Electronic device and connection inspection method

Abstract

The electronic device includes a first circuit section that has at least a transmission port for transmitting data and a reception port for receiving data, and is capable of performing data communication with a second circuit section through the transmission port and the reception port. The first circuit section includes an inspection processing section that, when unable to perform data communication with the second circuit section, determines whether a detection signal is detected. When the detection signal is not detected, the inspection processing section determines whether the potential of the reception signal line connected between the reception port and the second circuit section is in a state where communication is possible. The detection signal indicates that the second circuit section is in a state where it can communicate with the first circuit section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a connection inspection method. Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for detecting a connection state when connecting two electronic circuits using a cable (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the conventional technique shown in Patent Document 1, a dedicated detection circuit is added to detect the connection state, and a warning is output when an abnormality is detected in the connection state.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H4-315781 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the above conventional technique, although the connection state can be detected, for example, when normal communication cannot be performed between two connected electronic circuits, it is difficult to determine the main cause of the communication abnormality.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device and a connection inspection method capable of appropriately determining the main cause of a communication abnormality.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a first circuit unit having at least a transmission port for transmitting data and a reception port for receiving data, and capable of performing data communication with a second circuit unit through the transmission port and the reception port, and the first circuit unit includes an inspection processing unit that, when unable to perform data communication with the second circuit unit, determines whether a detection signal is detected, and when the detection signal is not detected, determines whether the potential of a reception signal line connected between the reception port and the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communication, the detection signal indicating that the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit.

[0011] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a connection checking method, which is a connection checking method between a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit. The first circuit unit has at least a transmission port for transmitting data and a reception port for receiving data. The second circuit unit can perform data communication through the transmission port and the reception port. Among them, when the checking processing unit cannot perform data communication with the second circuit unit, it determines whether a detection signal is detected, and this detection signal indicates that the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit. When the checking processing unit does not detect the detection signal, it determines whether the potential of the reception signal line connected between the reception port and the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communication.

[0012] Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the main cause of communication abnormality can be appropriately determined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic device according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an electronic device and a connection checking method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [First Embodiment]

[0023] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] As Figure 1As shown, the electronic device 1 includes a first circuit unit 10 and a display unit 11.

[0025] The first circuit unit 10 is a circuit that can be connected to the second circuit unit 20 via a connection cable CB1. The first circuit unit 10 performs data communication with the second circuit unit 20, for example, via RS-232C, which is an interface for serial data communication. The first circuit unit 10 includes a microcontroller 30. It should be noted that in the following description, the interface for serial data communication may sometimes be referred to as a serial communication interface.

[0026] The connection cable CB1 is a cable for connecting the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20. The connection cable CB1 has a transmission signal line LTX, a reception signal line LRX, and a detection signal line LSA for performing serial data communication based on RS-232C. Here, the transmission signal line LTX is a signal line for transmitting serial data from the first circuit unit 10 to the second circuit unit 20, and the reception signal line LRX is a signal line for the first circuit unit 10 to receive serial data transmitted from the second circuit unit 20 to the first circuit unit 10. In addition, the detection signal line LSA is a signal line for the first circuit unit 10 to detect a detection signal (signal A) output from the second circuit unit 20 to the first circuit unit 10.

[0027] The second circuit unit 20 is a circuit that can be connected to the first circuit unit 10 via the connection cable CB1 and includes a microcontroller 21.

[0028] The microcontroller 21 is a processor that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and comprehensively controls the second circuit unit 20. The microcontroller 21 controls communication with the first circuit unit 10. For example, when performing communication with the first circuit unit 10, the microcontroller 21 sets the reception signal line LRX (which is a transmission signal line for the second circuit unit 20) to the High state (high state) indicating that the preparation for data communication is complete. Here, the High state indicates a state where the potential (voltage) of the signal line is equal to or higher than a specified threshold potential (threshold voltage). In addition, when the microcontroller 21 is in a state where it can communicate with the first circuit unit 10, it outputs a detection signal (for example, a signal in the High state) indicating the state where it can communicate with the first circuit unit 10 to the detection signal line LSA.

[0029] In addition, when the microcontroller 21 is in a state where it can communicate with the first circuit unit 10, it outputs a detection signal indicating the state where it can communicate with the first circuit unit 10 to the detection signal line LSA. For example, when the microcontroller 21 detects the High state in the transmission signal line LTX, it outputs the High state as a detection signal (detection signal A) to the detection signal line LSA.

[0030] The display unit 11 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and is an example of the output unit. The display unit 11 related to the electronic device 1 displays (outputs) information indicating the determination result determined by the inspection processing unit 331 described later.

[0031] The microcontroller 30 is a processor including a CPU etc., and comprehensively controls the first circuit unit 10. The microcontroller 30 includes a UART 31 (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), a switching unit 32, a control unit 33, a transmission port P1, a reception port P2, and an input port P3.

[0032] The transmission port P1 is connected to the UART 31, and is a serial transmission port which is a port for transmitting serial data of the serial communication interface. In addition, the transmission signal line LTX of the connection cable CB1 is connected to the transmission port P1.

[0033] The reception port P2 is connected to the UART 31, and is a serial reception port which is a port for receiving serial data of the serial communication interface. In addition, the reception signal line LRX of the connection cable CB1 is connected to the reception port P2. In addition, the reception port P2 is configured to be able to switch the function of the reception port and the function of the general-purpose input port by the switching unit 32 described later.

[0034] The input port P3 is a general-purpose input port, and is connected to the detection signal line LSA of the connection cable CB1.

[0035] The UART 31 performs parallel-serial conversion and serial-parallel conversion as a serial communication interface. The UART 31 includes a shift register 311 and a shift register 312.

[0036] The shift register 311 is a shift register for transmitting serial data communication, converts the parallel data supplied from the control unit 33 into serial data and outputs it. The serial data output from the shift register 311 is output to the transmission signal line LTX connected via the transmission port P1.

[0037] The shift register 312 is a shift register for receiving serial data communication, receives serial data from the reception signal line LRX connected via the reception port P2 and the switching unit 32, converts the serial data into parallel data, and supplies it to the control unit 33.

[0038] The switching unit 32 switches the reception port P2 to either the function of the reception port or the function of the general-purpose input port. The switching unit 32 switches the reception port P2 to either the function of the reception port or the function of the general-purpose input port by setting an unillustrated control register of the microcontroller 30, for example.

[0039] The control unit 33 is, for example, a functional unit implemented by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a program, and executes various processes of the first circuit unit 10 and the electronic device 1. The control unit 33 controls, for example, serial data communication with the second circuit unit 20, and executes an inspection process of inspecting the communication state and determining the main cause of the inability to communicate when serial data communication cannot be performed. For example, when performing serial data communication with the second circuit unit 20, the control unit 33 sets the transmission port P1 and the transmission signal line LTX to the High state indicating that the preparation for data communication is complete.

[0040] In addition, the control unit 33 includes an inspection processing unit 331.

[0041] When the first circuit unit 10 cannot perform data communication with the second circuit unit 20, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether a detection signal (for example, a signal indicating that the detection signal line LSA is in the High state) is detected, and this detection signal indicates that the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit 10. It should be noted that the inspection processing unit 331 may determine whether data communication with the second circuit unit 20 can be performed based on whether data can be received by the UART 31 via the reception signal line LRX and the reception port P2, or may also determine based on whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in the High state.

[0042] In addition, when the detection signal of the detection signal line LSA (for example, the High state) is not detected, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX connected between the reception port P2 and the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communication. Here, the state where the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state capable of communication is the case where the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in the High state. That is, when the detection signal of the detection signal line LSA (for example, the High state) is not detected, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in the High state.

[0043] In addition, when the detection signal of the detection signal line LSA (for example, the High state) is detected, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the communication line on the second circuit unit 20 side associated with the signal of the signal line of the reception port P2. Here, the communication line on the second circuit unit 20 side is, for example, the signal line and control line etc. on the second circuit unit 20 side associated with the reception signal line LRX.

[0044] In addition, when the potential of the reception signal line LRX is not in a state where communication is possible (when the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in the Low state), the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the connection between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20. Here, the Low state indicates a state where the potential (voltage) of the signal line is lower than a specified threshold potential (threshold voltage). In addition, an abnormality in the connection between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20 is, for example, a poor connection of the connection cable CB1, a break in the signal line of the connection cable CB1, or a misconnection of the connection cable CB1.

[0045] In addition, when the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state where communication is possible (for example, the High state), the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the second circuit unit 20. In this case, the inspection processing unit 331 determines, for example, that the second circuit unit 20 is not operating normally.

[0046] It should be noted that when detecting the potential of the reception signal line LRX, the inspection processing unit 331 uses the switching unit 32 to switch the reception port P2 from the function of the reception port for receiving serial data communication to the function of a general-purpose input port. The inspection processing unit 331 uses the function of the general-purpose input port of the reception port P2 to determine whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state where communication is possible (for example, the High state).

[0047] In addition, the inspection processing unit 331 causes the display unit 11 (output unit) to output information indicating the above determination result. That is, the inspection processing unit 331 causes the display unit 11 to display information indicating the determination result of the main cause of the communication abnormality between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20 and notifies the user.

[0048] Next, the operation of the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. In this figure, the inspection processing (detection of communication abnormality and determination processing of the main cause) of the serial data communication performed by the electronic device 1 will be described.

[0050] As Figure 2 shown, the inspection processing unit 331 of the electronic device 1 first determines whether it is possible to communicate with the second circuit unit 20 (step S101). The inspection processing unit 331, for example, communicates data with the second circuit unit 20 and determines whether it is possible to communicate with the second circuit unit 20 based on whether a normal response is received from the second circuit unit 20.

[0051] When the check processing unit 331 can communicate with the second circuit unit 20 (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. In addition, when the check processing unit 331 cannot communicate with the second circuit unit 20 (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0052] In step S102, the check processing unit 331 determines that the serial data communication with the second circuit unit 20 is operating normally. After the processing in step S102, the check processing unit 331 ends the process.

[0053] In addition, in step S103, the check processing unit 331 determines whether a detection signal is detected. That is, the check processing unit 331 determines whether the detection signal line LSA is in the High state. When the check processing unit 331 detects a detection signal (the detection signal line LSA is in the High state) (step S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. In addition, when the check processing unit 331 does not detect a detection signal (the detection signal line LSA is in the Low state) (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0054] In step S104, the check processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the communication line on the second circuit unit 20 side. That is, based on the fact that the detection signal line LSA is in the High state, the check processing unit 331 can confirm that the High state of the transmission signal line LTX from the first circuit unit 10 is being transmitted to the second circuit unit 20, and determines that there is an abnormality in the communication line (for example, the reception signal line LRX, etc.) on the second circuit unit 20 side. After the processing in step S104, the check processing unit 331 causes the process to proceed to step S109.

[0055] In addition, in step S105, the check processing unit 331 switches the function of the reception port P2 to a general-purpose input port. That is, the check processing unit 331 uses the switching unit 32 to switch the function of the reception port P2 from the function of the reception port for serial data communication to the function of a general-purpose input port.

[0056] Next, the check processing unit 331 determines whether the general-purpose input port is in the High state (step S106). That is, the check processing unit 331 uses the function of the general-purpose input port of the reception port P2 to determine whether the reception signal line LRX is in the High state. When the general-purpose input port is in the High state (the reception signal line LRX is in the High state) (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. In addition, when the general-purpose input port is in the Low state (the reception signal line LRX is in the Low state) (step S106: No), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0057] In step S107, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality on the second circuit unit 20 side. Since the reception signal line LRX is in the High state, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that the connection of the connection cable CB1 is okay. Also, since the detection signal line LSA is in the Low state, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that the second circuit unit 20 is not operating. After the processing in step S107, the inspection processing unit 331 advances the processing to step S109.

[0058] In addition, in step S108, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the connection. That is, since the reception signal line LRX is in the Low state and the detection signal line LSA is in the Low state, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is a problem in the connection of the connection cable CB1 or the like.

[0059] Next, in step S109, the inspection processing unit 331 causes the display unit 11 to display information indicating the determination result. After the processing in step S109, the inspection processing unit 331 ends the processing.

[0060] As described above, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment includes the first circuit unit 10. The first circuit unit 10 has at least a transmission port P1 that transmits data via the shift register 311 and a reception port P2 that receives data via the shift register 312, and can perform data communication with the second circuit unit 20 through the transmission port P1 and the reception port P2. In addition, the first circuit unit 10 includes the inspection processing unit 331. When data communication cannot be performed with the second circuit unit 20, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether a detection signal (for example, the High state of the detection signal line LSA) is detected, and this detection signal indicates that the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit 10. In addition, when the detection signal is not detected (for example, the detection signal line LSA is in the Low state), the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX connected between the reception port P2 and the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communication (for example, the High state).

[0061] Thus, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment can determine whether transmission from the first circuit unit 10 side is transmitted to the second circuit unit 20 and the second circuit unit 20 is in a communicable state by determining whether a detection signal (for example, the High state of the detection signal line LSA) is detected. In addition, in the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment, further, when the detection signal is not detected, the inspection processing unit 331 can distinguish, for example, whether there is a problem in the connection with the second circuit unit 20 or a problem in the operation of the second circuit unit 20 by determining whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state capable of communication (for example, the High state). Thus, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately determine the main cause of the communication abnormality.

[0062] In addition, since the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormality, it can identify the location of the main cause of the failure, and can minimize the period and labor until the user or maintenance staff eliminates the failure. In addition, if the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment is a device having the above structure, it can be easily implemented only by changing the software.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the inspection processing unit 331 detects a detection signal, it determines that there is an abnormality in the communication line on the second circuit unit 20 side associated with the signal of the reception port P2. That is, when the inspection processing unit 331 detects a detection signal, it determines that there is an abnormality in the communication line of the second circuit unit 20. In addition, when the potential of the reception signal line LRX is not in a state where communication is possible, the inspection processing unit 331 determines that there is an abnormality in the connection between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20.

[0064] Thus, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately determine as the main cause of communication abnormality the case where there is an abnormality in the communication line on the second circuit unit 20 side and the case where there is an abnormality in the connection between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state where communication is possible (for example, High state), the inspection processing unit 331 determines that the second circuit unit 20 is abnormal.

[0066] Thus, the inspection processing unit 331 can appropriately determine as the main cause of communication abnormality the case where the second circuit unit 20 is abnormal.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first circuit unit 10 includes shift registers (311, 312) that are respectively connected to the transmission port P1 and the reception port P2, and perform serial data communication between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20.

[0068] Thus, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormality in serial data communication.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first circuit unit 10 is configured to be able to switch the function of the reception port and the function of the input port through the same port (reception port P2). The inspection processing unit 331 switches the reception port P2 from the function of the reception port to the function of the input port, and uses the function of the input port to determine whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX is in a state where communication is possible (for example, High state).

[0070] Thus, since the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment checks the main cause of communication abnormality by switching the same port (reception port P2), it is possible to appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormality while suppressing an increase in ports for inspection. The electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment can, for example, switch the reception port P2 by software control, and can appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormality easily without additional components such as discrete components.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the inspection processing unit 331 causes the display unit 11 (output unit) to output information indicating the determination result.

[0072] Thus, the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment can notify the user of the main cause of the determined communication abnormality, and thus can facilitate the recovery from the communication abnormality and shorten the recovery period.

[0073] In addition, the connection inspection method according to the present embodiment is a connection inspection method between the first circuit unit 10 and the second circuit unit 20. The first circuit unit 10 includes at least a transmission port P1 for transmitting data via the shift register 311 and a reception port P2 for receiving data via the shift register 312. The second circuit unit 20 can perform data communication through the transmission port P1 and the reception port P2. The connection inspection method includes an inspection processing step. In the inspection processing step, when data communication cannot be performed with the second circuit unit 20, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether a detection signal (for example, the High state of the detection signal line LSA) is detected. When the detection signal is not detected, the inspection processing unit 331 determines whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX connected between the reception port P2 and the second circuit unit 20 is in a state where communication is possible. The detection signal indicates that the second circuit unit 20 is in a state where it can communicate with the first circuit unit 10.

[0074] Thus, the connection inspection method according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the above-described electronic device 1, and can appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormality.

[0075] [Second Embodiment]

[0076] Next, the electronic device 1a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a modified example in which determination based on a power supply detection signal is added to the first embodiment will be described. The power supply detection signal detects whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being normally supplied.

[0077] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic device 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0078] As Figure 3As shown, the electronic device 1a includes a first circuit unit 10a and a display unit 11. It should be noted that in Figure 3 for the same structure as the above Figure 1 the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] The first circuit unit 10a is a circuit that can be connected to the second circuit unit 20a via a connection cable CB2. The first circuit unit 10a performs data communication with the second circuit unit 20a, for example, via RS-232C which is an interface for serial data communication. The first circuit unit 10a includes a microcontroller 30a.

[0080] The connection cable CB2 is a cable for connecting the first circuit unit 10a and the second circuit unit 20a. The connection cable CB2 is the same as the connection cable CB1 of the first embodiment except that a detection signal line LSB is added.

[0081] The detection signal line LSB (an example of a power supply detection signal line) is a signal line for the first circuit unit 10a to detect a detection signal (signal B) output from the second circuit unit 20a to the first circuit unit 10a. Here, the detection signal (signal B) is a signal indicating whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being normally supplied, and becomes High when the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being normally supplied.

[0082] The second circuit unit 20a is a circuit that can be connected to the first circuit unit 10a via the connection cable CB2 and includes a microcontroller 21. In addition, the second circuit unit 20a is configured such that the power supply line of the second circuit unit 20a is connected to the detection signal line LSB, and the detection signal (signal B) indicating whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being normally supplied is output to the first circuit unit 10a via the detection signal line LSB.

[0083] The microcontroller 30a is a processor including a CPU, etc., and comprehensively controls the first circuit unit 10a. The microcontroller 30a includes a UART 31, a switching unit 32, a control unit 33a, a transmission port P1, a reception port P2, an input port P3, and an input port P4.

[0084] The input port P4 is a general-purpose input port and is connected to the power supply detection signal line LRB of the connection cable CB2.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 33a is a functional unit implemented, for example, by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a program, and includes an inspection processing unit 331a. The basic functions of the control unit 33a and the inspection processing unit 331a are the same as those of the control unit 33 and the inspection processing unit 331 of the above first embodiment, but are different in that processing with respect to the detection signal line LSB is added.

[0086] The check processing unit 331a detects a power supply detection signal (for example, a signal in which the detection signal line LSB is in the High state), and determines whether there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a. This power supply detection signal indicates whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being supplied. For example, when the detection signal line LSB is in the Low state, the check processing unit 331a determines that there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 4 The operation of the electronic device 1a of the present embodiment will be described. In this figure, the check processing of serial data communication (detection of communication abnormality and determination processing of the main cause) performed by the electronic device 1a will be described. It should be noted that in this figure, the detection signal of the detection signal line LSA is set as the first detection signal and the power supply detection signal of the detection signal line LSB is set as the second detection signal for description.

[0088] In Figure 4 the processing of steps S201 to S206 and step S208 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S106 and step S108 shown in the above Figure 2 Therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. It should be noted that after the processing of steps S204 and S208, the check processing unit 331a causes the processing to proceed to step S211.

[0089] In addition, in step S206, when the general input port of the electronic device 1a is in the High state (the reception signal line LRX is in the High state) (step S206: Yes), the check processing unit 331a causes the processing to proceed to step S207.

[0090] In step S207, the check processing unit 331a determines whether the second detection signal is detected. That is, the check processing unit 331a determines whether the detection signal line LSB is in the High state. When the second detection signal (the detection signal line LSB is in the High state) is detected (step S207: Yes), the check processing unit 331a causes the processing to proceed to step S209. In addition, when the second detection signal is not detected (the detection signal line LSB is in the Low state) (step S207: No), the check processing unit 331a causes the processing to proceed to step S210.

[0091] In step S209, the inspection processing unit 331a determines that there is another abnormality on the second circuit unit 20a side. That is, based on the detection signal line LSB being in the High state, the inspection processing unit 331a can confirm that power supply is being normally supplied to the second circuit unit 20a, and determines that there is an abnormality other than power supply in the second circuit unit 20a. After the processing in step S209, the inspection processing unit 331a proceeds to step S211.

[0092] In addition, in step S210, the inspection processing unit 331a determines that there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a. That is, based on the detection signal line LSB being in the Low state, the inspection processing unit 331a can confirm that power supply is not being normally supplied to the second circuit unit 20a, and determines that there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a.

[0093] Next, in step S211, the inspection processing unit 331a causes the display unit 11 to display information indicating the determination result. After the processing in step S211, the inspection processing unit 331a ends the processing.

[0094] As described above, the electronic device 1a of the present embodiment includes the first circuit unit 10a, and the first circuit unit 10a includes the above-described inspection processing unit 331a.

[0095] Thus, the electronic device 1a of the present embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment, and can appropriately determine the main cause of the communication abnormality.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the inspection processing unit 331a detects a power supply detection signal (for example, a signal indicating that the detection signal line LSB is in the High state), and determines whether there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a. This power supply detection signal indicates whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit 20a is being supplied.

[0097] Thus, the electronic device 1a of the present embodiment can appropriately determine the case where there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit 20a as the main cause of the communication abnormality.

[0098] [Third Embodiment]

[0099] Next, the electronic device 1b of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a modified example will be described in which the switching unit 32 of the first embodiment is not provided and an input port P5 for detecting the potential (voltage) of the reception signal line LRX is added.

[0100] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic device 1b of the third embodiment.

[0101] As Figure 5As shown, the electronic device 1b includes a first circuit unit 10b and a display unit 11. It should be noted that in Figure 5 for the same structure as the above Figure 1 the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted.

[0102] The first circuit unit 10b is a circuit that can be connected to the second circuit unit 20 via a connection cable CB3. The first circuit unit 10b performs data communication with the second circuit unit 20, for example, via RS-232C which is an interface for serial data communication. The first circuit unit 10b includes a microcontroller 30b.

[0103] The connection cable CB3 is a cable for connecting the first circuit unit 10b and the second circuit unit 20. On the side of the first circuit unit 10b, the receiving signal line LRX branches, and the connection cable CB3 can detect the voltage of the receiving signal line LRX using an input port P5 different from the receiving port P2.

[0104] The microcontroller 30b is a processor including a CPU, etc., and comprehensively controls the first circuit unit 10b. The microcontroller 30b includes a UART 31, a control unit 33b, a transmission port P1, a receiving port P2, an input port P3, and an input port P5.

[0105] The input port P5 is a general-purpose input port and is connected to the receiving signal line LRX of the connection cable CB3.

[0106] In addition, the control unit 33b is a functional unit implemented by, for example, causing an unillustrated CPU to execute a program, and includes an inspection processing unit 331b. The basic functions of the control unit 33b and the inspection processing unit 331b are the same as those of the control unit 33 and the inspection processing unit 331 in the above-described first embodiment, but the difference is that the potential of the receiving signal line LRX is detected using the input port P5 instead of the switching unit 32.

[0107] When the inspection processing unit 331b fails to detect the detection signal (for example, High state) of the detection signal line LSA, it uses the input port P5 to determine whether the potential of the receiving signal line LRX is in a state where communication is possible.

[0108] Next, with reference to Figure 6 the operation of the electronic device 1b of this embodiment will be described. In this figure, the inspection processing (detection of communication abnormality and determination processing of the main cause) of the serial data communication performed by the electronic device 1b will be described.

[0109] In Figure 6 the processing of steps S301 to S304 is the same as the above Figure 2The processes of step S101 to step S104 shown above are the same, so their descriptions are omitted here. It should be noted that after the process of step S304, the inspection processing unit 331b causes the process to proceed to step S308.

[0110] In step S305, the inspection processing unit 331b of the electronic device 1b determines whether the general input port is in the High state. That is, the inspection processing unit 331b uses the input port P5 to determine whether the reception signal line LRX is in the High state. When the input port P5 is in the High state (the reception signal line LRX is in the High state) (step S305: Yes), the inspection processing unit 331b causes the process to proceed to step S306. On the other hand, when the input port P5 is in the Low state (the reception signal line LRX is in the Low state) (step S305: No), the inspection processing unit 331b causes the process to proceed to step S307.

[0111] The processes of the following step S306 to step S308 are the same as those of Figure 2 the steps S107 to S109 shown above, so their descriptions are omitted here.

[0112] As described above, the electronic device 1b of the present embodiment includes a first circuit unit 10b, and the first circuit unit 10b includes the above-described inspection processing unit 331b. The first circuit unit 10b includes an input port P5 for detecting the potential of the reception signal line LRX, and the inspection processing unit 331b uses the input port P5 to determine whether the reception signal line LRX is in the High state.

[0113] Thus, the electronic device 1b of the present embodiment exhibits the same effects as those of the first embodiment and can appropriately determine the main cause of communication abnormalities.

[0114] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0115] Next, the electronic device 100 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7 In this embodiment, a basic structural example of the present invention will be described.

[0116] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic device 100 of the fourth embodiment.

[0117] As Figure 7 shown, the electronic device 100 includes a first circuit unit 110. It should be noted that in Figure 7 for the same structures as those of the above Figure 1 the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted.

[0118] The first circuit unit 110 has a transmission port P1 for transmitting data and a reception port P2 for receiving data. In addition, the first circuit unit 110 can perform data communication with the second circuit unit 20 through the transmission port P1 and the reception port P2. In addition, the first circuit unit 110 includes an inspection processing unit 111.

[0119] When the inspection processing unit 111 cannot perform data communication with the second circuit unit 20, it determines whether a detection signal is detected, and this detection signal indicates that the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit 110. In addition, when the inspection processing unit 111 does not detect the detection signal, it determines whether the potential of the reception signal line LRX connected between the reception port P2 and the second circuit unit 20 is in a state capable of communication.

[0120] Thus, the electronic device 100 can appropriately determine the main cause of the communication abnormality using the detection signal (for example, the High state of the detection signal line LSA) and the potential of the reception signal line LRX.

[0121] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0122] For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the first circuit unit 10 (10a, 10b, 110) and the second circuit unit 20 (20a, 20b) are connected by a connection cable CB1 (CB2, CB3) is described, but it is not limited thereto. The first circuit unit 10 (10a, 10b, 110) and the second circuit unit 20 (20a, 20b) may be connected by, for example, a connector (such as a board-to-board connector), a card slot, etc., may also be connected by the wiring of a substrate pattern on the same substrate, or may be connected by other means.

[0123] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the second circuit unit 20 (20a, 20b) is provided outside the electronic device 1 (1a, 1b, 100) is described, but it is not limited thereto, and the second circuit unit 20 (20a, 20b) may also be provided inside the electronic device 1 (1a, 1b, 100).

[0124] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which data communication between the first circuit unit 10 (10a, 10b, 110) and the second circuit unit 20 (20a, 20b) is serial data communication has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and parallel data communication may also be used. In addition, the interface for data communication is not limited to RS-232C. For example, other interfaces such as an I2C bus interface, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface may also be used.

[0125] In addition, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example in which the electronic device 1 (1a, 1b) includes a UART 31 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other circuits may also be included.

[0126] In addition, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example in which the electronic device 1 (1a, 1b) outputs a determination result to the display unit 11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the determination result may also be output by sound to a speaker or the like.

[0127] In addition, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example in which the display unit 11 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the determination result may also be output by lighting a light emitting diode or the like.

[0128] In addition, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example in which the electronic device 1 (1a, 1b) outputs a determination result in the case where a communication abnormality has occurred to the display unit 11 has been described. However, a determination result indicating normal operation may also be output to the display unit 11 (or a light emitting diode or the like).

[0129] It should be noted that each structure included in the above-described electronic device 1 (1a, 1b, 100) has a computer system inside. In addition, a program for implementing the functions of each structure included in the above-described electronic device 1 (1a, 1b, 100) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing in each structure included in the above-described electronic device 1 (1a, 1b, 100) may be performed by causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Here, "causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0130] In addition, a "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including communication circuits such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, dedicated lines, etc. In addition, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0131] In addition, among the recording media, there is also included a recording medium, which may be internal or external, that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. It should be noted that the program may be divided into multiple parts and downloaded at different times, and the structures of the respective structural combinations included in the electronic devices 1 (1a, 1b, 100) may be such that the distribution servers for distributing the divided programs may also be different. Moreover, a "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system such as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. In addition, the above program may also be a program for implementing a part of the above functions. Moreover, it may also be a program that can implement the above functions through a combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, namely, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0132] In addition, a part or all of the above functions may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above functions may be processorized individually, or a part or all of them may be integrated and processorized. In addition, the method of integrating into an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may also be used. In addition, in the case where an integrated circuit technology replacing LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may also be used.

[0133] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0134] 1, 100 Electronic Device

[0135] 10, 10a, 10b, 110 First Circuit Section

[0136] 11 Display Section

[0137] 20, 20a, Second Circuit Section

[0138] 21, 30, 30a, 30b Microcontroller

[0139] 31 UART

[0140] 32 Switching Section

[0141] 33, 33a, 33b control units

[0142] 311, 312 shift registers

[0143] 331, 331a, 331b, 111 inspection processing units

[0144] CB1, CB2, CB3 connection cables

[0145] LTX transmission signal lines

[0146] LRX reception signal lines

[0147] LSA, LSB detection signal lines

[0148] P1 transmission port

[0149] P2 reception port

[0150] P3, P4, P5 input ports

Claims

1. An electronic device, wherein, the electronic device includes a first circuit unit, the first circuit unit at least has a transmission port for transmitting data, a reception port for receiving data, and an input port different from the transmission port and the reception port, and can perform data communication with a second circuit unit through the transmission port and the reception port, the first circuit unit includes an inspection processing unit, the inspection processing unit determines whether a detection signal is detected by the input port when data communication cannot be performed with the second circuit unit through the transmission port and the reception port, and when the detection signal is not detected, determines whether the potential of the reception signal line connected between the reception port and the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communication, the detection signal indicating that the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the potential of the reception signal line is not in a state capable of communication, the inspection processing unit determines that there is an abnormality in the connection between the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the potential of the reception signal line is in a state capable of communication, the inspection processing unit determines that there is an abnormality in the second circuit unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first circuit unit includes a shift register, the shift register is respectively connected to the transmission port and the reception port, and serial data communication is performed between the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first circuit unit is configured to be able to switch the function of the reception port and the function of the input port through the same port, the inspection processing unit switches from the function of the reception port to the function of the input port, and determines whether the potential of the reception signal line is in a state capable of communication by using the function of the input port.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the input port includes a first input port for detecting the detection signal and a second input port for detecting a power supply detection signal, the power supply detection signal indicating whether the power supply voltage of the second circuit unit is being supplied, the inspection processing unit detects the power supply detection signal through the second input port and determines whether there is an abnormality in the power supply of the second circuit unit.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the inspection processing unit causes an output unit to output information indicating the determination result.

8. A connection inspection method, which is a connection inspection method between a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit, the first circuit unit at least has a transmission port for transmitting data, a reception port for receiving data, and an input port different from the transmission port and the reception port, and the second circuit unit can perform data communication through the transmission port and the reception port, wherein, When data communication with the second circuit unit cannot be performed via the transmission port and the reception port, the inspection processing unit determines whether a detection signal is detected by the input port, the detection signal indicating that the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communicating with the first circuit unit. When the detection signal is not detected, the inspection processing unit determines whether the potential of the reception signal line connected between the reception port and the second circuit unit is in a state capable of communication.

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