JP2001042975A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the power consumption of an information processor without breaking necessary data transfer. SOLUTION: The power supply to a physical layer 101-d is cut off according to the outputs of detection parts 33 to 35 which detect whether or not other processors are connected to connectors 102-d, 103-d, and 104-d of the information processor through an IEEE1394 cable and a power-down setting part which detects whether or not the information process or is in the power-down state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus having an IEEE 1394 interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Information processing apparatuses for handling digital data,
For example, a personal computer or STB (Set Top
Box) as an interface to interconnect
There is "IEEE1394 High Performance Serial Bus" (hereinafter abbreviated as IEEE1394).

[0003] IEEE 1394 has two types of data transfer modes. One is an asynchronous (Asynchronous) transfer mode used for normal data transfer, and a synchronous (Isochronous) transfer mode in which data transfer is guaranteed within a predetermined time (for example, 125 microseconds). For example, in a multimedia system, the asynchronous transfer mode is used for transfer of a command or the like in which the time delay of transfer is not a problem, and the synchronous transfer mode is used for transfer of moving image or audio data in which a time delay is a problem.

FIG. 3 shows a case where a plurality of information processing apparatuses are IEEE1
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a connection example in the case where they are connected to each other via 394. As shown in this figure, the IEEE 1394 interface of each of the information processing apparatuses 1-4 is a physical (P)
HY) Layers 1-a to 4-a and Link (LINK) Layer 1-b
To 4-b. The information processing device 1
Are connected by IEEE1394 cables 5-9. Here, the physical layers 1-a to 4-a determine the encoding method of the serial signal and the electrical specification of the signal. Also, the link layers 1-b to 4-b
A protocol for low-level processing such as reading and writing is defined. Usually, these physical layers 1-a to 4-a and link layers 1-b to 4-b
Are dedicated LSIs (Large Scale Integrated
Circuit).

In IEEE 1394, the physical layers 1-a to 4
If only the portion -a is activated, a repeater operation of transmitting a packet received from one port to another port as it is can be performed.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of an IEEE 1394 cable. In the IEEE 1394 cable, not only the signal lines 10 and 11 but also the power cables 12 and 13 are incorporated. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the IEEE 1394 connector is viewed from the insertion port side.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
94 has a power supply mechanism. When a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to each other, the power of some of the information processing apparatuses is turned off, and the power of the information processing apparatuses is directly turned off. Even when power is not supplied to the physical layer, power can be supplied from another information processing device via the power cable to the physical layer of the information processing device in the OFF state, so that information can be transmitted. It has become.

FIG. 6 shows a case where a plurality of information processing apparatuses are IEEE1
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection example different from FIG. 3 in a case where the connection is made via 394; In the connection example shown in FIG. 6A, the information processing apparatuses 100-b and 100
-C is an intermediate node. On the other hand, the information processing apparatuses 100-a and 100-d are end nodes. Then, the information processing apparatuses 100-b and 100-d are in a power-down state, and the information processing apparatuses 100-a and 100-c are in a non-power-down state. Information processing device 1 in power down state
00-b and the physical layer 101- of the information processing apparatus 100-d
b and 101d are IEEE 1394 cables 50 to 52
Information processing apparatus 100-a in a non-power-down state via
Alternatively, since the power is supplied from the information processing device 100-c, the power is on. The physical layer 101-b of the information processing device 100-b is a non-power-down information processing device 1
The power supply is used effectively because it is used for communication between 00-a and the information processing device 100-c. However, the physical layer 101-d of the information processing device 100-d has no IEEE 1394 cable connected thereto other than the connection terminal 102-d, and the physical layer 101-d is in a power down state because the information processing device 100-d is in a power down state. Unnecessary power will be consumed.

In the connection example of FIG. 6B, the information processing device 100-b is an intermediate node, and the information processing devices 100-a and 100-c are end nodes. I have. On the other hand, the information processing device 100-d is an isolated node. The information processing device 100-d is in a non-power-down state, and although the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to the physical layer 101-d of the information processing device 100-d at all, power is supplied from the power supply of the information processing device 100-d itself. Is supplied, the physical layer 101-d consumes useless power.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Conventional two or more IEs
An information processing device having an EE1394 connector uses an IEEE standard.
Depending on the combination of the connection state of the IEEE 1394 cable to the E1394 connector and the power-down state of the information processing device, the physical layer of the information processing device may consume wasteful power. Was.

Therefore, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus IEEE
The connection state of the IEEE 1394 cable to the 1394 connector is detected, and it is determined from the combination of the connection state and the power down state of the information device. An object is to provide an information processing device that does not consume power.

[0012]

As means for achieving the above object, two or more IEEE1394 connection terminals 1 are provided.
In an information processing apparatus 100d including an IEEE 1394 interface having 02-d to 104-d, a power down that sets whether the information processing apparatus 100d is in a power down state or a non-power down state Setting means 30 and the two or more IEEE
IEEE to the E1394 connection terminals 102-d to 104-d
Whether or not the 1394 cables 52 and 53 are connected is determined by the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals 102-d to
Connection detection means 33 to 35 for each of the 104d, a power on / off means 32 for connecting or disconnecting a power line to the physical layer 101-d of the information processing apparatus 100d, a setting state of the power down setting means 30, The power on / off means 3 according to the detection results of the connection detection means 33 to 35
2. An information processing apparatus comprising:

The control means 31 determines that the connection detecting means 33 to 35 is one of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals 102-d to 104-d.
When it is detected that the IEEE 1394 cable is connected only to the 394 connection terminal, and the setting of the power-down setting means 30 is a power-down state, the power on / off means 32 is used to physically operate the information processing apparatus 100d. An information processing device is provided in which a power supply line to a layer 101-d is cut off.

Further, the control means 31 determines that the connection detecting means 33 to 35 is one of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals 102-d to 104-d.
When it is detected that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected only to the 394 connection terminal and the setting of the power-down setting means 30 is a non-power-down state, the information processing apparatus 100d is used by using the power on / off means 32.
An information processing apparatus characterized in that a power line is connected to the physical layer 101-d.

Still further, the control means 31 may be arranged such that the connection detection means 33 to 35 are connected to the two or more IEEE1394
All of the connection terminals 102-d to 104-d are IEEE
When it is detected that the IEEE1394 cable is not connected to the E1394 connection terminal, the physical layer 10 of the information processing apparatus 100d is used by using the power on / off means 32.
There is provided an information processing apparatus characterized in that a power supply line to 1-d is cut off.

Further, the control means 31 may be arranged such that the connection detecting means 33 to 35 are connected to the two or more IEEE1394
Of the connection terminals 102-d to 104-d, two or more I
When it is detected that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to the IEEE 1394 connection terminal, the physical layer 101 of the information processing apparatus 100d is used by using the power on / off unit 32 regardless of the setting of the power down setting unit 30.
An information processing apparatus characterized in that a power supply line to -d is connected.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the same components as those of the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is partially omitted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the power of the physical layer 101-d of the information processing device 100-d is off. 1B, the physical layer 101-d of the information processing apparatus 100-d is powered off.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example around the physical layer 101-d of the information processing apparatus 100-d. The power-down setting unit 30 outputs a power-down state signal 45 according to the power state of the information processing device 100-d.
The connection detection units 33 to 35 are connectors 102-d to 104
It is detected whether or not an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to -d, and connection state signals 36 to 38 indicating the connection state are detected.
Is output.

The controller 31 outputs a power on / off signal 46 for instructing connection or disconnection based on the connection state signals 36 to 38 and the power down state signal 45.

The switch section 32 has a power on / off signal 46.
According to the state, the power supply line 43 is disconnected and connected to the physical layer 101-d.

The diode 47 is provided between the information processing apparatus 100 and the power supply supplied via the IEEE 1394 cable.
When the voltage of the power supply of the information processing apparatus 100-d is high, the power supply of the information processing apparatus 100-d is switched to the physical layer 101-d and the IEEE
Power is supplied to the physical layer of the information processing device to which the E1394 cable is connected. Conversely, if the voltage of the power supply of the information processing device 100-d is lower than the power supply supplied via the IEEE 1394 cable, the information processing device 100-d is turned off to protect the power supply of the information processing device 100-d. Then, the physical layer 101-
d is supplied with power from an IEEE 1394 cable.

FIG. 2A shows the information processing apparatus 100.
-D three connectors 102-d, 103-d, 104
FIG. 2B shows a case where the IEEE 1394 cable 52 is connected only to 102-d of FIG.
Three connectors 102-d of the information processing device 100-d,
102-d and 104- of 103-d and 104-d
The case where the dIEEE 1394 cables 52 and 53 are connected is shown.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the connection detection unit 35 described above. Note that the connection detection units 33 and 34
Are similarly configured. Here, the receptacle 61 and the lever 62 are sectional views. The connection detection units 33 to 35
It comprises an IEEE 1394 connector receptacle 61, a switch 60, a lever 62, and a resistor 66. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state where the plug 63 of the IEEE 1394 cable 53 is not inserted into the receptacle 61.

The lever 62 is a leaf spring, and is bent toward the inside of the receptacle 61 when the plug 63 is not inserted into the receptacle 61. The switch 60 is interlocked with the lever 62, and is turned off when the lever 62 is bent toward the inside of the receptacle. Note that one terminal of the switch 60 is grounded, and the other terminal is connected to a power supply via a resistor 66. For this reason, the connection state signal 38 attains the H level in the cutoff state. Therefore, IEEE 1394
A connection state signal 38 indicating that the cable 53 is not connected and indicating that the cable 53 is not connected (H level).
Can be output.

FIG. 7B shows an IEEE1394 cable 5.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where a third plug 63 is inserted into the receptacle 61.

The lever 62 is a leaf spring and is pushed up toward the outside of the receptacle 61 when the plug 63 is inserted into the receptacle 61. Switch 6
0 is linked with the lever 62, and when the lever 62 is pushed up toward the outside of the receptacle 61, the connection state is established. One terminal of the switch 60 is grounded, and the other terminal is connected to a power supply via a resistor 66. Therefore, when the connection state is established, the connection state signal 38 becomes L level. Therefore, the IEEE 1394 cable 5
3 can be detected, and a connection state signal 38 indicating that the connection state is low (L level) can be output.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the control unit 31. The control unit 31 has two inputs and one inverted input AND70.
~ 72, 3-input OR73, 1 input, 1 inverted input AND7
It is composed of a 4-input AND 75 and a 2-input OR. In this configuration example, the connection state signals 36 to 38 are L level for the connection state, H level for the non-connection state, power down state signal 45 is the L level for the power down state, H level for the non-power down state, and power on / off. The signal 46 indicates a connection instruction at an L level and a cutoff instruction at an H level.

When all of the connection state signals 36 to 38 are at the H level (unconnected state), all of the two-input / one-inversion inputs AND 70 to 72 are at the L level, and the three-input AND
75 outputs the H level. Next, the 3-input OR 73 is
Since all the two-input and one-inverted inputs AND70 to 72 are at the L level, the L level is output. At this time, regardless of the state of the power-down state signal 45, the one-input one-inversion input AN
D74 outputs L level. The 2-input OR 76 has a 1-input 1-inverted input AND 74 at L level and a 3-input AND 75
Is at the H level, the power on / off signal 46 at the H level (interruption instruction) is output.

When any one of the connection state signals 36 to 38 is at the L level (connection state) and the other connection state signals are at the H level (unconnected state), two inputs and one inverted input AND 70 to 72 are provided. , And the 3-input AND 75 outputs an L level. Next, a 3-input OR7
No. 3 outputs an H level even if any of the input 1 inverting inputs AND 70 to 72 becomes an H level. At this time, if the power down state signal 45 is at the L level (power down state), the one-input / one-inverted input AND74 outputs the H level. The two-input OR 76 is a one-input one-inverted input AND7.
Reference numeral 4 denotes an H level, and since the three-input AND 75 is at an L level, the power on / off signal 46 at an H level (interruption instruction) is output.

When one of the connection state signals 36 to 38 is at the L level (connection state) and the other connection state signals are at the H level (unconnected state), two inputs and one inverted input AND 70 to 72 are provided. , And the 3-input AND 75 outputs an L level. Next, a 3-input OR7
No. 3 outputs an H level even if any of the input 1 inverting inputs AND 70 to 72 becomes an H level. At this time, if the power-down state signal 45 is at H level (non-power-down state), the one-input / one-inversion input AND74 outputs L level. The 2-input OR 76 is a 1-input 1-inverted input AND
Since 74 is at L level and the 3-input AND 75 is at L level, the power on / off signal 46 of L level (connection instruction) is output.

When two or more of the connection state signals 36 to 38 are at the L level (connection state) and the other connection state signals are at the H level (unconnected state), two inputs and one
All of the inverting inputs AND 70 to 72 output L level, and the three inputs AND 75 output L level. Next, a 3-input OR7
No. 3 outputs an L level since all the two-input and one inversion inputs AND 70 to 72 are at the L level. At this time, regardless of the state of the power-down state signal 45, the one-input / one-inversion input AND74 outputs the L level. 2-input OR76
1-input, 1-inverted input AND74 is at L level, 3-input A
Since the ND 75 is at the L level, the ND 75 outputs the power on / off signal 46 of the L level (connection instruction).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the power down setting unit 30.

The power down state signal 45 is output from a microcomputer (microcomputer) 80 of the information processing apparatus.

Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 2A, the three connectors 102- of the information processing device 100-d
d, 103-d, and 104-d.
The EEE1394 cable 52 is connected, the information processing apparatus 100-d is in the power down mode,
The case where the power down setting unit 30 outputs the power down state signal 45 indicating the power down state will be described.
The connection detection unit 33 is configured to connect the IEEE 102 to the connector 102-d.
It detects that the 94 cable 52 is connected, and outputs a connection state signal 36 indicating that it is connected.
On the other hand, the connection detection units 34 and 35
And 104-d detect that the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected, and output connection state signals 37 and 38 indicating that they are not connected. The control unit determines that only one IEEE 1394 connection terminal is an IEEE 1394 connection terminal based on the connection state signals 36 to 38 and the power down state signal 45.
It determines that it is connected to the E1394 cable and that it is in the power down state, and outputs a power on / off signal 46 for instructing shutoff. Upon receiving the power on / off signal 46 instructing the shutoff, the switch unit 32 shuts off the power supply line 43 to the physical layer 101-d.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2A, three connectors 102-d, 103- of the information processing apparatus 100-d.
IEEE139 for only 102-d out of d and 104-d
The case where the four cables 52 are connected, the information processing apparatus 100-d is in the non-power-down mode, and the power-down setting unit 30 outputs the power-down state signal 45 indicating the non-power-down state will be described. Connection detection unit 33
Is an IEEE1394 cable 5 to the connector 102-d.
2 is connected, and outputs a connection state signal 36 indicating that it is connected. On the other hand, the connection detection units 34 and 35 are connected to the connectors 103-d and 104-d
Detects that no IEEE 1394 cable is connected, and indicates a connection state signal 3 indicating an unconnected state.
7 and 38 are output. The control unit controls the connection state signals 36 to
38 and the state of the power down state signal 45, it is determined that only one IEEE 1394 connection terminal is connected to the IEEE 1394 cable and that the terminal is in the non-power down state, and the power on / off signal 46 for instructing connection is provided. Is output. Upon receiving the power on / off signal 46 instructing the connection, the switch unit 32 connects the power line 43 to the physical layer 101-d.

Next, the three connectors 102-d and 103- of the information processing apparatus 100-d as shown in FIG.
The case where the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to all of d and 104-d will be described (detailed drawings are omitted). The information processing device 100-d may be in a power-down state or a non-power-on state.
Outputs a power-down state signal 45 indicating a power-down state or a non-power-down state. The connection detecting units 33 to 35 connect the connectors 102-d to 104-d with the IEs.
Connection state signals 36 to 3 indicating that the EE1394 cable is not connected and indicating that the EE1394 cable is not connected.
8 is output. From the state of the connection state signals 36 to 38, the control unit sets all the IEEE 1394 connection terminals to IEEE 1
It determines that it is not connected to the 394 cable, and outputs a power on / off signal 46 for instructing cutoff regardless of the state of the power down state signal 45. Upon receiving the power on / off signal 46 instructing the shutoff, the switch unit 32 shuts off the power supply line 43 to the physical layer 101-d.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, three connectors 102-d, 103- of the information processing apparatus 100-d.
The case where the IEEE 1394 cables 52 and 53 are connected to the connector 102-d and the connector 104-d among the connectors d and 104-d will be described. Information processing device 100-
d may be in a power-down state or a non-power-on state,
The power-down setting unit 30 outputs a power-down state signal 45 indicating a power-down state or a non-power-down state. The connection detection unit 33 detects that the IEEE 1394 cables 52 and 53 are connected to the connectors 102-d and 104-d, and outputs connection state signals 36 and 38 indicating that they are connected. On the other hand, the connection detecting unit 34 transmits the IEEE 1394 to the connector 103-d.
It detects that the cable is not connected, and outputs a connection state signal 37 indicating that the cable is not connected. The control unit outputs two IEs from the states of the connection state signals 36 to 38.
It is determined that the IEEE 1394 connection terminal is connected to the IEEE 1394 cable, and the power down state signal 4
Power on / off signal 4 for instructing connection regardless of the state of 5
6 is output. Upon receiving the power on / off signal 46 instructing the connection, the switch unit 32 connects the power line 43 to the physical layer 101-d.

According to the above-described embodiment, in an information processing apparatus having two or more IEEE 1394 connectors, an IEEE 1394 connector other than one IEEE 1394 connector is used.
The case where the EE1394 cable is not connected and the information processing apparatus is in the power down state,
When an IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to the 1394 connector and the information processing device is in a non-power-down state, power supply to the physical layer of the information processing device can be cut off. Disappears.

Further, when an IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to any one of the IEEE 1394 connectors and the information processing apparatus is in a non-power down state,
Two or more IEEE 139 to IEEE 1394 connectors
When four cables are connected, power is supplied to the physical layer of the information processing device regardless of the power down state of the information processing device, so that necessary data transfer is not interrupted.

[0040]

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, there is an effect that the power consumption of the information processing apparatus can be suppressed without interrupting necessary data transfer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of an IEEE 1394 cable.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an IEEE1394 connector.

FIG. 6 is another diagram showing a state where a conventional information processing apparatus is connected.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a connection detection unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a power down setting unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-4 information processing apparatus 1-a to 4-a physical layer 1-b to 4-b link layer 5-9 IEEE1394 cable 10,11 signal line 12,13 power line 20 IEEE1394 connector (receptacle) 30 power down setting unit (Power-down setting means) 31 control section 32 switch section (intermittent means) 33-35 connection detection section (connection detection means) 36-38 connection state signal 39 interface signal between link layer and physical layer 40-42 IEEE 1394 signal 43 Power line 44 Power line (ground) 45 Power down state signal 46 Power on / off signal 47 Diode 50 to 53 IEEE 1394 cable 60 Switch 61 Receptacle 62 Lever 63 Plug 66 Resistance 70 to 72 2 input 1 inverted input AND 73 3 input OR 74 1 Input 1 inverted input A ND 75 3-input AND 76 2-input OR 80 Microcomputer (microcomputer) 100-a to 100-d Information processing device 101-a to 101-d Physical layer 102-a, 103-a, 102-b, 103-b, 1
04-b, 102-c, 103-c, 102-d, 10
3-d, 104-d IEEE 1394 connector (connection terminal)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having an IEEE 1394 interface having two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals, wherein whether the information processing apparatus is in a power down state or a non-power down state is set. Power down setting means for performing the above operation, and connecting the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals to the IEEE 1
Connection detection means for detecting whether or not a 394 cable is connected for each of the two or more IEEE1394 connection terminals; power on / off means for connecting or disconnecting a power line to a physical layer of the information processing apparatus; An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the power on / off unit in accordance with a setting state of a down setting unit and a detection result of the connection detection unit. 2. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means is configured to connect only one of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals to the IEEE 1394 connection terminal.
Detects that the EE1394 cable is connected,
An information processing apparatus, wherein when a setting of the power down setting means is a power down state, a power supply line to a physical layer of the information processing apparatus is cut off using the power on / off means. 3. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means is configured such that only one of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals is an IEEE 1394 connection terminal.
Detects that the EE1394 cable is connected,
An information processing apparatus, wherein when a setting of the power-down setting means is a non-power-down state, a power supply line to a physical layer of the information processing apparatus is connected using the power on / off means. 4. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means includes an IEEE 1394 connection terminal among all said two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals.
An information processing apparatus characterized in that when it is detected that a 1394 cable is not connected, a power supply line to a physical layer of the information processing apparatus is cut off using the power on / off means. 5. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means detects that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to at least two or more of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals among said two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals. In this case, a power supply line to a physical layer of the information processing apparatus is connected using the power on / off means regardless of the setting of the power down setting means.