JP2006244091A - Connection repeating device, equipment connection system, and connection control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connection repeating device for repeating connection for a connection cable at a repeating side and a connection cable at a repeated side, an equipment connection system for connecting the connection cable in a form of a circuit at the repeating side and the connection cable at the repeated side without extracting and inserting the respective connection cables, and a connection control method. <P>SOLUTION: Host equipment transmits a disconnection instruction to a USB hub 1 when receiving the disconnection instruction for disconnecting connection to terminal equipment 3a from a user. A microcomputer 11 of the USB hub 1 releases a corresponding switch 14a to disconnect an electric power source terminal of a connection part 1d from a resistance 13a when acquiring the disconnection instruction from the host equipment. The microcomputer 11 of the USB hub 1 disconnecting the the host equipment from the terminal equipment 3a closes the corresponding switch 14a to connect the power source terminal of the connection part 1d to the resistance 13a when the first connection button 12a is pushed down by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection relay device that relays the connection of a connection cable on the relay source side connected to the relay source device and a connection cable on the relay destination side connected to the relay destination device, and the relay source side via the connection relay device Connection system to which the connection cable and the connection cable on the relay destination side are connected, and a connection control method in which the connection relay device controls the connection of the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side in the device connection system About.

  As a cable for connecting peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, modem, and digital camera to a personal computer, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable that can be inserted and removed without turning off the power of the personal computer and the peripheral device is used. . A peripheral device (terminal device) connected to a personal computer (host device) via a USB cable receives power supply from the host device via a power cable of the USB cable when power cannot be secured independently. It is configured as follows.

The host device is configured to detect whether the terminal device is connected via the USB cable based on the voltage level of the data line of the USB cable. Specifically, when the terminal device is connected via a USB cable, the host device detects a change in the voltage level of the data line of the USB cable, and the terminal device is connected based on the detected change in the voltage level. Can be detected. Therefore, the user can recognize the connection with the terminal device only by connecting the terminal device to the host device via the USB cable, and can start transmission / reception of data with the terminal device. it can. Furthermore, a USB hub for connecting a plurality of terminal devices to one host device is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-177543 A

  In general, when a host device is connected to a host device via a USB cable, power consumption increases as compared with a case where the host device is not connected. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption in the host device, the user needs to disconnect the host device and the terminal device when the terminal device is no longer needed. That is, the user needs to disconnect the USB cable from the terminal device or the host device.

  There has also been proposed a terminal device configured to reduce power consumption in the host device by disconnecting the USB cable according to a command from the host device. However, even in such a device, when connecting to the host device again through the USB cable from the state where the connection with the USB cable is once disconnected, the user removes and inserts the USB cable from the host device or terminal device. I need to fix it. Therefore, for example, when the connection port with the USB cable of the host device is provided on the back side of the host device, there is a problem that the work of removing the USB cable from the host device becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to connect any terminal device and a connection relay device by a switching unit inside the connection relay device that relays the connection between the host device and a plurality of terminal devices. Can be disconnected from any terminal device and connection relay device without actually disconnecting the connection cable connected to the terminal device from the connection relay device or terminal device. A relay device, a device connection system, and a connection control method for a host device and a terminal device by a connection relay device in the device connection system.

  Another object of the present invention is to connect to a terminal device by connecting any terminal device and the connection relay device in a circuit by a switching unit inside the connection relay device for connecting the host device and a plurality of terminal devices. Connection relay device, device connection system, and connection relay in the device connection system capable of connecting any terminal device and connection relay device without actually connecting or disconnecting the connected cable to the connection relay device or terminal device An object of the present invention is to provide a connection control method for a host device and a terminal device by an apparatus.

  A connection relay device according to the present invention includes a relay source connection unit that connects to a connection cable on a relay source side, and a plurality of relay destination connection units that respectively connect to a plurality of connection cables on a relay destination side including data lines A connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side, one end of the connection cable on the relay destination side corresponding to each end via each of the relay destination connection portions A plurality of loads connected to the data line and connected to the power source at the other end, and provided between the other end and the power supply of the load unit, and switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power supply A plurality of switching units to perform, a means for acquiring a disconnection instruction for disconnecting from any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side from the relay source connection unit, and a corresponding load unit if the disconnection instruction is acquired Other And characterized in that it comprises a means for switching control of the corresponding switching unit to disconnect the power supply.

  A connection relay device according to the present invention includes a relay source connection unit that connects to a connection cable on a relay source side, and a plurality of relay destination connection units that respectively connect to a plurality of connection cables on a relay destination side including data lines A connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side, one end of the connection cable on the relay destination side corresponding to each end via each of the relay destination connection portions A plurality of loads connected to the data line and connected to the power source at the other end, and provided between the other end and the power supply of the load unit, and switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power supply A plurality of switching units to be performed, a receiving unit that receives a connection instruction for instructing connection with any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side, and when the receiving unit receives the connection instruction, the other end of the corresponding load unit and Characterized in that it comprises a means for switching control of the corresponding switching unit to connect the source.

  The device connection system according to the present invention includes a connection between a relay source connection unit that connects to a relay source side connection cable connected to the relay source device, and a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines, respectively. In a device connection system in which a connection cable on the relay source side and a connection cable on the relay destination side are connected to a connection relay device having a plurality of relay destination connection units to be performed, the relay source device includes the connection relay device Accepting means for accepting a disconnection instruction for disconnecting the connection with any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side connected via the relay, and when the accepting means accepts the disconnection instruction, via the connection cable on the relay source side The connection relay device has one end connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side through each of the relay destination connection sections. A plurality of load units each having the other end connected to the power source, and a plurality of switching units provided between the other end of the load unit and the power source, and for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source And means for performing switching control of the corresponding switching unit so as to disconnect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source when the disconnection instruction is acquired from the relay source connection unit. To do.

  The connection control method according to the present invention includes a connection between a relay source connection unit that connects to a relay source side connection cable connected to a relay source device and a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines. A plurality of relay destination connecting sections to be performed, and a plurality of load sections in which one end is connected to the data line of the corresponding connecting cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connecting sections, and the other end is connected to the power source. A connection relay device provided between each of the other ends of the load unit and the power source, and having a plurality of switching units for switching connection and disconnection of the other end and the power source. And a connection control method for controlling connection of the connection cable on the relay destination side, wherein the relay source device connects to any connection cable on the relay destination side connected via the connection relay device. Cutting finger to cut And when the relay source device receives the disconnect instruction, the step of transmitting the disconnect instruction via the connection cable on the relay source side, and the connection relay device has acquired the disconnect instruction. And a step of performing switching control of the corresponding switching unit so as to disconnect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source.

  The connection control method according to the present invention includes a connection between a relay source connection unit that connects to a relay source side connection cable connected to a relay source device and a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines. A plurality of relay destination connecting sections to be performed, and a plurality of load sections in which one end is connected to the data line of the corresponding connecting cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connecting sections, and the other end is connected to the power source. A connection relay device provided between each of the other ends of the load unit and the power source, and having a plurality of switching units for switching connection and disconnection of the other end and the power source. And a connection control method for controlling connection of the connection cable on the relay destination side, wherein the connection relay device receives a connection instruction for instructing connection with any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side, and Continued relay device, when receiving the connection instruction, characterized in that it comprises the steps of performing a switching control of the switching unit corresponding to connect the other end and power of the corresponding load unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to connect a relay source side connection cable connected to a relay source device and each of a plurality of relay destination side connection cables connected to each of a plurality of relay destination devices, The connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side has one end connected to each data line of the connection cable on the relay destination side and the other end connected to the power source. A plurality of load units, and a plurality of switching units that are provided between the other ends of the load units and the power source, and perform switching between connection and disconnection of the other end units and the power source. When the connection relay device acquires a disconnection instruction for disconnecting from any connection cable on the relay destination side from the relay source device via the connection cable on the relay source side, the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source The switching of the corresponding switching unit is controlled so as to be disconnected. Therefore, any switching destination device and the connection relay device can be disconnected in a circuit by the switching unit without actually removing the connection cable on the relay destination side from the connection relay device or the relay destination device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to connect a relay source side connection cable connected to a relay source device and each of a plurality of relay destination side connection cables connected to each of a plurality of relay destination devices, The connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side has one end connected to each data line of the connection cable on the relay destination side and the other end connected to the power source. A plurality of load units, and a plurality of switching units that are provided between the other ends of the load units and the power source, and perform switching between connection and disconnection of the other end units and the power source. When the connection relay device receives a connection instruction for instructing connection with any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side, the connection relay device controls switching of the corresponding switching unit so as to connect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source. . Therefore, it is possible to connect any relay destination device and the connection relay device in a circuit by the switching unit without actually connecting or disconnecting the connection cable on the relay destination side to the connection relay device or the relay destination device. .

  In the present invention, the relay source device connected to the connection relay device via the relay source side connection cable disconnects from any of the plurality of relay destination side connection cables connected to the connection relay device. When a disconnection instruction is sent to the connection relay device, the connection relay device has one end connected to each data line of the connection cable on the relay destination side and the other end of each of the load units connected to the power source. The other end of the load unit and the power source are disconnected by a switching unit provided between the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source. Therefore, any switching cable on the relay destination side and the connection relay device can be disconnected by the switching unit, and the relay destination via the connection cable can be used without actually removing the connection cable from the connection relay device or the relay destination device. The connection between the device and the connection relay device can be disconnected in a circuit manner.

  In the present invention, the connection relay device that relays the connection between the relay source side connection cable connected to the relay source device and the relay destination side connection cable connected to the relay destination device has a plurality of relay destination side connections. When receiving a connection instruction for instructing connection with one of the cables, one end is connected to each data line of the connection cable on the relay destination side, and the other end is connected to the power supply The other end of the load unit and the power source are connected by a switching unit provided between the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source. Therefore, any switching cable on the relay destination side can be connected to the connection relay device by the switching unit, and the connection cable can be connected to the connection relay device or the relay destination device via the connection cable without actually being inserted or removed. The relay destination device and the connection relay device can be connected in a circuit.

  Below, the apparatus connection system which concerns on this invention is explained in full detail based on drawing which shows the embodiment. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration example of a device connection system according to the present invention. The device connection system 100 of this embodiment connects a host device 2 as a relay source device and a plurality of terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c as relay destination devices via a USB hub 1 as a connection relay device. Is made up of. For example, a personal computer can be used as the host device 2, and peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a modem, and a digital camera can be used as the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c.

  The USB hub 1 is connected to the host device 2 via a USB cable 100d as a connection cable on the relay source side, and each of the terminals via a plurality of USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c as connection cables on the relay destination side. It is connected to the devices 3a, 3b, 3c. Accordingly, the USB hub 1 includes a connection unit (relay source connection unit) 1d for connecting to the USB cable 100d and a connection unit (relay destination connection unit) 1a for connecting to the USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c. 1b, 1c, and relays the connection of the USB cable 100d and the USB cables 100a, 100b, 100c. The connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side are not limited to the USB cables 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d.

  The USB cable 100d includes a power supply line Vbus and a ground line GND for supplying power from the host device 2 to the USB hub 1, and a data line D + and a data line for transmitting and receiving data between the host device 2 and the USB hub 1. D-. Note that the USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c have the same configuration as the USB cable 100d.

  The host device 2 that can be connected to the USB cable 100d includes a power supply terminal, a ground terminal, a D + terminal, and a D- terminal for connecting the power supply line Vbus, the ground line GND, and the data lines D + and D- of the USB cable 100d, respectively. The connection part 2a which has is provided. Similarly, the connecting portion 1d of the USB hub 1 also has a power terminal, a ground terminal, a D + terminal, and a D- terminal for connecting to the power supply line Vbus, the ground line GND, and the data lines D + and D- of the USB cable 100d, respectively. is doing.

  In addition, the host device 2 includes a microcomputer (microcomputer) 21 that performs calculation, a USB controller 20, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, and the like as main components. Note that description of other hardware units provided when the host device 2 is a personal computer is omitted.

  The microcomputer 21 operates as a control center of the host device 2 and controls operations of hardware units such as the USB controller 20, the operation unit 22, and the display unit 23 connected to each other. The USB controller 20 is an interface for performing data transmission / reception with the USB hub 1 via the USB cable 100d, and is connected to the D + terminal and the D− terminal of the connection unit 2a. As a result, the USB controller 20 can transmit and receive data (commands) to the USB hub 1 via the data lines D + and D− in accordance with control from the microcomputer 21.

  The operation unit 22 includes various keys necessary for the user to operate the host device 2. When each key is operated by the user, a control signal corresponding to the operated key is sent to the microcomputer 21. The Accordingly, the microcomputer 21 can execute various processes according to the control signal acquired from the operation unit 22. The display unit 23 is a display device composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays the operating state of the host device 2, information to be notified to the user, and the like.

  In the host device 2, the power supply terminal of the connection unit 2a is connected to the power supply Vcc, and the ground terminal of the connection unit 2a is connected to the ground (0V) GND. Further, the host device 2 has one end connected to the D-terminal of the connection portion 2a, the other end connected to the power supply Vcc, and the other end connected to the D + terminal of the connection portion 2a. And a resistor (pull-down resistor) R2 having the other end connected to the ground GND.

  On the other hand, the terminal device 3a includes a microcomputer 31, an USB controller 30, a power supply line Vbus of the USB cable 100a, a ground line GND, and data lines D + and D-, respectively, a power supply terminal, a ground terminal, a D + terminal, and The connection part 30a etc. which have D-terminal are provided as main components. Note that description of other hardware units provided when the terminal device 3a is a peripheral device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a modem, and a digital camera is omitted.

  The microcomputer 31 operates as a control center of the terminal device 3a and controls operations of the USB controller 30 and the like connected to each other. The USB controller 30 is an interface for performing data transmission / reception with the USB hub 1 via the USB cable 100a, and is connected to the D + terminal and the D− terminal of the connection unit 30a. Thus, the USB controller 30 can transmit and receive data to and from the USB hub 1 via the data lines D + and D− in accordance with control from the microcomputer 31.

  The terminal device 3a connects the ground terminal of the connection unit 30a to the ground GND. Also, the terminal device 3a has one end connected to the D + terminal of the connecting portion 30a, the other end connected to the power supply terminal of the connecting portion 30a, and one end connected to the D-terminal of the connecting portion 30a. And a resistor (pull-down resistor) R2 having the other end connected to the ground GND. The terminal devices 3b and 3c have the same configuration as the terminal device 3a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the USB hub 1 includes a microcomputer 11 that performs calculation, a USB hub controller 10, an operation unit 12, and the like as main components. The microcomputer 11 operates as a control center of the USB hub 1 and controls operations of the USB hub controller 10 and the like connected to each other. The operation unit 12 includes various keys necessary for the user to operate the USB hub 1. When each key is operated by the user, a control signal corresponding to the operated key is sent to the microcomputer 11. The Thereby, the microcomputer 11 can execute various processes according to the control signal acquired from the operation unit 12.

  The USB hub controller 10 is an interface for performing data transmission / reception with the host device 2 via the USB cable 100d, and is connected to the D + terminal and the D− terminal of the connection unit 1d. The USB hub controller 10 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c via the USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c. The D + terminals of the connection units 1a, 1b, and 1c and It is connected to the D-terminal. Accordingly, the USB hub controller 10 controls the host device 2 connected to the USB cable 100d and the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c connected to the USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c in accordance with the control from the microcomputer 11. Data can be sent to and received from the.

  The USB hub 1 connects the power supply terminal of the connection unit 1d and the power supply terminals of the connection units 1a, 1b, and 1c, respectively, and the ground terminal of the connection unit 1d, the ground terminals of the connection units 1a, 1b, and 1c, and the ground GND. Are connected to each other. Further, the USB hub 1 has a plurality of resistors (pull-up resistors) (load portions) in which one end is connected to each D + terminal of the connection portions 1a, 1b, and 1c and the other end is connected to the power supply terminal of the connection portion 1d. 13a, 13b, and 13c, and resistors (pull-down resistors) 15a, 15b, and 15c having one ends connected to the D-terminals of the connecting portions 1a, 1b, and 1c and the other ends connected to the ground GND. Yes. Further, the USB hub 1 is provided with switches (switching units) 14a, 14b, and 14c that open and close between the power supply terminal of the connection unit 1d and the resistors 13a, 13b, and 13c, respectively, and are connected in accordance with control from the microcomputer 11. Switching between circuit connection and disconnection between the power supply terminal of the section 1d and the resistors 13a, 13b, and 13c can be performed.

  The resistors 13a, 13b, and 13c provided in the USB hub 1 are not limited to resistors alone, and may be elements and circuits equivalent to resistors such as capacitors and coils, elements and circuits having internal resistance, Various elements and circuits configured to operate as resistors may be used. The same applies to the resistors R1 and R2 included in the host device 2, the R1 and R2 included in the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c, and the resistors 15a, 15b, and 15c included in the USB hub 1.

  In the device connection system 100 configured as described above, the terminal device 3a (or 3b, 3c) is connected to the USB hub 1 connected to the host device 2 via the USB cable 100d via the USB cable 100a (or 100b, 100c). Is connected to the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB hub 1 from the host device 2 via the power supply line Vbus of the USB cables 100d, 100a (100b, 100c). The resistance 13a (13b, 13c) of the hub 1 and the resistance R1 of the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) are pulled up to a predetermined voltage.

  Further, the voltage at the D + terminal of the connection 1d of the USB hub 1 due to the pull-up of the resistor 13a (13b, 13c) of the USB hub 1 and the resistor R1 of the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) is The data is transmitted to the D + terminal of the host device 2 via the data line D +, whereby the USB controller 20 of the host device 2 detects that the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) is connected via the USB hub 1. be able to.

  Here, in the device connection system 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the host device 2 and the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) once connected via the USB hub 1 are connected to the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c). It can cut | disconnect without insertion / extraction and can be connected as needed. Specifically, when the user of the host device 2 no longer needs the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) connected via the USB hub 1, the user of the host device 2 operates the operation unit 22 according to a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit 23. An instruction to disconnect the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB hub 1 is performed by appropriately operating.

  The microcomputer 21 of the host device 2 serves as an accepting unit that accepts a disconnection instruction for disconnecting the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) from the user via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) connected to the USB hub 1. When the disconnection instruction is received, the disconnection instruction for disconnecting the connection with the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) is sent from the D + terminal and the D− terminal of the connection unit 2a to the USB hub 1. When the USB hub controller 10 of the USB hub 1 acquires the disconnection instruction via the D + terminal and the D− terminal of the connection unit 1d, the USB hub controller 10 notifies the microcomputer 11 and the microcomputer 11 sends the corresponding switch 14a (14b, 14c). By controlling to open, the corresponding resistor 13a (13b, 13c) and the power supply terminal of the connecting portion 1d are disconnected.

  On the other hand, as described above, by opening the switch 14a (14b, 14c), the connection to the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) is disconnected. When the user wants to connect the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) again via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c), the user corresponds to the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) provided in the operation unit 12 of the USB hub 1. The first connection button 12a (second connection button 12b, third connection button 12c) is pressed.

  The connection buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c may be push button types that can be turned on by pressing, or may be slide types that can be turned on and off by sliding. Further, the connection buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c do not need to be dedicated buttons. When the user appropriately operates the operation unit 12, the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c via the USB cables 100a, 100b, and 100c It may be configured to be able to instruct the connection.

  When the user presses the first connection button 12a (second connection button 12b, third connection button 12c), the microcomputer 11 of the USB hub 1 uses the terminal device via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c). 3a (3b, 3c) is operating as a receiving means for receiving a connection instruction for instructing a connection, and when a connection instruction is received, by controlling to close the corresponding switch 14a (14b, 14c), The corresponding resistor 13a (13b, 13c) is connected to the power supply terminal of the connecting portion 1d.

  As a result, the resistor 13a (13b, 13c) of the USB hub 1 and the resistor R1 of the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) are pulled up to a predetermined voltage, and the resistor 13a (13b, 13c) and the resistor R1 are pulled up. Is transmitted to the D + terminal of the host device 2 via the data line D + of the USB cable 100d, whereby the USB controller 20 of the host device 2 is connected to the USB hub 1 It is possible to detect that the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) is connected via the USB hub 1 and to transmit / receive data to / from the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB hub 1.

  Hereinafter, a process for disconnecting the connection between the host device 2 and the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c connected via the USB hub 1 in the device connection system 100 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for disconnecting the host device 2 and the terminal devices 3a, 3b, 3c by the USB hub 1 according to the present invention. The following processing is executed by the microcomputers 21 and 11 in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM built in the microcomputers 21 and 11.

  In the device connection system 100 in which the host device 2 and the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c are connected via the USB hub 1, the microcomputer 21 of the host device 2 allows the user to appropriately operate the operation unit 22 so that the USB When it is determined whether or not a disconnection instruction for disconnecting from any of the terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c connected via the hub 1 has been received (S1), and it is determined that a disconnection instruction has not been received (S1: NO), normal operation is executed.

  If it is determined that the disconnection instruction has been received (S1: YES), the microcomputer 21 specifies the terminal device 3a (or 3b, 3c) to be disconnected based on the received disconnection instruction (S2), and the D + terminal of the connection unit 2a Then, a disconnection instruction for disconnecting the identified terminal device 3a is sent from the D-terminal to the USB hub 1 (S3). The microcomputer 11 of the USB hub 1 acquires the disconnection instruction acquired by the D + terminal and the D− end of the connection unit 1d via the USB hub controller 10 (S4), and opens the corresponding switch 14a (or 14b, 14c). By controlling in this manner (S5), the power supply terminal of the connecting portion 1d and the resistor 13a (13b, 13c) are disconnected. Thus, the host device 2 and the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) can be connected via the USB hub 1 without removing the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) from the USB hub 1 or the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c). Can be cut.

  Hereinafter, in the device connection system 100 configured as described above, the connection with the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) is disconnected by opening the switch 14a (or 14b, 14c). A process of connecting the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) to the USB hub 1 in the state of being connected again via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection processing between the host device 2 and the terminal devices 3a, 3b, 3c by the USB hub 1 according to the present invention. The following processing is executed by the microcomputer 11 in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM built in the microcomputer 11.

  In the USB hub 1 that is disconnected from the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) by opening the switch 14a (or 14b, 14c), the microcomputer 11 Has received a connection instruction for instructing connection with the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) via the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) by pressing the first connection button 12a (12b, 12c). If it is determined (S11) and it is determined that a connection instruction has not been received (S11: NO), a normal operation is performed and a standby is performed.

  If the microcomputer 11 determines that the connection instruction has been received (S11: YES), the microcomputer 11 specifies the terminal device 3a (or 3b, 3c) to be connected based on the received connection instruction (S12), and specifies the specified terminal device 3a ( It is determined whether or not the switch 14a (14b, 14c) corresponding to 3b, 3c) is opened (S13). When the microcomputer 11 determines that the corresponding switch 14a (14b, 14c) is not opened (S13: NO), that is, the corresponding switch 14a (14b, 14c) is closed, and the USB cable 100a (100b) has already been closed. , 100c), the terminal device 3a (or 3b, 3c) that has received the connection instruction is notified to the user from a not-shown notification means that the terminal device 3a (or 3b, 3c) is already connected to the host device 2 via the USB hub 1. (S14). As the notification means, display of a notification message, output of sound, lighting of a warning lamp, etc. can be used.

  On the other hand, when the microcomputer 11 determines that the corresponding switch 14a (14b, 14c) is open (S13: YES), the microcomputer 11 performs control so as to close the corresponding switch 14a (or 14b, 14c) ( S15), the power supply terminal of the connecting portion 1d is connected to the resistor 13a (13b, 13c).

  When the switch 14a (or 14b, 14c) is closed in this way, the resistor 13a (13b, 13c) of the USB hub 1 and the resistor R1 of the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) are pulled up to a predetermined voltage, and the USB hub 1 is transmitted to the D + terminal of the host device 2 via the data line D + of the USB cable 100d. Accordingly, the USB controller 20 of the host device 2 can detect that the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) is connected via the USB hub 1, and connect the USB cable 100a (100b, 100c) to the USB hub 1 or The host device 2 and the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c) can be connected via the USB hub 1 without being inserted into or removed from the terminal device 3a (3b, 3c).

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the USB hub 1 relays the connection between one host device 2 and each of the three terminal devices 3a, 3b, and 3c has been described. However, the number of connected terminal devices is three. Not limited to. Further, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which a USB hub is further connected to a USB hub connected to the host device 2.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of schematic structure of the apparatus connection system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of schematic structure of the apparatus connection system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the cutting process of the host device and terminal device by the USB hub which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the connection process of the host apparatus and terminal device by the USB hub which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 device connection system 100a, 100b, 100c USB cable (connection cable on the relay destination side)
100d USB cable (connection cable on the relay source side)
1 USB hub (connection relay device)
1a, 1b, 1c Connection part (relay destination connection part)
1d connection part (relay source connection part)
11 Microcomputer (reception means)
13a, 13b, 13c Resistance (load section)
14a, 14b, 14c switch (switching unit)
2 Host device (relay source device)
21 Microcomputer (reception means)
3a, 3b, 3c Terminal equipment (relay destination equipment)

Claims (5)

A relay source connection unit for connecting to the connection cable on the relay source side, and a plurality of relay destination connection units for connecting to a plurality of connection cables on the relay destination side including data lines, respectively. In the connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable and the connection cable on the relay destination side,
A plurality of load units, one end of which is connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connection units, and the other end of which is connected to the power source, and
A plurality of switching units provided between each other end of the load unit and the power source, and for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source;
Means for obtaining a disconnection instruction for disconnecting from the connection cable on the relay destination side from the relay source connection unit;
And a means for performing switching control of the corresponding switching unit so that the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source are disconnected when the disconnection instruction is acquired. A relay source connection unit for connecting to the connection cable on the relay source side, and a plurality of relay destination connection units for connecting to a plurality of connection cables on the relay destination side including data lines, respectively. In the connection relay device that relays the connection of the connection cable and the connection cable on the relay destination side,
A plurality of load units, one end of which is connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connection units, and the other end of which is connected to the power source, and
A plurality of switching units provided between each other end of the load unit and the power source, and for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source;
Accepting means for accepting a connection instruction for instructing connection with any of the connection cables on the relay destination side;
And a means for performing switching control of the corresponding switching unit so as to connect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source when the receiving unit receives the connection instruction. A relay source connection unit for connection with a relay source side connection cable connected to the relay source device, and a plurality of relay destination connection units for connection with a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines, respectively. In the equipment connection system in which the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side are connected to the connection relay device having
The relay source device is
Accepting means for accepting a disconnection instruction for disconnecting from any connection cable on the relay destination side connected via the connection relay device;
A means for sending the disconnection instruction via the connection cable on the relay source side when the reception means receives the disconnection instruction;
The connection relay device
A plurality of load units, one end of which is connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connection units, and the other end of which is connected to the power source, and
A plurality of switching units provided between each other end of the load unit and the power source, and for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source;
A device for controlling the switching of the corresponding switching unit to disconnect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power source when the disconnection instruction is acquired from the relay source connection unit. Connection system. A relay source connection unit that connects to a relay source side connection cable connected to the relay source device, a plurality of relay destination connection units that respectively connect to a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines, and One end is connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connection sections, and the other end is connected to the power source, and each of the load sections A connection relay device provided between the end and the power source and having a plurality of switching units for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source, the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side A connection control method for controlling connection,
A step of accepting a disconnection instruction for disconnecting a connection with any connection cable on the relay destination side connected by the relay source device via the connection relay device;
When the relay source device receives the disconnection instruction, sending the disconnection instruction via the relay source side connection cable;
And a switching control of a corresponding switching unit so as to disconnect the other end of the corresponding load unit and the power supply when the connection relay device acquires the disconnection instruction. A relay source connection unit that connects to a relay source side connection cable connected to the relay source device, a plurality of relay destination connection units that respectively connect to a plurality of relay destination side connection cables including data lines, and One end is connected to the data line of the corresponding connection cable on the relay destination side via each of the relay destination connection sections, and the other end is connected to the power source, and each of the load sections A connection relay device provided between the end and the power source and having a plurality of switching units for switching between connection and disconnection of each other end and the power source, the connection cable on the relay source side and the connection cable on the relay destination side A connection control method for controlling connection,
The connection relay device accepting a connection instruction for instructing connection with any one of the connection cables on the relay destination side;
And a step of performing switching control of the corresponding switching unit to connect the other end of the corresponding load unit and a power source when the connection relay apparatus receives the connection instruction.

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