WO2017090316A1

WO2017090316A1 - Adapter and control method therefor, and information processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2017090316A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/079336
Authority: WO
Inventors: 哲寺本
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2016-10-03
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Also published as: JP2017097603A

Abstract

Provided is an adapter for connecting a source device compatible with USB Type-C and Alternate Mode to an HDMI-(registered trademark) or MHL-compatible sink device using a universal USB Type-C cable. The present invention first checks whether the source device 10 is compatible with MHL, and if the source device 10 is compatible with MHL, begins power supply to the source device 10 from a sink device 20 to set the source device 10 to an MHL operation mode. MHL is checked with top priority because power consumption of the source device 10 can be suppressed by power supply to the source device 10 from the sink device 20.

Description

Adapter, control method therefor, and information processing apparatus

The technology disclosed in this specification is compatible with various data transmission standards, an adapter for connecting a device compatible with various data transmission standards to another device conforming to a predetermined data transmission standard, a control method thereof, and various data transmission standards. For example, an adapter for connecting a device operating in the USB Type-C alternative mode to another device, its control method, and the USB Type-C alternative mode The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is already widely used as a serial bus standard for connecting various peripheral devices to information devices such as computers. In the USB 3.1 standard, a new type of connector and cable called USB Type-C was added.

The USB Type-C connector has a structure that can wire two USB2.0 standard signals used in USB3.0 connector and microUSB connector at the same time, and can support multiple standards. It can also be used for power supply and connection of peripheral devices.

The USB Type-C has an alternative mode (Alternate Mode or Alt Mode), and within the range of one to two USB3.0 compatible data signal lines among the connections inside the connector. It can be used as another standard port. The alternative mode uses standard USB 信号 Type-C connectors and cables to transfer video and audio signals in accordance with various data transmission standards, as well as up to 100W power supply and 10Gbps data communication. It is characterized in that it is performed (in the case of USB 3.1 standard).

As a data transmission standard using an alternative mode of USB Type-C, for example, HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface) that realizes digital video transmission and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) have been proposed. MHLAlternative Mode ”,“ DisplayPort Alternate Mode ”proposed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association),“ Thunderbolt 3 ”proposed by Intel Corporation.

For example, a system in which a portable device having a USB 3.0 port (or connector) and a digital video port (HDMI (registered trademark) port, display port, DVI port, etc.) are connected by a USB 3.0 cable has been proposed. (For example, see Patent Document 1). In the future, source devices compatible with USB Type-C connectors and Alternate Mode are expected to become widespread, and opportunities to connect this type of source device to sink devices will increase.

JP 2010-287240 A

An object of the technology disclosed in the present specification is to provide an adapter for connecting a device corresponding to various data transmission standards to another device conforming to a predetermined data transmission standard, a control method thereof, and various data transmission standards. Is to provide an information processing apparatus that outputs data corresponding to the above.

Further objects of the technology disclosed in the present specification correspond to an adapter for connecting a device operating in the USB Type-C alternative mode to another device, a control method thereof, and an alternative mode of USB Type-C. It is to provide an information processing apparatus.

The technology disclosed in the present specification has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and the first aspect thereof is
A first connection for connecting to the source device;
A second connection for connecting to the sink device;
A control unit for controlling the setting of the alternative mode;
A conversion unit that converts an input from the source device according to a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
It is an adapter which comprises.

According to the second aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the first aspect confirms an alternative mode corresponding to the source device, and sets the alternative mode of the adapter. Configured to control.

According to the third aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the first aspect controls setting of an alternative mode of the adapter according to the priority order specified by the source device. Is configured to do.

According to the fourth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the first aspect is configured to confirm in which order the transmission standard alternative mode is set in a predetermined order. Has been.

According to the fifth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect preferentially sets an alternative mode of the first transmission standard having a power supply function by a sink device. Is configured to do.

According to a sixth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fifth aspect is configured so that the source device and the sink device both support the first transmission standard. The power supply is switched from the sink device to the alternative mode of the first transmission standard.

According to a seventh aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect sets an alternative mode based on compatibility with the transmission standard to which the sink device corresponds. Configured to control.

According to an eighth aspect of the technology disclosed in the present specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect is configured to preferentially set an alternative mode of the transmission standard corresponding to the sink device. Has been.

According to a ninth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect is set in preference to an alternative mode that is highly compatible with the transmission standard supported by the sink device. Is configured to do.

According to a tenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect is configured to confirm whether or not the alternative mode can be set in the order of MHL and DisplayPort. Has been.

According to the eleventh aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, is it possible for the control unit of the adapter according to the fourth aspect to set an alternative mode in the order of MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. It is configured to check whether or not.

According to a twelfth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the first connection portion of the adapter according to the first aspect is configured to be connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the first connection portion of the adapter according to the first aspect includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C receptacle, and a USB Type-C cable. And is connected to the source device corresponding to the Alternate Type of USB Type-C.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the second connection portion of the adapter according to the thirteenth aspect is HDMI (registered trademark) plugged into the sink device compatible with HDMI (registered trademark). A Type-A plug is provided.

Further, the fifteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification is:
A method for controlling an adapter including a first connection unit connected to a source device and a second connection unit connected to a sink device,
A control step for controlling an alternative mode setting of the adapter;
A conversion step of converting the input from the source device in accordance with a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
A method for controlling an adapter having

The sixteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification is:
A connection part connected to the sink device with a cable;
A priority list of operating modes for alternative modes;
Is an information processing apparatus.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the connection unit of the information processing device according to the sixteenth aspect is configured to be connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the information processing apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect corresponds to USB Type-C Alternate Mode. The connection unit includes a USB Type-C receptacle, and is configured to be connected to the adapter described in (13) above via a USB Type-C cable.

According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, an adapter for connecting a device that supports various data transmission standards to another device that conforms to a predetermined data transmission standard, a control method thereof, and various data transmission standards An information processing apparatus that outputs data corresponding to the above can be provided.

In addition, according to the technology disclosed in this specification, an adapter for connecting a device operating in the USB Type-C alternative mode to another device, its control method, and the USB Type-C alternative mode are supported. An information processing apparatus can be provided.

In addition, the effect described in this specification is an illustration to the last, and the effect of this invention is not limited to this. In addition to the above effects, the present invention may have additional effects.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the technology disclosed in the present specification will become apparent from a more detailed description based on embodiments to be described later and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 1 to which the technology disclosed in this specification is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the multi-adapter 40. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting an alternative mode in the communication system 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting an alternative mode in the communication system 1.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The USB Type-C connector can be used for both power supply and connection of peripheral devices, and has an alternative mode (described above) and can support multiple data transmission standards. In the future, it is assumed that source devices compatible with USB Type-C and the alternative mode will be widely used in personal computers and tablets.

On the other hand, when considering the life cycle and necessity of the product, the USB Type-C connector may not be widespread in sink devices such as TVs. This is because a product such as a TV does not require a small connector, and the USB function has a low priority.

If you want to connect a source device that supports USB Type-C and the alternative mode to the sink device, you can prepare a sink device and a compatible cable for each alternative mode. In addition, if you want to connect a source device compatible with the alternative mode to a sink device equipped with HDMI (registered trademark), which accounts for more than 80% of the current market (or at the time of this application), some special conversion adapter is required. Convenience is not good.

Therefore, in this specification, a technology for easily connecting a source device compatible with USB Type-C and an alternative mode to a sink device compatible with HDMI (registered trademark) or MHL using a general-purpose USB Type-C cable. Is proposed below. Here, as an HDMI (registered trademark) or MHL compatible sink device, an existing TV monitor with an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal is assumed.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration example of a communication system 1 to which the technology disclosed in this specification is applied. The communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a source device 10, a sink device 20, a cable 30 used for connecting the source device 10 and the sink device 20, and a multi-device interposed between the cable 30 and the sink device 20. An adapter 40 is used.

Source device 10 supports USB Type-C and multiple alternative modes. The plurality of alternative modes here include MHL, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and the like. The illustrated source device 10 includes a Type-C controller 11, a protocol converter 12, and a Type-C receptacle 13. The Type-C controller 11 performs signal processing corresponding to USB Type-C. The protocol converter 12 converts the signal processed by the Type-C controller 11 into a signal conforming to another data transmission standard, or performs the inverse conversion. The Type-C receptacle 13 is a receptacle corresponding to a Type-C plug of a general-purpose USB Type-C cable. In the illustrated example, one end of the cable 30 is connected. The source device 10 is assumed to support a plurality of alternative modes such as MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.

The sink device 20 corresponds to HDMI (registered trademark) or MHL, and includes an HDMI (registered trademark) Type-A receptacle 21. The terminal of the Type-A receptacle 21 may be MHL compatible.

The cable 30 is assumed to use a general-purpose (existing) USB Type-C cable as it is, and is provided with Type-C plugs 31 and 32 at both ends. In the illustrated example, one Type-C plug 31 is inserted into the Type-C receptacle 13 of the source device 10, and the other Type-C plug 32 is inserted into the Type-C receptacle 41 of the multi-adapter 40. ing.

The multi-adapter 40 is a general-purpose USB Type-C cable that connects the sink device 20 corresponding to HDMI (registered trademark) or MHL to the source device 10 corresponding to a plurality of alternative modes such as MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, etc. 30 is an adapter for connection. The multi-adapter 40 includes a Type-C receptacle 41 and an HDMI (registered trademark) Type-A plug 42. In the illustrated example, the other Type-C plug 32 of the cable 30 is inserted into the Type-C receptacle 41, and the HDMI (registered trademark) Type-A plug 42 is inserted into the Type-A receptacle 21 of the sink device. ing.

FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration example of the multi-adapter 40. The illustrated multi-adapter 40 includes a Type-C controller 43, a protocol converter 44, and a Power block 45.

The Type-C controller 43 performs signal processing corresponding to USB Type-C. It is assumed that the Type-C controller 43 grasps alternative modes that can be handled by the multi-adapter 40.

The protocol converter 44 performs protocol conversion of a signal received via the cable 30 into a signal conforming to the HDMI (registered trademark) standard, or reverse conversion thereof. For example, in the case of the multi-adapter 40 corresponding to each of alternative modes of MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt, the protocol converter 44 transmits a signal according to each data transmission standard of MHL, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt to the HDMI (registered trademark). ) Can be converted into a protocol.

The power block 45 receives power from the source device 10 via the Type-C receptacle 41, or receives power from the sink device 20 via the Type-A plug 42, or supplies power to the multi-adapter 40. Switch supply.

As an option, as indicated by reference numeral 46, a display device including OSD (On Screen Display), SG (Signal Generator), and the like can be incorporated into the multi-adapter 40. The OSD can display an error message or the like on the sink device 20, for example.

In the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1, it is confirmed whether the alternative mode corresponding to the source device 10 and the alternative mode corresponding to the multi-adapter 40 match, and the specifications of the interface of the alternative mode confirmed to match and According to the protocol, a link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established and communication is started.

Here, when it is confirmed that the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 match in a plurality of alternative modes, the alternative to be set in the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 according to the request of the source device 10 side. Determine the mode. For example, the source device 10 specifies the priority order of the alternative mode that the source device 10 itself wants to output in the format of “priority list”. Then, among the plurality of alternative modes confirmed to match between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40, the alternative mode is determined as the highest listed in the priority list.

When the source device 10 does not designate the priority order of the alternative mode, the alternative mode to be set for the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is determined according to the priority order set in advance in the communication system 1 or the multi-adapter 40. To do. For example, when the multi-adapter 40 supports a plurality of alternative modes including MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, etc., it is possible to support in the order of MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, Thunderbolt. To check.

The reason why MHL is given the highest priority is that power can be supplied from the sink device 20 compatible with MHL, and the power consumption of the source device 10 can be suppressed. Subsequently, priority is given to the compatibility with HDMI (registered trademark) if both the source device 10 and the sink device 20 are compatible with the alternative mode of HDMI (registered trademark). This is because 44 can be output to the sink device 20 without any need for conversion processing, and power consumption and delay can be suppressed because no conversion processing load is applied. The reason why the display port is subsequently checked is based on the fact that the display port is highly compatible with HDMI (registered trademark) in signal processing and that the shipment amount of the source device corresponding to the alternative mode of the display port is large.

Further, when a link is established between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 and communication is started, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 receives the input from the source device 10 as a data transmission standard adapted to the sink device 20. After conversion to a protocol (for example, HDMI (registered trademark)), the data is output to the sink device 20.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a processing procedure for setting an alternative mode in the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the form of a flowchart. Basically, it is assumed that the multi-adapter 40 takes the lead in setting the alternative mode. The illustrated processing procedure is based on the premise that the multi-adapter 40 corresponds to a plurality of alternative modes including at least the data transmission standards of MHL and DisplayPort.

When the multi-adapter 40 attached to the source device 10 and the sink device 20 is connected by the Type-C cable 30, communication in accordance with the Type-C standard starts between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40. Then, the multi-adapter 40 checks whether or not the connected source device 10 is compatible with the alternative mode (step S301).

If the source device 10 does not support the alternative mode (No in step S301), the multi-adapter 40 is incompatible and ends communication with the source device 10 and ends this processing routine. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

On the other hand, if the source device 10 is compatible with the alternative mode (Yes in step S301), the multi-adapter 40 subsequently checks which alternative mode the source device 10 is compatible with.

First, the multi-adapter 40 checks whether or not the source device 10 has a priority list to be output (step S302).

In this embodiment, the source device 10 corresponding to the alternative mode can set the priority order of the alternative mode that the source device 10 itself wants to output, and is managed by the Type-C controller 11 in the form of a priority list. (As described above).

When the source device 10 has the priority list of the alternative mode (Yes in step S302), the multi-adapter 40 itself corresponds to the multi-adapter 40 according to the order specified in the priority list. It is confirmed whether or not it is an alternative mode (step S307).

If an alternative mode that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 is present in the priority list (Yes in step S307), the multi-adapter 40 returns to the source device 10 that it can support it, and Both alternative modes of the multi-adapter 40 are switched to an operation mode that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 and is the highest in the priority list (step S308). Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the specification and protocol of the interface in the operation mode, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S309). Thereafter, when communication is started between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 appropriately converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark), and the sink device 20 Output to.

If the alternative mode listed in the priority list of the source device 10 does not include a compatible mode for the multi-adapter 40 (No in step S307), the multi-adapter 40 Terminates the communication with the source device 10 because the response is not possible, and terminates the processing routine. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

If the source device 10 does not have the priority list to be output (No in step S302), the multi-adapter 40 substitutes according to the priority set in advance in the communication system 1 or the multi-adapter 40. Start setting the mode.

Specifically, the multi-adapter 40 first checks whether or not the sink device 20 supports MHL (step S303). When the source device 10 is compatible with MHL, it can be confirmed whether the sink device 20 is compatible with MHL through a discovery process according to the MHL standard. The reason why MHL is checked with the highest priority is that power can be supplied from the MHL-compatible sink device 20 and the power consumption of the source device 10 can be suppressed. In particular, when the source device 10 is battery-driven, it is effective to switch the power supply source to the multi-adapter 40 from the source device 10 to the sink device 20.

If the sink device 20 is compatible with MHL (Yes in step S303), the multi-adapter 40 switches the power supply source from the source device 10 to the sink device 20 (step S304). . Thereafter, both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the MHL alternative mode. Then, a link is established between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 according to the specifications and protocol of the MHL interface, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S309). When communication with the source device 10 is started, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into MHL and outputs it to the sink device 20, so that a normal MHL connection is established. .

If the sink device 20 does not support MHL (No in step S303), then the multi-adapter 40 checks whether the source device 10 supports the DisplayPort alternative mode ( Step S305).

First, the compatibility with DisplayPort is checked because DisplayPort is highly compatible with HDMI (registered trademark) in signal processing, and the amount of shipment of source devices (information devices such as personal computers) compatible with the DisplayPort alternative mode. Rely on being big.

If the source device 10 is compatible with DisplayPort (Yes in step S305), both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the display port alternative mode. Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the interface specification and protocol of the DisplayPort, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S309). Thereafter, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) and outputs the converted signal to the sink device 20.

Further, when the source device 10 does not support DisplayPort (No in step S305), but corresponds to an alternative mode of another transmission standard that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 (Yes in step S306), Both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the alternative mode. Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the interface specification and protocol of the transmission standard, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S309). Thereafter, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) and outputs the converted signal to the sink device 20.

If the source device 10 does not support any of the alternative modes that the multi-adapter 40 can support (No in step S306), the multi-adapter 40 cannot be used. The communication is terminated, and this processing routine is terminated. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

FIG. 4 shows another example of a processing procedure for setting an alternative mode in the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the form of a flowchart. Basically, the multi-adapter 40 takes the lead in setting the alternative mode (same as above). The illustrated processing procedure is based on the assumption that the multi-adapter 40 supports at least a plurality of alternative modes including MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt data transmission standards.

When the multi-adapter 40 attached to the source device 10 and the sink device 20 is connected by the Type-C cable 30, communication in accordance with the Type-C standard starts between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40. Then, the multi-adapter 40 checks whether or not the connected source device 10 is compatible with the alternative mode (step S401).

When the source device 10 is not compatible with the alternative mode (No in step S401), the multi-adapter 40 ends the communication with the source device 10 because it cannot support, and the processing routine is ended. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

On the other hand, when the source device 10 is compatible with the alternative mode (Yes in step S401), the multi-adapter 40 confirms which alternative mode the source device 10 is compatible with.

First, the multi-adapter 40 checks whether or not the source device 10 has a priority list to be output (step S402).

When the source device 10 has the priority list of the alternative mode (Yes in step S402), the multi-adapter 40 corresponds to the multi-adapter 40 according to the order specified in the priority list. It is confirmed whether or not it is the alternative mode (step S409).

If an alternative mode that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 is present in the priority list (Yes in step S409), the multi-adapter 40 returns to the source device 10 that it can support the source device 10 and Both alternative modes of the multi-adapter 40 are switched to an operation mode that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 and is the highest in the priority list (step S410). Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the specifications and protocol of the interface in the operation mode, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). Thereafter, when communication is started between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 appropriately converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) (however, HDMI (Except when the mode is switched to the (registered trademark) alternative mode).

If the alternative mode listed in the priority list of the source device 10 does not include a compatible mode for the multi-adapter 40 (No in step S409), the multi-adapter 40 Terminates the communication with the source device 10 because the response is not possible, and terminates the processing routine. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

If the source device 10 does not have a priority list to be output (No in step S402), the multi-adapter 40 substitutes according to the priority set in advance in the communication system 1 or the multi-adapter 40. Start setting the mode.

Specifically, the multi-adapter 40 first checks whether or not the sink device 20 supports MHL (step S403). When the source device 10 is compatible with MHL, it can be confirmed whether the sink device 20 is compatible with MHL through a discovery process according to the MHL standard. The reason why MHL is checked with the highest priority is that power can be supplied from the MHL-compatible sink device 20 and the power consumption of the source device 10 can be suppressed. In particular, when the source device 10 is battery-driven, it is effective to switch the power supply source to the multi-adapter 40 from the source device 10 to the sink device 20.

If the sink device 20 supports MHL (Yes in step S403), the multi-adapter 40 switches the power supply source from the source device 10 to the sink device 20 (step S404). . Thereafter, both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the MHL alternative mode. Then, a link is established between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 according to the specifications and protocol of the MHL interface, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). When communication with the source device 10 is started, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into MHL and outputs it to the sink device 20, so that a normal MHL connection is established. .

If the sink device 20 does not support MHL (No in step S403), then the multi-adapter 40 performs HDMI (registered trademark) (step S405), DisplayPort (step S406), Thunderbolt (step S403). In the order of S407), it is checked which alternative mode the source device 10 supports.

First, the compatibility with HDMI (registered trademark) is checked if both the source device 10 and the sink device 20 are compatible with the alternative mode of HDMI (registered trademark), and the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40. This is because the power can be output to the sink device 20 without the need for conversion processing, and power consumption and delay can be suppressed because no conversion processing load is applied.

In addition, the compatibility with DisplayPort following HDMI (registered trademark) is checked because DisplayPort is highly compatible with HDMI (registered trademark) in signal processing, and with a source device (personal / personal device) compatible with the DisplayPort alternative mode. Rely on large shipments of information equipment (computers, etc.).

If the source device 10 supports the HDMI (registered trademark) alternative mode (Yes in step S405), both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the HDMI (registered trademark) alternative mode. Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the specification and protocol of the HDMI (registered trademark) interface, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). . If both the source device 10 and the sink device 20 support the HDMI (registered trademark) alternative mode, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 does not particularly convert the input from the source device 10. To the sink device 20.

If the source device 10 does not support HDMI (registered trademark) (No in step S405), but both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 support DisplayPort (DP) (step S406). Yes), both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the display port alternative mode. Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the interface specification and protocol of the DisplayPort, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). Thereafter, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) and outputs the converted signal to the sink device 20.

Further, when the source device 10 does not support DisplayPort (No in step S406), but both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 support Thunderbolt (Tb) (Yes in step S407). Then, both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the Thunderbolt alternative mode. Then, the link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the Thunderbolt interface specification and protocol, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). Thereafter, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) and outputs the converted signal to the sink device 20.

Further, when the source device 10 does not support Thunderbolt (No in Step S407), but corresponds to an alternative mode of another transmission standard that can be supported by the multi-adapter 40 (Yes in Step S408). Both the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 are set to the alternative mode. Then, a link between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is established according to the interface specification and protocol of the transmission standard, and the alternative mode connection between the source device 10 and the multi-adapter 40 is completed (step S411). Thereafter, the protocol converter 44 in the multi-adapter 40 converts the input from the source device 10 into HDMI (registered trademark) and outputs the converted signal to the sink device 20.

If the source device 10 does not support any of the alternative modes that the multi-adapter 40 can support (No in step S408), the multi-adapter 40 cannot be used. The communication is terminated, and this processing routine is terminated. When the multi-adapter 40 is equipped with the display device 46, when the communication in the alternative mode is not established, an error message such as “This device is not supported” is displayed on the sink device 20. You may make it display on the side.

According to the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the following effects (1) to (4) can be expected.

(1) By attaching the multi-adapter 40 to the HDMI (registered trademark) compatible sink device 20, it is possible to connect to an alternative mode compatible source device with an existing USB Type-C cable. Does not require a cable.

(2) The existing HDMI (registered trademark) sink device 20 can be used as it is as the output destination of the video and audio signals from the source device 10 in the alternative mode.

(3) Since the multi-adapter 40 sets an appropriate alternative mode, the user can use it without being aware of which alternative mode the source device supports.

(4) When both the source device 10 and the sink device 20 support the MHL alternative mode, the power supply to the multi-adapter 40 is switched from the source device 10 to the sink device 20, so that the source device 10 Power consumption can be suppressed. This is particularly effective for the battery-driven source device 10.

As described above, the technology disclosed in this specification has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification.

This specification discloses a communication system that connects a source device compatible with USB Type-C and an alternative mode to an HDMI (registered trademark) or MHL compatible sink device using a USB Type-C cable. Although the embodiments to which the technology is applied have been mainly described, the gist of the technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited thereto. The technology disclosed in this specification can be similarly applied to a communication system in which a sink device is connected to a source device using a cable of a bus standard other than USB Type-C having an operation mode similar to the alternative mode. .

In short, the technology disclosed in the present specification has been described in the form of examples, and the description content of the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification, the claims should be taken into consideration.

Note that the technology disclosed in the present specification can also be configured as follows.
(1) a first connection unit connected to the source device;
A second connection for connecting to the sink device;
A control unit for controlling the setting of the alternative mode;
A conversion unit that converts an input from the source device according to a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
An adapter comprising:
(2) The control unit confirms an alternative mode corresponding to the source device, and controls the setting of the alternative mode of the adapter.
The adapter according to (1) above.
(3) The control unit controls the setting of the alternative mode of the adapter according to the priority order specified by the source device.
The adapter according to (1) above.
(4) The control unit confirms in a predetermined order which transmission standard alternative mode is set;
The adapter according to (1) above.
(5) The control unit preferentially sets an alternative mode of the first transmission standard having a power supply function by the sink device.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(6) When the source device and the sink device are both compatible with the first transmission standard, the control unit switches to power supply from the sink device and replaces the first transmission standard with an alternative mode. Set to
The adapter according to (5) above.
(7) The control unit controls setting of an alternative mode based on compatibility with the transmission standard corresponding to the sink device.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(8) The control unit sets in preference to an alternative mode of the transmission standard supported by the sink device.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(9) The control unit sets in preference to an alternative mode that is highly compatible with the transmission standard supported by the sink device.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(10) The control unit checks whether or not the alternative mode can be set in the order of MHL and DisplayPort.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(11) The control unit checks whether the alternative mode can be set in the order of MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
The adapter according to (4) above.
(12) The first connection unit is connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.
The adapter according to (1) above.
(13) The first connection unit includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C receptacle, and connects to the source device corresponding to the Alternate Type of USB Type-C via a USB Type-C cable.
The adapter according to (1) above.
(14) The second connection unit includes an HDMI (registered trademark) Type-A plug to be plugged into the sink device compatible with HDMI (registered trademark).
The adapter according to (13) above.
(15) A method for controlling an adapter including a first connection unit connected to a source device and a second connection unit connected to a sink device,
A control step for controlling an alternative mode setting of the adapter;
A conversion step of converting the input from the source device in accordance with a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
A method of controlling an adapter having
(16) a connection unit connected to the sink device with a cable;
A priority list of operating modes for alternative modes;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
(17) The connection unit is connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.
The information processing apparatus according to (16) above.
(18) Compatible with USB Type-C's Alternate Mode,
The connection unit includes a USB Type-C receptacle, and is connected to the adapter according to claim 13 via a USB Type-C cable.
The information processing apparatus according to (16) above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system 10 ... Source device, 11 ... Type-C controller 12 ... Protocol converter, 13 ... Type-C receptacle 20 ... Sink device, 21 ... Type-A receptacle 21
30 ... Cable, 31, 32 ... Type-C plug 40 ... Multi-adapter, 41 ... Type-C receptacle 42 ... Type-A plug, 43 ... Type-C controller 44 ... Protocol converter, 45 ... Power block 46 ... Display Device

Claims

A first connection for connecting to the source device;
A second connection for connecting to the sink device;
A control unit for controlling the setting of the alternative mode;
A conversion unit that converts an input from the source device according to a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
An adapter comprising:
The control unit confirms an alternative mode corresponding to the source device, and controls the setting of the alternative mode of the adapter;
The adapter according to claim 1.
The control unit controls the setting of the alternative mode of the adapter according to the priority order specified in the source device.
The adapter according to claim 1.
The control unit confirms in a predetermined order which transmission standard to set as an alternative mode,
The adapter according to claim 1.
The control unit preferentially sets an alternative mode of the first transmission standard having a power supply function by the sink device.
The adapter according to claim 4.
When the source device and the sink device both support the first transmission standard, the control unit switches to power supply from the sink device and sets the alternative mode of the first transmission standard. ,
The adapter according to claim 5.
The control unit controls setting of an alternative mode based on compatibility with the transmission standard corresponding to the sink device.
The adapter according to claim 4.
The control unit is set in preference to an alternative mode of the transmission standard supported by the sink device.
The adapter according to claim 4.
The control unit is set in preference to an alternative mode that is highly compatible with the transmission standard supported by the sink device.
The adapter according to claim 4.
The control unit confirms whether the alternative mode can be set in the order of MHL and DisplayPort.
The adapter according to claim 4.
The control unit confirms whether the alternative mode can be set in the order of MHL, HDMI (registered trademark), DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
The adapter according to claim 4.
The first connection unit is connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.
The adapter according to claim 1.
The first connection unit includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C receptacle, and connects to the source device corresponding to the Alternate Type of USB Type-C via a USB Type-C cable.
The adapter according to claim 1.
The second connection unit includes an HDMI (registered trademark) Type-A plug to be plugged into the sink device compatible with HDMI (registered trademark).
The adapter according to claim 13.
A method for controlling an adapter including a first connection unit connected to a source device and a second connection unit connected to a sink device,
A control step for controlling an alternative mode setting of the adapter;
A conversion step of converting the input from the source device in accordance with a transmission standard supported by the sink device;
A method of controlling an adapter having
A connection part connected to the sink device with a cable;
A priority list of operating modes for alternative modes;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
The connection unit is connected to the source device via a general-purpose cable.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.
In correspondence with Alternate Type of USB Type-C,
The connection unit includes a USB Type-C receptacle, and is connected to the adapter according to claim 13 via a USB Type-C cable.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.