JP3173592B2 - Signal communication method and apparatus, communication relay method and apparatus, signal communication system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal communication method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving communication signals in a communication line array in which a first communication line and a second communication line are mutually independent. The present invention relates to a communication relay method and apparatus for relaying signal communication between a signal communication device and a communication line array, and a signal communication system in which a pair of signal communication devices performs two-way signal communication via one communication line array.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various signal communication systems have been realized. For example, computer communication by LAN (Local Area Network) or the like is implemented as one of methods for surely communicating a large amount of digital data. . Such L
One type of AN is Ethernet, and one type of Ethernet is the IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 10Base-T.

Here, a conventional example of the above-described signal communication system will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the entire structure of the signal communication system, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of the signal communication device.

As shown in FIG. 5, a signal communication system 100 exemplified as a conventional example includes a plurality of signal communication devices 101, which are connected via a relay hub 102 to a 10Base which is a communication line array. They are connected by a straight cable 103 of -T standard.

[0005] Each of the large number of signal communication devices 101 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
And a reception processing circuit 112 as a reception processing means. These processing circuits 111 and 112 are connected to one transceiver unit 113.

The transceiver unit 113 has a
It is formed in accordance with the standard of se-T and has first and second connection terminals 114 and 115. First connection terminal 11
4 is connected to a transmission processing circuit 111 via a pulse transformer 116 and an amplifier 117.
5 is connected to a reception processing circuit 112 via a pulse transformer 118 and an amplifier 119.

[0007] The reception processing circuit 112 is connected to a reception recognition circuit as reception detection means and a data processing unit as data processing means (not shown). Are also connected to the transmission processing circuit 111.

The data processing unit is a CPU (Central P
rocessing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM
(Random Access Memory) etc. as a hardware, and an appropriate control program is implemented as software. For this reason,
The data processing unit performs various data processing related to communication data, such as generation of communication data to be transmitted externally and storage of communication data received externally.

The transmission processing circuit 111 converts communication data and the like internally transmitted from the data processing unit into packet data, and converts the packet data into a communication signal.
13 from the first connection terminal 114 to the straight cable 10
3 to the outside. Note that the above-described packet data is communication data in which various data such as a synchronization signal, a source address, a destination address, an error correction code, and the like are combined into one in a predetermined format.

The reception processing circuit 112 receives packet data externally received as a communication signal from the straight cable 103 to the second connection terminal 115 of the transceiver unit 113, analyzes the packet data, and executes an error correction process or the like. Further, the communication data of the packet data for which the error correction processing is completed is internally transmitted to the data processing unit, and the data type, the source address, the destination address, and the like are internally transmitted to the reception recognition circuit.

The reception recognition circuit includes a reception processing circuit 112
Of the destination address of the communication signal internally transmitted from the receiver, and if the destination address is confirmed to be appropriate, the reception processing circuit 112
Performs the above-described reception processing. Further, it is also determined whether or not a reply request has been set. If the reply request has been set, the transmission processing circuit 111 sends A to the signal communication device 101 of the source address.
CK (Acknowledge Character) is returned as a signal.

On the other hand, when the destination address of the packet data is confirmed to be inappropriate or the reception processing circuit 112 determines that the reception is poor, the reception recognition circuit sets the transmission processing circuit 111
To send a NACK (Non-ACK) signal, and requests the signal communication device 101 of the transmission source address to transmit the signal again.

Note that the signal processing apparatus 101 of the transmission destination address to which the transmission processing circuit 111 externally transmitted the packet data.
When the reception processing circuit 112 receives the ACK signal reply from the outside, the reception recognition circuit causes the transmission processing circuit 111 to start the external transmission of the packet data of the communication content.

The straight cable 103 has a first communication line 121 and a second communication line 122,
These first and second communication lines 121 and 122 are formed in parallel. A pair of first connection terminals 123 is provided at both ends of the first communication line 121, and a pair of second connection terminals 124 are provided at both ends of the second communication line 122.

Since the transceiver unit 113 of the signal processing device 101 is connected to one end of the straight cable 103, the first connection terminal 114 of the transceiver unit 113 is connected to the first connection terminal 123 of the straight cable 103. And the second connection terminal 11
5 is connected to a second connection terminal 124.

The relay hub 102 is connected to the signal processing device 1.
A plurality of transceiver units having the same structure as that of the transceiver unit 01 are provided, and the other end of the straight cable 103 is individually connected to each of the plurality of transceiver units. That is, the first connection terminal 11 of the signal processing device 101
4 is connected to the first connection terminal of the relay hub 102,
The second connection terminal 115 of the signal processing device 101 is the relay hub 1
02 is connected to the second connection terminal.

In the case of an actual 10Base-T Ethernet, the straight cable 103 has eight communication lines, two signal transmission lines corresponding to the first communication line 121, and the second communication line 122. Are also two signal receiving lines. The connection terminals of the straight cable 103 are formed as eight pins of a modular jack of RJ45, but here, for simplification of description,
As described above, two communication lines and connection terminals are provided for signal transmission and signal reception.

The signal communication system 10 having the structure described above
In the case of 0, many signal communication apparatuses 101 can perform signal communication with each other via the relay hub 102. In this case, the transmission processing circuit 111 of the signal communication device 101 generates a communication signal and outputs the communication signal to the first connection terminal 11 of the transceiver unit 113.
4, the communication signal is transmitted via the first communication line 121 of the straight cable 103 to the relay hub 1.
02 is transmitted.

The relay hub 102 analyzes the externally received communication signal to detect the destination signal communication device 101,
A communication signal is externally transmitted to the second communication line 122 of the straight cable 103 connected to the signal communication device 101. Therefore, this communication signal is sent from the second connection terminal 115 of the signal communication device 101 of the transmission destination to the reception
The reception processing circuit 112 internally processes the communication signal.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As described above, 10Base-
In the signal communication system 100 of the T standard, the first and second connection terminals 114 and 115 of the signal communication device 101 are fixed to transmission only and reception only, respectively.
The first and second communication lines 121 and 122 are also fixed to transmission-only and reception-only. However, the relay processing of the relay hub 102 allows the pair of signal communication devices 101 to mutually execute signal communication.

However, in other words, the pair of signal communication devices 1
01 execute the signal communication with each other.
2 requires relay processing, and it is difficult for the pair of signal communication devices 101 to directly perform signal communication without passing through the relay hub 102.

For example, one of the large number of signal communication devices 101 of the large-scale signal communication system 100 as described above is located at hand, and it is the first and second connection terminals 114 and 115 of the spare 10Base-T standard. In this case, it is actually difficult to connect an off-line separate signal communication device 101 to the signal communication device 101 at hand.

Means for solving such a problem include:
The pair of signal communication devices 101 may be connected by a cross cable 125. As shown in FIG. 7, the cross cable 125 has first and second connection terminals 123 and 124 at both ends, and the first connection terminal 123 at one end is connected to the second connection terminal 124 at the other end.

For this reason, the pair of signal communication devices 101
The first and second connection terminals 114 and 115 of the Base-T standard are connected to the first and second connection terminals 123 and 124 of the cross cable 125.
Connected to the relay hub 1
It is possible to perform signal communication with each other without going through the O.02.

However, in this case, the pair of signal communication devices 10
It is necessary to prepare a cross cable 125 which is not widely used in order to connect the signal communication device 1. Naturally, if the cross cable 125 is not at hand, the pair of signal communication devices 101 cannot be connected.

In addition, the cross cable 125
Is used, a communication error occurs when the signal communication apparatus 101 is connected to the relay hub 102 by the cross cable 125 by mistake. Similarly, even if the straight cable 103 is mistaken for the cross cable 125 and the pair of signal communication devices 101 are directly connected by the straight cable 103, a communication error will occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can directly communicate with another signal communication device without using a relay hub or using a cross cable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a signal communication method and apparatus, a communication relay method and apparatus, and a signal communication system that enable communication between a pair of signal communication apparatuses without using a relay hub or using a cross cable. And

[0028]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal communication apparatus comprising: a first connection terminal connected to one of a first communication line and a second communication line of an external communication line array; A second connection terminal connected to the other of the second communication line, and a transmission processing unit that generates a communication signal to be externally transmitted,
Reception processing means for internally processing an externally received communication signal; connection switching means for switchably connecting the transmission processing means and the reception processing means to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; A reception detection means for detecting that a communication signal is externally received by the reception processing means, and a connection destination of the transmission processing means by the connection switching means when the reception detection means does not detect an external reception; Switching control means for switching from one of the terminals to the other and switching the connection destination of the reception processing means from the other of the first and second connection terminals to one, and operation control for operating each part
And comprising means, and said operating control means, said connection
The transmission processing means is switched by the switching means to the first and second connection terminals.
Connected to a predetermined one of the
Connection means, and in this state, the transmission processing means
A predetermined communication signal is externally transmitted to the communication line array.
The communication line corresponding to the externally transmitted communication signal.
A communication signal externally received from the
Stage, the reception detection means does not detect external reception
When a predetermined time elapses, the connection switching means
The connection destination of the transmission processing means is switched by the switching control means to the
Switching from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other
At the connection destination of the reception processing means of the first second connection terminal
Switch from the other to the one,
Before signal transmission until connection switching by the switching control means
A predetermined number of times until the reception detection means detects external reception
Let me repeat .

Therefore, in the signal communication method by the signal communication device of the present invention, the first connection terminal is connected to one of the first and second communication lines of the external communication line array, and the second connection terminal is connected to the other. Since the connection switching means connects the transmission processing means to one of the first and second connection terminals and connects the other to the reception processing means, the communication signal generated by the transmission processing means is externally transmitted to the communication line array in this state. The reception processing means internally processes a communication signal externally received from the communication line array. However, when a communication signal is externally received by the reception processing means in such a state, the reception detection means detects the communication signal. However, if the reception detection means does not detect external reception, the transmission processing means and the reception processing means are not detected. It is determined that the connection relationship of the communication line array is not appropriate. In this case, the switching control means switches the connection destination of the transmission processing means by the connection switching means from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other, and switches the connection destination of the reception processing means from the other one of the first and second connection terminals. Therefore, in this state, the communication signal generated by the transmission processing means is externally transmitted from the switched connection terminal to the communication line array, and the switched connection terminal internally processes the communication signal externally received from the communication line array. I do. In addition, operation
Transmission processing to connection switching means as operation control by control means
When the means is connected to a predetermined one of the first and second connection terminals,
First, the other end is connected to the reception processing means, and in this state the transmission processing means is connected.
Transmission of predetermined communication signals from communication means to the communication line array
Trust. Therefore, the first connection terminal connects the communication line array.
Connected to the second connection terminal of the destination signal communication device
The communication signal returned by the signal communication device of the communication destination
Externally received from the communication line array to the second connection terminal.
The communication line corresponding to the externally transmitted communication signal
When a communication signal is externally received from the array, it is detected and received.
Detection means, but the reception detection means detects external reception.
If the predetermined time elapses without output, the transmission processing means and
The connection relationship of the communication line array to the
It is determined that it is not appropriate. In this case, the connection switching means
The connection destination of the transmission processing means is controlled by the switching control means.
Switch from one of the connection terminals to the other and receive
The connection destination of the processing means is changed from the other of the first and second connection terminals to one.
In this state, the transmission processing means generates
Communication lines from the connection terminal communication signals are gill cut conversion to
Externally transmitted to the array and switched connection terminals communicate
Receiving processing means for receiving communication signals externally received from the line array
Performs internal processing. Moreover, signal transmission by transmission processing means
From the connection control by the switching control means to the reception detection means
This is repeated a predetermined number of times until external reception is detected.
External reception of communication signals in the process of repetition
, The connection state at that time is held.

[0030]

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

In the signal communication device as described above, the operation control means detects the external reception even if the reception detection means detects the external reception even after repeating a predetermined number of times from the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the connection switching by the switching control means. Otherwise, it is possible for the switching control means to connect the transmission processing means to one of the first and second connection terminals and to connect the reception processing means to the other.

In this case, if the reception detecting means does not detect the external reception even if the operation control means repeats from the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the connection switching by the switching control means up to a predetermined number of times, the switching control means transmits the transmission processing means to the switching control means. Since the signal processing device is connected to one of the first and second connection terminals and the reception processing means is connected to the other of the first and second connection terminals, the connection relationship is maintained in a predetermined state when the signal communication device of the communication destination is not detected.

In the signal communication device as described above, the operation control means can control the operation of each unit as an initial setting immediately after startup. In this case, since the operation control unit controls the operation of each unit as the initial setting immediately after the startup, the connection relationship between the signal communication device of the present invention and the signal communication device of the communication destination becomes appropriate in the initial setting.

The first communication relay apparatus of the present invention, a second communication line for transmitting a first communication line and the other for transmitting one of the communication signal signal communication device communicates signals with an external receiving externally transmitted comprising a communication line array that includes, a front Symbol reception processing means for externally receiving a communication signal from the transmission processing unit and the other for the communication signal to one of said the first communication line second communication line to external transmission A signal communication device, and a communication relay device that relays signal communication with the signal communication device, wherein the transmission processing unit of the signal communication device is connected to one of the first communication line and the second communication line and to the other. Connection switching means for connecting the reception processing means, reception detection means for detecting external reception of a communication signal from the communication line array to the reception processing means, and the reception detection means not detecting external reception The received with switches on the other of the connection destination of the transmission processing means by said connection switching means from one of said second communication line and said first communication line
And switching control means for switching to one of the connection destination from the other processing unit, an operation control unit that controls the operation of each section, and comprises a, said operating control means, prior to the said connection switching means
Transmitting processing means to a predetermined one of the first and second connection terminals.
And the other end is connected to the reception processing means.
In this state, the transmission processing means
A predetermined communication signal is externally transmitted to the array.
From the communication line array in response to the
The received communication signal is detected by the reception detecting means,
A predetermined time elapses without the reception detection means detecting external reception.
The connection switching means causes the connection of the transmission processing means to occur.
The connection destination is connected to the first and second connection terminals by the switching control means.
Switch from one to the other, and
Cut the connection destination of the step from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other.
From the signal transmission by the transmission processing means.
The reception detecting means performs until the connection is switched by the switching control means.
The process is repeated a predetermined number of times until external reception is detected .

Therefore, in the communication relay method by the communication relay device according to the present invention, the connection switching means connects the transmission processing means of the signal communication device to one of the first and second communication lines of the communication line array and the other to the reception processing means. To connect
In this state, the communication signal is externally transmitted from the transmission processing unit of the signal communication device to the communication line array, and the communication signal is externally received from the communication line array to the reception processing unit. However,
When the reception processing means externally receives a communication signal from the communication line array in such a state, the reception detection means detects this. However, if the reception detection means does not detect external reception, the communication between the signal transmission device and the communication line array is not performed. The communication relay device determines that the connection relationship is not appropriate. In this case, the communication relay device switches the connection destination of the transmission processing means by the connection switching means from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other by the switching control means, and sets the connection destination of the reception processing means to the other of the first and second connection terminals. In this state, the communication signal generated by the transmission processing means is externally transmitted from the switched connection terminal to the communication line array, and the switched connection terminal receives the communication signal externally received from the communication line array in this state. Means process internally. Furthermore, the operation control means
Transmission control means in the connection switching means.
Connect to one of the second connection terminals and to the other
Connect the reception processing means, and in this state,
A predetermined communication signal is externally transmitted to the communication line array.
Therefore, the first connection terminal communicates via the communication line array.
If it is connected to the second connection terminal of the previous signal communication device,
The communication signal returned by the destination signal communication device is the communication line
Externally received from the array to a second connection terminal. in this way
From the communication line array in response to externally transmitted communication signals
When a communication signal is received externally, the reception detection means detects this.
But the reception detection means does not detect external reception.
When a predetermined time elapses, transmission processing means and reception processing
Improper connection of communication line array to means
Is determined. In this case, the transmission processing by the connection switching means
The connection destination of the means is switched between the first and second connection terminals by the switching control means.
Switch from one to the other, and
Switch the connection destination from the other of the first and second connection terminals to one.
In this state, the communication signal generated by the transmission processing means is
From the connection terminal whose signal has been switched to the communication line array.
Part is sent, switched connection pin communications line array
The reception processing means internally processes the communication signal received externally from a.
I do. In addition, switching from signal transmission by transmission processing means
Reception detection means performs external reception until connection switching by control means
This is repeated a predetermined number of times until detection
In the process, the external reception of the communication signal is detected by the reception processing means.
Then, the connection state at that time is maintained.

[0040]

[0041]

One signal communication system according to the present invention is a signal communication system in which a pair of signal communication devices performs two-way signal communication via one communication line array. Devices are connected by the communication line array.

Therefore, in the signal communication method by the signal communication system of the present invention, the signal communication device of the present invention and the signal communication device of the present invention perform bidirectional signal communication via the communication line array. In this case, since the pair of signal communication devices makes the mutual connection relationship appropriate regardless of the connection relationship with the communication line array, appropriate signal communication is executed without considering the connection relationship with the communication line array. .

According to another signal communication system of the present invention, in a signal communication system in which a pair of signal communication devices performs two-way signal communication through one communication line array, the communication relay of the present invention is connected to one end of the communication line array. One signal communication device is connected via a device, and the other signal communication device is connected to the other end of the communication line array via a communication relay device of the present invention.

Therefore, in the signal communication method using the signal communication system of the present invention, a pair of signal communication devices perform bidirectional signal communication via the communication relay device of the present invention and the communication line array. In this case, the connection relationship between the pair of signal communication devices is appropriate regardless of the connection relationship between the communication relay device and the communication line array. Appropriate signal communication is executed without consideration.

The various means referred to in the present invention only need to be formed so as to realize their functions. For example, dedicated hardware, a computer provided with appropriate functions by a program, a computer provided by an appropriate program , The functions realized inside, and the combination thereof are allowed.

The communication line array according to the present invention comprises:
It is sufficient that at least two wired communication lines are provided and their connection terminals are arranged in a predetermined structure. For example, a 10Base-T standard straight cable or cross cable is allowed.

[0048]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. However, the same portions as those in the conventional example described above with respect to the present embodiment are denoted by the same names and reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition,
1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing a main part of the signal communication device of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a signal communication system of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 shows a signal communication method of the signal communication device. It is a flowchart.

Signal communication system 200 of the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 3A, a pair of signal communication devices 201
And these are the communication line arrays 10Ba
They are directly connected by a se-T standard straight cable 103 without a relay hub.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the signal communication apparatus 201 of the present embodiment has a transmission processing circuit 211 as a transmission processing means and a reception processing circuit, as shown in FIGS. Reception processing circuit 212 as means
The processing circuits 211 and 212 are connected to one transceiver unit 213.

The transceiver unit 213 also has a 10Ba
The first and second connection terminals 214 and 215, the pulse transformers 216 and 217,
Amplifiers 218 and 219 are provided. However, in the signal communication device 201 of the present embodiment, the transceiver unit 213 is a switch circuit 2 that is a connection switching unit.
The first and second connection terminals 214 and 215 are switchably connected to the transmission / reception processing circuits 211 and 212 by the changeover switch circuit 221.

The transceiver unit 213 also includes a reception recognition circuit 222 as reception detection means and a switching control circuit 223 as switching control means.
25, and a switch control circuit 226.

The reception recognition circuit 222 is a reception processing circuit 212
Of the reception recognition circuit 222.
The switching control circuit 223 is connected to the control terminal of the switching circuit 221. Further, the signal communication device 201 of the present embodiment
Of course, includes a main body power supply 230 for supplying power to each section, and this main body power supply 230 is also connected to an initial setting circuit 231 which is operation control means.

The reception recognition circuit 222 includes a reception processing circuit 22
2 detects that the communication signal is externally received and notifies the switching control circuit 223. When the main body power supply 230 is switched from the off state to the on state, the initialization circuit 231 detects the power-on. Initially, each part of the signal communication device 201 is initialized.

As a part of the initial setting of the initial setting circuit 231, the transmission processing circuit 211 and the transceiver unit 21
3 is also operation-controlled, so that the switching control circuit 223
The connection state of the changeover switch circuit 221 is initialized according to the detection result of the reception recognition circuit 222.

More specifically, this initial setting circuit 231
As an initial setting of the portion of the transceiver unit 213, first, the operation of the changeover switch circuit 221 is controlled via the changeover control circuit 223, and as shown in FIG. The terminal 214 is connected to the second connection terminal 21.
5 and this connection state is referred to as a first state.

In this state, a predetermined communication signal is externally transmitted from the first connection terminal 214 to the straight cable 103 by the transmission processing circuit 211. This communication signal is a dummy having a predetermined content, and is transmitted to the communication destination receiving the signal. The signal communication device 201 is set to return a predetermined communication signal.

Accordingly, in this state, the reception recognition circuit 222
Detects the communication signal externally received from the straight cable 103 to the second connection terminal 215 in response to the externally transmitted communication signal, and the switching control circuit 223 converts the signal from the transmission processing circuit 211 to the reception recognition circuit. The required time until the reception is detected at 222 is accumulated by the timer circuit 224.

Further, the switching control circuit 223 compares the accumulated time of the timer circuit 224 with a predetermined permissible time by the switch control circuit 226, and the reception recognition circuit 222 before the accumulated time of the timer circuit 224 exceeds the permissible time. When external reception is detected, the changeover switch circuit 221 maintains the connection state and completes its own initial setting.

However, if the integration time of the timer circuit 224 exceeds the allowable time without the reception recognition circuit 222 detecting external reception, the operation of the changeover switch circuit 221 is controlled, and the connection of the transmission processing circuit 211 is performed as shown in FIG. The connection destination is switched from the first connection terminal 214 to the second connection terminal 215, and the connection destination of the reception processing circuit 212 is changed to the second connection terminal 21.
5 is switched to the first connection terminal 214, and this connection state is changed from the first state to the second state.

At this time, the switching control circuit 223 accumulates the above-mentioned number of times of switching by the number-of-times-of-switching counter 225. If the number of times of accumulation does not reach the predetermined number, a series of processing operations from the above-mentioned signal transmission is executed again. With this, the timer circuit 2
If the reception recognition circuit 222 detects external reception before the accumulated time of 24 exceeds the allowable time, the changeover switch circuit 2
21 is maintained, and the initial setting is completed.

However, if the integration time of the timer circuit 224 exceeds the allowable time without the reception recognition circuit 222 detecting external reception, the switching control circuit 223 changes the connection state of the switching circuit 221 from the second state to the first state. And the above-described series of processing operations is repeated until the reception recognition circuit 222 detects external reception.

At this time, the switching control circuit 223 also accumulates the number of times of switching by the number-of-times-of-change counter 225. Therefore, the above series of processing operations is repeated until the number of times of integration reaches the predetermined number of times. The initial setting is completed by setting the connection state of the circuit 221 to the first state.

In this embodiment, to simplify the description, the reception recognition circuit 222 is represented as independent hardware separately from the reception processing circuit 212, but the reception recognition circuit 222 is actually It is conventionally existing as a part of the processing circuit 212.

In the above-described configuration, in the signal communication system 200 of the present embodiment, a pair of signal communication devices 2
01 is a straight cable 1 without going through a relay hub
03, the signal communication device 201 of the present embodiment is initially connected to the straight cable 10
3, the pair of signal communication devices 201 can perform signal communication with each other.

Here, the first and second signal communication devices 201a, 201a, 2a directly connected by the straight cable 103
The processing operation when 01b is activated in order will be described below. First, when the first signal communication device 201a is started in a state where the second signal communication device 201b is at rest, the first signal communication device 201a starts its main power supply 23.
When 0 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the initial setting circuit 231 recognizes the activation of the apparatus and starts the initial setting of each unit.

In that case, as shown in FIG. 4, the transceiver unit 2 is initialized by the initial setting circuit 231.
As a result, the connection state of the changeover switch circuit 221 is first set to the first state by the changeover control circuit 223 (step S1).

As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission processing circuit 2
11 is connected to the first connection terminal 214 and the reception processing circuit 212 is connected to the second connection terminal 215,
In this state, the transmission processing circuit 211 is operation-controlled as an initial setting by the initial setting circuit 231, so that the transmission processing circuit 211 externally transmits a predetermined communication signal from the first connection terminal 214 to the straight cable 103 (step S <b> 2). ).

As described above, the communication signal is set so that the signal communication device 201 which has received the signal returns a predetermined communication signal. Second signal communication device 20
It waits for the external reception of the communication signal returned from 1b.

However, in this case, since the second signal communication device 201b of the communication destination is inactive, the receiving process by the second signal communication device 201b is not executed, and the reply communication signal is transmitted externally. Never even. On the other hand, in the first signal communication device 201a that has externally transmitted a communication signal to the second signal communication device 201b, a straight cable 10
The reception recognition circuit 222 waits for the detection of a communication signal externally received from the third connection terminal 215 to the second connection terminal 215 (step S4).
4 (step S3).

The accumulated time of the timer circuit 224 is compared with a predetermined allowable time by the switch control circuit 226 (step S5). In this case, the accumulated time of the timer circuit 224 is detected without the reception recognition circuit 222 detecting external reception. Would exceed the allowed time.

Then, the operation of the changeover switch circuit 221 is controlled by the changeover control circuit 223, and the connection state is changed from the first state to the second state. As shown in FIG. And the reception processing circuit 212 is connected to the first connection terminal 214 (step S6).

Therefore, the number of times of switching of the changeover switch circuit 221 is integrated by the number-of-times-of-change counter 225 as the number of repetitions of the initially set operation control, and this number of repetitions is compared with the predetermined number of times by the switching control circuit 223 (step S
7). In this case, since the number of repetitions is one, the initial setting is continued, and a series of processing operations are executed again from the above signal transmission (steps S2 to S6).

However, the second signal communication device 20 of the communication destination
1b is inactive, the first signal communication device 201a does not externally receive the reply communication signal, and the operation control in the initial setting is repeated (step S2).
S7), the number of repetitions reaches a predetermined number.

Therefore, the first signal communication device 201a
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the initial setting circuit 231
The switching control circuit 223 whose operation is controlled by the controller sets the connection state of the switching circuit 221 to a first state which is a normal state.
(Step S8) By maintaining this connection state, the initial setting is completed (Step S9).

As described above, the first signal communication device 201a
When the activation of the second signal communication device 20 is completed,
1b is activated, the second signal communication device 201b
However, the same initial setting is performed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation of the transceiver unit 213 is also controlled as the initial setting by the initial setting circuit 231, so that the connection state of the switch circuit 221 is first set to the first state by the switch control circuit 223. (Step S
1).

As shown in FIG. 1, in this state, the transmission processing circuit 211 whose operation is controlled by the initialization circuit 231 transmits a predetermined communication signal from the first connection terminal 214 to the straight cable 103 externally (step S2). The second signal communication device 201b that has externally transmitted this communication signal waits for external reception of a communication signal returned from the first signal communication device 201a of the communication destination (steps S3 to S5).

However, since the connection state of the changeover switch circuit 221 of the first signal communication device 201a of the communication destination is initially set to the first state as described above, the connection state of the changeover switch circuit 221 is similarly changed to the second state. The communication signal externally transmitted by the second signal communication device 201b in one state is transmitted from the first communication line 121 of the straight cable 103 to the transmission processing circuit 211 of the first signal communication device 201a at the communication destination.

In this case, naturally, the first signal communication device 201a does not execute the reception processing of the communication signal, and does not externally transmit the reply communication signal. In the signal communication device 201b, the integration time of the timer circuit 224 exceeds the allowable time.

Then, the second signal communication device 201b
2 and FIG. 3A, the switching control circuit 223 controls the operation of the switch circuit 221 to change the connection state from the first state to the second state (step S6). After it is confirmed that has not reached the predetermined number of times (step S7), a series of processing operations are executed again from the above-described signal transmission (steps S2 to S5).

In this case, the communication signal externally transmitted by the transmission processing circuit 211 of the second signal communication device 201 b is transmitted from the second connection terminal 215 to the second communication line 122 of the straight cable 103 by the changeover switch circuit 221 in the second state. Since the communication signal is externally transmitted, the communication signal is externally received by the reception processing circuit 212 of the first signal communication device 201a.

Since the first signal communication device 201a externally receives the communication signal in this way, the transmission processing circuit 211 externally transmits the reply communication signal from the first connection terminal 214 to the first communication line 121 of the straight cable 103. ,
This communication signal is externally received by the reception processing circuit 212 from the first connection terminal 214 of the second signal communication device 201b via the changeover switch circuit 221 in the second state.

At this time, since the reception recognition circuit 222 detects the external reception of the communication signal (step S4), the switching control circuit 223 changes the connection state of the switching switch circuit 221 in the second state in response to the reception detection. By maintaining it (step S9), the initial setting of the transceiver unit 213 is completed.

As described above, the first and second signal communication devices 20
When the initial setting of 1a and 201b is completed, the connection state of the changeover switch circuit 221 is the first state in the first signal communication device 201a and the second state in the second signal communication device 201b. As a result, the first and second signal communication devices 201a and 201b can perform signal communication with each other.

That is, the signal communication device 20 of the present embodiment
1 is that the transceiver unit 213 complies with the 10Base-T standard, but does not require the interposition of a relay hub or the preparation of the cross cable 125, and is directly connected to the other signal communication device 201 and the straight cable 103. Even if connected, they can communicate with each other.

In particular, the signal communication device 201 of the present embodiment
Is a changeover switch circuit 22 with another signal communication device 201.
1 automatically corrects the connection state inside itself, so that there is no need for the user to switch the changeover switch circuit 221. This correction is performed as an initial setting,
The signal communication device 201 of the present embodiment can perform good mutual communication from the beginning.

Further, the signal communication device 20 of the present embodiment
1 initializes the changeover switch circuit 221 to a connection state capable of communicating with the other signal communication device 201 as described above. For example, the signal communication system 3 illustrated in FIG.
As in the case of 00, even if the other signal communication device 201 is connected to the other signal communication device 201 via the cross cable 125, good communication can be achieved, and mutual communication is possible even with a relay hub (not shown) interposed.

That is, the signal communication device 20 of the present embodiment
1 automatically sets itself so that it can communicate with the other, so that the communication line array used for connection may be either the straight cable 103 or the cross cable 125, and no communication error occurs due to an incorrect cable used. The user does not need to consider the cable used.

In addition, the signal communication device 20 of the present embodiment
1 is a changeover switch circuit 221 if a state in which communication with the other signal communication device 201 is not confirmed by initial setting.
Is initially set to the first state, a state in which signal communication is executed in the normal state similar to the conventional state is automatically established.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but allows various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, two signal communication devices 20
Although only one is directly connected by the straight cable 103, it is also possible to connect three or more signal communication devices 201 by 10Base-T Ethernet.

In this case, the signal communication device 201 also initializes itself at the stage of initial setting corresponding to the signal communication device 201 of the communication destination, but a combination of the signal communication devices 201 which cannot communicate with each other as they occur may occur. If this causes a problem, the same processing operation as the above-described initial setting may be executed every time the signal communication device 201 of the communication destination is changed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the signal communication device 201
Controls the switching of the switch circuit 221 by the initial setting, for example, a pair of signal communication devices 201 having the same structure.
Are connected at the same time, the switching control of both the changeover switch circuits 221 may be synchronized and initialization may not be performed well.

If this poses a problem, for example, the allowable time to be compared with the integration time of the timer circuit 224 or the predetermined number of times to be compared with the integration number of the switching number counter 225 is determined by the random number generated by the random number generation circuit. The signal communication device 201 may be formed so that the signal communication device 201 can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, an off-line personal computer is assumed as the signal communication device 201. However, the present invention is not limited to various signal transmission and signal reception communication lines such as 10Base-T Ethernet which are separated from each other. ADSL (Asymmetric)
Digital Subscriber Line) It is also possible to apply to a modem or the like.

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

Further, in the above embodiment, the signal communication device 201
Although the changeover switch circuit 221 and the changeover control circuit 223 are provided inside the transceiver unit 213 of FIG. Can be externally attached to the signal communication device 101.

However, when a signal relay device independent of the signal communication device 101 is realized by the above-described algorithm, it is expected that the transmission processing circuit 111 and the reception processing circuit 112 need to operate differently from the conventional one. You. Therefore, if this is a problem, the signal communication device 101
It is preferable that a dedicated control circuit for causing the transmission processing circuit 111 and the reception processing circuit 112 to perform necessary operations is provided in the signal relay device.

Further, a changeover switch circuit 2 is provided in the signal relay device.
A transmission processing circuit and a reception processing circuit are also provided together with the switching control circuit 21 and the switching control circuit 223.
When connected to 1, Rukoto inherited to the transmission processing circuit and the receiver circuits are also possible operation signal repeater of the transmission processing circuit 111 and the reception processing circuit 112 of the signal communication device 101.

Further, in the above embodiment, the signal communication device 201
Although each of the components has been illustrated as being formed as dedicated hardware, for example, it is also possible to implement each component of the signal communication device 201 by mounting and operating appropriate software on a computer, It is also possible to realize a part by software and to form a part as hardware.

[0102]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

In the signal communication method by one signal communication device of the present invention, the first connection terminal is connected to one of the first and second communication lines of the external communication line array, and the second connection terminal is connected to the other. Since the connection switching means connects the transmission processing means to one of the first and second connection terminals and connects the other to the reception processing means, the communication signal generated by the transmission processing means is externally transmitted to the communication line array in this state. The reception processing means internally processes a communication signal externally received from the communication line array. When a communication signal is externally received by the reception processing means in such a state, the reception detection means detects the communication signal. If the reception detecting means does not detect the external reception, it is determined that the connection relation of the communication line array to the transmission processing means and the reception processing means is not proper, and the transmission processing by the connection switching means is performed. Switching control means the connection of means switches the connection destination of the reception processing unit together with the switching from one to the other of the first second connection terminal to one from the other of the first second connecting terminal, as the operation control by the operation control means, Disconnect
The transmission processing means to the switching means and the predetermined one of the first and second connection terminals
And the other side is connected to the reception processing means,
In this state, the transmission processing means sends a predetermined number to the communication line array.
The communication signal is transmitted externally, and the first connection terminal is
Connected to the second connection terminal of the destination signal communication device via the
If the connection is continued, the communication returned by the destination signal communication device
The signal is received externally from the communication line array to the second connection terminal.
The communication line corresponding to the externally transmitted communication signal
When a communication signal is externally received from the in-array, it is received.
Signal is detected by the
If the predetermined time has elapsed without detecting
Connection of the communication line array to the
Is determined to be inappropriate, and the transmission processing by the connection switching means is performed.
The connection destination of the processing means is switched by the switching control means to the first and second connection terminals.
Switching from one to the other and receiving processing means
Switch the connection destination from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other
From the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the switching control means.
Detection means detects external reception until connection switching by
By repeating a predetermined number of times until itself, it is automatically set to a state where it can communicate with other signal communication devices,
It can communicate well with other signal communication devices, and does not require a dedicated communication line array in which the first and second communication lines intersect for connection with other signal communication devices. necessary to interpose and relay hub that mediates communication between the device is also rather than in good mutual communication with other signal communication device
It can automatically search for and establish what it can do.

[0104]

[0105]

[0106]

In the signal communication apparatus as described above, if the reception detection means does not detect external reception even if the operation control means repeats from the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the connection switching by the switching control means a predetermined number of times, the switching control is performed. By connecting the transmission processing means to the predetermined one of the first and second connection terminals and connecting the reception processing means to the other, when the signal communication device of the communication destination is not detected, for example, the communication state is changed to the conventional state. It can be in the same state.

In the above-described signal communication device, the operation control means controls the operation of each unit as an initial setting immediately after startup, so that the connection relation with the signal communication device of the communication destination can be properly corrected in the initial setting. Therefore, it is possible to perform good signal communication from the beginning with the signal communication device of the communication destination.

According to the communication relay method of one communication relay device of the present invention, the connection switching means connects the transmission processing means of the signal communication device to one of the first and second communication lines of the communication line array and the other of the reception processing means to the other. In this state, the communication signal is externally transmitted from the transmission processing means of the signal communication device to the communication line array, and the communication signal is externally received from the communication line array to the reception processing means. When the processing means externally receives a communication signal from the communication line array, the reception detection means detects this.However, if the reception detection means does not detect external reception, the connection between the signal transmission device and the communication line array is not appropriate. The connection switching means switches the connection destination of the transmission processing means from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other by the switching control means, and Switching means to connect to one from the other of the first second connection terminal, the operation according to the operation control unit system
Transmission control means is connected to connection switching means as first and second connections
Connect to one of the terminals and receive the other
The transmission processing means is connected in this state.
External transmission of a predetermined communication signal to the communication line array
The first connection terminal is the signal of the communication destination via the communication line array.
If it is connected to the second connection terminal of the communication device,
Is the communication signal returned by the signal communication device a communication line array?
Externally received by the second connection terminal, and transmitted externally in this way.
Communication signal from the communication line array
When externally received, this is detected by the reception detection means,
This reception detection means does not detect external reception for a predetermined time.
When elapses, the transmission processing means and the reception processing means
The connection relationship of the communication line array
Control the connection destination of the transmission processing means by the connection switching means.
Switch from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other by control means
And the connection destination of the reception processing means to the first and second connection
The terminal is switched from one to the other, and
From signal transmission to connection switching by switching control means
Repeat a predetermined number of times until the detection means detects external reception
By be, since the pair of signal communication device to automatically set the state to communicate with each other, it is possible to satisfactorily intercommunication a pair of signal communication device, a pair of signal communication device
Automatically seek and establish good intercommunication
be able to.

[0110]

In the signal communication method using the signal communication system of the present invention, the signal communication device of the present invention and the signal communication device of the present invention perform two-way signal communication via a communication line array, thereby forming a pair of signal communication devices. Can properly establish a mutual connection relationship irrespective of the connection relationship with the communication line array, so that communication signals can be favorably communicated irrespective of the connection relationship with the communication line array.

In the signal communication method according to another signal communication system of the present invention, a pair of signal communication devices perform two-way signal communication via the communication relay device of the present invention and the communication line array, thereby forming a pair of signal communication devices. Since the connection relationship of the devices can be made appropriate irrespective of the connection relationship between the communication relay device and the communication line array, the pair of signal communication devices can transmit communication signals satisfactorily regardless of the connection relationship with the communication line array. Can communicate with each other.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a signal communication device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of the signal communication device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a signal communication system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a signal communication method of the signal communication device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an overall structure of a signal communication system of a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a conventional signal communication device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a signal communication device of a conventional example is directly connected by a cross cable which is a communication line array.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 103 Straight cable as communication line array 121 First communication line 122 Second communication line 125 Cross cable as communication line array 200 Signal communication system 201 Signal communication device 211 Transmission processing circuit as transmission processing means 212 Reception as reception processing means Processing circuit 214 First connection terminal 215 Second connection terminal 221 Switching switch circuit as connection switching means 222 Reception recognition circuit as reception detection means 223 Switching control circuit as switching control means 231 Initial setting circuit as operation control means

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first connection terminal connected to one of a first communication line and a second communication line of an external communication line array, and a second connection terminal connected to the other of the first and second communication lines. A signal processing method for a signal communication device, comprising: a transmission processing means for generating a communication signal to be transmitted externally; and a reception processing means for internally processing a communication signal received externally, wherein the first connection The transmission processing means and the reception processing means are switchably connected to a terminal and the second connection terminal, and the reception processing means detects that a communication signal is externally received, and unless the external reception is detected. said transmission processing means in the destination one with switching to the other from the first second connecting terminal switches the connection destination of the reception processing unit to one from the other of the first second connection terminal, before the transmission processing means One of the first and second connection terminals
And the other end is connected to the reception processing means.
In this state, the communication line array is transmitted by the transmission processing means.
(B) externally transmits a predetermined communication signal, and in response to the externally transmitted communication signal,
A communication signal externally received from the ray is detected, and a predetermined time passes without detecting external reception of the communication signal.
If the connection destination of the transmission processing means is the first second connection
Switch from one terminal to the other and
The connection destination of the processing means is set to one from the other of the first and second connection terminals.
From the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the connection switching.
A predetermined number of times until external reception of the communication signal is detected.
A signal communication method that is repeated . 2. A first connection terminal connected to one of a first communication line and a second communication line of an external communication line array, and a second connection terminal connected to the other of the first and second communication lines. Transmission processing means for generating a communication signal to be transmitted externally; reception processing means for internally processing an externally received communication signal; and the transmission processing means for the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and Connection switching means for switchably connecting the reception processing means, reception detection means for detecting that a communication signal is externally received by the reception processing means, and connection connection means if the reception detection means does not detect external reception Switching the connection destination of the transmission processing means from one of the first and second connection terminals to the other and switching the connection destination of the reception processing means from the other one of the first and second connection terminals. And control means, and operation control means controls the operation of each section, and comprises a, said operating control means, the transmission processing means said first second and by the connection switching means
Connect to one of the two connection terminals and
The reception processing means is connected, and in this state, the communication line array is transmitted by the transmission processing means.
(B) externally transmits a predetermined communication signal, and in response to the externally transmitted communication signal,
The communication signal externally received from the ray is sent to the reception detection means.
A predetermined time without detecting the external reception by the reception detecting means.
When the time has elapsed, the connection processing means
The connection destination is controlled by the first and second connection terminals by the switching control means.
Switching from one to the other and the reception processing
Connecting the means to the other one of the first and second connection terminals
Switching from the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the switching control means.
The reception detecting means detects external reception until connection switching by
A signal communication device that repeats a predetermined number of times until it is issued . 3. The switching control means, if the reception detection means does not detect external reception even after repeating a predetermined number of times from signal transmission by the transmission processing means to connection switching by the switching control means, 3. The signal communication apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission processing means is connected to a predetermined one of the first and second connection terminals, and the other is connected to the reception processing means. 4. The signal communication device according to claim 2 , wherein said operation control means controls operation of each section as an initial setting immediately after startup. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is appropriately changed by a random number.
The signal communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein 6. The predetermined time is appropriately changed by a random number.
The signal communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein 7. A communication line array, and and a second communication line for transmitting a first communication line and the other for transmitting one of the communication signal signal communication device communicates signals with an external receiving externally transmitted cage, the signal communication device is provided with a a receiving processing means for externally receiving a communication signal from the transmission processing unit and the other externally transmit a communication signal to one of the said first communication line second communication line A communication relay method of a communication relay device that relays signal communication between the signal communication device and the communication line array, wherein the transmission processing unit of the signal communication device includes the first communication line and the second communication line. Connected to one of the communication line arrays and the other to the reception processing means, to detect external reception of a communication signal from the connected communication line array to the reception processing means, and to detect the external reception The Most switches the connection destination of the reception processing unit a connection destination with switch from one to the other of the first second communication line of said transmission processing means in one direction from the other of said first second communication line, said transmission processing means One of the first and second connection terminals
And the other end is connected to the reception processing means.
In this state, the transmission processing means is connected to the communication
Externally transmits a predetermined communication signal line array, said communication Rain'a in response to the communication signal the external transmission
A communication signal externally received from the ray is detected, and a predetermined time passes without detecting external reception of the communication signal.
If the connection destination of the transmission processing means is the first second connection
The received together to switch from one terminal to the other
The connection destination of the processing means is set to one from the other of the first and second connection terminals.
From the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the connection switching.
A predetermined number of times until external reception of the communication signal is detected.
Communication relay method to repeat . 8. A communication line array is provided and a second communication line for transmitting a first communication line and the other for transmitting one of the communication signal signal communication device communicates signals with an external receiving externally transmitted cage, the signal communication device is provided with a a receiving processing means for externally receiving a communication signal from the transmission processing unit and the other externally transmit a communication signal to one of the said first communication line second communication line A communication relay device for relaying signal communication between the signal communication device and the communication line array, wherein the transmission processing unit of the signal communication device is connected to one of the first communication line and the second communication line. Connection switching means for connecting the reception processing means to the other, and reception detection means for detecting external reception of a communication signal from the communication line array to the reception processing means; While the connection destination of the reception processing unit from the other with but switched to the other of the connection destination of the transmission processing means by the connection switching means not to detect the external receiving from one of said second communication line and said first communication line and switching control means for switching, the operation control means controls the operation of each section, and comprises a, said operating control means, the transmission processing means said first second by the connection switching means
Connect to one of the two connection terminals and
The reception processing means is connected, and the communication in which the transmission processing means is connected in this state.
Externally transmits a predetermined communication signal line array, said communication Rain'a in response to the communication signal the external transmission
Communication signals that will be externally received from ray to said receiving detecting means
A predetermined time without detecting the external reception by the reception detecting means.
When the time has elapsed, the connection processing means
The connection destination is controlled by the first and second connection terminals by the switching control means.
Switching from one to the other and the reception processing
Connecting the means to the other one of the first and second connection terminals
Switching from the signal transmission by the transmission processing means to the switching control means.
The reception detecting means detects external reception until connection switching by
A communication relay device that repeats a predetermined number of times until it is issued . 9. A signal communication system in which a pair of signal communication device is in signal communication bidirectionally via the single communication line array, a signal communication device of any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein
Item 7. A signal communication system in which the signal communication device according to any one of Items 2 to 6 is connected by the communication line array. 10. A signal communication system in which a pair of signal communication devices performs two-way signal communication via one communication line array, wherein one end of the communication line array is connected to one end via the communication relay device according to claim 8 . A signal communication system, wherein the signal communication device is connected, and the other signal communication device is connected to the other end of the communication line array via the communication relay device according to claim 8 .