[0001]The present disclosure, a communication device, an information processing apparatus, and a communication method.
Background technique
[0002]Recently, in order to achieve further higher transmission rate, it is being optical interface cable (optical IF cable) is used as a transmission medium. Are connected by an optical IF cable, network device having an optical interface (optical IF) are for transmitting and receiving optical signals, there is a possibility that power consumption increases.
[0003]
　Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 performs modulation and output at a level trouble in the communication does not occur in accordance with the transmission data, a technique for reducing discloses power consumption. Further, Patent Document 2, the active, idle, passive, by transitioning the four states of off, a technique for reducing discloses power consumption.
CITATION
Patent Document
[0004]
Patent Document 1: JP 2012-60298 JP
Patent Document 2: JP 2007-214731 JP
Summary of the Invention
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0005]
　However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, data communication is maintained continuously, the power for data communication has been consumed. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, even in a passive state light IF is the state for reducing the power consumption, pulse output to which it informs the light IF the connected equipment that is in the passive state are, power for the pulse output has been consumed. In the communication using such an optical IF, it has been desired to reduce the power consumption more.
[0006]
　In the present disclosure, which can reduce power consumption more, new and improved communication apparatus, information processing apparatus, and proposes a communication method.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007]
　According to the present disclosure detects the optical signal, a detector for converting the optical signal into an electric signal, and a data processing unit for processing the electrical signal converted by said detecting unit acquires the data, the on the basis of the optical signal detected by the detection unit, and a said data processing unit active viable activities the standby state of being paused the data processing unit obtains the data to reduce power consumption , and a control unit for controlling the operating state, the detecting unit in the standby state, performs the detection of the optical signal, the communication device is provided.
[0008]
　Further, according to the present disclosure detects the optical signal, said optical signal detecting section for converting into an electric signal, and said processing the converted the electrical signal by the detection portion data processing unit for acquiring data , on the basis of the said optical signal detected by the detecting unit, wherein the standby state in which activity of the data processing unit is paused data processing unit and a viable active acquisition of the data, the operating conditions and a control unit for controlling the detecting unit in the standby state, performs the detection of the optical signal, the information processing apparatus is provided.
[0009]
　Further, according to the present disclosure detects the optical signal, said optical signal detecting section for converting into an electric signal, and said processing the converted the electrical signal by the detection portion data processing unit for acquiring data a communication method for a communication apparatus provided with, on the basis of the said optical signal detected by the detecting unit, wherein the standby state in which activity is pause in the data processing unit data processing unit capable of executing the acquisition of the data and a an active state, that controls the operating state, the communication method comprising is provided.
Effect of the invention
[0010]
　According to the present disclosure described above, it is possible to reduce the power consumption more.
[0011]
　Incidentally, the above effect is not necessarily restrictive, with the above effects, or instead of the above effects, any effects shown herein, or other effects that may be grasped from the description, it may be achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing the transition of the operation state of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication device 10 according to the embodiment.
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the analog front end portion of the receiving portion 100 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the optical power output from the Tx ch according to the embodiment.
6 is a flowchart showing an example operational flow according to the embodiment.
7 is a flowchart showing an example operational flow according to the embodiment.
8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connection configuration in the transition operation example.
Is a timing chart for a case [9] are possible transitions from the active state to the standby state.
Is a timing chart for a case [10] it is impossible to transition from the active state to the standby state.
11 is a flowchart showing an example operational flow according to the embodiment.
12 is a flowchart showing an example operational flow according to the embodiment.
13 is a timing chart when the standby state is possible transition to the active state.
14 is a timing chart when the standby state is impossible to transition to the active state.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the embodiment.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the embodiment.
19 is an explanatory diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013]
　Reference will now be described in detail preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. In the specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and structure are a repeated explanation thereof by referring to the figures.
[0014]
　Further, in this specification and the drawings, a plurality of structural elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by affixing a different alphabetical letter to the same reference numerals. However, when there is no particular need to distinguish between a plurality of structural elements having the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numeral only.
[0015]
　The description will be made in the following order.
　<< 1. Overview
　>> << 2. Configuration
　>> << 3. Operation
　　>> <3-1. Operating
　　state> <3-2. Transition to the standby
　　state> <3-3. Transition to the active
　　state> <3-4. Specific
　examples> << 4. Modification
　　>> <4-1. Modification
　　1> <4-2. Modification
　2> << 5. Hardware configuration example
　>> << 6. Conclusion >>
[0016]
　<< 1. SUMMARY >>
　First, an overview of an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. Equipment 80A shown in FIG. 1, and device 80B has an optical interface is a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment (optical IF), are connected to each other by an optical IF cable 90. It is to be noted that the apparatus 80A in the following, and an optical IF with the device 80B, which is normally connected by an optical IF cable 90 will be described on the assumption that there is no loss or disconnection of cables.
[0017]
　Equipment 80A, and equipment 80B is an information processing apparatus having an optical IF, for example, TV (television receiver) or recording apparatus, PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, may be a vehicle terminal or the like.
[0018]
　Light IF cable 90 has an optical fiber, the device 80A, and transmits the optical signal between the devices 80B. The configuration of the connection surface of the optical IF cable 90 and the device 80A is not limited to the example schematically shown in FIG. For example, an optical IF cable 90 may have an electrical wire for power supply, power feeding via the electrical line from one device connected by an optical IF cable 90 to the other devices may be performed .
[0019]
　Also, although an example in which between the devices in FIG 1 are connected by a single optical IF cable 90, between the devices are connected by two optical IF cable, one optical IF cable to transmit from the apparatus 80A used is, the other optical IF cable may be used for transmission from the device 80B.
[0020]
　Communication apparatus according to the present embodiment (optical IF), by shifting the plurality of operating states, thereby reducing power consumption. The operation state of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing the transition of the operation state of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0021]
　The steady state of the communication apparatus (optical IF) according to the present embodiment, there are a shutdown (Shutdown) when the power supply is not performed, the two power-on (Power ON) when the power supply is made. Further, the power-on state active (Active) state is divided into a standby (Standby) state. Active state is a state in which performs the normal communication, the standby state is a state in which the power consumption by performing limited functionality of communication.
[0022]
　In connection between the two devices as shown in FIG. 1, (except during the transition operation state) both devices are in the steady state when it is powered on combinations of operating conditions, for example, a 2 patterns following it may be.
　Pattern 1: Equipment 80A of the optical IF is active and optical IF equipment 80B active
　pattern 2: Equipment 80A of the optical IF standby, and the light IF equipment 80B Standby
[0023]
　In the active state M14 shown in FIG. 2, a communication device and a power-off operation is performed is changed to a shutdown state M12. Thereafter, when the operation of the power-on is performed, the communication device transitions from the shutdown state M12 to an active state M14 or standby M16,. Similarly, in the standby state M16, a communication device and a power-off operation is performed is changed to a shutdown state M12. Thereafter, when the operation of the power-on is performed, the communication device transitions from the shutdown state M12 to an active state M14 or standby M16,.
[0024]
　If the communication apparatus according to this embodiment is active M14, in response to a request from other communication device according to the present embodiment may be a transition from the active state M14 to the standby state M16 (Figure 2 Case2 shown). Further, when the communication apparatus according to this embodiment is in the standby state M16, in response to a request from other communication device according to the present embodiment, it may be a transition to the active state M14 from the standby state M16 (Fig. Case2 shown in 2).
[0025]
　Incidentally, as compared to the transition between the shutdown M12 and active state M14, transition between the standby state M16 and active state M14 may be performed at high speed. The operation of the power on / off, for example, a communication apparatus according to this embodiment, or is carried out directly on the device with the communication device, the transition between the standby state M16 and an active state M14 is , as described above, it may be performed by a request from another communication device.
[0026]
　With such a configuration, the communication device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption in a state that does not need to perform normal communication. Hereinafter, the configuration of the present embodiment having such an effect will be described in detail.
[0027]
　<< 2. Configuration >>
　In the following, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrating a configuration example of a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment (optical IF). Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication device 10 according to the present embodiment. 3, the communication device 10 is a device that performs an interface process with respect to the external device or external network host device 20 is an information processing apparatus.
[0028]
　For example, the communication device 10, or sends information sent from the host device 20 to the external device or external network, and supplies to the host device 20 receives the information from the external device or external network.
[0029]
　The host device 20 is, for example, television or video recording device, via a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, an information processing apparatus such as a vehicle terminal, (optical IF cable 90 shown in example FIG. 1) other device and the network a device for performing the communication.
[0030]
　In FIG. 3, the communication device 10 and the host device 20 is shown as being configured as separate bodies, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment, these devices are substantially as shown in Figure 3 only it needs to be configured such are connected to each other in relation as. For example, the communication device 10 and the host device 20 may be formed integrally and for example, the communication device 10 is formed as an expansion card, it may be detachably connected to a predetermined interface of the host device 20.
[0031]
　Communication device 10, as shown in FIG. 3 includes a receiving unit 100, the transmission unit 200 and the control unit 300.
[0032]
　Receiving unit 100 shown in FIG. 3, another communication apparatus connected to the communication device 10 via the optical IF cable 90 described with reference to FIG. 1 for receiving an optical signal (hereinafter, also referred to as an opposing communication apparatus) Light it is a receiver. Receiving unit 100 operates under the control of the control unit 300 to be described later, to provide an optical signal received from the opposing communication apparatus to the control unit 300 into an electric signal and data.
[0033]
　Receiving unit 100 according to the present embodiment functions as Rx ch (Receiver channel). Rx ch is the channel that receives a signal sent from Tx ch opposing communication apparatus (Transmitter channel). Note that the Rx ch control signal and Sub, stream link channel is a channel to receive such a channel to receive content data such as video and audio Main, stream link channel is allocated.
[0034]
　Here, paying attention to the analog front end portion of the receiving portion 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the analog front end portion of the receiving portion 100. Receiving unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 at least detects an optical signal, a detection unit 110 for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, the data processing unit for acquiring the data by processing the electric signal converted by the detection unit 110 and a 130.
[0035]
　Further, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 350 shown in FIG. 4 is built in the communication device 10 functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the communication device 10 according to various programs. For example, CPU 350 cooperates with the not shown ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), to implement the functions of the control unit 300 described later.
[0036]
　Detection unit 110, as shown in FIG. 4, has a PD (Photo Detector) 1102, TIA (Trans Impedance Amp) 1104, current detectors 1106 and A / D converter 1108,. PD1102 acquires current by detecting light. TIA1104 converts the current obtained by the PD1102 into an electric signal by the voltage provided to the data processing unit 130. The current detector 1106 detects a current value obtained by PD1102, sensed current value is provided to CPU350 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 1108.
[0037]
　Detection unit 110, a standby state, and in both the active state may be performed detection of the optical signal. Further, the detection unit 110, as will be described later, in the standby state, may be performed detectable intermittently operating an optical signal at least every predetermined period. With such a configuration, in the standby state, it is possible to reduce the power consumption consumed by the operation of the detection unit 110.
[0038]
　The data processing unit 130, as shown in FIG. 4, LA (Limiting Amp) 1302, CDR (Clock Data Recovery) 1306, Deserializer1306,10b / 8b converter 1308, and LINK conversion unit 1310 (conversion block into LINK layer) having. Electric signal acquired by the detection unit 110 is processed by the data processing unit 130, data obtained by the data processing unit 130 is provided to control unit 300 described later.
[0039]
　In the active state, the data processing unit 130 according to the present embodiment will be active, but it is feasible to acquire the data, in the standby state, the data processing unit 130, activity is paused in order to reduce power consumption. With such a configuration, in the standby state, since it is not necessary to operate the power consumption is relatively large LA1302, and CDR1306, it is possible to reduce power consumption as compared to the active state, for example, about 1/10
[0040]
　Transmission unit 200 shown in FIG. 3 is a light transmitter for outputting an optical signal to the other communication device connected to the communication device 10 via the optical IF cable 90 described with reference to FIG. 1 (opposing communication apparatus) . Transmitting section 200 is operated under the control of the control unit 300, for example, and transmits the converted data into an optical signal to the opposite communication device. Further, the transmission unit 200, the counter under the control of the control unit 300, and an optical signal for controlling the operation state of the opposite communication device, a light signal indicating that the transition of the operation state of the communication device 10 is approved to the communication device.
[0041]
　Transmitting section 200 according to this embodiment functions as a Tx ch. Tx ch is the channel to send a signal to the Rx ch opposing communication apparatus. Note that the Sub, stream link channel to the Tx ch a channel sends a control signal or the like, Main, stream link channel, such a channel to send the content data such as video and audio is allocated.
[0042]
　Control unit 300 performs overall control of the communication device 10. For example, the control unit 300, based on the light signal detected by the detection unit 110 includes a standby state and an active state, and controls the operation state of the communication device 10.
[0043]
　For example, whether the control unit 300, the detection unit 110 based on the average power of the optical signal detected in the standby state, an active transition request signal the optical signal requires that transitions the communication device 10 in the active state the judgment is carried out whether. Further, if the control unit 300 it is determined that the optical signal is active transition request signal, the communication device 10 from the standby state, it may be a transition to the active state. With such a configuration, the control unit 300 without processing the optical signal by the data processing unit 130, it is possible to control the transition to the active state from the standby state. Therefore, as described above, is resting activity of the data processing unit 130 in the standby state, it is possible to reduce power consumption.
[0044]
　Incidentally, the average power is meant the power of the amplitude center of a signal at a particular time interval. Here a specific time interval may be, for example, an interval of time it takes to send a 10bit equivalent data. In the following, sometimes simply referred to as a power to the average power.
[0045]
　Here, for example, the control unit 300, when the detection unit 110 is an optical signal detected in the standby state continues for a predetermined time or more, an optical signal having an average power of more than a predetermined optical power, the optical signal may be determined that the active transition request signal. With such a configuration, in the standby state, the communication device 10 and the opposite communication device that does not output together an optical signal having an average power of more than a predetermined optical power, standby state is maintained. That is, as described later, the control unit 300 controls the transmission unit 200, in the standby state, it is not necessary to send an active transition request signal. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the output of the optical signal in order to maintain the standby state, power consumption is further reduced.
[0046]
　The control unit 300, detection unit 110 based on the average power of the optical signal detected in the active state, whether the standby transition request signal the optical signal requires that transitions the communication device 10 to the standby state a determination is made. Further, the control unit 300 when the optical signal is determined to the a standby transition request signal, the communication apparatus 10, from the active state, may be a transition to the standby state. With such a configuration, the control unit 300 without processing the optical signal by the data processing unit 130, it is possible to control the transition from the active state to the standby state. Incidentally, the standby for data processing unit 130 is operating in the active state, the control unit 300, when the data acquired by the data processing unit 130 includes a predetermined control command is also a communication device 10 from the active state it may be a transition to the state.
[0047]
　Here, for example, the control unit 300, when the detection unit 110 is an optical signal detected in the active state, continues for a predetermined time or longer, an optical signal having a predetermined optical power smaller than the average power, the optical signal may be determined that the standby transition request signal. The predetermined optical power and a predetermined time, or may be an optical signal when normal communication is performed in the active state is set so as not determined that the standby transition request signal. With such a configuration, in the context that should not be transitioned to the standby state, it is prevented from transitioning erroneously to the standby state.
[0048]
　The control unit 300 controls the transmission to the opposite communication device by the transmission section 200. For example, the control unit 300 controls the transmission section 200 to transmit the data received from the host device 20 to the opposite communication device. The control unit 300 controls the transmission unit 200, and an optical signal for controlling the operation state of the opposing communication apparatus, the opposing communication optical signal indicating that the transition of the operation state of the communication device 10 is approved to be transmitted to the device.
[0049]
　For example, the control unit 300 to transition the opposing communication apparatus from the standby state to the active state, may be transmitted to active transition request signal described above. The control unit 300 to transition the opposing communication apparatus from the active state to the standby state, may be transmitted to the standby transition request signal described above. With such a configuration, the communication device 10 controls the operation state of the opposite communication device, it is possible to also reduce the power consumption of the opposite communication device.
[0050]
　The control unit 300 includes an optical signal detection unit 110 detects in the standby state, the active transition shown that when it is determined that the active transition request signal, a transition to the active state of the communication device 10 is approved the acknowledgment signal may be sent. The control unit 300, after the start of transmission of the active transition request signal, within a predetermined waiting time, the optical signal detected by the detection unit 110, if not contains the active transition approval signal, the communication device 10 it may allowed to transition to the standby state. With such a configuration, for example, equal one of the communication device is in a shutdown state, when a state that can not transition to the active state, the other communication device transitions to the standby state, power consumption is reduced.
[0051]
　The control unit 300 includes an optical signal detection unit 110 detects the active state, if it is determined that the standby transition request signal, the communication apparatus 10 may determine whether it is possible transition to the standby state. Further, the control unit 300, when it is determined that the possible transition to the standby state, may be transmitted to the standby transition acknowledgment signal indicating that the transition to the standby state of the communication device 10 is approved. Here, the control unit 300, based on the operation contents of the communication contents and the host device 20 with the opposing communication apparatus may perform the determination of whether it is possible transition to the standby state. For example, the communication device 10 receives the data from the opposing communication apparatus, if that was recorded in the host device 20, the control unit 300 may determine not possible transitions to the standby state. With such a configuration, the communication device 10 it is possible to notify whether the transition ready to the standby state to the opposing communication apparatus.
[0052]
　The control unit 300, after start of the transmission standby transition request signal, the optical signal sensed by the sensing unit 110 within a predetermined waiting time, if they contain a standby transition acknowledgment signal, the communication device 10 standby state it may be a transition to. With such a configuration, when the opposing communication apparatus possible transitions to the standby state only for the transition is also a communication device 10 in the standby state, facing the communication device communication is maintained if not possible transitions to the standby state.
[0053]
　Further, the optical IF cable 90 described with reference to FIG. 1, when having an electric line for power supply, control unit 300 may control the power supply via an optical IF cable 90. For example, the control unit 300 according to the present embodiment, whether to provide the degree of power to the opposite communication device, or receive a degree of power from the opposing communication apparatus, using the Power Profile is a profile representing a it may control the power supply.
[0054]
　<< 3. Operation Example >>
　has been described an example of the configuration of a communication apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Subsequently, an operation example of the communication apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, it will be described with reference to FIG. 5, the operation state of the present embodiment. Thereafter, a transition operation example from the active state to the standby state, the sequence described transition operation example from the standby state to the active state. Further, a description of a specific application of the present embodiment (example).
[0055]
　　<3-1. Operating state>
　(active)
　active state of the communication apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, with reference to each channel and Power Profile as described above, is defined as follows.
[0056]
　Sub, stream link of Tx ch (transmitting unit 200), the communication device 10 as long as the active state, P Th_Tx an optical signal having a power of more than a minimum time T stb output at intervals. Further,
Sub Rx ch (receiver 100) of the, stream link monitors the power of the optical signal output from the Tx ch opposing communication apparatus of the counterpart. Also, Main Stream link is, Tx ch, and Rx ch performs normal communication together. Further, Power Profile is opposite communication device, when operating by feeding via optical IF cable, power required for the operation is controlled to be supplied.
[0057]
　Here, P Th_Tx is the threshold of the optical average power indicating an active state which is output from the Tx ch (e.g. 710uW). The time T stb is P Th_Rx that power input to the following Rx ch is continued, predetermined used to determine the standby transition request signal that requests to transition the communication apparatus 10 in a standby state time (e.g. 10ms ) it is.
[0058]
　Note that the standby transition request signal
(Stanby Request) is defined as follows for each Tx ch and Rx ch. Sub, stream standby transition request signal outputted from the Tx ch of link, for example, predetermined time T stb P continues for th_Rx it is an optical signal having a smaller average power. Further,
Sub standby transition request signal input to the Rx ch of, stream link, for example, predetermined time T stb P continues for th_Rx is an optical signal having a smaller average power.
[0059]
　Here, defines separately for the power of the input to the output and Rx ch from Tx ch, the light IF cable used for connection between the communication devices, and at their connecting portions, etc., transmission loss occurs it is because you are considering. E.g., P output from the Tx ch Th_Tx power of the optical signal having a power of, at the time of the input to the Rx ch P Th_Rx decays into. P Th_Rx is the optical power threshold indicating the active state to be input to the Rx ch (e.g. 100uW).
[0060]
　Further, the standby transition request signal, the output power at Tx ch is P Th_Rx although a smaller, which, even in the absence ideally transmission loss, recognize Sub, stream link of Rx ch standby transition request signal to the counter in order to allow it.
Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the optical power output from the Tx ch. In FIG. 5, P h is the output power of the Tx ch becomes "1" in logic (e.g. 1050UW), P l is the output power of the Tx ch becomes "0" in logic (e.g. 530uW). As shown in FIG. 5, P Th_Tx is, P l greater than, P h may be a smaller value.
[0061]
　In the active state, Tx ch of Sub, stream link is that the communication device 10 is in the active state, always notify the opposing communication apparatus. Also, Rx ch of Sub, stream link, since the opposing communication apparatus to check for possible outputs standby transition request signal to transition to the standby state, the detection of the optical signal.
[0062]
　Power Profile is opposite communication device is controlled to supply power required for operation when operating by feeding via optical IF cable. According to such a constitution, in the active state, between the communication devices having the connected host device, mutual simultaneously when recognizing that is active in, a state that waits a transition request to the standby state.
[0063]
　(Standby)
standby state of the communication apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, with reference to each channel and Power Profile as described above, is defined as follows.
[0064]
　Sub, stream link of Tx ch (transmitting unit 200) based on the Rx ch opposing communication apparatus, P Th_Rx a state of not outputting a light signal having a higher power. Further,
Sub , stream link of Rx ch (receiver 100) is a state of waiting for active transition request signal from the output from the Tx ch opposing communication apparatus of the counterpart, to confirm active transition request signal, the predetermined period T dwn may perform a detectable intermittently operating an optical signal for each. Further, the Main Stream link, Tx ch, and Rx ch is a communication stop state together. Further, Power Profile is opposite communication device, when operating by feeding via optical IF cable, the minimum power capable of maintaining communication is controlled to be supplied.
[0065]
　Here, T dwn is Rx ch intermittent non-operating time (for example, 1s).
[0066]
　Moreover, the active transition request signal for requesting a transition to the active state from the standby state (Activation Request) takes into account the transmission loss in the optical IF cable or its connection part or the like used for connection, the following for each Tx ch and Rx ch It is defined as.
[0067]
　Active transition request signal to be output from the Tx ch of Sub, stream link, for example, predetermined time T act P continues for th_Tx is an optical signal having an average power of more. Moreover, the active transition request signal input to the Rx ch of Sub, stream link, for example, predetermined time T act P continues for th_Rx is an optical signal having an average power of more.
[0068]
　Here, the predetermined time T act is the predetermined used to determine the active transition request signal time (e.g. 10 ms). Output power from Sub stream link Tx ch in the standby state, so as not to be recognized as active transition request signal in the opposing Sub stream link Rx ch even without ideally transmission loss, P Th_Rx are less.
[0069]
　Incidentally, in the standby state, Tx ch of Sub, stream link may stop the communication. As described above, in the standby state, since Main Stream link also communication stopping state, the transmission unit 200 may stop the operation in the standby state. Thus, the effect of reducing the power consumption is increased further.
[0070]
　Further, Sub, stream link of Rx ch (receiver 100) in order to see the active transition request signal from the Tx ch opposing communication apparatus as described above, may be only intermittently operates, further reduce power consumption possible it is.
[0071]
　Further, as described with reference to FIG. 4, in the Rx ch standby to limit the structure which must be kept by activated to confirm the active transition request signal to the detection unit 110, the data processing unit it is possible to stop the operation of 130.
[0072]
　The output value of the A / D converter 1108 described with reference to FIG. 4, P Th_Rx when exceeded, regarded as "1" of the digital value, the control unit when the "1" is detected 300 may determine that it has received the active transition request signal.
[0073]
　As described above, in the standby state may the Main, stream link as the communication stopped state, power consumption is reduced. As for the Power Profile, even in the standby state, when going to the power supply to the opposing communication apparatus, the minimum power (e.g., 3.3V ± 10%, 500mA) to maintain the optical communication supplies it may be controlled to.
[0074]
　Incidentally, elements that operate regardless of inter-device communication using the communication device 10, for example, when the host device 20 is a recording device, the host device 20 has, in the standby state structure for recording or the like of the terrestrial TV it may be running even. The standby state according to the present embodiment, the communication device 10 is meant to be a standby state, the host device 20 connected to the communication device 10 is not necessarily a standby state. Of course, the host device 20 may be changed in conjunction with each operating state to the operating state of the communication device 10, communication device 10 may change the operating state in conjunction with the operating state of the host device 20 .
[0075]
　In the standby state as described above, the operation of the Tx ch and Rx ch of Sub, stream link, can place restrictions on the output signal, also can communicate stopping Main, stream link. According to such a constitution, in the standby state, it is possible to reduce significantly the power consumption compared to the active state.
[0076]
　　<3-2. Transition to the standby state>
　has been described in detail the operation state of the communication apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, a description is given of transition operation example from the active state to the standby state (Case1 in Fig. 2).
[0077]
　First, the provision of conditions that the transition from the active state to the standby state is performed. Of the following three conditions, when at least one is satisfied, the transition from the active state to the standby state is performed.
[0078]
　Condition 1: The Sub, stream link of Rx ch is received standby transition request signal from the opposing Tx ch.
　Condition 2: implementation-dependent conditions. For example, the predetermined time, there is no AV data transmission to the destination device, the transition instructions or the like to the standby state from the user.
　Condition 3: the is received (control command using the Sub, stream link) Standby command.
[0079]
　In the case where the transition of the control commands condition 3 to the standby state is performed, the counter Sub stream link Tx ch is after confirming that a standby state, a transition to the standby state.
[0080]
　The communication device 10 that has received the standby transition request signal in the standby state transition, a transition to the standby state outputs the standby transition acknowledgment signal (Accept Standby Response) from possible Tx ch. Standby transition acknowledgment signal is defined for each Tx ch and Rx ch as exemplified below.
[0081]
　Standby transition approval signal output from the Tx ch of Sub, stream link is, T stb P continues for th_Rx is an optical signal having a smaller average power. Further, the standby transition approval signal input to the Rx ch of Sub, stream link is, T stb P continues for th_Rx is an optical signal having a smaller average power.
[0082]
　Here, the power standby transition approval signal output from the Tx ch is P Th_Rx although a smaller, which, even if there is no ideal transmission loss, Rx ch opposing Sub, stream link is the standby transition acknowledgment signal This is to recognizable. Communication device 10, after starting output of the standby transition request signal, a predetermined waiting time T Wait_stb does not receive the standby transition approval signal from Tx ch opposing communication apparatus during the communication device 10 perform the standby state transitions no reason, the transition cancellation in both communication devices. Here, the predetermined waiting time T Wait_stb the communication device that transmitted the standby transition request signal is a time limit to wait for the standby transition acknowledgment signal received from the opposing communication apparatus (e.g., 22 ms).
[0083]
　Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow example of a transition to the standby state by the standby transition instruction from the user. First, the communication device 10 continues to wait for the standby transition instruction from the user (S102). Communication device 10, (YES in S102) When there is a standby transition instruction from the user, sends a standby transition request signal to the opposite communication device (S104). Subsequently, the communication device 10 waits for the standby transition approval signal from the opposing communication apparatus (S106). Predetermined waiting time T Wait_stb (NO and in S106, YES in S108) If even has elapsed without receiving a standby transition approval signal, the communication apparatus 10 cancels the transition to the standby state, continue normal communication in the active state to.
[0084]
　On the other hand, the communication device 10 is a predetermined waiting time T Wait_stb (YES in S106) when receiving the standby transition acknowledgment signal within the communication device 10 transitions to the standby state (S110). The communication device 10 If the product has been powered by light IF cable may be changed Power Profile in accordance with the change of the operating state (S112).
[0085]
　Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow example of a transition to the standby state by the standby transition request signal from the opposing communication apparatus. First, the communication device 10 continues to wait for the reception of a standby transition request signal from the opposing communication apparatus (S202). Communication device 10 receives the standby transition request signal from the opposing communication apparatus (YES in S202), and determines whether it is possible transition to the standby state (S204). If not possible transitions to the standby state (NO in S204), the communication apparatus 10 does not transmit standby transition approval signal to the counter communication equipment, not transition to the standby state. On the other hand, if the possible transitions to the standby state (YES in S204), the communication device 10 transmits the standby transition approval signal to the counter communication device (S206). Subsequently, the communication device 10 transitions to the standby state (S208). The communication device 10 If the product has been powered by light IF cable may be changed Power Profile in accordance with the change of the operating state (S210).
[0086]
　Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connection configuration in the transition operation example described below. Communication device 10A shown in FIG. 8 is a side of the communication apparatus for transmitting a standby transition request signal or an active transition request signal, hereinafter also referred to as a master device. The communication device 10B shown in FIG. 8 is a side of a communication device that receives a standby transition request signal or an active transition request signal, hereinafter also referred to as a slave device.
[0087]
　Figure 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal outputted from the Tx ch of each communication apparatus when it is possible to transition from the active state to the standby state. From the master device in an active state (e.g., recording apparatus), the slave device (e.g. TV) is in the active state, the standby transition request signal is started transmitted at time t11.
[0088]
　Time T necessary for signal falling from time t11 c further predetermined time T from the time t12 has passed stb at time t13 has elapsed, the slave device determines that it has received the standby transition request signal, the transmission of the standby transition acknowledgment signal the start.
[0089]
　Time period T required from t13 to signal rise c further predetermined time T from the time t14 elapses stb master device determines that it has received the standby transition acknowledgment signal at the time t15 has elapsed, the master device, and slave device stand together a transition to a state.
[0090]
　Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal outputted from the Tx ch of each communication apparatus when it is impossible to transition from the active state to the standby state. From the master device in an active state, the slave device is active, standby transition request signal is started transmitted at time t21.
[0091]
　Time period T required from t21 to signal falling c further predetermined time T from the time t22 elapses stb at time t23 has elapsed, the slave device determines that it has received the standby transition request signal. However, the slave device determines that it is impossible to transition to the standby state, it does not transmit standby transition acknowledgment signal.
[0092]
　Predetermined waiting time T from the time t21 Wait_stb at time t24 has elapsed, the master device resumes signal output to cancel the transition to the standby state, is output normally signals from the time t25 to the training of the output signal is completed .
[0093]
　　<3-3. Transition to the active state>
　has been described above a transition operation example from the active state to the standby state. Next, a description is given of transition operation example from the standby state to the active state (Case2 in Figure 2) with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.
[0094]
　First, the provision of conditions that the transition from the active state to the standby state is performed. Of the following two conditions, when at least one is satisfied, the transition from the standby state to the active state takes place.
[0095]
　Condition 1: the standby Sub stream link Rx ch active transition request signal from the opposing Tx ch is detected.
　Condition 2: implementation-dependent conditions. For example, the transition instructions or the like to the active state from the user.
[0096]
　The communication device 10 that has received the active transition request signal in the active state transition, a transition to the active state is possible, and outputs an active transition acknowledgment signal (Accept Activation Response) from Tx ch. Active transition approval signal, taking into account the loss of such cable used for connection, are defined for each Tx ch and Rx ch as exemplified below.
[0097]
　Active transition approval signal output from the Tx ch of Sub, stream link is, T act P continues for th_Tx is an optical signal having an average power of more. Moreover, the active transition approval signal input to the Rx ch of Sub, stream link is, T act P continues for th_Rx is an optical signal having an average power of more.
[0098]
　Here, Tx ch opposing communication apparatus of a communication device which outputs an active transition request signal, T Wait_act P continues for th_Tx continues to transmit the average power of more than Rx ch opposing Sub, stream link.
[0099]
　The T Wait_act If during not received an active transition approval signal from the counter Sub, stream Tx ch, regarded as the opposing communication apparatus rejects the active state transitions, a transition to the active state is canceled. Here, T Wait_act the communication device outputs the active transition request signal is a time limit to wait for an active transition acknowledgment signal received from the opposing communication apparatus (e.g. 1300Ms), T Wait_act P between th_Tx the more power it is synonymous with outputs plural times continuously active transition request signal to be output.
[0100]
　Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an operation flow example of a transition to the active state by the active transition instruction from the user. First, the communication device 10 continues to wait for an active transition instruction from the user (S302). Communication device 10, (YES in S302) when there is an active transition instruction from the user, Ru transition the Sub stream linkRx ch in the active state (S304). Furthermore, the communication device 10, Sub stream link Tx ch continue an active transition request signal and transmits to the opposing communication apparatus from (S306).

claims

[Claim 1]Detecting an optical signal, a detector for converting the optical signal into an electric signal,
　and said processing the converted the electrical signal by the detection portion data processing unit for obtaining the data,
　detected by the detecting unit on the basis of the optical signal, the data processing unit in the standby state activity is pause in the data processing unit in order to reduce power consumption comprises an active state capable of executing the acquisition of the data, the control of the operating conditions and a control unit for performing,
　with a
　said detection unit, in the standby state, performs the detection of the optical signal, the communication device.
[Claim 2]
　The detection unit is in the standby state, the detectable intermittent operation of said optical signal at least once every predetermined period, the communication apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 3]
　Or the control unit, the detection unit based on the average power of the optical signal detected in the standby state, an active transition request signal requesting that said optical signal shifts said communication device to said active state a judgment whether, when the optical signal is determined to the be active transition request signal, the communication device from the standby state, to transition to the active state, the communication apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 4]
　Wherein the control unit to transition the other communication device to the active state from the standby state to transmit the active transition request signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 3.
[Claim 5]
　Wherein the control unit, the optical signal which the detection unit has detected in the standby state, if it is determined that the active transition request signal, an active transition indicating that the transition to the active state of said communication device is authorized to transmit the acknowledgment signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 4.
[Claim 6]
　Wherein the control unit, after sending to start the active transition request signal, within a predetermined waiting time, the optical signal detected by the detection unit, wherein when the active transition approval signal is not included, the communication device the shifts in the standby state, the communication apparatus according to claim 5.
[Claim 7]
　Wherein the control unit, the optical signal which the detection unit has detected in the standby state continues for a predetermined time or more, when an optical signal having an average power of more than a predetermined optical power, the optical signal is the active transition determines that the request signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 3.
[8.]
　Wherein, in the standby state, it does not transmit the active transition request signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 3.
[Claim 9]
　The detection unit, in yet the active state, performs detection of the optical signal,
　the control unit, the detection unit based on the average power of the optical signal detected in the active state, the optical signal is the communication device the a judgment whether or not the standby transition request signal that requests to transition to the standby state, when the optical signal is determined to the a standby transition request signal, the communication device from the active state shifts to the standby state, the communication apparatus according to claim 2.
[Claim 10]
　Wherein the control unit to transition the other communication device from the active state to the standby state to transmit the standby transition request signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 9.
[Claim 11]
　Wherein the control unit, the optical signal which the detection unit has detected in the active state, when it is determined that the in the standby transition request signal, the communication device determines whether it is possible transition to the standby state, the If it is determined that the possible transition to the standby state, transition to the standby state of the communication device to transmit standby transition acknowledgment signal indicating that it has been approved, the communication apparatus according to claim 10.
[Claim 12]
　Wherein the control unit, after sending to start the standby transition request signal, the optical signal sensed by the sensing unit within a predetermined waiting time, the case that contains the standby transition approval signal, the standby the communication device transitioning to a state, the communication apparatus according to claim 11.
[Claim 13]
　Wherein the control unit, the optical signal which the detection unit has detected in the active state, continues for a predetermined time or longer, when an optical signal having a predetermined optical power smaller than the average power, the optical signal is the standby transition determines that the request signal, the communication apparatus according to claim 9.
[Claim 14]
　Detecting an optical signal, a detector for converting the optical signal into an electric signal,
　and said processing the converted the electrical signal by the detection portion data processing unit for obtaining the data,
　detected by the detecting unit on the basis of the optical signal, wherein the standby state the activity of the data processing unit is paused data processing unit includes an active state capable of executing the acquisition of the data, and a control unit for controlling the operating state,
　the provided,
　the detection unit is in the standby state, performs the detection of the optical signal, the information processing apparatus.
[Claim 15]
　Detecting an optical signal, a detector for converting the optical signal into an electric signal and processes the electrical signal converted by the detection unit in the communication method of a communication apparatus and a data processing unit for acquiring data there are,
　on the basis of the said optical signal detected by the detecting unit, wherein the standby state in which activity is pause in the data processing unit data processing unit includes an active state capable of executing the acquisition of the data, the operation possible to control the state, the communication method comprising.