JP2023160388A - Information processing device and control method for information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a control method for the information processing device that can achieve seamless PC cooperation with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment includes: a determination unit that determines whether a device connected via a type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable is a device type capable of PC cooperation based on at least the presence or absence of power delivery support among the presence or absence of the power delivery support, the presence or absence of a USB communication function, and the presence or absence of an E marker; and an interface switching unit that switches an interface to a PC cooperation interface when the device type is a device capable of PC cooperation based on a determination result of the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a method of controlling the information processing device.

Desktop-type, laptop-type, tablet-type PCs (hereinafter referred to as PC terminals), which have become widely used in recent years, have USB Type-A and USB Type-C interfaces as standard.

In addition, with the recent expansion of telework styles, there are many cases in which a person has multiple mobile devices (one for stationary and one for mobile, etc.). Since each PC terminal operates independently, screen expansion and file sharing require the construction of a network environment or a separate device such as an external monitor or USB memory. To compensate for this, it is possible to connect the USB hosts between PC terminals with a dedicated cable to use one PC terminal as a monitor, and also to enable sharing of files and keyboard/mouse operations (hereinafter referred to as PC linkage). Commercially available devices exist.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184296

As mentioned above, in order to realize PC cooperation, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated cable, and even users who have multiple terminals cannot immediately perform PC cooperation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a control method for the information processing device that can seamlessly realize PC cooperation with a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing apparatus of the embodiment is configured to determine whether devices connected via a Type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable are compatible with power delivery, have a USB communication function, and have an E marker. a determination unit that determines whether the device type is compatible with a PC based on at least whether it supports power delivery; and a determination unit that determines whether the device type is compatible with a PC based on the determination result of the determination unit. In some cases, it includes an interface switching unit that switches the interface to the PC cooperation interface.

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that the device is a device that can be linked to a PC when the device is not compatible with the power delivery and no connection of a USB device is detected to the USB port of the CPU. You may do so.

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that if the device supports power delivery, the power source is a power receiving side, and the USB communication function is not provided, the device is a power delivery compatible AC adapter. , it may be determined that it is a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power feeding side) or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power feeding side).

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that if the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the USB communication function is not provided, the device is Type-C to HDMI. (registered trademark) dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable without an E marker as the general-purpose USB cable.

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that a normal USB device is connected when the device is not compatible with the power delivery and connection of a USB device is detected to the USB port of the CPU. It may be determined.

In an information processing device to which devices can be connected via a Type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable, the method of controlling the information processing device is based on whether or not the connected device supports power delivery, and the USB communication function. A process of determining whether the device type is compatible with a PC based on at least the presence or absence of power delivery support among the presence/absence of the E marker and the presence/absence of an E marker; If the device type is a device that can be linked to a PC, a step of switching the interface to a PC linking interface;
Equipped with

According to the above aspect of the present invention, seamless PC cooperation can be performed with a simple configuration that connects via a general-purpose USB cable or the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a processing flowchart of device discrimination processing when a device is connected. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence between detection states and types of connected devices.

Embodiments of the present relay device and information processing system will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in the embodiments. That is, this embodiment can be modified and implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. Furthermore, each figure is not intended to include only the constituent elements shown in the figure, but may include other functions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
The information processing device 10 includes a Type-C connector 11, an I/F switch 12, a Type-C I/F controller 13, a PC link controller 14, an embedded controller 15, and a Type-C power It includes a delivery controller 16, an SPI ROM BIOS 17, and a CPU 18.

The Type-C connector 11 is a connector that complies with the connector standard established in the USB3.1 standard.
The I/F switch 12 switches to either a Type-C interface (I/F) or a USB3 interface (I/F) under the control of the built-in controller 15.

The Type-C I/F controller 13 controls the Type-C interface operation of the device DV connected to the Type-C connector 11.
Specifically, it performs interface operations corresponding to native functions such as DP-Alt, TBT, and USB4.

The PC link controller 14 controls the USB3 interface operation of the device DV connected to the Type-C connector 11.
Specifically, it performs an interface operation corresponding to the host-to-host bridge function that connects USB hosts.

The built-in controller 15 controls the I/F switch 12 and the Type-C power delivery controller 16 under the control of the CPU 18.
The Type-C power delivery controller 16 performs power delivery control under the control of the built-in controller 15.

The SPI ROM BIOS 17 is connected to the CPU 18 and the embedded controller 15 via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program.
The CPU 18 has a Type-C port corresponding to a Type-C interface and a USB3 port corresponding to a USB3 interface, and controls the device DV and the entire information processing apparatus 10 via these.

The USB Type-C interface has native functions such as USB3/DP-Alt (DisplayPort over alternate mode)/PD.

In this case, CC communication is performed with the device DV connected to the Type-C connector 11, and the role of supplying/receiving power is also determined by communication using the CC line. When switching from Native function to PC linkage, it is necessary to switch to the I/F to the line to which the PC linkage controller (Host to Host Bridge) is connected.
By switching this interface (I/F), USB connection between PC hosts is established by the PC cooperation controller, and the SWs between the PC terminals can operate the PC cooperation function.

Here, prior to a detailed description of the embodiments, problems with conventional interface switching methods will be described.
In the flow up to operating the PC cooperation described above, there were issues regarding the timing and conditions for switching the interface.
This will be explained in detail below.

(A) First correspondence example When a device DV is connected, the I/F switch is notified of device DV detection, and upon receiving the notification, the I/F switch attempts PC cooperation communication.
Then, if PC cooperation communication cannot be established, switch from USB3 to Type-C I/F.

In the case of the first correspondence example, when a normal Type-C device DV is connected, it takes a long time to recognize the device DV, so there is a possibility that requirements such as the OS may be violated.

(B) Second correspondence example Switching from Type-C to USB3 I/F is performed by user operation.
When the device DV is connected, the SW is notified that the device DV has been detected, and upon receiving the notification, the interface switching SW displays a user interface asking the user whether to enable PC cooperation or not, and prompts the user for an instruction.

As a result, when there is an instruction from the user to enable PC cooperation, switching from Type-C to USB3 I/F is performed and PC cooperation communication is started.
In the case of this second response example, a user action is required to start PC linkage, and the connection time from the user action to the start of PC linkage takes several tens of seconds, which may cause user stress. Ta.

In addition, when connecting a device DV, the device DV type is determined, and if the device DV (PC terminal) is intended for PC cooperation, it seamlessly switches from Type-C to USB3 I/F and starts PC cooperation communication. However, in the past, there was a problem in determining the type of device DV connected to the Type-C connector.

Therefore, the present embodiment proposes a configuration for providing an information processing apparatus that can automatically determine whether or not a device DV for the purpose of PC cooperation is connected when a device DV is connected. .

Next, the operation when the device DV is connected according to the embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a processing flowchart of device DV determination processing when a device DV is connected.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the correspondence between the detection state and the type of connected device DV.
First, the device DV is connected to the Type-C connector 11.
When the Type-C I/F controller 13 detects that the device DV is connected to the Type-C connector 11, the Type-C I/F controller 13 determines whether a hot plug is detected after a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed. is determined (step S11).

If a hot plug is detected in step S11 (step S11; Yes), the Type-C I/F controller 13 determines that the device DV is an external monitor and sends a hot plug to the embedded controller 15. Detection is notified and the process ends (step S25).

In the judgment in step S11, if the hot plug cannot be detected (step S11; No), the Type-C power delivery controller communicates via the CC (Configuration Channel) I/F and uses the USB power delivery standard. (PD standard) compatibility, the presence or absence of a USB communication function, and the information on whether the connection cable is equipped with an E marker is acquired (step S12).

Here, the USB power delivery standard is a power supply standard compatible with the USB Type-C connector 11, and allows a maximum of 100 W of power to be supplied via the USB Type-C connector 11.
Further, the USB communication function is to perform data communication via a USB terminal.

Furthermore, the E-marker is an IC chip built into a USB Type-C cable that supports USB 3.1 or higher, and specification data such as cable manufacturer information and current carrying capacity are registered. When transmitting power in accordance with the USB power delivery standard, optimal power control is performed by taking into consideration the information read from the E marker in this cable, which is the intermediate path, and the status of the power transmitting and receiving devices. It is becoming more and more popular.

Next, the Type-C power delivery controller determines whether the device DV complies with the PD standard based on the result of the communication in step S12 (step S13).
In the determination in step S13, if the device DV complies with the PD standard (step S13; Yes), the Type-C power delivery controller determines whether the power source is the power receiving side (step S14).

In the judgment in step S14, if the power source is the power receiving side (sink) (step S14; Yes), the Type-C power delivery controller determines whether the device DV is connected to USB communication based on the communication result in step S12. It is determined whether or not it has the function (step S15).

In the judgment in step S15, if the device DV does not have a USB communication function (step S15; No), the Type-C power delivery controller determines that the type of the connected device DV is a power delivery compatible AC adapter, The embedded controller 15 is notified that it is either a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power supply side) or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power supply side), and the process ends (step S16).

In the judgment in step S14, if the device DV is compatible with the PD standard and the power source is the power supply side (Source) (step S14; No), the Type-C power delivery controller performs the communication in step S12. Based on the result, it is determined whether the device DV is equipped with an E marker (step S17).

In the judgment in step S17, if the device DV is not equipped with an E marker (step S17; No), the Type-C power delivery controller determines that the type of the connected device DV is Type-C to HDMI dongle, Alternatively, since the device DV is connected by another cable not equipped with an E marker, the built-in controller 15 is notified of this and the process is ended (step S18).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the device DV does not comply with the PD standard (step S13; No), and if it is determined in step S15 that the device DV has a USB communication function (step S15; ; Yes), or if it is determined in step S17 that the E marker is installed (step S17; Yes), the Type-C power delivery controller makes one of these determinations. The built-in controller 15 is notified of this fact.

Then, the Type-C power delivery controller notifies the BIOS via the SPI I/F that the device DV has been detected, and the BIOS notifies the I/F switch 12 that the device DV has been detected (connection event ) (step S19).

Thereby, the I/F switch 12 determines whether a device DV is detected in the target CPU USB port on the OS (step S20).
In the judgment in step S20, if a USB device DV is detected (step S20; Yes), the I/F switch 12 determines that the type of the connected device DV is a normal USB device DV and ends the process. (Step S24).

In the judgment in step S20, if the USB device DV is not detected (step S20; No), the I/F switch 12 issues an I/F switching instruction to the embedded controller 15 via the BIOS (step S21).

The embedded controller 15, which has received the I/F switching instruction, uses GPIO to switch the I/F switch (step S22), and the type of the connected device DV is a PC terminal or an AC that does not support power delivery. It is assumed that the adapter is a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power receiving side) (step S23).

This switches to the I/F on the PC link controller 14 side, making it possible to start simultaneous communication between PC terminals.

Note that the same process will be performed even if the type of the actually connected device DV is an AC adapter that does not support power delivery or a mobile battery that supports power delivery (power receiving side), but the PC link controller 14 side Switching to the I/F does not affect the actual operation, so no problems occur, and when the user connects a PC terminal to the Type-C connector 11, the function can be switched seamlessly, making it easier to use. There is no doubt that it will improve.

As explained above, seamless function switching is achieved by automatic detection of device type for Type-C connectors that exclusively have Type-C native functions and USB host-to-host bridge functions. I can do it.
According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, almost all Type-C device types can be excluded except for PC terminals.

As mentioned above, interfaces are switched for AC adapters that do not support power delivery, as well as for mobile batteries that support power delivery and are on the power receiving side (sink). device, and will not be affected by interface switching.

Furthermore, most mobile batteries these days have a try source function that actively tries to become a power source, so there is no real harm to them.

Regarding the above embodiment, further other aspects will be described.
[1] First Other Aspect The information processing apparatus according to the first other aspect of the embodiment determines the device type of the device connected via the Type-C connector and the general-purpose USB cable, depending on whether the device is compatible with power delivery or not. a determination unit that determines whether the device type is compatible with a PC based on at least the presence or absence of power delivery support among the presence/absence of a USB communication function, and the presence or absence of an E marker; and a determination result of the determination unit. and an interface switching unit that switches the interface to a PC cooperation interface when the device type is a device that can cooperate with a PC based on the information processing apparatus.
According to the above configuration, the determination unit determines the device type of the device connected via the Type-C connector and the general-purpose USB cable at least among the following: power delivery support, USB communication function, and E marker. The interface switching unit determines whether or not the device type is compatible with a PC based on whether or not it supports power delivery, and the interface switching unit determines whether the device type is a device compatible with a PC based on the determination result of the determination unit. Since the interface is switched to the PC cooperation interface, PC cooperation can be realized seamlessly.

[2] Second Other Aspect In the information processing apparatus according to the second other aspect of the embodiment, the determination unit determines that the device is not compatible with the power delivery, and that a USB device is not connected to the USB port of the CPU. If no connection is detected, it is determined that the device is capable of PC cooperation, so it is possible to seamlessly determine that the device is capable of PC cooperation and realize PC cooperation.

[3] Third Other Aspect In the information processing apparatus according to the third other aspect of the embodiment, the determination unit is configured such that the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the If the device does not have a USB communication function, it is determined that the device is a power delivery compatible AC adapter, a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power supply side), or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power supply side), so it is seamless. Processing can be performed assuming that the device is either a power delivery compatible AC adapter, a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power feeding side), or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power feeding side).

[4] Fourth Other Aspect In the information processing apparatus according to the fourth other aspect of the embodiment, the determination unit is configured such that the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the If the device does not have a USB communication function, it is determined that the device is a Type-C to HDMI dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable not equipped with an E marker as the general-purpose USB cable. Therefore, it can be seamlessly determined that the device is a Type-C to HDMI dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable without an E marker as a general-purpose USB cable, and control suitable for these can be performed.

[5] Fifth Other Aspect In the information processing apparatus according to the fifth other aspect of the embodiment, the determination unit determines that the device is not compatible with the power delivery, and that the USB device is not connected to the USB port of the CPU. If a connection is detected, it is determined that a normal USB device is connected, so that processing corresponding to the connected USB device can be performed reliably.

[6] Sixth Other Aspect The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the sixth other aspect of the embodiment is executed in an information processing apparatus to which a device can be connected via a Type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable. A control method for an information processing apparatus, the device type of a connected device being determined based on at least whether or not it supports power delivery, out of whether or not it supports power delivery, whether or not it has a USB communication function, and whether or not it has an E marker. a process of determining whether or not PC cooperation is possible, and switching the interface to a PC cooperation interface when the device type is a device capable of PC cooperation based on the determination result of whether or not PC cooperation is possible; The device type of the device connected via the Type-C connector and the general-purpose USB cable can be determined by at least one of the following: whether it supports power delivery, whether it has a USB communication function, and whether it has an E marker. Based on the presence or absence of , it is determined whether the device type is compatible with PC cooperation or not, and based on the determination result, if the device type is a device capable of PC cooperation, the interface is switched to the PC cooperation interface. It is possible to seamlessly link PCs.

[7] Seventh Other Aspect In the method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the seventh other aspect of the embodiment, the device is not compatible with the power delivery, and the USB device is not connected to the USB port of the CPU. If the device is not detected, it is determined that the device is capable of PC cooperation, so it is possible to seamlessly determine that the device is capable of PC cooperation and realize PC cooperation.

[8] Eighth Other Aspect In the method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the eighth other aspect of the embodiment, the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the USB communication If the device does not have this function, it is determined that the device is a power delivery compatible AC adapter, a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power supply side), or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power supply side), so the device is seamlessly connected. , a power delivery compatible AC adapter, a power delivery compatible mobile battery (power feeding side), or a power delivery compatible mobile display (power feeding side).

[9] Ninth Other Aspect In the method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the ninth other aspect of the embodiment, the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the USB communication If the device does not have the function, it is determined that the device is a Type-C to HDMI dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable not equipped with an E marker as the general-purpose USB cable. It can be seamlessly determined that the device is a Type-C to HDMI dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable without an E marker as a general-purpose USB cable, and control suitable for these can be performed.

[10] Tenth Other Aspect In the method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the tenth other aspect of the embodiment, the device is not compatible with the power delivery, and the USB device is not connected to the USB port of the CPU. If detected, it is determined that a normal USB device is connected, so that processing corresponding to the connected USB device can be performed reliably.

10 Information processing device 11 Type-C connector 12 I/F switch (interface switching unit)
13 Type-C I/F controller 14 PC link controller 15 Embedded controller (discrimination unit)
16 Type-C power delivery controller (discrimination section)
17 SPI ROM BIOS
18 CPUs

In order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment determines whether a device connected via a Type-C connector is compatible with power delivery, whether it has a USB communication function, and whether it has an E A determination unit that determines whether or not the device type is compatible with a PC based on at least the presence or absence of a marker and whether or not it supports power delivery; and the determination unit determines whether the device type is not compatible with the power delivery. and an interface switching unit that switches the interface to a PC cooperation interface when it is determined that the device is compatible with PC cooperation when no connection of the USB device is detected to the USB port of the CPU.

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that if the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power supply side, and the E marker is not provided, the device is Type-C to HDMI ( (registered trademark) dongle, or that the device is connected via a cable on which the E marker is not installed .

In the information processing apparatus, the determination unit determines that if the device is not compatible with the power delivery and connection of a USB device to the USB port of the CPU is detected, a USB device that cannot be linked to a PC is connected. It may also be possible to determine if the

A control method for an information processing apparatus that is executed in an information processing apparatus to which a device can be connected via a Type-C connector. A process of determining whether or not the device type is compatible with a PC based on at least the presence or absence of power delivery support among the presence or absence of a communication function and the presence or absence of an E marker; is not compatible with the power delivery and no USB device is detected connected to the USB port of the CPU, and if it is determined that the device is compatible with PC cooperation, the process of switching the interface to the PC cooperation interface . , is provided.

Claims (6)

For devices connected via a Type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable, PC linkage is determined based on at least whether the device supports power delivery, whether it supports power delivery, whether it has a USB communication function, and whether it has an E marker. a determination unit that determines whether the device type is a possible device type;
an interface switching unit that switches the interface to a PC cooperation interface when the device type is a device that can cooperate with a PC based on a determination result of the determination unit;
An information processing device equipped with The determination unit determines that the device is a device that can be linked to a PC when the device is not compatible with the power delivery and no connection of a USB device is detected to the USB port of the CPU.
The information processing device according to claim 1. When the device supports power delivery, the power source is the power receiving side, and the USB communication function is not provided, the determination unit determines whether the device is a power delivery compatible AC adapter or a power delivery compatible mobile battery. (power supply side) or determines that it is a power delivery compatible mobile display (power supply side),
The information processing device according to claim 1. The determination unit determines that if the device supports power delivery, the power source is a power receiving side, and does not have the USB communication function, the device is a Type-C to HDMI dongle, or determining that the device is connected via a cable not equipped with an E marker as the general-purpose USB cable;
The information processing device according to claim 1. The determination unit determines that a normal USB device is connected when the device is not compatible with the power delivery and connection of a USB device to the USB port of the CPU is detected.
The information processing device according to claim 1. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus executed in an information processing apparatus to which a device can be connected via a Type-C connector and a general-purpose USB cable, the method comprising:
Determine whether or not the connected device is a device type that can be linked to a PC based on at least whether it supports power delivery among the following: whether it supports power delivery, whether it has a USB communication function, and whether it has an E marker. The process of
a step of switching the interface to a PC cooperation interface when the device type is a device capable of PC cooperation based on a determination result as to whether or not the PC cooperation is possible;
A method for controlling an information processing device.

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