JP2001086131A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor that suppresses power consumption for the information processor without interrupting required data transfer. SOLUTION: The information processor comprises a connection detection means that detects whether or not an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to connectors 102-d, 103-d, 104-d of the information processor by reading contents of a register of a link layer and a physical layer LSI of the IEEE 1394 interface, a power-down setting section that detects whether the information processor is in a power-down state or a non power-down state, and a power save means 32 that saves the power of the link layer and the physical layer LSI in response to an output from a connection detection start signal generating means that periodically generates a connection detection start signal.

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. 6-core IEEE13 shown in FIG.
The 94 cable incorporates not only the signal lines 10 and 11 but also the power cables 12 and 13. FIG. 4 (B)
Is a four-core IEEE 1394 cable in which only the signal lines 10 and 11 are built-in, and is mainly used for connecting AV equipment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the IEEE 1394 connector viewed from the insertion port side. FIG. 5 (A) shows a 6-pin IEEE 1394 connector 20, and FIG. 5 (B) shows a 4-pin IEEE 1394 connector 21. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, 6
Core IEEE1394 cable and 6-pin IEEE13
When a plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other by using the 94 connector 20, the power of some of the information processing devices is turned off, and the power from those information processing devices is directly supplied to the physical layer. Even when the information is not supplied, it is possible to supply power from another information processing apparatus to the physical layer of the information processing apparatus in the OFF state via the power cable in the IEEE 1394 cable. Is possible.

On the other hand, a four-core IEEE 1394 cable and a four-pin IEEE 1394 cable as shown in FIGS.
When a plurality of information processing devices are connected to each other using the E1394 connector 21, power is not supplied from another information processing device to the physical layer of the information processing device in the OFF state via the IEEE1394 cable. . I
As described above, the power supply of the physical layer of an information processing apparatus having only one port of the IEEE 1394 connector is often turned off as described above.

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; FIG. 6A shows a six-core I
IEEE1394 cable 50-52 and 6-pin IEEE
This is a connection example using a 1394 connector, and the information processing apparatuses 100-b and 100-c are intermediate nodes. On the other hand, the information processing apparatuses 100-a and 100-d are end nodes. Then, the information processing device 100-b and the information processing device 100-
d is a power down state, and the information processing apparatuses 100-a and 100-c are in a non-power down state. The physical layers 101-b and 101d of the information processing apparatus 100-b and the information processing apparatus 100-d in the power-down state are:
Since the power is supplied from the non-power-down information processing apparatus 100-a or the information processing apparatus 100-c via the IEEE 1394 cables 50 to 52, the power is on. The physical layer 101-b of the information processing device 100-b is
The power supply is used effectively because it is used for communication between the information processing apparatuses 100-a and 100-c in the non-power-down state. However, the information processing device 10
In the physical layer 101-d of 0-d, an IEEE 1394 cable is not connected other than the connection terminal 102-d, and since the information processing apparatus 100-d is in a power down state, the physical layer 101-d does not need unnecessary power. Will be consumed.

In the connection example shown in FIG. 6B, a six-core I
IEEE1394 cables 50 and 51 and 6-pin IEEE
Using the 1394 connector, the information processing device 100-b
Is an intermediate node, and the information processing device 100-a
The information processing device 100-c is an end node. 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 the physical layer 101-
Although no IEEE 1394 cable is connected to d, power is supplied by the power supply of the information processing apparatus 100-d itself, so that the physical layer 101-d consumes useless power.

Therefore, the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is conceivable to incorporate a connection detection device into the connector itself, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. However, it is possible to detect that the connector itself is special and expensive, and that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to the connector, but it is not possible to detect whether or not the other party's power is on at that time. There are drawbacks.

FIG. 6C shows the above example, and is a 4-core IEEE.
This is a connection example using an E1394 cable 54 and a 4-pin IEEE 1394 connector. Information processing device 100-
c and 100-d are end nodes. And
The information processing device 100-c is in a power down state, and the information processing device 100-d is in a non-power down state. In the information processing apparatus 100-d, the IEEE 1394 connector 1
Since the IEEE 1394 cable 54 is connected to 02-d ', the physical layer 101-d of the information processing apparatus 100-d despite the power off of the information processing apparatus 100-c and its physical layer 101-c on the other side. Power on. As a result, the physical layer 101-d consumes useless power.

IEEE to IEEE 1394 connector
Another method of detecting the connection status of a 1394 cable is IEEE.
There is a method of reading a register of the E1394 physical layer. Anne of IEEE Std 1394-1995
x indicates a register to be provided in the IEEE 1394 physical layer. FIG. 10 is an extract of a portion of the register indicating a connector connection state. This register indicates that the connection state is established when the partner physical layer is electrically ON. Note that registers of the physical layer can be read and written through the link layer. However, if the power of the link layer and the physical layer is not turned on, the register of the IEEE 1394 physical layer cannot be read, which is inconsistent with suppressing the power.

[0015]

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.

Further, the conventional method of directly detecting the connection of the IEEE 1394 cable from the IEEE 1394 connector has a drawback that the connection is considered to be established even when the power of the other physical layer is not turned on. Furthermore, in order to read out the connection state from the register of the physical layer, there is a problem that the power must be turned on to the link layer and the physical layer.

Accordingly, 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.

[0018]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus having an IEEE 1394 interface having two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals, wherein the information processing apparatus is in a power down state or a non-powered state. Power-down setting means 30 for setting which state is a down state; and a link layer and a physical layer of the IEEE interface for determining whether an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals. Connection detecting means 33 for detecting by reading the register, power saving means 32 for performing power saving of the link layer and the physical layer of the information processing apparatus, and connection detection start signal generation for periodically generating a connection detection start signal. Means 34 and the power down setting means 30 The connection detection start signal generating means 3
And control means 31 for controlling the power saving means 32 in accordance with the state of the connection detection start signal 46 generated from step 4 and the connection state of the IEEE 1394 connector obtained from the connection detection means 33. A processing device is provided.

Further, the control means 31 controls the connection detecting means 33 so that only one of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals is an IEEE 1394 connection terminal.
When the connection of the 1394 cable is detected and the setting of the power-down setting means 30 is in the power-down state, the link layer and the physical layer of the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus are used by using the power saving means 32. And an information processing apparatus characterized in that power saving is performed.

Further, the control means 31 determines that the connection detecting means 33 has only one IEEE 1394 connection terminal among the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals.
When it is detected that the 1394 cable is connected and the setting of the power-down setting means 30 is in a non-power-down state, the power saving means 32 is used to connect the link layer and the physical layer of the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus characterized by canceling power saving of a layer.

Further, the control means 31 controls the connection detecting means 33 so that all of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals are connected to the IEEE 1394 connection terminals.
Provided is an information processing apparatus characterized in that when it is detected that a 1394 cable is not connected, power saving of the IEEE 1394 link layer and the physical layer of the information processing apparatus is performed using the power saving means 32. Things.

Further, the control unit 31 may be configured to detect that the connection detection unit 33 detects that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to at least two or more of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals. , Irrespective of the setting of the power down setting means 30, the power saving means 32 is used to cancel the power saving of the link layer and the physical layer of the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus. Things.

When the power saving means 32 is in the power saving state and when the connection detection start signal 46 of the connection detection signal generating means 34 is valid, the control means 31 links the IEEE 1394 link of the information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus characterized in that power saving of a layer and a physical layer is released.

Further, in the power saving method for an information processing apparatus having an IEEE 1394 interface having two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals, a power down mode for setting whether the information processing apparatus is in a power down state or a non-power down state is provided. Setting step and each of the I
A connection detecting step of detecting whether or not an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to an IEEE 1394 connection terminal by reading registers of a link layer and a physical layer of an IEEE 1394 interface of the information processing apparatus; IEEE 139
4, a power saving step of saving power of the link layer and the physical layer, a connection detection start signal generating step of periodically generating a connection detection start signal, a setting state of the power down setting step, and a generation of the connection detection start signal. And a control step of controlling the power saving step according to the connection state of the IEEE 1394 connector obtained from the step.

[0025]

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. Further, even in the mode shown in FIG.
The power supply of the physical layer 101-d of 00-d is turned 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 detecting unit 33 is connected to the physical layer 101 d via the link layer 35.
Register of IEEE1394 connector and IEEE1
The connection state information 47 of the 394 cable is read. Also,
The connection detection start signal generator 34 outputs a connection detection start signal 46.
Is output.

The control unit 31 outputs a power save signal 48 for instructing power save or power save release according to the state of the connection state signal 47, the power down state signal 45, and the connection detection start signal 46.

The power saving means 32 receives the power saving signal 48 and performs power saving of the link layer 35 and the physical layers 101-d.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the power-down setting unit 30. The power down state signal 45 is
The information is output from the microcomputer 80 of the information processing device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the power saving means 32. As shown in FIG. The power line 91 to the link layer 35 and the physical layer 101-d is connected and disconnected by the switch 90 according to the power save signal 48. In addition to this example, a power save terminal of the LSI of the link layer 35 and the physical layer 101-d may be used.

Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the control unit 31 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing device 1
00-d three connectors 102-d, 103-d, 1
A six-core IEEE 1394 cable 52 having a power cable is connected to only 102-d out of 04-d,
The case where the information processing apparatus 100-d is in the power down state and the power down setting unit 30 outputs the power down state signal 45 indicating the power down state will be described.

It waits until the connection detection start signal 46 is enabled (step 200). If the connection detection start signal 46 is enabled, the process proceeds to step 201, and if the power saving means 32 is performing power saving, the power saving is canceled (step 202). If the power saving unit 32 is not performing power saving, the process proceeds to step 203 with the power saving being released. The connection detecting means 33 detects that the IEEE 1394 cable is connected to the connector 102-d, and that the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to the connectors 103-d and 104-d. The control unit 31 outputs the connection state information 47 indicating the connection state information 47 and the power-down state signal 45 (step 203).
It is determined that only d is connected to the IEEE 1394 cable 52 and is in the non-power-down state (NO in step 204, NO in step 205, NO in step 206), and instructs to cancel the power save. Upon receiving the power save signal 48, the power save unit 32 releases the power save of the link layer 35 and the physical layer 101-d.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, three connectors 102-d, 103- of the information processing apparatus 100-d.
The case where the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to all of d and 104-d will be described. The information processing apparatus 100-d may be in a power-down state or a non-power-down state, and the power-down setting unit 30 outputs a power-down state signal 45 indicating the power-down state or the non-power-down state.

The steps up to the stage before step 203 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description is omitted here. The connection detecting means 33 supplies I to the connectors 102-d to 104-d.
It detects that the EEE1394 cable is not connected, and outputs connection status information 47 indicating this (step 203). The control unit 31 determines from the connection state information 47 that all the IEEE 1394 connection terminals are not connected to the IEEE 1394 cable (step 20).
4), a power save signal 48 for instructing power save regardless of the state of the power down state signal 45.
Is output (step 207). Upon receiving the power save signal 48 instructing power save, the power save means 3
2 performs power saving of the link layer 35 and the physical layer 101-d.

Next, although not shown, the three connectors 102-d and 103- of the information processing apparatus 100-d are not shown.
d, 104-d, a connector 102-d and a 6-core IEEE1 having a power cable in the connector 104-d.
The case where the 394 cable is connected will be described. The information processing device 100-d may be in a power-down state or a non-power-on state, and the power-down setting unit 30 outputs a power-down state signal 45 indicating the power-down state or the non-power-down state. The steps before step 203 are the same as those in the above-mentioned case, and thus will not be described.

The connection detecting means 33 includes a connector 102-d
, And 104-d, the connection state information 47 indicating that the IEEE 1394 cable is connected to the connector 103-d is detected, and the connection state information 47 indicating this connection state is output (step 203).

The control unit 31 determines from the connection status information 47
It is determined that two IEEE 1394 connection terminals are connected to the IEEE 1394 cable (step 204).
(NO direction of step 205, YES direction of step 205), and outputs a power save signal 48 for instructing release of power save regardless of the state of the power down state signal 45 (step 2).
08). Upon receiving the power save signal 48 instructing the release of the power save, the power save unit 32 sets the link layer 35
And the power save of the physical layer 101-d is released.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1C, the three connectors 102-d 'and 103 of the information processing apparatus 100-d.
The information processing apparatus 100-d is in a non-power-down mode, and the power-down setting unit 30 is in a non-power-down mode. A power down state signal 45 indicating a non-power down state is output,
The case where the information processing apparatus 100-c on the other side is powered down and the physical layer 101-c is powered off will be described.

The process up to the stage before step 203 is the same as the above-mentioned case, and the description is omitted. Connection detection means 3
No. 3 shows that the connectors 102-d 'to 104-d' are IEEE
It detects that the E1394 connection terminal is not connected to the IEEE1394 cable, and outputs connection state information 47 indicating this connection state (step 20).
3).

The control unit 31 determines from the connection state information 47 that all the IEEE 1394 connection terminals are not connected to the IEEE 1394 cable (step 20).
4 (YES direction of 4), upon receiving the power save signal instructing the power save regardless of the state of the power down state signal 45, the power save unit 32 saves the power of the link layer 35 and 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 may be used.
An E1394 cable is not connected, and the information processing apparatus is in a 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, the power of the physical layer of the information processing device can be saved.

In addition, the IE to the IEEE1394 connector
Since the connection information is read from the register of the physical layer to the EE1394 cable, if the power of the other physical layer is not turned on, it is considered that the connection is not made. Further, since the power saving is released only in the link layer and the physical layer only at the time of periodic connection detection and when necessary for communication, useless power is not consumed.

[0044]

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, I
The electrical connection state of the IEEE 1394 cable to the IEEE 1394 connector and the power down state of the information processing apparatus are determined, and when unnecessary, power of the link layer and the physical layer of the IEEE 1394 is saved. This has the effect of reducing consumption.

[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 flowchart illustrating processing steps of a control unit.

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

FIG. 10 shows a portion of the register indicating a connector connection state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a power saving means.

[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 supply line 20 6 pin IEEE1394 connector (receptacle) 21 4pin IEEE 1394 connector (receptacle) 30 power down setting unit (power down setting unit) 31 control unit 32 power saving unit 33 connection detection unit 34 connection detection start signal generation unit (connection detection start signal generation unit) 35 link layer 39 link layer and physical Interface signal between layers 45 Power down state signal 46 Connection detection start signal 47 Connection state signal 50 to 52 6-core IEEE 1394 cable 53 IEEE 1394 cable 54 4-core IEEE 1394 cable 60 Switch 61 Receptacle 62 Lever 63 Plug 6 resistor 80 microcomputer 90 switches 91 power supply line 100-a - 100-d processing apparatus 101-a~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 6-pin IEEE1394 connector (connection terminal) 103-c ', 102-d', 103-d ', 104-
d ', 4-pin IEEE 1394 connector (connection terminal) 200 to 210 Processing steps

Claims (7)

[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
Whether the IEEE 394 cable is connected or not
Connection detecting means for detecting by reading registers of the link layer and the physical layer of the interface; power saving means for power saving of the link layer and the physical layer of the information processing device; and periodically generating a connection detection start signal. A connection detection start signal generating unit, a state of the power down setting unit, a state of the connection detection start signal generated from the connection detection start signal generating unit, and a connection state of the IEEE 1394 connector obtained from the connection detection unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the power saving unit. 2. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means is configured to output one of the two or more IEEE1394 connection terminals.
When it is detected that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected only to the IEEE 1394 connection terminal and the setting of the power down setting means is a power down state, the power saving means is used to execute the IEEE of the information processing apparatus.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power saving of a 1394 link layer and a physical layer is performed. 3. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detection means is configured to output one of the two or more IEEE1394 connection terminals.
When it is detected that an IEEE 1394 cable is connected only to the IEEE 1394 connection terminal and the setting of the power down setting means is in a non-power down state, the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus is used by using the power saving means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power save of the link layer and the physical layer of E1394 is released. 4. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means includes means for connecting all of said two or more IEEE1394 connection terminals.
When it is detected that the IEEE 1394 cable is not connected to the IEEE 1394 connection terminal, the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus is used by using the power saving means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power saving of the link layer and the physical layer is performed. 5. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said connection detecting means is configured to connect at least two or more of the two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals to an IEEE 1394 connection terminal.
When it is detected that the H.94 cable is connected, regardless of the setting of the power-down setting unit, the power saving unit uses the power saving unit to execute the IEEE13.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power save of the link layer and the physical layer of 94 is canceled. 6. The link layer and the physical layer of the IEEE 1394 of the information processing apparatus when the power saving means is in a power saving state and when the connection detection start signal of the connection detection signal generating means is valid. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power save is canceled. 7. A power saving method for an information processing apparatus having an IEEE 1394 interface having two or more IEEE 1394 connection terminals, comprising: setting a power down state or a non-power down state of the information processing apparatus. A setting step, and a connection detecting step of detecting whether an IEEE 1394 cable is connected to each of the IEEE 1394 connection terminals by reading registers of a link layer and a physical layer of an IEEE 1394 interface of the information processing apparatus. A power saving step of saving power of the IEEE 1394 link layer and the physical layer of the information processing apparatus; a connection detection start signal generating step of periodically generating a connection detection start signal; and a setting state of the power down setting step. , IEEE1394 obtained from the connection detection start signal generating step
Controlling the power saving step according to the connection state of the connector.