JP2004110145A - Usb connector connecting device, usb connector connecting method, usb connector connecting program, and medium for recording usb connecting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a possibility of causing incorrect connection although an OTG (On The Go) device equipped with a mini AB receptacle is usable as a host or a device. <P>SOLUTION: Control is performed to suppress the whole or a part of output to a USB (universal serial bus) connector connecting means when set to a host mode and determined that the mini B of the USB connector is connected, and when set to a device mode and determined that the mini A of the USB connector is connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention uses a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (hereinafter referred to as "USB"), which is one of the general methods for connecting an information device such as a personal computer to various peripheral devices and performing data communication. The present invention relates to a USB connector connecting device provided with a USB connector connecting means for connecting to a USB connector.
[0002]
In particular, a USB connector for connecting peripheral devices without the need for a host device such as a personal computer, and a USB connector for using a USB On The Go (hereinafter referred to as "OTG"). The present invention relates to a USB connector connection device provided with connection means.
[0003]
Also, means, a device, or a method for determining whether or not the USB connector is normally connected, and operating the connected device only when it is determined that the USB connector is normally connected. When it is determined that the device is not properly connected, the device is prevented from being operated, thereby preventing abnormal operation of the device and various failures that may occur due to the abnormal operation, such as device damage. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for executing the program, a program, and a medium on which the program is recorded.
[0004]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, USB has been defined and widely used as one of general methods for connecting an information device such as a personal computer and various peripheral devices and performing data communication (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1 below).
[0005]
By using this USB, many peripheral devices such as printers and digital cameras can be easily connected and disconnected while the power of the personal computer is turned on, and the convenience of data communication between these peripheral devices and the personal computer. Is significantly improved.
[0006]
When a USB-compatible peripheral device is connected to a personal computer via USB, the type of the peripheral device is automatically recognized, and driver software necessary for data communication with the peripheral device is automatically installed on the personal computer. Is also adopted. By using this method, the user is free from troublesome software driver installation work.
[0007]
Further, in USB, power is supplied from a personal computer as a host to peripheral devices as devices. Therefore, especially when the peripheral device is an ultra-compact and highly portable device, there is no need to prepare a power supply on the peripheral device side, so that the peripheral device can be further miniaturized and the portability can be further improved. Can be done.
[0008]
In the USB, a personal computer as a host and a peripheral device as a device are connected as described above, and power is supplied from the host to the device. Therefore, a USB cable used for USB connection has a connector A for connecting to the host side and a connector B for connecting to the device side at both ends thereof. Conversely, connection is prevented so that damage to the device due to incorrect connection of the power supply line or the like does not occur (see Non-Patent Document 1 below).
[0009]
However, this USB is based on the premise that a personal computer as a host is connected to a peripheral device as a device, and it is stipulated that data communication is activated by a call from the host. No direct data communication was possible between the devices.
[0010]
Therefore, OTG has been defined for overcoming this limitation and performing direct data communication between peripheral devices (for example, see Non-Patent Document 2 below).
[0011]
By using this OTG, it is possible to connect the digital camera directly to the printer and print the images taken by the digital camera directly on the printer, while maintaining the various advantages of the conventional USB. Become. With such a usage, an image photographed by a digital camera can be easily printed by a printer without the need for a personal computer whose installation, connection, operation, and the like are relatively troublesome.
[0012]
Alternatively, if the digital camera is directly connected to the mobile phone, the image captured by the digital camera is sent directly to the mobile phone, and the image is transmitted to another mobile phone or personal computer at a remote location using the communication function of the mobile phone. It becomes possible to send.
[0013]
Alternatively, if the mobile phone and the printer are directly connected, the information transmitted from another mobile phone or a personal computer at a remote location can be received by the mobile phone, and the received information can be printed by the printer. .
[0014]
Furthermore, for example, if two MP3 players are directly connected by OTG (although there is another problem other than the technical problem such as copyright as another problem, at least technically), the MP3 players can communicate with each other. A usage method of exchanging stored music contents is also possible.
[0015]
All of these can be realized without a personal computer as a host, and the convenience of using these peripheral devices is further remarkably improved.
[0016]
The OTG specifies that both an operation as a host and an operation as a peripheral can be performed. Further, it is specified that the operation as a host and the operation as a peripheral can be switched during a series of operations.
[0017]
Power supply to the USB is to be performed on the A connector side as in USB 2.0.
[0018]
In addition, the OTG stipulates that a small mini-A connector and a mini-B connector be used in consideration of mounting on a portable terminal or the like. It is specified that an AB receptacle be mounted.
[0019]
For example, a device equipped with the OTG mode and the host mode may be equipped with a mini AB receptacle for the OTG mode and an A receptacle for the host mode, and a device equipped with the OTG mode and the device mode may be equipped with the OTG mode. Mini-AB receptacle and B receptacle for device mode may be mounted.
[0020]
[Non-patent document 1]
"Universal Serial Bus Specification. Revision 2.0", [online], USB Implementers Forum Inc. , [Searched September 9, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. usb. org / developers / data / usb — 20. zip>
[Non-patent document 2]
“On-The-Go Supplement to the USB 2.0 Specification. Revision 1.0”, [online], USB Implementers Forum Inc. , [Searched September 9, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // usb. org / developers / data / otg1_0. pdf>
[0021]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An OTG compatible device equipped with a mini AB receptacle as described above can be connected to a mini A plug or a mini B plug.
[0022]
Mounting a normal A receptacle or B receptacle in addition to the mini AB receptacle is a waste of mounting area, and the mini AB receptacle is used also in the host mode or the device mode.
[0023]
When the A receptacle and the B receptacle were used, cables that did not match the operation mode could not be physically inserted, so no erroneous insertion occurred. However, if a mini-AB receptacle is used, erroneous insertion of a cable cannot be prevented, and there is a possibility that a cable different from the operation mode may be erroneously inserted. In such a case, adverse effects such as output signal competition including power supply collision may occur.
[0024]
Although a certain peripheral device is set as a device and used as a device, a mini-A plug is connected to the mini-AB receptacle, and conversely, another peripheral device is set as a host and used as a host. Nevertheless, if an erroneous connection is made such that a mini-B plug is connected to the mini-AB receptacle, each peripheral device is set in its own use state (i.e., in a device mode used as a device). , In the host mode used as the host) and whether the connected plug is the mini-A or the mini-B and gives priority to the USB communication control. If communication is not possible or erroneous control of power supply to the USB occurs, the USB connection device connected to the USB will be broken. There is a possibility to be.
[0025]
Furthermore, for example, a mini-B plug is connected to a peripheral device set to a certain host mode, and this peripheral device supplies power by judging that itself is set as a host with priority. Since the other device is set to the OTG mode and the mini-A plug is connected, when the power is supplied by giving priority to the connection of the mini-A plug, There is a possibility that power supply from a peripheral device causes a collision, and one or both devices of the USB connector connection devices connected via the USB are damaged.
[0026]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application comprises a means for setting a host mode, a device mode, or an OTG mode, and a USB connector connecting means that can be connected to either a mini-A or mini-B USB connector. Means for judging whether the USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means, and the mode set by the setting means and the USB judged by the judgment means. A USB connector connection device which suppresses all or a part of output to the USB connector connection means according to a connector.
[0027]
According to the invention described in claim 2, the setting mode is set to the host mode, and when it is determined that the mini-B of the USB connector is connected by the determining device, and the device mode is set by the setting device. 2. The USB connector connecting device according to claim 1, wherein when the judging means judges that the mini A of the USB connector is connected, all or a part of the output to the USB connector connecting means is suppressed. .
[0028]
The invention according to claim 3, wherein the host mode operating means for performing the host mode, the device mode operating means for performing the device mode, the OTG mode operating means for performing the OTG mode, the host mode operating means and the device First control means for controlling signals between the mode operation means, the OTG mode operation means and the USB connector connection means, the host mode operation means and the device mode operation means according to the mode set by the setting means 3. The USB connector connection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second control unit configured to control one or more of the OTG mode operation unit and the first control unit. 4.
[0029]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the means for judging whether the USB connector mini-A or the mini-B is connected to the USB connector connecting means is configured such that the mini-A of the USB connector is connected to the USB connector by an ID pin signal. 4. The USB connector connection device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a unit that determines whether a connection is made or a mini-B is connected. 5.
[0030]
The invention according to claim 5, wherein all or a part of the suppressed output to the USB connector connection means includes power supply to USB. It is a USB connector connection device.
[0031]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a procedure for setting any one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode, and determining whether the USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means. And a step of suppressing all or a part of the output to the USB connector connection means in accordance with the mode set by the mode setting procedure and the USB connector determined by the determining procedure. This is the connector connection method.
[0032]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a step of setting the mode to one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode, and determining whether the USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means. And a step of suppressing all or a part of the output to the USB connector connection means according to the mode set by the step of setting the mode and the USB connector determined by the determining step. This is a connector connection program.
[0033]
The invention according to claim 8 is a computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to claim 7.
[0034]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components.
[0035]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a device 311 and a device 321 according to an embodiment for using the USB connector connection device and the USB connector connection method according to the invention of the present application, and a state in which they are connected by a USB cable 330. Shown in
[0036]
Since the device 311 and the device 321 have the same block configuration of the portion related to the embodiment of the present invention (the other portions that are not related to the embodiment of the present invention and the detailed portions of the embodiment are However, only the device 311 will be described in terms of its block configuration.
[0037]
The device 311 operates in one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode set by the host mode operation unit 313, the device mode operation unit 315, and the OTG mode operation unit 317.
[0038]
The OTG mode includes an OTG host mode and an OTG peripheral mode, and when the OTG mode is set, this may be set to any one.
[0039]
The setting of these modes is controlled by a control unit 314 including a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”), a program designating the operation of the microcomputer, and a recording medium recording the program. May or may not be the same as the whole or a part of the connection plug determination unit 312 described later, or a part thereof may be overlapped and shared.
[0040]
These mode settings may be performed by a user's operation, or may be performed by application software, an OS, a device driver, or other software (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “software”). The software is recorded on a recording medium, and the device 311 includes the recording medium and a microcomputer for operating the software. This microcomputer or recording medium may or may not be the same as the microcomputer or the recording medium of the control unit 314, or may be partly overlapped and shared.
[0041]
When the operation is performed by the user, for example, when the device 311 is the mobile phone 121 in FIG. 4, the user operates the push button switch 135 while checking the information on the mode displayed on the display screen 133. Do.
[0042]
The mini-AB receptacle 316 provided in the device 311 of FIG. 1 is a USB connector connecting means that can be connected to either the mini-A or mini-B USB connector of the present invention. Details of the mini AB receptacle are described in Non-Patent Document 2.
[0043]
The mini-A plug 318 is not a part of the device 311, but a part of the USB cable 330, which is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 by being fitted thereto, and is connected between the device 311 and the device 321 via the USB cable 330. Used for sending and receiving information.
[0044]
The connection plug determination unit 312 is a part of the device 311 and determines whether the mini A plug 318 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 316 or the mini B plug 328 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 316. Means.
[0045]
The mini-AB receptacle 316 can be connected by fitting both the mini-A plug 318 and the mini-B plug 328 depending on its shape, so that it is possible to determine which is connected.
[0046]
The shape of the mini-AB receptacle, the shape of the mini-A plug, the shape of the mini-B plug, the state in which the mini-AB receptacle and the mini-A plug are fitted, and the state in which the mini-AB receptacle and the mini-B plug are fitted are described in the non-patent document. 2 is shown.
[0047]
The connection plug determination unit 312 determines whether the mini-A plug 318 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 or the mini-B plug 328 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 by determining the ID signal pin of the mini-AB receptacle. Judge according to the state.
[0048]
This ID signal pin is the fourth pin of the mini AB receptacle. When the mini A plug is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle, it is set to the "FALSE" state, and the mini B plug is fitted to the mini AB receptacle. It is prescribed in the above-mentioned Non-Patent Document 2 that the connection is set to the “TRUE” state when connected.
[0049]
Therefore, by judging the state of the ID signal pin, it can be determined whether the mini-A plug 318 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 or the mini-B plug 328 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316. The unit 312 can perform.
[0050]
The connection plug determination unit 312 is controlled by a microcomputer, and all or a part of the connection plug determination unit 312 is the same as or different from the control unit 314 or the microcomputer or the program of the device 311, or a part of the connection plug determination unit 312 is shared. There is also.
[0051]
The connection plug determination unit 312, which has determined whether the mini-A plug 318 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 or the mini-B plug 328 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316, sends the determination result information to the control unit 314. send.
[0052]
The control unit 314 determines whether the mini A plug 318 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 316 determined by the connection plug determination unit 312 or whether the mini B plug 328 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 316 and the current mode. The switching output unit 319 is controlled based on the information.
[0053]
The specific contents of this control are as follows: when the information to be output to the mini AB receptacle is switched, or when a predetermined condition is met, for example, the host mode is set and the mini B plug 328 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 316. When, for example, the device mode is set and the mini-A plug 318 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316, the output is controlled so as to suppress all or a part of the output.
[0054]
One of the output controls performed by the control unit 314 on the switching output unit 319 based on the state of each mode and whether the plug connected to the mini AB receptacle 316 is the mini A plug 318 or the mini B plug 328. An embodiment is shown in FIG.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 2A, when the device 311 is set to the host mode and the mini-A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316, the control of the control unit 314 causes The operation of the host mode operation unit 313 is performed, and the switching output unit 319 switches and selects the signal from the host mode operation unit 313 to enable the output, and performs input / output of the signal in the host mode.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 2B, when the device 311 is set to the host mode and the mini-AB receptacle 316 is fitted with the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330, the control of the control unit 314 causes The switching output unit 319 disables the output, and the output of the signal and the power is suppressed.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 2C, when the device 311 is set to the device mode and the mini-A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316, the control of the control unit 314 causes The switching output unit 319 disables the output, and the output of the signal and the power is suppressed.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 2D, when the device 311 is set to the device mode, and the mini-AB receptacle 316 is fitted with the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330, the control of the control unit 314 causes The operation of the device mode operation unit 315 is performed, and the switching output unit 319 switches and selects the signal from the device mode operation unit 315 to enable the output, and performs input / output of the signal in the device mode.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 2E, when the device 311 is set to the OTG mode and the mini-A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316, the control of the control unit 314 causes The operation of the OTG mode operation unit 317 is performed, and the switching output unit 319 switches and selects the signal from the OTG mode operation unit 317 to enable the output, and performs input / output of the signal in the OTG host mode.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 2F, when the device 311 is set to the OTG mode, and the mini-B receptacle 316 is fitted with the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330, the control of the control unit 314 causes The operation of the OTG mode operation unit 317 is performed, and the switching output unit 319 switches and selects the signal from the OTG mode operation unit 317 to enable the output, and performs input / output of the signal in the OTG peripheral mode.
[0061]
In the OTG mode, the operation starts as the OTG host mode when the mini A plug 318 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 316, and the OTG peripheral mode when the mini B plug 328 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 316. To start the operation.
[0062]
FIG. 3 shows an example in which the mode setting of the device 311 and the device 321 and the fitting connection of the mini A plug 318 and the mini B plug 328 of the USB cable 330 are incorrect.
[0063]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the mode setting of the device 311 is set to the host mode, the mini-B receptacle 316 of the device 311 is fitted with the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330, and the mode of the device 321 is set. When the setting is set to the device mode and the mini A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 326 of the device 321, the output of the switching output unit 319 of the device 311 is controlled to be disabled, and the switching of the device 321 is performed. Since the output of the output unit 329 is also controlled to be disabled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged.
[0064]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the mode setting of the device 311 is set to the host mode, the mini AB plug 328 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 316 of the device 311, and the mode of the device 321 is set. When the setting is set to the OTG mode and the mini A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 326 of the device 321, the output of the switching output unit 319 of the device 311 is controlled to be disabled. The output of the switching output unit 329 is controlled to be enabled as OTG, but the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged.
[0065]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the mode setting of the device 311 is set to the device mode, the mini-A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 of the device 311, and the mode of the device 321 is set. When the setting is set to the OTG mode and the mini B plug 328 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 326 of the device 321, the output of the switching output unit 319 of the device 311 is controlled to be disabled. The output of the switching output unit 329 is controlled to be enabled as OTG, but the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged.
[0066]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, the mode setting of the device 311 is set to the OTG mode, the mini-A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 316 of the device 311, and the mode of the device 321 is set. When the setting is set to the host mode and the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini-AB receptacle 326 of the device 321, the output of the switching output unit 319 of the device 311 is controlled to be enabled as OTG. Since the output of the switching output unit 329 of the H.321 is controlled to be disabled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged.
[0067]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, the mode setting of the device 311 is set to the OTG mode, the mini-AB receptacle 316 of the device 311 is fitted with the mini-B plug 328 of the USB cable 330, and the mode of the device 321 is set. When the setting is set to the device mode and the mini A plug 318 of the USB cable 330 is fitted and connected to the mini AB receptacle 326 of the device 321, the output of the switching output unit 319 of the device 311 is controlled to be enabled as OTG. Since the output of the switching output unit 329 of the H.321 is controlled to be disabled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged.
[0068]
As described above, in the USB connector connection device of the present invention, even if the mode setting of the USB connector connection device and the connection of the USB cable are erroneous, the signal output to the USB connector conflicts and the device is damaged. That doesn't happen.
[0069]
In order to more specifically describe the embodiment of the present invention, its operation, and advantages, an embodiment showing a specific device and a specific operation will be described below.
[0070]
(Embodiment 2)
A mobile phone 121 as another embodiment of a USB connector connection device, a USB connector connection method, a USB connector connection program, and a medium recording a USB connection program according to the present invention, and still another embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an appearance in which the printer 124 is connected by the USB cable 147.
[0071]
A mini-A plug 143 and a mini-B plug 146 are connected to both ends of the USB cable 147, respectively.
[0072]
If normal, the mini-A plug 143 is connected to the USB connector connection device set to the host mode, and the mini-B plug 146 is connected to the USB connector connection device set to the device mode.
[0073]
When the USB connector connection device is set to the OTG mode, since the OTG host mode or the OTG peripheral mode is determined by the connected mini plug, either the mini A plug 143 or the mini B plug 146 may be connected.
[0074]
In this embodiment, the USB connector connection device set to the host mode or the OTG mode is the mobile phone 121, and the USB connector connection device set to the device mode or the OTG mode is the printer.
[0075]
Therefore, if normal, the mini A plug 143 connected to the USB cable 147 is used by connecting to a mobile phone set to the host mode, and the mini B plug 146 is connected to the printer 124 set to the device mode. used. When the mobile phone 121 and the printer 124 are used in the OTG mode, it is not always determined which device the mini-A plug 143 and the mini-B plug 146 are connected to.
[0076]
The mobile phone 121 which is set to the host mode or the OTG mode and operates as a host has a display screen 133, a push button switch 135, a mini AB receptacle 131, and other components that are not necessary for explaining the present invention. It is equipped with speakers, antennas, and other components necessary for ordinary mobile phones.
[0077]
Since the mobile phone 121 is equipped with the mini-AB receptacle 131, it is possible to connect with the mini-A plug 143 or the mini-B plug 146.
[0078]
If normal, the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode as described above, the mini-A plug 143 is connected when operating as a host, and the mini-B plug 146 is connected when operating as a device. You. When the mobile phone 121 is set to the OTG mode, either the mini A plug 143 or the mini B plug 146 may be connected.
[0079]
Since the mobile phone 121 is equipped with the push button switch 135, any one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode can be switched and used by operating the push button switch 135. This switching operation can be performed while watching the contents displayed on the display screen 133.
[0080]
Whether the mobile phone 121 is currently set to the host mode, the device mode, or the OTG mode can be confirmed from the content displayed on the display screen 133 by operating the push button switch 135.
[0081]
For example, when the mobile phone 121 and the printer 124 are connected by the USB cable 147 and the information received by the mobile phone 121 is to be printed by the printer 124, the mobile phone 121 starts up and transmits the information to the printer 124. Normally, the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, and the printer 124 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode.
[0082]
However, depending on the application software, the setting is not necessarily limited to this setting, and another setting may be performed.
[0083]
Further, the mobile phone 121 is not always set to the host mode or the OTG mode. For example, image information captured by the digital camera 212 as shown in FIG. Is transmitted from the mobile phone 121 to the mobile phone 121 (not shown). When the image information is to be transmitted to another mobile phone or a personal computer, the digital camera 212 is activated and the information is transmitted to the mobile phone 121. Normally, the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, and the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode.
[0084]
The printer 124 is provided with a display screen 136, a push button switch 138, a mini AB receptacle 134, and other members that are not necessary to explain the present invention and are not described, but are necessary for an ordinary printer.
[0085]
Since the printer 124 is equipped with the mini-AB receptacle 134, the mini-A plug 143 and the mini-B plug 146 can be connected.
[0086]
If normal, the printer 124 is set to the host mode, and the mini-A plug 143 is connected when operating as a host. Conversely, the mini-B plug 146 is connected when set to the device mode and operating as a device. When the printer 124 operates in the OTG mode, it is not always determined whether the mini-A plug 143 or the mini-B plug 146 is connected.
[0087]
Since the printer 124 has the push button switch 138, any one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode can be switched and used by operating the push button switch 138. This switching operation can be performed while looking at the content displayed on the display screen 136.
[0088]
Whether the printer 124 is currently set to the host mode, the device mode, or the OTG mode can be confirmed by operating the push button switch 138 on the content displayed on the display screen 136. .
[0089]
When application software is installed in each of the mobile phone 121 and the printer 124 connected as described above and the software is started, an operation specified by the application software is executed.
[0090]
For example, if the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, and the mini A plug 143 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 131, the mobile phone 121 supplies power to the printer 124 via the USB cable 147, and In order to print information received from another mobile phone or personal computer at a remote location, the information can be transmitted to the printer 124 by application software.
[0091]
In addition, up to now, the setting of each mode of the mobile phone 121 has been described such that the user operates the push button switch 135 while watching the display screen 133. However, this application software automatically sets each mode of the mobile phone 121. The mode may be set. At this time as well, the user can confirm which mode the mobile phone 121 is currently set in, based on the contents displayed on the display screen 133 by operating the push button switch 135 by the user as described above.
[0092]
Similarly, if the printer 124 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode, and the mini-AB receptacle 134 is connected to the mini-B plug 146, the printer 124 does not supply power via the USB cable 147. Printing of various information received via the cable 147 can be performed by application software.
[0093]
The setting of each mode of the printer 124 is not necessarily limited to the method performed by the user using the push button switch 138 and the display screen 136, and may be automatically performed by application software. The fact that the user can confirm using the switch 138 and the display screen 136 is the same as that of the mobile phone 121.
[0094]
In this case, the user mistakenly connects the USB cable 147, connects the mini-B plug 146 to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121, and connects the mini-A plug 143 to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the printer 124. I do.
[0095]
As described above, since the mini-A plug 143 and the mini-B plug 146 can be connected to the mini-AB receptacles 131 and 134 (see Non-Patent Document 2), there is no possibility that such an error will occur. is there.
[0096]
In this case, for example, the result varies depending on whether the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, or whether the printer 124 is set to the device mode or the OTG.
[0097]
First, a case where the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode and the printer 124 is set to the device mode will be described.
[0098]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 146 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121 set to the host mode, the connection to the USB of the mobile phone 121 is performed according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Output is disabled and controlled.
[0099]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 143 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the printer 124 set to the device mode, the output of the printer 124 to the USB is controlled according to the switching output control shown in FIG. The suppression control is disabled.
[0100]
Therefore, the output to the USB of both of the USB-connected devices is disabled and controlled, so that there is no conflict between the outputs and the devices are damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0101]
Next, the case where the mobile phone 121 is set to the host mode and the printer 124 is set to the OTG mode will be described.
[0102]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 146 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121 set to the host mode, the connection to the USB of the mobile phone 121 is performed according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Output is disabled and controlled.
[0103]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 143 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the printer 124 set in the OTG mode, signals are input and output as the OTG host mode according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Is done.
[0104]
The printer 124 is enabled as an OTG host and further supplies power. However, since the output of the mobile phone 121 to the USB is controlled to be disabled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0105]
Next, a case where the mobile phone 121 is set to the OTG mode and the printer 124 is set to the device mode will be described.
[0106]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 146 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121 set to OTG, the signal in the OTG peripheral mode is output according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Input and output.
[0107]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 143 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the printer 124 set in the device mode, the output of the printer 124 to the USB is controlled according to the switching output control shown in FIG. The suppression control is disabled.
[0108]
The mobile phone 121 starts operating as an OTG peripheral, but the printer 124 is controlled so that output to the USB is disabled, so that output does not conflict and the device is not damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0109]
Finally, when the mobile phone 121 and the printer 124 are both set to the OTG mode, the operation starts normally regardless of the direction of the USB cable 147.
[0110]
In order to more specifically describe the embodiment of the present invention, its operation, and its advantages, an embodiment showing yet another set of specific devices and specific operations will be described below.
[0111]
(Embodiment 3)
Appearance of a state in which a mobile phone 121 as another embodiment of the USB connector connection device and the USB connector connection method according to the invention of the present application and a digital camera 212 as another embodiment are connected by a USB cable 147. Is shown in FIG.
[0112]
A mini A plug 246 and a mini B plug 243 are connected to both ends of the USB cable 147, respectively.
[0113]
If normal, the mini-A plug 246 is connected to the USB connector connecting device set to the host mode, and the mini-B plug 243 is connected to the USB connector connecting device set to the device mode.
[0114]
As described above, when the USB connector connection device is set to the OTG mode, since the OTG host mode or the OTG peripheral mode is determined by the connected mini plug, either the mini A plug 143 or the mini B plug 146 is connected. Is also good.
[0115]
In this embodiment, the USB connector connection device set to the host mode or the OTG mode is the digital camera 212, and the USB connector connection device set to the device mode or the OTG mode is the mobile phone 121.
[0116]
In this embodiment, the mobile phone 121 used in the host mode or the OTG mode in the previous embodiment is now used in the device mode or the OTG mode.
[0117]
Thus, the same one USB connector connection device may be used in the host mode or the OTG mode, or may be used in the device mode or the OTG mode.
[0118]
This is because it is determined according to the purpose of use and application, and these USB connector connection devices must be compatible with these use modes, and the application software must be used in each of these modes. Is a premise.
[0119]
If normal, the mini A plug 246 connected to the USB cable 147 is used by connecting to the digital camera 212 set to the host mode, and the mini B plug 243 is connected to the mobile phone 121 set to the device mode. Used. When the mobile phone 121 and the digital camera 212 are used in the OTG mode, it is not necessarily determined which device the mini-A plug 246 and the mini-B plug 243 are connected to.
[0120]
The digital camera 212 which is set to the host mode or the OTG mode and operates as a host includes a display screen 234, a push button switch 236, a mini AB receptacle 238, and a lens (not shown) which are not necessary for explaining the present invention. It has a viewfinder, shutter switch, and other components necessary for a normal digital camera.
[0121]
Since the digital camera 212 is equipped with the mini-AB receptacle 238, it is possible to connect with the mini-A plug 246 or the mini-B plug 243.
[0122]
If the digital camera 212 is normal, the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode as described above. When the digital camera 212 operates as a host, the mini A plug 246 is connected. When the digital camera 212 operates as a device, the mini B plug 243 is connected. You. This digital camera 212 is set to the OTG mode,
Since the digital camera 212 is equipped with the push button switch 236, any one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode can be switched and used by operating the push button switch 236. This switching operation can be performed while looking at the content displayed on the display screen 234.
[0123]
Whether the digital camera 212 is currently set to the host mode, the device mode, or the OTG mode can be confirmed by operating the push button switch 236 on the content displayed on the display screen 234. it can.
[0124]
For example, when the digital camera 212 is connected to the mobile phone 121 with a USB cable 147 and image information captured by the digital camera 212 is to be transmitted to another mobile phone or personal computer at a remote location by the mobile phone 121, the digital camera 212 is used. , The image information is transmitted to the mobile phone 121, so that the digital camera 212 is usually set to the host mode or the OTG mode, and the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode.
[0125]
However, depending on the application software, the setting is not necessarily limited to this setting, and another setting may be performed.
[0126]
The digital camera 212 is not always set to the host mode or the OTG mode, as in the case of the mobile phone 121 described above.
[0127]
When application software is installed in each of the digital camera 212 and the mobile phone 121 connected as described above, and the software is started, an operation specified by the application software is executed.
[0128]
For example, if the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, and the mini A plug 246 is connected to the mini AB receptacle 238, the digital camera 212 supplies power to the mobile phone 121 via the USB cable 147, and In order to transmit image information taken by the user to another mobile phone or personal computer at a remote location, the information can be transmitted to the mobile phone 121 by application software.
[0129]
Until now, the setting of each mode of the digital camera 212 has been described as being performed by the user by operating the push button switch 236 while looking at the display screen 234, but this application software automatically sets each mode of the digital camera 212. Settings may be made. Also at this time, the user can confirm which mode the digital camera 212 is currently set in, as described above, by operating the push button switch 236 and displaying the content on the display screen 234.
[0130]
Similarly, if the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode, and the mini-AB plug 131 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131, the mobile phone 121 does not supply power via the USB cable 147. For example, transmission and reception of various information transmitted and received via the USB cable 147 can be performed by application software.
[0131]
Here, if the user connects the USB cable 147 incorrectly, the user connects the mini-B plug 243 to the mini-AB receptacle 238 of the digital camera 212 and connects the mini-A plug 246 to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121. Suppose.
[0132]
As described above, both the mini-A plug 246 and the mini-B plug 243 can be connected to the mini-AB receptacles 131 and 238 (see Non-Patent Document 2). is there.
[0133]
In this case, for example, the result changes depending on whether the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode or the OTG mode, or whether the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode or the OTG mode. come.
[0134]
First, a case where the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode and the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode will be described.
[0135]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 243 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 238 of the digital camera 212 set to the host mode, the connection to the USB of the digital camera 212 is performed according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Output is disabled and controlled.
[0136]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 246 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the mobile phone 121 set to the device mode, the mobile phone 121 is connected to the USB according to the switching output control shown in FIG. The output is also suppressed and controlled to be disabled.
[0137]
Therefore, the output to the USB of both of the USB-connected devices is suppressed to be disabled, so that there is no conflict between the outputs and the device is damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0138]
Next, a case where the digital camera 212 is set to the host mode and the mobile phone 121 is set to the OTG mode will be described.
[0139]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 146 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the digital camera 212 set to the host mode, the connection to the USB of the digital camera 212 is performed according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Output is disabled and controlled.
[0140]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 143 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the mobile phone 121 set to the OTG mode, a signal is input as the OTG host mode according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Is output.
[0141]
The mobile phone 121 is enabled as an OTG host and further supplies power. However, since the digital camera 212 is controlled so that the output to the USB is disabled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0142]
Next, a case where the digital camera 212 is set to the OTG mode and the mobile phone 121 is set to the device mode will be described.
[0143]
In this case, when the mini-B plug 146 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 131 of the digital camera 212 set to OTG, the signal in the OTG peripheral mode is output according to the switching output control shown in FIG. Input and output.
[0144]
Similarly, since the mini-A plug 143 of the USB cable 147 is connected to the mini-AB receptacle 134 of the mobile phone 121 set to the device mode, the mobile phone 121 is connected to the USB according to the switching output control shown in FIG. The output is disabled and controlled.
[0145]
The digital camera 212 starts operating as an OTG peripheral, but since the output to the USB of the mobile phone 121 is disabled and controlled, the output does not conflict and the device is not damaged. Naturally, there is no conflict between power supplies and damage to the device.
[0146]
Finally, when the digital camera 212 and the mobile phone 121 are both set to the OTG mode, the operation starts normally regardless of the direction of the USB cable 147.
[0147]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the USB connector connection device, the USB connector connection method, the USB connector connection program, and the medium on which the program is recorded according to the present invention, the USB for connecting each USB connector connection device to transmit and receive data. If the cable plug is mistakenly connected to the receptacle of each device, it automatically determines the incorrect connection and suppresses the signal and power supply to the USB connector. In addition, it is possible to prevent collision and prevent the USB connector connection device to which an incorrect connection has been made from being damaged, and the effect is extremely effective.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention and a state where the block configuration is connected with a USB cable.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state of output control performed on a switching output unit by a control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a mode setting and an incorrect connection example of a USB cable plug according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance in which a mobile phone according to another embodiment of the present invention and a printer according to still another embodiment are connected by a USB cable.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an appearance in which a mobile phone according to another embodiment of the present invention and a digital camera according to still another embodiment are connected by a USB cable.
[Explanation of symbols]
121 mobile phone
124 printer
131 mini AB receptacle
133 display screen
134 mini AB receptacle
135 push button switch
136 Display screen
138 push button switch
143 mini A plug
146 mini B plug
147 USB cable
212 Digital Camera
234 Display screen
236 push button switch
238 mini AB receptacle
243 mini B plug
246 mini A plug
311 device (USB connector connection device)
312 Connection plug judgment unit
313 Host mode operation unit
314 control unit
315 Device mode operation section
316 mini AB receptacle
317 OTG mode operation section
318 mini A plug
319 Switching output unit
321 device (USB connector connection device)
322 connection plug judgment unit
323 Host mode operation unit
324 control unit
325 Device mode operation section
326 mini AB receptacle
327 OTG mode operation section
328 mini B plug
329 Switching output unit
330 USB cable

Claims (8)

Means for setting to a host mode, a device mode, or an OTG mode;
USB connector connection means that can be connected to either a mini-A or mini-B USB connector,
Means for judging whether a USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means,
Suppressing all or a part of the output to the USB connector connection means according to the mode set by the setting means and the USB connector determined by the determination means,
USB connector connection device. When the setting means sets the host mode and the judging means judges that the mini-B of the USB connector is connected, and when the setting means sets the device mode and the judging means judges the USB connector. When it is determined that the mini-A is connected, all or a part of the output to the USB connector connection unit is suppressed.
The USB connector connection device according to claim 1. Host mode operating means for performing the host mode;
Device mode operation means for performing the device mode;
OTG mode operation means for performing the OTG mode;
First control means for controlling a signal between the host mode operation means, the device mode operation means, the OTG mode operation means, and the USB connector connection means; and the host mode in accordance with a mode set by the setting means. Second control means for controlling one or more of an operation means, the device mode operation means, the OTG mode operation means, and the first control means;
The USB connector connection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The means for determining whether the mini-A of the USB connector is connected to the USB connector connection means or the mini-B is connected depends on whether the mini-A of the USB connector is connected or the mini-B is connected according to the signal of the ID pin of the USB connector. Means to determine
The USB connector connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. All or a part of the output to the suppressed USB connector connection unit includes power supply to USB.
The USB connector connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A procedure for setting to any of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode;
A procedure for determining whether the USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means;
A step of suppressing all or a part of the output to the USB connector connection unit according to the mode set by the procedure for setting the mode and the USB connector determined by the determining procedure.
USB connector connection method. Setting the mode to one of the host mode, the device mode, and the OTG mode;
Determining whether the USB connector mini-A or mini-B is connected to the USB connector connection means;
Suppressing the whole or a part of the output to the USB connector connecting means according to the mode set by the step of setting the mode and the USB connector determined by the determining step.
USB connector connection program. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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