD (Blu-ray Disc / Digital Versatile Disc) d3, keyboard d4, network device (WWAN) d5, network device (WLAN: Wireless LAN) d6, network device (LAN: Local Area Network) d7 and mouse d8. These are connected to the USB hosts 21 and 22 via the USB switch 33.

Also, assuming that the occupancy of each USB device is (bus occupancy during operation, bus occupancy during non-operation), camera d1 = (50%, 0%), camera d2 = (50%, 0%), BD / DVDd3 = (50%, 0%), keyboard d4 = (10%, 10%), network device (WWAN) d5 = (40%, 0%), network device (WLAN) d6 = (40%, 0%) ), Network device (LAN) d7 = (50%, 0%), mouse d8 = (10%, 10%).

When such a USB device is connected, the total USB interface occupancy rate of each USB host 21 and 22 is 100% or less (the system occupancy rate is 20%, so the occupancy rate of only the USB device is 80%. The USB device connection processing is performed as follows.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of USB devices. The example of arrangement | positioning in the case of using two cameras simultaneously is shown. The camera d1, the keyboard d4, the network device (WLAN) d6, and the BD / DVD d3 are connected to the USB hub 31 by the switching of the USB switch 33.

Since the camera d1 is used, the occupation ratio is 50%. Further, since the keyboard d4, the network device (WLAN) d6, and the BD / DVD d3 are not used, the occupation ratios are 10%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Accordingly, the occupation ratio of the USB host 21 related to the USB device is 60%.

On the other hand, the camera d2, the mouse d8, the network device (LAN) d7, and the network device (WWAN) d5 are connected to the USB hub 32 by the switching of the USB switch 33.

Since the camera d2 is used, the occupation ratio is 50%. Further, since the mouse d8, the network device (LAN) d7, and the network device (WWAN) d5 are not used, the occupation ratios are 10%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Therefore, the occupation ratio of the USB host 22 regarding the USB device is 60%.

Since the occupancy rates for the USB devices are 60%, the USB hosts 21 and 22 both add the system occupancy rate to a total of 80%. In each USB host 21, 22, the USB device operates with a USB interface occupation ratio of 100% or less. Accordingly, the USB device can be operated without reducing the communication speed or the performance of the USB device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of USB devices. An arrangement example in the case of simultaneously using a network device (WWAN) d5, a network device (WLAN) d6, and a network device (LAN) d7 is shown.

The camera d1, the camera d2, the network device (WLAN) d6, and the network device (WWAN) d5 are connected to the USB hub 31 by the switching of the USB switch 33.

Since the network device (WLAN) d6 and the network device (WWAN) d5 are used, the occupation ratios are 40% and 40%, respectively. In addition, since the cameras d1 and d2 are not used, the occupation ratio is 0%. Therefore, the occupation ratio of the USB host 21 relating to the USB device is 80%.

On the other hand, a network device (LAN) d7, a keyboard d4, a BD / DVD d3, and a mouse d8 are connected to the USB hub 32 by switching of the USB switch 33.

Since the network device (LAN) d7 is used, the occupation ratio is 50%. Further, since the keyboard d4, the BD / DVD d3, and the mouse d8 are not used, the occupation ratios are 10%, 0%, and 10%, respectively. Accordingly, the occupation ratio of the USB host 22 relating to the USB device is 70%.

The USB interface occupancy rate of the USB host 21 is 100% when the occupancy rate for the USB device is 80% and the system occupancy rate is 20%. In addition, the USB interface occupation ratio of the USB host 22 is 90%, which is the total of the occupation ratio 70% related to the USB device and the system occupation ratio 20%.

In each USB host 21, 22, the USB device operates at an occupation rate of 100% or less. Accordingly, the USB device can be operated without reducing the communication speed or the performance of the USB device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of USB devices. An arrangement example in the case of simultaneously using a network device (WWAN) d5, a network device (WLAN) d6, and a BD / DVD d3 is shown.

The camera d1, the BD / DVD d3, the mouse d8, and the keyboard d4 are connected to the USB hub 31 by the switching of the USB switch 33.
Since BD / DVDd3 is used, the occupation ratio is 50%. Since the camera d1, the mouse d8, and the keyboard d4 are not used, the occupation ratios are 0%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Accordingly, the occupation ratio of the USB host 21 relating to the USB device is 70%.

On the other hand, the camera d2, the network device (WWAN) d5, the network device (LAN) d7, and the network device (WLAN) d6 are connected to the USB hub 32 by the switching of the USB switch 33.

Since the network device (WWAN) d5 and the network device (WLAN) d6 are used, the occupation ratios are 40% and 40%, respectively. Further, since the camera d2 and the network device (LAN) d7 are not used, the occupation ratios are 0% and 0%, respectively. Therefore, the occupation ratio of the USB host 22 related to the USB device is 80%.

The USB interface occupancy rate of the USB host 21 is 90%, including the occupancy rate 70% related to the USB device and the system occupancy rate 20%. In addition, the USB interface occupation ratio of the USB host 22 is 100% when the occupation ratio of the USB device is 80% and the system occupation ratio is 20%.

In each USB host 21, 22, the USB device operates at an occupation rate of 100% or less. Accordingly, the USB device can be operated without reducing the communication speed or the performance of the USB device.

As described above, according to the present technology, the USB device can be appropriately arranged according to the load of the USB host, so that the USB device can always be used in a high-performance state.

Conventionally, there are scenes that cannot be used by the user due to the arrangement of the USB device. However, by adopting this technology, the restrictions due to the arrangement of the USB device will be eliminated, and the usage scene of the user will be increased. It becomes possible.

The above merely shows the principle of the present invention. In addition, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art and the present invention is not limited to the precise configuration and application shown and described above, and all corresponding modifications and equivalents may be And the equivalents thereof are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

1 Information processing device 11-1 to 11-n I / F circuit 12 Switch 13 Control unit D1 to Dm Equipment P, P1, P2 Communication port St1, St2 Connection state

Claims (12)

A plurality of interface circuits, each having a communication port and controlling an input / output interface with at least one device via the communication port;
A switch that is located between each interface circuit and a plurality of devices, and that switches connections between the communication port of each interface circuit and each of the plurality of devices based on a switch instruction;
A controller that outputs the switch instruction and controls the switch according to a load of each communication port;
An information processing apparatus comprising: 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the switch instruction so that a communication data amount per unit time in each interface circuit is within a predetermined range. For each of the plurality of devices, further includes a storage unit that stores information indicating a maximum communication data amount per unit time during communication with the interface circuit,
The control unit receives a selection input of a device to be used from the plurality of devices, and is based on information indicating a maximum communication data amount for the device selected by the selection input among information stored in the storage unit. Outputting the switch instruction so that the communication data amount per interface circuit falls within the predetermined range,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When the control unit is requested to add a device to be used, the information indicating the maximum communication data amount of the selected device and the device requested to be added among the information stored in the storage unit 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the switch instruction is updated so that the amount of communication data per unit time in each interface circuit falls within the predetermined range based on the information. The controller is
Output the switch instructions according to the device control program before starting the operating system,
When addition of a device to be used is requested during operation after startup of the operating system, after restarting the information processing apparatus, according to the device control program, the information stored in the storage unit The switch instruction is output again based on information indicating the maximum communication data amount for the selected device and the device requested to be added.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein A first communication port provided for each interface circuit and connected to the communication port of any one of the interface circuits, and a plurality of second communication ports respectively connected to the first communication port. A plurality of hubs;
The switch switches a connection between the plurality of second communication ports and the devices provided in the hub,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized in that: In a control method of an information processing apparatus comprising a communication port, and having a plurality of interface circuits that control an input / output interface with at least one device via the communication port, and a control unit,
The control unit outputs a switch instruction according to the load of each communication port,
A switch disposed between each interface circuit and a plurality of devices switches the connection between the communication port of each interface circuit and each device based on the switch instruction.
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus. 8. The process of outputting the switch instruction, wherein the control unit outputs the switch instruction so that a communication data amount per unit time in each interface circuit is within a predetermined range. A control method of the information processing apparatus described. The control unit further includes a process of receiving a selection input of a device to be used from the plurality of devices,
In the process of outputting the switch instruction, the control unit refers to a storage unit storing information indicating a maximum communication data amount per unit time during communication with the interface circuit for each of the plurality of devices. Based on the information indicating the maximum communication data amount for the device selected by the selection input among the information stored in the storage unit, the communication data amount per unit time in each interface circuit is within the predetermined range. Output the switch instruction to
The method of controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: When the addition of a device to be used is requested, the control unit converts the information stored in the storage unit into information indicating the maximum communication data amount for the selected device and the device requested to be added. Based on the above, the switch instruction is updated so that the communication data amount per unit time in each interface circuit falls within the predetermined range.
10. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 9, further comprising a process. In the process of outputting the switch instruction according to the selection input, the control unit outputs the switch instruction according to a device control program before starting an operating system,
When an addition of a device to be used is requested during operation after the operating system is started, the control unit stores the information in the storage unit according to the device control program after restarting the information processing apparatus. The switch instruction is output again based on the information indicating the maximum communication data amount for the selected device and the device requested to be added, among the information received
The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The information processing apparatus is provided for each interface circuit, and includes a first communication port connected to the communication port of any one of the interface circuits, and a plurality of second communication ports connected to the first communication port, respectively. A plurality of hubs each having a communication port;
The switch switches a connection between the plurality of second communication ports and the devices provided in the hub,
12. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled.

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