Parallel (BUS) communication system for multiple devices, communication method, and computer program stored on recording medium for executing communication method

Abstract

To provide a parallel (BUS) communication system for multiple devices, a method thereof, and a computer program stored on a recording medium for executing the method.SOLUTION: In a system in which a plurality of sub-devices connected to a main device via a communication network communicate in parallel (BUS), a communication system is provided that includes a plurality of sub-devices each including a switch for opening and closing a connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to a main device, and a termination resistor configured to be connectable to the parallel (BUS) communication line, and the main device that is connected to the plurality of sub-devices by the parallel communication line, sets respective communication IDs of the plurality of sub-devices, and diagnoses communication failures in a communication network based on the communication IDs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parallel (BUS) communication system for multiple devices, a communication method, and a computer program stored on a recording medium for executing the communication. [Background technology]

[0002] In a network configuration in which multiple devices communicate with each other, a communication identification (ID) is set for each device to configure a communication system. For example, in a communication structure in which multiple devices are linked in a 1:N (multiple) ratio, a main device sets communication IDs for multiple sub-devices in order to communicate with the multiple sub-devices. For example, in the case of an ESS (energy storage system) equipped with multiple battery racks, the system BMS (battery management system), which is the main device, communicates with multiple rack BMSs, which are sub-devices.

[0003] When a communication system has many devices, it is difficult for all the devices to communicate with each other one by one and set the communication ID. To solve this, there is a method that applies a specific program, manually connects each communication line to each device one by one, and automatically assigns the communication ID. Another method is to set the communication ID by manually or semi-automatically applying power to each communication device one by one while keeping the communication lines connected to each device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a parallel (BUS) communication system for multiple devices, a communication method, and a computer program stored on a recording medium for executing the communication method.

[0005] However, such assignments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical object, a communication system is provided in which a main device and a plurality of sub-devices connected by a communication network communicate in parallel (BUS), the system including a plurality of sub-devices each including a switch for opening and closing a connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to the main device, and a termination resistor configured to be connectable to the parallel (BUS) communication line, and a main device connected to the plurality of sub-devices by the parallel (BUS) communication line, which sets communication IDs of the plurality of sub-devices respectively, and diagnoses communication failures in the communication network based on the communication IDs.

[0007] According to one example, the main device may sequentially turn off the switches provided in each sub-device, sequentially connecting the parallel (BUS) communication line to the termination resistors, for the nth sub-devices sequentially connected from the first sub-device that is first connected to the main device via the parallel (BUS) communication line, connecting each sub-device to a communication network, and sequentially setting the communication ID of each sub-device.

[0008] According to another example, if the main device does not establish communication with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device, the main device may set the nth sub-device as the last sub-device and terminate the communication ID setting.

[0009] According to yet another example, if the main device does not establish communication with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device, the main device may set the nth sub-device as the last sub-device to be diagnosed, and diagnose a communication failure by comparing the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed.

[0010] According to yet another example, the main device may diagnose a communication failure based on whether the communication ID of the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set matches the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed.

[0011] According to yet another example, the main device may diagnose communication failure by performing a first step of checking whether communication from the sub-device to a sub-device subsequent to the predetermined number of sub-devices is possible when communication is connected with the sub-device starting from a predetermined mth sub-device, and a second step of checking whether communication from the sub-device to a sub-device prior to the predetermined number of sub-devices is possible when communication is not connected with the sub-device, and repeating the first and second steps.

[0012] According to yet another example, when the communication ID of a sub-device capable of communication is k and the communication ID between sub-devices unable to communicate is (k+1), the main device may diagnose a communication failure between the sub-device with communication ID k and the sub-device with communication ID (k+1).

[0013] As a technical means for achieving the above-mentioned technical object, a method for parallel (BUS) communication between a main device and a plurality of sub-devices connected by a communication network is provided, the method including a step of setting communication IDs of a plurality of sub-devices, each of which includes a switch for opening and closing a connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to the main device and a termination resistor configured to be connectable to the parallel (BUS) communication line, and a step of diagnosing communication failures in the communication network based on the communication IDs.

[0014] According to one example, the step of setting the communication IDs may include a step of sequentially turning off the switches provided in each sub-device and sequentially connecting the parallel (BUS) communication line to the termination resistor for the n-th sub-devices sequentially connected from the first sub-device that is first connected to the main device via the parallel (BUS) communication line, and a step of connecting each sub-device to a communication network and sequentially setting the communication IDs of each sub-device.

[0015] According to another example, the step of setting each of the communication IDs may also include a step of setting the nth sub-device as the last sub-device and terminating the communication ID setting if communication is not established with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device.

[0016] According to yet another example, the step of diagnosing the communication failure may include a step of setting the nth sub-device as the last sub-device to be diagnosed if communication with the (n+1)th sub-device is not established after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device, and a step of comparing the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed, and diagnosing the communication failure.

[0017] According to yet another example, the step of diagnosing the communication failure also includes a step of diagnosing the communication failure based on whether the communication ID of the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set matches the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed.

[0018] According to yet another example, the step of diagnosing the communication failure may include a first step of checking whether the sub-device is capable of communicating with sub-devices subsequent to the predetermined number of sub-devices when communication is connected to the sub-devices starting from a predetermined mth sub-device, a second step of checking whether the sub-device is capable of communicating with sub-devices prior to the predetermined number of sub-devices when communication is not connected to the sub-device, and a step of repeatedly performing the first and second steps to diagnose the communication failure.

[0019] According to yet another example, the step of diagnosing the communication failure also includes a step of diagnosing a communication failure between a sub-device with communication ID k and a sub-device with communication ID (k+1) when the communication ID of the communication-enabled sub-device is k and the communication ID between the communication-disabled sub-devices is (k+1).

[0020] As a technical means for achieving the above technical object, a computer program stored on a recording medium is provided for executing the above method using a computer device. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a communication system and a communication method for effectively performing parallel (BUS) communication between a plurality of devices, and a computer program stored on a recording medium for executing the communication method can be provided. However, it goes without saying that the scope of the present invention is not limited by such effects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating generally the components of a parallel (BUS) communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating components of a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication failure in a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication failure in a parallel (BUS) communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication ID setting method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication ID setting method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication ID setting method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication ID setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication failure diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication failure diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily carry out the present disclosure. However, the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may make the gist of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure unclear, the detailed description of the known technologies will be omitted. Identical or similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024] In this specification, when an element is described as being "connected" to another element, this does not only mean that it is "directly connected" to another element, but also means that it is "indirectly connected" to another element by sandwiching another element therebetween. When an element is described as "including" another element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements in addition to the other elements, but also means that it further includes other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0025] Some embodiments may be described by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of such functional blocks may be embodied by various numbers of hardware configurations and / or software configurations performing specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be embodied by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a given function. The functional blocks of the present disclosure may be embodied by various programming languages ​​or scripting languages. The functional blocks of the present disclosure may be embodied by algorithms executed by one or more processors. The functions performed by the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be performed by multiple functional blocks, or the functions performed by multiple functional blocks in the present disclosure may be performed by one functional block. In addition, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, etc.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating components of a parallel (BUS) communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating components of a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system.

[0027] First, referring to Fig. 2, in a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system, a main device (Device #0) may be connected to a plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) via communication lines. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, in a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system, a terminal resistor may be provided in the last sub-device (Device #n) provided at the end of the communication line. For example, the plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) may have a structure in which they are simply connected in parallel (BUS) with communication lines passing through them.

[0028] In a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system, when multiple devices are connected, a termination resistor must be present at the last device, so a communication ID (identification) setting method requires that the number of communication devices must be determined. In other words, if the conventional communication ID setting method is to be applied, a termination resistor must be present at the last communication line position of the device configured in parallel (BUS) in the communication network.

[0029] In general parallel (BUS) communication (RS485 / 422 or CAN, etc.), a terminating resistor must be present at the first and last devices to prevent communication errors. For reference, the role of the terminating resistor is to prevent communication failures caused by signal reflection, alteration, or attenuation, which occurs when the impedance of the communication line differs and mismatch occurs.

[0030] In other words, since a termination resistor is required at the last communication device, in order to flexibly use multiple communication devices, a termination resistor circuit must be configured at the last end of the communication devices. Another problem is that if a physical failure occurs in the communication network while the communication device is operating normally after the communication ID is set, all devices connected to that communication network will experience communication failure due to the absence of a termination resistor at the end of the communication line, making normal communication difficult.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system 1 is shown in which a main device (Device #0) and a number of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) connected by a communication network communicate in parallel (BUS). In the communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main device (Device #0) can be communicatively connected to the plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) by communication lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) may include a switch 10 and a termination resistor 20.

[0032] A main device (Device #0) may be connected to multiple sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) via parallel (BUS) communication lines. The main device (Device #0) may set communication IDs for each of the multiple sub-devices (Device #1 to #n). The main device (Device #0) may diagnose communication failures in the communication network based on the communication IDs.

[0033] The switch 10 can open and close the connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to a main device (Device #0). For example, each of the multiple sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) includes a switch 10 for disconnecting the communication line and for connecting a termination resistor to the communication line. In this case, the switch 10 can connect the termination resistor 20 to the communication line by opening and closing the switch 10.

[0034] The termination resistor 20 may be provided in each of the plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n). The termination resistor 20 may be configured so as to be connectable to a parallel (BUS) communication line.

[0035] The main device (Device #0) and the plurality of sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) according to an embodiment of the present invention each include a communication module, a processor, and a memory.

[0036] The processor may control communication between the devices. The processor may also control the opening and closing of the switches. For example, the processor may be implemented in a form that selectively includes a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, and / or data processing devices known in the art. The processor may also perform basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations, and may execute program code stored in the memory, for example. The processor may store data in the memory or load data stored in the memory.

[0037] The memory is a processor-readable recording medium, and may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a permanent mass storage device such as a disk drive. An operating system (OS) and at least one program or application code may be stored in the memory. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a program code for parallel (BUS) communication may be stored in the memory.

[0038] The main device (Device #0) and each of the sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) further include a communication module. For example, the main device (Device #0) and each of the sub-devices (Device #1 to #n) can use the communication module to exchange data with each other.

[0039] The communication method of the communication module is not limited, and includes not only a communication method utilizing a communication network (for example, a mobile communication network, a wired Internet, a wireless Internet, a broadcasting network) that is also included in the network, but also a short-distance wireless communication between devices. For example, the network may include any one or more of a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a broadband network (BBN), and a network such as the Internet. In addition, the network may include any one or more of a network topology including a bus network, a star network, a ring network, a mesh network, a star-bus network, a tree network, or a hierarchical network, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] The communication system according to the present invention also includes an input / output interface. The input / output interface is a means for interfacing with an input / output device. For example, the input device may include a device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display for displaying a communication session of an application. As another example, the input / output interface is a means for interfacing with a device in which functions for input and output are integrated into one, such as a touch screen.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a communication failure in a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system, and Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication failure in a parallel (BUS) communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] First, referring to Fig. 3, when a communication failure occurs in a conventional parallel (BUS) communication system, all devices connected to the communication network cannot communicate. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, when a communication network failure (e.g., a disconnection) occurs, all devices connected to the communication network experience a communication failure due to the absence of a termination resistor at the end of the communication line, making it difficult to communicate normally.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, when a communication failure occurs in a parallel (BUS) communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, communication is possible through a termination resistor connection.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a main device (Device#0) may set the nth sub-device (Device#n) as the last sub-device to be diagnosed if communication with the (n+1)th sub-device (Device#(n+1)) is not established after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device (Device#n). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if communication failure occurs between the third sub-device (Device#3) and the fourth sub-device (Device#4), the main device (Device#0) may set the third sub-device (Device#3) as the last sub-device to be diagnosed if communication with the fourth sub-device (Device#4) is not established after setting the communication ID of the third sub-device (Device#3).

[0045] In addition, the main device (Device#0) according to an embodiment of the present invention may diagnose a communication failure by comparing the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when a communication failure occurs between the third sub-device (Device#3) and the fourth sub-device (Device#4), the main device (Device#0) may diagnose a communication failure by comparing the last sub-device (Device#n) set when the previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed (Device#3).

[0046] Furthermore, the main device (Device#0) according to an embodiment of the present invention can diagnose a communication failure based on whether the communication ID of the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set matches the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the main device (Device#0) can diagnose a communication failure because the communication ID of the last sub-device (Device#n) set when the previous communication ID was set does not match the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed (Device#3).

[0047] 3 and 4, in the communication system according to the present invention, even if a communication failure occurs in the middle of the communication line, communication is possible due to the termination resistor connection effect of the termination resistor and the switch provided in each sub-device.

[0048] 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating a method for setting a communication ID according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a main device (Device #0) may sequentially turn off the switches provided in each sub-device, sequentially connect the parallel (BUS) communication line to a termination resistor, and sequentially connect each sub-device to a communication network, for the n-th sub-devices sequentially connected from the first sub-device that is first connected to the main device (Device #0) via a parallel (BUS) communication line, thereby connecting each sub-device to a communication network and sequentially setting the communication ID of each sub-device.

[0050] In addition, if the main device (Device#0) does not establish communication with the (n+1)th subdevice after setting the communication ID of the nth subdevice, it may set the nth subdevice as the last subdevice and terminate the communication ID setting. For example, in FIG. 5, the termination resistor of the first subdevice (Device#1) is connected, in FIG. 6, the termination resistor of the second subdevice (Device#2) is connected, and in FIG. 7, the termination resistors of the nth subdevices (Device#n) are connected in sequence, and the communication IDs may be set in sequence.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication ID setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, in step S110, as a setting initialization state, all sub-devices in the communication network are opened and terminal resistors are connected.

[0053] In steps S120 and S130, in the initialized state, the device capable of communication is the first sub-device, and the communication ID (#1) of the first sub-device is set.

[0054] When a communication ID is set for the first sub device, the device is connected to a communication network and communicates with the main device. If the first sub device and the main device are not communicatively connected, the main device may wait until communication with the first sub device is established. Alternatively, if a communication connection with the main device is possible, the communication ID (#1) of the first sub device is set.

[0055] In steps S140 and S150, communication with the nth sub-device is possible, and a communication ID (#n) is set for the device. If a communication ID is set for the nth sub-device, the device is connected to the communication network and the termination resistance is cut off. Next, a communication ID is set for the (n+1)th sub-device.

[0056] In step S160, once the communication ID of the (n+1)th sub-device has been assigned, if the nth sub-device receives communication, the communication ID setting for the nth sub-device is completed.

[0057] In steps S170 and S180, if the communication ID of the (n+1)th subdevice is not assigned, the nth subdevice is recognized as the last communication device, the termination resistor of the nth subdevice is connected, and the communication ID setting is terminated.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a communication failure diagnosis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] 9, in step S210, the main device may enter a communication failure diagnosis mode. In step S220, as a setting initialization state in which a communication ID is initialized, all sub-devices in the communication network are cut off from the communication network and a terminal resistor is connected.

[0060] In steps S230 and S240, in the initialized state, the communicable device is the first sub-device, and the communication ID (#1) of the first sub-device is set.

[0061] When a communication ID is set for the first sub device, the device is connected to a communication network and communicates with the main device. If the first sub device and the main device are not communicatively connected, the main device may wait until communication with the first sub device is established. Alternatively, if a communication connection with the main device is possible, the communication ID (#1) of the first sub device is set.

[0062] In steps S250 and S260, communication with the nth sub-device is possible, and a communication ID (#n) is set for the device. If a communication ID is set for the nth sub-device, the device is connected to the communication network and the termination resistance is cut off. Next, a communication ID is set for the (n+1)th sub-device.

[0063] In step S270, once the communication ID of the (n+1)th sub-device has been assigned, if the nth sub-device receives communication, the communication ID setting for the nth sub-device is completed.

[0064] In steps S280 and S290, if the communication ID of the (n+1)th subdevice is not assigned, the nth subdevice is recognized as the last communication device.

[0065] In step S310, it may be determined whether the communication ID of the last communication device recognized when diagnosing a communication failure matches the communication ID of the last communication device set when setting the previous communication ID. If the communication ID of the last communication device recognized when diagnosing a communication failure matches the communication ID of the last communication device set when setting the previous communication ID, it is determined that no communication failure has occurred, and the communication ID setting is terminated.

[0066] In step S320, if the communication ID of the last communication device recognized during the communication failure diagnosis does not match that of the last communication device set during the previous communication ID setting, it is diagnosed that a communication failure has occurred, and it may be diagnosed that a communication line failure has occurred at the communication line position after the last communication device recognized during the communication failure diagnosis.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for diagnosing a communication failure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] 10, when a main device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a sub device starting from a predefined m-th sub device, the main device may check whether the sub device can communicate with a sub device subsequent to the predefined number of sub devices. Also, when the main device is not connected to a sub device, the main device may check whether the sub device can communicate with a sub device prior to the predefined number of sub devices. Here, the main device may repeatedly perform a process of checking whether communication is possible and diagnose a communication failure.

[0069] In addition, a main device according to one embodiment of the present invention can diagnose a communication failure between a sub-device with communication ID k and a sub-device with communication ID (k+1) when the communication ID of a sub-device that can communicate is k and the communication ID between sub-devices that cannot communicate is (k+1).

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the main device is connected to the 4th sub-device starting from a predefined 4th sub-device, the main device may check whether the 4th sub-device can communicate with the 8th sub-device, which is the predefined 4th sub-device or more. When the main device is not connected to the 8th sub-device, the main device may check whether the 8th sub-device can communicate with the 6th sub-device, which is the predefined 2nd sub-device or less. When the main device is connected to the 6th sub-device, the main device may check whether the 6th sub-device can communicate with the 7th sub-device, which is the predefined 1st sub-device or more. When the main device is not connected to the 7th sub-device, the main device may diagnose that a communication failure has occurred between the 6th sub-device and the 7th sub-device.

[0071] According to the present invention, by providing each sub-device with a termination resistor that is manually installed in the last communication device in a communication network, the last communication device can determine which is the last communication device and automatically set the termination resistor, thereby reducing installation time and labor.

[0072] In addition, according to the present invention, even if a communication device is operating normally, if a fault occurs in the communication line or communication device and communication is impossible, the communication device can use a fault diagnosis algorithm to determine the location of the fault and transmit the fault location, thereby minimizing the time and labor required for maintenance and repair.

[0073] In addition, in the case of communication using a large number of communication devices, in the case of a communication line failure (disconnection, short circuit, etc.) occurring in the conventional communication line, communication failure occurs in all communication devices connected to that communication line. However, according to the present invention, the location of the communication line failure can be determined by the communication line itself, the communication line is isolated at the front end of the communication line before the failure, and a termination resistor is connected, making it possible to communicate up to the location of the communication line failure.

[0074] The various embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be implemented separately from one another. The embodiments described in this specification may be implemented in combination with one another.

[0075] The various embodiments described above may be embodied in the form of a computer program that can be executed by various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may continuously store the computer-executable program or may temporarily store it for execution or download. The medium may be various recording or storage means in the form of a single or multiple pieces of hardware combined, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a specific computer system, but may be distributed on a network. Examples of the medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disc (DVD); magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc., configured to store program instructions. Examples of other media include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, and sites and servers that supply or distribute various other software.

[0076] In this specification, a "module" or "unit" may be a hardware component such as a processor or a circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be embodied by a software component, an object-oriented software component, a component such as a class component, and a task component, as well as a process, a function, an attribute, a procedure, a subroutine, a segment of program code, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a table, an array, and a variable.

[0077] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. For example, each component described as being single may be implemented in a distributed form, and similarly, each component described as being distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

[0078] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations that come within the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Parallel (BUS) communication system 10 Switch 20 Termination resistor

Claims

1. In a system in which a main device and a plurality of sub-devices connected by a communication network communicate in parallel (BUS), A plurality of sub-devices each including a switch for opening and closing a connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to the main device, and a termination resistor configured to be connectable to the parallel (BUS) communication line; a main device connected to the plurality of sub-devices via the parallel (BUS) communication line, which sets communication identification (ID)s for the plurality of sub-devices, and diagnoses communication failures in the communication network based on the communication IDs.

2. 2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the main device sequentially disconnects the switches provided in each sub-device from the first sub-device that is first connected to the main device via the parallel (BUS) communication line, sequentially connects the parallel (BUS) communication line to the termination resistor, connects each sub-device to a communication network, and sequentially sets the communication ID of each sub-device.

3. The communication system of claim 2, wherein if the main device does not establish communication with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device, the main device sets the nth sub-device as the last sub-device and terminates the communication ID setting.

4. 3. The communication system of claim 2, wherein if communication is not established with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device, the main device sets the nth sub-device as the last sub-device to be diagnosed, and compares the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed to diagnose a communication failure.

5. 5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the main device diagnoses a communication failure based on whether or not the communication ID of the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set matches the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed.

6. 2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the main device performs a first step of checking whether communication with a sub-device subsequent to a predetermined number of sub-devices is possible when communication with the sub-device is connected starting from a predetermined m-th sub-device, and a second step of checking whether communication with a sub-device prior to the predetermined number of sub-devices is possible when communication with the sub-device is not connected, and repeats the first and second steps to diagnose communication failures.

7. The communication system of claim 6, wherein when the communication ID (identification) of a communication-enabled sub-device is k and the communication ID between communication-disabled sub-devices is (k+1), the main device diagnoses a communication failure between a sub-device with communication ID k and a sub-device with communication ID (k+1).

8. A method for parallel (BUS) communication between a main device and a plurality of sub devices connected to a communication network, comprising: setting communication IDs of a plurality of sub-devices each including a switch for opening and closing a connection of a parallel (BUS) communication line connected to the main device and a termination resistor configured to be connectable to the parallel (BUS) communication line; and diagnosing a communication failure in a communication network based on the communication ID.

9. The step of setting each of the communication IDs includes: sequentially turning off the switches provided in each sub-device for the n-th sub-device sequentially connected from the first sub-device connected first to the main device through the parallel (BUS) communication line, and sequentially connecting the parallel (BUS) communication line to the termination resistor, respectively; The communication method according to claim 8 , further comprising: connecting each of the sub-devices to a communication network, and sequentially setting a communication ID of each of the sub-devices.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of setting each of the communication IDs includes the step of setting the nth sub-device as the last sub-device and terminating the communication ID setting if communication is not established with the (n+1)th sub-device after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device.

11. The step of diagnosing a communication failure includes: setting the nth sub-device as a last sub-device to be diagnosed if communication with the (n+1)th sub-device is not established after setting the communication ID of the nth sub-device; 10. The communication method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of comparing a last sub-device set when a previous communication ID was set with the last sub-device to be diagnosed, and diagnosing a communication failure.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein the step of diagnosing the communication failure includes a step of diagnosing the communication failure based on whether the communication ID of the last sub-device set when the previous communication ID was set matches the communication ID of the last sub-device to be diagnosed.

13. The step of diagnosing a communication failure includes: a first step of determining whether a sub-device can communicate with a sub-device subsequent to a predetermined number of sub-devices when communication is established with the sub-device starting from a predetermined m-th sub-device; a second step of determining whether communication with a sub-device is possible from the sub-device when communication with the sub-device is not possible; The communication method according to claim 8 , further comprising the step of repeatedly performing the first step and the second step to diagnose a communication failure.

14. The communication method of claim 13, wherein the step of diagnosing the communication failure includes a step of diagnosing a communication failure between a sub-device with communication ID k and a sub-device with communication ID (k+1) when the communication ID of a communication-enabled sub-device is k and the communication ID between communication-disabled sub-devices is (k+1).

15. A computer program stored on a recording medium for causing a computer device to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

Images