COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program that enable communication to be performed more reliably. An I3C master transmits a changed parameter to an I3C slave while communicating with the I3C slave in a Sync Mode, and transmits a predetermined command to instruct a timing at which the changed parameter is to be reflected in the I3C slave. The I3C slave holds the changed parameter received while communicating with the I3C master in the Sync Mode, and determines to reflect the changed parameter, at the timing when the predetermined command is transmitted from the I3C master. The present technology is applicable to, for example, an I3C bus.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program, and more particularly to a communication device, a communication method, and a program that enable more reliable communication. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) standard has been widely adopted as a bus IF (Interface) for controlling registers in various devices. In recent years, there has been a demand for I2C to be faster and more multifunctional, and the MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) Alliance has established the I3C (Improved Inter Integrated Circuit) standard as the next-generation standard, and is currently revising it. For example, I2C and I3C are configured to communicate with slaves connected to the bus IF under the control of a master that has the initiative in communication via the bus IF.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for accurately maintaining synchronization by utilizing a delay time message that indicates the time delay between the start of a synchronization period and the actual transmission time of a synchronization message. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-534688 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the synchronization message and delay time message disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 correspond to ST and DT, respectively, defined in synchronization in Sync Mode in I3C. However, changing parameters (e.g., TU / DT / ODR / Tph) that have already been set in Sync Mode is not described in the I3C standard, and the method of changing parameters is unclear. Therefore, if parameters that have already been set are dynamically changed during Sync Mode, there is a concern that malfunctions may occur, and communication may not be performed reliably.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and makes it possible to carry out communication more reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a parameter transmission unit that transmits changed parameters to a communication device on a partner side that communicates with the communication device in a subordinate manner during communication in a synchronous mode with the communication device, and a command transmission unit that transmits a predetermined command to indicate a timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device on the partner side. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at a time other than the end of the ph time. .

[0008] A communication method or program according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes transmitting changed parameters to a communication device on a partner side during communication with the communication device in a Sync Mode, and instructing a timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device on the partner side by transmitting a predetermined command. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at any time other than the end of the ph time. .

[0009] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, while communicating with a partner communication device in Sync Mode, changed parameters are transmitted to the partner communication device, and the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the partner communication device is instructed by transmitting a specified command. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command that instructs starting synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at any time other than the end of the ph time.

[0010] A communication device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a parameter storage unit that stores changed parameters received during communication in a synchronous mode with a communication device on a communication partner side having an initiative in communication, and a parameter reflection determination unit that determines to reflect the changed parameters at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device on the communication partner side. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at a time other than the end of the ph time. .

[0011] A communication method or program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: storing changed parameters received during communication in a synchronous mode with a communication device on a partner side having an initiative in communication; and determining to reflect the changed parameters at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device on the partner side. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at any time other than the end of the ph time. .

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, changed parameters received during communication in synchronous mode with a counterpart communication device that has communication initiative are retained, and it is determined that the changed parameters are reflected when a specified command is transmitted from the counterpart communication device. As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command that instructs starting synchronization in Sync Mode is used, and the Sync Tick command is used at any time other than the end of the ph time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of an I3C bus to which the present technology is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating commands on an I3C bus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an I3C master. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an I3C slave. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for changing parameters of the Sync Mode while also using the Async Mode without changing the current standard. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example in which parameter consistency is lost. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for dynamically changing setting parameters during Sync Mode when Async Mode is also being used. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a parameter change process on the I3C master side. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a parameter change process on the I3C slave side. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a first application example of a changing technique for dynamically changing parameters during a Sync Mode. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a second application example of the changing technique for dynamically changing parameters during a Sync Mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for dynamically changing parameters for multiple I3C slaves during a Sync Mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for dynamically changing parameters for multiple I3C slaves during a Sync Mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for dynamically changing setting parameters during Sync Mode without concurrently using Async Mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which changed parameters are reflected at the Sync Tick at the end of the Tph time. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system using an I3C bus. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various timings in Sync Mode operation. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for a delay time is defined. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for a delay time is defined. [Figure 20]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for a delay time is defined. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for a delay time is defined. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for delay time is defined. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a time unit table in which a parameter TU for delay time is defined. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a time unit table in which a parameter Tph in a Sync Mode operation is defined. [Diagram 25] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a computer to which the present technology is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Example of bus IF configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of an I3C bus to which the present technology is applied.

[0016] The I3C bus 11 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting an I3C master 12 and three I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3 via a data signal line 14 that transmits serial data SDA and a clock signal line 15 that transmits a serial clock SCL.

[0017] The I3C master 12 has the initiative in communication on the I3C bus 11 , and controls communication with the I3C slaves 13 - 1 to 13 - 3 via a data signal line 14 and a clock signal line 15 .

[0018] The I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3 can perform communication via the I3C bus 11 under the control of the I3C master 12. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3, they will simply be referred to as the I3C slave 13.

[0019] In the I3C bus 11 configured in this way, communication conforming to the I3C standard is carried out.

[0020] The commands on the I3C bus 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the state of the I3C bus 11 and the timing at which the I3C slave 13 performs sampling.

[0022] For example, the I3C master 12 transmits a command Enter Async instructing the I3C slave 13 to start synchronization in Async Mode. Then, the I3C master 12 transmits parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slave 13. In response, the I3C slave 13 performs various settings based on the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, and reflects these setting values.

[0023] Thereafter, when the delay time DT has elapsed since the time set by the parameter Tph started, the I3C master 12 transmits a command ST to the I3C slave 13 to instruct it to start synchronization in Sync Mode, and then transmits a parameter DT to the I3C slave 13 to set the delay time.

[0024] Then, the I3C master 12 transmits the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slave 13 at any timing T1 in a time period when the I3C bus 11 is free. At this time, the I3C slave 13 holds the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR.

[0025] Furthermore, the time set by the parameter Tph / ODR elapses after the start of the time set by the parameter Tph, and the I3C slave 13 acquires the data. Then, the I3C master 12 transmits a read command to the I3C slave 13, and data is transmitted and received between the I3C master 12 and the I3C slave 13 by an IBI (In-Band Interrupt) in Async Mode.

[0026] Then, the I3C master 12 transmits a command ST to the I3C slave 13 to instruct it to start synchronization in Sync Mode, and immediately at timing T2, the I3C slave 13 reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR that it has held. That is, the I3C slave 13 can realize changes to those parameters in response to the command ST without terminating (EXITing) Async Mode.

[0027] Therefore, in the I3C bus 11, malfunctions can be avoided and communication between the I3C master 12 and the I3C slave 13 can be performed more reliably.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the I3C master 12. As shown in FIG.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the I3C master 12 is configured to include an I3C command generation unit 21, a data transmission / reception unit 22, and a data processing unit 23. The I3C command generation unit 21 has a parameter determination unit 31, and the data processing unit 23 has a parameter transmission determination unit 32. Note that in the I3C master 12 shown in Fig. 3, only blocks necessary for communication with the I3C slave 13 via I3C are shown, and other blocks are omitted from the illustration.

[0030] The I3C command generation unit 21 generates a command for setting the various parameters determined by the parameter determination unit 31 in the I3C slave 13, and supplies the command to the data transmission / reception unit 22. The parameter determination unit 31 determines parameters such as, for example, a parameter TU for setting a time unit, a parameter Tph for setting a procedure repetition time, and a parameter ODR for setting a data output rate.

[0031] The data transmitter / receiver 22 transmits and receives data to and from a data transmitter / receiver 41 (FIG. 4) of the I3C slave 13, and transmits, for example, commands and parameters supplied from the I3C command generator 21 to the I3C slave 13. The data transmitter / receiver 22 also receives data transmitted from the I3C slave 13 and supplies it to the data processor 23.

[0032] The data processing unit 23 performs various data processing on the data of the I3C slave 13 supplied from the data transmission / reception unit 22. For example, in the data processing unit 23, a parameter transmission determination unit 32 performs a determination process of determining whether or not to transmit a parameter from the I3C master 12 to the I3C slave 13.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the I3C slave 13. As shown in FIG.

[0034] 4, the I3C slave 13 includes a data transmission / reception unit 41, an I3C command interpretation unit 42, a time synchronization control unit 43, an imaging unit 44, a detection unit 45, and a data processing unit 46. The I3C command interpretation unit 42 includes a parameter conversion unit 51 and a parameter holding unit 52, and the time synchronization control unit 43 includes a parameter reflection determination unit 53 and a parameter correction unit 54.

[0035] The data transmitter / receiver 41 transmits and receives data to and from the data transmitter / receiver 22 of the I3C master 12, and receives, for example, commands and parameters transmitted from the I3C master 12 and supplies them to an I3C command interpretation unit .

[0036] The I3C command interpretation unit 42 interprets a command transmitted from the I3C master 12 and supplied via the data transmission / reception unit 41. Then, the I3C command interpretation unit 42 converts the parameters into reference values ​​within the I3C slave 13 by the parameter conversion unit 51 in accordance with the interpreted command, and holds the parameters in the parameter holding unit 52. Furthermore, the I3C command interpretation unit 42 supplies the parameters held in the parameter holding unit 52 to the time synchronization control unit 43 at a predetermined timing.

[0037] The time synchronization control unit 43 performs control to synchronize the time with the I3C master 12 based on the parameters supplied from the I3C command interpretation unit 42. For example, the time synchronization control unit 43 uses a parameter reflection determination unit 53 to determine whether or not to reflect the parameters, and causes a parameter correction unit 54 to appropriately correct the parameters.

[0038] The imaging unit 44 captures images at timings controlled by the time synchronization control unit 43, and supplies the images to the detection unit 45 and data processing unit 46.

[0039] When a target object is captured in the image supplied from the imaging unit 44, the detection unit 45 supplies the data processing unit 46 with data indicating the detection result of detecting the target object.

[0040] The data processing unit 46 performs data processing on the image captured by the imaging unit 44 and data indicating the detection results by the detection unit 45, and transmits the data to the I3C master 12 via the data transmission / reception unit 41 as necessary.

[0041] <Parameter change method> A method for changing the parameters of the Sync Mode while concurrently using the Async Mode without changing the current standard will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] First, when the I3C master 12 transmits a command "Enter Async Mode" instructing to start Async Mode, the I3C slave 13 starts Async Mode. Next, when the I3C master 12 transmits parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, the I3C slave 13 reflects the setting values ​​according to those parameters. After that, when the I3C master 12 issues a command "Sync Tick" instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode and a parameter DT, the I3C slave 13 starts Sync Mode.

[0043] When changing the parameters, the I3C master 12 transmits a command, Exit Timing Mode, which instructs the I3C slave 13 to end synchronization. In response to this, the I3C master 12 transmits a command, Enter Async Mode, again to start Async Mode after the I3C slave 13 ends both Async Mode and Sync Mode. Then, when the I3C master 12 transmits the changed parameters, TU, Tph, and ODR, the I3C slave 13 reflects the setting values ​​according to these changed parameters. Then, when the I3C master 12 issues a command, Sync Tick, and a parameter, DT, the I3C slave 13 starts Sync Mode.

[0044] In this way, under the current standard, parameters are reflected at the timing when the parameters are transmitted from the I3C master 12 to the I3C slave 13. For this reason, when changing parameters, it is necessary to end Async Mode and Sync Mode, restart Async Mode, and transmit the changed parameters.

[0045] For example, in the current standard, if the changed parameter ODR' is transmitted while the Sync Mode is maintained, a mismatch will be achieved, which may result in malfunction.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 6, the fact that parameter consistency is lost will be described by taking as an example a process of changing the set value of the parameter ODR, which sets the data output rate, from ODR=4 to ODR=9.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, when Sync Mode communication is being performed with the parameter ODR set to ODR=4, if a parameter ODR set to ODR=9 is supplied at the timing indicated by the white arrow, in the current standard it is unclear whether the set value ODR=9 should be reflected from this interval or the next interval. Therefore, if the set value of the parameter ODR is changed during Sync Mode, consistency will not be achieved at the end time of Tph, as shown at the right end of the figure.

[0048] In this way, if parameters are changed during Sync Mode, there is a possibility that, for example, consistency will not be achieved at the Tph end time, which may cause malfunctions and make it difficult to perform communication reliably.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for changing parameters in the middle of a Sync Mode to avoid such malfunctions is proposed.

[0050] A method for dynamically changing setting parameters during Sync Mode while Async Mode is also being used will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] First, the I3C master 12 transmits the command Enter Async Mode generated by the I3C command generation unit 21 to the I3C slave 13 via the data transmission / reception unit 22. In the I3C slave 13, control is performed in the time synchronization control unit 43 to synchronize the time according to the command Enter Async Mode received by the data transmission / reception unit 41, thereby starting the Async Mode.

[0052] Next, the I3C master 12 transmits the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR determined by the parameter determination unit 31 to the I3C slave 13 via the data transmission / reception unit 22. The I3C slave 13 converts (converts) the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR received by the data transmission / reception unit 41 into reference values ​​within the I3C slave 13 in the parameter conversion unit 51, and then holds the converted values ​​in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0053] Then, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generation unit 21, and the I3C slave 13 starts the Sync Mode. At this time, the I3C slave 13 determines that the parameter reflection determination unit 53 reflects the parameters in accordance with the command Sync Tick, and reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0054] Furthermore, the I3C master 12 issues the parameter DT determined by the parameter determination unit 31. The I3C slave 13 converts the parameter DT received by the data transmission / reception unit 41 into a reference value within the I3C slave 13 in the parameter conversion unit 51, and then corrects the Tph start time in the parameter correction unit 54 using the set value of the parameter DT.

[0055] Thereafter, when changing the parameters, the I3C master 12 transmits the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR determined by the parameter determination unit 31 to the I3C slave 13 via the data transmission / reception unit 22 at any timing when the bus is free. The I3C master 12 only needs to transmit the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR. The I3C slave 13 converts (converts) the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR received by the data transmission / reception unit 41 into reference values ​​within the I3C slave 13 in the parameter conversion unit 51, and then holds them in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0056] Next, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generating unit 21 and the parameter DT determined by the parameter determining unit 31. In response to this, the parameter reflection determining unit 53 of the I3C slave 13 determines that the parameters are to be reflected, and reflects the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0057] As described above, the Sync Tick command can be used as a signal to dynamically set changed parameters during Sync Mode at the timing you want the parameters to be reflected.

[0058] <Parameter change process> FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the parameter change process executed in the I3C master 12.

[0059] When the I3C master 12 uses both Async Mode and Sync Mode when starting communication with the I3C slave 13 in synchronous mode, in step S11, the I3C command generation unit 21 generates a command Enter Async Mode and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 transmits the command Enter Async Mode to the I3C slave 13. Note that the command Enter Async Mode may be transmitted after starting Sync Mode.

[0060] In step S12, the parameter determination unit 31 determines the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, and supplies them to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 transmits the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slave 13.

[0061] In step S13, the I3C command generation unit 21 generates a command Sync Tick and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22, and the parameter determination unit 31 determines a parameter DT and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 issues the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT.

[0062] Thereafter, when it becomes necessary to change the parameters, in step S14, the parameter determination unit 31 determines the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, and supplies them to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 transmits the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slave 13.

[0063] In step S15, the I3C command generation unit 21 generates a command Sync Tick and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22, and the parameter determination unit 31 determines a parameter DT and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 issues the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT.

[0064] When communication continues and the I3C master 12 ends communication in the synchronous mode with the I3C slave 13, in step S16, the I3C command generation unit 21 generates a command Exit Timing Mode and supplies it to the data transmission / reception unit 22. Then, the data transmission / reception unit 22 transmits the command Exit Timing Mode to the I3C slave 13, and then the process ends.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the parameter change process executed in the I3C slave 13.

[0066] In step S21, the data transmission / reception unit 41 receives the command Enter Async Mode transmitted from the I3C master 12 in step S11 of Fig. 8, and supplies it to the time synchronization control unit 43. Then, the time synchronization control unit 43 performs control in accordance with the command Enter Async Mode to start the Async Mode.

[0067] 8 from the I3C master 12, and supplies them to the I3C command interpretation unit 42. Then, the I3C command interpretation unit 42 holds the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0068] In step S23, the data transmitter / receiver unit 41 receives the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT issued from the I3C master 12 in step S13 of Fig. 8, and supplies them to the time synchronization control unit 43. Then, the parameter correction unit 54 corrects the Tph start time using the set value of the parameter DT, and the time synchronization control unit 43 starts Sync Mode by performing control in accordance with the command Sync Tick.

[0069] In step S24, the parameter reflection determination unit 53 determines to reflect the parameters in accordance with the command Sync Tick, and reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0070] 8 from the I3C master 12, and supplies them to the I3C command interpretation unit 42. Then, the I3C command interpretation unit 42 holds the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0071] 8 from the I3C master 12, and supplies them to the I3C command interpretation unit 42. Then, the parameter reflection determination unit 53 determines to reflect the parameters in accordance with the command Sync Tick, and reflects the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0072] Communication continues, and in step S27, the data transmitter / receiver 41 receives the command Exit Timing Mode transmitted from the I3C master 12 in step S16 of Fig. 8, and supplies it to the time synchronization control unit 43. Then, the time synchronization control unit 43 performs control in accordance with the command Exit Timing Mode, thereby ending the Async Mode and Sync Mode.

[0073] <Examples of parameter change method applications> An application example of the parameter changing method will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first application example of the changing technique for dynamically changing parameters during the Sync Mode.

[0075] For example, the process from sending the command Enter Async Mode to holding the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR is similar to that described with reference to FIG.

[0076] Thereafter, the I3C master 12 determines that the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT should be issued by the parameter transmission determination unit 32 because the Tph time has ended. In response to this determination, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generation unit 21 and the parameter DT determined by the parameter determination unit 31. In the I3C slave 13, the data transmission / reception unit 41 receives the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT, and the parameter reflection determination unit 53 determines that the changed parameters should not be reflected because the command Sync Tick is for synchronization correction at the end of the Tph time.

[0077] In the I3C slave 13, when the detection unit 45 detects an object from an image captured by the imaging unit 44, the data transmission / reception unit 41 transmits data in the IBI in Async Mode via the data processing unit 46. In the I3C master 12, the data transmission / reception unit 22 processes the data received by the data processing unit 23, and in response to the reception of the data, the parameter transmission determination unit 32 determines to issue a command Sync Tick and a parameter DT. In response to this determination, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generation unit 21 and the parameter DT determined by the parameter determination unit 31.

[0078] In response to this, the parameter reflection determination unit 53 of the I3C slave 13 determines that the parameters are to be reflected, and reflects the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0079] As described above, on the I3C bus 11, the parameters are not reflected in the Sync Tick command at the end of Tph time, but the changed parameters can be set at the timing at which you want to reflect the parameters, using the Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of Tph time as a signal.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second application example of the changing technique for dynamically changing parameters during the Sync Mode.

[0081] For example, the processes from the transmission of the command Enter Async Mode to the reflection of the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR are similar to those described with reference to FIG.

[0082] Thereafter, the I3C master 12 determines that the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT should be issued by the parameter transmission determination unit 32 because the Tph time has ended. In response to this determination, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generation unit 21 and the parameter DT determined by the parameter determination unit 31. In the I3C slave 13, the data transmission / reception unit 41 receives the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT, and the parameter reflection determination unit 53 determines that the changed parameters should not be reflected because the command Sync Tick is for synchronization correction at the end of the Tph time.

[0083] In the I3C slave 13, when the detection unit 45 detects an object from an image captured by the imaging unit 44, the data transmitter / receiver 41 transmits data in IBI in Async Mode via the data processing unit 46. In the I3C master 12, the data received by the data transmitter / receiver 22 is processed by the data processing unit 23, and in response to receiving the data, the parameter transmission determination unit 32 determines to transmit the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, and to issue the command Sync Tick and parameter DT.

[0084] In response to this determination, the I3C master 12 transmits the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR determined by the parameter determination unit 31 to the I3C slave 13 via the data transmission / reception unit 22. The I3C slave 13 converts (converts) the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR received by the data transmission / reception unit 41 into reference values ​​within the I3C slave 13 in the parameter conversion unit 51, and then holds the converted values ​​in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0085] Next, the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick generated by the I3C command generating unit 21 and the parameter DT determined by the parameter determining unit 31. In response to this, the parameter reflection determining unit 53 of the I3C slave 13 determines that the parameters are to be reflected, and reflects the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR held in the parameter holding unit 52.

[0086] As described above, on the I3C bus 11, the parameters are not reflected in the Sync Tick command at the end of Tph time, but the changed parameters can be set at the timing at which you want to reflect the parameters, using the Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of Tph time as a signal.

[0087] A method of dynamically changing parameters for a plurality of I3C slaves 13 during the Sync Mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0088] 12 and 13 show an example in which the I3C master 12 changes parameters for two I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2.

[0089] First, the I3C master 12 transmits to the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 a command Enter Async Mode generated by the I3C command generating unit 21. The I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 start the Async Mode in accordance with the command Enter Async Mode.

[0090] Next, the I3C master 12 transmits the parameters TU and Tph to the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2. The I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 convert (convert) the parameters TU and Tph to their internal reference values ​​and hold them.

[0091] Next, the I3C master 12 transmits the parameter ODR1 to the I3C slave 13-1 and transmits the parameter ODR2 to the I3C slave 13-2. The I3C slave 13-1 converts (converts) the parameter ODR1 to an internal reference value and holds it, and the I3C slave 13-2 converts (converts) the parameter ODR2 to an internal reference value and holds it.

[0092] When the I3C master 12 issues a command Sync Tick and a parameter DT, the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 start Sync Mode. At this time, the I3C slave 13-1 reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR1, and the I3C slave 13-2 reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR2.

[0093] Thereafter, for example, the I3C master 12 can set the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR2 in advance and store them in the I3C slave 13-2. Then, when data is transmitted from the I3C slave 13-2 via IBI, the I3C master 12 can issue a Sync Tick command and a DT parameter to reflect the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR2 that were set in advance.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, when data is transmitted from the I3C slave 13-1 via IBI, the I3C master 12 can transmit the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR1 at any timing and issue the command Sync Tick and parameter DT to reflect the changes.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the data transmitted by the I3C slave 13-2 via the IBI can include information on which I3C slave 13 should be set with which parameters. For example, when the I3C slave 13-2 transmits data via the IBI including information on the request to set parameters common to the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2, the I3C master 12 transmits the common changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2. In response to this, the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 convert (convert) the common changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to their internal reference values ​​and hold them. Then, when the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT, the I3C slaves 13-1 and 13-2 reflect the common changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR.

[0096] Here, in the above-described embodiment, the processing in combination with Async Mode has been described, but the present technology does not require the use of Async Mode in combination, and can be applied to Sync Mode without the use of Async Mode in combination.

[0097] For example, FIG. 14 shows an example of a method for dynamically changing setting parameters during Sync Mode by applying this technology without concurrently using Async Mode.

[0098] For example, when the I3C master 12 transmits the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR, the I3C slave 13 holds the setting values ​​according to those parameters. After that, when the I3C master 12 issues a command Sync Tick instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode and a parameter DT, the I3C slave 13 starts Sync Mode and reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR.

[0099] When changing the parameters, the I3C master 12 transmits the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR to the I3C slave 13. The I3C master 12 only needs to transmit the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR. In response, the I3C slave 13 holds the changed parameters TU, Tph, and ODR. After that, when the I3C master 12 issues the command Sync Tick and the parameter DT, the I3C slave 13 reflects the parameters TU, Tph, and ODR.

[0100] In addition, in the method described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the I3C slave 13 does not reflect the changed parameters when it receives the Sync Tick command for synchronization correction at the end of the Tph time, but the present invention is not limited to such a method.

[0101] That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the I3C slave 13 may reflect the changed parameters in a Sync Tick command for synchronization correction at the end of the Tph time.

[0102] <Time unit definition> Next, the definition of a time unit will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0103] The I3C bus 11 shown in FIG. 1 described above is used for communication in a system having a plurality of sensor devices as shown in FIG. 16, for example.

[0104] A system 71 shown in FIG. 16 is configured by connecting a host 72 having an I3C master 12 to a sensor device 73-1 having an I3C slave 13-1 and a sensor device 73-2 having an I3C slave 13-2.

[0105] The host 72 includes an information processing section 81 formed of, for example, firmware or an application in addition to the I3C master 12 , and the I3C master 12 includes a time unit encoder 82 and an I3C controller 83 .

[0106] The sensor device 73-1 includes a sensor unit 91-1 such as a temperature sensor in addition to the I3C slave 13-1, and the I3C slave 13-1 includes an I3C controller 92-1, a time unit decoder 93-1, a sensing processing unit 94-1, and a timer 95-1. Similarly, the sensor device 73-2 includes a sensor unit 91-2 such as an image sensor in addition to the I3C slave 13-2, and the I3C slave 13-2 includes an I3C controller 92-2, a time unit decoder 93-2, a sensing processing unit 94-2, and a timer 95-2.

[0107] In the system 71, a time unit required for obtaining sensing interval information, time difference correction information, and the like is defined / standardized in order to synchronize sensing with the multiple sensor devices 73. For example, the time unit can be a time unit table in which a conversion rule is defined that associates a parameter TU with a unit time Unit.

[0108] That is, a time unit encode table for obtaining a parameter TU from a unit time Unit is preset in the time unit encoder 82 of the I3C master 12 of the host 72. Also, a time unit decode table for obtaining a unit time Unit from a parameter TU is preset in the time unit decoder 93 of the I3C slave 13 of the sensor device 73.

[0109] For example, in the host 72, when sensing interval information is supplied from the information processing unit 81 to the I3C master 12, the time unit encoder 82 obtains a parameter TU from the unit time Unit indicated in the sensing interval information. Then, the parameter TU is transmitted to the sensor devices 73-1 and 73-2 via the I3C controller 83.

[0110] In the sensor device 73-1, the parameter TU is supplied to the time unit decoder 93-1 via the I3C slave 13-1, and the time unit decoder 93-1 obtains the unit time Unit from the parameter TU and supplies it to the sensing processing unit 94-1. The sensing processing unit 94-1 performs processing required for sensing in the sensor device 73-1 and sets the unit time Unit in the timer 95-1. Therefore, the timer 95-1 can convert the delay time into an appropriate parameter based on the unit time Unit, for example. As a result, the timer 95-1 can supply a sensing trigger to the sensor unit 91-1 at a timing determined by the appropriate parameter to perform sensing. Also, in the sensor device 73-2, the same processing as in the sensor device 73-1 is performed.

[0111] In this case, the system 71 can perform time calculations on a consistent scale, for example, across multiple different vendors and multiple different devices, by using a standardized time unit encoding table and a standardized time unit decoding table. In this way, compliance with the standard avoids the need for prior agreement between devices, which can reduce business costs, for example.

[0112] Furthermore, many sensor devices 73 can be equipped with the time unit decoder 93 in hardware, which allows easy deployment to different systems / sets. The host 72 can distribute, for example, parameter commands set in Sync Mode to each sensor device 73 in a batch by broadcast, thereby reducing the load. The host 72 can set parameters in a batch for all sensor devices 73 by sending at least one broadcast command, without having to send commands according to the number of sensor devices 73.

[0113] FIG. 17 shows various timings in the Sync Mode operation of the system 71.

[0114] For example, the delay time shown in Fig. 17 is the period from the timing when the information processing unit 81 of the host 72 issues a "start" command to the timing when the physical layer of the I3C master 12 issues a Start Condition, and can be specified using the parameter TU. As described below, Figs. 18 to 23 are examples of time unit tables in which the parameter TU for the delay time is defined.

[0115] FIG. 18 shows an example of a time unit table that combines a table that allows a wide range of time settings with a table that ensures a certain degree of granularity, and is defined so that a selection can be made according to the characteristics of the system.

[0116] For example, in the time unit table of FIG. 18, when the 7th bit of the parameter TU is 1'b0, the unit time Unit is 10 (TU-1) When the 7th bit of the parameter TU is 1'b1, the unit time Unit is defined as the most significant Inc [ns]. For example, in this time unit table, when the parameter TU is set to 8'h03 and the parameter DT is 8'h92, the delay time can be calculated as 9.2 [μs] (= 8'h92 x 100ns).

[0117] 19 and 20 show time unit tables in which the delay time is defined by the parameter TU so that a narrow range of time setting (fine setting of the delay time) is possible.

[0118] For example, in the time unit table of Fig. 19, the unit time Unit is defined as TU [ns]. Alternatively, the unit time Unit may be defined as TU [µs].

[0119] 20, the unit time Unit is defined as 2×TU [ns]. Alternatively, the unit time Unit may be defined as 2×TU [μs].

[0120] 21 and 22 show time unit tables in which the delay time is defined by the parameter TU so that a wide range of time settings (coarse setting of the delay time) is possible.

[0121] For example, in the time unit table in Figure 21, the unit time is 2 (TU-1) Therefore, this time unit table can express a maximum of 1 [s] with 0x18.

[0122] In addition, in the time unit table in Figure 22, the unit time is 10 (TU-1) Therefore, this time unit table can express a maximum of 1 [s] with 0x08.

[0123] FIG. 23 shows a time unit table in which the unit time Unit is defined as the highest level Inc [ns].

[0124] Moreover, the sequence repetition period shown in FIG. 17 is a period during which a sequence is repeated in Sync Mode operation, and can be specified using the parameter Tph.

[0125] FIG. 24 shows an example of a time unit table in which the parameter Tph in the Sync Mode operation is defined.

[0126] In the time unit table of Figure 24, the parameter Tph is 8'h01, which is defined as 5 [ns], which theoretically cannot be set shorter than this, and the parameter Tph is 8'h33, which is defined as 1 [s], which is referred to as "general" in the standard.

[0127] By defining the time unit by the above-mentioned time unit table, the system 71 can standardize the changes of the parameters TU and Tph, and can enable connections between various sensor devices 73. This allows the system 71 to reduce the number of times that the parameters TU and Tph are transmitted, for example.

[0128] <Computer configuration example> Next, the above-mentioned series of processes (communication method) can be performed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is performed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a general-purpose computer or the like.

[0129] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a computer in which a program for executing the series of processes described above is installed.

[0130] The program can be recorded in advance on the hard disk 105 or the ROM 103 as a recording medium built into the computer.

[0131] Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium 111 driven by the drive 109. Such a removable recording medium 111 can be provided as a so-called package software. Here, examples of the removable recording medium 111 include a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.

[0132] The program can be installed in the computer from the removable recording medium 111 as described above, or can be downloaded to the computer via a communication network or a broadcasting network and installed in the built-in hard disk 105. That is, the program can be transferred to the computer wirelessly from a download site via an artificial satellite for digital satellite broadcasting, or transferred to the computer by wire via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0133] The computer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 , to which an input / output interface 110 is connected via a bus 101 .

[0134] When a command is input by a user operating an input unit 107 via an input / output interface 110, the CPU 102 executes a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 in accordance with the command. Alternatively, the CPU 102 loads a program stored in a hard disk 105 into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 and executes the program.

[0135] As a result, CPU 102 performs processing according to the above-mentioned flowchart or processing performed by the configuration of the above-mentioned block diagram. CPU 102 then outputs the processing result from output unit 106 via input / output interface 110, transmits the result from communication unit 108, and further records the result on hard disk 105, as necessary.

[0136] The input unit 107 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 106 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a speaker, etc.

[0137] Here, in this specification, the processing performed by a computer according to a program does not necessarily have to be performed in chronological order according to the order described in the flowchart. In other words, the processing performed by a computer according to a program also includes processing executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by objects).

[0138] The program may be processed by one computer (processor), or may be distributed among multiple computers. Furthermore, the program may be transferred to a remote computer for execution.

[0139] Furthermore, in this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

[0140] Also, for example, the configuration described above as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as multiple devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as multiple devices (or processing units) may be combined and configured as one device (or processing unit). Also, it is of course possible to add configurations other than those described above to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Furthermore, as long as the configuration and operation of the system as a whole are substantially the same, part of the configuration of one device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit).

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the present technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, the above-mentioned program can be executed in any device, as long as the device has the necessary functions (functional blocks, etc.) and can obtain the necessary information.

[0143] Also, for example, each step described in the above flow chart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the one step can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. In other words, multiple processes included in one step can be executed as multiple step processes. Conversely, processes described as multiple steps can be executed collectively as one step.

[0144] In addition, the processing of the steps of the program executed by the computer may be executed in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be executed in parallel, or individually at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. In other words, the processing of each step may be executed in an order different from the order described above, as long as no contradiction occurs. Furthermore, the processing of the steps of the program may be executed in parallel with the processing of another program, or may be executed in combination with the processing of another program.

[0145] In addition, the present technologies described in this specification can be implemented independently and individually, as long as there is no contradiction. Of course, any of the present technologies can be implemented in combination. For example, a part or all of the present technology described in any of the embodiments can be implemented in combination with a part or all of the present technology described in another embodiment. In addition, any of the present technologies described above can be implemented in combination with other technologies not described above.

[0146] <Examples of configuration combinations> The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a parameter transmission unit that transmits changed parameters to a communication device on a partner side that communicates subordinately with the communication device during communication in a synchronous mode; a command transmission unit that instructs the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; A communication device comprising: (2) The parameter transmission unit transmits the changed parameters at any timing when a bus for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the communication device on the other side is free. A communication device as described in (1) above. (3) The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command following the transmission of the changed parameters. A communication device according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command in response to data transmission from the communication device on the other side. A communication device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) the parameter transmission unit transmits the changed parameters in response to data transmission from the communication device on the other side; The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command following the transmission of the changed parameters. A communication device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) A conversion rule required to obtain the parameters from a predetermined unit time used in communication is defined, and a time unit encoder for obtaining the parameters is used. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, further comprising: (7) A delay time is calculated in the communication device of the other party from the parameters. The communication device according to (6) above. (8) A sequence repetition period is determined in the other communication device from the parameters. A communication device according to (6) or (7) above. (9) A communication device transmitting the changed parameters to the other communication device during communication with the other communication device in Sync Mode; instructing the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; A communication method including: (10) A computer of a communication device that performs communication, transmitting the changed parameters to the other communication device during communication with the other communication device in the synchronous mode; instructing the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; A program for executing a process including the above. (11) a parameter storage unit that stores changed parameters received during communication in a synchronous mode with a communication device on the other side that has control of the communication; a parameter reflection determination unit that determines to reflect the changed parameters at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device on the other side; A communication device comprising: (12) A conversion rule required for obtaining a predetermined unit time used in communication from the parameters is defined, and a time unit decoder for obtaining the unit time is provided. The communication device according to (11) above, further comprising: (13) The time unit decoder determines a delay time from the parameters. The communication device according to (12) above. (14) The time unit decoder determines a sequence repetition period from the parameters. A communication device according to (12) and (13) above. (15) A communication device holding the changed parameters received during communication in synchronous mode with the other communication device having the initiative in communication; determining that the changed parameters should be reflected at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device of the other party; A communication method including: (16) A computer of a communication device that performs communication, holding the changed parameters received during communication in a synchronous mode with the other communication device having the initiative in communication; determining that the changed parameters should be reflected at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device of the other party; A program for executing a process including the above.

[0147] In addition, the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 11 I3C bus, 12 I3C master, 13 I3C slave, 14 data signal line, 15 clock signal line, 21 I3C command generation unit, 22 data transmission / reception unit, 23 data processing unit, 31 parameter determination unit, 32 parameter transmission judgment unit, 41 data transmission / reception unit, 42 I3C command interpretation unit, 43 time synchronization control unit, 44 imaging unit, 45 detection unit, 46 data processing unit, 51 parameter conversion unit, 52 parameter storage unit, 53 parameter reflection judgment unit, 54 parameter correction unit

Claims

1. a parameter transmission unit that transmits changed parameters to a communication device on a partner side that communicates subordinately with the communication device during communication in a synchronous mode; a command transmission unit that instructs the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; Equipped with As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. Communications equipment.

2. The parameter transmission unit transmits the changed parameters at any timing when a bus for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the communication device on the other side is free. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command following the transmission of the changed parameters. The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command in response to data transmission from the communication device on the other side. The communication device according to claim 1 .

5. the parameter transmission unit transmits the changed parameters in response to data transmission from the communication device on the other side; The command transmission unit transmits the predetermined command following the transmission of the changed parameters. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. A conversion rule required to obtain the parameters from a predetermined unit time used in communication is defined, and a time unit encoder for obtaining the parameters is used. The communication device of claim 1 further comprising:

7. A delay time is calculated in the communication device of the other party from the parameters. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. A sequence repetition period is determined in the other communication device from the parameters. The communication device according to claim 6.

9. A communication device transmitting the changed parameters to the other communication device during communication with the other communication device in Sync Mode; instructing the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; Including, As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. Communication methods.

10. A computer of a communication device that performs communication, transmitting the changed parameters to the other communication device during communication with the other communication device in the synchronous mode; instructing the timing for reflecting the changed parameters in the communication device of the other party by transmitting a predetermined command; Including, As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. A program for executing a process.

11. a parameter storage unit that stores changed parameters received during communication in a synchronous mode with a communication device on the other side that has control of the communication; a parameter reflection determination unit that determines to reflect the changed parameters at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device on the other side; Equipped with As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. Communications equipment.

12. A conversion rule required for obtaining a predetermined unit time used in communication from the parameters is defined, and a time unit decoder for obtaining the unit time is provided. The communication device of claim 11 further comprising:

13. The time unit decoder determines a delay time from the parameters.

13. The communication device of claim 12.

14. The time unit decoder determines a sequence repetition period from the parameters.

13. The communication device of claim 12.

15. A communication device holding the changed parameters received during communication in synchronous mode with the other communication device having the initiative in communication; determining that the changed parameters should be reflected at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device of the other party; Including, As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. Communication methods.

16. A computer of a communication device that performs communication, holding the changed parameters received during communication in synchronous mode with the other communication device having the initiative in communication; determining that the changed parameters should be reflected at a timing when a predetermined command is transmitted from the communication device of the other party; Including, As the predetermined command, a Sync Tick command instructing to start synchronization in Sync Mode, which is a Sync Tick command at any time other than the end of the ph time, is used. A program for executing a process.

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