Signal switch and computer

Abstract

To switch an external device connected to a mobile terminal without removing a cable from an integrated interface of the mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A signal switcher 2 includes: a signal line Lout connected to a mobile terminal; a power line which is supplied with a power supply signal Ap_iPower from the mobile terminal; one or more selectors for switching a device to be connected to the signal line Lout between a first external device and a second external device; a power supply control apparatus 13 which connects the power line to each of the first and second external devices; and a microcomputer which controls the selectors and the power supply control apparatus 13. The microcomputer temporarily shuts off the power line by controlling the power supply control apparatus 13 when switching the device to be connected to the signal line Lout between the first and second external devices by controlling the selectors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal switch and kitting tool, and more particularly to a signal switch and kitting tool used for kitting a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, kitting tools that automate the kitting (configuration work) of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet devices have been attracting attention. Kitting tools make it possible to configure multiple mobile devices at once, so they are often used to configure mobile devices in companies that use a large number of mobile devices.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a kitting tool. This kitting tool makes it possible to simultaneously perform kitting of multiple mobile terminals by having a kitting device play back a scenario recorded by a computer. The kitting device and the mobile terminals are connected by wire via a serial communication interface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6712009 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the conventional kitting tools described above, it is necessary to visually check each mobile device one by one to confirm the results of kitting. Therefore, in order to make the work more efficient, a system is needed that can read the display screen of each mobile device after playing the scenario and determine whether the kitting was successful or not by image recognition.

[0006] Here, an integrated interface that combines a serial communication interface and a display interface into one is known, such as Lightning (registered trademark) by Apple (registered trademark) In the case where a mobile terminal having this type of integrated interface is used as a kitting target and the above-mentioned determination by image recognition is also performed, it is necessary to connect both a kitting device and an image capture device that captures a video signal showing a display screen to the integrated interface. In order to realize such a connection, the inventor of the present application is considering connecting a signal switch between the mobile terminal and the kitting device and the image capture device, and performing kitting and determination by image recognition while switching the connection destination of the mobile terminal between the kitting device and the image capture device.

[0007] Inside the signal switch, the connection path of the signal line for exchanging data signals between the mobile terminal and external devices (specifically, the kitting device and the image acquisition device) is separated from the connection path of the power line for transmitting a power signal from the mobile terminal to the external device, and a selector for switching the connected external device is inserted only in the connection path of the signal line. The reason why a selector is not provided in the connection path of the power line is that, while a large voltage drop occurs when a selector with a large on-resistance is connected to a power line through which a large current flows, there is no need to switch the power line because the power signal is common to the kitting device and the image acquisition device.

[0008] However, it has been found that when actually attempting to switch between external devices using the signal switch with the above configuration, there are cases where the switching does not go well. That is, some mobile terminals with an integrated interface enter an operation mode corresponding to the external device connected to the integrated interface and maintain the same operation mode until the cable is unplugged from the integrated interface. With the above signal switch, even if the selector is used to switch the connection destination of the external device, the operation mode of the mobile terminal does not change, and as a result, the external device to which the switch is made cannot be used.

[0009] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a signal switch and a kitting tool that can switch the operation mode of a mobile terminal without providing a selector in the connection path of the power line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The signal switch according to the present invention is a signal switch connected to one or more mobile terminals, a first external device, and a second external device, and includes one or more signal lines connected to each of the one or more mobile terminals, one or more first power lines receiving a power signal from each of the one or more mobile terminals, one or more selectors provided for each of the mobile terminals and switching a connection destination of the corresponding signal line between the first external device and the second external device, one or more first power control devices provided for each of the mobile terminals and connecting the corresponding first power line to each of the first external device and the second external device, and a control device that controls the one or more selectors and the one or more first power control devices, wherein the control device is a signal switch that temporarily cuts off each of the one or more first power lines by controlling each of the one or more first power control devices when switching the connection destination of each of the one or more signal lines between the first external device and the second external device by controlling each of the one or more selectors.

[0011] The kitting tool according to the present invention includes the signal switch, the first external device, and the second external device. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when one or more selectors are used to switch the connection destination of one or more signal lines between a first external device and a second external device, one or more first power supply control devices are used to temporarily cut off one or more first power supply lines, so that when one or more first power supply lines are reconnected, authentication processing can be performed between each mobile terminal and the external device. Therefore, it is possible to switch the operation mode of the mobile terminal without providing a selector in the connection path of the power supply lines. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a kitting tool 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal Mb, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a serial communication terminal 3b, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video output terminal 5b. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing processes carried out between a mobile terminal M and an OTG converter 3w or an HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c when the two are directly connected to each other. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing the process performed by the computer 4 for each of the five mobile terminals M in chronological order. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by a microcomputer 10 instructed by a computer 4 to perform initial settings of a signal selector 2. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to a video output terminal 5b. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 in response to an instruction from the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a kitting tool 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing a time series of processes performed by a computer 4 according to a second embodiment of the present invention for each of five mobile terminals M. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 in response to an instruction from the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the first mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the n-th (n=2 to 5) mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal changer 2 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a signal changer 2 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a kitting tool 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the kitting tool 1 according to this embodiment includes a signal switcher 2, a kitting device 3, a computer 4, and a plurality of USB converters 5. Fig. 1 also shows a plurality of mobile terminals M that are targets of kitting by the kitting tool 1. Each mobile terminal M is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is configured to have an integrated terminal Ma that is the above-mentioned integrated interface.

[0016] The signal switcher 2 is a device for dividing the integrated interface into a serial communication interface and a display interface, and is configured to have a plurality of mobile terminals Mb each connected to the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M, a plurality of video output terminals 5b each connected to the video input terminal 5a of the USB converter 5 via an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) converter 5c, a plurality of serial communication terminals 3b each connected to the output port 3a of the kitting device 3 via an OTG converter 3w, and a control terminal 4a connected to the computer 4.

[0017] In the signal switch 2 of this embodiment, one video output terminal 5b and one serial communication terminal 3b are provided for each mobile terminal Mb, and the signal switch 2 plays a role in switching the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb between the corresponding video output terminal 5b and the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b.

[0018] Each mobile terminal Mb is a terminal configured to be connectable to the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M. The mobile terminal Mb and the integrated terminal Ma are connected together by, for example, a commercially available Lightning (registered trademark) cable.

[0019] Each video output terminal 5b is typically a terminal that complies with the same standard as the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M, and is configured by, for example, a Lightning (registered trademark) terminal. The HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c is a device for converting the output signal of the video output terminal 5b into a video signal that complies with HDMI (registered trademark). As an example, when the video output terminal 5b is a Lightning (registered trademark) terminal, the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c is a Lightning (registered trademark)-Digital AV adapter for extracting a video signal from the output signal of Lightning (registered trademark).

[0020] Here, in this embodiment, the video signal included in the signal output from the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M is a signal that indicates a video on the display screen of the mobile terminal M. The mobile terminal M does not always output a video signal from the integrated terminal Ma, but is configured to output a video signal only when the mobile terminal M has entered the display mode.

[0021] The USB converter 5 is an image acquisition device that converts the video signal generated by the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c into USB data that can be processed by the computer 4 and outputs it to the computer 4. The "second external device" in the present invention is composed of the computer 4, each USB converter 5, and each HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c (second converter). The USB converter 5 has a video input terminal 5a that receives an input of a video signal from the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c, and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c and the video input terminal 5a are connected, for example, by a commercially available HDMI (registered trademark) cable. As will be described in detail later, the computer 4 performs a process of comparing the display screen of the mobile terminal M indicated by the USB data supplied from the USB converter 5 with a previously stored image. Note that a display may be connected to the USB converter 5, and the video signal input to the USB converter 5 through the video input terminal 5a may be displayed on this display.

[0022] Like the video output terminal 5b, each serial communication terminal 3b is typically a terminal conforming to the same standard as the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M, and is configured by, for example, a Lightning (registered trademark) terminal. Each serial communication terminal 3b is connected to the output port 3a of the kitting device 3, which is, for example, a terminal conforming to the USB Type-A standard, via an OTG converter 3w, which is, for example, a converter corresponding to USB On-The-Go. When the serial communication terminal 3b is a Lightning (registered trademark) terminal and the output port 3a is a USB Type-A terminal, the OTG converter 3w may be configured by a commercially available Lightning-OTG conversion adapter. As shown in the figure, a charger 3h of the mobile terminal M may be connected to the OTG converter 3w. The charger 3h is connected to a commercial power source, and generates a power signal Host_Pw(x) (to be described later) based on the commercial power source and supplies it to the signal switcher 2 via the OTG converter 3w, thereby fulfilling the role of charging the mobile terminal M.

[0023] The kitting device 3 is a device that functions as a USB child device for inputting an operation signal to the mobile terminal M. The "first external device" in the present invention is composed of the kitting device 3 and each OTG converter 3w (first converter). Although not shown, a master microcomputer connected to the computer 4 and a plurality of slave microcomputers each connected to the master microcomputer are provided inside the kitting device 3. The master microcomputer has a function of receiving a kitting scenario (a series of operation information of the mobile terminal M) from the computer 4 and sequentially distributing the operation information included in the received scenario to each of the plurality of slave microcomputers. Meanwhile, each of the plurality of slave microcomputers has a function of converting the operation information input from the master microcomputer into an operation signal indicating key information (information indicating one or more keys constituting a keyboard) or mouse information (information indicating a mouse movement or click operation), and then transmitting the operation signal to the corresponding mobile terminal M via the output port 3a and the signal switcher 2.

[0024] Here, the mobile terminal M can receive the operation signal only when the mobile terminal M is in the serial communication mode. When the mobile terminal M is in the display mode, the kitting device 3 cannot input the operation signal to the mobile terminal M.

[0025] The computer 4 is, for example, a commercially available personal computer, and is configured to have a processor and a memory. The processor is a processing device that reads and executes programs stored in the memory, and plays a role in executing each process of the computer 4 described below. The memory is a storage device that stores programs to be executed by the processor and various data to be read and written by the processor. The memory includes a main storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk.

[0026] The computer 4 is connected to the signal switch 2, the kitting device 3, and the multiple USB converters 5, and is configured to cooperate with them to perform kitting of each mobile terminal M. The process performed by the computer 4 will be outlined below. First, the computer 4 controls the signal switch 2 to connect each mobile terminal M to the kitting device 3, and then causes the kitting device 3 to play a scenario. After the playback of one scenario is completed, the computer 4 controls the signal switch 2 to connect each mobile terminal M to the corresponding USB converter 5, thereby supplying the corresponding display screen of the mobile terminal M to each USB converter 5. The USB converter 5 that receives the supply converts the supplied display screen into USB data and outputs it to the computer 4. The computer 4 compares the display screen of the mobile terminal M shown by the input USB data with a pre-stored image, and generates result information indicating the result.

[0027] The matching by the computer 4 is performed by comparing part or all of the display screen of the mobile terminal M on a pixel-by-pixel basis to determine whether it matches a pre-stored image. If all pixels to be compared match, the computer 4 generates result information indicating matching OK. On the other hand, if there are any pixels that do not match, the computer 4 generates result information indicating matching NG. The computer 4 determines whether the kitting was successful or not based on the result information thus generated, and performs processing according to the determination result (notifying the user, or starting the next kitting).

[0028] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the internal configuration of the signal switch 2. As shown in these figures, the signal switch 2 is configured to have a microcomputer 10 (control device), a plurality of selectors 11, a plurality of power supply control devices 12 (second power supply control devices), and a plurality of power supply control devices 13 (first power supply control devices) in addition to the terminals also shown in Figure 1. Note that the five mobile terminals Mb, the five serial communication terminals 3b, and the five video output terminals 5b are shown in both Figures 2 and 3 as being the same.

[0029] The selector 11, the power supply control device 12, and the power supply control device 13 are provided one for each mobile terminal Mb. Although the figure shows an example in which the signal switch 2 has five mobile terminals Mb, the number of mobile terminals Mb that the signal switch 2 has is not limited to five, and may be one or more. In the following, the explanation will be continued on the assumption that the signal switch 2 has five mobile terminals Mb.

[0030] The microcomputer 10 is an integrated circuit connected to the computer 4 via the control terminal 4a, and has a role of controlling each of the selectors 11, each of the power supply control devices 12, and each of the power supply control devices 13 under the control of the computer 4. Specifically, the microcomputer 10 controls each of the selectors 11 using an enable bar signal 30EnableBAR and a selection signal P_Select, controls each of the power supply control devices 12 using an enable signal Host_EN, and controls each of the power supply control devices 13 using an enable signal App_EN.

[0031] Each selector 11 is connected to a corresponding mobile terminal Mb by five signal lines Lout[x01:x05] as shown in Fig. 2. Here, x is a natural number, and its maximum value is equal to the number of mobile terminals Mb. Each selector 11 is connected to a corresponding serial communication terminal 3b by five signal lines Lin[x01:x05], and to a corresponding video output terminal 5b by five signal lines Lin[x11:x15].

[0032] 3, each power control device 12 is connected to a power line through which a power signal Host_Pw(x) is supplied from the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b, and to a power line (second power line) through which a power signal Host_Power(x) is supplied to the corresponding mobile terminal Mb. The power signal Host_Pw(x) is a power signal supplied from an OTG converter 3w connected to the outside of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b. Each power control device 12 is configured to generate a power signal Host_Power(x) based on the power signal Host_Pw(x) supplied to the input terminal.

[0033] 3, each power control device 13 is connected to a power line (first power line) through which a power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from the corresponding mobile terminal Mb, and to a power line that supplies a power signal App_Power(x) commonly to each of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b and video output terminal 5b. The power signal Ap_iPower(x) is a power signal supplied from a mobile terminal M connected to the outside of the corresponding mobile terminal Mb. Each power control device 13 is configured to generate a power signal App_Power(x) based on the power signal Ap_iPower(x) supplied to the input terminal.

[0034] Here, the reason why no selector is provided in the connection path of the power line in the signal switcher 2 is that if a selector with a large on-resistance (e.g., about 6 to 10 Ω) is connected to a power line through which a large current flows (e.g., about several hundred mA), a large voltage drop of, for example, 1 V or more will occur. However, since the power signal is common to the OTG converter 3w and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c, there is no need to switch the power line.

[0035] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal Mb. As shown in the figure, the mobile terminal Mb in this example is configured to have eight terminals numbered 1 to 8. The eighth terminal is a ground terminal that outputs a ground potential to the outside, and is connected to a ground wiring inside the signal switcher 2. The fourth terminal is a power output terminal that outputs a power signal Host_Power(x) supplied from the power control device 12 to the mobile terminal M. The fifth terminal is a power input terminal that supplies a power signal Ap_iPower(x) input from the mobile terminal M to the power control device 13. The other terminals are data terminals connected to the corresponding selectors 11. To be more specific, the first terminal is connected to the signal line Lout[x01], the second terminal is connected to the signal line Lout[x02], the third terminal is connected to the signal line Lout[x03], the sixth terminal is connected to the signal line Lout[x04], and the seventh terminal is connected to the signal line Lout[x05].

[0036] 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the serial communication terminal 3b. As shown in the figure, the serial communication terminal 3b in this example is configured to have eight terminals numbered 1 to 8, similar to the mobile terminal Mb. Among them, the eighth terminal is a ground terminal that outputs a ground potential to the outside, and is connected to a ground wiring inside the signal switcher 2. The fifth terminal is a power output terminal that outputs a power signal App_Power(x) supplied from the power supply control device 13 to the outside. The fourth terminal is a power input terminal that supplies a power signal Host_Pw(x) input from the OTG converter 3w to the power supply control device 12. The other terminals are data terminals connected to the corresponding selectors 11. Specifically, terminal 1 is connected to signal line Lin[x01], terminal 2 is connected to signal line Lin[x02], terminal 3 is connected to signal line Lin[x03], terminal 6 is connected to signal line Lin[x04], and terminal 7 is connected to signal line Lin[x05].

[0037] FIG. 4(c) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video output terminal 5b. As shown in the figure, the video output terminal 5b in this example is configured to have eight terminals No. 1 to No. 8, similar to the mobile terminal Mb and the serial communication terminal 3b. Among them, the No. 8 terminal is a ground terminal that outputs a ground potential to the outside, and is connected to a ground wiring inside the signal switcher 2. The No. 5 terminal is a power output terminal that outputs a power signal App_Power(x) supplied from the power control device 13 to the outside. The No. 4 terminal is an input terminal for a power signal Host_Pw(x), but is not used in the signal switcher 2. The other terminals are data terminals connected to the corresponding selectors 11. To be more specific, the No. 1 terminal is connected to the signal line Lin[x11], the No. 2 terminal is connected to the signal line Lin[x12], the No. 3 terminal is connected to the signal line Lin[x13], the No. 6 terminal is connected to the signal line Lin[x14], and the No. 7 terminal is connected to the signal line Lin[x15].

[0038] 2 and 3. Each selector 11 shown in Fig. 2 is configured to be activated when the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR is low, and to be deactivated when the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR is high. When the selector 11 is deactivated, the multiple signal lines Lout[x01:x05] connected to each selector 11 are not connected to any of the corresponding signal lines Lin[x01:x05], Lin[x11:x15].

[0039] When active, each selector 11 is configured to select one of the corresponding signal lines Lin[x01:x05] and the corresponding signal lines Lin[x11:x15] in response to a selection signal P_Select, and connect the selected one to the corresponding signal lines Lout[x01:x05]. In this way, each selector 11 plays a role in switching the connection destination of the multiple signal lines Lout[x01:x05] between the kitting device 3 (OTG converter 3w) and the computer 4 (HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c).

[0040] The power supply control device 12 shown in FIG. 3 includes a field effect transistor whose gate is supplied with an enable signal Host_EN. The source of this field effect transistor is connected to the power supply input terminal (terminal No. 4 shown in FIG. 4(b)) of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b. Therefore, the source is supplied with a power supply signal Host_Pw(x) from the corresponding OTG converter 3w. The drain is connected to the power supply output terminal (terminal No. 4 shown in FIG. 4(a)) of the corresponding mobile terminal Mb. When the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal Host_EN to be high, the field effect transistor in the power supply control device 12 is turned on, and the source and drain are connected. As a result, the power supply signal Host_Pw(x) input to the power supply input terminal of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b is supplied to the power supply output terminal of the mobile terminal Mb as the power supply signal Host_Power(x). When the power supply signal Host_Power(x) is supplied to the power supply output terminal of the mobile terminal Mb in this way, the mobile terminal M connected to the mobile terminal Mb is in a charging state. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal Host_EN to be low, the field effect transistor in the power control device 12 is turned off, and the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of the mobile terminal Mb is stopped.

[0041] The power supply control device 13 includes a field effect transistor whose gate is supplied with an enable signal App_EN. The source of this field effect transistor is connected to the power input terminal (terminal No. 5 shown in FIG. 4(a)) of the corresponding mobile terminal Mb. Therefore, the source is supplied with a power supply signal Ap_iPower(x) from the mobile terminal M. The drain is commonly connected to the power supply output terminal (terminal No. 5 shown in FIG. 4(b)) of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b and the power supply output terminal (terminal No. 5 shown in FIG. 4(c)) of the corresponding video output terminal 5b. When the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal App_EN to be high, the field effect transistor in the power supply control device 13 is turned on, and the source and drain are connected. As a result, a power supply signal App_Power(x) is generated from the power supply signal Ap_iPower(x) and is supplied to the power supply output terminal of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b and the power supply output terminal of the corresponding video output terminal 5b. On the other hand, when the microcontroller 10 controls the enable signal App_EN to be low, the field effect transistor in the power control device 13 is turned off, and the supply of the power signal App_Power(x) to the power output terminal of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b and the power output terminal of the corresponding video output terminal 5b is stopped.

[0042] Here, a detailed description will be given of the authentication process that is performed between an external device (specifically, the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c) when it is connected to the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M. The mobile terminal M, the OTG converter 3w, and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c each have an authentication chip built-in that stores an authentication ID, and are configured to authenticate each other through sending and receiving the authentication ID when physically connected via a cable. The mobile terminal M is configured to recognize the connected device only if this authentication is successful, and to enter a mode appropriate for that device.

[0043] 5 is a sequence diagram showing the process for the authentication performed between the mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c when they are directly connected. As shown in the figure, when the mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c are connected by a cable (step S1), the supply of a power signal App_Power (=power signal Ap_iPower) from the mobile terminal M to the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c is started through the terminal No. 5 (step S2). The mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c each detect that some device has been connected by the start of the supply of the power signal App_Power (steps S3a, S3b). Next, the mobile terminal M reads out the first authentication ID from the built-in authentication chip and transmits it using the terminal No. 1 (step S4). Upon receiving this, the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c detects that the connected device is the mobile terminal M (step S5), reads the second authentication ID from the built-in authentication chip, and transmits it using the first terminal (step S6). The mobile terminal M determines the type of the connected device based on the second authentication ID received in this way, and enters a mode according to the determined type (step S7). Specifically, if the second authentication ID of the OTG converter 3w is received, it enters a serial communication mode, and if the second authentication ID of the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c is received, it enters a display mode. This enables communication between the mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c.

[0044] As can be seen from FIG. 5, authentication by the authentication ID is necessary to set the mode of the mobile terminal M, and for this purpose, both the mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c need to detect the start of the supply of the power signal App_Power. Once the cable is removed from the integrated terminal Ma of the mobile terminal M, these processes are carried out smoothly, but if the signal switcher 2 continues to supply the power signal App_Power and the selector 11 is controlled to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal M, the detection of steps S3a and S3b is not carried out, and therefore the authentication process and mode setting of steps S4 to S7 are not carried out. Therefore, in the signal switcher 2, when switching the connection destination of each mobile terminal M, the supply of the power signal App_Power is temporarily cut off, so that when the supply of the power signal App_Power is resumed, the authentication process is carried out between each mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w or the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c. Hereinafter, the specific contents of the processes carried out by the computer 4 and the microcomputer 10 for this purpose will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9.

[0045] 6 is a diagram showing a chronological order of the processes performed by the computer 4 for each of the five mobile terminals M. As shown in the figure, the computer 4 first performs initial settings for the signal switcher 2 (time t1). Specifically, the computer 4 instructs the microcomputer 10 in the signal switcher 2 to perform initial settings for the signal switcher 2.

[0046] 7 is a diagram showing the process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to perform the initial setting of the signal switcher 2. For reference, the diagram also shows the physical connection work of the devices by dashed lines.

[0047] In the initial state, the kitting device 3 and each USB converter 5 are connected to the signal switcher 2 (step S10). This connection is performed manually by the user. At this point, each mobile terminal M is not yet connected to the signal switcher 2.

[0048] The processes of steps S11 to S14 are executed by the microcomputer 10 under the control of the computer 4. To be more specific, the microcomputer 10 first disables each signal (specifically, controls the enable signal Host_EN to be low, the enable signal App_EN to be low, and the enable bar signal 30 EnableBAR to be high), thereby creating a state in which nothing is connected to the mobile terminal M (step S11).

[0049] Next, the microcomputer 10 uses the selection signal P_Select to control each selector 11 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b (step S12). Specifically, the connection destination of the multiple data terminals included in each mobile terminal Mb is switched to the multiple data terminals in the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b. Then, the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal Host_EN to be high to start supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S13).

[0050] Next, the microcontroller 10 activates each selector 11 by controlling the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to low, and at the same time, by controlling the enable signal App_EN to high, connects the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M to the power output terminal of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b and the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b (step S14).

[0051] After completion of step S14, the user manually connects each mobile terminal M to the signal switcher 2 (step S15). At this point, since the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb is the serial communication terminal 3b, the authentication process shown in Fig. 5 is executed between each mobile terminal M connected to the signal switcher 2 in step S15 and the OTG converter 3w connected to the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b, and as a result, each mobile terminal M enters the serial communication mode and becomes capable of accepting an operation signal from the kitting device 3. The initial setting is completed by the series of processes and operations up to this point.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 6, after the initial settings are completed, the computer 4 starts kitting each mobile terminal M (time t2). Specifically, a kitting scenario stored in advance is supplied to the kitting device 3 and played. As a result, a series of operation signals are supplied to each mobile terminal M, and kitting is executed. After the scenario playback is completed, the computer 4 controls the microcomputer 10 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the video output terminal 5b (time t3; switching 1).

[0053] 8 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the video output terminal 5b. The microcomputer 10 first controls the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to be high to deactivate each selector 11 (step S20), and controls the enable signal Host_EN to be low to cut off the power line for supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to each mobile terminal M, thereby stopping the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S21). As a result, the signal line connecting each mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w is disconnected, and the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) to each mobile terminal M is temporarily stopped (the mobile terminal M is in a state where it is not charged). Next, the microcontroller 10 temporarily cuts off the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M by controlling the enable signal App_EN to be low, thereby temporarily stopping the supply of the power signal App_Power(x) to each serial communication terminal 3b and each video output terminal 5b (step S22).

[0054] After that, the microcomputer 10 uses the selection signal P_Select to control each selector 11 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the video output terminal 5b (step S23). Specifically, the connection destinations of the multiple data terminals included in each mobile terminal Mb are switched to the multiple data terminals in the corresponding video output terminal 5b. Next, the microcomputer 10 again controls the enable signal Host_EN to be high to start supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S24).

[0055] Next, the microcomputer 10 activates each selector 11 by controlling the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to be low, and at the same time, reconnects the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M to the power output terminal of each serial communication terminal 3b and the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b by controlling the enable signal App_EN to be high, thereby resuming the supply of the power signal App_Power(x) to each serial communication terminal 3b and each video output terminal 5b (step S25). Note that "simultaneously" here means that the power line is not reconnected before the connection of the signal line is completed. By "simultaneously" connecting the signal line and the power line, the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is normally performed between the mobile terminal M and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c, and it becomes possible to enter the mobile terminal M into the display mode. By thus entering the mobile terminal M into the display mode, the computer 4 becomes able to receive data indicating the display screen of each mobile terminal M from the USB converter 5.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 6, after the process of switching the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the video output terminal 5b is completed, the computer 4 executes the above-mentioned collation process (time t4). The computer 4 generates result information indicating the result of this collation, and judges whether or not the kitting has been successful based on the generated result information. If it is judged to be successful, the computer 4 controls the microcomputer 10 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b in order to start the next kitting (time t5, switch 2). On the other hand, if it is judged to be unsuccessful, the computer 4 interrupts the kitting and notifies the user of the computer 4 (the kitting worker) of the failure. After this, the user can take action.

[0057] 9 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b. The microcomputer 10 first controls the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to be high to deactivate each selector 11 (step S30), and controls the enable signal Host_EN to be low to cut off the power line for supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to each mobile terminal M, thereby stopping the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S31). As a result, the signal line connecting each mobile terminal M and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c is disconnected, and the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) to each mobile terminal M is temporarily stopped (the mobile terminal M is in a state where it is not charged). Next, the microcontroller 10 temporarily cuts off the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M by controlling the enable signal App_EN to be low, thereby temporarily stopping the supply of the power signal App_Power(x) to each serial communication terminal 3b and each video output terminal 5b (step S32).

[0058] Next, the microcomputer 10 uses the selection signal P_Select to control each selector 11 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b (step S33). Specifically, the connection destination of the multiple data terminals included in each mobile terminal Mb is switched to the multiple data terminals in the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b. After that, the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal Host_EN to be high again to start supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S34).

[0059] Next, the microcomputer 10 activates each selector 11 by controlling the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to be low, and at the same time, reconnects the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M to the power output terminal of each serial communication terminal 3b and the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b by controlling the enable signal App_EN to be high, thereby resuming the supply of the power signal App_Power(x) to each serial communication terminal 3b and each video output terminal 5b (step S35). The meaning of "simultaneously" here is the same as "simultaneously" in the above-mentioned step S25. As in step S25, by connecting the signal line and the power line "simultaneously", the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is normally performed between the mobile terminal M and the OTG converter 3w, and it becomes possible to enter the mobile terminal M into the serial communication mode. By thus entering the serial communication mode of the mobile terminal M, it becomes possible to supply an operation signal from the kitting device 3 to each mobile terminal M.

[0060] Returning to Fig. 6, after the process of switching the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b is completed, the computer 4 starts kitting each mobile terminal M again (time t6). The process thereafter is a repetition of the process from time t2 onwards.

[0061] As described above, according to the kitting tool 1 and the signal switcher 2 of this embodiment, when the connection destination of each of the signal lines Lout[x01:x05] is switched between the kitting device 3 and the computer 4 using each selector 11, the power line for supplying App_Power(x) is temporarily cut off, so that when this power line is reconnected, authentication processing can be performed between each mobile terminal M and an external device (specifically, the OTG converter 3w or the USB converter 5). Therefore, it becomes possible to switch the operation mode of the mobile terminal M without providing a selector in the connection path of the power line.

[0062] 10 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a kitting tool 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The kitting tool 1 according to this embodiment differs from the kitting tool 1 according to the first embodiment in that the process of acquiring USB data from a video signal output from an integrated terminal Ma of a mobile terminal M is performed by one HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c and one USB converter 5. The following description will focus on the differences from the kitting tool 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] The signal selector 2 according to this embodiment has one video output terminal 5b common to each mobile terminal Mb. The USB converter 5 is connected to this video output terminal 5b via an HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c, and the configuration and operation of the USB converter 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing the internal configuration of the signal switch 2 according to this embodiment. As in the cases of Figures 2 and 3, the five mobile terminals Mb, the serial communication terminal 3b, and the video output terminal 5b are shown in both Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figure 11, in the signal switch 2 according to this embodiment, the signal lines Lin[x11:x15] connected to each selector 11 are connected to one video output terminal 5b via a multiplexer 14.

[0065] The multiplexer 14 is a device that switches the connection destination of the multiple data terminals that constitute the video output terminal 5b between the multiple selectors 11. The multiplexer 14 and the video output terminal 5b are connected by signal lines Lin[121:125]. The multiplexer 14 is supplied with an enable signal 49Enable and a selection signal RC[0:2] from the microcomputer 10. The microcomputer 10 uses the enable signal 49Enable to control the state of the multiplexer 14, and selects one of the five sets of signal lines Lin[111:115] to Lin[511:515] using the selection signal RC[0:2]. The multiplexer 14 performs the above switching by connecting the signal lines Lin[x11:x15] selected in this way to the corresponding data terminals in the video output terminal 5b via the signal lines Lin[121:125].

[0066] Moreover, the signal switch 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include a decoder 15. The decoder 15 is a device for selecting one of the multiple power supply control devices 13, and is configured to receive an enable signal MApp_E and a selection signal RC[0:2] from the microcomputer 10 and generate five selection signals MApp_EN corresponding to the five power supply control devices 13, respectively.

[0067] The power supply control device 13 according to the present embodiment is configured to include a field effect transistor (hereinafter referred to as a "second field effect transistor") whose gate is supplied with an enable signal MApp_EN, in addition to a field effect transistor (hereinafter referred to as a "first field effect transistor") whose gate is supplied with an enable signal App_EN. A power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from the mobile terminal M to the source of the second field effect transistor. The drain of the second field effect transistor is connected to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b (terminal No. 5 shown in FIG. 4(c)) via the diode 13a shown in FIG. 12. The diode 13a is provided for each power supply control device 13, and is inserted into the circuit so that the anode is connected to the drain of the corresponding second field effect transistor and the cathode is connected to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b. The cathodes of the diodes 13a are commonly connected to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b. In this embodiment, the drain of the first field effect transistor is not connected to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b, but is connected only to the power output terminal of the corresponding serial communication terminal 3b (terminal No. 5 shown in Figure 4(b)).

[0068] When the decoder 15 controls the enable signal MApp_EN(x) selected by the selection signal RC[0:2] to high, the second field effect transistor in the corresponding power supply control device 13 is turned on, and the source and drain are connected. As a result, the power supply signal MApp_Pw(x) is generated from the power supply signal Ap_iPower(x) and is supplied to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b as the power supply signal App_Power(0) via the diode 13a. On the other hand, when the decoder 15 controls the enable signal MApp_EN(x) not selected by the selection signal RC[0:2] to low, the second field effect transistor in the corresponding power supply control device 13 is turned off, and the generation of the power supply signal MApp_Pw(x) is stopped. However, if the second field effect transistor in the other power supply control device 13 is turned on, the power supply signal App_Power(0) continues to be supplied to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b.

[0069] 13 is a diagram showing a chronological order of the processes performed by the computer 4 according to this embodiment for each of the five mobile terminals M. Among these, the processes from time t1 to t3 (initial settings and first kitting) are the same as those in the first embodiment. After the scenario playback is completed, the computer 4 controls the microcomputer 10 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the first mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b (time t3, switching 3).

[0070] 14 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the first mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b. As shown in the figure, the microcomputer 10 first controls the enable signal 49Enable to be low to deactivate the multiplexer 14 (step S40). Next, the microcomputer 10 performs the same process as steps S20 and S21 shown in FIG. 8 (steps S41 and S42), and then controls the enable signal MApp_E to be low to control all enable signals MApp_EN output from the decoder 15 to be low, thereby temporarily cutting off the connection between the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(x) is supplied from each mobile terminal M and the power output terminal in the video output terminal 5b, thereby stopping the supply of the power signal App_Power(0) (step S43).

[0071] Next, the microcomputer 10 uses the selection signal P_Select to control each selector 11 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the multiplexer 14 (step S44). Then, the microcomputer 10 controls the enable signal Host_EN to be high again to start supplying the power signal Host_Power(x) to the power output terminal of each mobile terminal Mb (step S45).

[0072] Next, the microcomputer 10 activates each selector 11 by controlling the enable bar signal 30EnableBAR to low (step S46). Then, by controlling the multiplexer 14 and the decoder 15 using the selection signal RC[0:2], the selector 11 (signal line Lin[x11:x15] connected to the selector 11) corresponding to the first mobile terminal M is connected to the video output terminal 5b, and the power signal Ap_iPower(1) of the first mobile terminal M is selected (step S47). At this point, the decoder 15 maintains a state in which all the enable signals MApp_EN are controlled to low.

[0073] Thereafter, the microcomputer 10 activates the multiplexer 14 by controlling the enable signal 49Enable to be high, and at the same time, reconnects the power line through which the power signal Ap_iPower(1) is supplied from the first mobile terminal M to the power output terminal of the video output terminal 5b by controlling the enable signal MApp_E to be high and the enable signal MApp_EN(1) to be high, thereby resuming the supply of the power signal App_Power(0) to the video output terminal 5b (step S48). The meaning of "simultaneously" in step S48 is the same as that of "simultaneously" in step S25 described above. When step S48 ends, the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is performed between the first mobile terminal M and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c. As a result, the first mobile terminal M enters the display mode, and data showing the display screen of the first mobile terminal M is supplied from the USB converter 5 to the computer 4.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 13, after the process of switching the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the first mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b is completed, the computer 4 executes the above-mentioned collation process (time t4). The computer 4 generates and stores result information indicating the result of this collation, and then controls the microcomputer 10 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the second mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b (time t5; switch 4). Thereafter, this switching is performed sequentially up to the fifth mobile terminal M while generating and storing result information (times t6 to t12).

[0075] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a process executed by the microcomputer 10 instructed by the computer 4 to switch the connection destination of the mobile terminal Mb connected to the n-th (n=2 to 5) mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b. As can be understood by comparing FIG. 15 with FIG. 14, the process executed by the microcomputer 10 in this case is a process of executing steps S40, S43, S47, and S48 of the process shown in FIG. 14 (steps S50 to S53). However, the process of step S52 is a process of connecting the selector 11 (the signal line Lin[x11:x15] connected to the selector 11) corresponding to the n-th mobile terminal M to the video output terminal 5b and selecting the power signal Ap_iPower(n) of the n-th mobile terminal M. When step S53 is completed, the authentication process shown in FIG. 5 is performed between the n-th mobile terminal M and the HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c. Then, as a result, the n-th mobile terminal M enters the display mode, and data showing the display screen of the n-th mobile terminal M is supplied from the USB converter 5 to the computer 4.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 13, the computer 4, which has stored the result information for all the mobile terminals M, judges whether or not the kitting has been successful based on the series of stored result information. If it judges that the kitting has been successful, it controls the microcomputer 10 to switch the connection destination of each mobile terminal Mb to the serial communication terminal 3b in order to start the next kitting (time t13, switching 2). This switching process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 9, and after the switching process is completed, the computer 4 starts the kitting of each mobile terminal M again (time t14). On the other hand, if it judges that the kitting has failed, the computer 4 interrupts the kitting and notifies the user of the computer 4 (the kitting worker) of the failure. After this, the user takes action.

[0077] As described above, according to the kitting tool 1 and signal switcher 2 of this embodiment, even when image matching is performed using one HDMI (registered trademark) converter 5c and one USB converter 5, it is possible to switch the operating mode of the mobile terminal M without providing a selector in the connection path of the power line, as with the kitting tool 1 of the first embodiment.

[0078] Next, a kitting tool 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The system configuration of the kitting tool 1 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the kitting tool 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 10. The kitting tool 1 according to this embodiment differs from the kitting tool 1 according to the second embodiment in that it manages the charging state of the mobile terminal M. The following description will focus on the differences from the kitting tool 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0079] 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the internal configuration of the signal switch 2 according to this embodiment. As in the cases of FIGS. 11 and 12, the five mobile terminals Mb, the serial communication terminal 3b, and the video output terminal 5b are shown in both FIGS. 16 and 17. As shown in FIG. 16, the microcomputer 10 of the signal switch 2 according to this embodiment is configured to generate a different enable signal MHost_EN(x) for each power supply control device 12, instead of the enable signal Host_EN common to each power supply control device 12. The gate of the above-mentioned field effect transistor provided in each power supply control device 12 is supplied with the corresponding enable signal MHost_EN(x) instead of the enable signal Host_EN.

[0080] The timing at which the microcomputer 10 controls each enable signal MHost_EN(x) is essentially the same as in the second embodiment. That is, each enable signal MHost_EN(x) is controlled to be high in step S13 shown in Fig. 7, step S34 shown in Fig. 9, and step S45 shown in Fig. 14, and each enable signal MHost_EN(x) is controlled to be low in step S31 shown in Fig. 9 and step S42 shown in Fig. 14.

[0081] The computer 4 according to this embodiment obtains the remaining battery power of the mobile terminal M from the display screen of the mobile terminal M, and individually controls the enable signal MHost_EN(x) corresponding to each mobile terminal M so that the remaining battery power of each mobile terminal M does not exceed a preset value. In this way, the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) is controlled, and deterioration of the battery of each mobile terminal M is prevented.

[0082] The computer 4 acquires the remaining battery level by referring to the remaining battery level display included on the display screen of the mobile terminal M, which is supplied to the computer 4 via the USB converter 5. To be more specific, if the remaining battery level display is shown by an indicator, the computer 4 may acquire the remaining battery level by reading the display of the indicator. Also, if the remaining battery level display is shown by a numerical value, the computer 4 may acquire the remaining battery level by performing character recognition using optical character recognition (OCR).

[0083] It is generally known that, for example, when a lithium battery is stored at high temperature in a fully charged state, battery deterioration occurs. The kitting tool 1 and the signal switch 2 according to the present embodiment can prevent the mobile terminal M from being fully charged and can keep the remaining battery level below a preset value, thereby making it possible to prevent the above-mentioned battery deterioration.

[0084] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] For example, in each of the above embodiments, after switching the mobile terminal M to the display mode by executing the process shown in Fig. 8, the supply of the power signal Host_Power(x) is not stopped until the mobile terminal M is next switched to the serial communication mode, but a process of temporarily setting the enable signal Host_EN to low and then back to high (low / high process) may be executed while the mobile terminal M is in the display mode. This makes it possible to prevent the display screen of the mobile terminal M from going completely black, making image recognition (matching) impossible.

[0086] More specifically, the mobile terminal M is configured to go into a sleep state when a predetermined time has elapsed since entering each mode. When the mobile terminal M goes into a sleep state, its display screen goes black, making image recognition (matching) impossible. By appropriately executing the above-mentioned low / high processing, a charging interrupt can be issued each time by the power supply signal Host_Power(x), so that the mobile terminal M can be prevented from going into a sleep state, and therefore it is possible to prevent the display screen of the mobile terminal M from going black and making image recognition (matching) impossible.

[0087] Here, while the mobile terminal M has entered the display mode, the charger 3h may be removed from the OTG converter 3w. Or, the charger 3h may not have been connected to the OTG converter 3w in the first place. If this happens, the supply of the power signal Host_Pw(x) will stop, and the above-mentioned low / high processing will no longer be able to cause a charging interrupt to the mobile terminal M. Therefore, as will be described in the following modified example, an internal power circuit may be provided within the signal switch 2, and the power signal Host_Pw(x) may be generated by this internal power circuit.

[0088] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a signal switch 2 according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. The signal switch 2 according to this modification further includes an internal power supply circuit 16 and a plurality of diodes 16a provided for each power supply control device 12, in addition to all of the components shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0089] The internal power supply circuit 16 is supplied with an enable signal IPCE from the microcomputer 10. When this enable signal IPCE is high, the internal power supply circuit 16 is configured to generate a plurality of internal power supply signals In_Power corresponding to the plurality of power supply control devices 12, respectively, and supply them to a power supply line (power supply line for supplying a power supply signal Host_Pw(x)) connecting the serial communication terminal 3b and the power supply control device 12 via a corresponding diode 16a. The diode 16a is provided to prevent backflow, and is inserted in the circuit so that the anode is connected to the internal power supply circuit 16 and the cathode is connected to the corresponding power supply control device 12.

[0090] The microcomputer 10 is configured to set the enable signal IPCE to high when the mobile terminal M is in display mode, for example. This makes it possible to supply the power signal Host_Pw(x) to each power control device 12 even if the charger 3h is not connected to the OTG converter 3w. Therefore, the above-mentioned low / high processing makes it possible to issue a charging interrupt to the mobile terminal M.

[0091] The microcomputer 10 may always keep the enable signal IPCE high. Although an example in which the internal power supply circuit 16 is provided in the signal switch 2 according to the modification of the first embodiment has been described with reference to Fig. 18, the internal power supply circuit 16 may be provided in the signal switch 2 according to the modification of the second embodiment or the signal switch 2 according to the modification of the third embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Kitting Tools 2 Signal Switch 3 Kitting Equipment 3a Output port 3b Serial communication terminal 3h charger 3w OTG converter 4. Computer 4a Control terminal 5 USB converter 5a Video input terminal 5b Video output terminal 5c HDMI(registered trademark) converter 10 Microcomputer 11 Selectors 12,13 Power supply control device 13a, 16a Diode 14 Multiplexer 15 Decoder 16 Internal power circuit 30EnableBAR Enable bar signal Ap_iPower,App_Power,Host_Power,Host_Pw,MApp_Pw Power signal 49Enable, App_EN, Host_EN, MApp_E, MApp_EN, MHost_EN Enable signal In_Power Internal power signal Lin[x01:x05],Lin[x11:x15],Lin[121:125],Lout[x01:x05] Signal line M Mobile Device Ma Integrated Terminal Mb Mobile Terminal P_Select,RC[0:2] Selection signal

Claims

1. A plurality of mobile terminals respectively connected to the integrated terminals of a plurality of mobile terminals; a plurality of serial communication terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of mobile terminals, respectively; A video output terminal; a plurality of selectors provided corresponding to the plurality of mobile terminals, each selector being connected to the corresponding mobile terminal and the corresponding serial communication terminal; a multiplexer connected to the video output terminal and the plurality of selectors; a microcomputer that controls each of the plurality of selectors to switch a connection destination of each of the plurality of mobile terminals between the multiplexer and the corresponding serial communication terminal, and controls the multiplexer to switch a connection destination of the video output terminal between the plurality of selectors; A signal switch having the following configuration:

2. Further, the control terminal is connected to the microcomputer. the microcomputer is connected to an external computer through the control terminal, and controls the selectors and the multiplexer under the control of the computer; 2. A signal changer according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of mobile terminals respectively connected to the integrated terminals of a plurality of mobile terminals; a plurality of serial communication terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of mobile terminals, respectively; A video output terminal; the plurality of serial communication terminals are connected to a kitting device that outputs operation signals to be input to the plurality of mobile terminals; 1. A computer for use with a signal switch, comprising: controlling the signal switch so that each of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to a corresponding one of the serial communication terminals; supplying the operation signal to each of the plurality of mobile terminals by controlling the kitting device to output the operation signal in a state in which each of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the corresponding serial communication terminal; controlling the signal switch so that each of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the video output terminal in sequence, and each time, comparing the display screen of the mobile terminal outputted from the video output terminal with a pre-stored image; computer.

4. The signal switch is a plurality of selectors provided corresponding to the plurality of mobile terminals, each selector being connected to the corresponding mobile terminal and the corresponding serial communication terminal; a multiplexer connected to the video output terminal and the plurality of selectors; The computer includes: controlling the signal switch so that the plurality of selectors are controlled to connect the plurality of mobile terminals to the corresponding serial communication terminals; controlling the plurality of selectors so that each of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the multiplexer, and then controlling the multiplexer so that the plurality of selectors are sequentially connected to the video output terminal, thereby controlling the signal switch so that each of the plurality of mobile terminals is sequentially connected to the video output terminal; The computer of claim 3.

Images