Slave computer, connector, slave computer assembly and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a slave computer, a connector, a slave computer assembly, and a communication system. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a slave computer for connecting a device to a host computer includes a USB port having pins 1 to 5, a power switch connected to the first and fourth pins, an RS232 module configured to convert the levels of signals sent to and received from the device based on the RS232 standard, a resistor connected between the fourth and fifth pins, and a power supply having a positive terminal, the positive terminal being connected to the first pin, the RS232 module being connected to the first pin via the power switch, and the power switch being configured to open a conductive path between the positive terminal and the RS232 module in response to the potential at the fourth pin being high.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to China Patent Application No. 201922012404.3, entitled "lower computer, connector, lower computer component and communication system," filed with the China Patent Office on November 20, 2019, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to monitoring devices, and more particularly to slave computers, connectors, slave computer assemblies, and communication systems. [Background technology]

[0003] In the field of device control, it is common to use computers to control, monitor and maintain devices. Generally, a general-purpose computer cannot directly communicate with a device; instead, the computer is configured as a host computer to implement communication between the device and the host computer via a slave computer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A brief summary of the disclosure is provided below in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosure. The following summary is not intended to define key or critical portions of the disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0005] A host computer generally has various common ports and is installed with various application software for different uses. The input / output signals of a device meet certain specifications. Therefore, it is redundant to provide a connection device between the device and the host computer to implement the communication between the device and the host computer. It is desirable to provide a suitable connection method, in which the host computer and the slave computer are connected safely and efficiently to communicate with each other with high reliability and save energy.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a slave computer for connecting a device and a host computer, the slave computer comprising: a USB port having a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, a fourth pin, and a fifth pin; a power switch connected to the first pin and the fourth pin; an RS232 module configured to perform conversion on levels of signals sent to the device and signals received from the device based on the RS232 standard; a resistor connected between the fourth pin and the fifth pin; and a power source having a positive terminal, the positive terminal being connected to the first pin, the RS232 module being connected to the first pin via the power switch, and the power switch being configured to turn on a conductive path between the positive terminal and the RS232 module in response to a level at the fourth pin being high.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector for connecting a host computer and a slave computer, the connector comprising a first port for connecting the slave computer and a second port for connecting the host computer, the first port being a USB port having a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, a fourth pin, and a fifth pin, the first pin being short-connected to the fourth pin.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a slave computer assembly for connecting a device and a host computer, the slave computer assembly comprising: a slave computer as described above; and a connector as described above, wherein the USB port of the slave computer and the first port of the connector are constructed to be removably electrically connected to one another.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system comprising a device, a slave computer assembly as described above, and a host computer, the slave computer assembly being constructed such that the device is connectable to the host computer via the slave computer assembly for effecting communication between the host computer and the device.

[0010] The technical solution according to the present disclosure has at least one of the following advantageous technical effects: saving electrical energy, having a compact structure, being safe, and providing reliable communication between the device and the host computer.

[0011] It should be noted that the effects described herein are not necessarily limited, and any effect described in this disclosure is possible.

[0012] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which it should be appreciated are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a slave computer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a connection state of a connector with a slave computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a slave computer assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, this specification does not describe all the features of an actual embodiment. However, it should be understood that in the development of any such actual embodiment, many embodiment-specific decisions can be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, and these decisions may vary as the embodiment differs.

[0015] In addition, it should be noted that in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary details, only device structures closely related to the solutions according to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, and other details not closely related to the present disclosure are omitted.

[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a slave computer that connects a device and a host computer. The device is, for example, a drug infusion pump or a nutrient pump. The host computer can be a computer with various software installed. The software is, for example, a commercial software for use by a hospital or a maintenance software for use by a maintainer. The commercial software can be used for controlling and monitoring the operation status of the device, etc. The maintenance software can be used by the maintainer to maintain the device, for example, to change the default parameters of the device or to debug the device. The slave computer includes a USB port, a power switch, an RS232 module, and a power supply. An exemplary description of the slave computer is given below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0017] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a slave computer 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slave computer 100 includes a USB port 101, a power switch 103, an RS232 module 105, a resistor R, and a power supply. The USB port 101 has a first pin P1, a second pin P2, a third pin P3, a fourth pin P4, and a fifth pin P5. The power switch 103 is connected to the first pin P1 and the fourth pin P4. The RS232 module is constructed to perform conversion on the levels of signals sent to and received from a device (not shown) based on the RS232 standard, thereby allowing the slave computer to communicate with the device. For example, the function of the RS232 module may include performing mutual conversion between TTL (logic gate circuit) level and RS232 level, such as converting a signal having a TTL level from a device to a signal having an RS232 level and sending the signal after conversion, and converting a signal having a received RS232 level to a signal having a TTL level and sending it to a device. The resistor R serves as a pull-down resistor. The body of the power supply is not shown in the figure, and only the positive terminal T+ of the power supply is shown. For example, the positive terminal T+ can provide a voltage of 5V. As shown in FIG. 1, the positive terminal T+ is connected to the first pin P1, the fourth pin P4 is connected to the fifth pin P5 through the resistor R, and the RS232 module 105 is connected to the first pin P1 through the power switch 103, and the power switch 103 is constructed such that in response to the level at the fourth pin P4 being a high level, the power switch 103 turns on the conductive path between the positive terminal T+ and the RS232 module 105.That is, the fourth pin P4 provides an enable signal for the power switch 103 to switch the state of the power switch, and when the level at the fourth pin P4 is high, the power switch is turned on to provide power to the RS232 module 105, thereby causing the RS232 module 105 to be activated, and when the level at the fourth pin P4 is low, the power switch 103 is turned off, thereby causing the RS232 module 105 to enter a non-operational state due to lack of power. The power switch 103 can include a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOS transistor) used as a control switch.

[0018] The USB port of the slave computer 100 can be various types of USB ports. In order to make the slave computer small or have a compact structure, the USB port can be a mini USB port.

[0019] The fifth pin P5 can be a ground (GND) pin, and the second pin P2 and the third pin P3 can be data transmission pins (PX, TX), i.e., the second pin P2 and the third pin P3 can be used to connect with corresponding pins of the RS232 module 105 to transfer data signals.

[0020] Through the above configuration, the level at the fourth pin P4 can be used to conveniently control the supply of power to the RS232 module. When no communication is required, the level at the fourth pin can be simply set to a low level (e.g., zero level), and the supply of power to the RS232 module can be stopped, resulting in power saving.

[0021] It should be noted that while FIG. 1 shows an exemplary specific relative positional relationship between the first through fifth pins, the pin arrangement of the USB port of a slave computer according to the present disclosure is not limited to such specific positional relationship, and the respective pins may also be arranged in accordance with other types of standard USB ports.

[0022] Considering that it is necessary to use a matching connector when a slave computer communicates with a host computer, the present disclosure further provides such a matching connector. Considering that such a connector and a slave computer according to the present disclosure support each other in terms of function and structure, such a connector and a slave computer according to the present disclosure can be considered as involving the same concept and having corresponding technical features as described below. An exemplary description of a connector according to the present disclosure is given below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a connector 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector 200 is used to connect a slave computer and a host computer. The connector 200 includes a first port 201 and a second port 203. The first port 201 is used to connect a slave computer. The second port 203 is used to connect a host computer. The first port 201 can be a USB port, which has a first pin P1', a second pin P2', a third pin P3', a fourth pin P4', and a fifth pin P5'. As shown by the dashed oval in FIG. 2, unlike a conventional USB port, the first pin P1' of the first port 201 is short-connected to the fourth pin P4' for use in cooperation with a slave computer according to the present disclosure. To implement communication between the host computer and the device, there is a cable that transmits signals between the first port 201 and the second port 203. Thus, the USB port serving as the first port in connector 200 is a customized USB port, but not a conventional USB port.

[0024] It should be noted that while FIG. 2 shows an exemplary specific relative positional relationship between the first through fifth pins, the pin arrangement of the USB port of a connector according to the present disclosure is not limited to such specific positional relationship, and the respective pins may also be arranged in accordance with other types of standard USB ports.

[0025] 3 is a schematic block diagram of the connection state of the connector 200 with the slave computer 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and for clarity, the state shown is only the state where the respective pins are partially in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 3, after the first port 201 of the connector 200 is connected with the USB port 101 of the slave computer 100 through the short-circuit connection arrangement in the connector 200, the first pin P1 in the USB port 101 of the slave computer 100 is short-circuited with the fourth pin P4, the fourth pin P4 is connected with the positive terminal T+, the level of the fourth pin P4 is at a high level, and the power switch 103 turns on the conductive path between the positive terminal T+ and the RS232 module 105 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 3, the power switch 103 is in the ON state), providing the power required for the operation of the RS232 module 105 to implement communication between the device and the slave computer. When no communication is required between the device and the host computer, the first port 201 can be removed from the slave computer, the fourth pin P4 is in an electrically disconnected state with the first pin P1, and the level of the fourth pin P4 is at a low level, which causes the power switch 103 to be in a disconnected state (as shown in FIG. 1), and the positive terminal T+ can no longer supply power to the RS232 module. Thus, a proper electrical energy control is implemented.

[0026] 3, the USB port 101 and the first port 201 are adapted to each other in terms of structure to implement an electrical connection in a plug-in manner. For example, in an electrical connection state, the USB port 101 serves as a socket, and the first port 201 serves as a plug.

[0027] Depending on the requirements of the communication port of the connected host computer, a connector according to the present disclosure can be constructed to transmit signals that meet the RS232 standard without conversion of the signals. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a connector 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 400 includes a first port 201 and a DB9 port 403. That is, the DB9 port 403 is used to play the role of the second port in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a cable connection exists between the first port 201 and the DB9 port 403. The cable transmits a signal that meets the RS232 standard. The DB9 port 403 can be connected to an RS232 port of a host computer. The host computer can be a computer installed with commercially available software for use by hospitals. As an example, three wires can be used to select three pins (e.g., pin 2, pin 3, and pin 5) of the DB9 port 403 to be connected to the second pin P2', the third pin P3', and the fifth pin P5' of the first port 201, respectively, and the two wires connecting the second pin P2' and the third pin P3' are constructed as a twisted pair.

[0029] According to the requirements of the communication port of the connected host computer, the connector according to the present disclosure can transmit a signal conforming to the RS232 standard, in which case, in order to ensure the safety of the host computer, it is necessary to perform conversion to the signal conforming to the RS232 standard from the slave computer. Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a connector 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 500 includes a first port 201, a USB A type port 503, and a converter 505 between the first port 201 and the USB A type port 503. The converter 505 is used to convert between a signal conforming to the RS232 standard and a signal conforming to the USB standard. The power required for the operation of the converter 505 can come from the positive terminal T+ in FIG. 1. The USB A type port 503 has a first pin P1'', a second pin P2'', a third pin P3'', and a fourth pin P4''. The host computer can be a computer installed with software for maintaining the device. The USB A type port 503 is a conventional USB A type port to facilitate connection with a USB port in a general-purpose computer. The selection of such a USB A type port 503 is advantageous for reducing costs and ensuring the generality of the connector.

[0031] That is, the connector 200 in FIG. 2 may be embodied as the connector 400 in FIG. 4 or the connector 500 in FIG.

[0032] The present disclosure also relates to a slave computer assembly for connecting a device and a host computer. In the following an exemplary description of a slave computer assembly according to the present disclosure is given with reference to FIG.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a slave computer assembly 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the slave computer assembly 600 includes a slave 100 and a connector 200. The USB port 101 of the slave computer 100 and the first port 201 of the connector 200 are constructed to be removably electrically connected to each other. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the slave computer 100 and the connector 200 are not electrically connected. When the USB port 101 and the first port 201 are connected, the first pins P1 and P1' contact each other, the second pins P2 and P2' contact each other, the third pins P3 and P3' contact each other, the fourth pins P4 and P4' contact each other, and the fifth pins P5 and P5' contact each other.

[0034] The overall arrangement of the communication connection according to the present disclosure is exemplarily described with reference to the following drawings. The overall arrangement forms a communication system including a device, a slave computer assembly, and a slave computer, and the slave computer assembly is constructed such that the device can be connected to a host computer via the slave computer assembly to perform communication between the host computer and the device. Through communication, the host computer can perform monitoring and control of the slave computer.

[0035] 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication system includes a device 910, a slave computer 100, a connector 400, and a host computer 920, where the slave computer 100 and the connector 400 form a slave computer assembly. The slave computer 100 is constructed so that the device 910 can be connected to the slave computer 100 so that the device 910 communicates with the slave computer 100 according to the RS232 standard. For example, the start bit, data bit, and stop bit(s) of the signal output from the device 910 meets the RS232 standard, the level of the signal is a TTL level, and after the signal is processed by the RS232 module of the slave computer, the level of the signal becomes the RS232 level. For example, the TTL level is a logic level within 5V, where a level above 2.0V represents "1" and a level below 0.8V represents "0", and for the RS232 level, a level between -3V and -15V represents "1" and a level between 3V and 15V represents "0". The slave computer 100 is connected to the connector 400 to transmit signals to each other according to the RS232 standard, and the USB port 101 and the first port 201 are constructed to be in contact with each other for electrical connection. The connector 400 is connected to the host computer 920 to transmit signals to each other according to the RS232 standard, and the DB9 port of the connector 400 and the DB9 port 921 of the host computer 920 are constructed to be in contact with each other for electrical connection. As shown in FIG. 7, the DB9 port 921 of the host computer transmits signals meeting the RS232 standard. Thus, the slave computer assembly is constructed such that the device 910 can be connected to the host computer 920 via the slave computer assembly in order to effect communication between the host computer 920 and the device 910. Through communication, monitoring and control of the slave computer 910 can be effected by the host computer 920.

[0036] 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication system 80 includes a device 910, a slave computer 100, a connector 500, and a host computer 930, where the slave computer 100 and the connector 500 form a slave computer assembly. The slave computer assembly is constructed such that the device 910 can be connected to the slave computer 100 so that they communicate with each other based on the RS232 standard. For example, the start bit, data bit, and stop bit(s) of the signal output from the device 910 meet the RS232 standard, the level of the signal is a TTL level, and after the signal is processed by the RS232 module of the slave computer, the level of the signal becomes the RS232 level. For example, the TTL level is a logic level within 5V, where a level above 2.0V represents "1" and a level below 0.8V represents "0", and for the RS232 level, a level between -3V and -15V represents "1" and a level between 3V and 15V represents "0". The slave computer 100 is connected to the connector 500 to transmit signals to each other according to the RS232 standard, and the USB port 101 and the first port 201 are constructed so as to be in contact with each other for electrical connection. The connector 500 is connectable to the host computer 930 through the converter 505 and the USB A type port 503, and they communicate with each other according to the USB standard. The USB A type port 503 of the connector 500 and the USB A type port 931 of the host computer 930 are constructed so as to be in contact with each other for electrical connection. The USB A type port 931 has a first pin p1'', a second pin p2'', a third pin p3'', and a fourth pin p4''. As shown in FIG. 8, the USB A type port 931 of the host computer 930 transmits a signal that meets the USB standard. Thus, the slave computer assembly is constructed such that the device 910 is connectable to the host computer 930 via the slave computer assembly to implement communication between the host computer 930 and the device 910.Through communication, monitoring and control of the slave computer 910 can be performed by the host computer 930.

[0037] Even if the slave computer according to the present disclosure is mistakenly inserted into a conventional USB connection line, there is no danger to the host computer, i.e., the host computer is safe. This is because when the slave computer is connected to a conventional USB connection line, the level of the fourth pin of the USB port of the slave computer is low, so the power switch is in a disconnected state, so that the RS232 module does not work, and no signal that meets the RS232 standard is sent to the host computer. In this case, the slave computer will not consume electrical energy due to incorrect operation.

[0038] Additionally, when a slave computer does not need to communicate with a host computer (e.g., the slave computer is used only to provide power), the slave computer can still be used without the need to insert a connector according to the present disclosure into the slave computer. Thus, the functionality of a slave computer according to the present disclosure is not reduced or weakened due to customization.

[0039] As indicated above, the inventors have effectively reshaped conventional slave computers and connectors to obtain slave computers and connectors according to the present disclosure, which can be used in cooperation to implement reliable, secure and efficient communications between devices and a host computer while allowing for reasonable savings in electrical energy.

[0040] It is to be understood that different embodiments or features described herein can be combined where feasible, unless otherwise indicated.

[0041] It should be emphasized that as used in this specification, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of a feature, element or assembly without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements or assemblies.

[0042] Although the present disclosure has been disclosed above by describing the detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications, improvements or equivalents of the present disclosure within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Such modifications, improvements or equivalents should also be considered to be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A slave computer connecting a device and a host computer, a USB port having a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, a fourth pin, and a fifth pin; a power switch connected to the first pin and the fourth pin; an RS232 module configured to perform conversion on the level of signals sent to and received from the device in accordance with the RS232 standard; a resistor connected between the fourth pin and the fifth pin; a power supply having a positive terminal; Equipped with the positive terminal is connected to the first pin; the RS232 module is connected to the first pin via the power switch; The power switch is constructed such that in response to the level at the fourth pin being high, the power switch turns on a conductive path between the positive terminal and the RS232 module.

2. 2. The slave computer of claim 1, wherein the USB port is a mini USB port.

3. 2. The slave computer of claim 1, wherein the fifth pin is a ground pin.

4. 2. The slave computer of claim 1, wherein the second pin and the third pin are respectively connected to corresponding pins of the RS232 module to transfer data signals.

5. A connector for connecting a host computer and a slave computer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a first port for connecting the slave computer; a second port for connecting the host computer; Equipped with the first port is a USB port; the USB port has a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, a fourth pin, and a fifth pin; A connector, wherein the first pin is short-circuited to the fourth pin.

6. 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the USB port is a mini USB port.

7. The connector of claim 5 , wherein the second port is a DB9 port.

8. 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the second port is a USB A type port.

9. a transducer disposed between the first port and the second port; 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the converter is constructed for use in performing conversion between signals that comply with the RS232 standard and signals that comply with the USB standard.

10. A slave computer assembly for connecting a device and a host computer, comprising: A slave computer according to claim 1; A connector according to any one of claims 6 to 9, Equipped with a slave computer assembly, wherein the USB port of the slave computer and the first port of the connector are constructed to be removably electrically connected to one another.

11. 1. A communication system comprising: A device, A slave computer assembly according to claim 10; A host computer; Equipped with A communication system, wherein the slave computer assembly is constructed such that the device is connectable to the host computer via the slave computer assembly for effecting communication between the host computer and the device.

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