JP3365893B2 - Failure detection storage device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a failure finding storage device, and more particularly to a failure finding storage device capable of storing a failure status.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the case of a device such as a camera that is carried and used by a user, the user may drop or hit the device on the way of carrying it to break it. In addition, there is a possibility that the environment of use may be harsh, or the device may be left in an environment of high temperature or low temperature without being noticed by the user while moving, and the device may be destroyed.

As described above, although portable devices such as cameras are always exposed to the risk of failure due to external factors, even if the user notices a failure of the device, what kind of failure this malfunction may cause. It is difficult to identify what happened under the circumstances. If this failure can be identified, for example, in the case of a camera failure, it is possible to take measures such as preparing an alternative camera and taking another picture. It is difficult to grasp.

Further, if the picture is not well taken after the end of the photographing, is this the cause of the camera failure?
Alternatively, it is difficult to determine whether the operation is wrong, which is inconvenient.

In view of such circumstances, the present applicant has filed Japanese Patent Application No. 6-
No. 3104 proposes a technical means for notifying a user that a shock has been applied to the camera.

[0006]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application No. 6-310
Although the technical means proposed in No. 4 is useful, it was difficult to specify the time when the camera was broken down.

In view of such circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a failure finding / storing device which enables quick and accurate situation determination when a device failure occurs.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a first failure detection / storage device according to the present invention is provided in a device.
When the above damage is applied,
Failure to detect damage and output damage detection information
And over edge detection means, damage from the damage detection means
Responsive to the output of detection information, inspecting each part of the device for abnormalities
The start, an abnormality detection means for performing the abnormality is detected, the bad
Date and time information output means for outputting the date and time information when the addition of a message is detected , and at least the above date and time information and the above
Storage means capable of storing the image detection information and the abnormality detection
If an abnormality is detected by the means, the detected abnormality
Occurrence site information and date and time information by the date and time information output means
And a control means for storing in the storage means, the storage Hand
Characterized by comprising a table <br/> shows means for enabling display reads information stored in stages, also, the Dame
The detection means is a plurality of detection cells located at each part of the device.
Sensor, and the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality.
Based on the output signals of the above multiple detection sensors.
It is possible to identify the location of the abnormal
It

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the second failure detection storage device according to the present invention is designed to prevent damage caused to the equipment.
Detection sensor that generates an output according to the size, and the above detection
It is determined that the sensor output is greater than the first predetermined level
Automatically check whether the equipment is normal.
And checking means for click, abnormality by the checking means
If it is determined that there is damage,
By the storage means for storing date and time information and the checking means,
If it is determined that there is no abnormality,
Whether the output of the sensor is greater than the second predetermined level
Then, when it is larger than the second predetermined level, the above detection is performed.
The output information of the sensor is controlled to be stored in the storage means.
Characterized by comprising a Gosuru control means, further, upper
It is determined that the output of the detection sensor is larger than the first predetermined level.
As a result of the above automatic check after
If it is determined that there is always a damage
Is displayed to notify the user that there is no abnormality in the device.
If the output of the detection sensor is
Output of the above detection sensor
Is greater than the second predetermined level, the specific manual operation
The above-mentioned detection sensor stored only when the
Display control means for controlling to display the output information of the server
Is provided.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a third fault finding and storing device according to the present invention has a temperature or a factor which is a failure factor of equipment.
And temperature and humidity detecting means for detecting information of the humidity, the late
Date to output date and time information corresponding to the date and time when the obstacle factor occurred
Equipment with time information output means and temperature / humidity detection means
Temperature or humidity information and the specified reference temperature or reference humidity
And the temperature or humidity is lower than the reference temperature or reference humidity.
If there is a possibility that something is wrong with the equipment,
Date and time information by the time information output means and the temperature / humidity detection hand
Storage means for storing temperature or humidity information according to the steps ;
As a result of the comparison, the temperature or humidity is the reference temperature or the reference humidity.
If the temperature is lower than the
The current temperature or humidity of the instrument and the temperature or humidity measured last time
The difference in temperature or humidity is the reference temperature difference or reference
If the difference is larger than the humidity difference, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment.
Assuming that there is the date and time information by the date and time information output means and the above
Information on temperature or humidity by the temperature / humidity detection means is described above.
Control means for controlling to store in the storage means ;
Display means capable of reading and displaying information stored in the means
And is provided.

[0011]

The above-mentioned first failure detection storage device is installed in the device at a predetermined level or more.
When the above damage is applied, the damage detection means
The damage is detected and the damage is detected.
The damage detection information is output by the abnormality detection means.
Responding to the output of the information, the inspection of abnormality of each part of the device is started
Then, the abnormality is detected. In addition, the date and time information output means, above
The date and time information indicating that the damage has been detected is output, and the storage means stores at least the above date and time information and the above date and time information.
And the detection information. Then, the control means is
If an abnormality is detected by the regular detection means, it is detected.
Abnormal part information and date and time by the above date and time information output means
And information stored in the storage means, and the display means displays
The information stored in the storage means is read and displayed.

The second failure finding storage device is a detection sensor.
Depending on the amount of damage done to the device by the service
Force is generated and the output of the detection sensor is output by the checking means.
When it is determined that the force is greater than the first predetermined level
Automatically checks whether the device is normal.
Then, the above checking means determines that there is an abnormality.
In case of damage, the date and time when the storage means was damaged
Information is stored, and it is determined by the above checking means that there is no abnormality.
In case of disconnection, the control means further detects the above-mentioned detection sensor.
The output of is greater than a second predetermined level
If it is higher than the second predetermined level,
The output information of the sensor is stored in the storage means.

[0013] The third fault finding storage device, because the device
Temperature / humidity detection means for information on temperature or humidity, which is an obstacle factor
The failure factor was detected by the date and time information output means.
The date and time information corresponding to the day and time is output , and the temperature and
Information on the temperature or humidity of the equipment by the humidity detection means and the predetermined
Compare with the reference temperature or reference humidity,
The temperature is higher than the quasi-temperature or the standard humidity, and there is a risk that the equipment may be abnormal.
If there is, date and time information by the above date and time information output means
And the temperature or humidity information from the temperature / humidity detection means
It is stored in the storage means. In addition, as a result of the above comparison,
If the humidity is lower than the reference temperature or the reference humidity,
Current temperature or humidity of equipment by temperature / humidity detection means
And the temperature or humidity measured last time, the temperature difference or
When the humidity difference is greater than the reference temperature difference or the reference humidity difference
The above date and time information indicates that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the device.
Date and time information by the output means and the temperature / humidity detection means
So that the temperature or humidity information
It is controlled by the control means. And stored in the storage means
The read information is read out and displayed on the display means.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a failure finding storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the failure finding storage device of the present embodiment detects that the damage is added when a predetermined damage is applied to a device including the failure finding storage device from the outside. , Damage detection means 2 for outputting the damage detection information, date and time information output means 4 for outputting information on the date and time when the damage addition is detected, the date and time information, the damaged portion, and the magnitude of the damage. And the like, the display means 5 for displaying the stored contents of the storage means 3, the information from the damage detection means 2 are input, the sequence is controlled, and the detection is performed by the storage means 3. Based on the detection information from the arithmetic control unit (CPU) 1 that stores information and causes the display unit 5 to display, and the detection information from the damage detection unit 2, In the abnormality detecting means 7 for checking the abnormality of the site, are the main part is configured.

The damage may be an impact applied to the device or a change in the environment of the device, such as a change in temperature.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

First, when the damage detecting means 2 detects that a predetermined force (damage) is applied from the outside to the device having the fault finding and storing device (step S1),
Damage detection information is transmitted from the damage detection means 2 to the arithmetic control means (CPU) 1. The damage may be a shock applied to the device or an environmental change of the device.

When the CPU 1 receives the damage detection information from the damage detection means 2, the CPU 1 executes an abnormality detection subroutine (step S2). That is, CPU1
Controls the abnormality detecting means 7 to start the inspection of the abnormality of each part of the device to detect the abnormality (step S3). Here, when no abnormality is detected, it is determined that the damage has no effect, and the process returns to step S1 to detect damage.

When an abnormality is detected in step S3,
The CPU 1 receives the date and time information from the date and time information output means 4 (step S4), and stores the abnormality occurrence site by the abnormality detection means 7 and the date and time by the date and time information output means 4 in the storage means 3 (step S5). The contents corresponding to the display means 5 are displayed (step S6). The date and time information is not limited to the date and time, but refers to all necessary information such as year, month, day, hour, second, etc. As a result, the user can confirm the display on the display means 5 and take necessary measures.

When a one-chip microcomputer is used as the arithmetic control means 1, since it has many functions, the abnormality detecting means 7 may have the same function.

As described above, according to the failure detection / storage device of the present embodiment, parameters such as shock and ambient temperature of the device that may cause a failure are set for a portion where it is difficult to detect that a failure has occurred in the device. By detecting and storing
It is possible to increase the sense of security when using the device and increase the reliability when using it.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view (a) showing the main structure of a camera equipped with the failure finding / storing device of the second embodiment, and an example of display means of the failure finding / storing device. It is a front view. Further, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera provided with the failure finding storage device.

As mentioned above, this second embodiment
It is an example in which the failure detection storage device of the present invention is adopted in a camera. FIG. 3 also illustrates the mounted state of the electric circuit inside the camera.

As shown in the figure, in the camera in which the failure finding and storing device is mounted, substrates 102 and 103 for mounting components are arranged on one side and an upper portion of the camera body 100, respectively. On the substrate 102, an arithmetic control unit (CPU) 1 composed of a one-chip microcomputer and an electrically writable memory which is the storage unit 3 are mounted. An IC (AFIC) 104 for autofocus is mounted on the board 103, and its output is connected to the board 102 via a flexible printed board 106.

Further, a liquid crystal display section, which is the display means 5, is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 100 so that the photographer can recognize the information at the time of photographing and the date and time. The liquid crystal display unit 5 is connected to the board 102 via a flexible printed board 105.

On the other hand, on the other side of the camera body, an acceleration sensor as the damage detecting means 2 is provided. The acceleration sensor 2 is a sensor for detecting camera shake, and its output is connected to the board 102 via a flexible printed board 107.

In the figure, reference numeral 101 is a taking lens of the camera, and reference numeral 108 is a shutter button.

When a predetermined impact is applied to a camera mounted with the failure detection / storage device of this embodiment having such a configuration,
During the vibration, for example, the flexible printed board 1
A load is applied to the connector part of 06, and AFIC 104 and C
A communication failure with the PU 1 occurs, which causes a problem such that correct focusing cannot be performed.

Next, the operation of the failure finding storage device of the present embodiment for detecting the above-mentioned malfunction will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The CPU 1 is always in charge of the acceleration sensor 2
Is monitored, the acceleration sensor 2 detects vibration, and when this output is larger than a predetermined value (step S1
0), it is checked whether there is any abnormality in communication with the AFIC 104 (steps S11 and S12). Here, when it is determined that the communication is abnormal, the date and time when the shock is received is stored in the storage means 3, and the liquid crystal display unit 5 displays that the shock is received (step S13).

Such a communication check can prevent a failed photograph even when the camera is operated, but it was easy to give a user anxiety because it was not known when and why the communication failure occurred. According to this embodiment, when a failure occurs,
Since the time when it happened is displayed, it is possible to provide a camera with a sense of security. It is even more effective if the faulty part is also displayed.

On the other hand, it is difficult to electrically determine whether the mechanical parts such as the photographing lens 101 are normal or abnormal.
In the present embodiment, even if the communication state is normal in step S12, if it is determined that the impact level applied to the camera body is higher than the predetermined level B1 (step S16), the taking lens 101 is damaged. The output level of the acceleration sensor 2 is stored in the storage means 3 (step S17). However, in this case, it is not always the case that a malfunction has occurred, so no display is made, and, for example, only when a specific switch 109 (see FIG. 3A) provided on the camera is operated, FIG.
As shown in (b), a predetermined display is performed on the liquid crystal display section 5. In step S16, the predetermined level B1 which is the reference of the impact level is, for example, the storage means 3.
Remember.

In step S10, when no impact is applied to the camera body or the impact level is lower than the predetermined level B1 (step S1).
6) In response to the operation of the release button (step S1
4), the photographing sequence (step S15) is executed.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the risk of failure of a portion that is difficult to electrically check is predicted by using the acceleration sensor, a special shock sensor may be built in and the cost may increase. There is no. That is, it is possible to provide a cheap camera with a sense of security.

Further, even when a failure occurs, the cause can be easily identified, and quick repair can be performed.

As an application, it is possible to dispose a shock sensor at each part of the camera, detect which sensor has reacted, and record it, so that a further part can be specified.
Of course, it can be applied to portable products other than cameras.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a camera provided with a failure finding storage device according to the third embodiment.

First, in the camera of this embodiment, the damage (impact) detecting means in the first embodiment,
The configuration and operation corresponding to the date / time information output means, the storage means, the display means, and the arithmetic control means will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the camera of the present embodiment, a CPU 11 which is an arithmetic control unit is a control unit which controls the operation of the entire camera, and a driving IF-IC 12 of a lens frame driving motor 17 which will be described later. It is connected with a communication line. An electrically rewritable memory, an EEPROM 13, is connected to the CPU 11, and the CPU 1
It is controlled to 1 and stores predetermined information.

Further, a date module 14 having a clock function is connected to the CPU 11, and date information is transmitted from the date module 14 to the CPU 11 at any time. A liquid crystal display LCD15 provided on the upper surface of the camera body is connected to the CPU 11. The LC
At D15, the clock information based on the date and time information from the date module 14 is displayed under the control of the CPU 11 under normal conditions.

The date module 14 further includes a mode switch 29 for changing and setting the date and time display format, and a set switch 3 for setting the display to the correction state of date and time data.
0 is connected to each other, and by turning on these switches, the above-described settings are made. The mode switch 29 and the set switch 30 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body.

Further, in the present embodiment, by pressing the two switches, the mode switch 29 and the set switch 30 at the same time, the date and time when the shock is applied to the camera body is displayed on the LCD 15. The details will be described later.

On the other hand, at a predetermined position of the camera body, one or a plurality of shock sensors 28 for detecting a shock of the camera body are provided, and when a predetermined shock is received from the outside, the shock sensor 28 is sensed, and the sensor. The output is transmitted to the CPU 11.

The shock sensor 28 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram showing the configuration of the shock sensor 28.

The shock sensor 28 is an electronic switch using a semiconductor, in which an amplifying circuit, a comparing circuit and the like necessary for shock signal processing are integrated, but is characterized by being extremely small in size. That is, as shown in the figure,
The shock sensor 28 includes a semiconductor shock sensor 601, a power supply unit 602, a diode 608 for preventing backflow from the power supply,
The amplification circuit 603, the comparison circuit (comparator) 604, and the output circuits 605 and 606 constitute a main part.

The output of the impact sensor 601 is the amplification circuit 6
03, and is amplified to the input level of the comparison circuit 604. The comparison circuit 604 compares the shock level with a predetermined shock level, and when the detected shock exceeds the set shock level, the baseline of the output transistor 606 is set to the “H” level. The output transistor 606 is an open collector output, and when it exceeds a set impact, it becomes conductive (ON) and outputs a signal at that time from the output terminal to the CPU 11.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an output signal waveform of the shock sensor 28 when an impact applied to the camera body of this embodiment is detected.

As described above, the shock sensor 28
Under normal conditions, the state of its output terminal outputs the voltage level applied to the terminal, but if a shock is applied to the camera body at the timing shown in FIG. An "L" level signal as shown in FIG.
When the CPU 11 detects such an "L" level signal from the shock sensor 28, it stores the location of the detected sensor and the detection date and time in the EEPROM 13.

Even if only one shock sensor 28 has the above-described function and effect, if a plurality of shock sensors 28 are provided in the camera body, it becomes possible to limit the place of impact in more detail.

The date and time required for recording the impact detection date and time is
The clock function of the date module 14 is used.
That is, the CPU 11 inputs the date and time (clock) information by the clock function from the date module 14 at any time, and displays this clock information on the LCD 15 provided on the upper surface of the camera body as shown in FIG. 8, for example. To do.

Two switches (mode switch 29 and set switch 30) are connected to the date module 14 as described above. When the mode switch 29 is operated, the date display format is changed, and when the set switch 30 is operated, the display is set to the date data correction state.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the mode switch 29 and the set switch 30 are simultaneously pressed, the impact date and time stored in the EEPROM 13 is displayed. Accordingly, pressing the mode switch 29 and the set switch 30 at the same time serves as a display changeover switch. That is, normally, the date and time are displayed on the LCD 15 as shown in FIG. 8. However, when the mode switch 29 and the set switch 30 are simultaneously pressed, the impact date and time is displayed as shown in FIG. Has become.

When the camera of this embodiment is repaired, the method of confirming the shock content on the manufacturer side is not only to confirm the data in the EEPROM but also to easily read the shock content.
Means for displaying on a CD may be used. In that case, LCD
When the characters can be displayed on, the impact content is displayed as it is,
If the display is limited, as shown in FIG. 10, a number corresponding to the part or the content of the impact may be displayed. Since the clock function of the date module 14 is a known technique, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the date and time when the camera body is shocked can be stored and freely displayed. For example, when a camera that has malfunctioned is sent to a repair shop as a malfunction, a repair person usually cannot see the inside of the camera from the outside, and it takes much time to find out the cause of the malfunction.

In the camera of this embodiment, since the information on the impact content is stored in the EEPROM, the EEPR
By reading the impact point from the OM, the cause of the abnormal operation can be easily found. At this time, at the repair shop or manufacturer, as shown in FIG.
In order to read the information on the impact content from the EEPROM, the camera body and a predetermined monitor device can be connected via an adapter and the cause of failure can be displayed on the monitor device. In addition, as described above, the mode switch 29, Q30
The contents of the impact are displayed on the LCD of the camera itself by operating the etc.

By the way, when using the camera at a destination such as a travel destination, it can be sufficiently assumed that the camera is shocked without being noticed by the user while carrying or carrying the camera. However, when the user notices an abnormal operation of the camera or an abnormal photograph, he or she often suspects a defect in the camera body or an operation error during film development or printing. According to the camera of this embodiment,
Since the fact that a predetermined shock is applied to the camera body is stored and can be displayed, the cause of the abnormality can be accurately and easily obtained.

Next, in the camera of the third embodiment, the configuration and operation corresponding to the abnormality detecting means in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the abnormality detecting means and its peripheral portion in the camera of this embodiment.

As described above, the motor 17 is a lens frame driving motor. As shown in FIG. 5, when the zoom-up switch 18 is turned on, the CPU 11 recognizes the switch state and I
A motor forward rotation command is transmitted to the F-IC 12. As a result, the motor 17 rotates in the normal direction, and the lens barrel of the taking lens is set in the telephoto state. On the other hand, when the zoom down switch 19 is turned on, the reverse operation is performed in the same manner, and the wide angle state is set.

As shown in FIG. 12, the camera of this embodiment has a gear 21 that rotates in association with the rotation of the motor 17.
The rotation power of the outer frame (rotary ring) 2 of the lens frame is transmitted through the gear train 22.
3 is transmitted. Also, the rotary ring 23
The rotation of is transmitted to the comb disk 26 via the gear 24 and the gear train 25 that are in contact with the rotary ring 23. A photo interrupter (PI element) 27 is arranged in the vicinity of the comb disk 26, and a signal corresponding to the rotation of the comb disk 26 is output. The output signal of the photo interrupter 27 is the IF
-The signal transmitted to the IC 12 and shaped in the IF-IC 12 is transmitted to the CPU 11. As a result, the zoom position of the lens frame is detected.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned shock sensor 28 is arranged on the rotary ring 23, and the shock sensor 28 is provided.
Is output to the CPU 11.

Next, the zoom operation of the camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the signal of the photo interrupter (PI element) 27 for detecting the zoom position is set to the receivable state (step S501), and the signal detection timer is set (step S502). Then zoom switch (zoom up switch 18 and zoom down switch 19 above)
From the state of the
-Transmit to the IC 12 to drive the motor 17 (steps S503, S504, S505). When the zoom switch is turned off after driving the motor 17 (step S506), the zoom operation is ended in step S512.
Go to.

On the other hand, the turning power of the motor 17 is
It is transmitted to the rotary ring 23 of the lens frame through the gear train 22, and the rotary ring 23 rotates. When the rotary ring 23 rotates, the comb disk 26 rotates via the gear 24 and the gear train 25. The rotation of the comb disk 26 causes the photo interrupter 27 to output a signal corresponding to the zoom position of the lens frame.

The signal from the photo interrupter 27 is transmitted to the IF-IC 12, shaped in the IF-IC 12, and then transmitted to the CPU 11. This signal is an important signal for grasping the zoom operation status, and the step S50
The presence or absence of a signal is detected at 6A.

FIG. 14 is an example showing an output signal waveform of the photo interrupter 27.

As shown in the figure, in a normal zooming operation, the output signal waveform of the photo interrupter 27 is alternately output between the "H" level and the "L" level by the comb teeth of the above-mentioned comb tooth disk 26 (a). . In addition, "H" for a predetermined time or more
The waveform (b) in which the "L" level signal is not output while the level signal remains as it is is regarded as an abnormality occurrence in which the photo interrupter signal is not detected in steps S506A and S514.

The case where such an abnormality occurs is, for example, a state in which one of the gear trains 25 is disengaged from the train. That is, although the rotary ring 23 is rotated by the drive of the motor 17, if one of the gear trains 25 on the photo interrupter 27 side is disengaged, the comb disk 26 does not rotate, and the photo interrupter 27 is naturally rotated. Cannot output a signal. In this way, the state in which the signal of the photo interrupter 27 is not output even if the motor is driven is abnormal, and step S51
Go to 4. If the zoom operation is continued in this abnormal state, the motor 17 continues to be driven without grasping the zoom operation status, and the rotation limit of the rotary ring 23 is reached, and the lens frame is destroyed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 11 detects an abnormality as a measure to prevent destruction (step S
514), the zoom motor drive is stopped (step S51).
4A), and the contents of the abnormality and the date and time when the abnormality occurred are stored in the EEPROM 13 (steps S515, S516).

In step S506A, when the signal of the photo interrupter 27 is normally output, the process proceeds to step S507, the number of pulses of the photo interrupter 27 is counted according to the driving direction of the zoom motor, and the maximum pulse on the telephoto side is obtained. And the minimum number of pulses on the wide-angle side are reached, the rotation of the zoom motor is stopped (step S5).
08, S509, S510, S511, S512). Finally, the signal reception state of the photo interrupter 27 is ended (step S513).

The above is the operation of detecting an abnormality, and the display operation of the stored information is the same as the display operation by the impact detection operation described above, so the description thereof is omitted here.

As described above, according to the camera of the present embodiment, the abnormal zoom operation can be detected by detecting the signal of the photo interrupter as described above. In this case, when repairing the camera, it is possible to pay attention to whether there is any abnormality in the gear trains, the rotating ring, the comb tooth disc, and the photo interrupter around the lens frame, and the repair work can be performed smoothly.

Furthermore, if the shock state and the shock date and time are stored by the shock sensor 28 installed inside the lens frame, it has been proved that a shock has occurred in the lens frame, and the shock is the cause. It can be found and the user can be warned of the use. For example, let's say that the lens frame of a new camera still crashes into a wall or the like and the lens frame inside is damaged. However, the failure could not be confirmed from the outside and it did not seem to be broken, so we took a commemorative photo. Since the operation is normal, the shooting ends successfully. After this,
Suppose you discover that you have not succeeded in shooting due to a camera failure only after film development and printing. In this case, in the case of the conventional product, the manufacturer may complain as a defective product, and not only the camera damage but also the commemorative event damage may be sued. Under such conditions, the abnormality cannot be detected by the abnormality detecting device, but since the impact detecting device detects and records the impact of the lens frame, such an accident is caused by the user. You can prove that. This can be realized by adding an impact detection device and specifications from the conventional camera.

Further, the display means may display not only the details of the failure / abnormality and the date and time but also the precautions for the user. For example, it is a display or the like showing an expression prompting the user to take the product to a repair shop after the failure is detected.

Next explained is the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the basic structure of the failure detection / storage device according to the fourth embodiment.

The failure-discovery storage device according to the first embodiment is characterized in that it detects an adverse effect on a device due to an impact. However, it is not only the impact that causes the device to fail, but also the ambient temperature of the device, for example. Environmental changes such as humidity and humidity may also cause failure.

The failure detection storage device of the fourth embodiment is
Focusing on the possibility that a change in the ambient temperature of the device may lead to a failure of the device, it is characterized in that a temperature detecting means 2a is provided instead of the damage detecting means 2 in the first embodiment. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, one or a plurality of temperature sensors 2a are provided at predetermined locations of the device, and C
By PU1 sequentially monitoring this sensor output,
Similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the device has been placed under severe conditions.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment having such a configuration will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 1 receives the temperature information of the device from the temperature detecting means 2a at any time and sets it as the temperature T (step S
20), for example, comparison with a predetermined reference temperature value T1 stored in advance in the storage means 3 or the like (step S21). Here, when the temperature T is higher than the reference temperature T1, it is considered that an abnormality may have occurred in the device, the date and time at that time and the temperature T are stored in the storage means 3 (step S22), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step S21, when the temperature T is lower than the reference temperature T1, the difference between the current temperature T and the previously measured temperature is obtained, and whether or not this temperature difference is larger than the reference temperature difference ΔT is determined. Is determined (step S2
3). Here, when the temperature difference is larger than the reference temperature difference ΔT, it means that a rapid temperature change has occurred. Therefore, in this case as well, the date and time at that time and the temperature T are memorized as the possibility that the device may be abnormal. Stored in the means 3 (step S24),
To return.

The reference temperature T and the reference temperature difference Δ
T is stored in advance in the storage means 3, for example.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the device is placed in a high temperature environment higher than the reference temperature, this is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be set in a low temperature environment lower than the reference temperature. When placed, it may be detected and stored.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment,
Similar to the case of impact detection in the first embodiment,
It is possible to provide a product with a sense of security by predicting the risk of failure of a part that cannot be electrically checked by using a temperature sensor. Further, similarly, it is possible to easily identify the cause of a failure and provide a product that can be quickly repaired.

Further, instead of the temperature detecting means 2a,
It is also possible to provide a humidity detecting means and detect and record the output level and the rate of change of the detecting means to identify the cause of other kinds of failures.

As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the product itself can store the date and time of a situation in which a product failure may occur and the failed part. Therefore, in particular, a camera, a video camera, a portable radio, etc. Applying to devices that you carry and use, or vehicles such as automobiles, you can display the identification of the cause of responsibility or responsibility when malfunctions or abnormalities are found, make the judgment easy, and give the user a sense of security. Products can be provided.

In addition, the product to which the present invention is applied can provide the manufacturer with information on the situation and parts that are likely to break down, and further improve the quality of the product of that kind, and make a reliable judgment based on a quick and accurate situation judgment. It can be repaired if possible.

[Additional Remarks] According to the embodiments of the present invention described in detail above, the following configurations can be obtained. That is, (1) damage detection means for detecting the addition of a shock to the equipment and issuing an output signal, abnormality detection means for checking the equipment by the output signal of the damage detection means to detect an abnormality, and the abnormality detection. A failure detection storage device for equipment, comprising: storage means for storing information detected by the means; and display means for displaying the information stored in the storage means.

(2) Damage detection means for detecting the addition of damage to the equipment and issuing an output signal, storage means for storing the detected information by the output signal of the damage detection means, and storage means for the storage means A device failure detection and storage device, comprising: a display unit for displaying information.

(3) In the above (2), the information stored in the storage means is the detection date and time of the damage detection means for the equipment and the level of the detected damage. apparatus.

(4) Damage detection means for detecting the addition of damage to the equipment and issuing an output signal, abnormality detection means for checking the equipment by the output signal of the damage detection means and detecting abnormality, and the damage detection. And a storage unit for storing the information detected by the abnormality detection unit, and a display unit for displaying the information stored in the storage unit.

(5) The information stored in the storage means is
The device failure detection and storage device according to (4) above, which is at least one of the date and time of detection by the damage detection unit and the abnormality detection unit for the device, the detected abnormality content, and the level of damage.

(6) Above (2), (3), (4),
In item (5), the device failure detection and storage device is characterized in that the damage to the device is a factor causing a device failure such as impact, temperature, and humidity.

(7) Detecting means for detecting information that causes equipment failure such as shock and temperature change, date and time information outputting means for measuring date or time and outputting date and time information, and detection information by the detecting means And a storage unit for storing the date and time information of the date and time information output unit, and a display unit capable of reading out and displaying the storage content of the storage unit, and a device for finding and storing a failure of a device.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a failure detection / storage device which enables quick and accurate situation determination.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a failure finding storage device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the failure finding storage device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view (a) showing a main part configuration of a camera including a failure detection / storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of display means of the failure finding storage device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a camera provided with the failure detection / storage device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a camera provided with a failure finding storage device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram showing a configuration of a shock sensor in a camera provided with the failure detection / storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an output signal waveform of a shock sensor when a shock applied to a camera provided with the failure detection / storage device of the third embodiment is detected.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing an example of an LCD display at a normal time in the camera provided with the failure detection / storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing an example of an LCD display showing the date and time of impact in the camera provided with the failure detection and storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view (a) showing an example of an LCD display showing the contents of a shock and an explanatory view (b) showing an example of the contents of a shock in the camera provided with the failure detection and storage device according to the third embodiment. Is.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing means for reading and displaying information on impact contents from the EEPROM of the camera equipped with the failure detection / storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an abnormality detection unit and its peripheral portion in a camera provided with the failure detection / storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a zoom operation in the camera provided with the failure detection storage device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an example showing an output signal waveform of a photo interrupter in an abnormality detecting unit of a camera including the failure finding and storing device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a failure finding storage device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the failure finding storage device of the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CPU 2 Damage detection means 3 ... storage means 4 ... Date and time information output means 5 ... Display means 7: Abnormality detection means 11 ... CPU 13 ... EEPROM 14 ... Dating module 15 ... LCD 17 ... Motor 28 ... Shock sensor

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Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A device is damaged more than a predetermined amount.
When the damage is applied,
The damage detection means for outputting the damage detection information and the damage detection information output from the damage detection means
In response, the inspection of each part of the device is started and
Abnormality detecting means for detecting, date and time information outputting means for outputting date and time information when the damage is detected, storage means capable of storing at least the date and time information and the damage detecting information, and the abnormality detecting means If an abnormality is detected by
The abnormality occurrence part information that has been issued and the date and time information output means are used.
Control means for storing the date and time information to be stored in the storage means
And a display unit capable of reading and displaying the information stored in the storage unit, and a device for finding and storing a failure of a device. 2. The damage detection means is each part of a device.
It has multiple detection sensors placed in
When an abnormality is detected by the detection means,
It is possible to identify the abnormal part based on the output signal of the output sensor
The device failure detection and storage device according to claim 1, wherein the device failure detection and storage device is a device. 3. Depending on the amount of damage done to the device,
A detection sensor that generates the same output, and the output of the detection sensor is larger than a first predetermined level.
When judged, automatically check whether the device is normal
If there is an abnormality by the checking means and the above checking means
Is a memory that stores date and time information when damage is applied.
If it is judged that there is no abnormality by the means and the above checking means,
The output of the detection sensor is above the second predetermined level.
Larger than the second predetermined level
If not, the output information of the detection sensor is stored in the storage means.
And a control means for controlling the device to be stored in the device. 4. The output of the detection sensor is a first predetermined level.
The above automatic check after it is judged to be larger than
If it is determined that there is something wrong with the equipment,
Message is displayed to let you know that
Output of the above detection sensor when it is judged that there is no abnormality
Is greater than the second predetermined level, the above
When the output of the detection sensor is larger than the second predetermined level
Is remembered only when certain manual operations are performed
Control to display the output information of the above detection sensor
The device according to claim 3 , further comprising display control means for controlling the display.
Fault finding memory device . 5. Information on temperature or humidity which is a failure factor of equipment.
Temperature / humidity detection means for detecting information and date and time information corresponding to the date and time when the above failure factor occurred
Date and time information output means and the temperature or humidity information of the equipment by the temperature / humidity detection means.
Information and a predetermined reference temperature or reference humidity,
Indicates that the humidity is higher than the reference temperature or reference humidity, and the device is abnormal.
If there is a possibility that
Date and time information and the temperature or humidity detected by the temperature / humidity detection means.
Storage means for storing information of the time, as a result of the comparison, the reference temperature or reference humidity temperature or humidity
If the temperature is lower than the
The current temperature or humidity of the device and the last measured temperature or humidity
And the temperature difference or humidity difference is
If the difference is larger than the quasi-humidity difference, there is a risk
If there is a date and time information from the above date and time information output means
Information on temperature or humidity by the temperature / humidity detection means
Control means for controlling so as to be stored in the storage means, and capable of reading and displaying the information stored in the storage means
A device failure detection and storage device comprising: a display unit .