JP2018116342A - Program, power management device, and power management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a degree of freedom of power supply for multiple devices.SOLUTION: A program performs processes of: acquiring first information including information indicative of power which a downstream side apparatus requests to be supplied through a second USB cable, to a computer of an apparatus which is connected to an upstream side apparatus through a first USB cable, and connected to the downstream side apparatus through the second USB cable; and transmitting information including the first information and information which indicates the power consumption of the apparatus to the upstream side apparatus, as second information including information indicative of power which requests to be supplied through the first USB cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, a power management apparatus, and a power management method.

  Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors and cables are widespread as device communication and charging interfaces. USB Type-C cable and connector specifications (Rev1.1) were issued as a global standard to meet the demands for higher communication speeds and higher power supply capacities. In addition to the USB Type-C specification, USB PD (USB Power Delivery), which is a standard (protocol) for supplying power between P2P (Peer to Peer) via USB, has been revised. USBPD can send up to 100W of power.

In USB cable specifications prior to USB Type-C, different connector shapes and the like have been used properly in order to increase communication speed and increase power capacity. In contrast, the USB Type-C specification uses a common connector. Therefore, when power exceeding a certain capacity (5V, 3A) is supplied to the connection destination, the cable has a large capacity based on a protocol (USBPD) for confirming the capability (Capability) between the cable and the device. Check if supply is possible. Also,
Between the P2P on the power supply side (source) and the power absorption side (sink), the amount of power that can be supplied and the required power amount are negotiated using USBPD.

JP 2010-244457 A JP 2003-216285 A

  Based on the specifications of USB Type-C and USBPD, it is expected that a dedicated AC adapter becomes unnecessary by supplying power from a USB port to a device that uses a DC power supply of up to 100 W.

  However, in the existing USBPD specification, only the exchange of information between the power supply side device and the power absorption side device is defined. For this reason, when the devices are connected in multiple stages, the downstream device and the power supply device cannot be negotiated, so the downstream device cannot receive the desired power. For this reason, in the power supply to the devices connected in multiple stages, the upstream device is given priority, and there is no mechanism to control according to the user's request.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a program, a power management apparatus, and a power management method that can improve the degree of freedom of power supply to a plurality of devices.

  In one aspect, the downstream device is connected to the upstream device via the first USB cable, and the downstream device is connected to the computer connected to the downstream device via the second USB cable. It is a program for executing a process of acquiring downstream required power requesting supply through the second USB cable and transmitting the downstream required power and the required power of its own device to the upstream device. .

  In one aspect, the degree of freedom of power supply to a plurality of devices can be improved.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a power supply system using USB. FIG. 2 shows an example of a power supply system using USB. FIG. 3 shows an example of a power supply system using USB. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a negotiation procedure between devices based on USBPD. FIG. 5 shows an example of a power supply profile. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the power supply information management table (table T1) and the Px power supply information management table (table T2). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a power supply information management table (table T1). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the Px power supply information management table (table T2) 2. FIG. 9A shows a hardware configuration example of a device that can operate as an information terminal. FIG. 9B shows a hardware configuration example of the device. FIG. 10 shows another hardware configuration example of a device that can operate as an information terminal. FIG. 11 shows a hardware configuration example of a device that can operate as a peripheral device. FIG. 12A shows another hardware configuration example of a device that can operate as a peripheral device. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a device located on the most downstream side of the power supply path. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a table collection and update method. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a table collection and update method. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a table collection and update method. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of table collection and update processing. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of table collection and update processing. FIG. 18 shows a table structure when the power supply system has the configuration shown in FIG. 3 (star topology). FIG. 19 shows an example of a power supply information screen displayed by the PC 1 (information terminal) shown in FIG. FIG. 20 shows an example of the data structure of the management table of display items on the power supply information screen. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of power supply processing. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a power supply process. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the power supply process. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the recalculation process. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the recalculation process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the recalculation process. FIG. 27 shows an example of a power supply information screen in the case of a star type.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

[Power supply system using USB]
1, 2 and 3 show examples of a power supply system using USB. The power supply system includes a plurality of devices connected via a USB cable to a device serving as a power supply source (source). The plurality of devices include a power receiving device that receives power supply directly from the original device or via another device.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a power supply system having a topology in which devices are connected in multiple stages. Multistage connections include cascade connections, series connections, and daisy chain connections. 2 and 3 show an example of a power supply system having a topology in which devices are star-connected.

  In FIG. 1, a display 2 (DPY # 1) is connected via a USB cable 3 (3a) to a personal computer (PC) 1 that receives power from a commercial power supply via an AC adapter 1a. Another display 2 (DPY # 2) is connected to DPY # 1 via a USB cable 3 (3b).

  DPY # 1 receives power for operation from the PC 1 via the USB cable 3, and DPY # 2 receives power for operation from the DPY 1 via the USB cable 3. The PC may be laptop, desktop or tablet. The embodiment exemplifies a case where the PC 1 is a laptop.

  PC1 corresponds to the original device, and DPY # 1 and DPY # 2 correspond to the power receiving device. However, in the relationship of P2P, PC1 is the power supply side (source) and DPY # 1 is the power absorption side (sink). DPY # 1 is the power supply side (source), and DPY # 2 is the power absorption side (sink).

  In the example of FIG. 2, the display (DPY) 2, the server 4, the printer 5, and the HDD 6 are connected via the USB cable 3 to the PC 1 that receives power from the commercial power supply via the AC adapter 1 a. These operate by receiving power supplied from the PC 1 via the USB cable. PC1 corresponds to the original device, and the rest corresponds to the power receiving device. In the P2P relationship, PC1 is the source and each of the remaining devices corresponds to the sink.

  In the example of FIG. 3, a PC 1, a mobile phone 8, and a plurality of HDDs 6 (HDD # 1, HDD # 2) are connected to a USB hub (HUB) 7 that receives power from a commercial power supply via the AC adapter 1a. They are connected via a cable 3. The mobile phone 8 may include a smartphone, a feature phone, and a fixed phone.

  Prior to the revision of USBPD, HUB7 could not be a host for data communication based on USBPD, so it could not be a device on the power supply side. However, according to the specifications of the current USB Type-C and USBPD, the HUB 7 exchanges (swaps) the role of the host in the negotiation between the HUB 7 and the PC 1 so that the HUB 7 communicates with the power supply source (large source device). Can work as.

  The PC, DPY, server, printer, HDD, and HUB shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are examples of “apparatus”. “Equipment” is also called “device” or “apparatus”. The “device” may include various devices having a power receiving USB port in addition to the above example. For example, the device may include a drive device for a recording medium other than the HDD (for example, a disk recording medium (DVD, Blu-ray)), a communication device (such as an I2 / L3 switch or a router), or an input device (such as a mouse or a scanner).

1 is an example of “upstream device”, DPY # 1 is an example of “device”, and DPY # 2 is “downstream device”. The number of stages of multistage connection may be three or more. The USB cable 3a is an example of a “first USB cable”, and the USB cable 3b is an example of a “second USB cable”. DPY # 1 and DPY # 2 are examples of “plural devices” connected in multiple stages to a power supply source (for example, PC1). DPY # 1 is an example of a “power management apparatus”.

  The PC 1 which is a major device for power supply is an example of a “power supply source”. DPY # 1 and DPY # 2 are examples of “plural devices”. In the example of FIG. 2, the PC 1 is an example of “power supply source” and “certain device”. The display (DPY) 2, the server 4, the printer 5, and the HDD 6 in FIG. 2 are examples of “plural devices”. In the example of FIG. 3, the HUB 7 is an example of “power supply source”. The PC 1, the mobile phone 8, the HDD # 1, and the HDD # 2 are examples of “a plurality of devices”.

In the following description, USB Type-C connectors (plugs) are provided at both ends of the USB cable 3, and the device has a USB Type-C socket (port). The USB Type-C connector (plug) has a plurality of connector pins. Communication data is transmitted and received using a CC (Configuration Channel) pin (CC line) among the plurality of connector pins. Further, a VBUS pin (VBUS line) among the plurality of connector pins is used for power feeding.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a negotiation procedure between devices based on USBPD, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a power supply profile. For example, it is assumed that DPY # 1 (power receiving side) is connected to the PC 1 (supply side) shown in FIG.

When detecting the connection of the USB cable 3, the PC 1 supplies communication power (for example, 5 V, 500 mA) to the DPY # 1. The PC 1 transmits a power profile of power that can be supplied to DPY # 1 activated by receiving power (capability transmission). As shown in FIG. 5, the power profile is a plurality of power feeding patterns having different upper limit powers according to the power required on the power receiving side. The PC 1 sends information on one or more power profiles that it can supply. Such message transmission / reception is performed using the CC line.

DPY # 1 transmits a request including a result (for example, 20V, 5A) of selecting a power profile desired by DPY # 1 from the power profile. The PC 1 transmits a request acceptance (Accept) to the DPY # 1. The PC 1 prepares to supply the requested power through the VBUS line. When the preparation is completed, the PC 1 sends a completion notification (PS Ready) to the DPY # 1. After receiving the completion notification, the supply of power is started, and DPY # 1 can operate using the power supplied from PC1.

  In the current USBPD specification, only negotiation by P2P (Peer to Peer) communication is defined, and in a multistage connection, a device that is not directly connected to a power supply device (in the example of FIG. 1, PC1 and DPY # 2) cannot be negotiated directly.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 1, after PC1 and DPY # 1 negotiate, DPY # 1 and DPY # 2 negotiate. Thereby, DPY # 1 obtains the sum of the requested power of DPY # 1 and the requested power of DPY # 1 itself. DPY # 1 performs renegotiation for requesting the acquired total to PC1, and receives power corresponding to the total. In this way, DPY # 1 supplies the power requested by DPY # 2 to DPY # 2 and operates while consuming the power requested by itself.

  However, when the number of connected stages increases and the total power required by the devices connected in multiple stages exceeds the upper limit of power that can be supplied from the power supply source, sufficient power is not supplied to the terminal device, In some cases, the end device could not operate. In this case, when it is desired to use the terminal device, it is required to change the connection order of the devices (device reconnection).

  In the case of star connection as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the PC 1 (HUB 7) negotiates with each device in the order of connection, and supplies the required power to each device. However, when the total power required when a certain device is connected reaches the upper limit of power that can be supplied from the PC 1 (HUB 7), and when a certain device requests power, the total is If the upper limit is reached, a certain device cannot receive power. For this reason, when it is desired to use a certain device, for example, a connection change operation for disconnecting an unused device and connecting a certain device is required.

  The above-described reconnection work and reconnection work are complicated. In particular, in the case of a star type, since the order of connection (negotiation) is unknown from the appearance, there is a possibility that the switching operation becomes more complicated. Hereinafter, in order to increase the degree of freedom of power supply to a plurality of devices by a user, an embodiment in which the power supply status for a plurality of devices using a USB cable can be grasped and the above-described complexity can be avoided will be described.

  In the power management method according to the embodiment, each of a plurality of devices that form a power supply system performs USB PD protocol processing (negotiation with a connected device) when the power supply source device is turned on. Before the following processing is performed.

(1) Each device performs power management of its own device using a power supply information management table (hereinafter referred to as table T1).
(2) Power management of a device connected to the USB port of the own device and downstream of the own device in the power supply path is performed using a Px power supply information management table (hereinafter referred to as table T2).

  (3) In order from the most downstream device in the power supply path, the upstream device acquires the table T1 of the downstream device and links to the table T2 corresponding to the USP port number to which the downstream device is connected. . The upstream device that has acquired the downstream device table T1 updates the information stored in the table T1 and the table T2 of the own device using the downstream device table T1. The upstream device transmits the table T1 of the downstream device and the table T1 of its own device (including the table T2) to the device further upstream.

  (4) Since the process of (3) is performed from the downstream side to the upstream side of the power supply path, the source device of the power supply is directly connected to the own device or via another device. All tables T1 (a set of tables T1) of the devices are acquired. The table T1 can be managed in a tree shape.

  (5) Among a plurality of devices, a device (referred to as an information terminal) having a user interface (UI) can generate and display screen information based on the set (power management information) of the table T1. . The user can determine the power to be supplied to each device with reference to the screen information. That is, the power supplied to each device is controlled. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, the PC 1 is an example of an information terminal (information processing apparatus). However, the information terminal (information processing apparatus) may be an information processing apparatus independent of the power supply source and the plurality of devices.

  Information on the power supplied to each device determined by the information terminal is notified to each device. Each device requests the notified power in the negotiation with the upstream device. Thereby, each device can be in a state of receiving power adjusted by the user. For example, the power consumption of a device selected by a user among a plurality of devices connected in multiple stages can be adjusted to be reduced to a predetermined value, and the power received by the selected device can be supplied to a downstream device.

  As a result, in a plurality of devices connected in multiple stages, the required power can be supplied to the desired device without changing the USB cable. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the trouble of reconnection. From another point of view, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of selection of a power supply target device that has been selected in order from the upstream or in the order of connection is improved.

<Table configuration>
6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the power supply information management table (table T1) and the Px power supply information management table (table T2), FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the table T1, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing.

  The table T1 stores power supply information in each device. Table T1 shows allowable input power (No. 1), allowable input voltage (No. 2), device type (No. 3), self-consumption power (No. 4), required voltage (No. 5), required power ( It has a field (entry) for storing item number 6). Further, the table T1 has fields (item numbers 7 to 10) for storing a Px power supply information management table (table T2) for each USP port of the device. “Px” means a USB port, and x is an integer indicating a USB port number. In the example of the embodiment, the device has four USB ports P1 to P4, and a field corresponding to each USB port P1 to P4 is provided. The field for storing the table T2 is provided according to the number of USB ports.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the allowable input power indicates the input power permitted from the source side device (source side device), and the allowable input voltage indicates the input voltage permitted from the source side device. The device type indicates whether the device is an information terminal or a peripheral device. The information terminal indicates a device having a UI capable of outputting power supply information, and the peripheral device indicates a device other than the information terminal. The name of the device can also be set as the device type.

  The self-power consumption indicates the power consumption value of the self-device. The required voltage indicates a voltage value requested from the supply source. The required power indicates a maximum value of newly requested power (voltage, current). The P1 power supply information indicates power supply information of USB port number 1 that can supply power, and stores a table T2 related to a device connected to the USB port of USB port number 1. As P2 to P4 power supply information, power supply information related to a device connected to the corresponding USB port is stored.

  The Px power supply information management table (table T2) is a table for managing the power supply information of the USB port number Px and the negotiation information of USB PD communicated between P2P. As shown in FIG. 8, the table T2 includes a current supply power (item number 1), a supply voltage (item number 2), a current request power (item number 3), a request voltage (item number 4), a new It has a field for storing required power (item number 5). The table T2 further includes USB connection ON / OFF (item number 6), USB cable information (item number 7), specification supply voltage (item number 8), specification supply power (maximum value) (item number 9). And a field for storing. Further, the table T2 includes fields for storing connection availability (item number 10) and a lower power supply information link index (item number 11).

The current supply power indicates the value (voltage, current) of power that can be supplied from the corresponding USB port. The supply voltage indicates a voltage value that can be supplied from the corresponding USB port. The current required power indicates a power value (voltage, current) requested from a device (device) connected to the corresponding USB port. The required voltage indicates a voltage value requested from the corresponding USB port. The new required power indicates a power value (voltage, current) newly requested from a device (device) connected to the corresponding USB port.

USB connection ON / OFF indicates the connection state (ON / OFF) of the corresponding USB port. The USB cable information indicates USB cable information connected to the corresponding USB port. The specification supply voltage indicates the specification voltage value of the corresponding USB port. The spec supply power (maximum value) indicates the maximum value (voltage, current) of the spec supply power of the corresponding USB port. The connectability indicates whether power can be supplied from the corresponding USB port. The lower power supply information link index indicates an index to the power supply information of the device (device) on the power absorption side (sink side).

<Equipment configuration>
Next, a hardware configuration of devices forming the power supply system will be described. FIG. 9A shows a hardware configuration example of an apparatus that can be used as an information terminal, for example, the PC 1 (laptop) shown in FIG. The device 10 can be used as an information terminal. 9A, the device 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, an input device 13, a communication interface (communication IF) 14, and a display 15 that are connected to each other via a bus B.

The memory 12 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is used as a program development area, a data and program storage area, a program development area, a CPU 11 work area, a communication data buffer, and the like. The main storage device is formed by, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a combination of a RAM and a read only memory (ROM). The auxiliary storage device is used as a storage area for data and programs. The auxiliary storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (S
SD), flash memory, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (
It is formed of a non-volatile storage medium such as an EEPROM.

  The display 15 displays information and data. The input device 13 is used for inputting information. The input device 13 is, for example, a key, a button, a pointing device (such as a mouse), or a touch panel. A user interface (UI) is provided by the input device 13 and the display 15. The communication IF 14 is a circuit that performs communication processing. For example, a net interface card (NIC) can be applied.

  The device 10 includes one or a plurality of USB ports P connected to the connector (plug) of the USB cable 3 and an IC chip (USB Type-3) connected to the port P, which is electrically connected to the IC chip ( 20).

  The IC chip 20 manages power supply according to USBPD. The IC chip 20 includes a processor that executes a program stored in a memory in the IC chip 20. However, the processing performed by the IC chip 20 may be executed by hardware logic. The memory included in the IC chip 20 stores a program and data used in executing the program. The data includes table information such as table T1, table T2, and table TT3 (FIG. 20).

  The IC chip 20 is connected to the USB cable 3 through at least a CC line and a VBUS line. The CC line is used for USBPD communication (negotiation). The VBUS line is used as a power supply line.

  The IC chip 20 performs processing related to power supply using the USB independently of the operation of the device 10 (PC1) by the CPU 11. However, the IC chip 20 is connected to the bus B, and can pass data and commands to the CPU 11 to request processing. For example, the IC chip 20 passes power supply information to the CPU 11 and gives the CPU 11 a command for displaying the power supply information on the display 15.

  Furthermore, the device 10 has a power supply circuit 21. The power supply circuit 21 feeds power supplied from an AC power supply (for example, commercial power supply) via the AC adapter 1a to each unit (CPU 11, memory 12, input device 13, communication IF 14, display 15, IC chip 20) of the device 10. 22 to supply.

  In the device 10 shown in FIG. 9A, a case where there is one USB port is illustrated. On the other hand, you may have several USP port P like the apparatus 10A shown in FIG. The device 10A can be used, for example, as the PC 1 shown in FIG. Note that a device 10 as shown in FIG. 9B can be applied as the PC 1 shown in FIG.

  The device 10 illustrated in FIG. 9B has the same configuration as the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 9A. However, power is supplied from the cable 3. In this case, the configuration for receiving power from the AC power supply via the power supply circuit 21 and the AC adapter 1a can be omitted from the device 10 shown in FIG. 9B.

  FIG. 11 illustrates a hardware configuration example of the device 10B that can operate as a peripheral device. In FIG. 11, the device 10 </ b> B includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a circuit, and a device 16 that are connected to each other via a bus B. Circuits and devices 16 include circuits and devices 16 that meet the purpose of the instrument. For example, when the device 10B is the display 2, the circuit and device 16 includes a liquid crystal panel and a display circuit that drives the liquid crystal panel to display a desired image or the like on the liquid crystal panel.

  When the device 10 </ b> B is, for example, the server 4, the circuit and device 16 includes the input device 13 and the communication IF 14. Alternatively, when the device 10B is an HDD, the circuit and device 16 includes an HDD and a drive circuit. When the device 10B is a printer, the circuit and device 16 includes a printing mechanism, a printing mechanism control circuit, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the device 10C such as the HUB 7 includes a power supply circuit 21 and has a configuration for supplying power from the AC adapter 1a to each unit. FIG. 12B illustrates the device 10D located on the most downstream side of the power supply path. As an example, the device 10D may take the same configuration as the device 10B. However, the example of the device 10D shown in FIG. 12B has one USB port P to which the cable 3 is connected. However, there may be two or more USB ports P.

  The device 10B includes an IC chip 20 connected to the bus B and the power supply line 22 in the same manner as the device 10A. The IC chip 20 is connected to a plurality of USB ports P, and supplies a part of power received from the USB cable 3 connected to each USB port P to the power supply line 22 or transmits power from other USB ports. To do.

  The IC chip 20 shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B is an example of “computer”, “acquisition unit”, and “transmission unit”. Each of the memory 12 and the memory in the IC chip 20 is an example of “storage device”, “storage medium”, and “storage unit”. The CPU 11 and the IC chip are examples of “control device”, “controller”, “processor”, and the like.

<Method for Collecting and Updating Power Information Management Table (Table T1)>
Next, a method for collecting and updating the power information management table (table T1) will be described. As an example, it is assumed that the power supply system has the configuration (topology) shown in FIG.

In the following description, for example, “C (1) 6” may be used. “C” indicates a device. In the example shown in FIG. 1, PC1 is “A device (A)”, DPY # 1 is “B device (B)”, and DPY # 2 is “C device (C)”. Therefore, “C” indicates DPY # 2.

  Further, “(1)” in “C (1) 6” indicates a table T1 (power supply information management table). “(2)” indicates a table T2 (Px power supply information management table). Further, “6” (number) of “C (1) 6” indicates an item number in the table. Therefore, “C (1) 6” indicates item number 6 (required power) of the table T1 included in the C device (DPY # 2).

  FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are explanatory diagrams of the table collection and update method. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of table collection and update processing. The execution subject of the processing in the flowchart is the IC chip 20 in each device (A, B, C).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that DPY # 2 is connected to DPY # 1 connected to the PC 1 via a USB cable via a USB cable. In this case, the IC chip 20 of DPY # 1 detects the connection of DPY # 2, and starts communication with the IC chip 20 of DPY # 2.

  The IC chip 20 of the C device (DPY # 2) on the most downstream side indicates the self power consumption (item number 4) of the table T1 that the C device has in the negotiation with the upstream B device (DPY # 1). No. 6 “required power” is set (<1> in FIG. 13, 001 in FIG. 16). At this time, the required current (C (1) 4 / C (1) 5) is obtained and set from the self-consumption voltage and the required power. The C device transmits (notifies) the table T1 to the B device (<2> in FIG. 13). Transmission (notification) is performed using a unique command on a dedicated communication line (CC line) of USBPD. The table T1 transmitted by the C device is an example of “first information”.

  The IC chip 20 of the B device (DPY # 1) acquires the table T1 of the C device, and in the table T2 corresponding to the USB port number (for example, P1) to which the C device is connected in the table T1 of the B device. Links are made (FIG. 14 <1>, 002 in FIG. 16).

The IC chip 20 of the B device (DPY # 1) updates the table T1 and the table T2 of the B device based on the acquired information of the table T1 of the C device. The IC chip 20 acquires the self-power consumption (C (1) 4) and the required voltage (C (1) 5) in the table T1 of the C device and performs the following processing.
i) The required voltage (item number 5: C (1) 5) in the table T1 of the C device is copied to the P1 power supply information management table (item number 7: B (1) 7) in the table T1 of the B device. Specifically, the required voltage (C (1) 5) is copied to the required voltage (item number 4: B (1) 7 ((2) 4)) in the table T2 corresponding to the USB port P1 of the B device. The Further, the required power (C (1) 6) is copied to the new required power (item number 5: B (1) 7 ((2) 4)) of the table T2 corresponding to the USB port P1 of the B device ( 003 in FIG.

ii) The IC chip 20 compares the required voltage (C (1) 4) of the C device with the spec supply voltage (B (2) 8) of the USB port P1 of the B device, and the required voltage is equal to the spec supply voltage. It is checked whether it is within the range (004 in FIG. 16). Based on the check result, the IC chip 20 sets OK or NG in “Connectability” (B (2) 10) of the table T2 (006 and 007 in FIG. 16). At this time, if it is NG, the process proceeds to the process iv) described below.

iii) The IC chip 20 compares the new required power of the C device (B (2) 5) with the spec supply power (B (2) 9) of the USP port P1 of the B device. (005 in FIG. 16). Within the range (OK) or NG is set in the connection availability (item number 10: B (2) 10) in the table T2 (006 and 007 in FIG. 16).

iv) The IC chip 20 calculates the required power (item number 6: B (1) 6) in the table T1 of the B device (008 in FIG. 16). The required power is the sum of the own device power consumption (B (1) 4) and the required power from the lower device. The required power is represented by a required voltage and a required current value.

As shown in FIG. 14, the B device IC chip 20 converts the B device table T1 including the USB port P1 table T2 (including the C device table T1) into the A device (
PC1) is transmitted (notified) (FIG. 14 <2>). Transmission (notification) is performed using a CC line and a unique command. The B device table T1 including the C device table T1 is an example of “second information”.

  The IC chip 20 of the A device (PC1) links the table T1 of the B device (including the table T1 of the C device) to the table T2 of the USB port (P1) to which the B device is connected in the table T1 of the own device. (009 in FIG. 15).

  The IC chip 20 of the A device updates the table T1 of the own device and the table T2 of the own device using the acquired information of the table T1 of the B device. The IC chip acquires the self-power consumption and required voltage of the B device and performs the following processing.

i) The required voltage (B (1) 5) of the B device is changed from the required voltage (A (1) 7 ((2) 4) of item number 7 (P1 power supply management table (table T2)) of the table T1 of the A device. In addition, the required power (B (1) 6) of the B device is replaced with the new required power (A (1) 7 ((2) 5) of item number 7 (table T2 corresponding to P1) of the table T1). ) (010 of FIG. 17).

ii) Compare the required voltage (B (1) 4) of the B device with the specification supply voltage (A (2) 8) of the USP port P1 of the A device, and check whether the required voltage is within the specification supply voltage range. This is performed (011 in FIG. 17). The check result (OK / NG) is set in item number 10 (connection possibility) in the table T2 of the A device (013, 014 in FIG. 17). In the case of NG, the processing proceeds to the following iv).

iii) Compare the new required power of the B device (B (1) 5) with the spec supply power (A (2) 9) of the USB port P1 of the A device, and check whether the required power is within the spec supply power range (012 in FIG. 17). The check result (OK / NG) is set in item number 10 (connection possibility) in the table T2 of the A device (013, 014 in FIG. 17). In the case of OK, the process proceeds to the following process iii), and in the case of NG, the process proceeds to the following process iv).

iv) Calculation of item number 6 (required power value: A (1) 6) of the table T1 of the A device is performed. The required power is the sum of the own device power consumption and the required power from the lower device. The required power value is indicated by a required voltage and a current value ((A (1) 4 + A (1) 7 (W value of (2) 5)) / A (1) 5) (015 in FIG. 17).
). In this way, power supply information for all devices is collected.

  FIG. 18 shows a table structure when the power supply system has the configuration shown in FIG. 3 (star topology). The power supply information of each device (PC, HDD # 1, HDD # 2, mobile phone) connected to the HUB7 and the HUB7 is managed by the HUB7 which is the original device connected to the AC power supply. The collection method is performed when the HUB 7 (upstream side) receives the table T1 from each device (downstream side) and updates the table T2 and the table T1 of its own apparatus. The collection and update method is almost the same as in the case of multi-stage connection, and thus description thereof is omitted.

<Display of power supply information>
The power supply management information expressed by the tree information table T1 collected by the original device is displayed on the display by the information terminal. In the example of the power supply system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PC 1 displays power supply management information on the display 15 as a source device and information terminal. On the other hand, in the example of the power supply system shown in FIG. 3, since the HUB 7 does not have a UI, the HUB 7 transmits power supply management information to the PC 1, and the CPU 11 of the PC 1 receives the power supply management information from the IC chip 20. Then, a process of displaying on the display 15 is performed.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a power supply information screen displayed by the PC 1 (information terminal) shown in FIG. However, in the example of FIG. 19, the PC 1 has four USB ports (having the configuration shown in FIG. 10). FIG. 20 shows a data structure example of a table (hereinafter referred to as “item table T3” or “table T3”) for managing display items on the power supply information screen. The table T3 is stored in the memory 12, for example.

  On the screen, a topology formed by a plurality of devices is displayed. In addition, the value of input power for the original device is displayed. When the sum of the required power from the downstream and the power consumption of the original device falls within the input power range, the input power is displayed in the first color (for example, blue). 2 color (red).

In addition, the power consumption in each device (PC, DPY # 1, DPY # 2) is displayed. In addition to the USB ports that each device has, the power that can be supplied by each USB port (Capability) and the required power (Request) from the downstream are displayed. When the required power is within the range of power that can be supplied, the required power is displayed in the first color (blue). When the required power is out of the range, the required power is displayed in the second color (red). The

On the screen, the power supply is suspended (Suspend) in association with the symbol of each device.
) To set a check field (suspend instruction). When the suspend instruction is checked, the power consumption in the own device is set to a predetermined value (for example, 25 mW) or less. For example, when DPY # 1 cannot supply the required power from DPY # 2, it becomes possible to supply the required power to DPY # 2 by suspending DPY # 1.

<< Display processing (power supply control processing) >>
In displaying the screen, the CPU 11 of the information terminal performs the following process by executing the program stored in the memory 12. 21, 22, and 23 are flowcharts illustrating examples of power supply processing by the CPU 11. Note that “<3> x (x is a number)” is described in the flowcharts of FIGS. “<3>” indicates an item table T3 (table T3), and a number x indicates an item number in the table T3.

  The table T1 is collected (101 in FIG. 21), the device connection configuration (topology) is identified from the tree structure (FIG. 15) of the table T1, and the creation of the table T3 (item table T3, FIG. 20) is started (FIG. 21). 21 of 102). The USB port number (item number 2) and the connected device configuration (item number 1) are stored in the item table T3 on the screen and displayed on the screen (103 in FIG. 21).

  Information (PC, DPY # 1, DPY # 2) of item number 3 (device type) of each table T1 is acquired as the device name of each device, and stored as information of item numbers 3 to 5 of the item table T3. It is displayed on the screen (104 in FIG. 21).

The input power from the AC power source (item number 1 in the PC table T1) is stored in the item table T3 and displayed on the screen. At this time, it is determined whether or not the input power is equal to or greater than the required power (A (1) 6) (105 in FIG. 21). If the input power is greater than or equal to the required power, the input power is displayed in blue (106 in FIG. 21). Otherwise, the input power is displayed in red (107 in FIG. 21).
).

  Self-power consumption (A (1) 4, B (1) 4, C (1) 4) of each device is stored in item number 7, item number 8, and item number 9 of item table T3 and displayed on the screen. (108 in FIG. 21).

  Spec values (A (1) 7 ((2) 9), B (1) 7 ((2) 9)) as item numbers 10, 10 in the item table T3, as Capability of the USB port to which the device is connected. The information is stored in item number 11 and displayed on the screen (109 in FIG. 21).

As a request for the USB port to which the device is connected, a new required power (B (1) 7 (
(2) 5)) is stored in item number 13 of item table T3 (110 in FIG. 22) and displayed on the screen. At this time, it is determined whether the new required power is within the allowable range (111 in FIG. 22). If it is within the allowable range (OK), it is displayed on the screen in blue (112 in FIG. 22), otherwise (NG) ) Is displayed in red (113 in FIG. 22).

In addition, as a request for the USB port to which the device is connected, a new required power (A (1
) 7 ((2) 5)) is stored in item number 12 of the item table T3 (114 in FIG. 22) and displayed on the screen. At this time, it is determined whether the new required power is within the allowable range (115 in FIG. 22). If the new required power is within the allowable range (OK), it is displayed in blue (116 in FIG. 22), and otherwise (NG In the case of (1), it is displayed in red (117 in FIG. 22).

<< Suspend setting >>
The information terminal (PC1) adjusts the supply power of each device by performing the suspend setting so that the sum of the required power and the self-consumption power is within the range of the input power.

  Input related to the suspend setting using the user's UI is performed, and information related to the suspend setting is stored in item number 14, item number 15 and item number 16 of the item table T3 (118 in FIG. 22). The device to be suspended can be selected as appropriate. However, the suspend setting is performed for devices other than the original device and the information terminal. It is determined whether or not the suspension setting has been changed (119 in FIG. 22). If it is determined that the suspension setting has been changed, a recalculation process is performed (120 in FIG. 22).

  24, 25, and 26 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the recalculation process. With reference to item numbers 14 to 16 in the item table T3, a device whose suspend setting has been changed is searched (201 in FIG. 24). When the suspend setting is performed for a certain device, the link of the table T1 is searched, and the following calculation is performed for a device that supplies power to the corresponding device via the USB cable 3. The calculation is performed by the CPU 11 of the information terminal.

  When the suspend setting is changed for a plurality of devices through the search (202 in FIG. 22), power is recalculated from the most downstream device (203 in FIG. 22).

[When C device (DPY # 2) is set to suspend]
As recalculation for the C device set to suspend, the required power of the C device (C (1) 6) and the required power of the table T2 of the B device (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) Recalculated. The flowchart in FIG. 24 exemplifies the process of the C device.

The Px power supply information management table to which the C device is linked is searched (204 in FIG. 24), and it is determined whether the suspend setting or the suspension is canceled (205 in FIG. 24). At the time of suspend setting for the C device, the required voltage (C (1) 5) and the value obtained by dividing 25 mW by the required voltage (C (1) 5) as the required power (C (1) 6) in the table T1 of the C device (Current value) is set. The new required power (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) in the table T2 for the B device is set to the required power value (C (1) 6).

  If the C device is not in the suspend setting (when the suspend setting is canceled), the process 207 is performed. That is, as the new required power in the table T1 of the C device, a value obtained by dividing the required voltage (C (1) 5) and the self-power consumption (C (1) 4) by the required voltage (C (1) 5) ( Current value) is set. At this time, the new required power in the table T2 of the B device is set to the value (C (1) 6) of the required power.

Required voltage of C device (C (1) 4) and spec supply voltage of USB port of B device (
B (2) 8) is compared to check whether the required voltage is within the specification supply voltage range (208 in FIG. 24). If the check result is NG, NG is set to allow / disconnect the table T2 (211 in FIG. 24).

  Compare the new required power of the C device (C (1) 5) with the spec supply power (B (2) 9) of the USB port of the B device and check whether the required power is within the spec supply power range. This is performed (209 in FIG. 24). The check result (OK, NG) is set in the table T2 as to whether connection is possible (210, 211 in FIG. 24). Note that the order of the process 208 and the process 209 may be reversed.

  The new required power (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) is stored in the item table T3 as a request for the connected USB port (Request) (212 in FIG. 24) and displayed on the screen. At this time, it is determined whether the new required power is within the range of the specification value (213 in FIG. 24). If it is within the range, it is displayed in blue (214 in FIG. 24), otherwise it is displayed in red. (215 in FIG. 24).

  In 216 of FIG. 25, it is determined whether there is another tree. If there is another tree, recalculation processing of power supplied to other USB ports is performed (217 in FIG. 25).

  Recalculation is performed on the B device that is one upstream of the suspended C device. Recalculation of the required power (B (1) 6) of the B device table T1 and the new required power (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) of the B device table T2 (corresponding to the C device) is performed. Is called.

  Specifically, the table T2 to which the B device (DPY # 1) is linked is searched (218 in FIG. 25), and it is determined whether the suspend is set or released (219 in FIG. 25). When the B device is set to suspend, as the required power (B (1) 6), the power value (W value) of the required voltage (B (1) 5) and B (1) 7 ((2) 5) ) Plus 25 mW and the value (current value) divided by the required voltage (B (1) 5). The required power (B (1) 6) is set as the value of the item number 5 of the table T2 in the item number 7 of the table T1 of the A device (220 in FIG. 25).

  On the other hand, when the B device is not in the suspend setting (the suspend setting is canceled), the following processing is performed. That is, as the required power of the table T1 of the B device, the power of the required voltage (B (1) 5), the self-consumed power (B (1) 4), and the required voltage (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) A value (current value) obtained by dividing the sum of the value (W value) by the required voltage (B (1) 5) is set as the required power (A (1) 7 ((2)) in the table T2 of the A device. 5) is the value of the new required power (221 in FIG. 25).

Required voltage of B device (B (1) 4) and spec supply voltage of USB port of A device (
A (2) 8) is compared, and it is checked whether or not the required voltage is within the specification supply voltage range (222 in FIG. 25). If the check result is NG, NG is set to be connectable / unavailable in the table T2 (225 in FIG. 25).

  Compare the new required power of the B device (B (1) 5) with the spec supply power (A (2) 9) of the USB port of the A device, and check whether the required power is within the spec supply power range. This is performed (223 in FIG. 25). The check result (OK, NG) is set in the table T2 as to whether connection is possible (224 and 225 in FIG. 25). Note that the order of the process of 222 and the process of 223 may be reversed.

  The new requested power (B (1) 7 ((2) 5)) is stored in the item table T3 (226 in FIG. 25) as a request for the connected USB port, and is displayed on the screen. At this time, it is determined whether the new required power is within the specification value range (227 in FIG. 25). If it is within the range, it is displayed in blue (228 in FIG. 25), otherwise it is displayed in red (229 in FIG. 25).

  The recalculation for the A device is performed as follows. When the table T1 to which the B device is linked is searched (230 in FIG. 26) and the search of the table T2 to which the A device is linked is NG (does not exist), the A device is the original device (power supply). (231 in FIG. 26). At this time, the presence / absence of another tree is determined (232 in FIG. 26), and if there is another tree, a recalculation process of the supplied power related to the tree is executed (233 in FIG. 26).

  Recalculate the required power (A (1) 6) of the A device. That is, in 234 of FIG. 26, it is determined whether the suspend setting or the setting cancellation of the A device is performed. When the A device is set to suspend, the required power (A (1) 6), the required voltage (A (1) 5), the power value of A (1) 7 ((2) 5), and 25 mW A current value obtained by dividing the sum by the required voltage (A (1) 5) is set (235 in FIG. 26).

  On the other hand, when the A device is not in the suspend setting (when the setting is cancelled), the following occurs. That is, the required power (A (1) 6) of the A device includes the required voltage (A (1) 5), the self-power consumption (A (1) 4), and the required voltage (A (1) 7 ((2)). The sum (5) and the power value (W value) is divided by the required voltage (A (1) 5) (current value) (236 in FIG. 26).

  In 237 of FIG. 26, it is checked whether the required power is within the range of the input power. If it is within the range, the input power is displayed in blue (238 in FIG. 26), otherwise it is displayed in red ( 239 of FIG. At the end of the process 238 or 239, the recalculation process ends. When the required power is outside the input power range, the suspend setting of the device is repeated by changing the device to be set to the suspend setting until it falls within the range.

When the recalculation process is completed, each USB port request (Request, item number 12 in the item table T3,
Item No. 13) is added to the Capability (Px power supply information management table (table T2) of each device.
Set to No.1, No.2) and Request (No.3, No.4). “Px power supply information” is set so that USB PD negotiation is performed with the normally set suspension setting.

  That is, it is determined whether or not the item number 10 (B (1) 7 ((2) 10): connection possibility) in the table T2 of the item number 7 of the B device table T1 is OK (121 in FIG. 22). In the case of OK, the value of item number 13 in the item table T3 is set as the value of item number 1 (supply power) and item number 3 (current request power) of this table T2. Further, the voltage value of item number 12 of the item table T3 is set as the value of item number 2 (supply voltage) and item number 4 (required voltage) of the table T2 (122 in FIG. 22).

Item number 10 in the table T2 of item number 7 in the table T1 of the B device ((B (1) 7 (
If (2) 10): Connection possibility) is NG, the process of 123 in FIG. 22 is performed. That is, the value of the item number 1 (supply power), the value of the item number 2 (supply voltage), the value of the item number 3 (current request power), and the value of the item number 4 (request voltage) of the corresponding table T2 are 0. Is set. After the processes 122 and 123, the process proceeds to 124 in FIG.

  In the process of 124, it is determined whether the item number 10 (A (1) 7 ((2) 10): connectability) in the table T2 of the item number 7 of the A device table T1 is OK or NG. In the case of OK, the value of item number 12 of the item table T3 is set to the value of item number 1 (supply power) of this table T2. In addition, the voltage value of item number 12 of the item table T3 is set to the value of item number 2 (supply voltage) of the table T2. Also, the value of item number 12 of the item table T3 is set as the value of item number 3 (current required power) of the table T2. In addition, the voltage value of item number 12 of the item table T3 is set to the value of item number 4 (required voltage) of the table T2 (125 in FIG. 26).

  When the item number 10 (A (1) 7 ((2) 10): connection possibility) in the table T2 of the item number 7 of the A device table T1 is NG, the following processing is performed. That is, the value of item number 1 (supply power), the value of item number 2 (supply voltage), the value of item number 3 (current request power), and the value of item number 4 (request voltage) of the table T2 are 0. Is set (126 in FIG. 26).

  The display of the power supply information screen (FIG. 19) is terminated when, for example, the user presses a “setting complete” button displayed on the screen. In the flowchart of FIG. 23, the input of the setting completion button is requested, and when it is determined that the input is the pressing of the setting completion button (128, Yes), the process proceeds to 129. On the other hand, when the setting completion button is not pressed and the “suspend setting” is changed (No in 128), the process returns to 118, and recalculation is performed based on the change of the suspend setting.

  When the suspension setting is performed, a suspension instruction is given from the power supply side device to the target device in the USBPD negotiation, and the power consumption of the target device is set to a predetermined value (25 mV) or less.

  Note that the processing after 129 in FIG. 23 is not executed when the information terminal and the original device are the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the information terminal and the original device may not be the same. In this case, when the table is updated by the suspend setting, the information terminal transmits the updated power supply information to the main device (see the process 129 in FIG. 12A). Transmission can be performed with a unique command using the CC line.

  A corresponding table T1 (table tree) is supplied to each downstream device from the original device, and the table T1 is expanded (130, 131, 132). That is, the memory of the IC chip 20 of each device stores its own table T1 and the table T1 of the downstream device.

  Then, negotiation based on USBPD is executed from the original device to the downstream (see the processes 133 and 134 and the processes 135 and 136). At this time, each device performs negotiation using the information in the supplied table T1. Thereby, negotiation (power supply setting) based on the table T1 recalculated by the suspend setting is executed. At this time, if the values of the item numbers 1 to 3 in the table T2 are 0, the connection based on the USBPD with the device connected via the corresponding USB port is not performed.

When the topology is a star type, for example, in the case of the power supply system shown in FIG. 3, the following power supply control process is performed.
(1) The PC 1 that is the information terminal receives the entire power supply information (from the HUB 7 that is the original device)
Tree of table T1). The procedure similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 13 is applied to the procedure for acquiring the table T1 from each device by the HUB 7. However, in the case of the star type, there is one stage from the connected device to the HUB 7 (main device). A table tree as shown in FIG. 18 is transmitted from the HUB 7 to the PC 1.
(2) The PC 1 displays a connection configuration diagram (power supply information screen) as shown in FIG. 27 on the display, for example. The user refers to the screen, sets the negotiated value (required power) of each device, and corrects the power supply information. For example, a check field (supply button) for checking the suspend setting for each device is displayed on the screen, and the suspend setting for the target device is performed by checking the check box. The self-power consumption of the device for which the suspend setting has been made is set to a predetermined value or less (even in the case of 0).
(3) The PC 1 transmits the corrected power supply information (table T1) to the hub 7.
(4) The hub transmits the power supply information of the target part to the connected device (PC1, mobile phone 8, HDD # 1, HDD # 2). Thereby, the required power based on the corrected power supply information is supplied to each device through the negotiation. At this time, the power supply from the HUB 7 is not performed to the device whose required power is set to 0 (the supply target is not checked).

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, DPY # 1 (B device) shown in FIG. 1 acquires (receives) a table T1 (first information) including required power from DPY # 2 (C device). DPY # 1 transmits DPY # 2 table T1 and DPY # 1 table T2 (including power consumption of DPY # 1) to PC1 (A device), which is an upstream device. As described above, in the embodiment, information capable of grasping the required power of each device (DPY # 1, DPY # 2) is transmitted to the upstream device. Thus, it is possible to supply power to a device (for example, a terminal device) that could not receive power supply in a situation where the upstream device receives power supply with priority. Therefore, the degree of freedom of power supply to a plurality of devices can be improved.

In the embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained.
(1) When a plurality of devices are connected in multiple stages, regardless of the order of connection from the power source (main source) of each device, the device required by the user can be supplied without changing the USB cable. You can choose to use.

(2) When devices are connected in multiple stages, negotiation based on USBPD is performed between devices connected by a USB cable, and OK / NG of power supply is determined in each negotiation. For this reason, the user cannot know from the appearance which of the devices connected in multiple stages cannot receive power properly. In the embodiment, a device operating as an information terminal displays a power supply state on a screen. As a result, the user can know which device is not supplied with power, and can supply power to the terminal device by suspending an intermediate device as necessary. .

  (3) When multiple devices are connected to the original device in a star shape, regardless of the order of connection to the original device, the user selects the device that the user desires to supply and uses it. can do. At this time, physical connection / disconnection of the USB cable is not necessary. The configurations of the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

T1 ... Power supply information management table T2 ... Px Power supply information management table 1 ... Personal computer (PC)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a ... AC adapter 2 ... Display 3 ... USB cable 4 ... Server 5 ... Printer 6 ... Hard disk drive (HDD)
7 ... USB hub (HUB)
10, 10A, 10B, 10C ... Device 11 ... CPU
12 ... Memory 20 ... IC chip 21 ... Power supply circuit 22 ... Power demand line

Claims (3)

A computer connected to the upstream device via the first USB cable and connected to the downstream device via the second USB cable is connected to the computer.
Obtaining from the downstream device first information including information indicating power required for the downstream device to receive supply via the second USB cable;
Information including the first information and information indicating the power consumption of the device as the second information including information indicating the power required to be supplied via the first USB cable is provided on the upstream side. A program that executes processing to be sent to a device. In the power management apparatus of the device connected to the upstream device via the first USB cable and connected to the downstream device via the second USB cable,
An acquisition unit that acquires, from the downstream device, first information including information indicating the power required for the downstream device to be supplied via the second USB cable;
Information including the first information and information indicating the power consumption of the device as the second information including information indicating the power required to be supplied via the first USB cable is provided on the upstream side. A transmitter for transmitting to the device;
Power management device including A device connected to the upstream device via the first USB cable, and connected to the downstream device via the second USB cable,
Obtaining from the downstream device first information including information indicating power required for the downstream device to receive supply via the second USB cable;
Information including the first information and information indicating the power consumption of the device as the second information including information indicating the power required to be supplied via the first USB cable is provided on the upstream side. A power management method including transmitting to a device.

Images