JP2007189419A - Receiver, method and device for diagnosing abnormality thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of detecting abnormality of a tuner, for a receiver comprising a plurality of tuners. <P>SOLUTION: The abnormality diagnosing device is for a receiver equipped with a plurality of tuners, capable of performing processes, in parallel, for reception signals about the same broadcasting. The quality information of reception signals is obtained as acquired from the signals generated in the processes for the reception signals in tuners. The qualities represented by the quality information thus acquired are compared each other. Based on the comparing result for quality, occurrence of abnormality is judged in a tuner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an abnormality diagnosis device for a receiver of a radio or television broadcast, a receiver, an abnormality diagnosis method for a receiver, and a program.

Conventionally, AM / FM radio and television broadcast receivers generally have one tuner. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a tuner in the prior art. In FIG. 7, a signal received by the antenna 25 is input to an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 26. The RF unit 26 tunes the received signal and inputs the tuned signal to the mixer unit 27. A PLL (Phase Lock Loop) unit 29 and a Vco (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) unit 28 generate a local transmission signal and input it to the Mixer unit 27. The mixer unit 27 uses a local transmission signal from the Vco unit 28 with respect to the signal from the RF unit 26 to generate an intermediate frequency signal having a frequency difference between these signals, and an IF (Intermediate Frequency) unit 30. To enter. The IF unit 30 amplifies the input signal and inputs the amplified signal to the detection unit 31. The detector 31 demodulates the input signal into an audio signal and outputs it to a device connected to this system.

In recent years, receivers equipped with a plurality of tuners have been proposed and studied for higher quality voice and video communication requirements. Prior art documents relating to the present invention include the following.
JP-A-8-51390 JP 2000-341160 A

  The tuner in the prior art shown in FIG. 7 does not perform abnormality (failure) diagnosis of the tuner. However, for example, it is conceivable to measure the intensity (level) of the signal from the IF unit 30 with a signal meter and diagnose the failure of the tuner based on whether or not the measured value falls within a predetermined range.

  However, when the intensity of the signal from the IF unit 30 does not fall within the predetermined range, it is considered difficult to determine whether the cause is due to the radio wave environment or due to the failure of the tuner.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of detecting an abnormality of a tuner for a receiver having a plurality of tuners.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

  (1) That is, an abnormality diagnosis device for a receiver according to the present invention is an abnormality diagnosis device for a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on reception signals of the same broadcast in parallel, and for reception signals at each tuner. Based on the quality comparison result, an acquisition means for acquiring quality information of a received signal obtained from a signal generated in a processing process, a comparison means for comparing the quality indicated by each acquired quality information, and a tuner based on the quality comparison result Determining means for determining that an abnormality has occurred.

  According to this configuration, the abnormality diagnosis apparatus for the receiver includes a plurality of tuners that can execute processes on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel. In addition, this receiver abnormality diagnosis apparatus acquires quality information of received signals obtained from signals generated in the process of receiving signals in each tuner, and compares the quality indicated by each acquired quality information. Then, based on the quality comparison result, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner. Thus, the receiver abnormality diagnosis device can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner.

  (2) In addition, the determination unit according to the abnormality diagnosis apparatus for a receiver according to the present invention, when a quality difference exceeding a predetermined allowable value is obtained, among the quality information used to obtain the difference, It may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner corresponding to the quality information having the lower quality.

  According to this configuration, the abnormality diagnosis apparatus for the receiver acquires the quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal generated in the process for the received signal in each tuner, and is indicated by the acquired quality information. Comparing the quality, and in the quality comparison, when a quality difference exceeding a predetermined allowable range is obtained, the quality information used to obtain the difference corresponds to the quality information having the lower quality. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner. As a result, the abnormality diagnosis device for the receiver can identify a tuner in which an abnormality has occurred among a plurality of tuners.

  (3) In addition, the acquisition unit according to the receiver abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention is generated from the first signal quality information generated from the received signal and the first signal in each tuner. Second signal quality information, and the determination means generates or processes the first signal in the tuner when a difference based on the quality information of the first signal exceeds a predetermined allowable range. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the process up to the process, and the difference based on the quality information of the first signal does not exceed a predetermined allowable range, but the difference based on the quality information of the second signal is predetermined. If the allowable range is exceeded, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the generation or processing of the second signal in the tuner.

  According to this configuration, the receiver abnormality diagnosis apparatus obtains the received signal quality information obtained from the signal generated in the processing process for the received signal in each tuner, and obtains the received signal quality information from the received signal in the tuner. The quality information of the generated first signal and the quality information of the second signal generated from the first signal are acquired, and a difference based on the quality information of the first signal is determined as a tuner abnormality determination. When the predetermined allowable range is exceeded, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the generation or processing of the second signal in the tuner. That is, it is possible to specify in which part of the tuner the abnormality occurs.

  (4) When the receiver abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention determines that the tuner is abnormal, the quality information that is the basis of the difference value used for this determination and the identification of the tuner corresponding to each quality information And means for storing the information in the storage means.

  According to this configuration, when the abnormality diagnosis device of the receiver determines that the tuner is abnormal, the quality information that is the basis of the difference value used for the determination and the identification information of the tuner corresponding to each quality information Can be stored in the storage means. Thus, the cause of the abnormality of the tuner can be clarified by analyzing the information stored in the storage means.

(5) Further, the receiver according to the present invention provides a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel, and the quality of received signals obtained from signals generated during processing of received signals in each tuner. An abnormality including acquisition means for acquiring information, comparison means for comparing the quality indicated by each acquired quality information, and determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the quality comparison result Diagnostic means.

  According to this configuration, the receiver includes a plurality of tuners that can execute processes on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel. In addition, the receiver obtains quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal generated in the process for the received signal in each tuner, compares the quality indicated by the obtained quality information, and compares the quality information. Based on the comparison result, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner. Thus, the receiver can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner.

  (6) In the receiver according to the present invention, each of the tuners includes a first state in which received signals respectively received by a plurality of antennas are input to the corresponding tuners, and one of the plurality of antennas. The received signals may be connected to the plurality of antennas via switching means for performing switching operation between the second state in which the received signals are input to the tuners.

  According to this configuration, in the receiver, each tuner is received by one of the plurality of antennas and the first state where the reception signals respectively received by the plurality of antennas are input to the corresponding tuners. An abnormality diagnosis is performed for a receiver having a diversity configuration by being connected to a plurality of antennas via a switching unit that performs switching operation between a second state in which a received signal is input to each tuner. Can do.

  (7) In addition, the receiver abnormality diagnosis method according to the present invention is generated in the process of processing the received signal in each tuner for a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on the received signal of the same broadcast in parallel. Including obtaining quality information of each received signal obtained from the signal, comparing the quality indicated by the obtained quality information, and determining that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the quality comparison result .

  According to this configuration, the abnormality diagnosis method for the receiver is a method for a receiver including a plurality of tuners that can execute processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel. In addition, this receiver abnormality diagnosis method acquires the quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal generated in the process for the received signal in each tuner, and compares the quality indicated by the acquired quality information. Then, based on the quality comparison result, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner. Thus, the receiver abnormality diagnosis method can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner.

  (8) The program according to the present invention is generated in the information processing apparatus in the process of processing the received signal in each tuner for a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on the received signal of the same broadcast in parallel. A step of acquiring quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal, a step of comparing the quality indicated by each of the acquired quality information, and determining that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the quality comparison result And executing a step.

  According to this configuration, this program is executed by an information processing apparatus of a receiver including a plurality of tuners that can execute processes on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel. In addition, this program obtains the quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal generated in the processing process for the received signal in each tuner, compares the quality indicated by the obtained quality information, and compares this quality information. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the comparison result. Thus, this program can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner.

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality of a tuner for a receiver having a plurality of tuners.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the following embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiver according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the receiver 100 includes a plurality of tuners 101 and 102 having the same configuration, and an abnormality diagnosis module 103 as an abnormality diagnosis device of the receiver 100.

<Tuner>
The tuner 101 includes an RF unit 2A connected to the antenna 1A, a mixer unit 3A connected to the RF unit 2A, a Vco unit 6A connected to the mixer unit 3A, and a PLL unit 7A connected to the Vco unit 6A. The IF unit 4A connected to the mixer unit 3A and the detection unit 5A connected to the IF unit 4A are provided.

The tuner 102 includes an RF unit 2B connected to the antenna 1B, a mixer unit 3B connected to the RF unit 2B, a Vco unit 6B connected to the mixer unit 3B, and a PLL unit 7B connected to the Vco unit 6B. The IF unit 4B connected to the mixer unit 3B and the detection unit 5B connected to the IF unit 4B are provided.

Antenna 1A and antenna 1B, RF unit 2A and RF unit 2B, Mixer unit 3A and Mixer unit 3B, IF unit 4A and IF unit 4B, detection unit 5A and detection unit 5B, Vco unit 6A and Vco unit 6B, and PLL unit 7A
The PLL unit 7B has the same configuration and function. Some radio waves (eg AM /
When FM radio and terrestrial television broadcast waves are received by the antennas 1A and 1B, the tuners 101 and 102 are configured to execute processing for corresponding antenna inputs (received signals) in parallel. ing.

Hereinafter, the components of the tuners 101 and 102 will be described using the tuner 101 as an example. The RF unit 2A (2B) receives a reception signal corresponding to the radio wave received by the antenna 1A (1B). The RF unit 2A (2B) tunes the input reception signal and inputs the tuned signal to the mixer unit 3A (3B). The Vco unit 6A (6B) and the PLL unit 7A (7B) generate a local transmission signal and input it to the Mixer unit 3A (3B). The mixer unit 3A (3B) uses the signal from the RF unit 2A (2B) and the local transmission signal from the Vco unit 6A (6B) to generate an intermediate frequency signal having a frequency difference between these signals. , Input to the IF unit 4A (4B). The IF unit 4A (4B) amplifies the input intermediate frequency signal and inputs it to the detection unit 5A (5B). The detector 5A (5B) detects (demodulates) the input intermediate frequency signal and outputs a detected signal (audio signal). The detection signal undergoes necessary processing, and is finally connected to an output device such as a speaker and output from the output device.

The Vco unit 6A (6B) is a voltage controlled oscillator, and is a device that transmits a local transmission signal according to an input voltage. The PLL unit 7A (7B) is a phase lock loop circuit that controls the frequency of the locally transmitted signal so as not to shift.

  The signals output from the detectors 5A and 5B are selectively synthesized by a device (not shown) connected to the receiver 100, and converted into one signal with good quality.

<Abnormality diagnosis module>
The abnormality diagnosis module 103 collects quality information indicating the quality of signals generated in the process of processing received signals in the tuners 101 and 102, and whether there is an abnormality in the tuners 101 and 102 based on the quality comparison result. Determine whether or not.

  The abnormality diagnosis module 103 includes measurement units 8A and 8B connected to the IF units 4A and 4B, and measurement units 9A and 9B connected to the detection units 5A and 5B, respectively, as signal quality measurement units.

  In addition, the abnormality diagnosis module 103 includes a comparator 14 (acquisition unit, comparison unit) connected to the measurement units 8A, 9A, 8B, and 9B as a comparison unit for the measured signal quality.

  Further, the abnormality diagnosis module 103 has a microcomputer 15 (control unit) connected to the comparator 14 and a microcomputer 15 as a determination unit (determination unit) that determines tuner failure from the signal quality compared by the comparison unit. A connected memory 16 (storage means) is provided.

  The measurement unit 8A includes a signal meter 10A and a frequency counter 11A. The measurement unit 9A includes a signal meter 12A and a frequency counter 13A. The measurement unit 8B includes a signal meter 10B and a frequency counter 11B. The measurement unit 9B includes a signal meter 12B and a frequency counter 13B.

  The measuring units 8A and 8B have the same configuration. The measurement unit 8A (8B) measures the intensity (voltage level) of the intermediate frequency signal input from the IF unit 4A (4B) using the signal meter 10A (10B). The measuring unit 8A (8B) measures the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal input from the IF unit 4A (4B) using the frequency counter 11A (11B). The measurement unit 8A (8B) inputs measurement results obtained by the signal meter 10A (10B) and the frequency counter 11A (11B) to the comparator 14.

  The measuring units 9A and 9B have the same configuration. The measurement unit 9A (9B) measures the intensity (voltage level) of the detection signal input from the detection unit 5A (5B) using the signal meter 12A (12B). Further, the measurement unit 9A (9B) measures the frequency of the detection signal input from the detection unit 5A (5B) using the frequency counter 13A (13B). The measurement unit 9A (9B) inputs the measurement results obtained by the signal meter 12A (12B) and the frequency counter 13A (13B) to the comparator 14.

  As described above, the following eight measurement results (quality information) are input to the comparator 14.

(A) Intensity value V _A of intermediate frequency signal from IF section 4A (1),
(B) The frequency value V _A of the intermediate frequency signal from the IF unit 4A (2),
(C) The intensity value V _A of the detection signal from the detection unit 5A (3),
(D) The frequency value V _A of the detection signal from the detection unit 5A (4),
(E) Intensity value V _B of intermediate frequency signal from IF section 4B (1),
(F) Frequency value V _B of the intermediate frequency signal from IF section 4B (2),
(G) Intensity value V _B of the detection signal from the detection unit 5B (3),
(H) Frequency value V _B of the detection signal from the detection unit 5B (4).

  Hereinafter, when the values (a) to (h) are collectively shown, the notation “quality value” is used.

The comparator 14 compares the difference value V (1) between V _A (1) and V _B (1) (= V _A (1) −V _B (1)), V _A (2) and V _B (2). Difference value V (2) (= V _A (2) −V _B (2)), difference value V (3) between V _A (3) and V _B (3) (= V _A (3) − V _B (3)), and V _A (4) and V _B (4)
Difference value V (4) (= V _A (4) −V _B (4)) is calculated and input to the microcomputer 15.

  Next, the microcomputer 15 determines whether or not each input difference value exceeds a predetermined allowable range using data indicating a predetermined allowable range provided in the memory 16. Data indicating a predetermined allowable range is stored in the memory 16 for each type of signal for which a difference is calculated.

  For example, when the predetermined allowable range of V (1) is −10 to 10, when V (1) is V (1) <− 10 or 10 <V (1), the difference value V (1) is a predetermined value. Suppose that the tolerance is exceeded. When the predetermined allowable range of V (1) is −10 to 10 and −10 <= V (1) <= 10, the difference value V (1) does not exceed the predetermined allowable range. To do. Further, the absolute value | V (1) | of the difference value V (1) is used, and V (1) is determined by whether or not | V (1) | exceeds a predetermined allowable range having a positive value. It may be determined whether or not a predetermined allowable range is exceeded.

  The microcomputer 15 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner when the difference value from the comparator 14 exceeds a predetermined allowable range. At this time, the microcomputer 15 may determine that the difference is abnormal when all of the difference values exceed a predetermined allowable range, and when any at least one of the difference values exceeds the predetermined allowable range. You may make it determine with it being abnormal. When a difference value is selected, a signal meter or a frequency counter for obtaining a difference value that is not used for determination may be turned off.

  In addition, when the microcomputer 15 determines an abnormality, it can specify a tuner that is recognized as having an abnormality as follows. In the present embodiment, the difference values V (1) to V (4) take positive and negative values, and indicate that the quality value from the tuner 101 is larger than the quality value from the tuner 102 when the difference value is positive. . On the other hand, when the difference value is negative, the quality value from the tuner 102 is greater than the quality value from the tuner 101. That is, the sign of the difference value functions as tuner identification information. When determining the abnormality, the microcomputer 15 refers to the sign of the difference value. If the difference value is positive, the microcomputer 15 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner 102, and if the difference value is negative, the tuner 101 It can be determined that an abnormality has occurred. In this way, the microcomputer 15 can identify the tuner in which an abnormality has occurred.

  Furthermore, the microcomputer 15 can specify an abnormality occurrence location in the tuner by a combination of the difference value determination results. That is, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the determination based on the quality information of the intermediate frequency signal (first signal), the abnormality occurrence location in the tuner can be specified as the location before the IF unit 4A. On the other hand, if the determination result related to the intermediate frequency signal does not exceed the allowable range, but exceeds the allowable range in the determination based on the quality information of the detection signal (second signal), the abnormality occurrence location in the tuner is It can be identified as the detector 5A. The microcomputer 15 stores such a specific result in the memory 16. Such a specification result can be used to specify a location where a tuner abnormality has occurred.

  If the microcomputer 15 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner, the microcomputer 15 performs a tuner restart process. That is, the microcomputer 15 performs a process of turning on the supply power of the constituent elements constituting the tuners 101 and 102 and inputting predetermined setting data for restarting the operation to the constituent elements. At this time, the microcomputer 15 may execute the restart process for both the tuners 101 and 102, or may execute the restart process only for the tuner determined to be abnormal.

  The memory 16 is provided with a program for operating the microcomputer 15. The memory 16 stores data used for analyzing the cause of abnormality when it is determined that the tuner has failed. The memory 16 is preferably a memory that stores data even when the power is turned off.

<Operation example of microcomputer>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an abnormality (failure) diagnosis process executed by the microcomputer 15. This flowchart shows the processing operation of the microcomputer 15 for the value input from the comparator 14 to the microcomputer 15. The following processing is performed by the microcomputer 15 executing a program provided in the memory 16. This abnormality (failure) diagnosis process is performed for a predetermined time immediately after the receiver is turned on, for example.

  First, the microcomputer 15 determines whether or not V (1) to V (4) are input to the microcomputer 15 within a predetermined time (S1). In the process of step S1, when the microcomputer 15 determines that V (1) to V (4) are input to the microcomputer 15 within a predetermined time (S1; YES), the process proceeds to step S2. . In the process of step S1, when the microcomputer 15 determines that there is no input of V (1) to V (4) to the microcomputer 15 within a predetermined time (S1; NO), the process proceeds to the process of step S7. .

  In the process of step S2, the microcomputer 15 determines whether V (1) is within a predetermined range (S2). If the microcomputer 15 determines that V (1) is within a predetermined range in the process of step S2 (S2; YES), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S3. If the microcomputer 15 determines in step S2 that V (1) is outside the predetermined range (S2; NO), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to step S7.

  In the process of step S3, the microcomputer 15 determines whether V (2) is within a predetermined range (S3). If the microcomputer 15 determines in step S3 that V (2) is within a predetermined range (S3; YES), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to step S4. If the microcomputer 15 determines that V (2) is outside the predetermined range in the process of step S3 (S3; NO), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S7.

  In the process of step S4, the microcomputer 15 determines whether or not V (3) is within a predetermined range (S4). If the microcomputer 15 determines in step S4 that V (3) is within a predetermined range (S4; YES), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to step S5. In the process of step S4, when the microcomputer 15 determines that V (3) is outside the predetermined range (S4; NO), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S7.

  In the process of step S5, the microcomputer 15 determines whether V (4) is within a predetermined range (S5). If the microcomputer 15 determines that V (4) is within the predetermined range in the process of step S5 (S5; YES), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S6. If the microcomputer 15 determines that V (4) is outside the predetermined range in the process of step S5 (S5; NO), the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S7.

In step S6, the microcomputer 15 determines that the tuner is operating normally. The microcomputer 15 uses the V _A (1) when the tuner is abnormal (failed).
˜V _A (4), V _B (1) to V _B (4), and V (1) to V (4) are stored in the memory 16 for a predetermined time. Further, the microcomputer 15 receives the intensity of the signal received by the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B and the frequency of the signal through the measuring unit 8A and the measuring unit 9A and connects the FM / AM mode and the like to the receiver 100 (see FIG. (Not shown) and stored in the memory 16 for a predetermined time. After the process of step S6, the microcomputer 15 proceeds to the process of step S8.

  In the process of step S8, the microcomputer 15 determines whether or not to continue the abnormality (failure) diagnosis (S8). In this determination, for example, the microcomputer 15 may include a timer, and the timer may be used to determine whether or not to continue the abnormality (failure) diagnosis depending on whether or not a preset time has expired. Further, for example, the microcomputer 15 may include a counter, and the counter may be used to determine whether or not to continue the abnormality (failure) diagnosis based on whether or not a preset number of measurements has been completed. The microcomputer 15 may include a clock and determine whether to continue the abnormality (failure) diagnosis based on whether a predetermined time has passed. If the microcomputer 15 determines that the abnormality (failure) diagnosis is continued in the process of step S8 (S8; YES), the process proceeds to the process of step S1. If the microcomputer 15 determines in step S8 that the abnormality (failure) diagnosis is not continued (S8; NO), the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process executed by the microcomputer 15 is terminated.

In step S7, the microcomputer 15 determines that the tuner has failed. The microcomputer 15 stores the values of V _A (1) to V _A (4), V _B (1) to V _B (4), and V (1) to V (4) in order to use them for failure cause analysis. 16 is stored for a predetermined time. Further, the microcomputer 15 receives the intensity of the signal received by the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B and the frequency of the signal through the measuring unit 8A and the measuring unit 9A and connects the FM / AM mode and the like to the receiver 100 (see FIG. (Not shown) and stored in the memory 16 for a predetermined time.

  Next, the microcomputer 15 executes the following process (a) or (b) in order to reset (restart) the tuner.

(A) When the difference value used for determination of abnormality (failure) has a positive value (V (1), V (2), V (3) or V (4)> 0), the microcomputer 15 A restart process is performed on the tuner 102. That is, the microcomputer 15 once sets the voltage of each component of the antenna 1B, the RF unit 2B, the mixer unit 3B, the IF unit 4B, the detection unit 5B, the Vco unit 6B, and the PLL unit 7B to 0 V (or each component). Then, supply power is supplied to each of those components, and predetermined setting data is input. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 includes the antenna 1A, the RF unit 2A, the mixer unit 3A, the IF unit 4A, the detection unit 5A, the Vco unit 6A, and the PLL unit 7.
The voltage of each component of A is once set to 0V (or the power supplied to each component is turned off), and then the power is supplied to each component and predetermined setting data is input. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 ends the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process.

(B) When the difference value used for the determination of abnormality (failure) has a negative value (V (1), V (2), V (3) or V (4) <0), the microcomputer 15 A restart process is performed for the tuner 101. That is, the microcomputer 15 sets the voltage of each component of the antenna 1A, the RF unit 2A, the mixer unit 3A, the IF unit 4A, the detection unit 5A, the Vco unit 6A, and the PLL unit 7A to 0V once (or each component) Then, supply power is supplied to each of those components, and predetermined setting data is input. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 includes the antenna 1B, the RF unit 2B, the mixer unit 3B, the IF unit 4B, the detection unit 5B, the Vco unit 6B, and the PLL unit 7.
The voltage of each component of B is once set to 0V (or the supply power to each component is turned off), and then the supply power is turned on to each component and predetermined setting data is input. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 ends the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process.

Further, the microcomputer 15 sets the voltages of the constituent elements constituting the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 to 0 V once at the same timing regardless of the values of V (1) to V (4) during the restart process (or Then, the power supplied to each component is cut off), and then the power supplied to each component may be turned on and predetermined setting data may be input. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 ends the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process.

<Function and effect>
According to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 15 can determine whether the tuner 101 or the tuner 102 is abnormal (failure) from the difference values V (1) to V (4). That is, by obtaining processing signals from predetermined components of the two tuners, such as the IF unit 4A and IF unit 4B, and the detection unit 5A and detection unit 5B, and comparing these signals, Abnormality (failure) can be determined.

  The microcomputer 15 can use the intensity of the intermediate frequency signal obtained as signal quality information from the IF unit 4A and the IF unit 4B for abnormality diagnosis of the tuner. The microcomputer 15 can use the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal obtained as signal quality information from the IF unit 4A and the IF unit 4B for abnormality diagnosis of the tuner.

  The microcomputer 15 can use the intensity of the detection signal obtained as signal quality information from the detection unit 5A and the detection unit 5B for the abnormality diagnosis of the tuner. The microcomputer 15 can use the frequency of the detection signal obtained as signal quality information from the detection unit 5A and the detection unit 5B for the abnormality diagnosis of the tuner.

  In other words, as a factor when the reception condition of the broadcast radio wave is not good, the radio wave environment is poor and the tuner is abnormal. In the present embodiment, the abnormality determination module 103 compares the quality information of the received signals obtained from the signals generated in the process from the tuners 101 and 102, and determines whether the quality difference exceeds the allowable range. judge. At this time, if the radio wave environment is bad, both pieces of quality information are bad, and the difference does not exceed the allowable range. On the other hand, if one of the tuners is abnormal, the quality indicated by the quality information from that tuner is worse than the quality from the normal tuner. At this time, a difference exceeding the allowable range occurs in the quality information from both tuners. The abnormality determination module 103 can detect the abnormality of the tuner by detecting the difference exceeding the allowable range. Then, by executing the tuner restart process, it is possible to eliminate the reception condition failure caused by the abnormality of the tuner.

  Further, the abnormality determination module 103 can identify a tuner in which an abnormality has occurred, based on the sign of the difference value (tuner identification information). As a result, it is possible to execute the restart process for only the tuner in which an abnormality has occurred. The difference value is stored in the memory 16, and the tuner in which an abnormality has occurred can be specified by referring to the difference value stored in the memory 16.

As described above, when the tuner has an abnormality (failed), V _A (1) to V _A (4), V _B (1) to V _{B for} a predetermined time before and after the abnormality (failure) of the tuner. _B (4), V (1) to V (4) are stored in the memory 16. Further, in this case, the memory 16 may be configured to store the strength of the received signal from the antenna 1A and the antenna 2B for a predetermined time, the frequency of the received signal, the FM / AM mode, and the like.

Therefore, when the tuner is abnormal, V _A (1) to V _A (4), V _B (1) to V _B (4), and V (1) to V (4) stored in the memory 16 are used. By analyzing, it can be used to analyze the cause of tuner abnormality. In this case, the memory 16 stores the received signal strength, frequency, FM / AM mode, etc., so that these quantities are stored in the memory 16, and these quantities are analyzed for the cause of the abnormality of the tuner. Can be used.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a receiver according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the receiver of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the comparator 14, the microcomputer 15, and the memory 16 were provided. However, in the receiver of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Instead of the elements, a microcomputer 17 and a memory 18 are provided. In the description of this embodiment, the parts described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the measurement results by the measurement units 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are input to the microcomputer 17. Eight measurement results similar to those in the first embodiment are input to the microcomputer 17 by the measurement units 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B.

  The microcomputer 17 calculates a difference value (V (1) to V (4)) of these input values and determines whether or not these differences exceed a predetermined allowable range. When the value obtained by the difference exceeds a predetermined allowable range, the microcomputer 17 determines that the tuner is abnormal (failure), reconnects the power supplied to each component constituting the tuner, and stores predetermined setting data for each setting data. Send to component.

  As the memory 18, a memory having the same configuration as that of the memory 16 can be applied.

<Operation example of microcomputer>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an abnormality (failure) diagnosis process executed by the microcomputer 17. This flowchart shows the processing operation of the microcomputer 17 for the values input to the microcomputer 17 from the measuring units 8A, 9A, 8B, and 9B. In the following description, the processing of the microcomputer 17 that performs the same processing as the processing of the microcomputer 15 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The microcomputer 17 determines whether or not there are inputs of V _A (1) to V _A (4) and V _B (1) to V _B (4) within a predetermined time with respect to the microcomputer 17 (S9). . In the process of step S9, the microcomputer 17 makes V _A (1) to V _A (4) and V _B within a predetermined time with respect to the microcomputer 17.
When it is determined that there are inputs (1) to V _B (4) (S9; YES), the process proceeds to step S10. In the process of step S9, the microcomputer 17 determines that there is no input of V _A (1) to V _A (4) and V _B (1) to V _B (4) to the microcomputer 17 within a predetermined time. If it does (S9; NO), it will progress to the process of step S7.

  In the process of step S10, the microcomputer 17 obtains the difference values V (1) to V (4) using the input quality information. The subsequent steps are the same as the processing shown in FIG.

<Function and effect>
According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment relates to a modification of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a receiver according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the receiver of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B are provided. However, in the receiver of the third embodiment shown in FIG. An antenna 19 and a distributor 20 connected to the antenna 19, the RF unit 2A, and the RF unit 2B are provided. As a result, a signal received by the antenna 19 is input to the RF units 2A and 2B of the tuners 101 and 102 via the distributor 20. Except for the above configuration, the configuration and operational effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the third embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a form in which a plurality of tuners process received signals related to the same radio wave received by different antennas, as shown in the first embodiment. The present invention can also be applied to a mode in which a plurality of tuners process a received signal at the same antenna as shown in the third embodiment.

<< 4th Embodiment >>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment relates to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a receiver according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the receiver of the first embodiment, the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B are provided as shown in FIG. 1, but in the receiver of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, instead of these components. The antenna 21A, the distributor 22A connected to the antenna 21A, the antenna 21B, the distributor 22B connected to the antenna 21B, the switch 23, the contact 23a of the switch 23, the contact 23b of the switch 23, and the switch 24, a contact 24a of the switch 24, and a contact 24b of the switch 24 are provided.

  By switching the switch 23 and the switch 24, the connection relationship between the distributor 22A and the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B and the connection relationship between the distributor 22B and the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B are as follows.

  First, when the switch 23 is connected to the contact 23a and the switch 24 is connected to the contact 24a, the signal received by the antenna 21A is input to the RF unit 2A, and the signal received by the antenna 21B is the RF unit. 2B.

  Second, when the switch 23 is connected to the contact 23a and the switch 24 is connected to the contact 24b, a signal received by the antenna 21A is input to the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B. In this case, the signal received by the antenna 21B is not used as an input signal.

  Third, when the switch 23 is connected to the contact 23b and the switch 24 is connected to the contact 24a, a signal received by the antenna 21B is input to the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B. In this case, the signal received by the antenna 21A is not used as an input signal.

  Fourth, when the switch 23 is connected to the contact 23b and the switch 24 is connected to the contact 24b, the signal received by the antenna 21A is input to the RF unit 2B, and the signal received by the antenna 21B is the RF unit. 2A.

  As described above, by switching the switch 23 and the switch 24, the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B can receive radio waves from the antenna 21A and the antenna 21B in various combinations.

  In normal times, the switches 23 and 24 select the contacts 23a and 24a, respectively. In this case, processing for the reception signal of the antenna 21A is performed by the tuner 101, and processing for the reception signal of the antenna 21B is performed by the tuner 102. Of the detection signals output from the tuners 101 and 102, a signal having a high quality is selected. Thereby, a diversity effect can be obtained.

On the other hand, at the time of abnormality diagnosis, the switches 23 and 24 select, for example, the contacts 23a and 24b, respectively. In this case, processing for the received signal of the antenna 21A is executed by each of the tuners 101 and 102. At this time, the abnormality diagnosis module 103 executes abnormality detection processing as described in the first embodiment. Each switch 23, 24 is, for example,
Contacts 23b and 24a are selected, respectively. In this case, processing for the received signal of the antenna 21B is executed by each of the tuners 101 and 102. At this time, the abnormality diagnosis module 103 executes abnormality detection processing as described in the first embodiment. In this way, at the time of abnormality diagnosis, the switching operation of the switches is performed so that the tuners 101 and 102 perform the processing on the reception signal received by one antenna in parallel, and the abnormality diagnosis by the abnormality diagnosis module 103 is performed. .

  Therefore, the receiver 100 switches between the first state in which the received signals received by the antenna 21A and the antenna 21B are input to the tuners 101 and 102, and the switch, depending on the state of a certain switch. A receiver having a diversity configuration by switching between a second state in which a received signal received by either antenna 21A or 21B is input to both tuners 101 and 102 An abnormality diagnosis can be performed.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, by using the switching of the switches 23 and 24, the receiver 100 can identify components that exhibit abnormal operations in the tuners 101 and 102 as exemplified below. First, when the switch combination is the first, the signal received by the RF unit 2A is compared with the signal received by the RF unit 2B, and any of the components that process the signal received by the RF unit 2A If the microcomputer 15 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the microcomputer 15 sets the switch combination to the fourth case. At that time, the microcomputer 15 shows the following two types as determination results of the abnormality (failure) diagnosis of the tuner.

First, when the microcomputer 15 determines that any of the components of the tuner that processes the signal received by the RF unit 2B is abnormal, the RF unit 2A, the mixer unit 3A, the IF unit 4A, and the detection unit It is determined that any of 5A, Vco unit 6A, and PLL unit 7A is abnormal.

  Second, if the microcomputer 15 determines that any of the components of the tuner that processes the signal received by the RF unit 2A is abnormal, it is determined that the antenna 21A or the distributor 22A is abnormal. .

  In this manner, by switching the switches 23 and 24, which component of the antenna 21A, the distributor 22A, the antenna 21B, and the distributor 22B is abnormal, or other components It is possible to determine whether it is abnormal.

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, for example, switches such as the switch 23 and the switch 24 are installed between the Mixer unit 3A and the IF unit 4A and between the Mixer unit 3B and the IF unit 4B. In this case, it is determined whether any of the IF unit 4A, the detection unit 5A, the IF unit 4B, and the detection unit 5B is abnormal or other components are abnormal by switching the switch. can do.

  In this manner, a switch is provided between predetermined components between the tuner 101 and the tuner 102, and by switching the provided switch, a predetermined component included in each tuner includes a signal received by each tuner. Are replaced, and the determination result by the microcomputer 15 after the replacement is compared with the determination result by the microcomputer 15 before the replacement, which component of the components included in the tuner is abnormal (failed). Can be examined in detail.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, the receiver measures the signal from the IF unit 4A, the signal from the IF unit 4B, the signal from the detection unit 5A, and the signal from the detection unit 5B, and based on the measurement results. The microcomputer 15 performed an abnormality (failure) diagnosis.

  The RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B may perform automatic gain control to control the received signal. At that time, the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B use an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) voltage for the automatic gain control.

In this modified example, instead of using the signal from the IF unit 4A, the signal from the IF unit 4B, the signal from the detection unit 5A, and the signal from the detection unit 5B for the abnormality (failure) diagnosis of the tuner, the microcomputer 15 Compares the AGC voltages used by the RF unit 2A and the RF unit 2B, and when the difference between these voltages is outside a predetermined range, one of the antenna 1, the RF unit 2A, the antenna 1B, and the RF unit 2B Is determined to have failed.

  As described above, the receiver can perform abnormality (failure) diagnosis on the antenna 1A, the RF unit 2A, the antenna 1B, and the RF unit 2B. The predetermined value indicating the predetermined range is the intensity of the received signal from the antenna 1A, the antenna 1B, or the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B, the frequency of the received signal, or the intensity of the received signal and the frequency of the received signal. You may depend on.

<Modification 4>
In the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 1A, the RF unit 2A, the mixer unit 3A, the IF unit 4A, and the detection unit 5 are used.
A, the Vco unit 6A, and the PLL unit 7A are one tuner, and the antenna 1B, the RF unit 2B, the Mixer unit 3B, the IF unit 4B, the detection unit 5B, the Vco unit 6B, and the PLL unit 7B are another tuner. Was configured. That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, a receiver including two tuners is handled. However, the receiver of the present invention is not limited to having two tuners, and even if two or more tuners are provided, signals are obtained from predetermined components of the tuner, and the obtained signals are compared. Therefore, it is possible to perform an abnormality (failure) diagnosis of the tuner.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, the microcomputer 15 performs the antenna 1A, the RF unit 2A, the mixer unit 3A, the IF unit 4A, the detection unit 5A, the Vco unit 6A, and the PLL unit 7 in the process of step S7 shown in FIG.
A tuner composed of A, antenna 1B, RF unit 2B, mixer unit 3B, IF unit 4B, detection unit 5B
, The Vco unit 6B and the PLL unit 7B are alternately switched, the voltage of each component constituting the tuner is once set to 0V (or the power supplied to each component is turned off), and then each component The power supply was turned on and predetermined setting data was input. In this modification, the following process (a) or (b) is executed in the process of step S7.

(A) When the difference value used for determination of abnormality (failure) has a positive value (V (1), V (2), V (3) or V (4)> 0), the microcomputer 15 Antenna 1B, RF part 2B, Mixer part 3
B, the voltage of each component of the IF unit 4B, the detector unit 5B, the Vco unit 6B, and the PLL unit 7B is once set to 0V (or power supply to each component is turned off), and then supplied to each component Turn on the power and input predetermined setting data. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 ends the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process.

(B) When the difference value used for the determination of abnormality (failure) has a negative value (V (1), V (2), V (3) or V (4) <0), the microcomputer 15 Antenna 1A, RF part 2A, Mixer part 3
The voltage of each component of A, IF unit 4A, detector unit 5A, Vco unit 6A, and PLL unit 7A is once set to 0V (or power supply to each component is turned off), and then supplied to each component Turn on the power and input predetermined setting data. After the predetermined setting data is input, the microcomputer 15 ends the abnormality (failure) diagnosis process.

  By executing the above processing, the receiver can turn on the power supply only for the tuner that is determined to have failed. Therefore, since the receiver does not turn on the power supplied to the tuner that is not determined to be faulty, the signal output from the detector 5A or 5B that is not determined to be faulty is reset to the power supplied. In order to input predetermined data, it is possible to prevent interruption for a period of time.

<Modification 6>
The abnormality (fault) diagnosis process shown in FIG. 2 or 4 may be performed a predetermined number of times immediately after the receiver is turned on. Further, the abnormality diagnosis process may be repeated while the receiver is operating. Further, the abnormality diagnosis process may be executed at certain time intervals.

<Modification 7>
In the first embodiment, the predetermined value used to determine whether or not the difference values V (1) to V (4) input to the receiver 100 exceed a predetermined allowable range is the antenna 1A. Or you may depend on the received signal strength (antenna input level (electric field strength)) from the antenna 1B or the antenna 1A and the antenna 1B.

<Modification 8>
In the present embodiment, the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 are assumed to have the same configuration. However, the present invention can be implemented even when the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 do not have the same configuration. Two examples will be described below as modifications of the embodiment according to the present invention.

  As a first example, first, the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 each receive the same broadcast and estimate the radio wave environment. When the communication quality estimated by each tuner is worse than the predetermined quality, it can be determined that the tuner estimated that the communication quality is lower than the predetermined quality is abnormal. In this way, even when the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 do not have the same configuration, the receiver 100 can perform abnormality diagnosis of the receiver.

  As a second example, tuner 101 and tuner 102 each receive the same broadcast. Then, based on the reception sensitivity of each tuner, the microcomputer 15 weights the communication quality obtained by each tuner and makes it possible to compare the two communication qualities. The microcomputer 15 compares the two weighted communication qualities. The microcomputer 15 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner when a quality difference exceeding a predetermined allowable value is obtained by the quality comparison. In this way, even when the tuner 101 and the tuner 102 do not have the same configuration, the receiver 100 can perform abnormality diagnosis of the receiver.

It is a block diagram of the receiver of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the microcomputer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the receiver of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the microcomputer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the receiver of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the receiver of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the tuner in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

1A, 1B Antenna 2A, 2B RF unit 3A, 3B Mixer unit 4A, 4B IF unit 5A, 5B Detector unit 6A, 6B Vco unit 7A, 7B PLL unit 8A, 8B Measuring unit 9A, 9B Measuring unit 10A, 10B Signal meter 11A , 11B Frequency counter 12A, 12B Signal meter 13A, 13B Frequency counter 14 Comparator 15 Microcomputer 16 Memory 17 Microcomputer 18 Memory 19 Antenna 20 Distributor 21A Antenna 21B Antenna 22A Distributor 22B Distributor 23 Switch 23a Contact 23b Contact 24 Switch 24a Contact 24b Contact 25 Antenna 26 RF unit 27 Mixer unit 28 Vco unit 29 PLL unit 30 IF unit 31 Detection unit 32 Signal meter 33 Microcomputer 100 Receiver 101 Tuner 102 Tuner 103 Abnormality diagnosis module

Claims (8)

An apparatus for diagnosing abnormality of a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel,
Acquisition means for acquiring quality information of each received signal obtained from a signal generated in a process for the received signal in each tuner;
A comparison means for comparing the quality indicated by each acquired quality information;
An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for a receiver, comprising: a determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the quality comparison result. When a difference in quality exceeding a predetermined allowable value is obtained, the determination unit has an abnormality in a tuner corresponding to the quality information having a lower quality among the quality information used to obtain the difference. The receiver abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 1, wherein the receiver abnormality diagnosis device is determined. The acquisition means acquires the quality information of the first signal generated from the received signal and the quality information of the second signal generated from the first signal in each tuner,
When the difference based on the quality information of the first signal exceeds a predetermined allowable range, the determination unit has an abnormality in the process until the first signal is generated or processed in the tuner. The difference based on the quality information of the first signal does not exceed a predetermined allowable range, but the difference based on the quality information of the second signal exceeds the predetermined allowable range, the second in the tuner The abnormality diagnosis device for a receiver according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the generation or processing of the signal. The apparatus further includes means for storing, in the storage means, each quality information that is a source of the difference value used for this determination and tuner identification information corresponding to each quality information when it is determined that the tuner is abnormal. 4. The abnormality diagnosis device for a receiver according to any one of 3 above. A plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel;
Acquisition means for acquiring quality information of a received signal obtained from a signal generated in a process for the received signal in each tuner, comparison means for comparing the quality indicated by each acquired quality information, and comparison of the quality An abnormality diagnosis unit including a determination unit that determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the result;
Including receiver. Each tuner has a first state in which received signals respectively received by a plurality of antennas are input to the corresponding tuners, and a received signal received by one of the plurality of antennas is input to each tuner. The receiver according to claim 5, wherein the receiver is connected to the plurality of antennas via switching means for performing switching operation between the second state and the second state. For a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel,
Obtain quality information of the received signal obtained from the signal generated in the process for the received signal in each tuner,
Compare the quality indicated by each acquired quality information,
A receiver abnormality diagnosis method comprising: determining that an abnormality has occurred in a tuner based on the quality comparison result. For a receiver including a plurality of tuners capable of executing processing on received signals of the same broadcast in parallel,
In the information processing device,
Obtaining each received signal quality information obtained from a signal generated in a process for the received signal in each tuner;
Comparing the quality indicated in each acquired quality information;
And a step of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the tuner based on the quality comparison result.

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