JP2001345881A - Electronic equipment, communication repeater and multi- functional display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment, a communication repeater and a multi-functional display method, by which the states of plural operating modes including communication state display can be readily displayed multi-functionally to view with an economically advantageous configuration, while effectively utilizing a narrow package space. SOLUTION: An LED drive control circuit(LDC) 28 performs lighting drive control of LED 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e, while changing meaning respectively in a normal operating mode (communication mode), maintenance mode and power-on self-test mode, when turning on a power source and performs the multi-functional display drive control of the LEDs 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device having a wireless communication function of performing wireless data communication with another device using a wireless communication card, and a communication relay device.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a display function of notifying a user of a communication state and an operation state of an apparatus, and a communication relay apparatus.

[0003] The present invention relates to a multi-function display method suitable for application to a display device for notifying a user of a communication state or the like.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, personal computers (P
When an Internet connection is made using C), a method is used in which a modem provided in a PC and a modular jack of a public line provided in a general home are connected by a modular cable. However, when such a modular cable is used, connection and wiring are troublesome, and when the PC and the modular jack are separated, the connection becomes difficult.
Therefore, there is a problem that the installation location of the PC cannot be freely selected.

[0005] In recent years, as a connection method for solving the above-mentioned problems, wireless communication connecting devices which can be connected by using wireless communication without using a modular cable are becoming widespread. According to this wireless communication connection device, this device is connected to a public line via a modular cable,
The PC is connected to a public line by transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication between the PC and the connected device. By using such a connection device, the complexity of connecting and routing the modular cable can be eliminated, the installation location of the personal computer can be freely selected, and the range of use can be expanded.

In a conventional wireless communication connecting device of this type, particularly in a small wireless communication connecting device in which a space for providing a liquid crystal display is not taken up, an LED is arranged in a device housing as a function of informing a user of a communication state of a communication device. And LE
The function of notifying the communication state is realized by the display of D.

However, in this type of conventional equipment, the mounting space of the display unit is small, and the LEDs are provided corresponding to a single communication status display function. However, it has only a required minimum communication display function, so that the display content is specified in a narrow range, and there is a problem in terms of increasing the number of functions and the usability. Further, in this kind of small wireless communication connection device, when a check function for checking the inside of the device for each functional block is provided, since the display space does not exist as described above, the check state cannot be notified to the user. The problem described above occurs.

[0008]

As described above, in the conventional small-sized wireless communication connection device, the display content is specified in a narrow range, and there is a problem in terms of realizing multi-functionality and usability. Was. Further, when a check function for checking the inside of the device for each functional block is provided, there is no display space as described above, so that the user cannot be informed of the check state.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, a communication relay device, and a multi-function display method which can easily display multi-function display in an economically advantageous configuration by effectively utilizing a narrow mounting space for status display of a plurality of operation modes including a communication status display. And

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a mode switching means for switching between a normal mode and another mode in an electronic device having a wireless communication function, and the mode switching means. A plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state when the normal mode is set, and an operation state specific to the mode when the other mode is set by the mode switching means, on the plurality of display elements. Display control means.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic device having a wireless communication function capable of performing wireless communication with another device using a wireless communication card. Mode switching means for switching between other operation modes, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state of the mode when in the wireless communication mode using the wireless communication card by the mode switching means, and Display switching control means for displaying an operation state specific to the operation mode by using the plurality of display elements when the operation mode is switched to another operation mode.

According to the present invention, in an electronic device having a wireless communication function, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state, a processing unit for checking an operation of a function unit in the device,
Display switching control means for displaying the contents of the check result using the plurality of display elements when the processing means executes the processing.

Further, the present invention provides the above electronic device,
The plurality of display elements are a monochromatic LED and a bichromatic LED
Or at least one two-color light-emitting LED performs display using different light-emitting colors before and after switching by the display switching control means.

Further, the present invention provides the above electronic device,
The plurality of display elements are a monochromatic LED and a bichromatic LED
Or a two-color light-emitting LED, wherein at least one of the two-color light-emitting LEDs has a different emission color between a normal state and an abnormal state.

Further, the present invention provides the above electronic device,
The plurality of display elements are a monochromatic LED and a bichromatic LED
Or a two-color light-emitting LED.
It is characterized in that a state is displayed by an arrangement pattern of a plurality of LEDs or more.

Further, in the multifunctional display method according to the present invention, a plurality of display elements are arranged in a row on a partial surface of a housing, and each of the display elements is individually driven to light and provided in the housing. In the display method for displaying the operating states of the plurality of functional units, the display device is switched to a predetermined display mode, and a specific one of the plurality of display elements, which is located at an end of the array, is displayed with the switching. The presence / absence of the abnormality of the functional unit in the housing is displayed by the element, and the content of the abnormality is displayed by at least one other display element except at least one display element adjacent to the specific display element among the remaining display elements. Is displayed.

Further, in the multi-function display method according to the present invention, a plurality of display elements are arranged in a row on a partial surface of a housing, and each of the display elements is individually driven to light and provided in the housing. In the display method for displaying the operating states of the plurality of functional units, the display device is switched to a predetermined display mode, and a specific one of the plurality of display elements, which is located at an end of the array, is displayed with the switching. The presence / absence of the abnormality of the in-housing function unit is displayed by the element, and the abnormality is determined by a combination of a plurality of display elements other than at least one display element adjacent to the specific display element among the remaining display elements. The contents are displayed.

Further, the present invention provides a communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a detachable wireless communication card, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card, and the wireless communication card. Switching means for switching between a communication mode using the other mode and another mode, and display switching control for displaying a state specific to the mode using the plurality of display elements when the switching means is switched to the other mode. Means.

The present invention is also a communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a detachable wireless communication card, comprising a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card; And a display switching control means for displaying the contents of the check result of each of the functional units using the plurality of display elements when the processing of the processing unit is performed. It is characterized by the following.

The present invention also relates to a communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a detachable wireless communication card, comprising: a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card; A switch for switching between communication using a communication card and another mode, processing means for checking operations of a plurality of functional units in the device, and a mode specific to the mode when the switch is switched to another mode. A first display switching control means for displaying a state using the plurality of display elements, and a second display means for displaying the contents of the check results of the functional units using the plurality of display elements when the processing means executes processing. Display switching control means for controlling the plurality of display elements in a communication state using the wireless communication card, a state in which the switch is switched to another mode, and an operation of the functional unit. Each with different meaning in a time process execution of checking is characterized by using in common.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the communication relay device, the switch switches between a communication mode using the wireless communication card and a maintenance mode executed using another communication path. I do.

Further, the present invention provides a communication relay device, wherein a normal operation using the wireless communication card and an abnormality detected by the operation check of the functional unit are one display element. The display is performed by changing the emission color by using a single display element to indicate the normal and abnormal states of the device.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the communication relay device, the processing means for checking the operation of a plurality of functional units in the device is started by a program process when the system device is started up. .

Further, according to the present invention, in the communication relay device, when an abnormality is detected by the processing means for checking the operation of the plurality of functional units in the device, one of the plurality of display elements is detected. The first display element displays an abnormal state in a specific color, and of the remaining display elements, a combination using a single color of a plurality of display elements separated by at least one display element from the first display element. The content of the abnormality is displayed on a display.

According to the present invention, in the communication relay device, at least the operation check of the wireless communication card, the internal memory, the UART, and the modem are performed in the process of checking the operation of a plurality of functional units in the device. , PCMCIA controller.

According to the present invention, in the communication relay device, the communication using the wireless communication card includes communication between the card and the modem, and communication between the card, the RS232C and the modem, It is characterized in that any of them can be selected by a switch.

According to the present invention, in the communication relay device, the wireless communication card is detachably provided in a common card slot with another PC card, and the processing means for checking an operation includes: The operation abnormality of the wireless communication card mounted on the PC and a state in which a PC card that is not a regular wireless communication card is mounted are displayed in different display forms by the display element.

Further, according to the present invention, in an electronic device having a wireless communication function, a plurality of display elements, setting means for selectively setting a normal mode and a mode other than the normal mode, and the setting means When the normal mode is set, the communication state of the device is displayed on the plurality of display elements, and when the other mode is set by the setting unit, the operation state specific to the other mode is set on the plurality of display elements. And a display control means for displaying.

By having the above-described multi-function display function, the status display of a plurality of operation modes including the communication status display can be effectively utilized in a narrow mounting space, and the multi-function display can be easily viewed in an economically advantageous configuration.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, P of a wireless communication standard called Bluetooth (Bluetooth) is described.
A communication relay device (hereinafter, referred to as an access point) using a C card is shown as an example. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the access point is used horizontally, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a bottom side of the access point, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal structure of the access point.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an access point which forms a main body of the apparatus according to the present invention, which has a substantially flat box-shaped housing structure. 2 is the PC of the access point 1
A wireless communication card that can be inserted into and removed from the card slot 4;
Here, Bluetooth (hereinafter referred to as B
T) (hereinafter, referred to as BT-PC card). Reference numeral 3 denotes an AC power supply adapter for supplying power for operation to the access point 1, and reference numeral 4 denotes a power supply plug of the adapter. Reference numeral 5 denotes a modular cable (telephone line) connected to a modular jack of the access point 1, and reference numeral 6 denotes an RS232C cable connected to an RS232C connector of the access point 1.

11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e
Are communication status display LEDs arranged at predetermined intervals in a row on the housing surface of the access point 1. Of these, 1
1a indicates a power ON / OFF state in a normal communication mode, and a power-on self test (POST) described later.
To display the error status of access point 1 at the time of
D and hereinafter referred to as Power-LED. Reference numeral 11b denotes an LED for displaying a standby state or an operation mode state of the access point 1, which is hereinafter referred to as STB / ACT-L.
Called CD. L indicates an on / off state of the hook in the communication mode and an error state of the access point 1 in a power-on self-test described later.
ED, which is hereinafter referred to as OH-LED. Reference numeral 11d denotes an LED for displaying a data transmission state in the communication mode, and for displaying an error state of the access point 1 in a power-on self-test, which will be described later, and is hereinafter referred to as an SD-LED. Reference numeral 11e denotes an LED for displaying a data reception state in the communication mode, and for displaying an error state of the access point 1 in a power-on self-test described later, and is hereinafter referred to as an RD-LED. Note that these LEDs 11a, 1
Specific operation examples and display examples of 1b, 11c, 11d, and 11e will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Reference numerals 12 and 13 are switches for setting the operation state of the access point 1, respectively. Of these, 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a mode changeover switch (SW1) for switching between a communication mode, which is a normal operation mode, and a maintenance mode for performing an operation check by transmitting and receiving data to and from a personal computer or the like connected via a cable. Reference numeral 13 denotes a modem (MODEM). Switch (SW) that performs serial port switching between the RS232C port and the RS232C port
2).

Reference numeral 14 denotes an AC adapter power input terminal (ADP) to which the power supply plug 3 of the power adapter 3 is connected.
T), 15 is a modular jack (M-CON) to which the modular cable 5 is connected, and 16 is an RS232C connector (232C-connector) to which the RS232C cable 6 is connected.
CON). Reference numeral 17 denotes a PC card, that is, a 68-pin P to which the BT-PC card 2 is connected by a connector.
CMCIA connector (connector receptacle; 68pC
ON).

A BT-PC card 2 is detachably attached to the access point 1 as a wireless communication card. The access point 1 is connected to a public line via a modular cable (telephone line) 5 and, for example, a BT-P together with a plurality of personal computers.
Using the C card 2, the data wirelessly transmitted from each personal computer is transferred to the public line, and the data input from the public line is wirelessly transmitted to the personal computer.

The above access point 1 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially rectangular device main body made of, for example, synthetic resin or the like is provided. The main body has a slightly curved front surface 1A, a substantially flat back surface facing the front surface 1A, and a pair of opposed side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface and the back surface of the device main body constitute first and second installation surfaces, respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the access point 1 has a bottom surface mounted on a desk surface or the like so that the main body of the device can be used vertically, or as shown in FIG. The device main body can be used horizontally by placing it on a surface or the like.

On one side of the main body of the access point 1,
A push button type power switch (not shown) is provided. On the other side, as shown in FIG.
A connector (232C-CON) 16 and an AC adapter power input terminal (ADPT) 14 for power supply connection are provided. Further, on the front face 1A of the device main body, an LED 11a,
11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e are provided on the shield plate 1B in a row so as to be visible from the display window 1H. As described above, the LED visible from the display window 1H indicates the on / off state of the power supply in the normal communication mode, and the power-on self-test (PO
In the case of ST), a Power-LED 11a for displaying an error state of the access point 1, and an ST for displaying a standby state or an operation mode state of the access point 1.
A B / ACT-LCD 11b, an OH-LED 11c for displaying the on / off state of the hook in the communication mode, and displaying an error state of the access point 1 in a power-on self-test described later; The SD-LED 11d displays the data transmission status at the time of power-on self-test, and displays the error status of the access point 1 at the time of the power-on self-test described later. RD- that displays the error status of access point 1 during the on-self test
LED 11e.

The top surface of the body of the access point 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a card slot 1S in which various PC cards including the BT-AC card 2 can be inserted, and an eject button 1E are provided. Also, on the bottom of the body,
As shown in FIG. 3, two modular jacks (M-CON) 15 to which a modular cable (telephone line) for connecting the access point 1 to a public line can be connected, and a mode switch (SW1) using a slide switch. ) 1
2 and a serial port switch (SW2) 13 are provided.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of the access point 1. As shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU 21 for controlling the access point 1, and here, at the time of system startup, according to a processing program stored in an internal memory (MEM) 22, which will be described later. A power-on self test (POST) process as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a DRAM, a flash ROM (F
flash-ROM), an internal memory (MEM) such as an EEPROM, and the like, in which a processing program of the power-on self test (POST) is stored. Also,
Here, each of the above memories (DRAM, Flash-RO
M, EEPROM) are to be checked in the power-on self test (POST).

Reference numeral 23 denotes a PCMCIA controller (PCMCIA-CO) for controlling data transmission / reception with the BT-PC card 2 connected to the 68-pin PCMCIA connector (connector receptacle; 68pCON) 17 described above.
NT) and the power-on self-test (POS
T) is to be checked.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a UA serving as an asynchronous data transfer interface having a serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion function.
RT (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitte
r), the data in the parallel format on the parallel bus 31 of the CPU 21 is converted into the data in the serial format so that the bits are sequentially transmitted on the communication line. The UART 24 is also a check target of the power-on self test (POST).

25 is an RS232C connector (232C-
A driver (RS232C-DRV) for performing serial data transfer with an external device via the (CON) 16;
Here, an SD / RD signal indicating transmission data / reception data is transmitted to an LED drive control circuit (LDC) 28 described later via a transmission-side serial bus.

26 is a modular jack (M-CON)
15 and a modem unit (MODEM) connected to the public line via the modular cable 5, and is a target of the power-on self test (POST) check. 27
Is a memory (MPM) in which a program for controlling the operation of the modem unit (MODEM) 26 is stored.

Reference numeral 28 denotes each of the LEDs 11a, 11b, 11
LED drive control circuit (LDC) for controlling display drive of c, 11d, and 11e, ERRLED, BT-ACT, MODE0, MOD output from CPU 21
Control signals such as E1 and MODE2, an SD signal indicating transmission data generated based on an SD / RD signal transmitted from an RS232C driver (RS232C-DRV) 25 via a serial bus, and an RD signal indicating reception data , A MODE1 signal output from the mode changeover switch (SW1) 12, and a serial port changeover switch (S
W2) 13 based on the MODE2 signal output from the modem unit (MODEM) 26 and the OH signal indicating the state of the hook output from the MODEM 26, the LEDs 11a, 11b, 1
The display drive is controlled for 1c, 11d and 11e.

FIG. 6 shows the LED drive control circuit (LDC)
FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example of the circuit configuration of No. 28. In this example, the circuit includes an inverter, an AND gate, an exclusive OR gate, and an FET element. Other logical configurations may be established by having a relationship.

In FIG. 6, the Power-LED 1
1a indicates a power on / off state in a normal communication state, and is green (YG; Yellow) when the power is on.
ow Green) is turned on, and turned off when the power is off. Power-on self-test (POST) at power-on
In this case, when an error occurs, the ERRLED signal output from the CPU 21 becomes active, and an orange (OR) signal indicating an error state is lit.

The STB / ACT-LCD 11b has a BT-PC card 2 as a communication device in a normal communication state.
Of the BT-PC card 2, which is output from the CPU 21 and indicates the operating state of the BT-PC card 2.
When the ACT signal becomes active, green (YG) indicating the operation state of the BT-PC card 2 is turned on, and is turned off when the operation of the BT-PC card 2 is stopped. When the mode switch (SW1) 12 is switched from the normal use state (communication mode) to the maintenance mode, the MODE1 signal indicating the switch state of the switch becomes active and orange (OR) indicating the maintenance mode state Lights up.

The OH-LED 11c indicates the on / off state of the hook, the operation mode status of the access point 1, or the error status of the access point 1, and indicates the modem communication status using the BT-PC card 2. In the (normal use state), the state of the telephone line hook is displayed. At this time, the OH signal indicating the operating state of the hook output from the modem unit (MODEM) 26 becomes active, and the green (YG) lights up when the hook is off and goes off when the hook is on. Further, the BT is switched by switching the serial port switch (SW2) 13.
-When switching to the RS232C connection mode using the PC card 2, the MO indicating the switching state of the switch
The DE2 signal becomes active to indicate an orange (O) indicating the RS232C connection mode using the BT-PC card 2.
R) The color lights up. If an error occurs in the power-on self-test (POST) at the time of turning on the power, E indicating the error state output from the CPU 21 is displayed.
When the RRb0 signal becomes active and green (YG) is turned on or off, an error code (see FIG. 7) that causes the error is displayed.

The SD-LED 11d indicates a data transmission state or an error state of a device. The SD-LED 11d transmits data from a modem (MODEM) 26 in the access point 1 via a modular cable (telephone line) 5. In this state, the SD signal indicating the operation state of data transmission becomes active. In the data transmission state, green (YG) is turned on, and when there is no data transmission, the light is turned off. If an error occurs in the power-on self-test (POST) at the time of turning on the power, the ERRb1 signal output from the CPU 21 indicating the error state becomes active, and the green (YG) is turned on or off. Displays the error code (see FIG. 7) which is the cause of the error.

The RD-LED 11e indicates a data receiving state or an error state of the device. The RD-LED 11e receives data from a modem (MODEM) 26 in the access point 1 via a modular cable (telephone line) 5. In this state, the RD signal indicating the operation state of data reception becomes active. In the data reception state, green (YG) is turned on, and when there is no data reception, the light is turned off. If an error occurs in the power-on self-test (POST) at the time of turning on the power, the ERRb2 signal output from the CPU 21 indicating the error state becomes active and green (YG) is turned on or off. Displays the error code (see FIG. 7) which is the cause of the error.

FIG. 7 shows each of the LEDs 11a, 11b,
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a status display function of 11c, 11d, 11e, and FIG. 8 shows the LEDs 11a, 11b, 11c, 11
It is a figure which shows the example of a multifunctional state display according to mode of d and 11e. Here, Power corresponds to the Power-LED 11a, and STB / ACT corresponds to the STB / ACT-LCD11.
b, OH corresponds to the OH-LED 11c, SD
Is equivalent to SD-LED11d, RD is RD-LED1
1e.

FIGS. 9 to 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure of a power-on self-test (POST) executed under the control of the CPU 21 when the power is turned on.

Here, the power-on self-test processing operation executed under the control of the CPU 21 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

In the power-on self-test (POST) accompanying power-on, first, the internal memory (MEM) 22
The operation check of the flash ROM (Flash-ROM) included in is started (step S11 in FIG. 9). In this operation check, predetermined test data is written at a certain address (Ax) (step S12a in FIG. 9), and the data at the write address (Ax) is read (step S12b in FIG. 9). This is performed by performing step S12c in FIG. 9 (step S12 in FIG. 9).

In this operation check, if the memory operation is performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S13 in FIG. 9), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the memory operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, E
Activate the RRLED signal (step S1 in FIG. 9).
4).

When the ERRLED signal becomes active, as described above, the LED drive control circuit (L
DC) 28, the Power-LED 11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state to notify the user that an error has occurred in the flash ROM (Flash-ROM) (FIGS. 6, 7, and 8). reference).

The flash ROM (Flash-RO)
If no error is detected in the operation check (M) (steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 9), the operation check of the DRAM included in the internal memory (MEM) 22 is started (step S21 in FIG. 9).

As described above, this operation check is performed by writing predetermined test data at a certain address (Ax), reading the data at the write address (Ax), and comparing the write data with the read data. 9 steps S22).

In this operation check, if the memory operation is performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S23 in FIG. 9), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the memory operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, E
The RRLED signal and the ERRb0 signal are activated (Step S24 in FIG. 9).

As described above, when the ERRLED signal and the ERRb0 signal become active,
Power-LE by the drive control circuit (LDC) 28
D11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state, and the OH-LED 11c is turned green (Y
G), the user is informed that an error has occurred in the DRAM (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

If no error is detected in the operation check of the DRAM (steps S21 to S23 in FIG. 9), then the EEPROM included in the internal memory (MEM) 22
An OM operation check is started (step S3 in FIG. 9).
1). This operation check is also performed by writing predetermined test data at a certain address (Ax), reading the data at the write address (Ax), and comparing the write data with the read data in the same manner as described above (step S32 in FIG. 9). ).

In this operation check, if the memory operation is performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S33 in FIG. 9), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the memory operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, E
The RRLED signal and the ERRb2 signal are activated (Step S34 in FIG. 9).

As described above, when the ERRLED signal and the ERRb2 signal are activated,
Power-LE by the drive control circuit (LDC) 28
D11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state, and the RD-LED 11e is turned green (Y
G), the user is informed that an error has occurred in the EEPROM (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

If no error is detected in the operation check of the EEPROM (steps S31 to S33 in FIG. 9), the operation check of the UART 24 is started next (step S41 in FIG. 10). This operation check is UA
Prescribed test data is written into a register in the RT 24 (step S42a in FIG. 10), and data is read from the internal register (step S42b in FIG. 10), and the written data is compared with the read data (step S42 in FIG. 10).
42c) (step S4 in FIG. 10).
2).

In this operation check, if the data read / write operation has been performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S43 in FIG. 10), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the read / write operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, the ERRLED signal, the ERRb0 signal, and the ERRb2 signal are activated (step S44 in FIG. 10).

When the ERRLED signal, the ERRb0 signal, and the ERRb2 signal are both activated, as described above, the LED drive control circuit (LDC) 2
8, the Power-LED 11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state, and
The H-LED 11c and the RD-LED 11e are each driven to emit light in green (YG) to notify the user that an error has occurred in the UART 24 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

Operation Check of the UART 24 (FIG. 10)
If no error is detected in steps S41 to S43), the operation check of the modem unit (MODEM) 26 is started next (step S51 in FIG. 10). This operation check is also performed by writing predetermined test data in the internal register of the modem unit (MODEM) 26, reading the data from the internal register, and comparing the write data with the read data (step in FIG. 10). S52).

In this operation check, if the data read / write operation has been performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S53 in FIG. 10), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the read / write operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, the ERRLED signal and the ERRb1 signal are activated (step S54 in FIG. 10).

When both the ERRLED signal and the ERRb1 signal become active, as described above,
Power is controlled by the LED drive control circuit (LDC) 28
-Orange (OR) LED 11a indicates an error condition
And the SD-LED 11d is driven to be lit green (YG), and the modem (MODEM)
The user is notified that an error has occurred at 26 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

If no error is detected in the operation check of the modem unit (MODEM) 26 (steps S51 to S53 in FIG. 10), the operation check of the PCMCIA controller (PCMCIA-CONT) 23 is started next (FIG. 10). 10 steps S61). In this operation check, the PCMCIA controller (PCMCIA
-CONT) 23 is written by writing predetermined test data into the internal register, reading the data from the internal register, and comparing the write data with the read data (step S62 in FIG. 10).

In this operation check, if the data read / write operation has been performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S63 in FIG. 10), the operation proceeds to the next operation check. If the read / write operation is not performed normally in the operation check, that is, if an error is detected, the ERRLED signal, the ERRb0 signal, and the ERRb1 signal are activated (step S64 in FIG. 10).

When the ERRLED signal, the ERRb0 signal, and the ERRb1 signal are both activated, as described above, the LED drive control circuit (LDC) 2
8, the Power-LED 11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state, and
The H-LED 11c and the SD-LED 11d are each driven to turn on in green (YG), and notify the user that an error has occurred in the PCMCIA controller (PCMCIA-CONT) 23 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

The above PCMCIA controller (PCMC
If no error is detected in the operation check of the IA-CONT (steps S61 to S63 in FIG. 10), the operation check of the BT-PC card 2 is started next (step S71 in FIG. 11). This operation check is also performed by writing predetermined test data in the internal register of the BT-PC card 2, reading the data from the internal register, and comparing the write data with the read data (step S72 in FIG. 11). ).

In this operation check, if the data read / write operation has been performed normally, that is, if no error is detected (step S73 in FIG. 11), the power-on self test (POST) ends. If the read / write operation is not performed normally in the above operation check, that is, if an error is detected, ERRLED
The signal, the ERRb1 signal, and the ERRb2 signal are activated (step S74 in FIG. 11).

When the ERRLED signal, the ERRb1 signal, and the ERRb2 signal are both activated, as described above, the LED drive control circuit (LDC) 2
8, the Power-LED 11a is driven to light up in orange (OR) indicating an error state, and S-
The D-LED 11d and the RD-LED 11e are each driven to turn on in green (YG) to notify the user that an error has occurred in the BT-PC card 2 (FIGS. 6, 7,
See FIG. 8).

As described above, the normal operation mode (communication mode) is the LED 11a, 11
By effectively utilizing b, 11c, 11d, and 11e, it is possible to display an error state of each functional unit in the access point 1 in a power-on self-test (POST) at power-on.

In the above embodiment, the BT-
Although the operation check is performed to determine whether the PC card 2 operates normally, it is not checked whether the BT-PC card 2 is installed in the card slot 1S as a regular communication card. This check is performed by adding the function of accessing the attribute memory in the PC card conforming to the PCMCIA to the power-on self test (POST) routine, and reading the card attribute information in the attribute memory and collating it with the registered information. It can be determined whether or not a legitimate communication card is mounted. At this time, if the communication card is not an authorized communication card, for example, as shown as reserved in FIG.
The LED 11a indicates that the mounted card is incorrect by turning on the orange (OR) light, and by driving the OH-LED 11c and SD.
-Each green (YG) of LED11d and RD-LED11e
The user can be notified by the lighting drive. Also,
The objects to be checked in the above-mentioned power-on self test (POST) are not limited to the respective functional units in the above-described embodiment, but are to be checked in various electronic devices having a wireless communication function. Applicable. In the above embodiment, the five LEDs 11a, 11b, 11
The multi-function display is performed for the access point 1 having c, 11d, and 11e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applied to various wireless communication devices that display communication states using a plurality of other various display elements. Can be applied.

[0082]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively utilize a narrow mounting space for a state display of a plurality of operation modes including a communication state display, and to provide an easy-to-read multifunctional display with an economically advantageous configuration. An apparatus, a communication relay device, and a multi-function display method can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the access point is used horizontally in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface side of the access point in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the access point in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of an access point in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a specific circuit configuration example of an LED drive control circuit in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a status display function of each LED in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a multi-function state display for each mode of each LED in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a power-on self-test (POST) processing procedure executed when the power is turned on in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a power-on self test (POST) executed when the power is turned on in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a power-on self-test (POST) processing procedure executed when the power is turned on in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Access point (communication relay device using PC card for wireless communication) 1S ... Card slot 2 ... BT-PC card (PC card for wireless communication) 3 ... AC power adapter 4 ... Power supply plug 5 ... Modular cable (Telephone line) 6 RS232C cable 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e LED for communication status display 12 Mode switch (SW1) 13 Serial port switch (SW2) 14 AC adapter power input terminal (ADPT) 15 ... Modular jack (M-CON) 16 ... RS232C connector (232C-CON) 17 ... PCMCIA connector (Connector receptacle;
68 pCON) 21 CPU 22 internal memory (MEM) 23 PCMCIA controller (PCMCIA-CO)
NT) 24 UART 25 RS232C driver (RS232C-DRV) 26 Modem unit (MODEM) 27 Memory (MP which stores a control program of the modem)
M) 28 ... LED drive control circuit (LDC)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04B 1/38 G06K 19/00 Q 5K034 H04L 12/28 H 13/02 H04L 11/00 310B F term (reference) 5B035 AA00 BB09 BC00 CA06 5B069 AA19 BA10 5C080 AA07 BB09 CC09 DD22 EE31 JJ02 JJ03 JJ06 JJ07 5K011 AA00 HA05 HA06 HA08 5K033 DA19 5K034 AA18 EE03 KK03

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An electronic apparatus having a wireless communication function, comprising: a mode switching unit for switching between a normal mode and another mode; and a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state when the normal mode is set by the mode switching unit. An electronic device comprising: a display control unit configured to display an operation state specific to the other mode on the plurality of display elements when another mode is set by the mode switching unit. 2. An electronic device having a wireless communication function capable of performing wireless communication with another device using a wireless communication card, wherein a wireless communication mode using the wireless communication card and another operation mode are set. A mode switching unit for switching, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state of the mode when in the wireless communication mode using the wireless communication card by the mode switching unit, and the mode switch for switching to the other operation mode An electronic apparatus, comprising: display switching control means for displaying an operation state specific to the mode by using the plurality of display elements when the operation is performed. 3. An electronic device having a wireless communication function, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state, a processing unit for checking an operation of a functional unit in the device, and the plurality of display devices when the processing unit executes processing. An electronic apparatus, comprising: display switching control means for displaying the contents of the check result using a display element. 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of display elements are a combination of a single color light emitting LED and a two color light emitting LED or a two color light emitting LED.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one two-color light-emitting LED performs display using different light-emitting colors before and after switching of the display switching control means. 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of display elements are a combination of a single color light emitting LED and a two color light emitting LED or a two color light emitting LED.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two-color light emitting LEDs has a different emission color between a normal state and an abnormal state. 6. The plurality of display elements are a combination of a single color light emitting LED and a two color light emitting LED or a two color light emitting LED.
The status display is performed by an array pattern of at least two or more LEDs at the time of switching display by the display switching control means.
Or the electronic device according to 3. 7. A plurality of display elements are arranged in a row on a partial surface of a housing, and each of the display elements is individually turned on and driven to change an operation state of a plurality of functional units provided in the housing. In the display method for displaying, the display device is switched to a predetermined display mode, and in accordance with the switching setting, a specific one of the plurality of display elements at the end of the array causes the in-housing function section to be switched. The presence or absence of an abnormality is displayed, and among the remaining display elements, the content of the abnormality is displayed by at least one other display element except for at least one display element adjacent to the specific display element. Multi-function display method. 8. A plurality of display elements are arranged in a row on a partial surface of a housing, and each of the display elements is individually driven to light to change an operation state of a plurality of functional units provided in the housing. In the display method of displaying, the display device is switched to a predetermined display mode, and among the plurality of display elements,
The presence or absence of an abnormality of the in-housing function unit is displayed by a specific one display element at an array end, and a plurality of remaining display elements excluding at least one display element adjacent to the specific display element. And displaying the content of the abnormality by a combination of the display elements. 9. A communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a removable wireless communication card, comprising: a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card; and a communication using the wireless communication card. Switching means for switching between a mode and another mode, and display switching control means for displaying a state specific to the mode by using the plurality of display elements when the switching means is switched to the other mode. A communication relay device characterized in that: 10. A communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a detachable wireless communication card, a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card, and a plurality of functional units in the device And a display switching control unit for displaying the contents of the check result of each of the functional units using the plurality of display elements when the processing unit executes the processing. Relay device. 11. A communication relay device for relaying a data signal using a removable wireless communication card, comprising: a plurality of display elements for displaying a communication state using the wireless communication card; and a communication using the wireless communication card. A switch for switching between a mode and another mode; processing means for checking the operation of a plurality of functional units in the device; and a plurality of displays indicating a state specific to the mode when the switch is switched to another mode. First display switching control means for displaying by using an element, and second display switching control means for displaying the contents of the check result of each of the functional units using the plurality of display elements when the processing of the processing means is performed. Comprising, the plurality of display elements,
Different meanings are used for the communication state using the wireless communication card, when the switch is switched to another mode, and when the process of checking the operation of the functional unit is executed, respectively. A communication relay device characterized by the above-mentioned. 12. The communication relay device according to claim 9, wherein the switch switches between a communication mode using the wireless communication card and a maintenance mode executed using another communication path. 13. A single display element for displaying a normal operation using the wireless communication card and an abnormal case in which an abnormality is detected in the operation check of the functional unit by changing the emission color, and displaying the normal state of the device. The communication relay device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the time and the abnormal time are displayed in different colors by a single display element. 14. The processing means for checking the operation of a plurality of functional units in the apparatus is started by a program process when the system apparatus is started up.
The communication relay device as described in the above. 15. When an abnormality is detected by processing means for checking operations of a plurality of functional units in the apparatus, an abnormal state is indicated by a specific color by one first display element of the plurality of display elements. Displaying the contents of the abnormality in a combined display using a single color of a plurality of display elements separated by at least one display element from the first display element among remaining display elements to be displayed. The communication relay device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein 16. The processing for checking the operation of a plurality of functional units in the apparatus includes at least each operation check of a wireless communication card and any or all of an internal memory, an asynchronous data transfer interface, a modem, and a PCMCIA controller. 11. An operation check is included.
Alternatively, the communication relay device according to claim 11. 17. The communication using the wireless communication card includes communication between the card and a modem, and communication between the card and an R card.
12. The communication relay device according to claim 9, wherein communication between the S232C and the modem is included, and any one of the communication can be selected by a switch. 18. The wireless communication card is removably provided in a common card slot with another PC card, and in processing means for checking the operation, an operation abnormality of the wireless communication card mounted in the slot is determined. 12. The communication relay device according to claim 9, wherein the display element displays a state in which a PC card that is not a regular wireless communication card is mounted in a different display form. 19. An electronic apparatus having a wireless communication function, comprising: a plurality of display elements; setting means for selectively setting a normal mode and a mode other than the normal mode; If set,
Display control means for displaying the communication state of the device on the plurality of display elements, and displaying the operation state specific to the other mode on the plurality of display elements when the other mode is set by the setting means. Electronic equipment characterized by the following.