JPH11275121A - Information transmission line formation method, information transmission line formation device, structure for information transmission line formation, connector for information transmission line and connector inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform wiring for information transmission among plural equipments for transferring information. SOLUTION: In the respective inner parts of a desk 11, a table 12 and a wall 13 as the structures, cables 1a, 1b and 1c for the information transmission corresponding to an IEEE1394 standard are respectively inserted. To both end parts of the cables 1a, 1b and 1c, the connectors 2 are respectively connected. In the case of forming an information transmission line by the IEEE1394 standard among the plural equipments 14-18 for transferring the information, the cables 1a, 1b and 1c passed inside the structures other than the equipments are at least partially used and the information transmission line among the plural equipments 14-18 is formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information transmission path forming method, an information transmission path forming apparatus, and an information transmission path forming structure used for forming an information transmission path between a plurality of devices that exchange information. The present invention relates to an information transmission line connector and a connector inspection device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of various devices that handle digital data such as scanners, digital cameras, digital VTRs (video tape recorders), many peripheral devices are often connected to computers such as personal computers. It has become.

Conventionally, between a computer and various peripheral devices, an RS-232C, SCSI (Small Computer S) is used.
ystem Interface), Centronics, etc., in many cases. Therefore, as the number of peripheral devices connected to the computer increases, a large number of various information transmission cables are connected to the computer, and the cables become complicated.

[0004] Under such circumstances, the IEEE 1394 standard (IEEE) has been developed as a next-generation interface standard.
1394 High Speed Serial Bus (High Speed
Serial Bus) Also called standard. ) Is getting attention. According to the IEEE 1394 standard, many devices can be connected in a tree-type bus structure. In other words, a group of devices, including computers that exchange information with each other,
If connected to any other device via an IEEE1394 standard cable, information can be exchanged without being directly connected to the device that exchanges information. Therefore, if the IEEE 1394 standard is used, wiring for transmitting information between devices can be simplified.

[0005]

However, as will be understood from a case where a computer is connected to a digital telephone, for example, the devices connected to the computer are not always located near the computer.
As described above, when the devices to be connected to each other are located at remote places, even if the IEEE 1394 standard is used, a cable of a certain length is required, and there is a problem that wiring between the devices becomes difficult. . Further, if a long cable connecting the devices exists in an exposed state, there is a problem that an undesirable situation occurs in terms of function and aesthetic appearance. Further, it is also difficult to change the wiring when the equipment is moved.

The IEEE 1394 standard has a function of automatically resetting the system configuration when a device is connected or disconnected. Therefore, IEEE
By using the 1394 standard, a user can connect and use many devices with each other without considering the physical connection relationship.

However, even when the IEEE 1394 standard is used, if the number of devices to be connected increases, the physical connection relationship becomes complicated, and the management of the connection relationship where and what is connected becomes complicated. There is a point.
This is considered to be more remarkable not only in the home but also in the office because the number of connected devices increases.

In an office, it is sometimes desired to manage a group of devices connected to each other in a plurality of groups such as rooms, floors, and organizational units. IEEE 1394
When the standard is used, the physical connection relationship between a large number of devices can be in any manner, and therefore, the management for each group as described above is instead of the physical connection relationship between the devices. It needs to be performed separately from the management, and there is a problem that the management for each group becomes complicated. Further, when the connection relation of the devices is changed by changing the layout in the office or performing the transfer in the organization unit, the IEEE 139 is used.
The system configuration is automatically reset by the functions of the four standards, but as a result, there is a problem that the management for each group is rather difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission apparatus capable of easily performing information transmission wiring between a plurality of devices which exchange information. An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission path forming method, an information transmission path forming apparatus, and a structure for forming an information transmission path.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission path forming method, an information transmission path forming apparatus, an information transmission path forming structure, and an information transmission which can easily manage the connection relation of devices. A road connector is provided.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission path forming method, an information transmission path forming apparatus, an information transmission path forming structure, and an information transmission which enable easy management of each device group. A road connector is provided.

[0012] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a connector inspection apparatus capable of confirming the function of an information transmission line connector.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An information transmission path forming method according to the present invention is an information transmission path forming method for forming an information transmission path between a plurality of devices for exchanging information. An information transmission path between a plurality of devices is formed by using at least a part of the information transmission cable passed through.

An information transmission path forming apparatus according to the present invention is used to form at least a part of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices for exchanging information, and transmits information through a structure other than the devices. And an at least one connector connected to the information transmission cable and connected to the information transmission path.

The information transmission path forming structure of the present invention is provided separately from a plurality of devices for exchanging information, and is provided between a structure body having a predetermined structure and a plurality of devices for exchanging information. An information transmission cable used to form at least a part of the information transmission path and passed through the structure body, and at least one connector connected to the information transmission cable for connecting the information transmission path; It is provided with.

In the information transmission path forming method, the information transmission path forming apparatus or the information transmission path forming structure of the present invention, a plurality of information transmission cables passed through a structure other than the equipment are used at least in part. An information transmission path between the devices is formed.

An information transmission line connector according to the present invention is an information transmission line connector used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices which exchange information. An information transmission path connection unit for connecting the communication path, and identification information holding means capable of holding identification information unique to each information transmission path connector and outputting the identification information to the outside from the information transmission path connection unit. It is provided with.

In this information transmission line connector, the identification information holding means holds the identification information unique to the information transmission line connector, and this identification information can be output to the outside from the information transmission line connection section. .

Another information transmission line connector of the present invention is an information transmission line connector used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices that exchange information. An information transmission line connection portion for connecting the information transmission line, and a power supply line connection portion for connecting a main power supply line used for supplying power to the device. is there.

In this information transmission line connector, the information transmission line is connected by the information transmission line connection portion, and the main power supply line is connected by the power supply line connection portion.

The connector inspection apparatus of the present invention is used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices for exchanging information. Inspection of an information transmission line connector having a connection portion and identification information holding means capable of holding identification information unique to each information transmission line connector and outputting the identification information to the outside from the information transmission line connection portion. A connector inspection device connected to the information transmission line connection portion, and an inspection connection portion connected to the inspection connection portion, and through the inspection connection portion, Identification information confirmation means for inputting and confirming identification information output from the connection unit,
Display means for displaying the identification information confirmed by the identification information confirmation means.

In this connector inspection device, the identification information confirming means confirms the identification information unique to the information transmission line connector, and the confirmed identification information is displayed by the display means.

Another connector inspection apparatus of the present invention is used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices for exchanging information, and for transmitting information for connecting the information transmission line. Connector inspection for inspecting an information transmission line connector including a road connection portion and a power supply line connection portion for connecting a main power supply line used to supply power to the device. A device, an inspection connection unit connected to the power supply path connection unit, and an energization state confirmation unit connected to the inspection connection unit and checking the energization state in the power supply path connection unit, Display means for displaying the energization status confirmed by the energization status confirmation means.

In this connector inspection apparatus, the power supply status at the power supply path connection portion of the information transmission line connector is confirmed by the power supply status confirmation means, and the confirmed power supply state is displayed by the display means.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the information transmission path and the information transmission cable are:
It conforms to the IEEE 1394 standard.

Here, the IEEE 1394 standard will be briefly described. In the IEEE 1394 standard, for example, 2
Signal transmission is performed using a pair of twisted pair wires (twisted pair wires). In this case, so-called half-duplex communication is performed by using two sets of twisted pair wires for transmitting signals in one direction. Specifically, data is sent to one twisted pair line, and a signal called a strobe is sent to the other twisted pair line. By taking the exclusive OR of these two signals,
The clock can be reproduced on the receiving side. This method is called DS coding.

In the IEEE 1394 standard, as described above, a large number of devices can be connected in a tree-type bus structure. The IEEE 1394 standard has a function of automatically resetting the system configuration when a device is connected or disconnected. The automatic setting of the system configuration is performed in three stages: a stage of resetting the bus, a stage of examining the tree structure, and a stage in which each node notifies its own node number to other nodes. By the automatic setting of the system configuration, a tree structure is created in which one device is set as a root and the other devices are children, grandchildren, etc. of the root, and a node number is automatically assigned to each device.

Further, in the IEEE 1394 standard, a signal transmitted by one device is relayed by another device,
The same signal can be transmitted to all devices in the system. Each device must arbitrate for the right to use the bus before transmitting a signal. A device that wants to transmit a signal first waits for the bus to be available and issues a request signal to its parent device in order to obtain the right to use the bus. The device receiving the request signal
The request signal is relayed to the parent device, and the request signal reaches the route. Upon receiving the request signal, the route returns a permission signal. In this way, the device that has received the permission signal can start communication.

As described above, in the IEEE 1394 standard,
While competing for the right to use the bus, a plurality of devices use one bus by time division multiplexing. However, when transmitting real-time data such as audio signals and video signals, data is lost unless communication is guaranteed at certain time intervals. Therefore, according to the IEEE 1394 standard, such data transmission is performed by isochronous transmission.
s) Transfer is used. For normal data transfer,
Asynchronous transfer is used.

The contents of the IEEE 1394 standard are described in “Isochrome for multimedia data.
"Nikkei Electronics 19 with Nous Transfer Function"
July 4, 1994, pages 152-163 "and" Shima et al.
"Digital VTR Digital Interface" IEICE Technical Report
MR95-36 (1995-10), pp. 25-30 ".

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an information transmission path is formed between a plurality of devices that exchange information by passing an information transmission cable in accordance with the IEEE 1394 standard in a structure other than the plurality of devices that exchange information. In this example, an information transmission path between a plurality of devices is formed by using at least a part of an information transmission cable passed through a structure other than the devices.

In the present application, a structure is a thing having a predetermined structure, and is not limited to a building itself such as a house or a building, but also a structural element of a building such as a fitting, a feature, a desk, or the like.
This includes furniture such as tables, furniture, and the like.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a mode of connection of devices according to the present embodiment. In this example, inside the desk 11, the table 12, and the wall 13 as structures,
Information transmission cables (hereinafter simply referred to as cables) 1a, 1b, 1 according to the IEEE 1394 standard, respectively.
c is inserted. At each end of the cable 1 (representing 1a, 1b, 1c), an information transmission path used for connecting the information transmission path in the middle of the information transmission path between a plurality of devices that exchange information. Connector (hereinafter simply referred to as a connector) 2 is connected.
The connector 2 has, for example, a receptacle type, and is fixed to the structure so as to be exposed outside from the surface of the structure.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a computer 14, a digital camera 15, a printer 16, a digital VTR 17 and a CD (compact disk) player 18 are cited as a plurality of devices for exchanging information. Between the computer 14 and the digital camera 15, between the computer 14 and the printer 16 and between the digital VT
The R17 and the CD player 18 are connected by cables 1d, 1e and 1f, respectively. The computer 14 is connected to the connector 2 at one end of the cable 1a inserted into the desk 11 via the cable 1g. A connector at one end of the relay cable 1h is connected to the connector 2 at the other end of the cable 1a. A connector at the other end of the cable 1h is a connector at one end of the cable 1c inserted into the wall 13. 2 are connected. The connector 2 at the other end of the cable 1c is connected to the connector at one end of the relay cable 1i. The connector at the other end of the cable 1i is a connector at one end of the cable 1b inserted into the table 14. 2 are connected. A digital VTR 17 is connected to the connector 2 on the other end of the cable 1b via a cable 1j. In this way, the devices are connected so that they can exchange information with each other.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show examples of various embodiments of passing cables through a structure. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a cable 1 is passed through a component of a building. The building components include a baseboard, a long push, a fitting frame, and the like. By constructing the building using the components of the building into which the cable 1 has been inserted in advance, the wiring of the entire room is facilitated as shown in FIG. Further, the connector 2 can be arranged at an arbitrary position in the room.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the cable 1 is passed through the desk 21. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the cable 1 is passed through the table 22. FIG. 5 shows the cable 1 in the partition 23.
An example is shown below. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the cable 1 is passed through the furniture 24. In any of the examples shown in FIG. 3 to FIG.
Connector 2 is connected. The connector 2 can be connected to a connector 4 provided at an end of a cable 3 for connecting to a device or for relaying.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the connector. In the example shown in this figure, the connector 2 connected to the cable in the structure 10 has a receptacle type,
The connector 4 connected to the cable 3 outside the structure 10 is of a plug type, and the connector 2 and the connector 4 can be connected and disconnected.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the appearance of the connector. In the example shown in this figure, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 7, the connector 2 connected to the cable inside the structure 10 has a receptacle type, and the cable 3 outside the structure 10
Is a plug type, and the connector 2 and the connector 4 can be connected and disconnected.
However, in the connector 2 in this example, an input unit 31 for inputting identification information unique to the connector and a display unit 32 for displaying the identification information and the like are provided on the upper surface of the connector body 2A. I have. The input unit 31 includes, for example, a plurality of switches, and the display unit 32 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the connector shown in FIG. The connector 2 not only relays a signal, but also functions as a node in a system configuration based on the IEEE 1394 standard. The connector 2 includes a terminal unit 33 having a plurality of terminals that are physically and electrically connected to the connector 4 in addition to the input unit 31 and the display unit 32 described above. This terminal section 33 is connected to the cable 1. The connector 2 further includes a physical layer unit 34 connected to the terminal unit 33,
A link layer unit 35 connected to the physical layer unit 34, a non-volatile memory 36 for holding identification information unique to the connector, an input unit 31, a display unit 32, a physical layer unit 34, a link layer unit 35, A control unit 37 controls the nonvolatile memory 36 and a terminal 38 connected to the link layer unit 35. The physical layer unit 34 and the link layer unit 35 are each configured by, for example, a dedicated IC (integrated circuit). The non-volatile memory 36 is constituted by, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), and the control unit 37 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer.

In the connector 1 shown in FIG.
, The input unit 31, the display unit 32, the physical layer unit 34, the link layer unit 35, the nonvolatile memory 36, the control unit 37, and the terminal 38 are not provided, and only the terminal unit 33 is connected to the cable 1. is there.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing still another example of the appearance of the connector. The connector 2 of this example has a configuration in which the input unit 31 is removed from the connector 2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a circuit configuration of the connector 2 shown in FIG. This connector 2 is different from the connector 2 shown in FIG. 9 in that an input section 39 connected to a link layer section 35 and a control section 37 is provided instead of the input section 31. The input unit 39 transmits identification information unique to the connector, which is input to the connector 2 by remote control from a nearest controller (such as a personal computer) connected to the connector 2, via the physical layer unit 34 and the link layer unit 35. And sends it to the controller 37. The control unit 37 stores the identification information sent from the input unit 39 in the nonvolatile memory 36. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the display unit 32 may or may not be provided.

Hereinafter, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 9 will be described in detail. The physical layer unit 34 performs processing of the physical layer in the protocol layer of the IEEE 1394 standard. Specifically, the physical layer unit 34 performs automatic setting of the system configuration, arbitration of the right to use the bus, relay of signals of other devices, and the like. It has become. The link layer unit 35 performs processing of the data link layer in the protocol layer of the IEEE 1394 standard, and specifically, controls a low-level protocol such as reading and writing.

The nonvolatile memory 36 stores identification information unique to each connector 2. In addition,
According to the IEEE 1394 standard, different node numbers are assigned to the respective nodes when the system configuration is automatically set. However, the identification information stored in the non-volatile memory 36 is different from the node numbers. It is used to identify groups such as floors and organizational units.

The input section 31 is capable of inputting identification information unique to the connector 2. The identification information input by the input section 31 is written into the nonvolatile memory 36 by the control section 37. ing. Therefore, the identification information can be preset. By performing a predetermined operation on the input unit 31, the control unit 37 is operated.
Reads the identification information from the nonvolatile memory 36 and causes the display unit 32 to display the identification information.

It should be noted that the circuit shown in FIG.
Power is supplied via a power supply path included in a cable according to the 394 standard.

The link layer unit 35 is necessary for exchanging data with a higher layer in the IEEE 1394 standard protocol layer. When the connector 2 merely relays a signal, the link layer unit 35 is not necessarily required. Not necessary. However, this link layer unit 35 is provided, and the control unit 3
If 7 is assigned to a higher layer in the protocol layer, the connector 2 can execute a simple application. As this application, an application related to management of a device lower than the connector 2 in the system configuration can be considered.

Further, as shown in FIG.
By providing the terminal 5 and the terminal 38 connected to the link layer 35, it is also possible to directly connect a device to the connector 2 without passing through the cable 3. FIG. 9 shows a digital VTR 40 as an example of a device that can be directly connected to the connector 2 as described above.

Here, the digital VTR 4 shown in FIG.
0 will be described. This digital VTR 40
A converter 41 converts an input video signal from analog to digital to digital input video data, and also converts digital output video data from digital to analog to an analog output video signal. A video processing unit 42 connected to perform video data compression / decompression processing and the like, and performs analog-to-digital conversion of an input audio signal into digital input audio data, and performs digital-to-analog conversion of digital output audio data. A converter 43 for converting the output audio signal into an analog signal; and an audio processor 44 connected to the converter 43 for performing an interleave process or the like.
A multiplexer 45 connected to the video processing unit 42 and the audio processing unit 44;
5, an error correction processing unit 46 for performing error correction processing, and a recording / reproducing unit 47 connected to the error correction processing unit 46 for recording video data and audio data on a video tape and reproducing the video data from the video tape. And

In the digital VTR 40, at the time of recording,
An input video signal is converted into input video data by a conversion unit 41, and a predetermined process is performed on the input video data by a video processing unit. Further, the input audio signal is converted into input audio data by the conversion unit 43, and a predetermined process is performed on the input audio data by the audio processing unit 44. The multiplexer 45 switches the output data of the video processing unit 42 and the output data of the audio processing unit 44 as appropriate and sends the output data to the error correction processing unit 46. Error correction processing unit 46
Adds an error correction code to the output data of the multiplexer 45 and sends the data to the recording / reproducing unit 47. The recording / reproducing unit 47 records the output data of the error correction processing unit 46 on a video tape.

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, data is reproduced from the video tape by the recording / reproducing section 47 and sent to the error correction processing section 46. The error correction processing unit 46 performs an error correction process on the reproduced data and sends the data to the multiplexer 45. The multiplexer 45 divides the output data of the error correction processing unit 46 into video data and audio data, sends the video data to the video processing unit 42,
The audio data is sent to the audio processing unit 44. The video processing unit 42 performs a predetermined process on the output data of the multiplexer 45 and sends the data to the conversion unit 41. Converter 41
Converts the output data of the video processing unit 42 into an output video signal and outputs it. The audio processing unit 44 performs a predetermined process on the output data of the multiplexer 45 and sends the data to the conversion unit 43. The conversion unit 43 includes the audio processing unit 4
4 is converted into an output audio signal and output.

The digital VTR 40 shown in FIG. 9 can be connected to the terminal 38 of the connector 2 between the multiplexer 45 and the error correction processing section 46. When the digital VTR 40 is connected to the terminal 38 of the connector 2 as shown in FIG.
The data between the multiplexer 45 and the error correction processing unit 46 in the TR 40 is transferred to the link layer unit 35 of the connector 2.
, The data transmitted to the connector 2 can be transmitted to the physical layer 34 and the link layer 35 via the connector 2 and the cable connected to the connector 2. And the terminal 38 to input the signal to the digital VTR 40.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the link layer section 35 when the digital VTR 40 can be connected to the terminal 38 of the connector 2 as shown in FIG. The link layer unit 35 has a path for two types of packets: an asynchronous transfer packet (hereinafter, referred to as an asynchronous packet) and an isochronous transfer packet (hereinafter, an Iso packet). . The link layer section 35 is roughly divided into a basic block 50, an asynchronous system, and an isochronous system. The e-synchronous system is connected to the control unit 37 and transmits and receives data in response to a request from an upper layer. The isochronous system is a digital VTR signal processing unit 4 which is a predetermined signal processing unit in the digital VTR 40 shown in FIG.
8 for transmitting and receiving video data and audio data.

The basic block 50 is connected to the physical layer unit 34, sends and receives data D and command C to and from the physical layer unit 34, and receives a supply of the system clock sysclk from the physical layer unit 34.

The asynchronous system includes a control interface 51 connected to the control unit 37, an asynchronous packet transmission FIFO (first in first out) memory 53 connected to the control unit interface 51 and the basic block 50,
A self ID (identification) packet processing unit 54 connected to the basic block 50; an asynchronous packet reception FIFO memory 55 connected to the self ID packet processing unit 54 and the control unit interface 51;
1 and a control register 52 connected to the self-ID packet processing unit 54, and an asynchronous packet transmission FIFO
RAM (random access memory) connected to memory 53
Memory) 61 and the asynchronous packet reception FIFO memory 5
5 connected to the RAM 61.

The isochronous system includes a digital signal processing interface 56 connected to the digital VTR signal processing section 48, and an iso packet transmitting / receiving FIFO 57 connected to the digital signal processing interface 56.
An additional circuit 58 connected to the Iso packet transmitting / receiving FIFO 57 and the basic block 50; a restoring circuit 59 connected to the Iso packet transmitting / receiving FIFO 57 and the basic block 50;
57 is connected to the RAM 63.

A clock clk from a PLL (phase synchronization loop) circuit 49 provided in the digital VTR 40 is supplied to the digital VTR signal processing section 48 and the link layer section 35. Additional circuit 58
Receives a synchronization signal from the PLL circuit 49, and the restoration circuit 59 supplies a timing signal based on the reproduced frame synchronization signal to the PLL circuit 49.

The function of each unit in the link layer unit 35 will be described below in order. First, the control unit interface 51
Communicates with the control unit 37 using a dedicated parallel bus.

The control register 52 is a register for controlling the link layer unit 35. The control unit 37 controls the link layer unit 35 by writing data to a predetermined position of the control register 52. The transmission and reception of the asynchronous packet is performed by reading and writing a predetermined address of the control register 52. A part of the header of the Iso packet is transmitted and received via the register 52.

Asynchronous packet transmission FIFO memory 53
Stores the packet written from the control unit 37 temporarily. This packet is read by the basic block 50 as soon as the bus is free.

The self-ID packet processing unit 54 processes node information based on the received self-ID packet when automatically setting the system configuration, and detects the number of nodes, which node is the isochronous channel management node, and the like. I do.

The asynchronous packet received from the bus is written into the asynchronous packet receiving FIFO memory 55 by the basic block 50. The control unit 37
After confirming that the O memory 55 is not empty, the packet is read.

The digital signal processing interface 56
At the time of transmission, the data from the digital VTR signal processing unit 48 is converted into the form of an Iso packet, and at the time of reception, the reverse is performed.

Iso packet transmission / reception FIFO memory 57
Is a FIFO memory for both transmitting and receiving Iso packets, and is read by the basic block 50 every cycle during transmission as long as the packets can be read. At the time of reception, unless the FIFO memory 57 overflows,
The received packet is written into the FIFO memory 57.

The additional circuit 58 writes information specified by the IEEE 1394 standard into the header. Further, the video frame synchronization signal is digitized based on the clock in the basic block 50 and written into a specific packet.

After obtaining information from the header, the restoration circuit 59 writes only data into the FIFO 57. Further, the frame synchronization signal is reproduced based on the clock in the basic block 50.

The basic block 50 is divided into a clock, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) block, a physical layer interface, a transmission block, a reception block, and the like. If the clock is not the root, the clock is set every cycle by a cycle start packet. The physical layer interface controls data such as serial-parallel conversion, parallel-serial conversion, and a bus securing procedure. The transmission block controls packet transmission according to the status of the bus. The receiving block determines a packet writing destination according to the type of the received packet.

In this embodiment, the cable 1 and the connector 2 correspond to the information transmission path forming apparatus of the present invention, and the structure including the cable 1 and the connector 2 corresponds to the information transmission path forming structure of the present invention. , Connector 2
Corresponds to the information transmission line connector of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the information transmission path forming method, the information transmission path forming apparatus, the information transmission path forming structure, and the information transmission path connector according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, an information transmission path between a plurality of devices is formed by using at least a part of the cable 1 passed through a structure other than the plurality of devices for exchanging information. Thereby, even when the devices to be connected to each other are located at distant locations, wiring between the devices is facilitated by using the cable 1 passed through the structure and the connector 2 connected thereto. In addition, the presence of a long cable connecting the devices in an exposed state is reduced, which is preferable in terms of function and appearance. Further, it is easy to change the wiring when the equipment is moved.

By the way, in the past, indoor wiring has been performed by directly laying and laying pipes from a switchboard or the like directly to a required place (outlet or outlet) indoors. Therefore, there is no wiring connection method other than the outlets installed in advance, and when laying a new type of cable indoors, conceal the cable with an exposed cable mall or newly install the cable behind the ceiling or inside the wall. Construction was required. Such wiring piping work is extensive and requires two types of work, a carpenter and an electrician, and also requires many construction periods and processes.

Therefore, when wiring according to the IEEE 1394 standard is carried out, as in the present embodiment, the components of the building such as the door frame for refurbishment, the baseboard, and the long push are used in advance.
If the building is constructed using such components, the IEEE 394 standard cable 1 can be inserted into most rooms,
Wiring according to the E1394 standard can be routed.
As described above, the information transmission path forming structure according to the present embodiment is very effective as a building material for performing wiring according to the IEEE 1394 standard. Also, according to the present embodiment, there is no need for extensive wiring piping work,
Simplification of the construction, which required the arrangement of two types of work, carpenter and electrician, is achieved, leading to shortening of the construction period and process. Furthermore,
Compared with the conventional exposed wiring, the cable 1 fits neatly from the viewpoint of design.

Conventionally, the wiring for supplying power to home electric appliances has been very unsightly exposed wiring from the place where the home electric appliances are placed to the outlet of the commercial power supply. However, in the case of a cable of the IEEE 1394 standard, which does not have a connection capacity limitation as seen in an outlet of a commercial power supply or an antenna terminal of a television and does not limit the number of connected units due to attenuation, as in the present embodiment, the cable is used for furniture, furniture, etc. By laying out the wiring in advance, it is possible to use home electric appliances with a free layout without obstructive exposed wiring.

Even when the IEEE 1394 standard is used, if the number of devices to be connected increases, the physical connection relationship becomes complicated, and the management of the connection relationship where and what is connected becomes complicated. For example, even if a home electric appliance conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, which is standardized for residential use, can be made, if the connection path becomes complicated or the number of appliances increases, what is connected to what, and what television is It is very difficult to tell which room is in,
The management of the connection relationship becomes complicated. In addition, when home electrical equipment conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard is brought into an office environment, the number of devices may be increased and the management of connection relationships may become more difficult than at home. In an office, a group of devices connected to each other may be managed in a plurality of groups such as a room, a floor, and an organizational unit.
When the standard is used, the management for each group is complicated, and when the layout of the office is changed or the organization is relocated, the connection between the devices is changed. Management for each group becomes difficult.

In the present embodiment, the connector 2 is provided with identification information unique to the connector, so that it is easy to determine which device is connected to which connector 2 of which path. In the unit of unique identification information,
The device connected to each connector 2 can be recognized. This is possible even if all the wires of the IEEE 1394 standard are connected in a large-scale house, office, factory, or building. As a result, it is possible to freely transmit data across departments and floors while grasping the connection relationship between devices.
The convenience of the EEE1394 standard will be further enhanced.

In addition to home electric appliances for home use,
Building equipment such as office lighting, air conditioning, elevators, etc.
By connecting the cable 1 of the IEEE 1394 standard, a dedicated automation management system (BAS) for building operation management is not required, and it can be remotely controlled from a nearby controller (a personal computer at a seat).
It is possible to perform operation, control, management, etc., and control of lighting / air-conditioning in units of rooms, departments, group management of elevators, and the like also use the unique identification information of the connector 2,
There is no need to change the piping and wiring or rebuild the system, and the management unit can be changed freely, enabling operation and control.

When the connector 2 holds the identification information, the devices in the lower layer than the connector 2 in the system configuration belong to the same group, so that the management for each group becomes easy. In this case, the group is represented by the identification information of the connector 2. Further, for example, if the identification information is in a format including a group name and a number within the group, the plurality of connectors 2 can belong to the same group, and a plurality of Devices can be in the same group.

Further, in the present embodiment, the identification information unique to the connector held by the connector 2 can be preset. This makes it possible to change the attribute of the connector 2 to be used in the case of device connection change, organization change, tenant change, layout change, pattern change, etc., and by rewriting the identification information unique to the connector for each use organization, Device management after device connection change, layout change, etc., is facilitated. Also, when the identification information unique to the connector is fixed, it is necessary to always keep a record of the identification information of the connectors belonging to the same group. However, if the identification information can be preset, the identification information is You no longer need to keep a copy.

Further, by making the identification information unique to the connector presettable, it is possible to manage the identification information for each management unit of equipment and equipment even if the identification information unique to the connector is not changed. Basic attribute management in facility management (Facility Management (FM)), which is an integrated management activity for an organization or the like to comprehensively plan, manage, and utilize all facilities and their environments from a management perspective, becomes possible.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the mode of grouping based on the identification information unique to the connector. In this example, the cables 1 are laid almost uniformly over the entire area in one room, and a large number of connectors 2 connected to the cables 1 are distributed and arranged almost uniformly over the entire area in one room. I have. In this example, the inside of one room is divided into three areas, A section, B section, and C section. In this case, it is assumed that all the identification information of all the connectors 2 in the A section belong to the A section, and that all the identification information of the connectors 2 in the B section belong to the B section. By indicating that all the identification information of all the connectors 2 belong to the C section, a large number of connectors in one room can be changed to the A section and the B section.
And C groups.

FIG. 14 shows another example of a mode of grouping based on identification information unique to a connector. In this example, a number of connectors 2 connected to the cable 1 are dispersedly arranged on or near the ceiling of one room. In this example, as in FIG.
The section is divided into three areas. In part A, an air conditioner 91 and the like connected to the connector 2 are provided.
The lighting device 9 connected to the connector 2 is
2, 93, etc. are provided. The grouping method is the same as in the case of FIG.

Here, the following example can be considered as a method of using the identification information unique to the connector. As a first example, the connector 2 uses its own application to
It is conceivable that the device transmits its own identification information to all devices below the connector 2 in the system configuration, and causes the devices to retain the identification information. Thereby, group formation can be easily performed.

As a second example, another device may specify a specific group based on the identification information unique to the connector and transmit the information to only the devices in the group by the application. Conceivable. As a second example, it is conceivable that a device serving as a route allocates bus occupation time on a group basis by its application. In the case of this example, the bus occupation time assigned to the group is shared by a plurality of devices in the group.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is directed to an information transmission path connection section for connecting an information transmission path and a power supply path connection section for connecting a main power supply path used for supplying power to a device. The present invention relates to an information transmission line connector having:

FIG. 15 shows an example of a mode of connecting devices according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment,
Receptacle-type connector 102 fixed to a structure
Is an information transmission line connection unit for connecting an information transmission line based on the IEEE 1394 standard, and a power supply line connection unit for connecting a main power supply line used for supplying power to devices. And This connector 10
2, an IEEE 1394 standard cable 101 inserted through the structure and a commercial power indoor cable 111 inserted through the structure. The cable 101 is connected to the information transmission path connection, and the cable 111 is connected to the power supply path connection.

In the present application, “the connection part for the power supply path for connecting the main power supply path used for supplying power to the equipment” is a conventional IE.
It is not an auxiliary power supply terminal such as included in a 6-core (6-pin) specification connector for the EE1394 standard. It means that it is used for the first time.

The connector 102 is connected to a plug-type connector 104 provided at an end of an IEEE1394 standard cable 103. Cable 1
03 may be a device directly connected to the device or a relay device. In the example shown in FIG. 15, two connectors 102 are shown. One connector 102 is connected to a connector 104 provided at an end of a cable 103 directly connected to a computer 114, and the other connector 102 is connected to the other connector 102. Is connected to a connector 104 provided at an end of a cable 103 directly connected to a computer 114, and is connected to a connector 104 provided at an end of the cable 103 directly connected to a digital telephone 115.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the shape of the connector 102. The connector 102 in this example is
It has a receptacle-type information transmission path connection section 121 and a receptacle-type power supply path connection section 122, which are arranged at positions somewhat close to each other. The information transmission path connecting portion 121 has a concave shape and is not shown,
A plurality of terminals are provided on the back side. The power supply path connecting portion 122 has a shape of an outlet for commercial power. Although not shown, the cable 101 is connected to the information transmission path connection section 121, and the cable 111 is connected to the power supply path connection section 122.

FIG. 17 shows the connector 102 shown in FIG.
2 shows an example of the shape of the connector 104 connected to the connector 104. The connector 104 in this example includes a connector main body 104a, a plug-type information transmission path connection section 123 protruding from the connector main body 104a, and a plug-type power supply path connection section 1 protruding from the connector main body 104a.
24. The connecting portions 123 and 124 are arranged in the same positional relationship as the connecting portions 121 and 122 in the connector 102. In addition, each connection part 12
Reference numerals 3 and 124 each have a convex shape that engages with the connection portions 121 and 122 of the connector 102. In the connector 104 in the example shown in FIG. 17, the connection portions 123 and 124 are integrated via a connector main body 104a. The cable 1 is attached to the connector body 104a.
03 is connected. Although not shown, the cable 103
Inside, a cable for information transmission of the IEEE 1394 standard and a cable for power supply are inserted. The information transmission cable is connected to the connection unit 123, and the power supply cable is connected to the connection unit 124.

FIG. 18 shows another example of the shape of the connector 102. Connector 102 in this example
Is an information transmission path connection unit 12 similar to the example shown in FIG.
1 and a power supply path connecting portion 122, which are arranged at positions apart from each other as compared with the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 shows the connector 102 shown in FIG.
2 shows an example of the shape of the connector 104 connected to the connector 104. The connector 104 in this example includes two separate connector bodies 104A and 104B and the connector body 1
Plug-type information transmission path connecting portion 12 protruding from 04A
3 and a plug-type power supply path connecting portion 124 protruding from the connector main body 104B. In the connector 104 in the example shown in FIG.
24 is separated by connector bodies 104A and 104B. The connector body 104A has an IEEE1
394 standard information transmission cable 103A is connected,
A power supply cable 103 is provided on the connector body 104B.
B is connected. The connector bodies 104A, 1
Inside 04B, the information transmission cable 103A is connected to the connection unit 123, and the power supply cable 103B is connected to the connection unit 124. The information transmission cable 103A and the power supply cable 103B are bundled from the middle to form the cable 103.

FIG. 20 shows still another example of the shape of the connector 102. Connector 10 in this example
2 is an information transmission path connection unit 1 similar to the example shown in FIG.
21 and the power supply path connecting portion 122, but in this example, the information transmission path connecting portion 121 is disposed at a position between two concave portions forming the power supply path connecting portion 122. ing.

Although the shape of the connector 104 connected to the connector 102 shown in FIG. 20 is not shown, information arranged in the same positional relationship as the connecting portions 121 and 122 in the connector 102 shown in FIG. It has a connection 123 for the transmission path and a connection 124 for the power supply path.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a two-branch type adapter which can be connected to the connector 102 shown in FIG. 20 as a kind of the connector according to the present embodiment. The adapter 130 includes a plug 131 that can be engaged with the connector 102 shown in FIG. 20 and a connector 1 shown in FIG.
It has a receptacle part 132 having the same configuration as that of the receptacle 02 and an outlet part 133 having the same configuration as the outlet for the commercial power supply. The plug section 131 is connected to the information transmission path connection section 12.
3 and a power supply path connection section 124, the receptacle section 132 has an information transmission path connection section 121 and a power supply path connection section 122, and the outlet section 133 has a power supply path connection section 135. Have. Information transmission path connection unit 12
1, 123 are connected to each other, and
2, 124, 135 are also connected to each other.

The adapter 130 shown in FIG. 21 enables the connection of the connector 104 shown in FIG. 17 by the receptacle 132 by inserting the plug 131 into the connector 102 shown in FIG. 133 allows connection of a plug for commercial power.

Incidentally, as such a branch type adapter, the receptacle part 13 is used instead of the outlet part 133.
2 can be provided with similar receptacles or
Various modes are conceivable, such as providing a receptacle portion of a different type, and forming the plug portion 131 and the receptacle portion 132 in shapes corresponding to each other.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a device having a built-in connector provided with an information transmission path connection section and a power supply path connection section. The device 140 shown in FIG. 22 includes a cable 141 in which an information transmission cable and a power supply cable are integrated. A plug-type connector 142 is provided at the end of the cable 141. The connector 142 includes an information transmission path connection section 143 and a power supply path connection section 144 having the same configuration as the plug section 131 in FIG. The device 140 further includes a receptacle-type connector 150 fixed to its main body. The connector 150 has an information transmission path connection section 151 having the same configuration as the connector 102 shown in FIG.
And a power supply path connection section 152. The connection portions 143 and 144 of the connector 142 and the connector 15
The 0 connection parts 151 and 152 are connected to each other.

The device 140 shown in FIG.
By connecting 42 to a connector 102 as shown in FIG. 20, power supply and transmission / reception of information in accordance with the IEEE 1394 standard become possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the device 14 having the connector 142 connected to the connector 102 as described above.
0, the cable 141 and the connectors 142, 1
For the device 50, another device 160 similar to the device 140 is prepared, and the connector 142 of the device 160 is connected to the device 140.
Connected to the connector 150, the device 160 can also supply power and transmit and receive information according to the IEEE 1394 standard. Similarly, three or more devices can be connected.

Note that any connector in the present embodiment can hold identification information unique to the connector as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the information transmission line connector according to the present embodiment, since the information transmission line connection portion and the power supply line connection portion are provided, the wiring work is simplified. be able to. That is, when wiring of the IEEE 1394 standard is laid in a room, and when the information transmission line connector according to the present embodiment is not used, an IEEE 1394 cable is provided separately from a power outlet for a device requiring a power supply.
It is necessary to prepare an outlet for wiring according to the 1394 standard. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, an information transmission line connector having an information transmission line connection portion and a power supply line connection portion may be laid, so that wiring work can be simplified.

According to the information transmission line connector according to the present embodiment, the information transmission line connection portion and the power supply line connection portion are compactly assembled. By providing the power outlet, the appearance is improved as compared with the case where the power outlet and the outlet for transmitting information are separately provided.

Also, on the equipment side, by providing an information transmission path connector having an information transmission path connection section and a power supply path connection section, a power outlet and an information transmission plug are separately provided. As compared to, the handling is more convenient and the aesthetic appearance is improved.

Conventionally, two wires, a power cable and a cable for transmitting information, are required for wiring to a device that transmits and receives information according to the IEEE 1394 standard. However, according to the present embodiment, these two cables are required. Since the cables of the book can be integrated, the handling of the cables becomes convenient and the appearance is improved.

As described above, by providing the information transmission line connector including the information transmission line connection portion and the power supply line connection portion, and integrating the power supply cable and the information transmission cable, the user Is IEEE13 separate from the power supply
Anyone can easily perform wiring without being aware of the 94 standard wiring system.

Further, according to the present embodiment, IEEE1
If the devices are controlled by transmitting and receiving information according to the 394 standard, it becomes possible to control all devices that require power supply. Such controls include television, VTR
And home appliances such as air conditioners, lighting equipment, elevators, and other building equipment.

Also, by preparing a branch type adapter as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of devices for transmitting and receiving information according to the IEEE 1394 standard can be easily connected to one connector installed on the structure. It is possible to do. Further, according to the branch type adapter as shown in FIG. 21, a device for transmitting and receiving information according to the IEEE 1394 standard to one receptacle type connector installed on the structure, and a device for transmitting and receiving information according to the IEEE 1394 standard Can be easily connected to a device that requires only power supply without performing the above.

As shown in FIG. 22, a power cable and an information transmission cable are provided by incorporating a connector having an information transmission path connection section and a power supply path connection section into a device. Using the cable integrated with
A plurality of devices can be cascaded to one receptacle-type connector installed on a structure.

The connector according to the present embodiment may be a general connector or an electrical connector. Other configurations, operations and effects in the present embodiment are described in the first section.
This is the same as the embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to a connector inspection device for inspecting the function of an information transmission line connector as described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows an example of the external appearance of the connector inspection device according to the present embodiment. The connector inspection apparatus 201 shown in this figure includes an apparatus main body 202 and a plug-type connecting portion 203 protruding from the apparatus main body 202.
And a display unit 204 provided on the opposite side of the device main body 202 from the connection unit 203. Connection section 203
Are the information transmission path connection section 205 and the power supply path connection section 2
06.

FIG. 25 shows another example of the appearance of the connector inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. The connector inspection apparatus 211 shown in this figure includes an apparatus main body 212, a connector main body 214 connected to the apparatus main body 212 via a cable 213, and a connector main body 214.
A more protruding plug-type connection portion 203 and the device body 21
2 is provided with a display unit 204 provided in the display unit 2.

Note that in FIG. 24 and FIG.
03 is a receptacle type connector 10 shown in FIG.
2, but may be connected to another type of connector. The display unit 204
For example, a liquid crystal display device is used.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the connector inspection device according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the connector inspection device is connected to the information transmission path connection unit 205 in the connection unit 203, and is used to confirm identification information for confirming the unique identification information of the connector in the connector to which the connector inspection device is connected. Unit 221 and the power supply path connecting unit 206 in the connecting unit 203,
An energization status confirmation unit 222 for confirming the energization status of the connector to which the connector inspection device is connected, and identification information confirmed by the identification information confirmation unit 221 and energization status confirmed by the energization status confirmation unit 222 And a display unit 204. Note that the identification information confirmation unit 221 has a function of controlling the physical layer in the IEEE 1394 standard.

In the connector inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the connection section 203 is connected to a receptacle-type connector, if the connector has the physical layer section 34 as shown in FIG. The confirmation unit 221 is connected to the physical layer unit 34 in the connector via the information transmission line connection unit 205 and the connector side information transmission line connection unit. In this state, the identification information confirmation unit 221 communicates with the physical layer unit 34 in the connector, and confirms identification information unique to the connector in the connector. On the other hand, the power supply status checking unit 2
Reference numeral 22 is connected to the power supply path via the power supply path connection section 206 and the connector-side power supply path connection section.
The energization status check unit 222 checks the energization status of the connector. The state of energization in the connector includes whether or not power is supplied to the connector, and a voltage and a current when the power is supplied. Identification information confirmation unit 22
1 and the energization status confirmation unit 222
The energization status confirmed by is displayed on the display unit 204.

As described above, according to the connector inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, even when the identification information of the connector is not managed, the identification information of the connector can be confirmed by connecting the connector inspection apparatus to the connector. Can be. In addition, it is possible to check whether or not power is supplied to the connector, and to check the voltage and current when power is being supplied, and to check for an abnormality such as disconnection.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the case where the information transmission path and the information transmission cable conform to the IEEE 1394 standard has been described. The same applies to the case where the information transmission path and the information transmission cable conform to other standards.

The connector 10 according to the embodiment
2, 104, 142, 150, cables 103, 14
1 and information transmission path connection units 121, 123, 151, and 2
The cross-sectional shape of 05 is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily designed.

[0119]

As described above, according to the information transmission path forming method according to claim 1 or 2, at least one information transmission cable passed through a structure other than a plurality of devices for exchanging information. Since an information transmission path between a plurality of devices is formed by using the unit, an effect is obtained that wiring for information transmission between a plurality of devices that exchange information can be easily performed.

According to the information transmission path forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, the information transmission path forming apparatus is used for forming at least a part of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices that exchange information. The information transmission cable passed through the structure other than the device, and at least one connector connected to the information transmission cable for connecting the information transmission path. It is possible to form an information transmission path between a plurality of devices by using at least a part of the information transmission cable passed through, and to simplify wiring for information transmission between a plurality of devices that exchange information. This has the effect that it can be performed.

According to the information transmission path forming apparatus of the present invention, the connectors hold identification information unique to each connector, so that the connection relation of the devices can be easily managed. This has the effect that it becomes possible.

Further, according to the information transmission path forming apparatus of the present invention, since the input means for inputting the identification information is provided, it is possible to easily perform the management for each device group. This has the effect.

According to the structure for forming an information transmission path according to any one of claims 7 to 10, the structure body having a predetermined structure is provided separately from a plurality of devices for exchanging information. And, used to form at least a part of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices that exchange information, an information transmission cable passed through the structure body, and connected to the information transmission cable, Since at least one connector for connecting the information transmission path is provided, an information transmission path between a plurality of devices is formed using at least a part of an information transmission cable passed through a structure other than the device. This makes it possible to easily perform wiring for transmitting information between a plurality of devices that exchange information.

According to the information transmission path forming structure of the ninth aspect, the connectors hold identification information unique to each connector, so that the management of the connection relation of the devices can be further facilitated. It is possible to perform the operation.

Further, according to the information transmission path forming structure of the present invention, since the input means for inputting the identification information is provided, it is possible to further easily manage the equipment for each group. This has the effect of becoming

According to the information transmission line connector according to any one of claims 11 to 13, each of the information transmission line connectors holds unique identification information.
There is an effect that it is possible to easily manage the connection relation of the devices.

According to the information transmission line connector according to the thirteenth aspect, since the input means for inputting the identification information is provided, it is possible to easily perform the management for each device group. This has the effect.

Further, according to the information transmission line connector according to any one of claims 14 to 17, the information transmission line connection portion for connecting the information transmission line and the power supply to the device are provided. And a power supply path connection portion for connecting a main power supply path used for the information transmission, so that wiring for information transmission between a plurality of devices that exchange information can be easily performed. Play.

According to the connector inspection apparatus of the eighteenth aspect, an inspection connection part connected to the information transmission path connection part of the information transmission path connector is connected to the inspection connection part, Identification information output from the information transmission path connection unit through the inspection connection unit, and identification information confirmation means for confirming the identification information, and a display for displaying the identification information confirmed by the identification information confirmation means. With the provision of the means, it is possible to check the function of the information transmission line connector that holds the identification information unique to the information transmission line connector.

According to the connector inspection apparatus of the nineteenth aspect, an inspection connection part connected to the power supply path connection part of the information transmission path connector, and the inspection connection part connected to the inspection connection part, Since there are provided an energization status confirmation unit for confirming the energization status at the power supply path connection unit and a display unit for displaying the energization status confirmed by the energization status confirmation unit, power is supplied to the device. This makes it possible to confirm the function of the information transmission line connector provided with the power supply line connection portion for connecting the main power supply line used for the purpose.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mode of connection of devices according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which a cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention is passed through a structure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example in which a cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention is passed through a structure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example in which a cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention is passed through a structure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example in which a cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention is passed through a structure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example in which a cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention is passed through a structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of an appearance of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the appearance of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing still another example of the appearance of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a link layer unit in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of grouping according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another mode of grouping according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mode of connection of devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing an example of the shape of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a shape of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing an example of the shape of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a shape of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing an example of the shape of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a forked branch type adapter as one type of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example of a device incorporating a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a connection mode of the devices illustrated in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of an appearance of a connector inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing another example of the appearance of the connector inspection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a connector inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cable, 2 ... Connector, 31 ... Input part, 32 ... Display part, 33 ... Terminal part, 34 ... Physical layer part, 35 ... Link layer part, 36 ... Non-volatile memory, 37 ... Control part, 101 ... Cable, 102: connector, 121: information transmission path connection, 122: power supply path connection.

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hideyoshi Horime 1-6-48 Tsumada Higashi Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Wood Park Honatsugi 709 Inventor Yumi Horime 1-6-48 Tsumada Higashi, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture Wood Park Honatsugi 709

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An information transmission path forming method for forming an information transmission path between a plurality of devices for exchanging information, wherein at least a part of the information transmission cable passed through a structure other than the device. An information transmission path forming method characterized by forming an information transmission path between a plurality of devices by using the information transmission path. 2. The information transmission cable according to claim 1, wherein:
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus conforms to the 394 standard.
The information transmission path forming method described in the above. 3. It is used to form at least a part of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices that exchange information,
An information transmission line, comprising: an information transmission cable passed through a structure other than the device; and at least one connector connected to the information transmission cable for connecting the information transmission line. Forming equipment. 4. The information transmission cable according to claim 1, wherein:
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the device conforms to the 394 standard.
An information transmission path forming apparatus as described in the above. 5. The connector has an information transmission path connection portion for connecting the information transmission line and identification information unique to each connector, and transmits the identification information to the outside from the information transmission line connection portion. 4. The information transmission path forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising identification information holding means capable of outputting. 6. The information transmission path forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an input unit for inputting the identification information held by said identification information holding unit. 7. A structure main body having a predetermined structure, which is provided separately from a plurality of devices that exchange information and forms at least a part of an information transmission path between the plurality of devices that exchange information. And an information transmission cable passed through the structure main body, and at least one connector connected to the information transmission cable for connecting an information transmission path. A structure for forming an information transmission path. 8. The information transmission line cable according to claim 1, wherein
8. The structure for forming an information transmission line according to claim 7, wherein the structure conforms to the 1394 standard. 9. The connector has an information transmission path connection section for connecting the information transmission path and identification information unique to each connector, and transfers the identification information to the outside from the information transmission path connection section. The structure for forming an information transmission line according to claim 7, further comprising identification information holding means capable of outputting. 10. The information transmission path forming structure according to claim 9, further comprising input means for inputting identification information held by said identification information holding means. 11. An information transmission line connector used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices for exchanging information, the information transmission for connecting the information transmission line. Road connection unit, and identification information holding means capable of holding identification information unique to each information transmission line connector and outputting the identification information to the outside from the information transmission line connection unit. Information transmission line connector. 12. The information transmission path may be an IEEE1394.
The information transmission line connector according to claim 11, wherein the connector conforms to a standard. 13. The information transmission line connector according to claim 11, further comprising input means for inputting identification information held by said identification information holding means. 14. An information transmission line connector used for connecting an information transmission line in the middle of an information transmission line between a plurality of devices for exchanging information, the information transmission for connecting the information transmission line. An information transmission path connector, comprising: a road connection section; and a power supply path connection section for connecting a main power supply path used for supplying power to the device. 15. The information transmission path according to claim 1, wherein:
The connector according to claim 14, wherein the connector conforms to a standard. 16. The information transmission line connector according to claim 14, wherein the information transmission line connection portion and the power supply line connection portion are integrated. 17. The information transmission line connection unit further comprising: an information transmission cable connected to the information transmission line connection unit; and a power supply cable connected to the power supply line connection unit. And the power supply path connection portion are separate bodies,
15. The information transmission line connector according to claim 14, wherein the information transmission cable and the power supply cable are bundled. 18. An information transmission path connection section for connecting an information transmission path in the middle of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices for exchanging information. A connector inspection for inspecting an information transmission line connector comprising: an identification information holding unit capable of holding identification information unique to the transmission line connector and outputting the identification information to the outside from the information transmission line connection unit. An inspection connection unit connected to the information transmission line connection unit; and an information transmission line connection unit connected to the inspection connection unit via the inspection connection unit. A connector inspection apparatus comprising: identification information confirmation means for inputting and confirming output identification information; and display means for displaying the identification information confirmed by the identification information confirmation means. 19. An information transmission path connection section for connecting an information transmission path in the middle of an information transmission path between a plurality of devices for exchanging information. A connector inspection device for inspecting an information transmission line connector including a power supply line connection portion for connecting a main power supply line used to supply power to the information transmission line connector, An inspection connection unit connected to the road connection unit, an energization state confirmation unit connected to the inspection connection unit and confirming an energization state in the power supply line connection unit, A connector inspection device, comprising: display means for displaying a confirmed energization state.