JP7590513B1 - Control device, USB cable, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a control device etc. capable of disconnecting and reconnecting a connection through a target port without physically plugging or unplugging a cable and without affecting connections through other ports. [Solution] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an instruction receiving means for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is the state of an equipment connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector, and a control means for controlling whether the path state of the equipment connection path is a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to a control device, a USB cable, a control method, and a program.

In devices equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, the host device and the device device each have a controller. The host device and the device device are then connected using a USB cable.

When a connection is made, the host device and device are first connected by a cable. Then, the device is inserted into the host device, and enumeration, which is the process of communicating with the host device, is performed. This establishes a connection, making it possible to transfer data between the host device and device.

If there is an error in USB communication, such as a failure in enumeration or a failure to send data during transfer, you will be required to reconnect. There may also be cases where you want to disconnect and reconnect at will. In commonly used USB cable data transfers, disconnection and reconnection of communication is possible in the host device by turning the host controller itself OFF and ON. Also, disconnection and reconnection of communication is possible in the device device by turning the power of the device itself OFF and ON.

Patent Document 1 describes a service robot including a host unit and a lower unit connected by USB communication via a USB cable. The host unit controls the drive unit of the lower unit via USB communication. When an emergency stop is made on the lower unit, the host unit stops the power output of the USB port to which the USB cable is connected. When the lower unit detects that no power is being output from the power line of the USB cable, it cuts off the supply of drive power to the drive unit.

JP 2016-146184 A

In general, when the host controller is turned OFF and ON in a host device, all USB ports are disconnected and reconnected, making it impossible to disconnect only the USB port that you want to disconnect and reconnect. If all USB ports are disconnected and reconnected, the connection state of other connected devices will not be maintained. Furthermore, if a device does not have the function to turn the power OFF and ON, the device cannot control the connection. Therefore, in order to disconnect and reconnect between a USB port of a host device and a device device connected to that USB port without affecting the connections of the other USB ports of the host device, it becomes necessary to physically insert and remove a cable.

The technology in Patent Document 1 does not allow the host device to disconnect and reconnect a connection through a target port without physically plugging or unplugging a cable and without affecting connections through other ports.

One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, USB cable, control method, and program that can disconnect and reconnect a connection through a target port without physically inserting or removing a cable and without affecting connections through other ports.

A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an instruction receiving means for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is the state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector, and a control means for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction.

A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure receives a control instruction indicating the path state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector, and controls whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state according to the control instruction.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute an instruction receiving process for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is the state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector, and a control process for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction.

The present disclosure has the advantage of making it possible to disconnect and reconnect a connection through a target port without physically inserting or removing a cable and without affecting connections through other ports.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control process of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control process of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control process of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating data transfer between a host device and an apparatus according to an implementation example of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of data transfer between a host device and a control IC chip according to an implementation example of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of terminals in a USB Type-C connector. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to this implementation example. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1000 capable of realizing a control device and a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail using FIG. 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device 10 includes an instruction receiving unit 110 and a control unit 120.

The instruction receiving unit 110 receives a control instruction indicating the path state, which is the state of the device connection path between two connectors of the USB cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector.

The control unit 120 controls whether the path state of the device connection path is connected or disconnected in accordance with the control instruction.

In this embodiment, the USB cable is, for example, a USB cable that conforms to the USB Type-C standard and includes two connectors on both ends of the cable and a cable that connects the two connectors.

Generally speaking, a USB Type-C cable is a cable that complies with the USB Type-C standard. Unlike other USB cables (e.g., USB Type-A or USB Type-B cables), a USB Type-C cable can be inserted without having to worry about the front or back of the connector. USB Type-C cables also support high-speed data communication of up to 20 Gbps (Gigabit per second), Alternate Mode, and USB Power Delivery. Alternate Mode is a mode that can also transmit video signals such as Display Port and HDMI (Hidh-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark). USB Power Delivery is a standard that allows power supply up to 100W (Watts).

This USB Type-C cable has two lanes of signal lines for transmission, one on the front and one on the back of the board inside the connector. The signal lines are also arranged almost symmetrically inside the connector. Therefore, the USB Type-C cable can be used without having to worry about the front and back of the connector.

In addition, a USB Type-C cable can transfer data at up to 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed) in Gen1 and up to 10 Gbps in Gen2 per lane. Therefore, a two-lane USB Type-C cable can transfer data using a combination of these two lanes. Specifically, the possible transfers are 5 Gbps transfers using one lane of USB 3.2 Gen 1, 10 Gbps transfers using one lane of USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps transfers using two lanes of USB 3.2 Gen 1, and 20 Gbps transfers using two lanes of USB 3.2 Gen 2.

In this embodiment, a USB Type-C connector is used as the USB cable connector. One of the two lane signal lines is used for communication (i.e., data transfer) between a host device connected to one connector and a device (device) connected to the other connector. The host device is connected to the device using a standard that uses one lane, such as one lane of USB3.2 Gen1 or one lane of USB3.2 Gen2. The lane used for data transfer is the device connection path described above. The control device 10 is mounted on, for example, a connector of the USB cable. The one lane signal line on the side of the USB cable that is not the device connection path is used for connection between the host device and the control device 10 (for example, transfer of control signals). The lane used for connection between the host device and the control device 10 is the control path described above.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned control instruction is, for example, an instruction to change the path state to a connected state (referred to as a connection instruction) or an instruction to change the path state to a disconnected state (referred to as a disconnection instruction).

In this embodiment, the state of the device connection path of the USB cable (i.e., the path state) can be, for example, a disconnected state in which the device connection path is disconnected, and a connected state in which the device connection path is connected.

The connected state is a state in which the device connection path is connected. The disconnected state is a state in which the device connection path is disconnected. The connected state of the device connection path is, for example, a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is connected. The disconnected state is, for example, a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is not connected.

The state in which the device connection path is connected (i.e., the connected state) is, for example, a state in which at least the signal line used for communication and the power line of the device connection path are connected. The signal line used for this communication is a signal line through which at least one of the signals transmitted and received between the host device and the other device passes when another device is connected to the device connection path. The connected state may be a state in which all the signal lines of the device connection path are connected. The state in which the device connection path is disconnected (i.e., the disconnected state) is a state in which at least the power line (also written as the power line) of all the signal lines of the device connection path is disconnected. The disconnected state may be a state in which the power line of the signal lines of the device connection path is disconnected. Specifically, this power line is a signal line called a VBUS line.

In this embodiment, the control unit 120 controls the path state of the device connection path, for example, by controlling a switching circuit configured to switch the path state of the device connection path between a connected state and a disconnected state.

As described above, the switching circuit is a circuit configured to switch the path state of the device connection path between a connected state and a disconnected state. The switching circuit is mounted, for example, on a connector of a USB cable, for example, on which the control device 10 is mounted. The switching circuit switches the state of the device connection path according to the control of the control device 10. The switching circuit may be mounted on a part other than the connector on which the control device 10 is mounted. In that case, the USB cable of this embodiment includes a signal line that connects the control device 10 and the switching circuit.

The control device 10 may be mounted on one of the two connectors. In this case, the USB cable may be configured so that communication between the host device and the control device 10 is possible regardless of which of the two connectors the host device is connected to. The connector to which the host device is connected may be specified as one of the two connectors. In this case, the USB cable is configured so that communication between the host device and the control device 10 is possible when the host device is connected to the specified connector.

The control device 10 may be mounted on both of the two connectors. The USB cable may be configured such that, when one of the two connectors is connected to a host device, for example, the control device 10 mounted on the connector other than the connector connected to the host device is connected to the host device via a control path. The USB cable may be configured such that, when one of the two connectors is connected to a host device, for example, the control device 10 mounted on the connector connected to the host device is connected to the host device via a control path.

The control instruction may be an instruction to connect the device connection path after the device connection path is disconnected (referred to as a reconnect instruction). A case in which the control instruction is a reconnect instruction will be described later as a second modified example of the second embodiment.

<Operation>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The operation of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the instruction receiving unit 110 receives a control instruction instructing the path state of the device connection path between the two connectors of the USB cable (step S11). Next, the control unit 120 controls whether the path state of the device connection path is to be connected or disconnected in accordance with the control instruction (step S12).

＜Effects＞
The present embodiment described above has the advantage that it is possible to disconnect and reconnect a connection through a target port without physically inserting or removing a cable and without affecting connections through other ports. This is because the instruction receiving unit 110 receives a control instruction instructing the path state of the device connection path between two connectors of a USB cable from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of one of the connectors. Then, the control unit 120 controls whether the path state of the device connection path is to be connected or disconnected in accordance with the control instruction.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control device 100 includes an instruction receiving unit 110, a control unit 120, and a switch unit 130. The instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 are the same as the instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 of the first embodiment. The instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 operate in the same manner as the instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 of the first embodiment, respectively. The switch unit 130 of this embodiment is the same as the switching circuit of the first embodiment. The control device 100 of this embodiment differs from the control device 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes the switch unit 130.

<Instruction Receiving Unit 110>
The instruction receiving unit 110 receives a control instruction instructing the path state of the device connection path between two connectors of a USB cable from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of one of the connectors.

The USB cable of this embodiment is similar to the USB cable of the first embodiment, except that the control device 100 is mounted instead of the control device 10. In this embodiment, the control device 100 is mounted on the USB cable (e.g., the connector portion of the USB cable) instead of the control device 10.

<Control Unit 120>
The control unit 120 controls whether the path state of the device connecting path is to be a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction.

In this embodiment, the path state is, for example, either a disconnected state in which the device connection path is disconnected, or a connected state in which the device connection path is connected. The control instruction may be an instruction to put the device connection path in a disconnected state. The control instruction may be an instruction to put the device connection path in a connected state. The control instruction may be an instruction to put the device connection path in a disconnected state, and then put the device connection path in a connected state.

The control unit 120 controls the connection state of the device connection path by controlling the switch unit 130 described below, which switches the state of the power line of the device connection path between a state in which the power line of the device connection path is connected and a state in which the power line of the device connection path is disconnected, for example.

<Switch Unit 130>
The switch unit 130 changes the path state of the device connection path in accordance with the control by the control unit 120. Specifically, the switch unit 130 switches the path state of the device connection path between a disconnected state in which the device connection path is disconnected and a connected state in which the device connection path is connected. Specifically, the disconnected state in which the device connection path is disconnected is, for example, a state in which the power line of the device connection path is disconnected. The connected state in which the device connection path is connected is, for example, a state in which the power line of the device connection path is connected. That is, the switch unit 130 switches the connection state of the device connection path between, for example, a state in which the power line of the device connection path is disconnected and a state in which the power line of the device connection path is connected.

The switch unit 130 is realized by a switching circuit that switches the state of the power line of the device connection path between a state in which the power line of the device connection path is connected and a state in which the power line of the device connection path is disconnected.

The control device 100 of this embodiment may be included in, for example, the connector portion of a USB cable. In the description of this embodiment, the connector portion is a portion including the connector of the USB cable and realized, for example, by resin or the like. The connector portion refers to the non-cable portions at both ends of the USB cable. The connector is a part that fits into the connector of the connected device when the USB cable is connected to a host device or electronic device. The control device 100 is communicatively connected to a terminal of the control path of the USB cable connector.

<Operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The operation of the control device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. For example, when a USB cable including the control device 100 is connected to a host device, the control device 100 performs the operation shown in FIG. 4.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the instruction receiving unit 110 waits for a control instruction to be transmitted (step S101). That is, the instruction receiving unit 110 waits for a control instruction transmitted by the host device. If a control instruction has not been transmitted (NO in step S102), the instruction receiving unit 110 continues to wait for a control instruction to be transmitted (step S101).

If a control instruction has been sent (YES in step S102), the instruction receiving unit 110 receives the control instruction (step S103). Then, the control device 100 executes the control process (step S104). The control instruction will be described in detail later.

For example, the instruction receiving unit 110 determines whether the host device is connected to the connector (step S105). Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 110 determines whether the connection between the connector of the USB cable including the control device, which is connected to the host device, and the host device (specifically, the connector of the host device) is connected or not. For example, the instruction receiving unit 110 may determine whether the USB signal line is connected to the host device. If the connection is disconnected (YES in step S106), the control device 100 ends the operation shown in FIG. 4. If the connection is not disconnected (NO in step S106), in the operation shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 continues the operation from step S101 onwards.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the operations of steps S105 and S106 are performed after the operation of step S104. However, the control device 100 may perform the operations of steps S105 and S106 in parallel with the operations from step S101 to step S104.

Next, we will explain the control process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control process of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control instruction is a disconnect instruction that instructs the device connection path to be in a disconnected state, or a connect instruction that instructs the device connection path to be in a connected state.

The following describes the operation of the control process of the control device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, using FIG. 5.

If the control instruction is not a connection instruction (NO in step S111), the control instruction is a disconnection instruction. In this case, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is disconnected (step S112).

If the control instruction is a connection instruction (YES in step S111), the switch unit 130 is controlled so that the device connection path is in a connected state (step S113).

＜Effects＞
This embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment, for the same reasons that the effects of the first embodiment are obtained.

<First Modification of the Second Embodiment>
In this modified example, a state in which the device connection path is connected (i.e., a connected state) is, for example, a state in which at least the signal line used for communication and the power line of the device connection path are connected. The signal line used for this communication is a signal line through which at least one of the signals transmitted and received between the host device and the other device passes when another device is connected to the device connection path. A state in which the device connection path is disconnected (i.e., a disconnected state) is a state in which at least the power line (also referred to as the power line) of all the signal lines of the device connection path is disconnected.

In this modified example, the switch unit 130 is configured to be able to change the state of the communication lines for data transfer on the device connection path, independently of changing the state of the power lines on the device connection path. Specifically, the switch unit 130 is configured to be able to change the state of the communication lines for data transfer on the device connection path between a state in which all communication lines on the device connection path are connected and a state in which signal lines on the device connection path that are not used in USB 2.0 communication are disconnected. The signal lines that are not used in USB 2.0 communication are, for example, the TX line and the RX line.

In the following description, the communication speed by USB 2.0 is also referred to as the first speed. A state in which communication by USB 2.0 is possible through the device connection path, but communication by a standard capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0 is not possible is referred to as the first communication possible state. Standards capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0 include, for example, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Standards capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0 are not limited to these examples. A standard capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0 may be a standard other than USB 3.2 that is capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0. A communication speed by a standard capable of communication at a speed faster than USB 2.0 is also referred to as the second speed. A state in which communication is possible via a device connection path using a standard that allows communication at speeds faster than USB 2.0 is referred to as a second communication possible state.

In this modified example, the first communication-enabled state is, for example, a state in which signal lines (e.g., the TX line and the RX line) that are not used for communication via USB 2.0 on the device connection path are disconnected. The second communication-enabled state is, for example, a state in which all signal lines for data transfer on the device connection path are connected.

In this modified example, the control instruction may be a low-speed state instruction (also referred to as a first-speed state instruction) that is an instruction to set the state of the device connection path to a state in which signal lines not used in USB 2.0 communication on the device connection path are disconnected. The control instruction may be a high-speed state instruction (also referred to as a second-speed state instruction) that is an instruction to set the state of the device connection path to a state in which all data transfer signal lines on the device connection path are connected.

When the instruction receiving unit 110 receives a low-speed state instruction as a control instruction, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the state of the device connection path is such that the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication are disconnected. In this case, the switch unit 130, under the control of the control unit 120, sets the state of the device connection path to a state in which the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication are disconnected (also referred to as the first speed state or low-speed state). At that time, if the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication are connected, the switch unit 130 changes the state of the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication to a disconnected state. If the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication are disconnected, the switch unit 130 does not change the state of the signal lines not used in the device connection path's USB 2.0 communication.

When the instruction receiving unit 110 receives a high-speed state instruction as a control instruction, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the state of the device connection path is a state in which all data transfer signal lines of the device connection path are connected (also referred to as a high-speed state or a second speed state). In this case, the switch unit 130 changes the state of the device connection path to a state in which all data transfer signal lines of the device connection path are connected, according to the control of the control unit 120. At that time, when all data transfer signal lines of the device connection path are connected, the switch unit 130 does not change the state of all data transfer signal lines of the device connection path. When any of the data transfer signal lines of the device connection path are disconnected, the switch unit 130 changes the state of all data transfer signal lines of the device connection path to a state in which all data transfer signal lines are connected.

In this modified example, when a low-speed state instruction is received as a control instruction, and when the instruction receiving unit 110 receives a high-speed state instruction as a control instruction, the control unit 120 and the switch unit 130 do not change the state of the power line (i.e., the VBUS line).

Furthermore, in this modified example, the control instruction may be either a disconnection instruction or a connection instruction. The operation of the control unit 120 and the switch unit 130 in this modified example when they receive a disconnection instruction as a control instruction is similar to the operation of the control unit 120 and the switch unit 130 in the second embodiment when they receive a disconnection instruction as a control instruction. The operation of the control unit 120 and the switch unit 130 in this modified example when they receive a connection instruction as a control instruction is similar to the operation of the control unit 120 and the switch unit 130 in the second embodiment when they receive a connection instruction as a control instruction.

That is, when the control instruction is a disconnection instruction, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the power line of the device connection path is disconnected. In this case, the switch unit 130 sets the state of the power line of the device connection path to a state where the power line of the device connection path is disconnected.
When the control instruction is a connection instruction, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the power line of the device connection path is connected. In this case, the switch unit 130 changes the state of the power line of the device connection path to the connected state.

The first communication possible state described above is a state in which the state of the device connection path is a connected state and a low-speed state. The second communication possible state is a state in which the state of the device connection path is a connected state and a high-speed state.

The operation of the control device 100 in this modified example is the same as that of the control device 100 in the second embodiment described using FIG. 4.

Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the control process of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control instructions are a disconnect instruction, a connect instruction, a low-speed state instruction, or a high-speed state instruction. As described above, a disconnect instruction is an instruction to set the device connection path to a disconnected state. A connect instruction is an instruction to set the device connection path to a connected state. A low-speed state instruction is an instruction to set the state of the device connection path to a state in which signal lines not used in USB 2.0 communication on the device connection path are disconnected. A high-speed state instruction is an instruction to set the state of the device connection path to a state in which all data transfer signal lines on the device connection path are connected.

The following describes the operation of the control process of the control device 100 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, using Figures 6 and 7.

In FIG. 6, if the control instruction is a disconnection instruction (YES in step S121), the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is disconnected (step S122).

If the control instruction is not a disconnection instruction (NO in step S121) but a connection instruction (YES in step S123), the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is in a connected state (step S124).

If the control instruction is not a connection instruction (NO in step S123 in FIG. 6) but is a high-speed state instruction (YES in step S125 in FIG. 7), the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is in a high-speed state (step S126).

In step S125 of FIG. 7, if the connection instruction is not a high-speed state instruction (NO in step S125), the control instruction is a low-speed state instruction. In this case, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is in a low-speed state (step S127).

<Second Modification of the Second Embodiment>
As described above, the control instruction may be a reconnect instruction, which is an instruction to connect the device connection path after disconnecting the device connection path. In this case, when the control unit 120 receives a reconnect instruction as a control instruction, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is disconnected. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 120 controlled the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is disconnected, the control unit 120 controls the switch unit 130 so that the device connection path is connected.

In other words, when the control unit 120 receives a reconnection instruction as a control instruction, it performs the operation of step S112 shown in FIG. 5, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since performing the operation of step S112, it performs the operation of step S113 shown in FIG. 5. This predetermined time is a time that is set in advance.

This modification can be applied to the second embodiment. This modification can also be applied to the first modification of the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment
Next, an information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Below, the configuration of an information processing system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the information processing system 1 includes a host device 200, a USB cable 300 including a control device 100, and a device 400. The host device 200 is communicatively connected to the control device 100. Specifically, the host device 200 is connected to the control device 100 via a control path of the USB cable 300. The host device 200 is further connected to the device 400 via the USB cable 300 (specifically, a device connection path of the USB cable 300). The control device 100 of this embodiment is the same as the control device 100 of the second embodiment. The USB cable 300 of this embodiment is the same as the USB cable of the second embodiment.

The host device 200 includes a receiving unit 210 and a control instruction transmitting unit 220.

<Receiving Unit 210>
The receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to set the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 that are connected via the USB cable 300. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 210 receives, as the setting instructions, an instruction to change the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a disconnected state, and an instruction to change the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a connected state.

<Control instruction transmission unit 220>
When the receiving unit 210 receives a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a control instruction corresponding to the setting instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, to the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100).
When the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to change the connection state to a disconnected state as a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a disconnection instruction as a control instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100).
When the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to change the connection state to a connected state as a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a connection instruction as a control instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100).

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the host device 200 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The operation of the host device 200 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the receiving unit 210 receives a setting instruction for the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 connected via the USB cable 300 (step S201). Next, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a control instruction corresponding to the setting instruction to the control device 100 (step S202).

＜Effects＞
The present embodiment described above has the same effects as the first embodiment, for the same reasons as those for the first embodiment.

<First Modification of the Third Embodiment>
The first modified example of the second embodiment can also be applied to the control device 100 according to the third embodiment.

In this case, the receiving unit 210 further receives, as the setting instructions, an instruction to change the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a high-speed state, and an instruction to change the connection state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a low-speed state.

In addition, when the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to change the connection state to a high-speed state as a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a high-speed state instruction as a control instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, to the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100). In the case where the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to change the connection state to a low-speed state as a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a low-speed state instruction as a control instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, to the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100).

<Second Modification of the Third Embodiment>
The second modified example of the second embodiment can also be applied to the control device 100 according to the third embodiment.

In this case, the receiving unit 210 receives, as a setting instruction, an instruction to reconnect the path between the device 400 and the host device 200 by changing the path state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a disconnected state and then changing the path state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a connected state.

When the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction to reconnect as a setting instruction, the control instruction transmitting unit 220 transmits a reconnect instruction as a control instruction to the control device 100 (specifically, to the instruction receiving unit 110 of the control device 100). Note that in the description of the embodiment and the description of the variation of the present disclosure, reconnection refers to changing the path state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a disconnected state, and then changing the path state between the device 400 and the host device 200 to a connected state.

This modification can also be applied to the first modification of the third embodiment.

<Implementation example>
Hereinafter, implementation examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 10 shows an example implementation of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 10, an implementation example of the present disclosure is realized by mounting control IC (Integrated Circuit) chips on the connectors at both ends of a Type-C cable, and mounting software that controls the control IC chips in a host device. In FIG. 10, the host device is written as Host. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a host device is connected to one connector of a Type-C cable, and a device (written as Device) is connected to the other connector. The device written as "Device" in FIG. 10 is also written as device device in the following description.

The control IC chip corresponds to the control device 10 of the first embodiment and the control device 100 of the second and third embodiments. The Type-C cable corresponds to the USB cable of the first and second embodiments and the USB cable 300 of the third embodiment. The host device corresponds to the host device of the first and second embodiments and the host device 200 of the third embodiment. The device device corresponds to the other devices of the first and second embodiments and the device 400 of the third embodiment. As described later, of the two lanes in FIG. 10, "lane 1" is used as a lane for data transfer. "lane 2" in FIG. 10 is used as a lane for IC chip control. The lane for data transfer corresponds to the device connection path in the above-mentioned embodiment. The lane for IC chip control corresponds to the control lane in the above-mentioned embodiment. The Type-C cable in this implementation is the same as a USB cable that complies with the USB Type-C standard, except that the lanes for IC chip control are used for communication between the host device and the control IC chip, and are not used for communication between host devices and other devices.

Figure 11 is a diagram that illustrates data transfer between a host device and a device device according to an implementation example of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a diagram that shows a schematic diagram of data transfer between a host device and a control IC chip according to an implementation example of the present disclosure.

In this implementation example, the host device transfers data between the host device and the device device in one lane using the original protocol specifications of the device device without using the functions of the control IC chip as shown in FIG. 11. In the other lane, the host device transfers data in accordance with the protocol specifications of the control IC chip between the control software installed in the host device and the control IC chip installed in the connector on the device device side as shown in FIG. 12. The device device transfers data in one lane of USB 3.2 Gen 1 or one lane of USB 3.2 Gen 2.

The host device transmits control command data to the control IC chip using the data transfer line of the IC chip control lane of the Type-C cable under the control of the control software installed in the host device. The control IC chip installed in the connector on the device side receives the transmitted control command data. The control command data corresponds to the control instruction data of the above-mentioned embodiment. After receiving the transmitted control command data, the control IC chip installed in the connector on the device side electrically controls the connector. In this implementation example, a control IC chip is installed in both connectors on both ends of the Type-C cable. Then, the control IC chip installed in the connector on the device side operates according to the control command data from the host device.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the switching circuit of the control IC chip corresponds to the switching circuit of the first embodiment and the switch unit 130 of the second and third embodiments. The firmware of the control IC chip realizes the functions of the instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 of the first to third embodiments. In other words, under the control of the firmware of the control IC chip, the control IC chip operates as the instruction receiving unit 110 and the control unit 120 of the first to third embodiments.

Figure 13 shows the arrangement of terminals in a USB Type-C connector.

The assignment of each line shown in Figure 13 is as follows. The "TX1+", "TX1-", "TX2+", "TX2-", "RX1+", "RX1-", "RX2+", and "RX2-" lines are data transfer signal lines. These lines make it possible to transfer data for USB 3.0 devices and protocols other than USB, such as DisplayPort. The "VBUS" line is a power supply line. The "CC1", "CC2", "SUB1", and "SUB2" lines are connection configuration lines used for detecting the stream direction and for negotiation to determine the role of each current/voltage terminal. The "D+" and "D-" lines are USB 2.0 transfer signal lines.

In this implementation example, the connector is equipped with a control IC chip and control software, enabling control of each signal line of these USB Type-C cables.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an information processing system according to this implementation example.

The operation of disconnecting and reconnecting the VBUS line on the control IC chip in this implementation example is explained using Figure 14.

As described above, the control IC chip has a switching circuit and firmware inside. The firmware has the function of a USB vendor class device. First, for example, a user connects a host device and a device device with a Type-C cable (step S301). This Type-C cable is a Type-C cable equipped with a control IC chip. When a SuperSpeed connection is made between the host device and the device device using the Type-C cable, in one lane (the above-mentioned lane 1), the device device is recognized as a device for data transfer using a protocol that complies with the USB standard. Furthermore, in the other lane (the above-mentioned lane 2), the host device recognizes the control IC chip as a vendor class device using the control software in the host device and the firmware in the control IC chip. As a result, the control IC chip connects to the control software of the host device (step S302). In the description of this disclosure, the operation of the host device that executes the control software under the control of the control software may be described as the operation of the control software. The operation described as the operation of the control software is the operation of the host device that executes the control software under the control of the control software. In addition, the operation of the control IC chip under the control of the firmware may be described as the operation of the firmware. The operation described as the operation of the firmware is the operation of the control IC chip under the control of the firmware.

When disconnecting a device of the data transfer lane, the control software transfers a class request representing a disconnection command to the firmware in the control IC chip using the data transfer signal line of the IC chip control lane. The firmware in the control IC chip receives the class request from the control software (step S303). Specifically, the control IC chip receives a class request from a host device that operates under the control of the control software. In this case, the class request received by the control IC chip is a class request representing a disconnection command. If the control command data is a disconnection command to turn off the VBUS (OFF in step S304), the firmware in the control IC chip that received the disconnection command switches the switching circuit in the control IC chip to OFF (step S305). As a result, the firmware in the control IC chip electrically disconnects the VBUS line of the connector part on which the control IC chip is mounted (step S306). As a result, the firmware in the control IC chip disconnects between the host device and the device (step S307). In this case, the VBUS line of the connector is the VBUS line of the data transfer lane. Turning the VBUS OFF means electrically disconnecting the VBUS. Switching the switching circuit OFF means putting the switching circuit in a state in which the VBUS of the data transfer lane is electrically disconnected.

Similarly, when the control software transfers a class request representing a connection command to the control IC chip, the firmware in the control IC chip receives the class request representing a connection command from the control software (step S303). In this case, the class request received by the control IC chip is a class request representing a disconnection command. If the received control command data is a connection command to turn on the VBUS (ON in step S304), the firmware in the control IC chip that received the connection command switches the switching circuit in the control IC chip to ON (step S308). As a result, the firmware in the control IC chip electrically connects the VBUS line (step S309). As a result, the firmware in the control IC chip reconnects between the host device and the device device (step S310). In this case, the VBUS line of the connector is the VBUS line of the data transfer lane. Also, turning on the VBUS means electrically connecting the VBUS. Switching the switching circuit to ON means putting the switching circuit in a state in which the VBUS of the data transfer lane is electrically connected. In the description of this implementation example, reconnection refers to taking a signal line that has gone from an electrically connected state to an electrically disconnected state and returning it to an electrically connected state again.

In this way, by transferring a control command from the control software and electrically switching the VBUS of the data transfer lane within the cable OFF/ON, it is possible to disconnect and reconnect only the host device port even when the cable is physically connected between the host device and the device device. In addition, the control software can send a control command to the control IC chip of the selected port, thereby disconnecting and reconnecting the selected port. The control software can then select any port to which the Type-C cable of this implementation example is connected.

The control software may also be configured to be able to send control commands other than those that control the ON/OFF of the VBUS line. By changing the control command sent by the control software to a control command that controls other signal lines, it is possible to control not only the VBUS line but also other signal lines.

The control command may be, for example, a control command to disable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. In other words, the control command to disable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is a control command to turn off the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. In further words, the control command to disable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is a control command to electrically disconnect the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. Such a control command corresponds to the above-mentioned low-speed state instruction.

The control command may be, for example, a control command to enable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. In other words, the control command to enable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is a control command to turn on the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. In further words, the control command to enable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is a control command to electrically connect the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane. Such a control command corresponds to the high-speed state instruction described above.

When a control command to disable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is received from the control software, the control IC chip controls the TX line and RX line, which are the data transfer signal lines of the data transfer lane shown in Figure 12, to be disabled. By disabling the TX line and RX line, which are the data transfer signal lines of the data transfer lane, the only signal line that can be used for data transfer is the D line. Therefore, data transfer via the data transfer lane becomes a USB 2.0 transfer.

When a control command to enable the TX line and RX line of the data transfer lane is received from the control software, the control IC chip controls the TX line and RX line, which are the data transfer signal lines of the data transfer lane shown in FIG. 12, to be enabled. By enabling the TX line and RX line, which are the data transfer signal lines of the data transfer lane, the signal lines that can be used for data transfer are the TX line, RX line, and D line. Therefore, data transfer via the data transfer lane becomes possible in one lane of USB3.2 Gen1 and one lane of USB3.2 Gen2.

Therefore, by using control software and a control IC chip, it is possible to control the USB transfer speed as well.

In this way, by making it possible to connect and control the transfer speed using a Type-C cable, it is possible to reconnect the USB and change the transfer speed without physically plugging and unplugging the cable, even on commercially available devices that do not have a built-in power supply function.

Generally, when disconnecting and reconnecting a USB in a system that uses a Type-C cable, it is necessary to manually plug and unplug the cable on-site. However, by using this implementation example, connection control can be performed by software, eliminating the need to operate the cable. Therefore, even in telework environments, which have become more common in recent years, it is possible to disconnect and reconnect the USB without having to go to the location where the hardware is installed and operate the cable.

In addition, in general, when evaluating a device by repeatedly plugging and unplugging the USB cable, it is necessary to either spend a huge amount of time manually plugging and unplugging the cable, or to automatically disconnect and reconnect the cable using expensive dedicated equipment. However, by using this implementation example, it is possible to automatically perform evaluations of a device by repeatedly plugging and unplugging the USB cable using a Type-C cable and dedicated software. When evaluating a device by repeatedly plugging and unplugging the USB cable, manual work or dedicated equipment is no longer necessary.

In addition, generally, when changing the transfer speed by connecting a USB 2.0 to a USB 3.2 device, it is necessary to either use a USB 2.0 cable for the connection, or to plug the cable into a USB 2.0 port. However, by connecting a USB 3.2 device with a Type-C cable using this implementation example, it is possible to change the transfer speed as desired using control software.

<Other embodiments>
The control device and the host device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized by a computer including a memory into which a program read from a storage medium is loaded and a processor that executes the program. The control device and the host device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also be realized by dedicated hardware. The control device and the host device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned computer and dedicated hardware.

15 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1000 capable of realizing a control device and a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the computer 1000 includes a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, and an I/O (Input/Output) interface 1004. The computer 1000 can also access a storage medium 1005. The memory 1002 and the storage device 1003 are, for example, storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a hard disk. The storage medium 1005 is, for example, a storage device such as a RAM or a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a portable storage medium. The storage device 1003 may be the storage medium 1005. The processor 1001 can read and write data and programs from the memory 1002 and the storage device 1003. The processor 1001 can access, for example, other devices via the I/O interface 1004. The processor 1001 can access a storage medium 1005. The storage medium 1005 stores a program that causes the computer 1000 to operate as a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The processor 1001 loads into the memory 1002 a program stored in the storage medium 1005 that causes the computer 1000 to operate as a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The processor 1001 then executes the program loaded into the memory 1002, causing the computer 1000 to operate as a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The processor 1001 loads into the memory 1002 a program stored in the storage medium 1005 that causes the computer 1000 to operate as a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The processor 1001 then executes the program loaded into the memory 1002, causing the computer 1000 to operate as a host device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The instruction receiving unit 110, the control unit 120, the switch unit 130, the receiving unit 210, and the control instruction transmitting unit 220 can be realized, for example, by a processor 1001 that executes a program loaded into the memory 1002. Some or all of the instruction receiving unit 110, the control unit 120, the switch unit 130, the receiving unit 210, and the control instruction transmitting unit 220 can also be realized by a dedicated circuit that realizes the function of each unit.

In addition, some or all of the above embodiments can be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

(Appendix 1)
an instruction receiving means for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector;
a control means for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction;
A control device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
the connection state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is connected,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the disconnected state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is not connected.

(Appendix 3)
the control means sets the path state to the disconnected state by disconnecting a power supply line of the device connection path, and sets the path state to the connected state by connecting a power supply line of the device connection path.
3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

(Appendix 4)
The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means sets the path state to one of a first speed state in which a speed of communication via the device connection path is limited to a first speed, and a second speed state in which communication via the device connection path at a second speed faster than the first speed is possible, whichever is indicated by the control instruction.

(Appendix 5)
The control device described in Appendix 4, wherein the control means sets the path state to the first speed state by disconnecting a data transfer path that is used when communicating at the second speed via the equipment connection path and is not used when communicating at the first speed via the equipment connection path, and sets the path state to the second speed state by connecting the data transfer path.

(Appendix 6)
The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one connector via a USB cable.

(Appendix 7)
The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one of the connectors, and is included in a connector portion including the other of the two connectors.

(Appendix 8)
Two control devices, each of which is a control device according to claim 1 or 2,
one of the two control devices is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one of the connectors and is included in a connector section including the other of the two connectors;
The other of the two control devices is connected to a terminal of the control path of the other connector and is included in a connector unit including the one connector.
USB cable.

(Appendix 9)
The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device includes a USB cable connected to a terminal of the control path of the one connector and to a terminal of the control path of the other connector of the two connectors.

(Appendix 10)
A control device according to claim 1 or 2;
a USB cable including the control device;
the host device connected to the control device via a terminal of a control path of the one connector of the USB cable;
The host device includes:
a receiving means for receiving a setting instruction for the path state of the device connection path of the USB cable;
a control instruction transmitting means for transmitting, when the setting instruction is received, the control instruction corresponding to the setting instruction to the control device;
An information processing system comprising:

(Appendix 11)
receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via a control path of the one connector;
Controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state according to the control instruction.
Control methods.

(Appendix 12)
the connection state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is connected,
The control method according to claim 11, wherein the disconnected state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is not connected.

(Appendix 13)
setting the path state to the disconnected state by disconnecting a power line of the device connection path, and setting the path state to the connected state by connecting a power line of the device connection path.
13. The control method according to claim 11 or 12.

(Appendix 14)
The control method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the route state is set to one of a first speed state in which a speed of communication via the device connection route is limited to a first speed, and a second speed state in which communication via the device connection route at a second speed faster than the first speed is possible, as indicated by the control instruction.

(Appendix 15)
The control method described in Appendix 14, wherein the path state is set to the first speed state by disconnecting a data transfer path that is used when communicating at the second speed via the device connection path and is not used when communicating at the first speed via the device connection path, and the path state is set to the second speed state by connecting the data transfer path.

(Appendix 16)
A control device included in the cable executes the control method described in Supplementary Note 11 or 12,
The host device connected to the control device via a terminal of a control path of the one connector of the cable,
receiving an instruction to set the path state of the device connection path of the cable;
When the setting instruction is received, the control instruction corresponding to the setting instruction is transmitted to the control device.
Information processing system control method.

(Appendix 17)
an instruction receiving process for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector;
a control process for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

(Appendix 18)
the connection state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is connected,
The program according to claim 17, wherein the disconnected state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is not connected.

(Appendix 19)
The control process sets the path state to the disconnected state by disconnecting a power line of the device connection path, and sets the path state to the connected state by connecting a power line of the device connection path.
19. The program according to claim 17 or 18.

(Appendix 20)
The program described in Appendix 17 or 18, wherein the control process sets the path state to one of a first speed state in which a speed of communication via the device connection path is limited to a first speed, and a second speed state in which communication via the device connection path at a second speed faster than the first speed is possible, whichever is indicated by the control instruction.

(Appendix 21)
The program described in Appendix 20, wherein the control process sets the path state to the first speed state by disconnecting a data transfer path that is used when communicating at the second speed via the device connection path and is not used when communicating at the first speed via the device connection path, and sets the path state to the second speed state by connecting the data transfer path.

Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Control device 100 Control device 110 Instruction receiving unit 120 Control unit 130 Switch unit 200 Host device 210 Receiving unit 220 Control instruction transmitting unit 300 USB cable 400 Device 1000 Computer 1001 Processor 1002 Memory 1003 Storage device 1004 I/O interface 1005 Storage medium

Claims (10)

an instruction receiving means for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector;
a control means for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction;
A control device comprising: the connection state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is connected,
The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the disconnected state is a state in which the host device determines that another device connected to the device connection path is not connected. the control means sets the path state to the disconnected state by disconnecting a power supply line of the device connection path, and sets the path state to the connected state by connecting a power supply line of the device connection path.
The control device according to claim 1 or 2. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means sets the path state to one of a first speed state in which the speed of communication via the device connection path is limited to a first speed, and a second speed state in which communication at a second speed faster than the first speed via the device connection path is possible, as indicated by the control instruction. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control means sets the path state to the first speed state by disconnecting a data transfer path that is used when communicating at the second speed via the equipment connection path and is not used when communicating at the first speed via the equipment connection path, and sets the path state to the second speed state by connecting the data transfer path. The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one connector via a USB cable. The control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one of the connectors, and is included in a connector portion including the other of the two connectors. Two control devices, each of which is a control device according to claim 1 or 2,
one of the two control devices is connected to a terminal of the control path of the one of the connectors and is included in a connector section including the other of the two connectors;
The other of the two control devices is connected to a terminal of the control path of the other connector and is included in a connector unit including the one connector.
USB cable. receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via a control path of the one connector;
Controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state according to the control instruction.
Control methods. an instruction receiving process for receiving a control instruction indicating a path state, which is a state of a device connection path between two connectors of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, from a host device connected to one of the two connectors via the control path of the one connector;
a control process for controlling whether the path state of the device connection path is in a connected state or a disconnected state in accordance with the control instruction;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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