System and method to monitor connections to a device
US6810439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/3055
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus capable of determining whether connections are properly mated includes a control device that monitors the state of input lines associated with connectors. The input lines are held at a predetermined state until a device is connected to or disconnected from one or more of the connectors. The control device detects the change in state on the input line and determines whether a connection or disconnection is occurring. When a connection is occurring, the state of an output signal is set to provide connection feedback to the device being connected via another signal line coupled to the connector. The capability to monitor connections and disconnection of multiple devices allows a system to determine whether devices are properly connected to provide the required functionality, such as properly terminating a communication port, and enabling communication with other devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.