Electronic devices, systems, and program products

Abstract

An electronic device, system, and software product are provided. The electronic device is capable of wired connection with each of a plurality of different other electronic devices. The electronic device includes: a control unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a potential generated when the electronic device is wiredly connected to the other electronic devices; and two first terminals, each electrically connected to two terminals of a plurality of terminals provided in the other electronic devices. When the acquired potential is a first value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to I2C-based communication via the two first terminals; when the acquired potential is a second value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to UART communication via the two first terminals; and when the acquired potential is a third value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to SPI communication via the two first terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device, system, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] For external terminals of electronic devices, one function is usually assigned to one terminal (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-137465). Summary of the Invention

[0003] If an electronic device wants to support multiple communication methods depending on the connected electronic devices, the number of terminals increases.

[0004] (Structure 1) According to this embodiment, an electronic device capable of wired connection with each of a plurality of different other electronic devices is provided. The electronic device includes: a control unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a potential generated when the electronic device is wiredly connected to the other electronic devices; and two first terminals, each of the two first terminals being electrically connected to two terminals of a plurality of terminals provided in the other electronic devices. When the acquired potential is a first value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication via the two first terminals; when the acquired potential is a second value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication via the two first terminals; and when the acquired potential is a third value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication via the two first terminals.

[0005] According to structure 1, the functions of the two first terminals can be changed according to the acquired potential, thus suppressing the number of terminals provided in the electronic device.

[0006] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth values ​​not only include the value itself, but can also include any value within the specified range that includes the values. Due to design tolerances, interference, etc., each value not only represents a specific value, but may also include some degree of deviation. Therefore, the first, second, third, and fourth values ​​can also be renamed the first range, second range, third range, and fourth range, respectively. In addition, each range can be set to be non-overlapping.

[0007] (Structure 2) In Structure 1, the electronic device may also include two second terminals, which are electrically connected to two other terminals among a plurality of terminals provided in other electronic devices. The control unit may also receive a communication request signal or send a signal indicating a communicable state via the two second terminals when the acquired potential is a first value.

[0008] (Structure 3) In Structure 1 or 2, the acquisition unit may acquire the potential generated in the electrical path formed between the power supply potential of the electronic device and the ground potential of other electronic devices.

[0009] (Structure 4) In any of the structures 1 to 3, the control unit may transmit or receive a signal indicating that data transmission is permitted to communicate with the UART when the acquired potential is a second value.

[0010] (Structure 5) In any of the structures 1 to 4, the control unit may transmit or receive signals corresponding to the SPI communication via two second terminals in addition to the two first terminals when the acquired potential is a third value.

[0011] (Structure 6) In any of the structures 1 to 4, the control unit may transmit a signal indicating the charging state of the electronic device or receive a signal indicating the charging state of a second electronic device via two second terminals when the acquired potential is the fourth value.

[0012] (Structure 7) In Structure 6, the control unit may receive a signal indicating operation of an operation unit provided in a second other electronic device via at least a portion of the two second terminals.

[0013] (Structure 8) In Structure 6 or 7, the electronic device may also include a third terminal, which is electrically connected to an additional terminal among a plurality of terminals provided in other electronic devices. When at least one of the conditions that the electronic device is charging and another other electronic device is charging is met, the notification unit of the other electronic device may also issue a notification based on a signal from the third terminal.

[0014] (Structure 9) In any of the structures 1 to 8, the control unit may send the device information stored in the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) to other electronic devices when the acquired potential is a first value.

[0015] (Structure 10) In any of the structures 1 to 9, the electronic device may also include: a fourth terminal for forming an electrical path for obtaining a potential from the acquisition unit; and a fifth terminal for forming an additional electrical path for obtaining a potential from other electronic devices when the electronic device is wired to other electronic devices.

[0016] (Structure 11) In any of the structures 1 to 10, the electronic device may also include a transmitting unit that transmits the acquired potential to an external electronic device. The control unit may also determine the type of communication, such as transmitting or receiving signals, based on information from the external electronic device based on the acquired potential.

[0017] (Structure 12) The system of this embodiment includes: a first electronic device capable of being wiredly connected to each of a plurality of different other electronic devices; and a second electronic device, which is one of the plurality of different other electronic devices. The first electronic device includes: a control unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a potential generated when the first electronic device and the second electronic device are wiredly connected; and two first terminals, each of the two first terminals being electrically connected to two terminals of a plurality of terminals provided in the second electronic device. When the acquired potential is a first value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to I2C-based communication via the two first terminals; when the acquired potential is a second value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to UART communication via the two first terminals; and when the acquired potential is a third value, it transmits or receives signals corresponding to SPI communication via the two first terminals.

[0018] (Structure 13) According to this embodiment, a program executed by an electronic device is provided, wherein the electronic device is capable of wired connection with each of a plurality of different other electronic devices. The electronic device includes two first terminals, which are electrically connected to two terminals respectively provided in a plurality of terminals of the other electronic devices. The program is used to cause the electronic device to perform the following processes: acquiring a potential generated when the electronic device is wiredly connected to the other electronic devices; when the acquired potential is a first value, transmitting or receiving a signal corresponding to I2C-based communication via the two first terminals; when the acquired potential is a second value, transmitting or receiving a signal corresponding to UART communication via the two first terminals; and when the acquired potential is a third value, transmitting or receiving a signal corresponding to SPI communication via the two first terminals. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the system according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another structural example of the system according to this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another structural example of the system according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the controller according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the main device in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the accessory in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the accessory in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller of this embodiment being installed in the main unit.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a processing example when the controller of this embodiment is installed on the main unit.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller of this embodiment being installed in the accessory.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a processing example when the controller of this embodiment is installed in an accessory.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller of this embodiment being installed in the accessory.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller of this embodiment being installed in the accessory.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller of this embodiment being installed in the accessory. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0034] [A. Example of system structure]

[0035] First, an example of the system structure of this embodiment will be described. Next, an application example for a game system will be described, but the technical concept of this disclosure can be applied to any electronic device.

[0036] The gaming system includes one or more controllers. A controller is an example of an electronic device. As illustrated below, a controller can be wired to various other electronic devices.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of system 1 according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1 In addition to one or more controllers 100, system 1 also includes a main unit 200, which is another example of an electronic device. The two controllers 100 are respectively detachable from the main unit 200.

[0038] The controller 100 has a connector 102 including one or more terminals. When the controller 100 is mounted on the main unit 200, one or more terminals of the connector 102 of the controller 100 are electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the connector 202 of the main unit 200. The controller 100 is wiredly connected to the main unit 200 via the connectors 102 and 202.

[0039] The controller 100 has operating parts such as buttons, switches, and joysticks, and sends signals indicating the user's operation of the operating parts to the main unit 200. The controller 100 may also have actuators such as vibration motors. The controller 100 may also drive the actuators according to signals from the main unit 200.

[0040] The controller 100 may also have a battery. The controller 100 may also be supplied with power from the main unit 200 to charge the battery of the controller 100 by being mounted on the main unit 200.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another structural example of system 1 according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 2 Alternatively, the controller 100 can be attached to or detached from the accessory 300. Accessory 300 is another example of an electronic device. As an example, accessory 300 includes a sensor (see...). Figure 6 (e.g., sensor 320). The connector 102 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the connector 302 of the accessory 300. The controller 100 is wired to the accessory 300 via connectors 102 and 302.

[0042] Through connectors 102 and 302, controller 100 can utilize the sensors of accessory 300. For example, when the annular accessory 300 is deformed by an external force, controller 100 obtains a signal corresponding to the deformation from the sensors of accessory 300.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another structural example of system 1 according to this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Alternatively, one or more controllers 100 may be detachable from accessory 400. Accessory 400 is another example of an electronic device. Connector 102 of controller 100 is electrically connected to connector 402L (or connector 402R) of accessory 400. Connectors 402L and 402R are also collectively referred to as "connector 402". Controller 100 is wiredly connected to accessory 400 via connectors 102 and 402. Accessory 400 may also supply at least a portion of the power supplied from external power source 4 to controller 100 via connectors 102 and 402.

[0044] The connector 102 of the controller 100 can be used for both wired communication with other electronic devices and for power supply from other electronic devices. When the connector 102 includes multiple terminals, some of the terminals can be used for wired communication, and another portion for power supply.

[0045] [B. Hardware Structure Example]

[0046] Next, an example of the hardware structure of the electronic device included in System 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0047] (b1: Controller 100)

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the controller 100 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, in... Figure 4 The diagram shows a hardware structure example of a portion of the controller 100.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 The controller 100 includes a control circuit 110, a battery 120, an operation unit 122, a sensor 124, an actuator 126, and a wireless communication circuit 130.

[0050] The control circuit 110 performs necessary processing within the controller 100. The control circuit 110 includes a processor 112, a volatile memory 114, a non-volatile memory 116, and an interface circuit 118.

[0051] The processor 112 sequentially expands and executes the necessary programs from the program stored in the non-volatile memory 116, etc., in the volatile memory 114. The volatile memory 114 can be, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory 116 can also be, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), etc. The non-volatile memory 116 can also store the system program 1160 and device information 1162. The system program 1160 can also be stored in flash memory. The device information 1162 can also be stored in EEPROM. The device information 1162 includes, for example, the model, color, serial number, etc. of the controller 100.

[0052] The processing in controller 100, as described later, is implemented, for example, by processor 112 executing system program 1160.

[0053] Interface circuit 118 is responsible for exchanging signals with electronic devices connected via connector 102. Interface circuit 118 may also support multiple communication methods.

[0054] The control circuit 110 can be mounted on a single substrate or composed of a combination of multiple substrates.

[0055] Battery 120 supplies power to various parts of controller 100. Battery 120 can also be charged by power supplied via connector 102.

[0056] The operation unit 122 outputs signals indicating user operations to the control circuit 110. The sensor 124 outputs signals indicating the behavior of the controller 100, etc., to the control circuit 110. The actuator 126 provides tactile stimulation, etc., to the user according to the signals from the control circuit 110.

[0057] The wireless communication circuit 130 is responsible for exchanging wireless signals with the main device 200 and one or more other devices.

[0058] The wireless communication circuit 130 can also support wireless networks that comply with Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 standard), etc.

[0059] The controller 100 may also have an active state and a sleep state where the power consumption is less than that of the active state. When specified conditions are met, the controller 100 resumes the active state from the sleep state.

[0060] (b2: Main unit 200)

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the main device 200 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, in... Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of the hardware structure of a portion of the main unit 200.

[0062] Reference Figure 5 The main device 200 includes a control circuit 210, an interface circuit 218, a battery 220, a wireless communication circuit 230, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 229.

[0063] The control circuit 210 performs necessary processing within the main unit 200. The control circuit 210 includes a processor 212, a volatile memory 214, and a storage device 216. The processor 212 and the volatile memory 214 are the same as those described above.

[0064] Storage device 216 may be, for example, flash memory, HDD (hard disk drive), etc. System program 2160 and application program 2162 may also be stored in storage device 216.

[0065] Interface circuit 218 is responsible for exchanging signals with electronic devices connected via connector 202. Interface circuit 218 can also support multiple communication methods. The main unit 200 includes two sets of interface circuits 218 and connector 202. Alternatively, the two interface circuits 218 can operate independently of each other.

[0066] Battery 220 supplies power to various parts of the main unit 200. Battery 220 can supply power to electronic devices connected via connector 202, and can also be charged by power supplied from an external power source.

[0067] USB controller 229 is responsible for exchanging signals with the USB-connected electronic device (e.g., controller 100). USB controller 229 is also capable of exchanging power via the USB connection.

[0068] The wireless communication circuit 230 is responsible for exchanging wireless signals with one or more controllers 100 and one or more other devices. The wireless communication circuit 230 may also support wireless networks that comply with Bluetooth, ZigBee, wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 standard), etc.

[0069] The main unit 200 may also have an active state and a dormant state where the power consumption is less than that of the active state. When specified conditions are met, the main unit 200 returns to the active state from the dormant state.

[0070] (b3: Accessories 300)

[0071] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of accessory 300 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, in Figure 6 The diagram shows a hardware structure example of a portion of accessory 300.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 Accessory 300 includes control circuit 310 and sensor 320.

[0073] The control circuit 310 performs necessary processing within accessory 300. The control circuit 310 is responsible for signal exchange with the electronic device connected via connector 302. The control circuit 310 may also support a communication method. The control circuit 310 may also receive power from the electronic device connected via connector 302.

[0074] Sensor 320 detects specified mechanical or physical changes and outputs a signal representing the detected value to control circuit 310.

[0075] (b4: Accessories 400)

[0076] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of accessory 400 in this embodiment. For ease of explanation, in Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows a hardware structure example of a portion of accessory 400.

[0077] Figure 7A The accessory 400A shown includes a USB controller 410. The USB controller 410 supplies power via a USB connection to an electronic device connected to connector 402.

[0078] Figure 7B The accessory 400B shown is Figure 7ACompared to accessory 400A, the accessory 400A also includes control circuitry 450. Control circuitry 450 is responsible for processing data exchange with electronic devices connected via USB, and for processing data exchange with electronic devices connected via connector 402. For example, Figure 7B The accessory 400B shown can also obtain the charging status of electronic devices connected via connector 402.

[0079] In the following description, Accessory 400A and Accessory 400B will also be referred to as "Accessory 400".

[0080] [C. Communication Method]

[0081] In System 1 of this embodiment, the controller 100 may also select a specific communication method from multiple communication methods when exchanging data with an electronic device (e.g., main unit 200, accessory 300, accessory 400, etc.) that is wired to it.

[0082] Multiple communication methods can be, for example, at least two of I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0083] I2C is a serial bus communication method that uses two signal lines. The two signal lines transmit the serial clock (SCL) and serial data (SDA) respectively.

[0084] UART is an asynchronous serial communication method that uses two signal lines. The two signal lines transmit transmit data (TXD) and receive data (RXD) respectively. In addition to the two signal lines, control lines can also be used to allow data transmission to the communication object (RTS: Request To Send) and to grant permission for data transmission from the communication object (CTS: Clear To Send).

[0085] SPI is a serial bus that uses four signal lines. The four signal lines transmit slave select (CS), serial clock (CLK), master in slave out (MISO), and master out slave in (MOSI).

[0086] In System 1 of this embodiment, multiple terminals included in the connector can be used interchangeably for communication based on a communication method selected from multiple communication methods. The port of the control circuit 110 of the controller 100 can also be used to send or receive signals corresponding to the selected communication method. By using multiple terminals interchangeably, it is not necessary to prepare terminals and ports for each communication method. The process of selecting a communication method from multiple communication methods will be described later.

[0087] [D. Processing Example]

[0088] Next, several examples of processing in the case of attaching or detaching electronic equipment relative to the controller 100 will be described.

[0089] (d1: The controller 100 is installed in the main unit 200)

[0090] Alternatively, when the controller 100 is installed on the host device 200, communication between the controller 100 and the host device 200 can begin, using both I2C-based and USB-based communication. Generally, the time required to initiate I2C-based communication is shorter than the time required to initiate USB-based communication. On the other hand, the speed of I2C-based communication (e.g., a maximum of 3.4 Mbps) is lower than the speed of USB-based communication (e.g., 12 Mbps or more). Therefore, it is also possible that after the controller 100 is first installed on the host device 200, I2C-based communication is used primarily, followed by USB-based communication.

[0091] In I2C-based communication, the main device 200 acts as the master and the controller 100 acts as the slave.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller 100 of this embodiment being installed in the main unit 200.

[0093] Reference Figure 8 The connector 102 of the controller 100 includes terminals 1021-1026 (T1-T6), a power input terminal 1027, a power output terminal 1028, and a USB terminal 1029.

[0094] The interface circuit 118 of the controller 100 includes an ADC (Analog-Digital Converter) port 1182, GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) ports 1183 and 1184, communication ports 1185 and 1186, and a USB port 1189.

[0095] Terminal T2 1022 is used to identify electronic devices installed in controller 100. Terminal T2 1022 is electrically connected to ADC port 1182 of interface circuit 118. The wiring connecting terminal T2 1022 to ADC port 1182 is electrically connected to power supply potential 132 via resistor 133. Thus, terminal T2 1022 is maintained at power supply potential 132 of controller 100 when not electrically connected to other terminals. ADC port 1182 samples analog input (e.g., potential) and converts it into a digital signal. ADC port 1182 acquires the potential of the input signal. ADC port 1182 may, for example, have an 8-grayscale resolution. For example, if the input range of ADC port 1182 is 0V to 5V, the grayscale value from 0 to 7 is determined based on which interval in the interval divided into 0.625V (5V / 8 grayscale) ranges the input signal belongs to.

[0096] The ADC port 1182 (or control circuit 110) acquires the potential generated when the controller 100 is wired to other electronic devices. Terminal T2 1022 can also be used to form an electrical path for acquiring the potential from the ADC port 1182 (or control circuit 110). Alternatively, the circuitry of other electronic devices can be designed such that the potential (or grayscale value) acquired by the ADC port 1182 is different for each other device installed on the controller 100. Examples of circuitry for other electronic devices will be described later.

[0097] Furthermore, the "potential" acquired by ADC port 1182 can also be referred to as "voltage (or potential difference) based on the ground potential of controller 100".

[0098] Terminal T1 1021 is electrically connected to ground potential 131 of controller 100. Thus, the potential of terminal T1 1021 is maintained at ground potential 131 of controller 100. Terminal T1 1021 can also be used to form an additional electrical path for obtaining potential from other electronic devices when controller 100 is wired connected. For example, GPIO(1) port 2181 of main unit 200 (or control circuit 210) can also detect potential changes occurring in the electrical path including terminal T1 1021. Details are described later.

[0099] Terminals T3 1023 and T4 1024 are electrically connected to GPIO (3) port 1183 and GPIO (4) port 1184, respectively. Depending on the settings, GPIO (3) port 1183 and GPIO (4) port 1184 can function as either an input port for receiving signals from other electronic devices or an output port for outputting signals to other electronic devices. For example, GPIO (3) port 1183 and GPIO (4) port 1184 can input or output both low (hereinafter referred to as "L") and high (hereinafter referred to as "H") values.

[0100] In this embodiment, GPIO(3) port 1183 is configured as an input port. T3 terminal 1023 and GPIO(3) port 1183 receive signals from other electronic devices for resuming from a sleep state to an active state. T3 terminal 1023 and GPIO(3) port 1183 can also receive communication request signals from other electronic devices. In this case, a signal of H may indicate a communication request, and a signal of L may indicate no communication request.

[0101] In this embodiment, GPIO(4) port 1184 is configured as an output port. T4 terminal 1024 and GPIO(4) port 1184 output signals to other electronic devices to restore them from a sleep state to an active state. Alternatively, T4 terminal 1024 and GPIO(4) port 1184 can also output signals indicating a communicable state to other electronic devices. In this case, an H signal may indicate communicability, and an L signal may indicate non-communicability.

[0102] As such, terminals T3 1023 and T4 1024 are used to control the return from the sleep state to the active state. Terminals T3 1023 and T4 1024 can also be used to notify the communication status.

[0103] Terminals 1025 (T5) and 1026 (T6) are electrically connected to communication ports 1185 and 1186, respectively. Additionally, terminals 1025 (T5) and 1026 (T6) are electrically connected to two terminals (T5 2025 and T6 2026) from a plurality of terminals located in other electronic devices. Communication ports 1185 and 1186 receive signals corresponding to the selected communication method and output signals corresponding to the selected communication method.

[0104] More specifically, in I2C-based communication, the serial clock is transmitted using the paths of communication port 1185, T5 terminal 1025, T5 terminal 2025, and communication port 2185. Serial data is transmitted using the paths of communication port 1186, T6 terminal 1026, T6 terminal 2026, and communication port 2186.

[0105] In this way, the control circuit 110 of the controller 100 sends or receives signals indicating a communicable state via the T4 terminal 1024 and the T3 terminal 1023, and sends or receives signals corresponding to I2C-based communication via the T5 terminal 1025 and the T6 terminal 1026.

[0106] The clock extension function in I2C communication can also be implemented by using GPIO(3) port 1183 and GPIO(4) port 1184 to send or receive communication requests and signals indicating a communicable state. For example, the controller 100, acting as a slave, can send a signal indicating communicability after preparing the data to be sent. When the master device 200, acting as the master, receives a signal indicating non-communicability, the master device 200 interrupts the transmission of the serial clock. This avoids the situation where the preparation of the data to be sent by the controller 100 cannot keep up with the timing of requests from other electronic devices (in this example, the master device 200).

[0107] The power input terminal 1027 is used to receive power from other electronic devices. The power input terminal 1027 is electrically connected to the interface circuit 118 via the power bus 137.

[0108] Power output terminal 1028 is used to supply power to other electronic devices. Power output terminal 1028 is electrically connected to power output 138 of controller 100. Power output 138 is connected to battery 120 of controller 100 (see reference). Figure 4 Electrical connection. A switch 136 is provided in the wiring between the power output 138 and the power output terminal 1028. The switch 136 can electrically disconnect the power output 138 from the power output terminal 1028.

[0109] USB port 1189 is an interface for connecting to other electronic devices via USB. USB terminal 1029 is electrically connected to USB port 1189. USB terminal 1029 may also include multiple terminals.

[0110] On the other hand, the connector 202 of the main device 200 includes T1~T6 terminals 2021~2026, power output terminal 2027, power input terminal 2028, and USB terminal 2029.

[0111] The interface circuit 218 of the main device 200 includes GPIO (1) port 2181, GPIO (3) port 2183, GPIO (4) port 2184, communication ports 2185 and 2186, and USB port 2189.

[0112] T1 terminal 2021 is used to identify electronic devices installed on the main unit 200. T1 terminal 2021 is electrically connected to GPIO(1) port 2181 of interface circuit 218.

[0113] Terminal T2 2022 is electrically connected to ground potential 241 of main device 200. Thus, the potential of terminal T2 2022 is maintained at ground potential 241 of main device 200.

[0114] Terminals 2023 (T3) and 2024 (T4) are electrically connected to GPIO (3) port 2183 and GPIO (4) port 2184, respectively.

[0115] Terminals T5 2025 and T6 2026 are electrically connected to communication ports 2185 and 2186, respectively. Communication ports 2185 and 2186 receive signals corresponding to the selected communication mode and output signals corresponding to the selected communication mode.

[0116] The power output terminal 2027 is used to supply power to other electronic devices. The power output terminal 2027 is electrically connected to the power output 247 of the main unit 200. The power output 247 is connected to the battery 220 of the main unit 200 (see reference). Figure 5 Electrical connection. A switch 243 is provided in the wiring between the power output 247 and the power output terminal 2027. The switch 243 can electrically disconnect the power output 247 from the power output terminal 2027.

[0117] USB port 2189 is electrically connected to USB controller 229. USB terminal 2029 is electrically connected to USB controller 229. USB terminal 2029 may also include multiple terminals. USB controller 229 may also function as a USB hub for electronic devices connected to host device 200 and electronic devices that are USB connected via USB terminal 2029.

[0118] The following describes a processing example when the controller 100 is installed on the main unit 200.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a processing example when the controller 100 of this embodiment is installed in the main unit 200. Furthermore, in the main unit 200, GPIO (3) port 2183 is set as an output port, and GPIO (4) port 2184 is set as an input port.

[0120] Reference Figure 9When the controller 100 is installed on the main device 200, the T1 terminal 1021 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T1 terminal 2021 of the main device 200, so the GPIO (1) port 2181 detects the ground potential 131 (i.e., L) (step S2).

[0121] The main unit 200 determines that the controller 100 has been installed based on the ground potential 131 detected by the GPIO(1) port 2181 (step S2). Next, the main unit 200 closes the switch 243. As a result, the main unit 200 electrically connects the power output 247 to the power output terminal 2027 (step S4).

[0122] The controller 100 determines that the main unit 200 or accessory 400 is connected based on the potential that generates the power output in the power bus 137 (step S6).

[0123] Since the T2 terminal 1022 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T2 terminal 2022 of the main unit 200, an electrical path is formed between the power supply potential 132 of the controller 100 and the ground potential 241 of the main unit 200. The controller 100 acquires the potential generated in this path. Most of the voltage drop from the power supply potential 132 to the ground potential 241 is generated in the resistor 133, therefore the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 acquires the ground potential 241 (step S8).

[0124] The controller 100 determines that it is installed in the main unit 200 based on the ground potential 241 obtained from the ADC port 1182. As will be described later, when the controller 100 is installed in accessory 300 or accessory 400, the potential obtained from the ADC port 1182 becomes a different potential.

[0125] Through the above processing, the controller 100 and the main unit 200 mutually identify the installation object. When the controller 100 and the main unit 200 are connected, the controller 100 and the main unit 200 are preset or designed to select I2C as the communication method.

[0126] The controller 100 sets communication ports 1185 and 1186 to the operating mode corresponding to I2C (step S10). The main device 200 sets communication ports 2185 and 2186 to the operating mode corresponding to I2C (step S12).

[0127] The main device 200 changes the output signal of GPIO(3) port 2183 from L to H (step S14). When the controller 100 detects that the signal input to GPIO(3) port 1183 has changed from L to H (step S16), it prepares to send data to the main device 200 (step S18). For example, the controller 100 includes device information 1162 stored in non-volatile memory 116 in the data sent to the main device 200.

[0128] The controller 100 changes the output signal of GPIO(4) port 1184 from L to H (step S20). When the main device 200 detects that the signal input to GPIO(4) port 2184 has changed from L to H (step S22), it starts I2C-based communication using communication ports 2185 and 2186 (step S24). That is, I2C-based communication begins between the controller 100 and the main device 200.

[0129] When the main device 200 completes the data transmission and reception, it changes the output signal of GPIO (3) port 2183 from H to L (step S26). When the controller 100 detects that the signal input to GPIO (3) port 1183 has changed from H to L (step S28), it changes the output signal of GPIO (4) port 1184 from H to L (step S30). When the main device 200 detects that the signal input to GPIO (4) port 2184 has changed from H to L (step S32), it performs an I2C-based communication reset using communication ports 2185 and 2186 (step S34). In addition, the controller 100 also performs an I2C-based communication reset using communication ports 1185 and 1186 (step S36).

[0130] Alternatively, each time I2C-based communication is performed, the series of processes in steps S14 to S36 can be repeated.

[0131] The controller 100 uses USB port 1189 to send information containing the potential value (in the above example, representing the ground potential) obtained from ADC port 1182 to the host device 200 (step S40). When the host device 200 receives the information containing the potential value from the controller 100 using USB port 2189, it identifies that the controller 100 is installed on the host device 200 based on the received potential value (step S42). The host device 200 can also switch to a specified mode corresponding to the connection with the controller 100. The host device 200 begins USB-based communication with the controller 100 (step S44).

[0132] Furthermore, the processing of steps S40 to S44 can be performed after step S8, without waiting until the processing of steps S10 to S36 is completed.

[0133] Next, an example of the process when the controller 100 is removed from the main unit 200 will be described.

[0134] When the controller 100 is removed from the main unit 200, the electrical connection between the T1 terminal 2021 of the main unit 200 and the T1 terminal 1021 of the controller 100 is lost. Therefore, the potential detected by the GPIO(1) port 2181 of the main unit 200 changes from ground potential to floating potential. That is, the GPIO(1) port 2181 can no longer detect L. The main unit 200 determines that the controller 100 has been removed based on the detected change in potential. Then, the main unit 200 disconnects the switch 243.

[0135] When controller 100 is detached from main unit 200, controller 100 detects the cessation of power supply from main unit 200. Additionally, controller 100 detects the change from ground potential to power supply potential based on the potential acquired by ADC port 1182. For example, controller 100 may determine that it has been detached from main unit 200 when power supply from main unit 200 has ceased and ADC port 1182 acquires a power supply potential.

[0136] Furthermore, the controller 100 may not determine that it has been removed from the main unit 200 when the main unit 200 is in a dormant state and the remaining battery level of the main unit 200 is below a predetermined value. That is, the controller 100 may also determine that it is installed on the main unit 200 in this state.

[0137] As a variation, after the controller 100 and the main unit 200 mutually recognize the installed object, and the controller 100 enters a sleep state, the controller 100 can be restored to an active state by pressing a power button (not shown) on the main unit 200. Even when the controller 100 is in a sleep state, GPIO(3) port 1183 is activated. When the power button is pressed, the main unit 200 changes the output signal of GPIO(3) port 2183 from L to H. Based on the detection that the signal input to GPIO(3) port 1183 has changed from L to H, the controller 100 restores from a sleep state to an active state. Then, the controller 100 and the main unit 200 perform operations related to... Figure 9 The processing after step S16 is the same.

[0138] As a variation, after the controller 100 and the main device 200 mutually recognize the installed object, and the controller 100 and the main device 200 enter a sleep state, the main device 200 can be reactivated by pressing a specific button (not shown) on the controller 100. Even when the main device 200 is in a sleep state, GPIO(4) port 2184 is activated. When the specified button is pressed, the controller 100 changes the output signal of GPIO(4) port 2184 from L to H. Based on the detection that the signal input to GPIO(4) port 2184 has changed from L to H, the main device 200 is reactivated from a sleep state. Then, the main device 200 changes the output signal of GPIO(3) port 2183 from L to H. Afterwards, the controller 100 and the main device 200 perform operations related to... Figure 9 The processing after step S16 is the same.

[0139] Furthermore, since two controllers 100 can be installed on the main unit 200, the above-described processing can be performed on each of the installed controllers 100. That is, when two controllers 100 are installed on the main unit 200, each controller 100 can also perform the above-described processing independently of each other.

[0140] (d2: Controller 100 is installed in accessory 300)

[0141] Alternatively, when the controller 100 is installed on the accessory 300, the controller 100 begins UART-based communication with the accessory 300. The accessory 300 is configured to perform UART-based communication.

[0142] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller 100 of this embodiment being installed in the accessory 300. The structure of the controller 100 is as described above, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

[0143] Reference Figure 10 The connector 302 of accessory 300 includes terminals 3021 to 3026 (T1 to T6) and a power input terminal 3027.

[0144] The control circuit 310 of accessory 300 includes communication control ports 3103 and 3104 and communication ports 3105 and 3106.

[0145] Terminal 3021 of type T1 may also not be electrically connected to the component.

[0146] Terminal T2 3022 is used to identify that controller 100 is installed in accessory 300. Terminal T2 3022 is electrically connected to ground potential 321 of accessory 300 via resistor 322.

[0147] Terminals T3 3023 and T4 3024 are electrically connected to communication control ports 3103 and 3104, respectively. Communication control ports 3103 and 3104 are used for transmitting or receiving control lines (RTS and CTS) for UART-based communication.

[0148] Terminals T5 3025 and T6 3026 are electrically connected to communication ports 3105 and 3106, respectively. Communication ports 3105 and 3106 are used for transmitting or receiving UART-based data (TXD and RXD).

[0149] The power input terminal 3027 is used to receive power from other electronic devices. The power input terminal 3027 is electrically connected to the control circuit 310 via the power bus 327.

[0150] The following describes a processing example when the controller 100 is installed in accessory 300.

[0151] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a processing example when the controller 100 of this embodiment is installed in the accessory 300. Furthermore, in the controller 100, GPIO (3) port 1183 is configured as an input port, and GPIO (4) port 1184 is configured as an output port. The controller 100 is wirelessly connected to the main unit 200.

[0152] Reference Figure 11 When the controller 100 is installed on the accessory 300, the T2 terminal 1022 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T2 terminal 3022 of the accessory 300. This connection establishes an electrical path between the power supply potential 132 of the controller 100 and the ground potential 321 of the accessory 300. The controller 100 acquires the potential generated in this path. The voltage drop from the power supply potential 132 to the ground potential 321 is proportionally distributed by resistors 133 and 322, therefore the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 acquires the potential corresponding to resistors 133 and 322 (step S102). Specifically, the acquired potential is the value obtained by multiplying the ratio of the resistance value of resistor 322 to the sum of the resistance values ​​of resistors 133 and 322 by the power supply potential 132.

[0153] The controller 100 sends information containing the value of the acquired potential to the main device 200 (step S104). For example, the controller 100 uses the wireless communication circuit 130 to send the potential acquired by the ADC port 1182 to the main device 200, which is an example of an external electronic device.

[0154] When the main unit 200 receives information containing a potential value from the controller 100 via a wireless connection, it identifies that the accessory 300 is installed on the controller 100 based on the received potential value (step S106). The main unit 200 sends the identification result that the controller 100 is installed on the accessory 300 to the controller 100 (step S108).

[0155] When the controller 100 receives the identification result from the main unit 200 (step S110), it closes the switch 136. That is, the controller 100 electrically connects the power output terminal 1028 to the power input terminal 3027 (step S112). Thus, power supply to the accessory 300 begins.

[0156] When the controller 100 is connected to the accessory 300, the controller 100 is preset or designed to select UART as the communication method. Based on the identification result that it is installed in the accessory 300, the controller 100 sets the GPIO ports 1183, 1184 and communication ports 1185, 1186 to the operating mode corresponding to UART (step S114).

[0157] Specifically, GPIO(3) port 1183 is responsible for the control line (CTS), GPIO(4) port 1184 is responsible for the control line (RTS), communication port 1185 is responsible for receiving data (RXD), and communication port 1186 is responsible for sending data (TXD).

[0158] Accessory 300 is designed for UART-based communication. Then, controller 100 and accessory 300 begin UART-based communication.

[0159] In this way, the controller 100 determines the type of communication to transmit or receive signals based on information from an external electronic device based on the acquired potential.

[0160] On the other hand, accessory 300 begins processing based on the power supply from controller 100. For example, accessory 300 changes the control line (RTS) of communication control port 3103 from H to L (step S116). The L signal output by communication control port 3103 indicates that accessory 300 is able to receive data from controller 100.

[0161] When the controller 100 detects that the signal (equivalent to CTS) input to GPIO (3) port 1183 changes from H to L (step S118), it changes the output signal (equivalent to RST) of GPIO (4) port 1184 from H to L (step S120). The L signal output by GPIO (4) port 1184 indicates that the controller 100 is able to receive data from accessory 300.

[0162] Accessory 300 detects a change in the control line (CTS) of communication control port 3104 from H to L (step S122). Afterwards, accessory 300 begins UART-based communication using communication ports 3105 and 3106 (step S124). Accessory 300's communication port 3105 sends data to controller 100, and controller 100's communication port 1185 receives the data. Additionally, controller 100's communication port 1186 sends data to accessory 300, and accessory 300's communication port 3106 receives the data.

[0163] When data transmission and reception are completed, accessory 300 changes the control line (RTS) of communication control port 3103 from L to H (step S126). When controller 100 detects that the signal input to GPIO (3) port 1183 changes from L to H (step S128), it changes the output signal (equivalent to RST) of GPIO (4) port 1184 from L to H (step S130).

[0164] When transmitting and receiving data between the controller 100 and the accessory 300, the processing steps S116 to S130 are repeated.

[0165] In the transmission and reception between the controller 100 and the accessory 300, the control circuit 110 of the controller 100 transmits or receives signals (RTS and CTS) indicating permission to transmit data corresponding to communication with UART via the T4 terminal 1024 and the T3 terminal 1023, and transmits or receives signals (TXD and RXD) corresponding to communication based on UART via the T5 terminal 1025 and the T6 terminal 1026.

[0166] Next, an example of handling when the controller 100 is removed from the accessory 300 will be described.

[0167] When controller 100 is removed from accessory 300, the potential acquired by ADC port 1182 changes from the potential corresponding to resistors 133 and 322 to the power supply potential. Controller 100 sends information containing the acquired potential value to main unit 200. Main unit 200 determines that controller 100 has been removed from accessory 300 based on the acquired potential change. Main unit 200 notifies controller 100 that it has been removed from accessory 300. Then, controller 100 disconnects switch 136.

[0168] When the controller 100 is removed, the accessory 300 is no longer supplied with power from the controller 100, and therefore the accessory 300 stops operating.

[0169] (d3: A variant in which the controller 100 is installed in accessory 300)

[0170] When controller 100 is installed on accessory 300A, controller 100 can initiate SPI-based communication with accessory 300A. Accessory 300A is configured to perform SPI-based communication.

[0171] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller 100 of this embodiment being installed in accessory 300A.

[0172] Figure 12 The accessory 300A shown is configured to perform SPI-based communication. In addition to the T1 to T6 terminals 3021 to 3026 and the power input terminal 3027, the connector 302 of accessory 300A also includes a T7 terminal 3020.

[0173] Figure 12 The connector 102 of the controller 100 shown also includes a T7 terminal 1020. The interface circuit 118 of the controller 100 also includes a GPIO (7) port 1190.

[0174] Figure 12 The control circuit 310 of the accessory 300A shown includes communication ports 3123, 3124, 3125, 3126 and interrupt port 3130.

[0175] Communication port 3123 is electrically connected to terminal T3 3023 and is used to send slave select signals. Communication port 3124 is electrically connected to terminal T4 3024 and is used to receive serial clock signals. Communication port 3125 is electrically connected to terminal T5 3025 and is used to send or receive master input / slave output signals. Communication port 3126 is electrically connected to terminal T6 3026 and is used to send or receive master output / slave input signals.

[0176] Interrupt port 3130 is electrically connected to T7 terminal 3020 and is used to send an interrupt signal.

[0177] The GPIO(7) port 1190 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T7 terminal 1020 for receiving an interrupt signal from the accessory 300A.

[0178] The following describes a processing example when the controller 100 is installed on accessory 300A.

[0179] exist Figure 12 In the accessory 300A shown, a resistor 324 is provided between terminal T2 3022 and ground potential 321. Resistor 324 has a... Figure 10The accessory 300 shown has resistor 322 with different resistance values. When the controller 100 is installed on the accessory 300A, the controller 100's ADC port 1182 acquires the potentials corresponding to resistors 133 and 324. The controller 100 transmits information containing the acquired potential values ​​to the main unit 200 via USB or wireless connection.

[0180] The main unit 200 identifies which accessory is installed on the controller 100 based on the magnitude or range of the acquired potential. In this case, the main unit 200 identifies that accessory 300A is installed on the controller 100.

[0181] Based on the identification result of being installed on accessory 300A, controller 100 sets GPIO (3) port 1183 and GPIO (4) port 1184, as well as communication ports 1185 and 1186, to the operation mode corresponding to SPI.

[0182] Accessory 300A sends an interrupt signal from interrupt port 3130, thereby initiating SPI-based communication between controller 100 and accessory 300A. During transmission and reception between controller 100 and accessory 300A, controller 100's control circuit 110 transmits or receives signals corresponding to SPI-based communication via terminals T3 1023 and T4 1024, and terminals T5 1025 and T6 1026.

[0183] Apart from the difference in communication method, the other processing is the same as the above processing.

[0184] (d4: Another variation in which the controller 100 is installed in accessory 300)

[0185] Alternatively, when the controller 100 is installed on a further different accessory, the controller 100 initiates I2C-based communication with that accessory. The accessory is configured to perform I2C-based communication. In this case, the control circuit 310 of the accessory 300 can also communicate with... Figure 8 The interface circuit 218 also has two GPIO ports and two communication ports.

[0186] Regarding accessory 300 configured to enable I2C-based communication, the resistance value of the resistor provided between terminal T2 3022 and ground potential 321 is set to a value that is different from the resistance values ​​of resistor 322 and resistor 324.

[0187] By selecting such a resistance value, the main unit 200 can identify accessories that are connected to the controller 100.

[0188] When the controller 100 receives an identification result indicating that an accessory is installed and configured to perform I2C-based communication, it sets communication ports 1185 and 1186 to the operating mode corresponding to I2C. During transmission and reception between the controller 100 and the accessory, the controller 100's control circuit 110 transmits or receives signals indicating communication requests and communication readiness via terminals T4 1024 and T3 1023, and transmits or receives signals corresponding to I2C-based communication via terminals T5 1025 and T6 1026. Communication-related processing and... Figure 9 The processing shown is the same.

[0189] (d5: Controller 100 is installed in accessory 400A)

[0190] Alternatively, when controller 100 is installed on accessory 400A, controller 100 begins I2C-based communication with other controllers 100 installed on accessory 400A. Accessory 400A does not have wired communication capabilities with other electronic devices. Each controller 100 may also begin USB-based communication with other electronic devices (not shown) connected to accessory 400A.

[0191] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller 100 of this embodiment being installed in accessory 400A. The structure of the controller 100 is as described above, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

[0192] Reference Figure 13 Accessory 400A's connector 402R includes terminals T1~T6 (402R1~402R6), a power output terminal (402R7), a power input terminal (402R8), and a USB terminal (402R9). Similarly, accessory 400A's connector 402L includes terminals T1~T6 (402L1~402L6), a power output terminal (402L7), a power input terminal (402L8), and a USB terminal (402L9).

[0193] Terminal T1 402R1 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switch 424R. Similarly, terminal T1 402L1 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switch 424L.

[0194] Terminal T2 402R2 is electrically connected to ground potential 446R via resistor 444R. Similarly, terminal T2 402L2 is electrically connected to ground potential 446L via resistor 444L.

[0195] Terminal T3 402R3 is electrically connected to ground potential 442R via switch 440R. Terminal T3 402L3 is electrically connected to ground potential 422L via switch 440L.

[0196] For example, switch 440R can be mechanically connected to the first operating part provided on accessory 400A, and switch 440L can be mechanically connected to the second operating part provided on accessory 400A. Switch 440R can be turned on by inputting an operation to the first operating part of accessory 400A, thereby electrically connecting terminal T3 402R3 to ground potential 442R. Switch 440L can be turned on by inputting an operation to the second operating part of accessory 400A, thereby electrically connecting terminal T3 402L3 to ground potential 442L. Furthermore, the first operating part of accessory 400A can, for example, be configured in a position that allows the user to press it with their right hand when holding accessory 400A with both hands. The second operating part of accessory 400A can, for example, be configured in a position that allows the user to press it with their left hand.

[0197] The controller 100, installed on the connector 402R side of accessory 400A, electrically connects terminal T3 402R3 to ground potential 442R via switch 440R based on an input operation to the first operation unit of accessory 400A, thereby detecting the input operation to the first operation unit of accessory 400A using GPIO (3) port 1183. Similarly, the controller 100, installed on the connector 402L side of accessory 400A, electrically connects terminal T3 402L3 to ground potential 442L via switch 440L based on an input operation to the second operation unit of accessory 400A, thereby detecting the input operation to the second operation unit of accessory 400A using GPIO (3) port 1183.

[0198] Terminal T4 402R4 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switch 430R. Similarly, terminal T4 402L4 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switch 430L.

[0199] Terminals T5 402R5 and T6 402R6 are electrically connected to EEPROM 448. Similarly, terminals T5 402L5 and T6 402L6 are electrically connected to EEPROM 448. These electrical connections are used by each controller 100 to access EEPROM 448.

[0200] EEPROM 448 can also save device information such as accessory 400.

[0201] Power output terminal 402R7 is electrically connected to the power bus 414 of USB controller 410 via switch 424R. Similarly, power output terminal 402L7 is electrically connected to the power bus 414 of USB controller 410 via switch 424L.

[0202] Power input terminal 402R8 is electrically connected to EEPROM 448. Similarly, power input terminal 402L8 is electrically connected to EEPROM 448.

[0203] The following describes a processing example when the controller 100 is installed on accessory 400A.

[0204] When controller 100 is installed on connector 402R of accessory 400A, terminal 1021 of controller 100 is electrically connected to terminal 402R1 of accessory 400A. Through this connection, a ground potential 131 is applied to the control terminal of switch 424R. As a result, switch 424R is turned on, and power bus 414 is electrically connected to interface circuit 118 via power output terminal 402R7, power input terminal 1027, and power bus 137. That is, power is supplied from accessory 400A to controller 100.

[0205] Additionally, when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402R side of accessory 400A, the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 acquires the potentials corresponding to resistors 133 and 444R. The controller 100 transmits information containing the acquired potential values ​​to the main unit 200 via USB or wireless connection.

[0206] The main unit 200 identifies which accessory is installed on the controller 100 based on the magnitude or range of the acquired potential. In this case, the main unit 200 identifies that the controller 100 is installed on accessory 400A.

[0207] The controller 100 can also set communication ports 1185 and 1186 to an I2C-compatible operating mode based on the identification result of being installed in accessory 400A. Along with setting communication ports 1185 and 1186 to the I2C-compatible operating mode, the controller 100 can also close switch 136. Thus, power is supplied to the EEPROM 448 from the controller 100's power output 138 via power output terminal 1028 and power input terminal 402R8. The power supplied to the EEPROM 448 can also be used in operations where the controller 100 accesses the EEPROM 448 via I2C-based communication.

[0208] Furthermore, based on the identification result that it is installed in accessory 400A, and while charging using power from accessory 400A, controller 100 changes the output signal of GPIO(4) port 1184 from L to H. Then, the output signal H from controller 100 is applied to the control terminal of switch 430R. As a result, switch 430R is turned on, and current flows from power bus 414 through LED 426 to ground potential 428. That is, LED 426 is lit. LED 426 is an example of a notification unit, located where it is exposed from accessory 400A.

[0209] If at least one of switches 430R and 430L is turned on, LED 426 is lit. Therefore, if at least one of the following conditions is met: controller 100 installed on the connector 402R side of accessory 400A is charging and controller 100 connected on the connector 402L side of accessory 400A is charging, LED 426 of accessory 400A notifies based on the signal output from the GPIO(4) port 1184 of at least one of the controllers 100.

[0210] Thus, if at least one controller 100 installed in accessory 400A is charging, LED 426 will light up.

[0211] Furthermore, while the controller 100 is installed in the accessory 400A, the power supply from the accessory 400A to the controller 100 is continuous. Alternatively, the controller 100 can also be battery-based. Figure 4 The controller 100 determines whether it can use the power supplied from accessory 400A to charge the battery by checking its charging state. For example, if the battery is close to full charge, the controller 100 may sometimes not use the power supplied from accessory 400A to charge the battery. In this case, the output signal of GPIO (4) port 1184 of the controller 100 becomes L, and therefore LED 426 is turned off.

[0212] When the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402L side of the accessory 400A, it performs the same processing and actions as when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402R side of the accessory 400A.

[0213] Switches 440R and 440L can also be used to restore controller 100 from a sleep state to an active state. When switch 440R is operated, switch 440R closes, thereby detecting the signal L at GPIO(3) port 1183 of controller 100. Based on the detection of L at GPIO(3) port 1183, controller 100 restores from a sleep state to an active state. The same applies when switch 440L is operated.

[0214] Alternatively, if only one controller 100 is installed on accessory 400A, controller 100 will begin wireless communication.

[0215] (d6: Controller 100 is installed in accessory 400B)

[0216] Alternatively, when controller 100 is installed on accessory 400B, controller 100 initiates I2C-based communication with accessory 400B. Accessory 400B is configured to perform I2C-based communication. Each controller 100 can also initiate USB-based communication with other electronic devices (not shown) connected to accessory 400B.

[0217] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the controller 100 of this embodiment being installed in accessory 400B. The structure of the controller 100 is as described above, so a detailed description will not be repeated.

[0218] Accessory 400B has the function of wired communication with other electronic devices. As an example, accessory 400B can also be configured to perform I2C-based communication. Alternatively, wired communication can be performed between two controllers 100 installed on accessory 400B.

[0219] Reference Figure 14 Accessory 400B's connector 402R includes terminals T1 to T6 402R1 to 402R6 and a power output terminal 402R7. Similarly, accessory 400B's connector 402L includes terminals T1 to T6 402L1 to 402L6 and a power output terminal 402L7.

[0220] The control circuit 450 includes GPIO ports 451, 453, 454, 461, 463, 464, communication ports 455, 456, and USB ports 471, 472.

[0221] Terminal T1 402R1 is electrically connected to GPIO (R1) port 451. Similarly, terminal T1 402L1 is electrically connected to GPIO (L1) port 461.

[0222] Terminal T2 402R2 is electrically connected to ground potential 434R via resistor 432R. Similarly, terminal T2 402L2 is electrically connected to ground potential 434L via resistor 432L.

[0223] Terminal T3 402R3 is electrically connected to GPIO (R3) port 453. Similarly, terminal T3 402L3 is electrically connected to GPIO (L3) port 463.

[0224] Terminal T4 402R4 is electrically connected to GPIO (R4) port 454. Similarly, terminal T4 402L4 is electrically connected to GPIO (L4) port 464.

[0225] Terminals 402R5 and 402L5 of T5 are electrically connected to communication port 455. Terminals 402R6 and 402L6 of T6 are electrically connected to communication port 456.

[0226] Power output terminal 402R7 is electrically connected to the power bus 414 of USB controller 410 via switch 436R. Similarly, power output terminal 402L7 is electrically connected to the power bus 414 of USB controller 410 via switch 436L.

[0227] USB port 471 of control circuit 450 is electrically connected to USB port 412 of USB controller 410. USB port 472 of control circuit 450 is electrically connected to CC (Configuration Channel) port 416 of USB controller 410.

[0228] The following describes a processing example when the controller 100 is installed on accessory 400B.

[0229] When controller 100 is installed on connector 402R side of accessory 400B, terminal 1021 of controller 100 is electrically connected to terminal 402R1 of accessory 400B, therefore GPIO(R1) port 451 detects ground potential 131 (i.e., L). Accessory 400B determines that controller 100 is installed on connector 402R side based on the detection of ground potential 131 on GPIO(R1) port 451. Then, accessory 400B closes switch 436R. Thus, the power supply to controller 100 is activated.

[0230] Additionally, when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402R side of the accessory 400B, the T2 terminal 1022 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T2 terminal 402R2 of the accessory 400B. This connection establishes an electrical path between the power supply potential 132 of the controller 100 and the ground potential 434R of the accessory 400B. The potential generated in this path is acquired. The voltage drop from the power supply potential 132 to the ground potential 434R is proportionally distributed by resistors 133 and 432R, therefore the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 acquires the potential corresponding to resistors 133 and 432R. The controller 100 sends information containing the potential value acquired by the ADC port 1182 to the main unit 200. When the main unit 200 receives the information containing the potential value from the controller 100, it identifies that the controller 100 is installed in the accessory 400B based on the received potential value. The main unit 200 sends this identification result—that the controller 100 is installed in the accessory 400B—to the controller 100.

[0231] Next, the controller 100 sets the communication ports 1185 and 1186 to the operating mode corresponding to I2C. Then, the controller 100 changes the output signal of GPIO(4) port 1184 from L to H.

[0232] When accessory 400B detects that the signal input to GPIO(R4) port 454 changes from L to H, it changes the output signal of GPIO(R3) port 453 from L to H.

[0233] When the controller 100 detects that the signal input to the GPIO(3) port 1183 changes from L to H, it begins I2C-based communication. At this time, the control circuits 110 of each controller 100 send or receive communication requests and signals indicating a communicable state via terminals T3 1023 and T4 1024, and send or receive signals corresponding to I2C-based communication via terminals T5 1025 and T6 1026.

[0234] On the other hand, when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402L side of the accessory 400B, the T1 terminal 1021 of the controller 100 is electrically connected to the T1 terminal 402L1 of the accessory 400B, therefore the GPIO (L1) port 461 detects ground potential 131 (i.e., L). The accessory 400B determines that the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402L side based on the ground potential 131 detected by the GPIO (L1) port 461. Then, the accessory 400B closes the switch 436L. Thus, the power supply to the controller 100 is optimized.

[0235] Additionally, when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402L side of the accessory 400B, the same processing as described above is performed. Moreover, when the accessory 400B detects that the signal input to the GPIO (L4) port 464 changes from L to H, it changes the output signal of the GPIO (L3) port 463 from L to H.

[0236] Other processing and actions are the same as when the controller 100 is installed on the connector 402R side of accessory 400B.

[0237] (d7: Resistance value design)

[0238] The potential acquired by the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 becomes a value that can identify the electronic device to which the controller 100 is installed. For example, the resistor 322 of the accessory 300 (refer to...) Figure 10 ), and a 300A resistor (reference) Figure 12 ), and accessories: 400A resistor 444R (or resistor 444L) (see reference) Figure 13 ) and accessories 400B resistor 432R (or resistor 432L) (see reference) Figure 14 The resistors are designed to have different resistance values. The value of each resistor can also be determined based on the resolution (grayscale) of the ADC port 1182.

[0239] [E. Variation]

[0240] The processing required in the aforementioned electronic devices can also be achieved by a processor executing programs. Part or all of the processing can also be implemented using hardwired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, in this specification, the term "processor" includes not only CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), but also hardwired circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. Furthermore, hardwired circuits can also be small-scale ICs (Integrated Circuits).

[0241] In the above description, the following structural example is described: the potential acquired by the ADC port 1182 of the controller 100 is sent to the main device 200, and the main device 200 identifies the electronic device connected to the controller 100. However, all or part of the processing for identifying the electronic device connected to the controller 100 may also be installed in the controller 100.

[0242] The above description illustrates a controller 100 that supports I2C, UART, and SPI, but a structure that supports only two of these communication methods can also be used.

[0243] [F. Advantages]

[0244] The controller 100 of this embodiment can change the function of the communication port or the terminal electrically connected to the communication port according to the acquired potential, thereby suppressing the number of terminals provided on the electronic device.

[0245] Even when the electronic device to which the device is to be installed does not have a battery, the controller 100 of this embodiment can acquire the generated potential by providing the electronic device with the power potential of the controller 100.

[0246] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is not shown by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of being wiredly connected to each of a plurality of different other electronic devices, said electronic device comprising: Control Department; The acquisition unit acquires the potential generated when the electronic device is wired to the other electronic device; and Two first terminals, each electrically connected to two terminals among a plurality of terminals disposed in the other electronic device. in, When the acquired potential is a first value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to communication based on the integrated circuit bus, i.e., I2C, via the two first terminals. When the acquired potential is the second value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to communication with the Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) via the two first terminals. When the obtained potential is a third value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to the communication with the serial peripheral interface (SPI) via the two first terminals.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device further includes two second terminals, which are electrically connected to two other terminals among the plurality of terminals disposed in the other electronic device. When the acquired potential is the first value, the control unit receives a signal requesting communication or sends a signal indicating a communicable state via the two second terminals.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The acquisition unit acquires the potential generated in the electrical path formed between the power supply potential of the electronic device and the ground potential of the other electronic devices.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, When the acquired potential is the second value, the control unit transmits or receives a signal indicating that data transmission corresponding to communication with the UART is permitted via the two second terminals.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, When the obtained potential is the third value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to the SPI communication via the two first terminals and the two second terminals.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, When the obtained potential is a fourth value, the control unit transmits a signal indicating the charging status of the electronic device or receives a signal indicating the charging status of a second or other electronic device via the two second terminals.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit receives signals indicating operation of the operation unit provided in the second other electronic device via at least a portion of the two second terminals.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The electronic device further includes a third terminal, which is electrically connected to another terminal among the plurality of terminals disposed in the other electronic device. When at least one of the conditions that the electronic device is charging and the second other electronic device is charging is met, the notification unit of the other electronic device notifies the user based on a signal from the third terminal.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the obtained potential is the first value, the control unit sends the device information stored in the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) to the other electronic device.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The fourth terminal is used to form an electrical path for acquiring a potential by the acquisition unit; and The fifth terminal is used to form an additional electrical path for obtaining potential from the other electronic device when the electronic device is wired to the other electronic device.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electronic device further includes a transmitting unit, which transmits the acquired potential to an external electronic device. The control unit determines the type of communication for sending or receiving signals based on information from the external electronic device based on the acquired potential.

12. A system having: A first electronic device capable of being wiredly connected to each of several other different electronic devices; and The second electronic device is one of the plurality of other different electronic devices. in, The first electronic device includes: Control Department; The acquisition unit acquires the potential generated when the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected by a wire; and Two first terminals, each electrically connected to two of the plurality of terminals disposed in the second electronic device. When the acquired potential is a first value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to communication based on the integrated circuit bus, i.e., I2C, via the two first terminals. When the acquired potential is the second value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to communication with the Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) via the two first terminals. When the obtained potential is a third value, the control unit transmits or receives signals corresponding to the communication with the serial peripheral interface (SPI) via the two first terminals.

13. A program product containing a program executable by an electronic device, wherein, The electronic device is capable of being wiredly connected to each of a plurality of other electronic devices. The electronic device has two first terminals, which are electrically connected to two terminals respectively located on two of the plurality of terminals of the other electronic devices. The program causes the electronic device to perform the following processing: Acquire the potential generated when the electronic device is wired to the other electronic devices; When the obtained potential is a first value, the signal corresponding to communication based on the integrated circuit bus, i.e. I2C, is transmitted or received via the two first terminals. When the obtained potential is the second value, the signal corresponding to the communication with the Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) is transmitted or received via the two first terminals. When the obtained potential is the third value, the signal corresponding to the communication with the serial peripheral interface, i.e., SPI, is sent or received via the two first terminals.

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