JPH0350281B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Table of Contents] Overview Industrial Application Fields Conventional Technology Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems (Fig. 1) Working Example (a) One Implementation Explanation of the configuration of an example (Figures 2 and 3) (b) Explanation of the internal configuration of one embodiment (Figure 4) (c) Explanation of the configuration of another embodiment (Figure 5) Effects of the invention [ Overview] In a system in which one device and the other device are connected in series and signals are exchanged between these devices, one device is provided with a signal generating means that generates a turn-on signal when the power is turned on, and this signal The generating means is connected to the power source of the other device, and when the power of one device is turned on, a power-on signal of the signal generating means is given to the power source of the other device to automatically turn on the power of the other device remotely. This is how it was done.

[Industrial application field]

In a system where multiple devices are connected in series and signals are exchanged between the devices, the present invention enables signals to be exchanged between the devices by automatically turning on the power of the other device remotely when one device is powered on. The present invention relates to a remote power-on method that is suitable for application to a system in which a lower-level device transfers data via a higher-level device.

For example, in a computer system, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in series (daisy chain) to a line, and each terminal device is configured to exchange data with a computer via the line via a higher-level terminal device. In order to exchange data like this, it is necessary that the upper terminal device is powered on and operating, and generally in a computer system, all devices are powered on and in operation. .

[Conventional technology]

For example, a line like the one shown in Figure 6 connects multiple devices (three in the figure) via a modem (modulator/demodulator) MDM.
In a system in which DV0, DV1, and DV2 are connected in series, each device DV0 to DV2 is individually connected to AC.
Power panels 1a to 1c to which applicable power is supplied by plugs AP0 to AP2, power supply switches 10a to 10c of power panels 1a to 1c, and power panels 1a to 1c, respectively.
A secondary power source (DC operating power source) is provided from 1c,
It has operating control circuits 2a to 2c. And each device DV0~DV2 has connectors 30~35
The control circuits 2a to 2c of the devices DV0 to DV2 and the modem MDM are connected in series via connectors 31 to 35 by cables CB1 to CB3.

Therefore, the device DV0 is the lowest-level device, and the device DV2 is the highest-level device, and the device DV0 exchanges data with the host computer via the line via the devices DV1, DV2 and the modem MDM.

By the way, even the simplest control circuits 2a to 2c have drivers, receivers, etc. In this case, terminals etc. are separately connected to the control circuit, and other than that, a data processing processor is further provided inside. These cannot operate without a secondary power supply.

Therefore, in order for the lower-level device DV0 to transfer data, it turns on the power-on switch 10a of the lower-level device DV0, issues a power-on signal, and connects its own power panel 1a.
This not only turns on the power-on switches 10b and 10c of the host devices DV1 and DV2, but also issues a power-on signal and powers on the own power panels 1b and 1c. There is a need.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

On the other hand, these devices DV0 to DV2 are generally rarely installed in the same location, and for example, they are often installed in separate locations or on different floors even on the same floor. be.

In such cases, it is wasteful to always turn on the power to each device DV0 to DV2, as it consumes power even when not in use, so generally, the power is turned on when each device is used. .

Therefore, in the conventional configuration, in order to use the lower-level device DV0, the higher-level devices DV1 and DV must be used.
2.Turn on the power on switch and turn on the device DV.
1. It is necessary to go to a remote location where the DV2 is installed, and the same goes for turning off the power, which is a problem in that it is time-consuming and troublesome for the operator.

On the other hand, there is a known technology for powering on a device at a remote location using a command, but in this method, the device at the remote location is powered on, but the part that receives and analyzes the command is not powered on. This command supplies secondary power from the power source to other units in the device, so the command method cannot turn on the power itself, and it is not possible to turn on the power itself at all times. There was a problem in that the power had to be turned on, and wasteful consumption of power was unavoidable.

Furthermore, as seen in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-11650, etc., in a computer system, a positive potential and a closing command are given to a lower level in response to a closing command from a higher level.
There are also known devices that turn on power to lower-level devices, but the entire computer system is powered on, and it is not possible to turn on only the necessary power to the higher-level devices from the lower-level devices, resulting in wasted power consumption. There was also a problem in that it was not possible to turn on power to the higher-level device from the lower-level device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a remote power-on method that can easily and automatically power on a necessary host device by turning on the power of the lower-order device itself.

[Means for solving problems]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

The present invention provides power supplies 1a to 1c that are turned on in response to power supply signals, and power supply instruction means 10a to 10 that generate power supply signals to the power supplies 1a to 1c.
A plurality of devices DV0 to DV2 having c are connected in series, and the lower devices DV0 and DV1 are the upper devices DV
1. In a system that communicates via DV2, a power-on signal is generated when the lower devices DV0 and DV1 turn on their own power, and the upper devices DV1 and DV1
Signal generation means 4a, 4b for outputting to DV2 are provided, and the signal generation means 4a, 4b of the lower order devices DV0, DV1 are connected to the power supplies 1b, 1c of the upper order devices DV1, DV2 in parallel with the power supply instruction means. The host device is configured by connecting and configured, and the power supply signal generated by the signal generating means 4a, 4b when the power of the lower order device DV0, DV1 is turned on causes the host device to
This is to turn on the power supplies 1b and 1c of DV1 and DV2.

[Effect]

In the present invention, the power-on switch 1 of the device DV0
0a is turned on and its own power supply panel 1a is turned on by the power-on signal, and as a result, the signal generation circuit 4a
generates a power-on signal and applies it to the power panel 1b of the device DV1 via the connector 51, cable CL1, and connector 52, thereby turning on the power panel 1b. still,
Similarly, when the power supply board 1b is turned on, the signal generation circuit 4b generates a power-on signal, and the connector 53,
The power is supplied to the power supply panel 1c of the device DV2 via the cable CL2 and the connector 54, and this is turned on.

Therefore, when the device DV0 is powered on, the devices DV1 and DV2 connected in series are automatically powered on one after another. This allows the device DV0
It becomes possible to transfer data via the devices DV1 and DV2.

〔Example〕

(a) Explanation of the structure of a case study.

FIG. 2 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2A is an external view of the data input device, Figure 2B
is an external view when data input devices are connected to communication interface devices as devices DV0 to DV2.

In FIG. 2A, 6 is a data input device, which internally includes an operating battery, a processor (MPU), a memory (RAM), and an interface circuit, as described later in FIG. death,
60 is the main body, and 61 is a power switch, which stores and retains data input from the key section, which will be described later, in the memory under the control of the processor. 62 is a display, which is a liquid crystal display and is provided at the upper part of the upper surface of the main body 60 and displays input data, etc.;
is the key section, and in addition to the numeric keys "0" to "9" and the input instruction key "ENTER", the necessary alphanumeric keys and function keys (including the send key) are provided. Enter data using the keys,
7 is a connector that is provided on the side of the main body 60 and is used to connect with external equipment (communication interface device) to exchange data and commands. Figure 3A
This will be described later in .

In addition, 8 in FIG. 2B is a communication interface device, and the devices DV0 to DV shown in FIG.
2, with a power-on switch 10a on the top surface,
A connector 9 (described later in FIG. 3B) is provided in the slot into which the data input device 6 is inserted, and is connected to the connector 7 of the data input device 6.
By inserting the data input device 6 into the slot, the connector is connected, and the data in the memory of the data input device 6 is transferred to the upper side.
It also provides data from the upper level to the data input device 6.

To explain an example of how the data input device 6 and communication interface device 8 are used, an operator holds the data input device 6 in hand at a business partner (supermarket, etc.) and checks the products while checking the product type, quantity, etc. The input data is confirmed on the display 62 by operating the key section 63. The input data is processed by a processor within the data input device 6 and stored in memory. and,
When the operator returns to his office, the communication interface device 8 installed in the office
Insert the data input device 6 and connect it to the connector, turn on the power switch 10a of the communication interface device 8, turn on the power, and turn on the power to the upper communication interface device 8, if it is connected in series. Automatically input as described above,
The modem MDM establishes a transfer path with the host computer via the line, and when the send key of the data input device 6 is pressed, the input data in the memory of the data input device 6 is transferred to the communication interface device 8.
The information is then communicated to the host computer and used for the host computer's sales aggregation.

Figure 3 shows the connector 7 installed in these devices.
and 9 is a configuration diagram.

In FIG. 3A, 70a and 70b are guide holes for receiving alignment studs, which will be described later, on the other connector 9 provided in the communication interface device 8, and 71a to 71d are holes for lead terminals. 72 is an optical connection part, which receives the signal line pins described later in the other connector 9, and is used to electrically connect the signal lines.
3 and 6 light receiving elements (phototransistors)
74 and the other connector 9, which will be described later.
A device that exchanges signals by optical coupling while facing six light emitting elements and three light receiving elements, 7
5 is a connector support part, which includes guide holes 70a,
70b, lead terminal holes 71a to 71d, and an optical connection section 72.

In FIG. 3B, 91a and 90b are alignment studs, which are inserted into the guide holes 70a and 70b of one connector 7 provided in the data input device 6 to hold and position the connectors 7 and 9 when connected. 91a to 91d are pins for signal lines, which are inserted into the lead terminal holes 71a to 71d of one connector 7 to electrically connect the signal lines, and 92 is an optical connection part. , six light emitting elements (light emitting diodes) 93
and three light receiving elements (phototransistors) 9
4, and when connected to one connector 7, each of the six light receiving elements 7 of one connector 7
4 and the three light emitting elements 73 for exchanging signals through optical coupling; 95 is a connector support section; and alignment stud 90.
a, 90b, signal line pins 91a to 91d, and an optical connection section 92.

To connect connector 7 and connector 9,
Studs 90a, 90 for positioning the connector 9
The data input device 6 is inserted into the slot of the communication interface device 8 so that the data input device 6 is inserted into the guide holes 70a, 70b of the connector 7.

This allows the signal line pin 91 of the connector 9 to
a to 91d are lead terminal holes 71 of the connector 7
a to 71d, an electrical connection is made, and the optical connection part 92 of the connector 9 and the connector 7
The optical connecting portions 72 of the two face each other, the light emitting element 93 faces the light receiving element 74, and the light receiving element 94 faces the light emitting element 73, thereby enabling optical coupling.

In a connector using such optical coupling, signal lines for power supply, connection detection, and signal ground, which are unsuitable for optical coupling, are connected to signal line pins 91a to 91b and lead terminal holes 71a to 71.
This is done by the electrical connection of d. On the other hand, data lines, clock lines, etc. that can be optically coupled are connected to the optical connection section 9.
This is done by optical coupling between 2 and 72. Compared to electrical connections made by mechanical connections, connections made by optical coupling are more reliable because there is no need to consider connection failures due to wear and deterioration of the pins, and they are electrically isolated and do not expose the terminals. This prevents damage to internal circuits caused by static electricity.

(b) Description of the internal configuration of one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an internal block diagram of the data input device 6 and communication interface device 8.
Although the communication interface device 8 is shown as device DV0 in FIG. 1, other devices DV1 and DV2
also have the same configuration.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6 are indicated by the same symbols, and 20 and 23 are line drivers;
2 is a line receiver, which operates by receiving the secondary power (Ext Vcc) from the power supply panel 1a, and the line receiver 22 receives SD (transmission data) from the lower level.
The line driver 20 receives the line, RS (send request) line, and ER (terminal ready) line from the line receiver 22 and provides the ER (terminal ready) line to the line driver 20.
The line receiver 21 outputs data on the line and ER line to the upper level via the connector 31, and the line receiver 21 outputs data on the CD (carrier detect) line, RD (received data) line, CS (send permission) line, and DR (receive) line from the upper level. Timing) A device that receives the line via the connector 31 and supplies it to the line driver 23 and connector 9. The line driver 23 receives the line from the line receiver 21.
Data on the CD line, RD line, CS line, and DR line is output to the lower side via the connector 30. Therefore, in the communication interface device 8, the control circuit 2a (2b, 2c) is connected to the line driver 20,
23, is composed of a branch transfer circuit having line receivers 21, 22 and an optical coupling connector 9, and transfers data from a lower level to an upper level or data from an upper level to a lower level, and a data input device 6 is connected to a connector 7. When connected to the connector 9, data is branched and transferred between the data input device 6 and a higher-level device.

40a is a relay coil of the signal generation circuit 4a, which is connected to the power supply panel 1a, and 40b is a relay contact, which is closed when current is supplied to the relay coil 40a, and a power-on signal is sent from the connector 51 to the cable CL1. This outputs the following.

64 is a processor (hereinafter referred to as CPU), which is provided in the data input device and performs data input processing, data display processing, and data transfer processing by executing a program. Reference numeral 65 is a memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM), which stores input data of the key unit 63 and received data given via the communication interface device 8. Reference numeral 66 is a clock circuit, which measures the time. Something to keep. 67 is a battery that supplies operating voltage to each part of the data input device 6;
When connected to the communication interface device 8, the charging voltage BV is applied from the power supply panel 1a through the pin 91c of the connector 9 (FIG. 3B), and the battery is charged, and during charging, the pin 91d of the connector 9 (FIG. 3B) Operating voltage is supplied to each part from the power supply panel 1a through
68 is an interface circuit to which Vcc is applied, which controls transmission of the RS-232C interface, drives the light emitting element 73 of the connector 7, and connects the SG line through the connector 9.
Data is sent to the SD line and RS line, and from the light receiving element 74 of the connector 7 via the connector 9, the data is sent to the CD line and RD line.
69 is a bus that connects the CPU 64, RAM 65, display 62, key section 63, clock circuit 66, and interface circuit 68, and transfers data and commands between them. It is a matter of exchange.

Note that SG is a signal ground line.

Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 will be explained.

First, when the data input device 6 is separated, as described above, when the power switch 61 is turned on, operating voltage is supplied from the battery 67 to each part, and when the key section 63 is operated, the CPU 64 transfers input data to the RAM 65. I will store it.

After the input data has been collected in this way,
When the operator inserts the data input device 6 into the communication interface device 8, connects the connectors 7 and 9, and turns on the power switch 10a, the power is turned on to the power panel 1a, which turns on the relay 4a. Contact 40b closes and a power-on signal is output. For this reason, the power of the upper communication interface devices 8 (DV1, DV2) is turned on one after another, and their line drivers,
Secondary power is given to the line receiver, and the upper communication interface device 8 (DV1, DV2)
It also becomes possible to communicate with the host computer via the line via the modem MDM.

Along with this, the communication interface device 8
From the power supply panel 1a, each line driver 20, 2
3. The operating voltage Vcc is applied to the line receivers 21 and 22, and to each part of the data input device 6 from the pin 91d of the connector 9 through the connector 7, and the battery of the data input device 6 is applied from the pin 91c of the connector 9 through the connector 7. Charge voltage BV to 67
is supplied, and the battery 67 is charged.

As a result, a terminal ready signal is sent from the CPU 64 to the ER line from the interface circuit 68 via the bus 69, and further the operator presses the key unit 6.
When the send key 3 is pressed, a send request is issued to the RS line in the same way. The host computer detects this in the aforementioned path via the modem MDM and
When a transmission permission is issued from the CS line and the CPU 64 detects this via the interface circuit 68 and bus 69, the input data of the RAM 65 is sent to the bus 6.
9. Output to the SD line from connectors 7 and 9 via the interface circuit 68, and transmit to the host computer via the modem MDM.

On the other hand, in order to receive data from the host computer, the host computer applies the receive data to the RD line and the receive timing signal to the DR line via the modem MDM, and the data input device 6 connects the bus from the connectors 9 and 7 to the interface circuit 68. 6
9, and is stored in the RAM 65 according to instructions from the CPU 64.

In this way, the lower communication interface device automatically powers on the upper interface device to form a data transfer path,
Data is exchanged between the connected data input device and the host computer via the data transfer path.

(c) Explanation of the configuration of other embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, showing another structure of the devices DV0 to DV2.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a multi-communication interface device (hereinafter referred to as MCIU), which integrates eight communication interface devices (referred to as CIU) described above, and is composed of CIUs 8a to 8h.

This internal configuration is similar to that of the CIU shown in FIG. 4, and eight connectors 9 are provided so that eight data input devices 6 can be connected. Let this MCIU80 be one device, for example DV0,
The present invention can be similarly applied to a structure in which a plurality of MCIUs are connected in series as shown in FIG.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control circuits 2a to 2c of the devices DV0 to DV2 are not provided with a processing function and are connected to a separate data input device, but the control circuits 2a to 2c are provided with a processor and a memory, It may also be possible to communicate with a processor and memory within the circuit. Further, the signal generating circuit is not limited to a relay, but may be an electronic circuit such as a photocoupler.

Although the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention can be modified in various ways according to the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the present invention.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

By turning on the power of its own device from any device, it becomes possible to automatically turn on the power of all necessary host devices.

Since power is not turned on to lower-level devices that are not necessary, power can be saved.

This can be easily realized by simply providing a signal generating means in each device and connecting it to the power source of the host device.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention, Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of an optical coupling connector used in the configuration shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is the configuration shown in Figure 2. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a conventional configuration. In the figure, DV0 to DV2...devices, 1a to 1c...
...Power supply panel, 4a to 4c...Signal generation circuit, 10a
~10c...Power on switch, 6...Data input device, 8,80...Communication interface device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Power sources 1 each turned on by a power-on signal.
A to 1c, and a plurality of devices DV0 to DV2 having power on instruction means 10a to 10c for generating a power on signal to the power supplies 1a to 1c are connected in series,
Lower devices DV0 and DV1 are upper devices DV1 and DV2
In a system that communicates via
1. Provide signal generating means 4a, 4b for outputting to DV2, and power supplies 1b, 1c for the host devices DV1, DV2.
The signal generation means 4a, 4b of the lower-order devices DV0, DV1 are connected in parallel with the power-on instruction means, and the signals generated by the signal generation means 4a, 4b when the power of the lower-order devices DV0, DV1 is turned on. A remote power-on method characterized in that the power supplies 1b and 1c of the host devices DV1 and DV2 are turned on in response to a power-on signal sent to the host device.