Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device capable of quickly identifying a defect caused by an external connector.SOLUTION: An embodiment comprises: a first host computer including an external interface for connecting an external device; an external connector for connecting the external device; a control unit for detecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the external connector and controlling display in a display unit for displaying whether or not there is an abnormality in the external connector; a collective connector electrically connected to the external connector via a cable connector; and an external connection switch connected between the control unit and the collective connector and opened and closed by the control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to electronic devices.

Background Art

[0002] In electronic devices for industrial systems, external connectors with various external interface standards are used for connection to other electronic devices. The external connector has resin-molded members such as a holding portion inside the connector. In such members, there are variations in the strength and dimensions of the resin within the standard range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In electronic devices for industrial systems, there are systems that require operation for a long period of five years or more. In long-term operation, aging deterioration of members molded with resin inside the connector may occur due to the influence of temperature and humidity. In addition, due to repeated insertion and removal of the connector, the resin member may wear due to variations in the strength and dimensions of the resin, and connection to an external electronic device may become impossible due to poor contact of the external connector.

[0005] In long-term operation, in industrial systems, while problems may occur due to poor contact of the external connector of the electronic device, problems may also occur due to other factors. The causes of problems are various, and there is a strong desire to shorten the working time by appropriately classifying the causes of problems. In addition, there is also a strong expectation that by appropriately classifying the causes of problems, it will not be necessary to replace the built-in board or the electronic device body, etc., and the work can be performed at a lower cost.

[0006] An object of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of quickly identifying a problem caused by an external connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a first host computer having an external interface for connecting an external device, an external connector for connecting the external device, a control unit that detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector and controls display on a display unit that displays the presence or absence of the abnormality in the external connector, a collective connector that is electrically connected to the external connector via a cable connector, and an external connection switch that is connected between the control unit and the collective connector and is opened and closed by the control unit. After detecting that the external device is connected to the external connector, the control unit respectively acquires first voltage data on the control unit side and the collective connector side of the external connection switch, determines the presence or absence of an abnormality on the external connector side based on the first voltage data before and after opening and closing of the external connection switch and a preset first determination criterion, and after closing the external connection switch, supplies a determination signal pattern corresponding to the external interface to the external device via the external connector, respectively acquires second voltage data on the control unit side and the collective connector side of the external connection switch, and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality on the external connector side based on the second voltage data and a preset second determination criterion for determination of the signal pattern.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the sizes between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Also, even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may be represented differently in the drawings. In the present specification and each drawing, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted.

[0010] The electronic device 100 according to the embodiment includes a host computer 10, a control unit 30, an external connection switch 40, a collective connector 50, and external connectors 70-1 to 70-n. The electronic device 100 according to the embodiment can further include a configuration ROM 20.

[0011] The host computer 10 is a computer device that operates according to each step constituting a program stored in itself or stored in a storage device or the like connected via a communication network or the like connected to itself. The host computer 10 is a component that exhibits a main function in the electronic device 100. The host computer 10 is selected to have an appropriate specification (such as computing speed, storage capacity, etc.) according to the application, environment, etc. of the electronic device 100. The host computer 10 preferably has a plurality of external interfaces (hereinafter, the interface may be referred to as "I / F"). The host computer 10 has various I / Fs for, for example, a plurality of types of USB, LAN such as Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI (registered trademark), etc.

[0012] As will be described later, the plurality of external I / Fs of the host computer 10 are provided redundantly, and an appropriate external I / F is selected according to the configuration set by the configuration ROM 20 for the redundantly provided external I / Fs. In FIG. 1, the connection between each component constituting the electronic device 100 is shown by a thick line when it includes a plurality of wirings and signals (hereinafter referred to as wirings, etc.) such as an external I / F, and by a thin line when it consists of a single wiring, etc., unless otherwise specified.

[0013] The external connection switch 40 is connected between the input / output terminals providing various external I / Fs of the host computer 10 and the collective connector 50. The collective connector 50 is connected to the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n via the external connector cables 72-1 to 72-n, respectively. The collective connector 50 is a general-purpose connector capable of connecting a plurality of external devices. By connecting the external device side to the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n via the external connector cables 72-1 to 72-n, respectively, the external connector connected to a certain external device can be easily exchanged with the external connector connected to another external device. Also, when an abnormality is found in the external connector, the replacement work becomes easy and the time can be shortened by replacing the abnormal external connector and the external cable connector with normal ones.

[0014] In this example, the collective connector 50 consists of a main body side collective connector 52 and a cable side collective connector 54. The main body side collective connector 52 and the cable side collective connector 54 are normally fitted and connected to each other. By dividing the collective connector 50 into a main body side and a cable side, it becomes possible to replace it with a cable side collective connector capable of connecting different external connectors, and the flexibility of the external I / F configuration of the electronic device can be enhanced. Hereinafter, the side closer to the host computer 10 than the external connection switch 40 is referred to as the "main body side", and the side closer to the collective connector 50 than the external connection switch 40 is referred to as the "connector side".

[0015] The external connection switch 40 has a plurality of switches 42. Each of the plurality of switches 42 is provided to open and close wiring or the like for each external I / F. When the external connection switch 40 is opened, the collective connector 50 is disconnected from the input / output terminal that provides the external I / F of the host computer 10. When the external connection switch 40 is closed, the collective connector 50 is electrically connected to the input / output terminal that provides the external I / F of the host computer 10.

[0016] The control unit 30 is connected to the collective connector 50 via the external connection switch 40. The control unit 30 detects whether an external device (not shown) is connected to the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n via the collective connector 50 and the external connector cables 72-1 to 72-n. The collective connector 50 generates an external connector mounting signal DCI for detecting that an external device is connected for each of the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n and outputs it to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 determines that an external device is connected by detecting the external connector mounting signal DCI and starts the operation of determining the normality or abnormality of the external connector.

[0017] The control unit 30 is connected to open and close each switch 42 of the external connection switch 40. The control unit 30 outputs a connection control signal DCC to the external connection switch 40 to control the opening and closing of each switch 42 of the external connection switch 40. In FIG. 1, when there are a plurality of wirings etc. corresponding to one external I / F, the control unit 30 opens and closes all the wirings etc. constituting one external I / F by the switch 42.

[0018] The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the collective connector 50 side of the external connection switch 40. The control unit 30 is connected to the wiring on the collective connector 50 side of the external connection switch 40 and acquires voltage data of the connector side I / F signal DIF1 which is a signal on the collective connector side. The voltage data of the wiring includes analog data representing the rise and fall of the voltage etc., and the control unit 30 acquires these voltage data as the connector side ADC signal DAD1.

[0019] The control unit 30 is connected to the wiring on the host computer 10 side of the external connection switch 40 and acquires voltage data of the main body side I / F signal DIF2 which is a signal on the main body side. The voltage data of the wiring includes analog signals representing the rise and fall of the voltage etc., and the control unit 30 acquires the voltage data of these wirings as the main body side ADC signal DAD2. Note that, to avoid complication of the drawing, in FIG. 1, among the plurality of wirings constituting one external I / F, it is depicted that the connector side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body side ADC signal DAD2 are acquired from one wiring, but these data acquired for one external I / F are not limited to one and may be plural.

[0020] The control unit 30 acquires the connector side ADC signal DAD1 in a state where the external connection switch 40 is cut off, and based on the connector side ADC signal DAD1, determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector to which the external device is connected. The control unit 30 detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector by acquiring the voltage data of the connector side ADC signal DAD1 in a state where the external connection switch 40 is closed.

[0021] For example, when an external device is connected to an external connector, if the voltage value of the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 of the terminal being measured rises with a predetermined rise time, it can be determined that the external connector is normal. On the other hand, when an external device is connected to an external connector, if the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 being measured remains 0 or does not reach a predetermined voltage value even after the elapse of a predetermined rise time, it can be determined that there may be an abnormality such as a poor contact in the external connector.

[0022] After acquiring the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 with the external connection switch 40 closed, the control unit 30 closes the external connection switch 40 to acquire the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2. The control unit 30 determines whether there is an abnormality in the external connector to which the external device is connected based on a preset determination criterion.

[0023] For example, even if the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 measured with the external connection switch 40 open after connecting an external device to the external connector is normal, it may become abnormal data after the external connection switch 40 is closed. In such a case, there is a high possibility that it is a problem inside the electronic device. In this way, in the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, the control unit 30 opens and closes the external connection switch 40, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the voltage data of the detection terminal before and after the opening and closing, so that the abnormality of the external connector can be detected separately from the causes other than the abnormality of the external connector.

[0024] Depending on the communication protocol between the host computer 10 and the external device, there are cases where the host computer 10 sends, for example, an authentication signal pattern to the external device, and the external device responds by outputting a signal pattern. In such a case, when the external device is connected to the external connector, it may not be possible to measure the appropriate voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2. The control unit 30 generates and outputs a signal pattern for determination. For example, the signal pattern for determination uses the transmission and reception signal pattern of the first signal executed in the communication protocol of the external I / F.

[0025] With the external connection switch 40 open, the control unit 30 measures the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 of the main body-side I / F signal DIF2 and acquires the data of the signal pattern. Then, with the external connection switch 40 closed, the control unit 30 measures the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 of the main body-side I / F signal DIF2 and the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 of the connector-side I / F signal DIF1, and acquires the data of each signal pattern. The control unit 30 determines the acquired signal pattern data based on a preset determination criterion, and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector separately from other abnormalities.

[0026] In this way, even if the external device needs to transmit and receive signals for device authentication according to its communication protocol, in the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, the control unit 30 can determine the presence or absence of an abnormality regardless of the communication protocol of the external device.

[0027] The control unit 30 is connected to the status LED 80 and controls the lighting of the status LED 80 that indicates the presence or absence of connection of the external connector and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the arrangement of the status LED 80. As shown in FIG. 2, the status LED 80 is composed of a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs include LEDs 82-1 to 82-n representing the mounting state and LEDs 84-1 to 84-n representing the presence or absence of an abnormality. The n groups of LED groups are provided so as to correspond to n external connectors 70-1 to 70-n respectively.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, n groups of LED groups are arranged above each of the n external connectors 70-1 to 70-n arranged in the left-right direction. LEDs 82-1 and 84-1 are arranged adjacent to each other above the external connector 70-1. LED 82-1 indicates the mounting state of whether an external device is mounted on the external connector 70-1. LED 84-1 indicates the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector 70-1. Similarly, LEDs 82-2 and 84-2 are arranged adjacent to each other above the external connector 70-2. Similarly, the nth group of LEDs 82-n and 84-n are arranged adjacent to each other above the nth external connector 70-n. LEDs 82-2 to 82-n indicate the mounting state of whether an external device is mounted on the external connectors 70-2 to 70-n. LEDs 84-2 to 84-n indicate the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connectors 70-2 to 70-n.

[0030] When an external device is connected to the ith external connector 70-i, the control unit 30 selectively turns on the LED 82-i arranged corresponding to the external connector 70-i. LED 82-i is turned off when no external device is connected to the external connector 70-i. For example, when the control unit 30 determines that the external connector 70-i is normal, it selectively turns on the LED 84-i arranged corresponding to the external connector 70-i in green. For example, when the control unit 30 detects an abnormality in the external connector 70-i, it selectively turns on the LED 84-i arranged corresponding to the external connector 70-i in red. Here, i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ n. The status LED 80 can be arranged in any appropriate arrangement as long as it can identify each of the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n, not limited to the arrangement in FIG. 2.

[0031] The control unit 30 includes a control device 34, a memory device 36, and an ADC unit 38. The memory device 36 has determination criteria for each of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2. These determination criteria are set in advance in the memory device 36. The ADC unit (denoted as the ADC function in FIG. 1) 38 converts the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2, which include analog signals, into digital data and outputs the digital data to the control device 34. The control device 34 inputs the digital data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2, compares them with these determination criteria, determines whether there is an abnormality in the external connector, and outputs the result to the status LED 80.

[0032] In addition to the determination criteria for the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 and the determination criteria for the signal patterns for determination, the memory device 36 can store information about the external connector and information about the configuration of the external connector.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for exemplifying items stored in a memory device that is a part of the electronic device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the memory device 36 stores information about the external connector and information about the configuration of the external connector.

[0034] The information regarding the external connector includes (a) the criteria for determining the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40. The information regarding the external connector includes (b) the criteria for determining the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 when a signal pattern for determination is supplied before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40. The information regarding the external connector can include (c) the measured values of the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40. The information regarding the external connector can include (d) the measured values of the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 when a signal pattern for determination is supplied before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40. The information regarding the external connector can include (e) the recognition information of the external device obtained via the application software of the host computer 10. The information regarding the external connector can include (f) the data of the number of insertions and removals of each external device of the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n. The information regarding the external connector can include (g) the data of the internal temperature of the host computer 10 obtained via the application software of the host computer 10. The information regarding the external connector can include (h) the information regarding the external device obtained via the application software of the host computer 10. The information in (c) to (h) can be utilized as data for malfunction analysis regarding abnormalities such as failures of the external connector.

[0035] The information regarding the configuration of the external connector can include the following information. That is, the information regarding the configuration of the external connector can include (i) the information regarding the I / F type of each of the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n. The information regarding the configuration of the external connector can include (j) the information regarding the setting of the bus switch 32 set corresponding to the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n. The information regarding the configuration of the external connector can include (k) the information regarding the setting of the configuration ROM 20 of the host computer 10. (j) and (k) will be described later.

[0036] The control device 34 accesses the storage device 36 at a predetermined timing or the like, determines the presence or absence of abnormalities in the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n, and controls the lighting of the status LED 80 according to a predetermined setting. The control device 34 stores various data acquired at a predetermined timing or the like in the storage device 36.

[0037] The control device 34 can collect data corresponding to the above stored in the storage device of other electronic devices via the host computer 10 and a communication network (not shown) communicably connected to the host computer, and store it in its own storage device 36. Various data stored in the storage device 36 can be used for information such as the determination criteria of external connectors, the determination criteria of signal patterns, and the deterioration determination of specific types of external connectors.

[0038] In this way, the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment can determine the presence or absence of abnormalities in the external connectors 70-1 to 70-n.

[0039] The electronic device 100 according to the embodiment can further include a configuration ROM 20. The configuration ROM 20 is connected to the host computer 10. The configuration ROM 20 has a plurality of configurations for the host computer 10. For the external I / F, it has a plurality of configurations. According to the configuration of the electronic device 100, a desired external I / F is set for the host computer 10. For example, in a certain configuration, the host computer 10 is set with an external I / F corresponding to a plurality of USB 3.0 specifications, and all correspond to Type-C connectors. In other configurations, among the external I / Fs corresponding to a plurality of USB 3.0 specifications, some can correspond to Type-C connectors and the rest can correspond to Thunderbolt connectors.

[0040] The control unit 30 has a bus switch 32. The bus switch 32 is provided between an input / output terminal corresponding to the external I / F of the host computer 10 and the external connection switch 40. In the example of FIG. 1, the bus switch 32 selects one of the two input / output terminals corresponding to the external I / F of the host computer 10 and connects it to the external connection switch 40. For example, one of the two input / output terminals corresponding to the external I / F is a terminal corresponding to a USB 3.0 Type-C connector, and the other is a terminal corresponding to a Thunderbolt connector.

[0041] The configuration ROM 20 sets the external I / F for the host computer 10, and the control device 34 generates a bus switch control signal DBC based on the set external I / F and outputs it to the bus switch 32. The bus switch 32 switches and outputs the input according to the bus switch control signal DBC. Note that the set value in the bus switch control signal DBC is stored in the storage device 36 in association with, for example, the set date and time each time it is set.

[0042] By setting a plurality of configurations in the configuration ROM 20 and selecting one of them to be set in the host computer 10, it is possible to set appropriate specifications for the industrial system in which the electronic device 100 is installed. The control unit 30 can appropriately switch the determination information according to the external I / F of the configuration set by the host computer 10 and the configuration ROM 20, and determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector. Specifically, the control device 34 selects appropriate determination information by referring to the set value in the bus switch control signal DBC stored in the storage device 36.

[0043] Also, in the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, it is also possible to automatically determine the I / F of an external device connected to an external connector, set it to an appropriate configuration, and switch the external I / F. The control device 34 inputs an external connector identification signal DCID supplied from the collective connector 50, and determines the type of the external I / F based on the external connector identification signal DCID. When the external I / F specified by the external connector identification signal DCID is different from the external I / F set by referring to the configuration ROM 20, the control device 34 switches and sets it to an appropriate external I / F.

[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of tables for determining the presence or absence of abnormalities in the external connectors of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a determination threshold table TBL1 of voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 before and after the external connection switch 40 is opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of columns CO11 to CO14 are provided in the table TBL1. In the first column CO11, a set value of the measurement time of the voltage data is input. The measurement time is, for example, a value obtained by adding a certain measurement period to the initial value. In the example of FIG. 4, the measurement period is 1 with respect to the initial value 1. For convenience of explanation, a second column CO12 is provided. In the second column CO12, the voltage values of the measurement data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 are entered. Also, "PTn" in the second column CO2 means a signal pattern for determination, "before PTn start" means the measurement data before the supply of the signal pattern for determination, and "after PTn start" means the measurement data after the supply of the signal pattern for determination.

[0045] In the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, in order to distinguish and determine whether it is an abnormality of the external connector or other abnormalities, the control device 34 measures the voltage data of the signals input and output to the terminals of the external connector before and after the external connection switch 40 is turned on. The control device 34 measures the voltage data of the signal output from the external device with the external connection switch 40 open. Then, the control device 34 measures the voltage data of the signals input and output to the terminals of the external connector with the external connection switch 40 turned on.

[0046] As described above, for some external devices, it is necessary to determine the quality of the connection by exchanging a predetermined signal pattern when connected to the external connector. Therefore, in the electronic device 100, the control device 34 can perform a quality determination based on the signal pattern for determination in addition to the change in voltage data at the terminals of the external connector, and use it as information to complement the determination of the voltage data.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 4, the control device 34 determines the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 when the signal pattern for determination is not generated during the period from time 1 to time X. Then, the control device 34 determines the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 when the signal pattern for determination is generated during the period from time X + 1 to time X + Y.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 4, the threshold value of the voltage value of the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 is called the main body-side determination threshold value, and the minimum value and the maximum value are set in the third column CO13. The determination threshold value of the voltage value of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 is called the connector-side determination threshold value, and the minimum value and the maximum value are set in the fourth column CO14.

[0049] In FIG. 4, in the second column CO12 to the fourth column CO14, the numbers within the parentheses indicated by [1] etc. correspond to the time set in the first column CO11. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, it shows that the voltage data of the same signal is measured X times at the measurement period 1 before the generation of the signal pattern for determination, and the voltage data of the same signal is measured Y times at the measurement period 1 after the generation of the signal pattern for determination. Such a determination criterion is set in advance for each terminal measured by the external connector.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a threshold table TBL2 regarding the change time when the voltage data of the main body side ADC signal DAD2 changes before and after the control unit 30 generates a signal pattern for determination after closing the external connection switch 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the table TBL2 is provided with a plurality of columns CO21 to CO23. The column CO23 further includes m columns CO23-1 to CO23-m. In the column CO21, the name for identifying the data is set with text or symbols. "PTn" means a pattern for determination, similar to the case of the table TBL1. In the column CO21, for the terminals of the external connector, names etc. for identifying the time series of the signals or signal patterns supplied from the external device before the generation of the pattern for determination are set. In the column CO22, the voltage value on the terminal of the external connector is set. In the example of FIG. 5, it is set that the voltage value changes from "a" to "b" and further from "b" to "c" as time elapses.

[0051] Columns CO23-1 to CO23-m indicate that since one external connector can be configured in multiple ways according to the settings of the configuration ROM 20, in this example, threshold values corresponding to the signal patterns of m types of external I / Fs are set. In the example of FIG. 5, the "determination threshold value 1" in column CO23-1 is the threshold value for the first type of external I / F. The "determination threshold value 2" in column CO23-2 is the threshold value for the second type of external I / F. Similarly, the "determination threshold value M" in column CO23-m is the threshold value for the m-th type of external I / F. The m types of external I / Fs are set to any one by the control device 34. The control device 34 applies the column of the threshold value corresponding to the set external I / F to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector. Such a determination criterion is set in advance for each terminal measured by the external connector. In the table TBL2, in order to determine the quality of the data regarding the signal pattern, the value of time with respect to the signal value is used as the threshold value. Specifically, it is the threshold value for the duration of the signal value a, the threshold value for the time from the signal value a to the change to the signal value b, and the like.

[0052] The operation of the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. FIGS. 6 to 10 are examples of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, the control device 34 detects that an external device is connected to the external connector 70-i by detecting the external connector mounting signal DCI, and activates the determination function of the external connector 70-i.

[0053] In step S2, the control device 34 identifies the external connector 70-i on which the external device is mounted by the external connector mounting signal DCI. When the control unit 30 detects the external connector 70-i on which the external device is mounted, the process transitions to step S3. When the control unit 30 detects an external connector on which no external device is mounted, the process transitions to step S4 and waits.

[0054] In step S3, the control unit 30 turns on the LED (denoted as "mounting LED" in FIG. 6) 82-i that represents the mounting state and is arranged at the corresponding position among the status LEDs 80.

[0055] In step S5, the control device 34 reads the tables TBL1 and TBL2 regarding the determination information from the storage device 36. The control device 34 starts reading the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 via the ADC unit 38. Here, the control device 34 has the external connection switch 40 open. The control device 34 reads the voltage data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 with the external connection switch 40 in the open state. If the read voltage data is in an appropriate state and the value can be determined, the process proceeds to step S6. If the read data is not in an appropriate state and the value cannot be determined, the process proceeds to the determination flow SSP (FIG. 7) based on the signal pattern for determination. That the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 is not appropriate means that its value is indefinite or the like, which is a state where the external device itself cannot output a signal or the like. The processing after step S7 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0056] In step S8, the control device 34 closes the external connection switch 40 to connect the external device to the control device 34.

[0057] In step S9, the control device 34 refers to the storage device 36 and outputs a determination pattern for determining the presence or absence of abnormality of the external I / F corresponding to the external connector to be determined. The control device 34 reads the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 via the ADC unit 38.

[0058] In step S10, the control device 34 refers to the table TBL2 of determination patterns and determines the quality of the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 respectively. If the determination value is normal, the control device 34 transitions the process to step SNP. If the determination value is abnormal, the control device 34 transitions the process to step SAP.

[0059] Note that in this specific example, it is assumed that only the determination based on the voltage data in the table TBL1 is performed to determine the presence or absence of abnormality in the external connector. Subsequently, the determination based on the determination criteria of the signal data in the table TBL2 may be complementarily performed.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S5, if the data of the read connector-side ADC signal DAD1 is not in an appropriate state and the value cannot be determined, the control device 34 transitions the process to step S41. In step S41, the control device 34 refers to the storage device 36 and reads the determination pattern for the presence or absence of abnormality of the external I / F corresponding to the external connector to be determined.

[0061] In step S42, the control device 34 closes the external connection switch 40 to connect the external device to the control device 34.

[0062] In step S43, the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 are read via the ADC 38.

[0063] In step S44, the control device 34 refers to the table TBL2 and determines the quality of the data of the connector-side ADC signal DAD1 and the main body-side ADC signal DAD2 respectively. As a result of the determination, if the data is normal, the control device 34 transitions the process to step SNP. As a result of the determination, if the data is abnormal, the control device 34 transitions the process to step SAP.

[0064] The processing after step SNP for normal processing and after step SAP for abnormal processing will be described. Figure 8 shows the processing after step SNP for normal processing. As shown in Figure 8, when normal processing starts at step SNP, at step SN1, the control device 34 outputs a bus switch control signal DBC to the bus switch 32 to close the bus switch 32. The control device 34 commands the host computer 10 to start up. The host computer 10 starts up and reads the recognition information of the external device via the application software introduced into the host computer 10.

[0065] At step SN2, the host computer 10 further determines whether the external connector determined to be normal in the control unit 30 is normal or not via the OS. When the host computer 10 determines that the external connector is normal, the process is transferred to step SN3. When the host computer 10 determines that the external connector is abnormal, the process is transferred to step SN4.

[0066] At step SN3, the host computer 10 notifies the control device 34 that it has determined that the external connector is normal. The control device 34 controls the display LED 84-i corresponding to the external connector 70-i determined to be normal to indicate that it is normal.

[0067] At step SN4, the host computer 10 notifies the control device 34 that it has determined that the external connector is abnormal. The control device 34 controls the display LED 84-i corresponding to the external connector determined to be abnormal to indicate that it is abnormal.

[0068] At step SN5, the control device 34 collects the insertion and removal times of the external connector and information about the external connector, and stores them in the storage device 36.

[0069] Figure 9 shows the processing after step SAP for abnormal processing. As shown in FIG. 9, when the exception handling is started in step SAP, in step SA1, the control device 34 outputs a bus switch control signal DBC to the bus switch 32 so as to close the bus switch 32. The control device 34 commands the host computer 10 to start up. The host computer 10 starts up and reads the recognition information of the external device via the application software introduced into the host computer 10.

[0070] In step SA2, the host computer 10 further determines, via the OS, whether the external connector determined to be abnormal in the control unit 30 is abnormal. If the host computer 10 determines that the external connector is abnormal, the process is transferred to step SA3. If the host computer 10 determines that the external connector is normal, the process is transferred to step SA4.

[0071] In step SA3, the host computer 10 notifies the control device 34 that it has determined that the external connector is abnormal. The control device 34 controls the display LED 84-i corresponding to the external connector 70-i determined to be abnormal so as to indicate that it is abnormal.

[0072] In step SA4, the host computer 10 notifies the control device 34 that it has determined that the external connector is normal. The control device 34 controls the display LED 84-i corresponding to the external connector determined to be normal so as to indicate that it is normal.

[0073] In step SA5, the control device 34 collects the number of insertions and removals of the external connector and information about the external connector, and stores them in the storage device 36.

[0074] In this way, the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment can detect an abnormality of the external connector separately from other abnormalities inside the electronic device 100 and the like.

[0075] FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart when the external I / F of the host computer 10 is switched by the configuration ROM 20 in the electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 10, when the electronic device 100 is activated, in step SS1, the control device 34 reads the external connector identification signal DCID from the collective connector 50.

[0076] In step SS2, the control device 34 determines whether it is consistent with the configuration ROM 20 based on the read external connector identification signal DCID. When the control device 34 determines that the external connector identification signal DCID is consistent with the setting of the configuration ROM 20, the process proceeds to step SS3. When the control device 34 determines that the external connector identification signal DCID is not consistent with the setting of the configuration ROM 20, the process proceeds to step SS4.

[0077] In step SS3, the control device 34 generates a bus switch control signal DBC according to the configuration set in the configuration ROM 20 and outputs it to the bus switch 32. The bus switch 32 closes the switch so as to correspond to the set external I / F.

[0078] If it is determined in step SS2 that the set configuration is not consistent with the setting of the configuration ROM 20, in step SS4, the control device 34 reads the corresponding configuration from the configuration ROM 20 and sets it in the host computer 10.

[0079] In this way, even when the configuration of the host computer 10 is changed, by setting an appropriate configuration, the external I / F can be appropriately switched.

[0080] The effects of the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. The electronic device 100 according to the embodiment includes an external connection switch 40 connected between a control unit 30 and a collective connector 50. The control unit 30 detects that an external device is connected to the external connector 70-i, opens and closes the external connection switch 40, and acquires voltage data that appears at the terminals of the external connector 70-i before and after the opening and closing. When an abnormality is detected in the voltage data, if it changes to an abnormal state before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40, it can be determined that the abnormality is on the side of the external connector 70-i. When there is no abnormality in the external connector 70-i with the external connection switch 40 open, and an abnormality is detected in the voltage data with the external connection switch 40 closed, the control unit 30 indicates the possibility of a failure other than the external connector. That is, based on the presence or absence of an abnormality in the voltage data before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40, it is possible to separately detect an abnormality in the external connector and an abnormality caused by other reasons.

[0081] In the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, the control unit 30 can generate and output a signal pattern for determination corresponding to the I / F of the external device connected to the external connector. By making the signal pattern for determination correspond to the external device connected to the external connector, it is possible to use the data of transmission and reception for the determination of the quality of a signal pattern that cannot be determined only by the voltage data of the external connector.

[0082] In the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment, the host computer 10 is connected to the external connector via the collective connector 50 and an external cable connector. In the collective connector 50, since the external connector can be connected with a versatile external cable connector, when an abnormality in the external connector is detected, it can be easily restored to a normal state by replacing the external connector and the external cable connector.

[0083] The electronic device 100 according to the embodiment further includes a configuration ROM 20. By setting a plurality of types of external I / Fs in the configuration ROM 20 and appropriately switching and setting them according to the application, specifications, etc. for the host computer 10, it becomes possible to easily realize an electronic device corresponding to various external I / Fs at low cost. Further, the control unit 30 can store information regarding the external I / F set in the configuration ROM 20 in the storage device 36. Thereby, the control unit 30 can easily apply the setting of the external I / F set in the configuration ROM 20 and appropriately determine the quality of the external connector based on the determination criteria corresponding to the external I / F.

[0084] The control unit 30 can have the storage device 36 as described above. In the storage device 36, in addition to the determination criteria for the voltage data acquired before and after the opening and closing of the external connection switch 40 and the determination criteria for the signal pattern for determination, the acquired data can be stored. The control unit 30 can store, in association with the external I / F in which the device ID, vendor ID, speed grade, and model information of the external device acquired by the host computer 10 from the external device are also set, between the control unit 30 and the host computer 10. Further, in the storage device 36, the determination result of the quality of the external connector can be stored in association with the external I / F and the date data of the determination result, etc.

[0085] These data can be connected, collected, and used by a plurality of electronic devices 100 on a communication network, and can be used, for example, for cause analysis of abnormal determination of an external connector.

[0086] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment can include a configuration ROM 20. The configuration ROM 20 can set a configuration including a plurality of different external I / Fs in the host computer 10. In the host computer 10, by switching and setting different external I / Fs stored in the configuration ROM 20, the electronic device 100 can be configured such that one external I / F is switched and set by a plurality of external connectors.

[0087] The control unit 30 can switch and set a plurality of external I / Fs, and can switch and set the determination criteria so as to correspond to the external I / F set in the electronic device 100. Therefore, one electronic device 100 can be configured by switching and setting a plurality of types of external I / Fs, and it becomes possible to determine the abnormality of the external connector separately from other factors as described above.

[0088] In this way, it is possible to realize an electronic device that can quickly identify a problem caused by an external connector.

[0089] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 10... host computer, 20... configuration ROM, 30... control unit, 32... bus switch, 34... control device, 36... storage device, 38... ADC unit, 40... external connection switch, 50... collective connector, 70-1 to 70-n... external connectors, 80... status LED, 100... electronic device

Claims

1. A first host computer having an external interface for connecting an external device, An external connector for connecting the external device, A control unit that detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the external connector and controls the display on a display unit that displays the presence or absence of the abnormality in the external connector, A collective connector that is electrically connected to the external connector via a cable connector, An external connection switch that is connected between the control unit and the collective connector and is opened and closed by the control unit, Comprising, The control unit, After detecting that the external device is connected to the external connector, respectively obtain the first voltage data on the control unit side and the collective connector side of the external connection switch, Based on the first voltage data before and after opening and closing of the external connection switch and a preset first determination criterion, determine the presence or absence of an abnormality on the external connector side, After closing the external connection switch, supply a signal pattern for determination according to the external interface to the external device via the external connector, and respectively obtain the second voltage data on the control unit side and the collective connector side of the external connection switch, An electronic device that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality on the external connector side based on the second voltage data and a preset second determination criterion for determination of the signal pattern.

2. Further comprising a storage unit that is connected to the host computer and the control unit and sets at least one external interface from a plurality of preset external interfaces for the host computer and the control unit, The control unit has a plurality of signal patterns adapted to each of the plurality of external interfaces and a plurality of second determination criteria corresponding to the plurality of signal patterns, and selects and sets from the plurality of second determination criteria so as to correspond to the at least one external interface by the storage unit. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The host computer obtains information for identifying the external device connected to the external connector, The control unit has a storage device that is connected to the host computer and collects and stores information including the identification information of the external device from the host computer. The electronic device according to claim 1.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information includes at least one of the number of insertions and removals of the external connector, the temperature of the host computer, and information related to communication with the external device.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit collects the information from the first host computer and from a second host computer connected to the first host computer via a communication network.

Images