JP2002073851A - Unit for electronic equipment, and system and method of managing its version number - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate compatibility management of a unit such as a board. SOLUTION: Units are provided with compatibility versions A, B, C, etc., from a lower (older) level to a higher (newer) level of its function when the higher level unit has compatibility with any of lower level unit than that. When an identifier and a compatibility version of a failed unit are inputted, a history of the compatibility version of the corresponding unit is displayed from the database 21 on the display 23 to indicate a compatible unit. Inventory of the compatible unit is read out of a database 26 and displayed, and an exchanged unit can be determined.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a unit having a predetermined function, such as a printed wiring board on which various components are mounted, for example, a so-called board, which is used in an electronic apparatus, and a compatible version number management system. And its method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Small and large scale electronic devices, such as measuring instruments, electronic computers, and communication devices, use a plurality of units such as boards and frames according to the scale. Even with the same model of electronic equipment, the performance improvement and reliability are improved by the request of the function improvement from the user and the effort of the manufacturer, and the function is added to the first, second, third, etc. Usually, the performance is improved. In order to add functions and improve performance in this way, the functions of some units in the electronic device are changed. In this case, using a completely different unit for each change means that all units for each unit are prepared for repair in case of failure, and the types of units to be stocked increase, Inconvenient.

[0003] In view of the above, for example, even if the above-mentioned change is made from the third unit, if the changed unit is made compatible with the corresponding units of the first and second units before the change, ,
The units used for the first and second units are unnecessary, and the units used for the third unit may be prepared. That is, 1
When the corresponding unit of the Unit No. 2 or the corresponding unit breaks down, it can be replaced and repaired using the stock of the corresponding unit of the Unit No. 3.

However, conventionally, compatibility is not managed, and when a certain unit breaks down and the unit is out of stock, the input / output relationship is the same from the current design drawing of the corresponding unit. It is checked whether or not it can be substituted, and if not, it is checked whether the corresponding unit before it can be substituted in the same way.

[0005]

As described above, in the prior art, when there is a change such as a performance improvement or a function addition, the changed unit is made to have compatibility as much as possible. It was not managed properly and it took time to find a compatible unit to replace the unit in case of failure. They also had an unnecessarily large inventory.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a unit is provided with a compatibility version indicating compatibility. Compatibility means that a unit can substitute for a unit with a lower function and performance, and if the unit has compatibility with a lower unit as the performance and function increase, it is determined in advance. Compatibility version is indicated by symbols, numbers, etc., which indicate the order. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, with respect to a certain board (No. 15) used in a certain electronic device, the board used in the first machine is given an A as a compatibility version, and the function of the No. 15 board used in the third machine is described. Although the performance has been changed, if the No. 15 board for No. 3 is also used as the No. 15 board for No. 1, add B to the No. 15 board (No. 15) as a compatible version. 4
The function and performance of the No. 15 board used for the Unit No. 15 has been changed, but the No. 15 board for the No. 4 can be used as the No. 15 board for the No. 1 and the No. 15 board for the No. 3 In such a case, the compatibility version C is attached to the No. 15 board for the fourth machine.

That is, the compatibility version attached to the board (unit) has the lowest function and performance (lower order) as shown in FIG.
The function and performance of the compatible version A board are included in the compatible version B board, and the functions and performance of the compatible version B board are included in the compatible version C board. The version number management method of the present invention manages an electronic device unit by attaching a compatibility version indicating compatibility as described above to the electronic device unit.

The use of a unit having a compatibility version indicating such backward compatibility makes it very convenient to manage the unit as described in the following embodiment.

[0009]

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which a unit according to the present invention is applied to a board. The board 11 has various components 13 mounted on a printed wiring board 12 and is connected to a wiring pattern 14 of the printed wiring board 12. On the board 11, for example, "BGR-1234" is formed on one side of the board 11 by etching at the same time as the shape of the pattern 14 as its product number, that is, an identifier 15 which is information for distinguishing the board 11 from other boards. It is attached. In the present invention, as a compatibility version (number) 16 indicating backward compatibility, in this example, "B" is added to one corner of the board 11 in alphabetical order. Further, in this example, "C" is given in alphabetical order as the circuit diagram (number) 17 of the board 11, and "A" is given in alphabetical order as the version 18 of the printed wiring board 12.

Next, a description will be given of an embodiment of a management apparatus for the board 11 provided with such a compatibility version (number) 16, particularly an embodiment of a compatibility version number management apparatus, with reference to FIG. This version number management apparatus includes a version number database 21 storing at least the latest compatible version 16 for each identifier (product number) 15 of the board 11.
Input means 22 such as a keyboard for inputting a board identifier 15;
A control unit 24 such as a PU, and a memory 25 storing a program for reading, interpreting, and executing the device by the control unit 24 to make this device function. In this embodiment, a stock database 26 and a printer 27 are provided which store the stock quantity for each board identifier 15 and for each compatible version 16 thereof. Further, the read / write mode of the database 21 or 26 is provided in the input means 22. Read key 2 for selecting
2a, a write key 22b, a version number key 22c for selecting the version number database 21, and a stock key 22d for selecting the stock database 26 are provided.

The version number database 21 is not limited to the case shown in FIG. 4, but for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the history of the compatible version 16 is stored for each identifier 15 and the history A,
Regarding B, ..., each time the version (number) changes to higher-level functions and performances, the reason for the change, the design change number indicating the change order including the contents of the design change, the date of the change, and others And related matters such as precautions such as the necessity of changing software with the change. In FIG. 5, the compatibility version of the board with the identifier BGR-0001 is A and remains the first, but the identifier BGR-0
The compatible version of the 002 board changes from A → B → C, and is currently “C”.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the procedure of the operation of this apparatus.
For example, a device used by a user breaks down, and a certain board 11 among them, for example, an identifier (product number) BGR-1
If the 234 is defective and needs to be replaced, the input means 22 is operated to input the identifier BGR-1234, which is taken into the control unit 24 (S1), and then the mode is set to read. The read key 22a to be operated is operated (S2), whereby the read is determined (S3), and the control unit 24 searches the version number database 21 for the stored content corresponding to the inputted identifier BGR-1324 (S4). ), The contents are displayed on the display 23.

That is, the identifier BGR-12 is displayed on the display 23.
34 is displayed, and the compatible version of the board of the identifier is changed from A to B, and the design change number, date, etc. at that time are further changed from B to C, and the design change number, year at that time are changed. The date and the like are further changed from C to D, and the design change number, the date and the like at that time are displayed. Therefore, looking at this display, if the compatible version of the board requiring replacement is, for example, B, the board cannot be used even if the compatible version A of the identifier BGR-1234 is in stock, but the compatible version is B or It can be readily understood that if either C or D is in stock, it can be used to replace the board with the failed device.

When the defective board is to be repaired, a corresponding design change instruction is taken out from the displayed reason for change and the design change number, and if necessary, the circuit indicated in the instruction is taken out. Repair can be done relatively easily by looking at the schematic circuit diagram. In this embodiment, when the identifier is input, the compatible version of the target board, "B" in the above example, is also input, or after the display is performed in step S5, the input means 22 is operated to operate the compatible version " When "B" is input (S6), the control unit 24 searches the inventory database 26 using the identifier BGR-1234 previously input (S7), and retrieves the content, that is, the inventory status of the board of the identifier, and Although it may be displayed on the display 23, in this example, the board of the compatible version that can be exchanged for the input identifier and the board of the compatible version in the stock state, in this example, "B" The inventory status of the higher version number is displayed on the display 23 (S8). In the example of FIG. 4, it is displayed that the inventory of the compatibility version B is 0, but the compatibility version C has 5 pieces and the compatibility version D has 17 pieces. Therefore, it can be determined that the inexpensive compatible version of the compatible versions C and D boards may be replaced with a defective board.

If the compatibility version of the board changes,
The identifier of the board is input, the write key 22b is operated as a mode input, and the version key 22c for selecting the version database 21 is operated (S9). As a result, it is determined that the data is written to the version number database 21 (S10).
The version database 21 is searched with the input identifier (S
11), the stored contents are displayed (S12), and the display is confirmed, and the compatible version changed, other reasons for the change,
When required items such as date are input from the input means 22 (S
13), these are stored in the corresponding area of the version number database 21 (S14). If the input identifier does not exist in the version number database 21, it is written into the version number database 21 as an input for a new board. The items stored in the version number database 21 are displayed on the display 23 (S15) and can be confirmed.

When the contents in the inventory database 26 are changed, the identifier of the corresponding board and the compatible version are inputted,
When the write key 22b and the inventory key 22d are operated, the inventory database 26 is searched according to the identifier and the compatible version (S16), and the result is displayed on the display 23 (S1).
7), confirming the display, inputting a change in the stock quantity of the compatible version of the board (S18), and changing the record of the corresponding part of the stock database 26 (S19); The result is displayed on the display 23 (S20),
Confirm.

If the exchangeable boards are simply known, the version number database 21 stores the current (latest) information of each board.
It is sufficient to store a compatible version of. Instead of displaying on the display 23, the information may be printed on paper by the printer 27 and displayed. Alternatively, the display by the display 23 and the printer 27
May be displayed on a sheet of paper. Next, an embodiment of another unit management apparatus, that is, an inventory management apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This device is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, similarly to the inventory database 26 in FIG. 4, each unit, for example, for each board identifier (product number),
And a stock database 31 storing the number of stocks for each compatible version, input means 32 for inputting unit identifiers and compatible versions, a display 33, and a printer 3
4, a control unit 35 comprising a CPU, and a memory 36 in which a program read and interpreted by the control unit 35 to execute and operate the apparatus is recorded. The input means 32 is provided with a read key 32a and a write key 32b. ing.

If the user wants to know the stock status of the board, the identifier (product number), for example, BGR-1234 is input by operating the input means 32 and the read key 32a is operated to select the mode (S2). , The read mode is determined, the inventory database 31 is searched with the input identifier, and the inventory status of the board of the identifier is taken out (S
4), the extracted contents are displayed on the display 33.
In this example, the input identifier is BGR-1234, and the compatible versions of the board are 3 for A, 14 for B, 8 for C, and 12 for D. It is displayed that there is stock. From this display, performance,
A board of lower compatibility version A or B can be replaced with a board of higher compatibility version C or D. If necessary, repair the board of compatibility version A or B and replace the compatible version C or D board. By changing to the D board and eliminating the stock of each board of the compatible versions A and B, the type of stock can be reduced,
In addition, the number of stocks required for each type can be reduced, inventory management can be simplified, and the volume of a warehouse required for stocks can be reduced.

In order to change the recording state of the stock database 31, the identifier of the corresponding board and its compatible version are input by operating the input means 32, and the write key 32b is input.
Is operated to enter the write mode, the inventory database 31 is searched for the input identifier and the compatible version, the number of stocks stored in the area is extracted (S6), and the input identifier and the compatible version are retrieved. Is displayed (S7), and when the correction amount is input by operating the input means 32 (S8), the corresponding identifier in the inventory database 31 and the inventory quantity of the compatible version in response to the input are displayed. Is corrected (S
9), the correction result is displayed on the display 33 (S1).
0), can be confirmed. If the input identifier or compatible version does not exist in the inventory database 31, the item is provided in the inventory database 31 as a new identifier or a new compatible version.

In this example, instead of the display on the display 33, the printer 34 may print and display on paper. Both display means may be used. If the circuit diagram plate 17 is attached as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it becomes easy to find the circuit diagram when the board 11 is repaired. Similarly, if the printed circuit board plate number 18 is attached, the wiring pattern film can be easily taken out, and it is easy to determine which pattern the probe should be brought into contact with during repair and inspection, which is convenient and convenient. is there.

The compatibility version is not limited to the alphabet, but may be any symbol, number, or the like that can be assigned in a predetermined order. In addition, not only boards but also units, for example, when assembling electronic equipment using a plurality of racks incorporating a power supply, board, display, etc., each rack has a compatible version indicating its backward compatibility. It is equally convenient.

[0022]

As described above, according to the present invention, since a unit having a function is provided with a compatibility version indicating backward compatibility, an electronic device constituted by the unit breaks down and a defective unit is replaced. It is very convenient for repair or repair. In particular, according to the version number management device, the compatibility of the unit in question can be immediately determined.

According to the inventory management device, inventory management is simplified, and the volume of the warehouse can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a display compatibility version of backward compatibility.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of backward compatibility.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a version number management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the storage contents of the version number database 21 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the version number management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the system shown in FIG. 7;

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A unit for an electronic device, wherein the unit is incorporated in an electronic device, and the unit is provided with a compatibility version indicating compatibility. 2. A version database storing at least the latest compatible version information for each electronic device unit, and input means capable of inputting an identifier for distinguishing the electronic device unit, Display means for displaying, when the identifier is inputted, information on the compatible version of the electronic device unit indicated by the identifier in the version database, a version number management system. 3. An inventory database storing the number of stocks for each compatible version of each electronic device unit and a compatible version of the electronic device unit indicated by the input identifier are input. Display means for displaying the number of units compatible with the input compatible version in the unit for the electronic device indicated by the input identifier in the database and the compatible version thereof, and 3. The version number management system according to claim 2, wherein: 4. An inventory database storing the number of stocks for each electronic device unit and for each compatible version of the unit, input means for inputting an identifier for identifying the electronic device unit, and an identifier. And a display means for displaying the number of stocks of each compatible version of the electronic device unit indicated by the input identifier in the stock database when is input. 5. A version number management method, wherein a compatibility version indicating compatibility is added to a unit incorporated in an electronic device to manage the electronic device unit.