JP2002534839A - How to locate cables in a data line network. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for locating at least one cable of a data line network, the data line network including a data line formed from one or more interconnected cables. At least one data packet is transmitted via the data line, the at least one cable adding a cable-specific cable identification to the data packet. The invention further relates to an apparatus for locating a cable in a data line network, the data line network including a data line formed from one or more interconnected cables, via which the data line is connected. At least one data packet is transmitted, the at least one cable including a memory for the cable-specific cable identification and means for adding the cable-specific cable identification to the data packet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for locating a cable in a track network, the track network comprising:
A method comprising at least one data line formed from one or more interconnected cables, over which at least one data packet is transmitted. The invention further relates to an apparatus for performing the method and a cable for the apparatus.

[0002] Typically, electrical equipment such as computers or printers are connected via cables, such that a data line exists between the interconnected electrical equipment. The two interconnected devices can then be at a relatively large distance from one another. In such a case, in particular, it may be difficult to start from one device and to locate the second device connected thereto. In principle, however, it is possible to track a data line that exists between two devices in the form of a cable forming the data line. However, the cables forming the data lines are often guided together with a number of other cables or they are hidden behind the sheath, making it difficult to track the cables.

A difficulty of this kind is that the data line between the devices is not a single data line, but rather a data line network consisting of multiple, possibly even branched, data lines. When it is a part, it becomes even larger.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily locate a cable in a data line network.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method of the type described at the outset in which the cable adds a cable-specific identification code to data packets transmitted over the data line.

The object is furthermore stated at the outset that each cable forming the data line includes a memory for the cable-specific cable identification and means for adding the cable-specific cable identification to the data packets. It is solved by an apparatus for performing a method of the type.

[0007] Since the cable-specific identification code can be printed on each cable, it can be read from the cables without additional aids. Alternatively,
A reading device can also be provided as an auxiliary means for reading the memory for the cable identification code of the cable.

[0008] The basic idea of the present invention is as follows: a data packet transmitted from an electronic device to a second electronic device connected to the electronic device includes, for example, a data packet transmitted through a data line. Adding the cable identification code of each cable by inserting or attaching it on the way from one device to the second device.
When the data packet reaches the second electronic device, it can then read which cable the data packet has passed based on the cable identification appended to the data packet. In particular, it is also possible for the second device to return the data packet, so that this cable identification is also present in the first device. Starting from the first device, the cable corresponding to the cable identification can easily be tracked, and thus the second device can be found or the cable connecting the devices, for example in a data line network. Can be identified and located.

Furthermore, the topology of a network including a plurality of electrical devices, for example, a computer network, can be automatically analyzed up to the level of a connection cable for each computer as follows. That is, an analysis tool for decoding the cable identification code included in each data packet is installed in the computer.

In addition, data lines can be easily tracked using this method even over nodes or branches, such as hubs.

When the data line is composed of a plurality of interconnected (consecutively connected) cables, a method of sequentially adding a plurality of cable identification codes to a data packet in a cascade manner is advantageous. In this way, it is furthermore realized that all cable identification codes are directly present in the data packet one after the other.

[0012] Advantageously, the device means for adding a cable-specific cable identification code comprises detection means, which detection means comprise a data line section entering the detection means and exiting from the detection means. A plurality of data line sections and is configured to detect at least one predetermined data sequence, and the detection means is connected to electronic switching means; The changeover switch connects the data packet at a first position to an outgoing data line portion from an incoming data line portion and at a second position to an outgoing data line portion with a cable-specific cable identification. At this time, when the detecting means detects a predetermined data sequence, the switching switch is provided for a time necessary for supplying the cable identification code. The switch is switched from a first position to a second position. Advantageously, the detection means additionally comprises a reference pattern memory and a comparator, wherein the reference pattern memory stores at least one predetermined data sequence and the comparator comprises the comparator. When a data stream corresponding to a predetermined data stream is connected to the reference pattern memory, the incoming part of the data line, and the changeover switch, and the incoming part of the data line is added. , The changeover switch is configured to be switched to a second position.

With a device of this type, the addition of a cable-specific cable identification code is easily realized: the comparator continuously converts the data sequence applied to the data line with the data sequence stored in the reference pattern memory. As soon as the comparison is made and the comparator passes the data sequence corresponding to the data sequence stored in the reference pattern memory, the selector switch is controlled so that the cable identification code is supplied to the data line. Such a stored data sequence is preferably the header or cable identification of the data packet.

It is particularly advantageous that the device is characterized as follows: the reference pattern memory stores at least two predetermined data sequences, of which the first one is Characterizes the beginning of the identification code portion of the data packet provided for the cable identification code, and the second data sequence is an occupancy identification code following the first data sequence; The occupancy identification characterizes that the identification code part has already been written by the cable identification code, and the comparator has an internal electronic changeover switch and the incoming part of the data line has When a data sequence corresponding to the first predetermined data sequence is added, the comparator outputs a second predetermined data sequence from the comparator. It is configured to be connected to the data line portion. This type of device makes it possible to generate an output signal containing a cable identification code, especially when the input signal is timed, and in that case it is necessary to temporarily store the data packets which are applied to the data line. Nor. This embodiment is described in detail in the description using the figures.

Preferably, the detecting means comprises a time generator, the time constant of which corresponds to the time required for supplying the cable identification code and which is provided to the changeover switch as follows: It is connected. In other words, when the duration determined by the time constant elapses after the changeover switch is switched from the first position to the second position, the time generator resets the second position to the first position. It is connected. Thus, it can be simply ensured that the change-over switch is switched into the second position provided for this only for the time required for supplying the data line with the cable identification code. The time generator can be timed, for example, by a signal arriving on the data line. The time constant of the time generator then corresponds to a predetermined number of clocks. This number is selected such that it corresponds, for example, to the number of bits which form the cable identification code and are supplied successively to the data line. The time generator may be a monostable multivibrator stage, which is located between the comparator and the changeover switch. If the comparator detects at the end of a data stream passing through the data line that it corresponds to the stored data stream, the comparator sends out a pulse to trigger the monostable multivibrator stage. The monostable multivibrator stage sends out pulses based on this, the duration of which is determined by the time constant of the monostable multivibrator stage. During the duration of this pulse, the changeover switch is switched to the second position. This position is used to supply the cable identification code to the data line.

Usually, data packets are transmitted on data lines in the form of voltage pulses. Advantageously, the detection means derives the energy required by the detection means from a voltage signal applied to the data line. Corresponding energy supplies can include, for example, diodes and resistors and capacitors. The data transmitted over the data line is represented by two alternating voltage states. This alternating voltage signal can be used to charge the capacitor with a diode and to use the capacitor voltage for powering the detection means. Since the resistance of the energy supply makes it high resistance, it does not significantly load and hardly attenuate the alternating voltage signal representing the data stream on the data line.

The above-described means for loading the data packet with a cable-specific cable identification code are preferably housed in the connector of the cable forming the data line, for example in the form of a chip.

[0018] Advantageously, the cable comprising at least one pair of individual lines belonging to one another comprises a resistance measuring means for measuring the electrical resistance between said individual lines belonging to one another and at least one Has an electronic connection switch,
The connection switch is arranged between the individual lines belonging to each other and connected to the resistance measuring means as follows, i.e. the resistance measuring means between the two individual lines is predetermined. The connection switch forms a connection between the individual lines when measuring the electrical resistance above the upper limit value. Cables equipped with this type have the following two advantageous properties:
If a fault occurs in a data line connecting two electronic devices to each other, the fault can be easily located. Furthermore, the cable identification code of the cable provided in this way can be easily read using auxiliary means. This is done by attaching one end of the cable to the auxiliary means.

This embodiment of the cable is based on the following realization: by measuring the electrical resistance between two interconnected individual lines, one end of the data line formed by the cable is determined. It is asked if they are open. I mean,
This is because the cable is open, for example, because it is not attached to the equipment or to the outgoing cable or the data line is broken at some point.

In such a case, a connection between the two individual lines is formed by the connection switch, so that at least one cable identification code of the open-ended cable transmitted via the individual line Will be returned over the other data line. Thus, the cable identification code of each cable can be obtained by using the reading device. If the data line between the first and second devices is relatively long, but is interrupted, further analysis of the returned data packet may reveal which cable the data line is free of. it can.

Next, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. Each figure shows: FIG. 1 shows two electrical devices connected via data lines, FIG. 2 has a connector with integrated chip for cable identification FIG. 3 shows a block circuit diagram of a circuit integrated on the chip of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 schematically shows a signal representing a data packet, and FIG. FIG. 6 shows an outline of an end identification circuit, and FIG. 6 shows a read and instruction unit for a cable identification code.

FIG. 1 shows devices 12 and 14 interconnected via a data line 10.
It is shown. These devices can be computers or printers,
For example, it may be a home appliance such as a refrigerator in which intelligence is embedded in the form of a controller. The data line is formed by two cables 16 and 18. Each of the two cables 16 and 18 has connection means 20, 22, 24 and 26 at its respective free end. These are, for example, in the form of sockets corresponding to Western plugs. Each one of the connecting means of the cables, namely the connecting means 20 of the cable 16 and the cable 1 in FIG.
The connection means 24 of FIG. 8 includes means 28 to 30 for supplying a cable identification code to the data line 10 in a manner described later.

The first connecting means 20 of the first cable 16 is compatible with it,
It is connected to the connection part 32 of the electric device 12. The other end of the cable 16 is connected via connection means 22 to a second cable connection means 24 compatible therewith.
It is connected to the. The other end of the second cable 18 is connected via connection means 26 to a connection 34 of the second electrical device 14 which is compatible therewith. Therefore, the two cables 16 and 18 and the connecting means 20, 22, 24
, 26 and data lines 10 formed by connections 32 and 34
And a second electrical device 14. The data line 10 comprises a plurality of mutually parallel electrical conductors. These conductors are formed by the individual cores of cables 16 and 18.

FIG. 2 shows an end of the cable 16 and a Western-type plug (Western-St.
A connection means 20 in the form of an ecker) is specifically shown. Cable 16 has eight cores 40 forming separate conductors. These cores 40 are connected to the eight contacts of the connection means 20 via means 28 for supplying a cable identification code to the data line 10. The means 28 for supplying a cable identification code is realized in the form of a chip 44 having a total of 16 terminals.

FIG. 3 shows that the cable identification code integrated on the chip 44 is assigned to the data line 10.
The means 28 for supplying to the. This means 28 for supplying data to the data line 10 is arranged between the outgoing and incoming portions of the data line 10. The data line 10 is formed by the signal line 50 and the ground line 52 in the case shown in FIG. The data signal is transmitted through the signal line 50.
In the form of voltage pulses.

The means 28 for supplying a cable identification code to the data line 10 includes a changeover switch 54. It is connected on the one hand to the incoming part 50a of the signal line 50 via an amplifier or detector 56 and a comparator 62 on the one hand and to the memory 58 for the cable identification on the other hand. On the output side, a portion 50 b of the signal line 50 going to the other side is connected to the changeover switch 54.

The changeover switch 54 is configured to connect the data packet arriving on the signal line 50 a to a portion 50 b of the signal line 50 which exits from the supply means 28 at the first position shown in the figure. In the second position, the changeover switch 54 is connected to the supply unit 2.
The portion 50b of the signal line 50 exiting from 8 is connected to the memory 58 for the individual cable identification code so that each cable identification code is connected to the exiting portion 50b of the signal line 50.

For the alternating switching of the changeover switch 54, the detector or amplifier 56, the reference pattern memory 60, and the comparator 62 described above are used. The comparator is connected to the changeover switch 54 and the memory 58 via a control line as a central decision logic or a control unit. In addition, there is a data or signal line between the detector or amplifier 56 and the comparator 62, which follows the signal line 50a and transmits to the comparator the data sequence arriving on the signal line 50a.
Further, the comparator 62 is also connected to the reference pattern memory 60, and accesses from one or a plurality of data strings stored as a reference pattern therein.

The comparator 62 continuously compares the signal arriving on the signal line 50 and amplified by the amplifier 56 with a reference pattern stored in a reference pattern memory 60. The signal arriving via the amplifier 56 is a data string like the reference pattern stored in the reference pattern memory 60.

For comparing the data sequence arriving at the signal line 50 a with that stored in the reference pattern memory 60, a shift register integrated in the comparator 62 and an original comparator are used. The data sequence arriving on the signal line 50a is shifted bit by bit through the shift register, and the data sequence of the number of bits which is present in the shift register and which is predetermined by the size of the shift register is referred to. It is compared with a data string of the same length in the pattern memory. The first data string stored in the reference pattern memory 60 corresponds to the initialization code for the comparator 62 and marks the data packet portion provided for containing the cable identification code. When the comparator 62 detects that the data stream arriving via the signal line 50a includes this initialization code by comparing the pattern with the data sequence existing in the shift register,
The comparator sends out a signal internally and the comparator is in a state of comparing the contents of the shift register, which changes continuously with the incoming data stream, with a second reference pattern. This second reference pattern corresponds to a free code. This code
The corresponding portion of the data packet, which is provided for the cable identification code, indicates that it is not yet occupied by the cable identification code and is still free. On the basis of this, the comparator connects on the output side the third data string stored in the reference pattern memory 60 to the signal line leading to the changeover switch. This data sequence corresponds to the occupation code. This code is provided for the cable identification code and indicates that the data packet portion is already occupied. In addition, the comparator starts counting the number of bits coming from the shift register. When this number corresponds to the size of the shift register, i.e. the free code has completely passed through the shift register and has been completely replaced by an occupied code of the same length, the comparator again switches the incoming data stream. It is separated from the signal line portion led to the switch 54.

If the free code and the occupation code differ for example by only one bit, it is sufficient for the comparator to switch the bits of the free code which characterize the occupation code. In other cases, a separate initialization code for comparator 62 may not be used and the free code itself may be used only for initialization of comparator 62. Therefore, only the data string corresponding to the free code needs to be filed in the reference pattern memory 60.

At the same time, the comparator sends a switching signal via control line 64 to switch 54 and switches switch 54 from the first position to the second position. This switching state is maintained until the comparator counts the number of bits corresponding to the number of bits of the cable identification code at the output of the shift register. While the changeover switch 54 is in the second position, the comparator 62 is connected to the control line 6 which is in communication with the memory 58.
The branch of 4 is controlled so that the contents of the memory 58, i.e. the individual cable identification codes, are transmitted bit by bit to the outwardly directed portion 50b of the signal line 50. Subsequently, since the changeover switch 54 returns to the first position, the data flow from the shift register of the comparator 62 is applied to the outward portion 50b of the signal line 50. This data stream corresponds to the data stream entering the shift register and thus to the outwardly directed portion 50b of the signal line 50.

If the data stream does not optionally include a free code following the initialization code,
No switching is performed, i.e., the data stream applied to the outwardly directed portion 50b of the signal line 50 reaches the outwardly directed portion 50b of the signal line 50 unchanged via the shift register and switch 54 of the comparator 62. .

Using the above-described means, a plurality of cable identification codes of successive cables can be sequentially added to a data packet in a cascade manner. Adding the cable identification code can be started by transmitting a data packet or data stream containing the free code and, if necessary, the initialization code over the data line. Without such a code, no cable identification code is added to the data packet or data stream, ie the data packet or data stream remains unchanged.

The energy required to operate the amplifier 56, the comparator 62, and the changeover switch 54 is extracted from the voltage signal applied to the signal line 50. For this, a diode 70 and a resistor 72 are used. The resistor 72 acts so that the voltage signal on the signal line 50 is only loaded high ohmicly and therefore is only slightly attenuated. Further, a capacitor 74 is provided. It is charged via a resistor 72 and a diode 70 and is used as a reservoir for the energy required for the operation of the supply means 28.

FIG. 4 illustrates data packets that may enter signal line 50. The data packet starts with a header 80, followed by a data block 82. The data block 82 is followed by two cable identification codes 84 and 86.
The supply means 28 described above allows another cable identification code 88 to be added to the end of the data packet.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a circuit 90 for open-end identification, ie, checking whether one end of the cable is open and thus the data line 10 is broken. The circuit 90 may also be integrated on the chip 40. The circuit 90 is based on the fact that the data line 10 is provided with a data going line 92 and a data returning line 94. When the data line 10 is closed, the data transmitted on the data return line 94 of the electric device is connected to the data return line 94 of the electric device, for example, because the data on the line 92 is connected to the data return line 94. Is transmitted back through the PC to check the consistency of the transmitted data. If there is no corresponding connection 96 between the data going line 92 and the data returning line 94 in the electrical equipment, this means that the data going line 92 and the data returning line 9
4 and is represented by a relatively large resistance. Therefore, resistance measuring means 98 is provided for open-end identification. This is interposed between the data going line 92 and the data returning line 94. The resistance measuring means 98 is connected to the connection switch 100. This switch is in the closed position when the data
To the data return line 94.

As soon as the resistance measuring means 98 measures the electrical resistance between the data going line 92 and the data returning line 94 above a predetermined upper limit value,
The resistance measuring means 98 switches the connection switch to a position where the data going line 92 is connected to the data returning line 94. The connection switch 100 remains closed for a predetermined period of time or remains closed until it is reset by a signal.

The closing of the connection switch 100 is realized by returning the data applied to the data going line 92 via the data return line 94. The data applied to the data transmission line 92 is, for example, a cable identification code of all cables up to a cable whose one end is open. If the cable whose one end is open is a component of the data line, based on the cable identification code returned via the data return line 94, up to which cable the data line exists and from where it breaks. Can be identified.

FIG. 6 shows a receiving connector 112 for a Western plug-in connector, for example.
A reading and indicating unit 110 having an indicator and an indicating unit 114 are shown. The evaluation electronics interposed between the receiving connector 112 and the indicator 114 inside the reading and indicating unit 110 are not shown. A cable provided with means for supplying a cable identification code to one or more data lines can be easily plugged into the receiving connector 112 of the reading and indicating unit 110. By means of the evaluation electronics inside the reading and indicating unit 110, the data packets are introduced into the connected cable. The cable adds the cable identification to the cable packet in the manner already described. This is again supplied via the data return line 94 in the cable to the evaluation electronics in the reading and indicating unit, evaluated and indicated to the indicating unit 114. In this case, the data going line and the data returning line of the cable connected to the reading and indicating unit 110 are interconnected via a short-circuit connector or
May be connected via means contained in a cable as shown in FIG.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of two electrical devices connected via data lines.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an end of a multi-core cable having a connector in which a chip for a cable identification code is integrated.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of a circuit integrated on the chip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal representing a data packet.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an open-end identification circuit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a reading and indicating unit for a cable identification code.

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Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method for locating at least one cable of a track network, wherein the track network includes at least one data line formed from one or more interconnected cables. The method of transmitting at least one data packet over the data line, the at least one cable adding a cable-specific cable identification to the data packet. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data packets are cascaded with a cable identification of successive cables. 3. An apparatus for locating cables in a track network, comprising:
The line network includes at least one data line formed from one or more interconnected cables, wherein at least one data packet is transmitted over the data line. Apparatus characterized in that the at least one cable includes a memory for the cable-specific cable identification and means for adding the cable-specific cable identification to the data packet. 4. The means for adding a cable identification code unique to the cable comprises a detecting means, the detecting means comprising a data line portion entering the detecting means and a data line exiting from the detecting means. And a means for detecting a predetermined sequence of data, the detecting means being connected to electronic switching means, the changeover switch being connected to the first switch. The data packet is switched from the incoming data line section to the outgoing data line section at the position
At the position, the cable identification code specific to the cable is connected to the outgoing data line portion, and the detecting means detects the supply of the cable identification code when the detecting means detects a predetermined data sequence. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the changeover switch is switched from the first position to the second position for the time required for the changeover. 5. The detecting means includes a reference pattern memory and a comparator, wherein the reference pattern memory stores at least one predetermined data sequence and the comparator stores the reference data sequence. When a data sequence corresponding to a predetermined data sequence is added to the pattern memory, the incoming portion of the data line, and the changeover switch and connected to the outgoing portion of the data line, The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the switch is configured to switch the changeover switch to a second position. 6. The reference pattern memory stores at least two predetermined data strings, of which a first data string is provided for a cable identification code. Characterizing the beginning of the identification code portion of the data packet and the second data sequence is an occupancy identification code following said first data sequence, said occupancy identification code being already written by said cable identification code And the comparator has an internal electronic changeover switch and has the first predetermined data stream in the incoming part of the data line. When a corresponding data stream is added, it is arranged to connect a second predetermined data stream to the data line section leaving the comparator. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein. 7. The comparator according to claim 1, wherein the data stream following the first data stream is applied to a data line portion entering the comparator and a second stored data stream. If, on the other hand, the data sequence applied to the data line does not correspond to the second stored data sequence, the second data sequence is connected to the data line section leaving the comparator and a change-over switch 7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is switched from a first position to a second position. 8. The data packet is of a type transmitted on a data line in the form of a voltage signal, wherein said detecting means extracts energy required by said detecting means from a voltage signal applied to the data line. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The device according to claim 3, wherein the cable comprises a memory for the individual cable identification and means for adding a cable-specific cable identification to the data packet. cable. 10. A cable having connection means at both ends, the cable being of a type connectable to another cable or an electric device using the connection means, and for adding a cable identification code unique to the cable. 10. The cable according to claim 9, wherein said means is accommodated in at least one of the cable connection means. 11. A type comprising at least one pair of individual lines assigned to each other, wherein the cable comprises a resistance measurement for measuring the electrical resistance between the individual lines assigned to each other. Means and at least one electronic connection switch, which are arranged between the individual lines belonging to one another and are connected to the resistance measuring means as follows: The connection switch forms a connection between the individual lines when the resistance measuring means between the two individual lines measures an electrical resistance that is above a predetermined upper limit. The described cable.