Patent ID: 7793016
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An information processing apparatus capable of communication with apparatuses connected thereto for information processing, comprising: a USB device controller connectable with a USB host apparatus, which always assumes a host role, for controlling communication between the connected USB host apparatus and the information processing apparatus; a USB host controller connectable with a USB device apparatus, which is different from the USB host apparatus, for controlling communication between the connected USB device apparatus and the information processing apparatus; a connection unit having a plurality of connectors, wherein each connecter is for the USB host apparatus and the USB device apparatus; a controller connected with each of a plurality of apparatuses through said USB device controller or said USB host controller; and a switching unit for switching a connection between each of the connectors and one of said USB device controller and said USB host controller, wherein said switching unit determines the type of the apparatus connected to the connector for each connector, and a use status determination unit for determining a use status of said USB device controller and said USB host controller; and a warning unit for giving a warning to an operator of said information processing apparatus, if said use status determination unit determines that said USB device controller of said USB host controller is in use, and said controller, which is selected from said USB device controller and USB controller in correspondence with the type of the connected apparatus determined by said switching unit and is connected with the connected apparatus, is in use, wherein said switching unit does not select said USB device controller and USB host controller in use as said USB device controller and USB host controller connected with the connected apparatus.