EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION. (51) IntCL: G06F 13/10< 200B 1 > G06F 13/42( 2 OO 601 > (56) References cited: WO-A-97/19402 US-A

Transcription

1 (19) J Europäisches Patentamt European Patent Office Office européen des brevets (H) EP B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention of the grant of the patent: Bulletin 2006/19 (51) IntCL: G06F 13/10< 200B 1 > G06F 13/42( 2 OO 601 > (21) Application number: (22) Date of filing: (54) Method of configuring electronic devices Verfahren zur Konfiguration von elektronischen Geräten Procédé de configuration de dispositifs électroniques (84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES Fl FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MCNLPTSETR (30) Priority: GB (43) Date of publication of application: Bulletin 2002/40 (73) Proprietor: Nokia Corporation Espoo (Fl) (72) Inventors: Scales, James Hurst, RG 10 ODS(GB) Bui lard, Varley Rowlands Castle, Hants P09 6BN (GB) Syrjala, Petri, c/o Nokia Mobile Phones Tampere (Fl) (74) Representative: Khan, Mohammed Saiful Azam Eric Potter Clarkson LLP Park View House 58 The Ropewalk Nottingham, NG1 5DD (GB) (56) References cited: WO-A-97/19402 US-A US-A CD O (O ^ LU Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). Printed by Jouve, PARIS (FR)

2 EP B1 Description Description for the following Contracting State(s) : DE, GB, FR [0001] The present invention relates to a method of configuring electronic devices, having particular although not exclusive application to configuring a Universal Serial Bus device and a host. [0002] A Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard has been developed which allows up to 127 peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, keyboards, modems, cameras and storage devices to be attached to a host, usually a personal computer (PC), through a 4-wire bus. These devices can be connected to the PC either directly or via hubs which provide additional connections. USB has the advantage that connection of different types of devices becomes standardised. Furthermore, a device can be connected while the PC is switched on and while other devices are in use. USB supports user data rates of up to 8 Mbit/s for each device which is suitable for low to medium data rate applications. An overview of USB may be found in "USB Hardware & Software" by J. Carney et al. (Anna Books, 1998) [ISBN X] and a current version of the USB specification is available at or from USB-IF Administration, 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 217, Portland, OR USA. [0003] A device is connected to a USB port provided by the PC or a hub. Once physically connected to the device, the PC controls attachment and configuration of the device. To achieve this, the PC is installed with a USB driver which is usually provided by the PC's operating system. The PC is also installed with a device driver to control the device once it is attached and configured so that application software on the PC can use the device. The device driver is often provided by the operating system although for unusual devices, a user may need to install a specific device driver using installation disks. [0004] Devices fall into two main categories, namely hubs and functions. Hubs provide additional attachment points to the USB. Functions extend the capabilities of the computer. Most devices which are not a hub, such as a mouse, implement a single function. Some devices, such as a monitor having in-built speakers, implement multiple functions and have an embedded hub. Such a device is known as a compound device and appears to the PC as a hub with a collection of individual, non-removable functions. [0005] The USB standard was originally designed to accommodate simple peripheral devices which fulfil a single function. When a single function device, such as a mouse, is plugged into a PC forthe first time, the USB driver detects, identifies and configures the device and the operating system automatically assigns a device driver, which in the case of a mouse is a mouse driver. Alternatively, a user may install and/or assign a specific device driver. When a compound device is plugged in for the first time the same process of detection, identification and configuration is carried out for each respective function so that all the functions of the compound device are available to the PC. [0006] However, a problem arises if a device imple- 5 ments multiple disconnectable functions. Such a device appears to the PC as a single function device. When the device is plugged into the PC for the first time, the operating system assigns a device driver according to this function. Once assigned, the device is tied to the device io is driver so that whenever the device is disconnected from the PC and then reconnected, the same device driver is assigned to the device. This abrogates the multif unctionality of the device. [0007] The present invention seeks to help overcome this problem. [0008] US relates to aspects of the pre-characterising part of claiml of the present invention. However, the selectable functions discussed in this document are not each associated with an appropriate device driver 20 but are all associated with the same driver. This document does not also relate to or address the above mentioned problem of a multifunctional disconnectable device which appears to a host as a single function device. The prior art does not provide a slave device as presently 25 claimed. so [0009] EP discloses a printer with option units attachable to the printer such as an automatic document feeder, a sorter, a double-sided printing unit, a papercassette, afinisher, andascanner. When an option unit is attached to the printer, the printer changes the device ID in accordance with the option unit. The host computer reads the new device ID, selects aprinterdriver corresponding to the optional device of the printer. [0010] EP discloses a telephone set which 35 can be switched between a normal telephone use and use as a PC sound facility speaker/microphone. [0011 ] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of configuring first and second electronic devices, the first device being a master *o and the second device a slave, and characterised in that said second slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, 45 the method comprising: so receiving, at said second slave device, preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, providing said first master device with information relating to said one selected function and providing, at said first master device, means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to 55 allow said first master device to use said one selected function, and wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprises assigning an appropriate device driver, wherein the second slave device com-

3 EP B1 prises [0012] The first device may be a Universal Serial Bus host, such as a personal computer and the second device may be a Universal Serial Bus device, such as a mobile telephone handset. [0013] The method may further comprise connecting said first and second devices together by a bus for transmitting signals and exchanging configuration signals between said first and second devices through said bus for establishing addressable communication between said first and second devices. The exchange of configuration signals may include said provision of information relating to said one function. The provision of information may comprise sending a message from said second device to said first device. The provision of information may include providing data identifying said one function. [0014] The method may comprise said first device requesting information from said second device. [0015] The provision of said means for interfacing may comprise assigning a device driver and may comprise executing a computer program. [0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising first and second electronic devices, the first device being a master device and the second a slave device characterised in that said second device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, said apparatus including: means for receiving preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, means for providing to said first master device information relating to said one selected function, means for providing means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function and wherein said means for interfacing comprises means for assigning an appropriate device driver, and wherein the second slave device comprises mobile telephone functionality [0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program comprising computer code for an electronic slave device characterised in that the slave device comprises mobile telephone functionality and is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, and configured for communication with a data processing means, to make said slave device: of selectable predefined functions and provide information relating to said selected function to said data processing means, relating to assigning an appropriate device driver. The program may further make 5 said device allow said data processing means to use said one function. [0018] The first device may be Universal Serial Bus host, such as a personal computer and the second device io may be a Universal Serial Bus device, such as a mobile telephone handset. [0019] According to fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic slave device characterised in that it is able to perform a plurality of selectable is predefined differentfunctions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which, relates to a particular device class, comprising mobile telephone functionality, means or receiving preference information relatingtooneofsaidselecta- 20 ble plurality of predefined functions and means for providing to another device information relating to said one selected function relating to assigning an appropriate device driver for the selected function. The device may further comprise means for allowing said other device to 25 use said one function. The device may be a mobile telephone handset. [0020] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- 30 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a general Universal Serial Bus (USB) arrangement; Figure 2 shows a personal computer (PC) and peripheral devices attached to the computer using a 35 USB; Figure 3 shows a bus topology for the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a mobile telephone handset; *o Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of mobile telephone circuitry of the handset shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a process flow diagram by which a user is allowed to select a function of the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 4; 45 Figure 7 shows the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 4 being connected to a USB hub; Figure 8 is a process flow diagram by which the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 7 is attached and configured to the PC shown in Figure 2; so Figure 9 is a process flow diagram of the mobile telephone handset and PC of Figure 8 exchanging device information; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a request for a device descriptor and 55 Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a device descriptor. receive information relating to one of said plurality [0021] Referring to Figure 1, a general USB arrange-

4 EP B1 ment 1 comprises a host 2, such as a personal computer (PC), connected to a peripheral device 3, for instance a mouse, by means of a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The USB comprises hardware and software which allows a phone handset 27 comprises a casing 36, a battery pack 37, liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 38, a microphone 39, an earpiece 40, keypad 41, USB port 42, antenna 43, subscriber identification module (SIM) card 44 and capability of the device 3, in this example cursor control, to be provided to the host 2. In Figure 1, the USB arrangement 1 is represented as a three-layered communication system. 5 SIM card reader 45. Mobile telephone circuitry includes radio interface circuitry 46, codec circuitry 47, controller 48, memory 49 and USB transceiver circuitry 50. The USB transceiver circuitry 50, together with the USB port [0022] A bottom layer 4 handles the electrical connection 34 provide the hardware for implementing a device USB between the host 2 and the device 3. The host 2 and io interface (Figure 1). device 3 each have USB interfaces 5, 6 providing ports [0030] A method by which a user can select a function (not shown) by which they are connected using a USB cable 7. of the mobile telephone handset 27 and attach the handset 27 to the PC 17 so that it is configured with an appropriate [0023] A middle layer 8 is concerned with controlling device driver will now be described. data transfer between the host 2 and device 3. A USB is [0031] Referring to Figure 6, the handset 27 receives system 9 on the host side is responsible for managing the USB by coordinating with a USB device 10 on the device side. In order to establish a connection and to configure the device 3, a logical control link, called a default pipe 11, is defined. preference information relating to one of the plurality of functions 33,34,35 the user enters a functions menu on the handset 27 (step S1) and selects one of a plurality of functions which the handset can execute (steps2). In 20 this example, the user wants to access a dial-up internet [0024] A top layer 12 is concerned with utilisation of service provider and so they select the modem function the device 3. Application software 13 on the host 2 interfaces with a function 14 of the device 3 through a logical connection called a pipe A handset operating system configures the handset (step S3). In addition, the controller 48 sets a pointer to one of a plurality of device descriptors DEVICE held in [0025] Furtherinformation regardingthe USB arrangement 25 memory 49 corresponding to the modem function 34 may be found in Chapter 10 of the USB Specifica tion Revision 2.0. (step S4). The nature and purpose of the device descriptors DEVICE will be described in more detail hereinafter. [0026] Referring to Figure 2, a PC system 16 comprises It will be appreciated that electro-mechanical switches a PC 17 connected to a plurality of peripheral devices may be used to select one of the functions 33, 34, including a monitor 19, a keyboard 20, a mouse 21, 30 [0032] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the user attaches a printer 22, first and second speakers 23 1,232, a m i cro " phone 24 and a USB hub 25 using the USB. A plurality of USB cables 26 connect the PC 17 to the peripheral devices 18. The USB hub 25 provides a means for connecting a mobile telephone handset 27 to the PC 17. the handset 27 to one of four hub ports 51 using a USB cable 52 and bus enumeration takes place. The USB hub 25 senses that the handset 27 has been connected to one of the four ports 51 and changes the state of the port 35 from disconnected to connected (step S5). The handset [0027] Referring to Figure 3, the PC 17 serves as the 27 provides its own power and so is deemed to be in a USB host and has a hub, called a root hub 28, directly connected to it, for extending the USB. In this example, the root hub 28 provides four ports (not shown). The monitor 19 is a compound device having an embedded hub 29 and implements a monitorfunction 30. The keyboard 20 is also a compound device having an embedded hub 31 and implements a keyboard function 32. The mobile telephone handset 27 is multifunctional. In this example, it has a microphone function 33 for providing audio signals, a modem 34 for dial-up networking and a controller 35 for implementing Infrared Data Association's (IrDA) Object Exchange Protocol (OBEX) which allows synchronising of personal information management (PIM). In this example, functions such as the modem 34 and the controller 35 are implemented in software by the handset's controller (Figure 5). It will be appreciated that other functions may be implemented in the handset 27. powered state (step S6). The PC 17 periodically polls the USB hub 25, which indicates that there is a change in status of one of the four hub ports 51 (step S6.1). The *o PC 17 issues commands to hub 25 to indicate the nature of change (step S6.2) and the hub replies with the identity of the port (step S6.3). The PC 17 issues a port enable signal and sends a reset command (step S7). At this point, the port 51 to which the handset 27 is connected 45 is enabled and the handset 27 is in a default state and is addressable only through a default pipe at a default address. The PC 17 and the handset 27 exchange descriptor information (step S7.1) which will be described in greater detail below. At this point the PC 17 is informed so which function 33,34,35 the handset 27 implements and selects an appropriate device driver. The PC 17 assigns a unique address to the handset 27 (step S8). At this stage the handset 27 is in an addressed state. The PC [0028] The monitor 19, keyboard 20, mouse 21, printer 17 reads configuration information from the handset (step 22, speakers 23-,, 23 2 and the microphone 24 are attached to the PC 17 and configured in manner well known 55 S9). The handset 27 is now configured and the PC 17 can receive data from it. per se. [0033] The exchange of descriptor information at step [0029] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the mobile tele S7.1 above will now be described.

5 EP B1 [0034] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the PC 17 sends a request GET_DESCRIPTOR over the default pipe to the handset 27 (step S7.1.1). The request GET_DE- SCRIPTOR comprises a request type field 53, a request field 54, a descriptor type 55 which in this example is set to "device", a descriptor index field 56 which is set to zero, a length field 57 which specifies the number of bytes which the handset should return and a data field 58. [0035] Referring to Figures 9 and 11, the handset 27 looks up the device descriptor DEVICE from memory 49 (Step S7.1.2) and returns it to the PC 17 (step S7.1.3). The device descriptor comprises a length field 59, a descriptortypefield 60, a USB specification release number field 61, a device class code field 62, a device sub-class code field 63, a protocol code field 64, a maximum packet size field 65, a vendor ID field 66, a product ID field 67, a device release number field 68, an index of string descriptor69describingthe manufacturer, an index of string descriptor describing the product 70, an index of string descriptor describing the device's serial number 71 and a field indicating the number of possible configurations 72. In this example, the device class code field 62 is set to 02 indicating a modem. [0036] Once the USB system (see Figure 1 ) of the PC 17 receives the device descriptor DEVICE through the default pipe, it passes information relating to the device class 62 to the PC's operating system. The PC's operating system selects and assigns a modem driver in a mannerwell known perse. Alternatively, the operating system may prompt the user to install a modem driver. Once the modem driver is installed and appropriate browser software is operating, the PC 17 is able to control the modem 34 and receive data. [0037] lftheuserdisconnectsthehandset27andwishes to use a different function, such as the microphone function 33, they re-enter the functions menu on the handset 27 and select the microphone function (steps SI -S5). When handset 27 is re-attached to the PC 17, a different device descriptor DEVICE is returned to the PC 17 during bus enumeration and so a different driver, this time a microphone driver, is assigned. [0038] This has the advantage that all the functions of the handset 27 are available to PC 17 and are easily configured by the user. [0039] It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described. Instead of a PC, the host may be another mobile telephone handset, a games console or a network computer. The device need not be a mobile telephone handset, but a data communicator or another PC. Description for the following Contracting State(s) : AT, BE, CH, CY, DK, ES, Fl, GR, IE, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR [0040] The present invention relates to a method of configuring electronic devices, having particular although not exclusive application to configuring a Universal Serial Bus device and a host. [0041] A Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard has been developed which allows up to 127 peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, keyboards, modems, 5 cameras and storage devices to be attached to a host, usually a personal computer (PC), through a 4-wire bus. These devices can be connected to the PC either directly or via hubs which provide additional connections. USB has the advantage that connection of different types of io is devices becomes standardised. Furthermore, a device can be connected while the PC is switched on and while other devices are in use. USB supports user data rates of up to 8 Mbit/s for each device which is suitable for low to medium data rate applications. An overview of USB may be found in "USB Hardware & Software" by J. Garney et al. (Anna Books, 1998) [ISBN X] and a current version of the USB specification is available at or from USB-IF Administration, 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 217, Portland, OR USA. 20 [0042] A device is connected to a USB port provided by the PC or a hub. Once physically connected to the device, the PC controls attachment and configurations of the device. To achieve this, the PC is installed with a USB driver which is usually provided by the PC's operas ating system. The PC is also installed with a device driver to control the device once it is attached and configured so that application software on the PC can use the device. The device driver is often provided by the operating system although for unusual device, a user may need to so install a specific device driver using installation disks. [0043] Devices fall into two main categories, namely hubs and functions. Hubs provide additional attachment points to the USB. Functions extend the capabilities of the computer. Most devices which are not a hub, such 35 as a mouse, implement a single function. Some devices, such as a monitor having in-built speakers, implement multiple functions and have an embedded hub. Such a device is known as a compound device and appears to the PC as a hub with a collection of individual, non-re- *o movable functions. [0044] The USB standard was originally designed to accommodate simple peripheral devices which fulfil a single function. When a single function device, such as a mouse, is plugged into a PC for the first time, the USB 45 driver detects, identifies and configures the device and the operating system automatically assigns a device driver, which in the case of a mouse is a mouse driver. Alternatively, a user may install and/or assign a specific device driver. When a compound device is plugged in for so the first time the same process of detection, identification and configuration is carried out for each respective function so that all the functions of the compound device are available to the PC. [0045] However, a problem arises if a device imple- 55 ments multiple disconnectable functions. Such a device appears to the PC as a single function device. When the device is plugged into the PC for the first time, the operating system assigns a device driver according to this

6 EP B1 10 function. Once assigned, the device is tied to the device driver so that whenever the device is disconnected from the PC and then reconnected, the same device driver is assigned to the device. This abrogates the multifunctionality of the device. [0046] The present invention seeks to help overcome this problem. [0047] US relates to aspects of the pre-characterising part of claiml of the present invention. However, the selectable functions discussed in this document are not each associated with an appropriate device driver but are all associated with the same driver. This document does not also relate to or address the above mentioned problem of a multifunctional disconnectable device which appears to a host as a single function device. The prior art does not provide a slave device as presently claimed. [0048] EP discloses a printer with option units attachable to the printer such as an automatic document feeder, a sorter, a double-sided printing unit, a papercassette, afinisher, and a scanner. When an option unit is attached to the printer, the printer changes the device ID in accordance with the option unit. The host computer reads the newdevice ID, selects a printer driver corresponding to the optional device of the printer. [0049] EP discloses a telephone set which can be switched between a normal telephone use and use as a PC sound facility speaker/microphone. [0050] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of configuring first and second electronic devices, the first device being a master and the second device a slave, and characterised in that said second slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, the method comprising: receiving, at said second slave device, preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, providing said first master device with information relating to said one selected function and providing, at said first master device, means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function, and wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprises assigning an appropriate device driver. [0051] The first device may be a Universal Serial Bus host, such as a personal computer and the second device may be a Universal Serial Bus device, such as a mobile telephone handset. [0052] The method may further comprise connecting said first and second devices together by a bus for transmitting signals and exchanging configuration signals between said first and second devices through said bus for establishing addressable communication between said first and second devices. The exchange of configuration 5 signals may include said provision of information relating to said one function. The provision of information may comprise sending a message from said second device to said first device. The provision of information may include providing data identifying said one function. io [0053] The method may comprise said first device requesting information from said second device. [0054] The provision of said means for interfacing may comprise assigning a device driver and may comprise executing a computer program. 15 [0055] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising first and second electronic devices, the first device being a master device and the second a slave device characterised in that said second device is able to perform a plu- 20 rality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driverwhichrelatestoaparticularone of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class correspondingto a differentfunction, said apparatus including: 25 so means for receiving preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, means for providing to said first master device information relating to said one selected function and means for providing means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function and wherein 35 said means for interfacing comprises means for assigning an appropriate device driver. [0056] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided acomputerprogram comprising *o computer code for an electronic slave device characterised in that the slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driverwhichrelatestoaparticulardevice 45 class, and configured for communication with a data processing means, to make said slave device: receive information relating to one of said plurality of selectable predefined functions and provide infor- 50 mation relating to said selected function to said data 55 processing means, relating to assigning an appropriate device driver. The program may further make said device allow said data processing means to use said one function. [0057] The first device may be Universal Serial Bus host, such as a personal computer and the second device may be a Universal Serial Bus device, such as a mobile

7 11 EP B1 12 telephone handset. [0058] According to fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic slave device characterised in that it is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined differentfunctions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, comprising means for receiving preference information relating to one of said selectable plurality of predefined functions and means for providing to another device information relating to said one selected function relatingto assigning an appropriate device driver for the selected function. The device may further comprise means for allowing said other device to use said one function. The device may be a mobile telephone handset. [0059] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a general Universal Serial Bus (USB) arrangement; Figure 2 shows a personal computer (PC) and peripheral devices attached to the computer using a USB; Figure 3 shows a bus topology for the apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a mobile telephone handset; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of mobile telephone circuitry of the handset shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a process flow diagram by which a user is allowed to select af unction of the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 4 being connected to a USB hub; Figure 8 is a process flow diagram by which the mobile telephone handset shown in Figure 7 is attached and configured to the PC shown in Figure 2; Figure 9 is a process flow diagram of the mobile telephone handset and PC of Figure 8 exchanging device information; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a request for a device descriptor and Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a device descriptor. [0060] Referring to Figure 1, a general USB arrangement 1 comprises a host 2, such as a personal computer (PC), connected to a peripheral device 3, for instance a mouse, by means of a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The USB comprises hardware and software which allows a capability of the device 3, in this example cursor control, to be provided to the host 2. In Figure 1, the USB arrangement 1 is represented as a three-layered communication system. [0061] A bottom layer 4 handles the electrical connection between the host 2 and the device 3. The host 2 and device 3 each have USB interfaces 5, 6 providing ports (not shown) by which they are connected using a USB cable 7. 5 [0062] A middle layer 8 is concerned with controlling data transfer between the host 2 and device 3. A USB system 9 on the host side is responsible for managing the USB by coordinating with a USB device 10 on the device side. In order to establish a connection and to io configure the device 3, a logical control link, called a default pipe 11, is defined. [0063] A top layer 12 is concerned with utilisation of the device 3. Application software 13 on the host 2 interfaces with afunction 14 of the device 3 through a logical is connection called a pipe 15. [0064] Furtherinformation regardingthe USB arrangement may be found in Chapter 10 of the USB Specification Revision 2.0. [0065] Referring to Figure 2, a PC system 16 comprisse es a PC 17 connected to a plurality of peripheral devices 18 including a monitor 19, a keyboard 20, a mouse 21, a printer22, first and second speakers 23^ 232, a microphone 24 and a USB hub 25 using the USB. A plurality of USB cables 26 connect the PC 17 to the peripheral 25 devices 18. The USB hub 25 provides a means for connecting a mobile telephone handset 27 to the PC 17. [0066] Referring to Figure 3, the PC 17 serves as the USB host and has a hub, called a root hub 28, directly connected to it, for extending the USB. In this example, so the root hub 28 provides four ports (not shown). The monitor 19 is a compound device having an embedded hub 29 and implements a monitor function 30. The keyboard 20 is also a compound device having an embedded hub 31 and implements a keyboard function 32. The mobile 35 telephone handset 27 is multifunctional. In this example, it has a microphone function 33 for providing audio signals, a modem 34 for dial-up networking and a controller 35 for implementing Infrared Data Association's (IrDA) Object Exchange Protocol (OBEX) which allows syn- *o chronising of personal information management (PIM). In this example, functions such as the modem 34 and the controller 35 are implemented in software by the handset's controller (Figure 5). It will be appreciated that other functions may be implemented in the handset [0067] The monitor 19, keyboard 20, mouse 21, printer 22, speakers 23^ 232 anc ' 'he microphone 24 are attached to the PC 17 and configured in mannerwell known per se. [0068] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the mobile tele- 50 phone handset 27 comprises a casing 36, a battery pack 37, liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 38, a microphone 39, an earpiece 40, keypad 41, USB port 42, antenna 43, subscriber identification module (SIM) card 44 and SIM card reader 45. Mobile telephone circuitry includes 55 radio interface circuitry 46, codec circuitry 47, controller 48, memory 49 and USB transceiver circuitry 50. The USB transceiver circuitry 50, together with the USB port 34 provide the hardware for implementing a device USB

8 13 EP B1 14 interface (Figure 1). [0069] A method by which a user can select a function of the mobile telephone handset 27 and attach the handset 27 to the PC 17 so that it is configured with an appropriate device driver will now be described. [0070] Referring to Figure 6, the handset 27 receives preference information relating to one of the plurality of functions 33, 34, 35 the user enters a functions menu on the handset 27 (step SI) and selects one of a plurality of functions which the handset can execute (step S2). In this example, the user wants to access a dial-up internet service provider and so they select the modem function 34. A handset operating system configures the handset (step S3). In addition, the controller 48 sets a pointer to one of a plurality of device descriptors DEVICE held in memory 49 corresponding to the modem function 34 (step S4). The nature and purpose of the device descriptors DEVICE will be described in more detail hereinafter. It will be appreciated that electro-mechanical switches may be used to select one of the functions 33, 34, 35. [0071] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the user attaches the handset 27 to one of four hub ports 51 using a USB cable 52 and bus enumeration takes place. The USB hub 25 senses that the handset 27 has been connected to one of the four ports 51 and changes the state of the port from disconnected to connected (step S5). The handset 27 provides its own power and so is deemed to be in a powered state (step S6). The PC 17 periodically polls the USB hub 25, which indicates that there is a change in status of one of the four hub ports 51 (step S6.1). The PC 17 issues commands to hub 25 to indicate the nature of change (step S6.2) and the hub replies with the identity of the port (step S6.3). The PC 17 issues a port enable signal and sends a reset command (step S7). At this point, the port 51 to which the handset 27 is connected is enabled and the handset 27 is in a default state and is addressable only through a default pipe at a default address. The PC 17 and the handset 27 exchange descriptor information (step S7.1) which will be described in greater detail below. At this point the PC 17 is informed which function 33,34,35 the handset 27 implements and selects an appropriate device driver. The PC 17 assigns a unique address to the handset 27 (step S8). At this stage the handset 27 is in an addressed state. The PC 17 reads configuration inform ationfromthe handset (step S9). The handset 27 is now configured and the PC 17 can receive data from it. [0072] The exchange of descriptor information at step S7.1 above will now be described. [0073] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the PC 17 sends a request GET_DESCRIPTOR over the default pipe to the handset 27 (step S7.1.1). The request GET_DE- SCRIPTOR comprises a request type field 53, a request field 54, a descriptor type 55 which in this example is set to "device", a descriptor index field 56 which is set to zero, a length field 57 which specifies the number of bytes which the handset should return and a data field 58. [0074] Referring to Figures 9 and 11, the handset 27 looks up the device descriptor DEVICE from memory 49 (Step S7.1.2) and returns it to the PC 17 (step S7.1.3). The device descriptor comprises a length field 59, a descriptortype field 60, a USB specification release number 5 field 61, a device class code field 62, a device sub-class code field 63, a protocol code field 64, a maximum packet size field 65, a vendor ID field 66, a product ID field 67, a device release number field 68, an index of string descriptor 69 describing the manufacturer, an index of string io descriptor describing the product 70, an index of string descriptor describing the device's serial number 71 and a field indicating the number of possible configurations 72. In this example, the device class code field 62 is set to 02 indicating a modem. «[0075] Once the USB system (see Figure 1) of the PC 17 receives the device descriptor DEVICE through the default pipe, it passes information relating to the device class 62 to the PC's operating system. The PC's operating system selects and assigns a modem driver in a man- 20 nerwell known perse. Alternatively, the operating system may prompt the user to install a modem driver. Once the modem driver is installed and appropriate browser software is operating, the PC 17 is able to control the modem 34 and receive data. 25 [0076] lftheuserdisconnectsthehandset27andwishes to use a different function, such as the microphone function 33, they re-enter the functions menu on the handset 27 and select the microphone function (steps SI -S5). When handset 27 is re-attached to the PC 17, a so different device descriptor DEVICE is returned to the PC 17 during bus enumeration and so a different driver, this time a microphone driver, is assigned. [0077] This has the advantage that all the functions of the handset 27 are available to PC 17 and are easily 35 configured by the user. [0078] It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described. Instead of a PC, the host may be another mobile telephone handset, a games console or a network com- *o puter. The device need not be a mobile telephone handset, but a data communicator or another PC. 45 Claims Claims for the following Contracting State(s): DE, GB, FR A method of configuring first and second electronic devices (17,27), the first device being a master and the second device a slave, and characterised in that said second slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions 55 each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, the method comprising:

9 15 EP B1 16 receiving, at said second slave device (27), preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions (33,34,35) of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, providing said first master device (17) with information relating to said one selected function and providing, at said first master device, means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function, and wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprising assigning an appropriate device driver, wherein the second slave device comprises mobile telephone functionality (46). 2. A method according to Claim 1, further comprising connecting said first and second devices (17,27) together by a bus (52) for transmitting signals. 3. A method according to Claim 2, further comprising exchanging configuration signals between said first and second devices (17,27) through said bus (52) for establishing addressable communication between said first and second devices. 4. A method according to Claim 3, wherein said exchanging of configuration signals includes said providing said first master device (17) with information relating to said one function. 5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said first master device (17) with information comprises sending a message from said second slave device (27) to the first master device. eluding: means for receiving preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said 5 second slave device (27) to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, means for providing to said first master device (17) information relating to said one selected function, io means for providing means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function and wherein said meansfor interfacing comprises means for assigning an appropriate de- 15 vice driver, and wherein the second slave device comprises mobile telephone functionality. 10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said means for providing said first master device (17) with infor mation comprises means for sending a message from said second slave device to the first master device. me 11. Apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein said 25 means for providing means for interfacing includes an operating system for controlling operation of said first device. so 12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a device driver. 13. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first master device (17) is a Uni- 35 versai Serial Bus host. 6. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising said first master device (17) requesting information relating to a function from said second slave device (27) A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said first master device (17) with information includes providing data identifying said one function. 8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprises executing a computer program. 17, Apparatus comprising first and second electronic devices (17,27), the first device being a master device and the second a slave device characterised in that said second device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each se- 55 lectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class (33,34,35), said apparatus in- 14. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first master device (17) is a personal computer. 15. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second slave device (27) is a Universal Serial Bus device A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second slave device (27) is a mobile telephone handset. A computer program comprising computer code for an electronic slave device (27) characterised in that the slave device comprises mobile Telephone is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, and configured for communication with a data processing means (17), to make said slave device (27): receive information relating to one of said phuality

10 17 EP B1 18 of selectable predefined functions and provide information relating to said selected function to said data processing means (17), relating to assigning an appropriate device driver. 18. An electronic slave device characterised in that it is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular device class, com- io prising telephone functionality (46), means for receiving preference information relating to one of said selectable plurality of predefined functions and means for providing to another device information relating to said one selected function relating to as- '5 signing an appropriate device driverforthe selected function. 19. An electronic device according to Claim 18, wherein the device is a mobile telephone handset A method according to Claim 2, further comprising exchanging configuration signals between said first and second devices (17,27) through said bus (52) for establishing addressable communication between said first and second devices. A method according to Claim 3, wherein said exchanging of configuration signals includes said providing said first master device (17) with information relating to said one function. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said first master device (17) with information comprises sending a message from said second slave device (27) to the first master device. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising said first master device (17) requesting information relating to a function from said second slave device (27). 20. A electronic slave device according to claim 19 further comprising allowing said data processing means (17) to use said one function (34). 25 A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said first master device (17) with information includes providing data identifying said one function. Claims forthefollowing Contracting State(s): AT, BE, CH, CY, DK, ES, Fl, GR, IE, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR 1. A method of configuring first and second electronic devices (17,27), the first device being a master and the second device a slave, and characterised in that said second slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, the method comprising: A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprises executing a computer program. Apparatus comprising first and second electronic devices (17,27), the first device being a master device and the second aslave device characterised in that said second device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, (33,34,35), said apparatus including: receiving, at said second slave device (27), preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions (33,34,35) of said second slave device to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, providing said first master device (17) with information relating to said one selected function and providing, at said first master device, means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function, and wherein said providing said means for interfacing comprising assigning an appropriate device driver. 2. A method according to Claim 1, further comprising connecting said first and second devices (17,27) together by a bus (52) for transmitting signals means for receiving preference information relating to one of said plurality of functions of said second slave device (27) to enable selection of one of the plurality of predefined functions, means for providing to said first master device (17) information relating to said one selected function and means for providing means for interfacing with said one selected function so as to allow said first master device to use said one selected function and wherein said meansfor interfacing comprises means for assigning an appropriate device driver. 10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein said means for providing said first master device (17) with information comprises means for sending a message 10

11 19 EP B1 20 from said second slave device to the first master device. 11. Apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein said means for providing means for interfacing includes an operating system for controlling operation of said first device. 12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a device driver. 13. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first master device (17) is a Universal Serial Bus host. 14. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first master device (17) is a personal computer. 15. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second slave device (27) is a Universal Serial Bus device. 16. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second slave device (27) is a mobile telephone handset. 17. A computer program comprising computer code for an electronic slave device (27) characterised in that the slave device is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions, each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, and configured for communication with a data processing means (17), to make said slave device (27): receive information relating to one of said plurality of selectable predefined functions and provide information relating to said selected function to said data processing means (17), relating to assigning an appropriate device driver. 18. An electronic slave device characterised in that it is able to perform a plurality of selectable predefined different functions each selectable predefined function being associated with an appropriate device driver which relates to a particular one of a pluratily of USB device classes, each class corresponding to a different function, comprising means for receiving preference information relating to one of said selectable plurality of predefined functions and means for providing to another device information relating to said one selected function relating to assigning an appropriate device driver for the selected function An electronic device according to Claim 18, wherein the device is a mobile telephone handset. 20. A electronic slave device according to claim 19 further comprising allowing said data processing means (17) to use said one function (34). Patentansprüche Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): DE, FR, GB Verfahren zum Konfigurieren einer ersten und einer zweiten elektronischen Vorrichtung (17, 27), wobei die erste Vorrichtung eine Hauptvorrichtung und die zweite Vorrichtung eine untergeordnete Vorrichtung ist, und dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede vordefinierte wählbare Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte Geräteklasse bezieht, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: - Empfangen von Präferenzinformationen an der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27), die sich auf eine der mehreren Funktionen (33, 34, 35) der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung beziehen, um eine Auswahl von einer der mehreren vordefinierten Funktionen zu ermöglichen; - Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17), die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen; und - Bereitstellen von Mitteln an der ersten Hauptvorrichtung, um eine Schnittstellenverbindung mit der einen gewählten Funktion herzustellen, um es der ersten Hauptvorrichtung zu ermöglichen, die gewählte Funktion zu verwenden; und wobei das Bereitstellen der Mittel zum Herstellen der Schnittstellenverbindung ein Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers umfasst, wobei die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung eine Mobiltelefonfunktion (46) umfasst. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, weiter umfassend - Verbinden der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung (17, 27) miteinander durch einen Bus (52) zum Übertragen von Signalen Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, weiter umfassend: - Austauschen von Konfigurationssignalen zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung 11

12 21 EP B1 22 (17, 27) durch den Bus (52), um eine adressierbare Kommunikation zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung aufzubauen. 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Austauschen von Konfigurationssignalen einschließt, der ersten Hauptvorrichtung (17) Informationen bereitzustellen, die sich auf die eine Funktion beziehen. 5. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Senden einer Nachricht von der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) an die erste Hauptvorrichtung umfasst. 6. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, weiter umfassend, dass die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) von der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) Informationen anfordert, die sich auf eine Funktion beziehen. 7. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Bereitstellen von Daten einschließt, welche die eine Funktion identifizieren. 8. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen der Mittel zum Herstellen der Schnittstellenverbindung das Ausführen eines Computerprogramms umfasst. 9. Gerät, umfassend eine erste und eine zweite Vorrichtung (17, 27), wobei die erste Vorrichtung eine Hauptvorrichtung und die zweite Vorrichtung eine untergeordnete Vorrichtung ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte Geräteklasse (33, 34, 35) bezieht, wobei das Gerät umfasst: - Mittel zum Empfangen von Präferehzinformatioxien, die sich auf eine der mehreren Funktionen der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) beziehen, um eine Auswahl von einer der mehreren vordefinierten Funktionen zu ermöglichen; - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17), die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen; und - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Mitteln, um eine Schnittstellenverbindung mit der einen gewählten Funktion herzustellen, um es der ersten Hauptvorrichtung zu ermöglichen, die eine gewählte Funktion zu verwenden; und wobei das Mittel zum Herstellen der Schnittstellenverbindung Mittel zum Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers umfasst, und wobei die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung eine Mobiltelefonfunktion 5 umfasst. io 10. Gerät nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) Mittel zum Senden einer Nachricht von der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung an die erste Hauptvorrichtung umfasst. 11. Gerät nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei das Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Mitteln zum Herstellen einer 15 Schnittstellenverbindung ein Betriebssystem zum Steuern des Betriebs der ersten Vorrichtung einschließt. 12. Gerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei 20 das Mittel zum Herstellen einer Schnittstellenverbindung einen Gerätetreiber umfasst. 13. Verfahren odergerät nach irgendeinem dervorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste Hauptvorrich- 25 tung (17) ein Universal-Serial-Bus-Host ist Verfahren odergerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Personal Computer ist. 15. Verfahren odergerät nach irgendeinem dervorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27) eine Universal-Serial-Bus- Vorrichtung ist. 16. Verfahren odergerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27) ein Mobiltelefon-Handgerät ist Computerprogramm, umfassend Computercode für eine elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die untergeordnete Vorrichtung eine Mobiltelefonfunktion umfasst und fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte ver- 45 schiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte Geräteklasse bezieht, und konfiguriert für eine Kommunikation mit Datenverarbeitungsmitteln so (17), um die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27) dazu zu veranlassen, - Informationen zu empfangen, die sich auf eine dermehreren wählbaren vordefinierten Funktio- 55 nen bezieht; und - Informationen, die sich auf die gewählte Funktion beziehen, den Datenverarbeitungsmitteln (17) bereitzustellen, die sich auf ein Zuweisen 12

13 23 EP B1 24 eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers beziehen. 18. Elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefurierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte Geräteklasse bezieht, umfassend - eine Mobiltelefonfunktion (46); - Mittel zum Empfangen von Präferenzinformationen, die sich auf eine der mehreren wählbaren Funktionen der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung beziehen; und - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an eine andere Vorrichtung, die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen, die sich auf ein Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers für die gewählte Funktion beziehen. 19. Elektronische Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, wobei die Vorrichtung ein Mobiltelefon-Handgerät ist Bereitstellen von Mitteln an der ersten Hauptvorrichtung, um eine Schnittstellenverbindung mit der einen gewählten Funktion herzustellen, um es der ersten Hauptvorrichtung zu ermöglichen, die eine gewählte Funktion zu verwenden; und wobei das Bereitstellen der Mittel zum Herstellen der Schnittstellenverbindung ein Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers umfasst. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, weiter umfassend - Verbinden der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung (17, 27) miteinander durch einen Bus (52) zum Übertragen von Signalen. 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, weiter umfassend: - Austauschen von Konfigurationssignalen zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung (17, 27) durch den Bus (52), um eine adressierbare Kommunikation zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Vorrichtung aufzubauen. 20. Elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 19, weiter umfassend, den Datenverarbeitungsmitteln (17) zu ermöglichen, die eine Funktion (34) zu verwenden. Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): AT, BE, CH, CY, DK, ES, Fl, GR, IE, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR 1. Verfahren zum Konfigurieren einer ersten und einer zweiten elektronischen Vorrichtung (17, 27), wobei die erste Vorrichtung eine Hauptvorrichtung und die zweite Vorrichtung eine untergeordnete Vorrichtung ist, und dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede vordefinierte wählbare Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte einer Vielzahl von USB Geräteklassen bezieht, wobei jede Klasse einer unterschiedlichen Funktion entspricht, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: - Empfangen von Präferenzinformationen an der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27), die sich auf eine der mehreren Funktionen (33, 34, 35) der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung beziehen, um eine Auswahl von einer der mehreren vordefinierten Funktionen zu ermöglichen; - Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17), die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen; und Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Austauschen von Konfigurationssignalen einschließt, der ersten Hauptvorrichtung (17) Informationen bereitzustellen, die sich auf die eine Funktion beziehen. so 5. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Senden einer Nachrichtvon der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) an die erste Hauptvorrichtung umfasst. 35 *o 6. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, weiter umfassend, dass die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) von der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) Informationen anfordert, die sich auf eine Funktion beziehen. 7. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Bereitstellen 45 von Daten einschließt, welche die eine Funktion identifizieren. 8. Verfahren nach irgendeinem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das Bereitstellen der Mittel zum Her- 50 stellen der Schnittstellenverbindung das Ausführen eines Computerprogramms umfasst. 9. Gerät, umfassend eine erste und eine zweite elektronische Vorrichtung (17, 27), wobei die erste Vor- 55 richtung eine Hauptvorrichtung und die zweite Vorrichtung eine untergeordnete Vorrichtung ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite Vorrichtung fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte ver- 13

14 25 EP B1 26 schiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte einer Vielzahl von USB Geräteklassen bezieht, wobei jede Klasse einer unterschiedlichen 5 Funktion (33, 34, 35) entspricht, wobei das Gerät umfasst: - Mittel zum Empfangen von Präferenzinformationen, die sich auf eine der mehreren Funktionen der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung (27) beziehen, um eine Auswahl von einer der mehreren vordefinierten Funktionen zu ermöglichen; - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an '5 die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17), die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen; und - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Mitteln, um eine Schnittstellenverbindung mit der einen gewählten Funktion herzustellen, um es der ersten 20 Hauptvorrichtung zu ermöglichen, die eine gewählte Funktion zu verwenden; und wobei das Mittel zum Herstellen der Schnittstellenverbindung Mittel zum Zuweisen eines geeigne- 25 ten Gerätetreibers umfasst. 10. Gerät nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) Mittel zum Senden einer Nachricht von der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung an die erste Hauptvorrichtung umfasst. 11. Gerät nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei das Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Mitteln zum Herstellen einer 35 Schnittstellenverbindung ein Betriebssystem zum Steuern des Betriebs der ersten Vorrichtung einschließt. 12. Gerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei 40 das Mittel zum Herstellen einer Schnittstellenverbindung einen Gerätetreiber umfasst. 13. Verfahren oder Gerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste Hauptvorrich- 45 tung (17) ein Universal-Serial-Bus-Host ist. io so nete Vorrichtung (27) ein Mobiltelefon-Handgerät ist. 17. Computerprogramm, umfassend Computercode für eine elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die untergeordnete Vorrichtung fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte einer Vielzahl von USB Geräteklassen bezieht, wobei jede Klasse einer unterschiedlichen Funktion entspricht, und konfiguriert für eine Kommunikation mit einem Datenverarbeitungsmittel (17), um die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27) dazu zu veranlassen, - Informationen zu empfangen, die sich auf eine dermehreren wählbaren vordefinierten Funktionen beziehen; und - Informationen, die sich auf die gewählte Funktion beziehen, dem Datenverarbeitungsmittel (17) bereitzustellen, die sich auf ein Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers beziehen. 18. Elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie fähig ist, mehrere wählbare vordefinierte verschiedene Funktionen auszuführen, wobei jede wählbare vordefinierte Funktion mit einem geeigneten Gerätetreiber verknüpft ist, der sich auf eine bestimmte einer Vielzahl von USB Geräteklassen bezieht, wobei jede Klasse einer unterschiedlichen Funktion entspricht, umfassend - Mittel zum Empfangen von Präferenzinformationen, die sich auf eine der mehreren wählbaren vordefinierten Funktionen der zweiten untergeordneten Vorrichtung beziehen; und - Mittel zum Bereitstellen von Informationen an eine andere Vorrichtung, die sich auf die eine gewählte Funktion beziehen, die sich auf ein Zuweisen eines geeigneten Gerätetreibers für die gewählte Funktion beziehen. 19. Elektronische Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, wobei die Vorrichtung ein Mobiltelefon-Handgerät ist. 14. Verfahren oder Gerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste Hauptvorrichtung (17) ein Personal Computer ist. 15. Verfahren oder Gerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zweite untergeordnete Vorrichtung (27) eine Universal-Serial-Bus- Vorrichtung ist. 55 so 20. Elektronische untergeordnete Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 19, weiter umfassend, dem Datenverarbeitungsmittel (17) zu ermöglichen, die eine Funktion (34) zu verwenden. Revendications 16. Verfahren oder Gerät nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zweite untergeord- Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) 14

15 suivant(s): DE, GB, FR 27 EP B Procédé de configuration d'un premier et deuxième périphérique électronique (17, 27), le premier périphérique étant un maître et le deuxième périphérique un esclave, et caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième périphérique esclave soit capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de périphérique approprié se rapportant à une classe de périphérique particulière, le procédé corasistant à : recevoir, au dit deuxième périphérique esclave (27), des informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions (33, 34, 35) dudit deuxième périphérique esclave pour permettre la sélection d'une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies, fournir au dit premier périphérique maître (17) des informations se rapportant à ladite une fonction sélectionnée et fournir, au dit premier périphérique maître, un moyen d'interfaçage avec ladite une dite fonction sélectionnée de façon à permettre au dit premier périphérique maître d'utiliser ladite une fonction sélectionnée, et dans lequel ladite fourniture dudit moyen d'interfaçage comprenant l'attribution d'un pilote de périphérique approprié, dans lequel' le deuxième périphérique esclave comprend une fonctionnalité de téléphone mobile (46). 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en plus la connexion desdits premier et deuxième périphériques (17, 27) entre eux par le biais d'un bus (52) pour transmettre des signaux. 3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, comprenant en plus l'échange des signaux de configuration entre lesdits premier et deuxième périphériques (17, 27) par le biais dudit bus (52) pour établir une communication adressable entre lesdits premier et deuxième périphériques. 4. Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit échange de signaux de configuration inclut la fourniture au dit premier périphérique maître (17) des informations se rapportant à ladite une fonction, 5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture au dit premier périphérique maître (17) des informations comprend l'envoi d'un message dudit deuxième périphérique esclave (27) au premier périphérique maître. 6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en plus la demande par le premier périphérique maître (17) des informations se rapportant à une fonction au dit deuxième périphérique esclave (27). Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture des informations au dit premier périphérique maître (17) comprend lafourniture des données identifiant ladite une fonction. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture dudit moyen d'interfaçage comprend l'exécution d'un programme informatique. Dispositif comprenant un premier et deuxième périphériques (17,27), le premier périphérique étant un périphérique maître et le deuxième un périphérique esclave, caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième périphérique soit capable d' accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de périphérique approprié se rapportant aune classe de périphérique particulière (33, 34, 35), le dispositif comprenant : un moyen de recevoir des informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions dudit deuxième périphérique esclave (27) pour permettre la sélection d'une parmi la pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies, un moyen de fournir au dit premier périphérique maître (17) les informations se rapportant à une dite fonction sélectionnée, un moyen de fournir un moyen d'interfaçage avec ladite une fonction sélectionnée de façon à permettre au dit premier périphérique maître d'utiliser ladite une fonction sélectionnée et dans lequel ledit moyen d'interfaçage comprend un moyen d'attribuer un pilote de périphérique approprié, et dans lequel le deuxième périphérique esclave comprend une fonctionnalité de téléphone mobile. 45 io. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit moyen de fournir des informations au dit premier périphérique maître (17) comprend un moyen d'envoyer un message dudit deuxième périphérique esclave au premier périphérique maître Dispositif selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel ledit moyen de fournir un moyen d'interfaçage inclut un système de commande pour contrôler la commande dudit premier périphérique. 12. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, dans lequel ledit moyen d'interfaçage comprend un pilote de périphérique. 15

16 29 EP B Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier périphérique maître (17) est un hôte Bus de Série universel (USB). 14. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel' le premier périphérique maître (17) est un ordinateur personnel. 15. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le deuxième périphérique esclave (27) est un périphérique Bus de Série universel. 16. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le deuxième périphérique esclave (27) est un combiné téléphonique mobile. 17. Programme informatique comprenant un code informatique pour un périphérique électronique esclave (27), caractérisé en ce que le périphérique esclave comprend une fonctionnalité de téléphone mobile et est capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de périphérique approprié se rapportant à une classe de périphérique particulière, et configuré pour communiquer avec un moyen de traitement de données (17), de sorte que ledit périphérique esclave (27) puisse : recevoir des informations se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies sélectionnables et fournir des informations se rapportant à la dite fonction sélectionnée au dit moyen de traitement de données (17) relatives à l'attribution d'un pilote de périphérique approprié. 18. Périphérique électronique esclave caractérisé en ce qu' il est capable d' accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de périphérique approprié se rapportant à une classe de périphérique particulière, comprenant une fonctionnalité de téléphone mobile (46), un moyen de recevoir les informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité sélectionnable de fonctions prédéfinies et un moyen de fournir à un autre périphérique les informations se rapportant à la dite fonction sélectionnée relative à l'attribution d'un périphérique approprié pour la fonction sélectionnée. io 19. Périphérique électronique selon la revendication 18, dans lequel le périphérique est un combiné téléphonique mobile. 20. Périphérique électronique esclave selon la revendication. 19 comprenant en plus l'autorisation donnée audit moyen de traitement de données (17) d'utiliser ladite une fonction (34). Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) suivant(s): AT, BE, CH, CY, DK, ES, FI, GR, IE, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR 1. Procédé de configuration de premier et deuxième dispositifs électroniques (17, 27), le premier dispo- 15 sitif étant un maître et le deuxième dispositif un esclave, et caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième dispositif esclave soit capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, cha- 20 que fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de dispositif approprié se rapportant à une particulière, parmi une pluralité de classes de dispositifs USB, chaque classe correspondant à une différente fonction, le procédé consistant à : 25 recevoir, audit deuxième dispositif esclave (27), des informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions (33, 34, 35) dudit deuxième dispositif esclave pour perso mettre la sélection d'une parmi la pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies, fournir audit premier dispositif maître (17) des informations se rapportant à ladite une fonction sélectionnée et 35 fournir, auditpremierdispositif maître, un moyen d'interfaçage avec ladite une dite fonction sélectionnée de façon à permettre audit premier dispositif maître d'utiliser ladite une fonction sélectionnée, et dans lequel ladite fourniture dudit *o moyen d'interfaçage comprenant l'attribution d'un pilote de dispositif approprié. 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en plus la connexion desdits premier et deuxième dis- 45 positifs (17, 27) entre eux' par le biais d'un bus (52) pour transmettre des signaux. so 3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, comprenant en plus l'échange des signaux de configuration entre lesdits premier et deuxième dispositifs (17, 27) par le biais dudit bus (52) pour établir une communication adressable entre lesdits premier et deuxième dispositifs Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit échange de signaux de configuration inclut la fourniture audit premier dispositif maître (17) des informations se rapportant à ladite une fonction. 16

17 31 EP B Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture audit premier dispositif maître (17) des informations comprend l'envoi d'un message dudit deuxième dispositif esclave (27) au premier dispositif maître. 6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en plus la demande par le premier dispositif maître (17) des informations se rapportant à une fonction audit deuxième dispositif esclave (27). 7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture des informations audit premier dispositif maître (17) comprend la fourniture des données identifiant ladite une fonction. 8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite fourniture dudit moyen d'interfaçage comprend l'exécution d'un programme informatique. 9. Procédé comprenant des premier et deuxième dispositifs (17,27), le premier dispositif étant un dispositif maître et le deuxième un dispositif esclave, caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième dispositif soit capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de dispositif approprié se rapportant à une particulière, parmi une pluralité de classes (33, 34, 35), de dispositifs USB, chaque classe correspondant à une différente fonction, ledit procédé comprenant : un moyen de recevoir des informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions dudit deuxième dispositif esclave (27) pour permettre la sélection d'une parmi la pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies, un moyen de fournir audit premier dispositif maître (17) les informations se rapportant à une dite fonction sélectionnée, un moyen de fournir un moyen d'interfaçage avec ladite une fonction sélectionnée de façon à permettre audit premier dispositif maître d'utiliser ladite une fonction sélectionnée et dans lequel ledit moyen d'interfaçage comprend un moyen d'attribuer un pilote de dispositif approprié. 10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit moyen de fournir des informations audit premier dispositif maître (17) comprend un moyen d'envoyer un message dudit deuxième dispositif esclave au premier dispositif maître. 11. Procédé selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel 10 ledit moyen de fournir un moyen d'interfaçage inclut un système de commande pour contrôler la commande dudit premier dispositif. 12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, dans lequel ledit moyen d'interfaçage comprend un pilote de dispositif. 13. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif maître (17) est un hôte Bus de Série universel (USB). 14. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif maître (17) est un ordinateur personnel. 15. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le deuxième 20 dispositif esclave (27) est un dispositif Bus de Série universel. 16. Procédé ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le deuxième 25 dispositif esclave (27) est un combiné téléphonique mobile Programme informatique comprenant un code informatique pour un dispositif électronique esclave (27), caractérisé en ce que le dispositif esclave est capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un- pilote de dispositif approprié se rapportant à une particulière, parmi une pluralité de classes de dispositifs USB, chaque classe correspondant à une différente fonction, et configuré pour communiquer avec un moyen de traitement de données (17), de sorte que ledit dispositif esclave (27) puisse : 18. recevoir des informations se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité de fonctions prédéfinies sélectionnables et fournir des informations se rapportant à la dite fonction sélectionnée audit moyen de traitement de données (17) relatives à l'attribution d'un pilote de dispositif approprié. Dispositif électronique esclave caractérisé en ce qu'il est capable d'accomplir une pluralité de fonctions différentes prédéfinies sélectionnables, chaque fonction prédéfinie sélectionnable étant associée à un pilote de dispositif approprié se rapportant à une particulière, parmi une pluralité de classes de dispositifs USB, chaque classe correspondant à une différente fonction, comprenant un moyen de recevoir les informations préférentielles se rapportant à une parmi ladite pluralité sélectionnable de fonctions prédéfinies et un moyen de fournir à un autre dispo- 17

18 33 EP B1 34 sitif les informations se rapportant à la dite fonction sélectionnée relative à l'attribution d'un dispositif approprié pour la fonction sélectionnée. 19. Dispositif électronique selon la revendication 18, 5 dans lequel le dispositif est un combiné téléphonique mobile. 20. Dispositif électronique esclave selon la revendication 19 comprenant en plus l'autorisation donnée audit moyen de traitement de données (17) d'utiliser ladite une fonction (34). io

19 EP B1 Host 2 Device 3 15 c> / i 147 Function JLc> USB Z- Device 8 10 y USB Bus Interface Z y USB Bus Interface / Z. FIG. 1 \ 19

20 EP B1 CO s CO Csl CO CM CO O ta "fr CM O CO CO CM 20