Apparatus and method for operating a peripheral device as either a master device or a slave device
US5784581A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/4291
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus capable of operating as either a master device or a slave device on a communication link such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The apparatus includes a first communication port which is utilized when the apparatus is operating as a slave device. A second communication port is utilized when the apparatus is operating as a master device. A device controller is coupled to both the first communication port and the second communication port. The device controller enables either the first communication port or the second communication port after detecting whether an active host controller is coupled to the first communication port. A timer may be used to determine the presence or absence of an active host controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.