JP2625755B2 - Selector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The selector of the present invention will be described according to the following items.

A. Industrial application fields B. Summary of the invention C. Background art [Fig. 5] D. Problems to be solved by the invention [Fig. 5 (B)] E. Means for solving the problems F 2. Embodiment a. Configuration [FIG. 1] b. Operation [FIGS. 2 to 4] G. Effects of the Invention (A. Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a novel selector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a so-called matrix-type selector in which connection between an input side and an output side of a plurality of electronic devices can be appropriately selected, and when a plurality of electronic devices are connected to a series, an output side of a switch that is turned on. When the electronic device is used as its own device and traces back to the parent electronic device connected to the own device, a so-called loop that returns to the own device again may occur. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new selector which detects, issues a warning when the loop occurs, and disconnects one of the switches in the path forming the loop.

(B. Summary of the Invention) When a plurality of electronic devices are connected to a series, the selector of the present invention detects whether or not a loop has occurred in the connection, and issues a warning when a loop has occurred, and Since a part of the connection forming the loop is cut off, it is possible to know or prevent the occurrence of the loop due to an erroneous selection of the selector switch.

(C. Background Art) [FIG. 5] A selector is known as a device for selectively connecting the output side and the input side of each of a plurality of electronic devices. The selector in the matrix format enables one of the electronic devices other than the own device to be selectively connected as a parent device and any of the electronic devices other than the own device to be selectively connected as a slave device at the same time. .

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of such a matrix type selector.

a is a selector, and the selector a is provided with switches b, b,... in a 4 × 4 matrix.

The switches b, b,... Connect the input side and the output side of four external electronic devices (here, VTR is an electronic device) separately, and the output side of one VTRc is connected to the other side. VTRc,
The input side of c,... is arranged so as to be connectable, and no switch is arranged in that part so that the output side and the input side of the own device are not connected.

That is, within the selector a, the input side line
d ₁ , d ₂ , d ₃ , d ₄ and the corresponding output lines e ₁ , e ₂ ,
e ₃ and e ₄ are crossed separately, and the switches b and b are connected so that the signal line d and the signal line e are short-circuited at each crossing point.
are arranged, and a switch b is arranged at the intersection of the signal lines (d ₁ and e ₁ , d ₂ and e ₂ ,...) having the same additional code. Absent.

The input signal lines d ₁ , d ₂ ,.
VTRC _1, c ₂ corresponding thereto VTRC, c, within the ... are,
Are connected separately to the output side, and the selector a
Output side signal lines e ₁ , e ₂ ,... Correspond to the corresponding VTRs c ₁ , c ₂ ,
. Are connected separately to the input side.

Then, such a selector a is VTRc
_1, c _2, to connect ....

Note that, for convenience of explanation, switches b, b,... Are input signal lines d ₁ , d ₂ ,.
Subscripts are added in the order of e ₁ , e ₂ ,..., for example, a switch between the input signal line d ₁ and the output signal line e ₂ is b _1-2
When, also, the switches between the input-side signal line d ₂ and the output-side signal line e ₁ and b _3-1.

Therefore, now, from VTRC ₁ to VTRC _2, when to enable dubbing from VTRC ₂ to VTRC ₃ is turning the switch b _1-2 and b _2-3. Thus the source signal VTRC ₁ is, VTRC ₁ output from the selector a side input signal line d ₁ - Switch b _1-2 -
Selector a output side signal line e ₂ −VTRc ₂ input side −VTRc ₂
The output side of the -VTRc ₂ - selector a of the input-side signal line d ₂ - Switch b _2-3 - via the input side of the output-side signal line e ₃ -VTRc ₃ selectors a, a being dubbed to VTRC ₃ .

(D. Problems to be Solved by the Invention) [FIG. 5 (B)] However, when the switch b _3-1 is turned on in the above-mentioned state of the selector a, the connection is made as shown in FIG. 5 (B). There is a problem that a loop is generated in the path, and the image signal oscillates.

(F. Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above-described problems, the selector according to the present invention employs a matrix-type selector.
When one selector is turned on, the electronic device on the output side is regarded as the own device, the device connected to the parent side of the own device is traced, and it is determined whether or not the own device exists on the connection path. A warning unit that issues a warning when the own device is present on a path from the own device to the electronic device connected to the parent side, and a disconnecting unit that disconnects one of the switches in the path. It is a thing.

Therefore, according to the selector of the present invention, it is possible to know or prevent the occurrence of a so-called loop that can be performed when an electronic device is connected to a series due to an incorrect selection of a switch of the selector.

(F. Example) Hereinafter, details of the selector of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the present invention is applied to a selector 1 for connecting a plurality of VTRs.

(A. Configuration) [Figure 1] 2 _1, 2 _2, ..., 2 ₆ is an input terminal of the selector 1, 3 _1, 3 _2, ... 3 ₆ is an output terminal of the selector 1 , Input terminals 2, 2, ... and output terminals 3, 3, ...
Are the same as each other, that is, 2 ₁ and 3 ₁ , 2 ₂ and
3 _2,... Are respectively corresponding, 1 set of terminals that corresponds, for example
2 _1, 3 ₁ One of the VTR example 4 _first output terminal 5 ₁ or the input terminal 6 ₁
Is to be connected to.

In addition, the output terminal 3 ₇ of the selector 1, 3 ₈ monitor 7,
7, respectively.

8 _1, 8 _2,..., 8 ₆ is selector 1 internal input signal line, said input signal lines _81, 82, ..., 8 ₆ substantially parallel without intersecting each other is arranged, also, the input-side signal line 8 _1, 8 _2,..., 8 ₆ the input terminals 2 _1, 2 _2, ...,
Each of ₂₆ is connected to the same subscript.

9 _1, 9 _2, ..., 9 ₆ are selector 1 internal output signal line, the output-side signal line 9 _1, 9 _2, ..., 9 ₆ a substantially parallel without intersecting each other Te, the input-side signal line 8 _1,
8 _2, ..., cross each other in 8 _6, is disposed eye shaped foundation, also, the output-side signal line 9 _1, 9 _2, ..., 9 ₆ the output terminals 3 _1, 3 _2, ..., it is connected to those like-each subscript 3 _8. The input signal lines 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ , ..., 8 ₆
An output-side signal line 9 _1, 9 _2, ..., are not connected in this state to the 9 _6.

Are switches, and input side signal lines 8, 8,... And output side signal lines 9,
,... At each crossing point, respectively, both signal lines 8,
9 are short-circuited, and the input terminals 2, 2,... Of the selector 1 and the output terminals 3, 3,.

The switches 10, 10,... Are input signal lines 8, 8,.
. And the output side signal lines 9, 9,... Are provided at intersections other than intersections of those having the same suffix.
The input signal lines 8, 8,... And the output signal lines 9,
The reason why the switch 10 is not disposed at the intersection of those having the same suffix of 9,... Is that the signal output from the output terminal 5 of one VTR 4 is again input to the input terminal 6 of the same VTR 4 This is to prevent them from doing so.

The switches 10, 10,... Are specified by subscripts attached to the input signal lines 8 and the output signal lines 9, and the subscripts are designated as “input signal lines 8, 8,. Subscript-
The output signal lines 9, 9,... For example, a switch which is disposed crossover point between the input side signal line 8 ₁ and the output-side signal line 9 ₄ displays 10 _1-4 (first
Figure).

11, 11, ... are VTR4, 4, ... output terminals 5,
Are connected to the input terminals 2, 2,... Of the selector 1 separately from the output terminals 3, 3,. 4, ...
- input terminals 6,6, the connection cable for connecting between ... each other, 13 and 13 connected to connection between the output terminal 3 _7, 3 ₈ and monitor 7,7 selector 1 to each other Cable.

The switches 10 _1-7 , 10 _2-7 ,..., 10 _6-7 and the switches 10 _1-8 , 10 _2-8 ,..., 10 _6-8 are VTRs 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ ,.
It used to monitor the source that is recorded in ..., for example, when turning on the switch 10 _1-7, VTR4 ₁ -VTR4
₁ output terminal 5 ₁ -connection cable 11 ₁ -selector 1 input terminal 2 ₁ -input side signal line 8 ₁ -switch 10 _1-7 -output side signal line 9 ₇ -selector 1 output terminal 3 ₇ -connection cable route 13 monitor 7 is formed, it can be monitored VTR 4 ₁ audio, the video signal at the monitor 7.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a microcomputer which, when the switch 10 is turned on, determines the occurrence of a so-called loop due to the turned-on switch 10, and issues a warning when it is determined that a loop has occurred, for a certain period of time. After issuing the warning, the switch 10 between the VTR 4 on the parent side of the switch 10 that has been turned on and the VTR 4 on the parent side of the switch 10 is turned off.

Are display means corresponding to each switch 10, and the corresponding display means 15 is turned on when the switch 10 is turned on. I have.

Also, when a loop occurs due to an erroneous selection of the switches 10, 10,..., As described later, the display means 15, of the turned on switch 10, blinks, Also emits. The display means 15 is specified by the same subscript as the subscript of the switch 10 corresponding to the display means.

Thus, for example, when turning on the switch 10 _1-4 and 10 _4-6, VTR 4 ₁ of the source signal VTR 4 ₁ of the output terminal 5 ₁ - connecting cable 11 ₁ - Input selector 1 terminal 2 ₁ - input signal line 8
₁ -Switch 10 _1-4 -Output signal line 9 ₄ -Selector 1 output terminal 3 ₄ -Connection cable 12 _4- VTR4 ₄ Input terminal 6 _4- VTR4
₄ -VTR4 ₄ output terminal 5 ₄ - connecting cable 11 ₄ - input terminal 2 ₄ selector 1 - input signal line 8 ₄ - Switch 10 _4-6 - output signal line 9 ₆ - the output terminal 3 ₆ selector 1 - it will be input to the VTR 4 ₆ in the path of the input terminal ₆ 6 -VTR4 6 of the connecting cable 12 ₆ -VTR4 ₆ (Figure 1).

When the switches 10 _1-4 and 10 _2-6 are turned on, the display means
15 _1-4 and 15 _4-6 light up to indicate that switches 10 _1-4 and 10 _4-6 are turned on (first
Figure).

The switches 10, 10, ... are those provided to the same output-side signal line 9 selector 1, for example, a group of switches 10 _1-5 disposed on the output side signal line 9 _5, 10 _2-5 , 1
0 _3-5 , 10 _4-5 , and 10 _6-5 have a so-called post-input priority in which the switch that has been turned on is turned off when any one of them is turned on. Terminal 3
Output signals from VTRs 4, 4,... Are not output.

Also, the same input side signal line 8 of the switches 10, 10,...
Those disposed, for example, a group of switches 10 _3-1 arranged on the input side signal line 8 _3, 10 _3-2, 10 _3-4, 10 _3-5, 1
A plurality of 0 _3-6 , 10 _3-7 , and 10 _3-8 can be input at the same time, and one VTR 4 is used to record a source signal to another plurality of VTRs 4, 4,. It is possible to monitor.

(B. Operation) [FIGS. 2 to 4] Next, when the switch 10 is turned on, the microcomputer 14 receives a signal and shows a command (FIG. 2). It will be described according to FIG.

First, the flow in the case where the loop is not formed when the switch 10 is turned on and the switch 10 is in a normal state will be described.

For example, suppose that the switch 10 _2-6 is turned on while the switches 10 _1-4 , 10 _3-5 and 10 _5-2 are turned on (FIG. 3).

In FIG. 3 (A), a portion where a switch is turned on is marked with a circle, and a switch 10 to be turned on is indicated.
_The arrow B is attached to the portion _2-6 .

a) Before the start switch 10 _2-6 is turned on, the VTR4 ₁
→ VTR 4 ₄ and VTR4 ₃ → VTR4 ₅ → VTR4 ₂ of connection of the two systems are made, it is intended to add a connection VTR 4 ₂ → VTR 4 ₆ in this state.

In this state, the display means 15 _1-4 , 15 _3-5 , 15
_5-2 is lit.

b) _Turn on switch _102-6 .

The switch _102-6 is turned on. As a result, microcomputer 1
A signal indicating that the switch _102-6 is turned on is input to 4.

c) Is there a parent device for the parent device? That is, following the input side of the switch 10 _2-6 that has just been turned on,
Determining whether the VTR 4 ₂ the parent device parent devices are present.

In this case, when the switch 10 is turned on, the presence / absence of the parent device is determined by storing the presence of the parent device in the child device on the output side and by storing the number of the parent device. I have. (In the figure, the number written to the left of the portion marked "VTR" indicates the parent device of the VTR.) Thus, the parent device VTR 4 ₂ input side of the switch 10 _2-6, which is turned already VTR 4 ₅ it can be seen that are stored to be present as the parent device.

Thus, in the present connection example, since VTR4 the ₂ already VTR4 ₅ is present as a parent device, the process proceeds to "Yes" and the next step.

In step c), when the answer that there is no parent device of the parent device, that is, the answer of “No” is obtained, it is determined that the loop is not formed.

d) Is the parent device of the parent device its own device? That is, the VTR 4 ₂ on the input side of the switch 10 _2-6 that has just been turned on
Already stored are VTR 4 ₅ determines whether it is identical to the own device VTR 4 ₆ on the output side of the switch 10 _2-6 as its parent device to.

In such a case, the parent device VTR 4 ₅ get answers "no" to differ from the own device VTR 4 ₆ on the output side of the switch 10 _2-6.
Then, the process proceeds to the next step e).

If an answer of "yes" is obtained in step c), it is determined that a loop has been formed, and the process proceeds to the later-described steps such as warning and cancellation.

e) Let the parent device of the parent device be the parent device.

That is, a pre-process is performed to advance the generation by one and return to step c).

As a result, the parent equipment will be VTR4 ₅ from VTR4 _2.

When repeating the above steps, in the present connection example, if the parent device is in the parent device VTR 4 _5? - "yes" - the parent equipment (VTR4 ₃₎ is whether the self-device (VTR4 _6)? - "no" - and VTR4 ₃ a parent equipment rounded up a generation - or the parent device is in the parent equipment VTR4 _3? -Get the answer "no". Therefore, it is determined that the loop is not a loop, and in this embodiment, no loop has occurred and it is understood that the state is normal.

 Next, a connection example in which a loop occurs will be described.

For example, switches 10 _1-3 , 10 _2-5 , 10 _3-6 , 10 _4-2 , 10
It is assumed that the switch _105-1 is turned on while the switch _6-4 is turned on.

In FIG. 4 (A), a portion where a switch is turned on is marked with a circle, and a switch to be turned on is indicated.
10 _5-1 is _marked with an A arrow.

a) Before the start switch 10 _5-1 is turned on, VTR4 _{1
→ VTR4 3 → VTR4 6 → VTR4} 4 → VTR4 2 → VTR4 connections ₅ have been made, it is intended to add a connection VTR 4 ₅ → VTR 4 ₁ in this state.

In this state, the display means 15 _1-3 , 15 _2-5 , 15
_3-6 , 15 _4-2 and 15 _6-4 are lit.

b) _Turn on the switch 10 _5-1 .

Switch 10 _5-1 is turned on. This allows the microcomputer 14
A signal indicating that the switch _105-1 has been turned on is input.

c) Is there a parent device of the parent device? The output side of the switch 10 _5-1 that has been turned on is connected to the own device VTR4 ₁
As, due to the presence of already VTR4 ₂ is the parent instrument of the parent equipment VTR4 _5, you get an answer of "yes".

d) Is the parent device of the parent device its own device? The parent device VTR4 ₂ of the parent device VTR4 ₅ is its own device (switch 10 _5-1
Because the output side of the child device is not VTR4 ₁ ), get a "No" answer.

e) Let the parent device of the parent device be the parent device.

The VTR4 ₅ had with parent equipment for the self-device until now and VTR4 ₂ the parent equipment carry a generation.

Repeat the above steps. Or parent equipment is in the parent equipment VTR4 _2? - "yes" - the parent equipment (VTR4 ₄₎ is the self-device (VTR4 ₁₎ or? -"No"-advance generation, parent device and V
TR4 ₄ . - whether the parent device is in the parent equipment VTR4 _4? - "yes" - the parent equipment (VTR4 ₆₎ is the self-device (VTR4 ₁₎ or? −
"No" - moved up a generation, the parent equipment and VTR4 _6. −
Or parent equipment is in the parent equipment VTR4 _6? - "yes" - the parent equipment (VTR4 ₃₎ is the self-device (VTR4 ₁₎ or? - "No" - moved up a generation, the parent equipment and VTR4 _3. - whether the parent device is in the parent equipment VTR4 _3? - "yes" - the parent equipment (VTR4 ₁₎ is the self-device (VTR4 ₁₎ or? The answer is "yes" and the connection is determined to have a loop.

When it is determined that a loop has occurred, the process proceeds to step f).

f) Issue a warning.

The warning is displayed on the display means 1 corresponding to the switch 10 _5-1 that has been turned on.
This is done by blinking 5 _5-1 and goes to step g).

g) Is switch 10 _5-1 turned on canceled? Cancel switch 10 _5-1, again, it is done by pressing. Therefore, select "yes" and switch 10 _5-1
Is canceled by turning it off, the switch _105-1 is not turned on, that is, the state returns to the state before the loop was formed.

In addition, when the priority is given to the connection of VTR4 ₅ → VTR4 _1, select the "no", the process proceeds to step h) as it is.

h) Has a certain time elapsed? This is for giving time for the operator to consider whether or not to cancel the switch _105-1 that was turned on in the previous step g). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, if “No”, the process returns to step f), and
Continue warning.

If a predetermined time has elapsed and the answer is "yes", the procedure proceeds to step i).

i) cutting the switch 10 _2-5, which connects the parent device VTR 4 ₅ and its parent device VTR 4 _2.

That is, by cutting a part of the connection forming the loop,
Break the loop.

It should be noted that the selector of the present invention is not limited to the one used for connecting a plurality of VTRs, but can be used as an audio selector.

(G. Effect of the Invention) As is clear from the above description, the selector of the present invention is connected to one electronic device serving as a parent device connected to one input side of the selector and one output side of the selector. Other one or more electronic devices to be the slave device to be selected, and further, the child device connected to the other input side of the selector as the parent device, and the other device connected to the other output side of the selector. An input side of each child device and an output of each parent device in a matrix-type selector in which one or more electronic devices can be connected to a plurality of electronic devices in successive generations, such as selecting one as a child device. And a plurality of switches arranged in a matrix for separately connecting the switches to each other, and when one of the switches is turned on, the electronic device on the output side of the selector is connected to the parent side of the own device as its own device. Means for tracing a connected device and determining whether or not the own device is on the route, and issuing a warning when the own device is present on a route from the own device to a device connected to the parent side A warning device and a disconnecting device for disconnecting one of the switches in the path are provided.

Therefore, according to the selector of the present invention, when the electronic device on the output side of the switch that has been turned on is used as its own device and traces the electronic device on the parent side connected to the own device, it returns to its own device again. Even if a so-called loop occurs, this can be detected, a warning is given when the loop occurs, and one of the switches existing in the path forming the loop can be cut off. Can be known or prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 4 show an embodiment of the selector according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration, FIG. 2 is a flowchart, and FIGS. 3 (A) and (B) show loops. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining one of connection states that are not connected, in which FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a switched-on state of a selector, FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating connection paths of electronic devices, and FIGS. FIG. 5A illustrates one connection state in which a loop is formed, FIG. 5A is a view illustrating a switched-on state of a selector switch, FIG. 5B is a view illustrating a connection path of an electronic device, FIG. (B) illustrates one connection state in which a loop is formed in a conventional selector, (A) is an explanatory view of a switched-on state of a selector, and (B) is an explanatory view of a connection path of an electronic device. is there. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Selector, 10... Switch, 4... Electronic equipment, 14... Discriminating means 14, 15... Warning means, 14.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electronic device as a parent device connected to one input side of a selector and one or more other electronic devices as child devices connected to one output side of a selector are selected. Further, generations are repeated so that the child device connected to the other input side of the selector is selected as a parent device and another one or a plurality of electronic devices connected to the other output side of the selector is selected as a child device. A plurality of switches arranged in a matrix for separately connecting the input side of each slave device and the output side of each parent device in a matrix-type selector capable of connecting a plurality of electronic devices; When one of the switches is turned on, the electronic device on the output side of the selector is regarded as the own device, the device connected to the parent side of the own device is traced, and it is determined whether or not the own device is on the route. Means Warning means for issuing a warning when the own device is present on a route following the device connected to the parent side from the own device, and disconnection means for disconnecting one of the switches existing in the route. Selector.