Electronic device, relay device, control method, and program

By employing a relay device and a controller for CC communication, devices with non-compliant USB interfaces can perform USB communication with devices that have compliant USB Type-C interfaces, addressing the gap in existing technologies.

JP7693431B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-17CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021118960
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-07-19
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies do not provide a configuration and method for devices with interfaces that do not conform to the USB Type-C standard to perform USB communication with devices that have interfaces conforming to the USB Type-C standard.

Method used

An electronic device with an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard, coupled with a relay device that connects to both the non-compliant and compliant devices, enables USB communication by using a controller for CC communication and conversion means to manage VBUS voltage and signals.

Benefits of technology

This solution allows devices with non-compliant USB interfaces to perform USB communication with devices that have compliant USB Type-C interfaces, effectively bridging the communication gap between different standard devices.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To enable an apparatus having an interface that is not compliant with the USB Type-C standard to perform USB communication with a device having an interface that is compliant with the USB Type-C standard.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus functions as a first device and is connectable to a second device by relaying USB communication with a relay device that is one of the accessory devices. The electronic apparatus includes an interface connected to the accessory device and is not compliant with the USB Type-C standard, a controller that performs CC (Configuration Channel) communication that is compliant with the USB Type-C standard, and control means that controls whether or not a first signal input from the accessory device to a first terminal of the interface is input to the controller according to the type of the accessory device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a relay device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which when a charger of a vehicle detects an impact on the vehicle, it notifies a mobile phone connected to the charger that an impact has occurred on the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not describe the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C standard. Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not describe a configuration and method for a device having an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard to perform USB communication with a device having an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a device having an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard to perform USB communication with a device having an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device that operates as a first device and is an electronic device that can be connected to a second device by relaying USB communication through a relay device that is one of accessory devices. The electronic device has an interface for connecting to an accessory device, the interface not conforming to the USB Type-C standard, a controller that performs CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard, and control means for controlling whether or not to input a first signal input from the accessory device to a first terminal of the interface to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface.

[0007] The relay device according to the present invention has first connection means for connecting to an interface of a first device that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard, second connection means for connecting to an interface of a second device that conforms to the USB Type-C standard, and conversion means for generating a VBUS voltage and outputting it to the second device when acquiring a second signal from the first device, and generating the second signal and outputting it to the first device when acquiring the VBUS voltage from the second device.

[0008] The control method according to the present invention is a control method for an electronic device that operates as a first device and is an electronic device that can be connected to a second device by relaying USB communication through a relay device that is one of accessory devices. The electronic device has an interface for connecting to an accessory device, the interface not conforming to the USB Type-C standard, and a controller that performs CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard. The control method has a control step of controlling whether or not to input a first signal input from the accessory device to a first terminal of the interface to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface. It has a control step of controlling whether or not to input a first signal input from the accessory device to the controller.

[0009] The control method according to the present invention is a control method for a relay device having a first connection means for connecting to an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard of a first device and a second connection means for connecting to an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard of a second device. When a second signal is acquired from the first device, a first conversion step of generating a VBUS voltage and outputting it to the second device, and when the VBUS voltage is acquired from the second device, a second conversion step of generating the second signal and outputting it to the first device.

[0010] The program according to the present invention is an electronic device that operates as a first device and is an electronic device that can be connected to a second device by relaying USB communication by a relay device that is one of accessory devices. The computer of the electronic device having an interface for connecting to the accessory device, an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard, and a controller that performs CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard is caused to execute a control step of controlling whether or not to input a first signal input to a first terminal of the interface from the accessory device to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface.

[0011] The program according to the present invention causes a computer of a relay device having a first connection means for connecting to an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard of a first device and a second connection means for connecting to an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard of a second device to execute a first conversion step of generating a VBUS voltage and outputting it to the second device when a second signal is acquired from the first device, and a second conversion step of generating the second signal and outputting it to the first device when the VBUS voltage is acquired from the second device.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a device having an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard can perform USB communication with a device having an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the components of the relay system 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the relay system 1 includes a first device 100, a relay device 110, and a second device 120. In Embodiment 1, the first device 100 operates as one of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device and a USB host, and the second device 120 operates as the other of a USB device and a USB host. Here, a USB host is a device that operates in an operation mode (device mode) for controlling a USB device. A USB device is a device that operates in an operation mode (host mode) controlled by a USB host.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the first device 100 includes a CPU 101, a USB connector 102, an ACC connector 103, and a power supply circuit 108. The first device 100 is an electronic device that can operate as, for example, a digital camera. Therefore, the first device 100 has an imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data. The imaging unit of the first device 100 includes a lens unit, an imaging sensor (CMOS sensor or CCD sensor), and an image processing unit.

[0018] A relay device 110, which is one of the accessory devices that relays USB communication, can be connected to the first device 100. On the other hand, an accessory device that does not relay USB communication (for example, a device having a flash or a viewfinder) can also be connected to the first device 100. The accessory device that does not relay USB communication is a different accessory device from the relay device 110.

[0019] The CPU 101 is a control unit including a microcomputer. The CPU 101 can control all the components of the first device 100 by executing a program stored in the memory.

[0020] The connection detection signal 104 is a signal for the CPU 101 to detect that an accessory device is connected to the first device 100. The WAKE signal 105 is an interrupt signal input from the accessory device to the CPU 101, or an interrupt signal input from the CPU 101 to the accessory device. The control signal 106 is a control signal supplied from the CPU 101 to the accessory device, or a control signal supplied from the accessory device to the CPU 101. The power supply control signal 109 is a control signal supplied from the CPU 101 to the power supply circuit 108.

[0021] The ACC connector 103 is a dedicated interface (connection part) for connecting to an accessory device. The ACC connector 103 is an interface that does not conform to the USB standard and the USB Type-C standard. The ACC connector 103 functions as an accessory connector for connecting, for example, a flash device or a finder device to the first device 100. The USB connector 102 is an interface (connection part) for connecting to an external device.

[0022] The power supply circuit 108 supplies power 107 to the accessory device. When the accessory device is the relay device 110, the power 107 is supplied to the conversion circuit 113. The power supply circuit 108 has a DC / DC converter and / or an LDO (linear regulator).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the relay device 110 includes an ACC connector 111, a memory circuit 112, a conversion circuit 113, and a USB connector 114. The ACC connector 111 is a dedicated connector for connecting to the first device 100. The ACC connector 111 is an interface that does not conform to the USB standard and the USB Type-C standard. The memory circuit 112 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable memory), etc. The memory circuit 112 stores various parameters and unique numbers (identification information) of the relay device 110.

[0024] The conversion circuit 113 includes a DC / DC converter, etc. When the second device 120 is a USB host When operating as a target and the first device 100 operates as a USB device, the conversion circuit 113 converts the VBUS voltage 124 supplied from the second device 120 to the conversion circuit 113 into a WAKE signal 105. Since the voltage of the WAKE signal 105 is lower than the voltage of the VBUS voltage 124, the conversion circuit 113 converts the VBUS voltage 124 into the WAKE signal 105 by converting it to lower the voltage of the VBUS voltage 124. In this case, the WAKE signal 105 is supplied from the conversion circuit 113 to the first device 100. When the first device 100 operates as a USB host and the second device 120 operates as a USB device, the WAKE signal 105 is supplied from the first device 100 to the conversion circuit 113. In this case, the conversion circuit 113 generates the VBUS voltage 124 using the power 107 and supplies the generated VBUS voltage 124 to the second device 120. Since the voltage of the VBUS voltage 124 is higher than the voltage of the WAKE signal 105, the conversion circuit 113 generates the VBUS voltage 124 by raising the voltage of the WAKE signal 105. The USB connector 114 is a connector for connecting to the second device 120. The USB connector 114 is an interface compliant with the USB standard and the USB Type-C standard.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the second device 120 includes a CPU 121 and a USB connector 122. The second device 120 is an electronic device that can operate as, for example, a smartphone, a PC (personal computer), or a digital camera. Both the first device 100 and the second device 120 may be electronic devices that can operate as digital cameras. When the second device 120 is an electronic device that can operate as a digital camera, the second device 120 includes an imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data. Similar to the imaging unit of the first device 100, the imaging unit of the second device 120 includes a lens unit, an imaging sensor (CMOS sensor or CCD sensor), and an image processing unit.

[0026] The CPU 121 can perform USB communication with the CPU 101 via the relay device 110. The USB connector 122 is an interface compliant with the USB standard and the USB Type-C standard. The USB connector 122 is physically and electrically connected to the USB connector 114.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the components of the first device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the first device 100 includes a USB connector 102, an ACC connector 103, a power circuit 108, a CC controller 201 (CCC), and a switching circuit 202.

[0028] The ACC connector 103 has a VDD pin 210, a WAKE pin 211, a DET pin 212, a D- pin 213, a D+ pin 214, an FNC pin 215, an SCL pin 216, and an SDA pin 217.

[0029] The VDD pin 210 is a pin for outputting the power 107 from the power circuit 108 to the accessory device. The WAKE pin 211 is a pin for inputting the WAKE signal 105 from the accessory device to the first device 100 or outputting the WAKE signal 105 from the first device 100 to the accessory device. The DET pin 212 is a pin for inputting the connection detection signal 104 to the CPU 101. The D- pin 213 and the D+ pin 214 are pins for inputting the USB data 125 from the second device 120 to the first device 100 or outputting the USB data 125 from the first device 100 to the second device 120. The USB data 125 is data transmitted or received by a communication method compliant with the USB standard. The FNC pin 215 is a pin for inputting the CC signal 123 from the second device 120 to the first device 100 or outputting the CC signal 123 from the first device 100 to the second device 120. The CC signal 123 is data transmitted or received by a communication method compliant with the USB Type-C standard. The SCL pin 216 and the SDA pin 217 are for inputting the control signal 106 from the first device 100 to the accessory device or inputting the control signal 10 It is a pin for outputting 6. When an accessory device other than the relay device 110 is connected to the first device 100, a signal other than the CC signal 123 and for communicating with the accessory device (for example, a signal unique to the accessory device) is input or output via the FNC pin 215.

[0030] The USB connector 102 has a D- pin 220, a D+ pin 221, a CC pin 222, and a VBUS pin 223.

[0031] The D- pin 220 and the D+ pin 221 are pins for inputting USB data 204 from an external device to the first device 100 or outputting USB data 204 from the first device 100 to the external device. The USB data 204 is data transmitted or received by a communication method compliant with the USB standard. The CC pin 222 is a pin for inputting a CC signal 205 from an external device to the first device 100 or outputting a CC signal 205 from the first device 100 to the external device. The CC signal 205 is data transmitted or received by a communication method compliant with the USB Type-C standard. The VBUS pin 223 is a pin for inputting a VBUS voltage 206 from an external device to the first device 100 or outputting a VBUS voltage 206 from the first device 100 to the external device.

[0032] Switch 207 (SW) inputs the signal input from FNC215 to switch 207 to CC controller 201 or CPU101. When the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is the relay device 110, switch 207 selects CC controller 201. When switch 207 selects CC controller 201, CC controller 201 can communicate with CPU121 via CC communication. Therefore, the CC signal 123 input from FNC215 to switch 207 is input to CC controller 201 instead of CPU101. When the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is an accessory device other than the relay device 110, switch 207 selects CPU101. When switch 207 selects CPU101, CPU101 can communicate other than with the accessory device via CC communication. Therefore, the signal input from FNC215 to switch 207 is input to CPU101 instead of CC controller 201.

[0033] CC controller 201 communicates with CPU121 or an external device via CC (Configuration Channel) communication. CC communication complies with the USB Type-C standard. When communicating with an external device via CC communication, CC controller 201 communicates with the external device via the CC pin 222 of USB connector 102. When communicating with CPU121 of the second device 120 via CC communication, CC controller 201 communicates with CPU121 via the FNC pin 215 of ACC connector 103. For example, by communicating with CPU121 or an external device via CC communication, CC controller 201 can determine whether to operate the first device 100 as a USB host or a USB device. For example, by communicating with CPU121 or an external device via CC communication, CC controller 201 can determine the power supplied from the second device 120 or an external device to the first device 100.

[0034] Further, the CC controller 201 selects the USB data to be input to the CPU 101 from among the USB data 125 and the USB data 204. As a method for selecting the USB data to be input to the CPU 101, for example, there is a method of preferentially selecting the USB data from the one that is connected to the second device 120 or the external device first among the USB connector 102 and the ACC connector 103.

[0035] The switching circuit 202 inputs the USB data 125 or the US B data 204 selected by the CC controller 201 to the CPU 101.

[0036] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the communication control process performed by the first device 100 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0037] When the user operates the switch group of the first device 100 and the first device 100 is turned on, the CPU 101 starts up. Next, the user physically and electrically connects the ACC connector 103 of the first device 100 to the interface of the accessory device. At this time, the accessory device and the second device 120 may or may not be electrically connected. When these processes are completed, the process of step S301 starts.

[0038] In step S301, the CPU 101 detects that an accessory device is connected to the ACC connector 103. When an accessory device is connected to the ACC connector 103, the voltage of the DET pin 212 changes to a voltage corresponding to the type of the accessory device. The voltage of the DET pin 212 is input to the CPU 101 as a connection detection signal 104. The CPU 101 detects that an accessory device is connected to the ACC connector 103 based on the connection detection signal 104.

[0039] In step S302, the CPU 101 detects (determines) the type of the accessory device connected to the first device 100 based on the control signal 106. The CPU 101 reads out the unique number (identification information) of the accessory device stored in the accessory device (memory circuit 112) using the control signal 106. The CPU 101 detects the type of the connected accessory device based on the unique number.

[0040] In step S303, the CPU 101 determines whether the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is a relay device 110 (an accessory device that relays USB communication between the first device 100 and the second device 120) according to the type of the accessory device connected to the first device 100. If the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is the relay device 110, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S305. If the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is not the relay device 110, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S304.

[0041] In step S304, the CPU 101 controls the switch 207 to input the signal input to the FNC pin 215 from the accessory device directly to the CPU 101 without passing through the CC controller 201. This is because the accessory device connected to the first device 100 does not perform USB communication. Further, the CPU 101 performs necessary control for each connected accessory device by a control method using I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc. According to this, accessory devices other than the relay device 110 can perform communication other than CC communication with the CPU 101.

[0042] In step S305, the CPU 101 controls the switch 207 so that the switch 207 selects the CC controller 201. Thereby, the CC controller 201 can perform CC communication with the CPU 121. The CC signal 123 input to the FNC pin 215 from the CPU 121 via the relay device 110 is input to the CC controller 201.

[0043] In steps S303 to S305, if the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is the relay device 110, the CC signal 123 input to the FNC pin 215 from the CPU 121 via the relay device 110 is input to the CC controller 201. However, even if the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is the relay device 110, the CPU 101 may control so that the CC signal 123 is not input to the CC controller 201 unless the relay device 110 is a predetermined relay device. For example, the predetermined relay device is a relay device having a predetermined unique number. The predetermined unique number is, for example, a number indicating that the relay device is manufactured by a predetermined manufacturer or a number indicating that the relay device is guaranteed to have a predetermined quality. According to this, the possibility of a communication failure occurring between the first device 100 and the second device 120 can be reduced when the first device 100 performs USB communication with the second device 120 via a relay device 110 with poor quality. The predetermined unique number may be a number pre-registered by the user in the storage unit of the first device 100. According to this, it is possible to prevent the first device 100 from performing USB communication with the second device 120 via a relay device 110 not permitted by the user, so that it is possible to suppress an unauthorized relay device 110 from eavesdropping on the communication.

[0044] Furthermore, even if the accessory device connected to the first device 100 is not the relay device 110, the CPU 101 may input the signal input to the FNC pin 215 from the accessory device to the CC controller 201. By doing so, accessory devices other than the relay device 110 cannot communicate with the first device 100. However, since the processes of steps S302 and S303 become unnecessary, USB communication can be started at high speed using the relay device 110.

[0045] In step S306, the CPU 101 determines whether the second device 120 is connected to the relay device 110. For example, if CC communication is possible between the CC controller 201 and the CPU 121, the CPU 101 determines that the second device 120 is connected to the relay device 110. If the second device 120 is connected to the relay device 110, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S308. If the second device 120 is not connected to the relay device 110, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S307.

[0046] In step S307, the CPU 101 waits for a predetermined time and proceeds to step S306. Thereby, in steps S306 and S307, the CPU 101 waits until the second device 120 is connected to the relay device 110 by the user.

[0047] In step S308, the CPU 101 instructs the CC controller 201 to perform CC communication with the CPU 121. The CC controller 201 performs CC communication with the CPU 121.

[0048] In step S309, the CPU 101 determines the operation mode of the first device 100 to be either the host mode or the device mode according to the user settings preset in the first device 100. Note that the CPU 101 may obtain the user settings preset in the second device 120 through CC communication and determine the operation mode of the first device 100 according to the user settings. Then, the CC controller 201 performs CC communication with the CPU 121 so that the second device 120 operates in the other operation mode between the host mode and the device mode. Thereby, the respective operation modes of the first device 100 and the second device 120 (the host / device relationship between the first device 100 and the second device 120) are established. For example, when the user wants to transmit an image captured by the first device 100 to the second device 120, the user makes a setting to set the operation mode of the first device 100 to the device mode through the settings on the menu screen of the first device 100. According to this, for example, the first device 100, which is a digital camera, can be set to perform shooting under the control of the second device 120, which is a smartphone. When the user wants to perform imaging using the imaging sensor built in the second device 120, the user makes a setting to set the operation mode of the first device 100 to the host mode. According to this, for example, the second device 120, which is a sub-camera that assists the digital camera, can be set to perform shooting under the control of the first device 100, which is a digital camera.

[0049] In step S310, the CPU 101 determines the operation mode determined in step S309. When the operation mode of the first device 100 is determined to be the device mode, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S311 to operate the first device 100 as a USB device. When the operation mode of the first device 100 is determined to be the host mode, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S312 to operate the first device 100 as a USB host.

[0050] In step S311, the CPU 101 waits for the input of the WAKE signal 105. When the CPU 101 detects the WAKE signal 105, it determines that the state is such that USB communication with the second device 120 is possible (the state where the USB connection is completed). The first device 100 needs to wait for the input of the VBUS voltage 124 supplied from the second device 120 in order to perform USB communication as a USB device. However, since the ACC connector 103 does not have a pin for the VBUS voltage 124, the second device 120 cannot input the VBUS voltage 124 to the first device 100. Therefore, when the VBUS voltage 124 is supplied from the second device 120 to the relay device 110, the conversion circuit 113 of the relay device 110 converts the VBUS voltage 124 into the WAKE signal 105 and supplies it to the WAKE pin 211. Thereby, when the CPU 101 detects the WAKE signal 105, it can determine that the VBUS voltage 124 is supplied from the second device 120 to the relay device 110, and can determine that the second device 120 is in a state where USB communication is possible.

[0051] In step S312, the CPU 101 outputs the WAKE signal 105 to the conversion circuit 113. In order for the first device 100 to perform USB communication with the second device 120 as a USB host, it is necessary to supply the VBUS voltage 124 to the second device 120. However, the ACC connector 103 does not have a terminal for the VBUS voltage 124. For this reason, in Embodiment 1, the CPU 101 supplies the WAKE signal 105 to the relay device 110. When the conversion circuit 113 of the relay device 110 receives the WAKE signal from the CPU 101, it generates the VBUS voltage using the power 107 and supplies the generated VBUS voltage 124 to the second device 120. Thereby, the CPU 121 of the second device 120 can determine that the state is such that USB communication with the first device 100 is possible.

[0052] In step S313, the CPU 101 determines that the state is such that USB communication with the CPU 121 is possible.

[0053] In step S314, when the first device 100 is a USB device, the CPU 101 transmits the USB data 125 to the second device 120. For example, the CPU 101 transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit of the first device 100 as the USB data 125 to the CPU 121 via the relay device 110. When the first device 100 is a USB host, the CPU 101 receives the USB data 125 from the CPU 121. For example, the CPU 101 controls the imaging unit of the second device 120 to image a subject. Then, the CPU 101 receives the image data generated by the imaging unit of the second device 120 from the CPU 121 via the relay device 110.

[0054] In this way, when the first device 100 detects the connection of an accessory device and determines that the accessory device is the relay device 110, it inputs a CC signal to the CC controller. By doing so, the CPU 101 of the first device 100 can perform CC communication with the CPU 121 of the second device 120 via the relay device 110 connected by the accessory - dedicated connector.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 101 can operate the first device 100 as either a USB host or a USB device according to user settings. Also, the relay device 110 converts the VBUS voltage 124 output by the USB host into a WAKE signal 105 and outputs it to the USB device. Thereby, the USB device can determine that it is possible to perform USB communication with the USB host. As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the first device 100 can perform USB communication with the second device 120 having an interface (or connection part) compliant with the USB standard and the USB Type - C standard via an interface (or connection part) that does not comply with the USB standard and the USB Type - C standard.

[0056] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the first device 100 can perform USB communication with the second device 120 having an interface (or connection part) compliant with the USB standard and the USB Type - C standard via an interface (or connection part) that does not comply with the USB standard and the USB Type - C standard.

[0057] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 2, a modification of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0058] In Embodiment 1, the second device 120 operated as a USB device or a USB host, but the second device 120 may be fixed to operate as a USB device. For example, the second device 120 is a sub-camera (a digital camera for assisting the first device 100) that operates as a USB device. The first device 100 is a digital camera that operates as a USB host. The relay device 110 is a sub-camera holder. Inside the second device 120, the CC signal 123 is connected to GND to indicate that the second device 120 operates as a USB device.

[0059] When such a second device 120 is connected to the first device 100, in step S309, the CPU 101 determines that the second device 120 operates as a USB device according to the potential of the CC signal 123. Then, the CPU 110 decides to operate the first device 100 as a USB host. And the CPU 110 outputs the WAKE signal 115 to the relay device 110 to operate the first device 100 as a USB host (step S310NO, step S312).

[0060] Thereby, the USB host can be the digital camera which is the first device 100, and the USB device can be the second device 120. Thus, even when the second device 120 operating as a USB device is connected, by detecting the potential of the CC signal 123 (the potential of the CC signal in the second device 120), USB communication between the first device 100 and the second device 120 is possible.

[0061] In Embodiment 2, an example in which the second device 120 operates as a USB device has been described. However, an example in which the second device 120 operates as a USB host may also be applicable. In this case, within the second device 120, the potential of the CC signal 123 is set to the power supply potential of the second device 120 in order to indicate that the second device 120 operates as a USB host. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine that the second device 120 operates as a USB host based on the potential of the CC signal 123.

[0062] [Embodiment 3] The various functions, processes, or methods described in the above embodiments can also be realized by a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a microprocessor executing a program. Hereinafter, in Embodiment 3, a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU, or a microprocessor will be referred to as "computer X". In Embodiment 3, a program for controlling computer X, which realizes the various functions, processes, or methods described in the above embodiments, will be referred to as "program Y".

[0063] The various functions, processes, or methods described in the above embodiments are realized by computer X executing program Y. In this case, program Y is supplied to computer X via a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium in Embodiment 3 includes at least one of a hard disk device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, a memory card, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The computer-readable storage medium in Embodiment 3 is a non-transitory storage medium. [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0064] 100: First device, 110: Relay device, 120: Second device, 101: CPU, 103: ACC connector, 123: CC signal 201: CC Controller, 215: FNC Pin

Claims

1. An electronic device that operates as a first device and is connectable to a second device by having USB communication relayed by a relay device that is one of accessory devices, an interface for connecting to an accessory device, the interface not conforming to the USB Type-C standard, a controller for performing CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard, control means for controlling whether or not to input a first signal input from the accessory device to a first terminal of the interface to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface, The electronic device characterized by having the above.

2. The control means, in a first case where the relay device is connected to the interface, controls to input the first signal to the controller, In a second case where an accessory device other than the relay device is connected to the interface, the electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls not to input the first signal to the controller.

3. The control means controls not to input the first signal to the controller even in a first case when the relay device is not a predetermined relay device, the electronic device according to claim 2.

4. In the second case, the first signal is a unique signal of the accessory device, the electronic device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control means detects the type of the accessory device based on identification information acquired from the accessory device, the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the first device and the second device are connected via the relay device, the controller determines whether to operate the first device as a USB host that controls a USB device or as a USB device controlled by the USB host. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The controller determines whether to operate the first device as the USB host or the USB device according to the potential of the first signal. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. When the first device operates as the USB host, the control means outputs a second signal to the relay device. When the first device operates as the USB device, the control means acquires the second signal from the relay device. When the relay device acquires the second signal from the first device, it generates a VBUS voltage and outputs it to the second device. When the relay device acquires the VBUS voltage from the second device, it generates the second signal and outputs it to the first device. The electronic device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The control means detects that the accessory device is connected to the first device according to the voltage of the second terminal of the interface. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first device is a digital camera. The second device is a digital camera or a smartphone. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A first connection means for connecting to an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard of the first device. A second connection means for connecting to an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard of the second device. When the second signal is acquired from the first device, a VBUS voltage is generated and output to the second device. When the VBUS voltage is acquired from the second device, a conversion means that generates the second signal and outputs it to the first device A relay device characterized by having the above.

12. The second signal is a signal output from the first device when the first device operates as a USB host that controls a USB device. The relay device according to claim 11, wherein the VBUS voltage is a signal output from the second device when the first device operates as a USB device controlled by a USB host.

13. The relay device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the conversion means generates the VBUS voltage by increasing the voltage of the second signal acquired from the first device, and generates the second signal by decreasing the voltage of the VBUS voltage acquired from the second device.

14. An electronic device that operates as a first device and is an electronic device that can be connected to a second device by USB communication being relayed by a relay device that is one of accessory devices. It has an interface for connecting to an accessory device, an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard, and a controller that performs CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard. A control method for an electronic device, It has a control step of controlling whether or not to input a first signal input to a first terminal of the interface from the accessory device to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface. A control method characterized by this.

15. A control method for a relay device having first connection means for connecting to an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard of a first device and second connection means for connecting to an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard of a second device, when acquiring a second signal from the first device, a first conversion step of generating a VBUS voltage and outputting it to the second device, when acquiring the VBUS voltage from the second device, a second conversion step of generating the second signal and outputting it to the first device A control method characterized by comprising:

16. An electronic device that operates as a first device and is connectable to a second device by USB communication being relayed by a relay device that is one of accessory devices, the electronic device having an interface for connecting to the accessory device, the interface not conforming to the USB Type-C standard, and a controller for performing CC (Configuration Channel) communication conforming to the USB Type-C standard, a program for causing a computer of the electronic device to execute a control step of controlling whether or not to input a first signal input to a first terminal of the interface from the accessory device to the controller according to the type of the accessory device connected to the interface.

17. a computer of a relay device having first connection means for connecting to an interface that does not conform to the USB Type-C standard of a first device and second connection means for connecting to an interface that conforms to the USB Type-C standard of a second device, when acquiring a second signal from the first device, a first conversion step of generating a VBUS voltage and outputting it to the second device, when acquiring the VBUS voltage from the second device, a second conversion step of generating the second signal and outputting it to the first device A program for causing the steps to be executed.

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