JP4277801B2 - Receiver, receiver control method, receiver control program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the receiver control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a receiver that detects an abnormality in an antenna and a peripheral circuit of the antenna, a control method for the receiver, a control program for the receiver, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program for the receiver.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a signal is received in a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) receiver. In such a receiver, for example, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) amplifier, which is an internal mechanism of the receiver, follows a change in a reception state due to fading or the like at high speed, and receives a signal at an appropriate signal strength. Can be done.
However, the strength of the signal received by the receiver depends on the failure of the receiver and changes in the reception environment.
There is a case where it deviates from a range that can be controlled by AGC.
In the case of a receiver failure, in order to repair the receiver, it is necessary to identify the receiver failure and notify the user.
On the other hand, a technique has been proposed in which a resistor and a differential amplifier are arranged at predetermined locations in a circuit, and a failure location is specified based on a voltage measurement result (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-319907 A (FIG. 3 etc.)

  However, in the prior art, since it is necessary to add hardware in order to identify a failure location of the receiver, there is a problem that it may be difficult to reduce the size of the receiver.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a receiver that can detect an abnormality in an antenna without adding hardware, a receiver control method, a receiver control program, and a computer-readable recording of a receiver control program. An object is to provide a recording medium.

  The object is, according to the first invention, an antenna device for receiving a signal, a signal strength adjusting device for adjusting the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, and a signal strength for controlling the signal strength adjusting device. A receiver having an adjustment device control device and a signal strength information generation device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the signal strength adjustment device, the signal strength adjustment device control device A signal strength index generating means for generating a signal strength index for evaluating the signal strength of the signal input to the signal strength information generating device based on a plurality of the signal strength information, and the signal strength index The signal strength index is determined to be within the appropriate range by controlling the signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determining means and the signal strength adjusting device. Signal strength index adjustment possibility determination means for determining whether or not the adjustment can be made within the range, and antenna abnormality determination for determining abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal intensity information Antenna abnormality determination index generation means for generating an index, antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means for evaluating whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating the possibility that the antenna apparatus has an abnormality, and the antenna Based on the evaluation results of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indexes by the abnormality determination index evaluation unit, the antenna abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not the antenna device has an abnormality, and the determination result of the antenna abnormality determination unit And an antenna abnormality information output means for outputting information indicating abnormality of the antenna device. More is achieved.

For example, when the receiver is located in a noisy environment or indoors, or when the antenna apparatus is out of order, the signal strength is not within the appropriate range.
In this regard, according to the configuration of the first invention, the receiver can determine whether or not the signal strength is within the proper range by the signal strength proper range inside / outside determination means.

Depending on the means for determining whether the signal strength is within or outside the appropriate range, it is possible to determine that the signal strength is not within the appropriate range, but whether the cause is due to the reception environment or the failure of the antenna device is specified. Not done.
In this regard, according to the configuration of the first invention, the receiver can generate the antenna abnormality determination index by the antenna abnormality determination index generation unit, and the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation unit can generate the antenna abnormality. A judgment index can be evaluated.
Here, it is necessary to evaluate the antenna abnormality determination index continuously for a certain time in order to confirm whether or not the antenna apparatus is abnormal, not depending on the reception environment of the receiver. What is the reception environment of the receiver? This is because, for example, when the receiver is mounted on an automobile and is located in a tunnel where radio waves do not reach temporarily, the receiver changes with time.
In this respect, since the receiver has the antenna abnormality determination means, it is determined whether or not the antenna apparatus has an abnormality based on the evaluation results of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices by the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means. Therefore, the antenna abnormality determination index can be evaluated continuously for a certain period of time.
Therefore, the receiver can detect that the antenna device is out of order.

The above-described hardware configurations of the signal strength adjusting device, the signal strength adjusting device control device, and the signal strength information generating device are configurations that a receiver that receives a signal normally has.
On the other hand, the signal strength index generation means, the signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determination means, the signal strength index adjustability determination means, the antenna abnormality determination index generation means, the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means, and the antenna The abnormality determination means and the antenna abnormality information output means have a software configuration unique to the present invention.
That is, the receiver of the present invention detects the abnormality of the antenna device by adding the above-mentioned software to the hardware of the signal strength adjusting device control device.
Thereby, the receiver can detect the abnormality of the antenna without adding hardware.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the signal strength adjusting device is an AGC amplifier that amplifies the signal with a specified gain.

According to the configuration of the second invention, the signal strength adjusting device is the AGC amplifier. The AGC amplifier is hardware that a receiver that receives a signal normally has.
Thereby, the receiver can detect the abnormality of the antenna by adding the above-described software without adding hardware.

  According to a third invention, in the configuration of the first invention or the second invention, the signal strength information generating device is an ADC (Analog Digital Converter) that converts an analog signal into a digital signal at a sampling frequency. It is the receiver characterized by this.

According to the configuration of the third invention, the signal strength information generating device is the ADC. The ADC is hardware that a receiver that receives a signal normally has.
Thereby, the receiver can detect the abnormality of the antenna by adding the above-described software without adding hardware.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the range corresponding to the antenna abnormality includes a constant gain for the AGC amplifier to amplify the signal, and the antenna abnormality determination index. A receiver defined by a lower limit value and / or an upper limit value.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the invention, the antenna abnormality equivalent range is defined by the lower limit value of the antenna abnormality determination index while keeping the gain of the AGC amplifier constant. The antenna abnormality determination index can be quickly generated and evaluated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when a plurality of the antenna devices and the antenna abnormality determination unit determine that one antenna device is abnormal. And an antenna device switching means for switching to the other antenna device.

According to the configuration of the fifth invention, when the antenna device switching means determines that there is an abnormality in one of the antenna devices, the receiver is connected to the other antenna device. Can be switched.
Thereby, when one of the antenna devices breaks down, the signal can be received by switching to the other antenna device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna device for receiving a signal, a signal strength adjusting device for adjusting the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, and a signal strength for controlling the signal strength adjusting device. A receiver having an adjustment device control device and a signal strength information generation device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the signal strength adjustment device is based on a plurality of the signal strength information A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal input to the signal strength information generator, and the receiver determines whether the signal strength indicator is within an appropriate range. Determining whether the signal strength index is within the appropriate range or not, and the receiver controls the signal strength adjusting device to control the signal strength index to be within the appropriate range. A signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step for determining whether or not the adjustment can be made within, and the receiver determines abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal strength information An antenna abnormality determination index generating step for generating an antenna abnormality determination index for the receiver, and the receiver evaluates whether the antenna abnormality determination index is within a range corresponding to an antenna abnormality indicating that the antenna device may be abnormal An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step, and an antenna for determining whether or not the antenna device has an abnormality based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step An abnormality determination step, and the receiver determines the antenna device based on the determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step. An antenna abnormality information output step for outputting information indicating the abnormality is achieved by the control method of a receiver and having a.

  According to the configuration of the sixth invention, similarly to the configuration of the first invention, the receiver can detect abnormality of the antenna without adding hardware.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer controls the antenna device that receives a signal, the signal strength adjusting device that adjusts the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, and the signal strength adjusting device. And a signal strength information generating device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the signal strength adjusting device. A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal input to the signal strength information generator based on the information; and the receiver has an appropriate range of the signal strength indicator. A signal strength index suitability range inside / outside determination step for determining whether or not the signal strength is within, and the receiver controls the signal strength adjustment device to thereby determine the signal strength. A signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step for determining whether or not a target can be adjusted to be within the appropriate range; and the receiver is configured to determine whether the receiver is based on a plurality of pieces of the signal strength information. An antenna abnormality determination index generation step for generating an antenna abnormality determination index for determining an abnormality of the antenna, and whether the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating that the antenna apparatus may be abnormal An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step for evaluating whether or not the receiver has an abnormality based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step. An antenna abnormality determination step for determining whether or not the receiver is based on a determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step. It is accomplished by the control program of the receiver, characterized in that to execute an antenna abnormality information output step of outputting information indicating the abnormality of the antenna device.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the computer controls the antenna device that receives a signal, the signal strength adjusting device that adjusts the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, and the signal strength adjusting device. And a signal strength information generating device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the signal strength adjusting device. A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal input to the signal strength information generator based on the information; and the receiver has an appropriate range of the signal strength indicator. A signal strength index suitability range inside / outside determination step for determining whether or not the signal strength is within, and the receiver controls the signal strength adjustment device to thereby determine the signal strength. A signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step for determining whether or not a target can be adjusted to be within the appropriate range; and the receiver is configured to determine whether the receiver is based on a plurality of pieces of the signal strength information. An antenna abnormality determination index generation step for generating an antenna abnormality determination index for determining an abnormality of the antenna, and whether the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating that the antenna apparatus may be abnormal An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step for evaluating whether or not the receiver has an abnormality based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step. An antenna abnormality determination step for determining whether or not the receiver is based on a determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step. It is achieved by the antenna device and computer readable recording medium a control program of the receiver to the antenna abnormality information output step of outputting information indicating the abnormality, characterized in that for the execution of.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a receiver 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the receiver 20 includes an antenna 22, an amplifier 24, and the like.
The antenna 22 receives a radio signal and outputs it to the amplifier 24. The antenna 22 and the amplifier 24 constitute the antenna unit 21. The antenna unit 21 is an example of an antenna device that receives a signal.

The amplifier 24 amplifies the radio signal received by the antenna 22 and outputs the amplified signal to the filter 26. The filter 26 is configured to pass only a signal scheduled to be received and block signals other than the signal scheduled to be received.
The local oscillator 30 functions as a down converter that outputs a local signal to the mixer 28 and converts the frequency.

The signal output from the mixer 28 passes through the filter 32 and is input to the amplifier 34. The signal output from the amplifier 34 is input to the quadrature detector 36. The quadrature detector 36 separates the input signal into an in-phase component and a quadrature component, outputs the in-phase component to the AGC amplifier 38, and outputs the quadrature component to the AGC amplifier 40.
The AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 adjust the signal strength by amplifying the input signal by a gain specified by the AGC controller 48. The AGC controller 48 sets the gains at the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 so as to obtain an appropriate signal level. The AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 are an example of a signal strength adjusting device. The AGC control device 48 is an example of a signal strength adjustment device control device.

  The signal output from the AGC amplifier 38 is input to the ADC 42, and the signal output from the AGC amplifier 40 is input to the ADC 44. The ADCs 42 and 44 convert an input analog signal into a digital signal at a sampling frequency.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of input signals to the ADCs 42 and 44.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of output values from the ADCs 42 and 44.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the signal strength v of the input signal shown in FIG. 2 is equal to or less than -Th1, the ADC 42 or the like outputs 0 as shown in FIG. 3, and is larger than -Th1 and more than 0. When it is small, 1 is output as shown in FIG. 3, and when it is 0 or more and smaller than Th1, 2 is output, and when it is Th1 or more, 3 is output. That is, the ADC 42 and the like have 2-bit (bit) conversion accuracy.
Thus, the ADC 42 and the like generate information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the AGC amplifier 38 and the like. That is, the ADC 42 and the like are an example of a signal strength information generation device.
Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the ADC 42 and the like may have 1-bit (bit) conversion accuracy.

A digital signal output from the ADC 42 or the like is input to the baseband unit 46.
The digital signal output from the ADC 42 or the like is also input to the AGC controller 48.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main hardware configuration of the AGC control device 48.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the AGC control device 48 includes a bus 100, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a storage device 104, an input device 106, and an output device 108 are connected to the bus 100. The storage device is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a main software configuration of the AGC control device 48.
As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 includes a control unit 200 that controls each unit, an input unit 202 corresponding to the input device 106 in FIG. 4, an output unit 204 corresponding to the output device 108 in FIG.
The AGC control device 48 also includes a first storage unit 210 that stores various programs and a second storage unit 250 that records various types of information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 200 stores digital signals acquired from the ADCs 42 and 44 (see FIG. 1) by the input unit 202 in the second storage unit 250 as output value information 252.

As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an amplification gain setting program 212 in the first storage unit 210. The amplification gain setting program 212 is a program for the control unit 200 to set the gains of the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 (see FIG. 1) as will be described later.
The control unit 200 stores amplification gain information 254 indicating the set gain in the second storage unit 250.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an output value information number determination program 214 in the first storage unit 210. The output value information number determination program 214 determines whether or not the number of output values indicated in the output value information 252 has reached a number (N) for generating a signal strength determination index 256 described later. Information.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores a signal strength determination index generation program 216 in the first storage unit 210. The signal strength determination index generation program 216 is a program for the control unit 200 to generate a signal strength determination index 256 for evaluating the signal strength of signals input to the ADCs 42 and 44. That is, the signal strength determination index generation program 216 and the control unit 200 are examples of signal strength index generation means.
Hereinafter, the signal strength determination index 256 is also referred to as an index R as appropriate.
Specifically, based on the signal strength determination index generation program 216, the control unit 200 sets an index R indicating the ratio of the output value 0 or 3 included in the N output values indicated in the output value information 252. Generate. That is, R = (number of outputs 0 + number of outputs 3) / N.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores a signal strength determination index evaluation program 218 in the first storage unit 210. The signal strength determination index evaluation program 218 is a program for the control unit 200 to determine whether or not the index R is within an appropriate range. That is, the signal strength determination index evaluation program 218 and the control unit 200 are examples of signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determination means.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the index R and the gain.
As described above, since the index R is a ratio in which the output value 0 or 3 is included in the N output values, the value increases as the signal strength increases.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the index R is equal to or lower than the curve L2 at a constant gain, for example, when the value of the index R indicates the curve L1, the signal strength becomes weak due to an abnormality in the antenna unit 21. Indicates that
Further, when the value of the index R is located between the curve L2 and the curve L3 at a constant gain, it indicates that the antenna unit 21 is normal and the reception environment is in a good state with few signals including noise. .
In addition, when the value of the index R is equal to or greater than the curve L3 at a constant gain, it indicates that the reception environment is in a state where there are many signals including noise, for example.
The gain of the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 is a certain range between the curve L1 and the curve L2, for example, an appropriate range is set between α1 and α2.
For example, if the index R indicates a numerical value between α1 and α2 at a constant gain, it means that the signal intensity input to the ADCs 42 and 44 and the like is appropriate. In addition, that the signal strength is appropriate means that the gains of the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 are also appropriate.

  Based on the signal strength determination index evaluation program 218, the control unit 200 determines whether the index R is a numerical value equal to or smaller than α1 in FIG. 6, a numerical value between α1 and α2, or a numerical value equal to or larger than α2. Between α1 and α2 is an example within the appropriate range of the index R.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an AGC control program 220 in the first storage unit 210. The AGC control program 220 is information for the control unit 200 to control the gains of the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 based on the evaluation result by the signal strength determination index evaluation program 218 described above.

When the index R (see FIG. 6) does not indicate a value between α1 and α2, the signal strength of the signal input to the ADC 42 or the like is not appropriate, and the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is not appropriate. This needs to be changed.
If the index R is a numerical value of α1 or less, it means that the output value of 0 or 3 output from the ADC 42 or the like is too small. Therefore, in order to increase the signal strength, it is necessary to increase the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like. is there.

  On the other hand, if the index R is a numerical value greater than or equal to α2, it means that there are too many output values of 0 or 3 output from the ADC 42 or the like. Need to be small.

Therefore, based on the signal strength determination index evaluation program 218, the control unit 200 increases the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 and the like to increase the signal strength if the index R is a numerical value equal to or less than α1.
In contrast, if the index R is a numerical value equal to or larger than α2, the control unit 200 reduces the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 and the like in order to reduce the signal strength.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an abnormality determination program 222 in the first storage unit 210. The abnormality determination program 222 determines whether or not the control unit 200 can adjust the index R to be between α1 and α2 (see FIG. 6) by controlling the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40. It is a program to do. That is, the abnormality determination program 222 and the control unit 200 are an example of a signal strength index adjustment possibility determination unit.

Specifically, based on the abnormality determination program 222, the control unit 200 determines that the index R can be adjusted when the index R is a numerical value equal to or less than α1 and the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is not maximum. To do. On the other hand, the control unit 200 determines that the index R is not adjustable when the index R is a numerical value equal to or less than α1 and the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is maximum.
Further, based on the abnormality determination program 222, the control unit 200 determines that the index R can be adjusted when the index R is a numerical value equal to or larger than α2 and the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is not minimum. On the other hand, the control unit 200 determines that the index R is not adjustable when the index R is a numerical value equal to or larger than α2 and the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is minimum.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an antenna abnormality determination index generation program 224 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna abnormality determination index generation program 224 determines an abnormality of the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1) when the control unit 200 determines that the index R is not adjustable based on the abnormality determination program 222. This is information for generating the antenna abnormality determination index 258.
Hereinafter, the antenna abnormality determination index 258 is also referred to as an index S as appropriate.

Specifically, the control unit 200 generates an index S indicating the ratio of the output value 0 or 3 among the N output values indicated in the output value information 252 based on the antenna abnormality determination index generation program 224. . That is, S = (number of outputs 0 + number of outputs 3) / N.
This index S is an example of an antenna abnormality determination index. The antenna abnormality determination index generation program 224 and the control unit 200 are examples of antenna abnormality determination index generation means.
The control unit 200 stores the generated antenna abnormality determination index 258 in the second storage unit 250.
As described above, the index R is an index for the control unit 200 to evaluate the signal strength of the signals input to the ADCs 42 and 44. When the control unit 200 determines that the index R is not adjustable between α1 and α2 (see FIG. 6), the control unit 200 serves as an index for determining an abnormality in the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1). An index S having a function (or use) is generated. As described above, the index R and the index S have different uses (or functions) and generated scenes. Therefore, the index R and the index S are generated by the same method, but are described separately in this specification.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an antenna abnormality determination index evaluation program 226 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna abnormality determination index evaluation program 226 is information for the control unit 200 to determine whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within a range indicating that the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1) may be abnormal.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the index S and the gain.
If the index S indicates a numerical value between β1 and β2 at a constant gain A, it means that the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1) is normal. If the index S indicates a numerical value equal to or less than β1, the antenna unit 21 may be abnormal. However, since the index S also varies depending on the reception environment of the receiver 20, as described later, the receiver 20 determines whether or not the antenna unit 21 is abnormal based on the result of evaluating the plurality of indices S. .

Based on the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation program 226, the control unit 200 determines whether the index S is a numerical value equal to or less than β1, a numerical value between β1 and β2, and a numerical value equal to or larger than β2. A range equal to or less than β1 is an example within the range corresponding to the antenna abnormality. The antenna abnormality determination index evaluation program 226 and the control unit 200 are examples of antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means.
If one index S is a numerical value between β1 and β2, the control unit 200 increases the count number indicated by the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 (see FIG. 5) by one.
If one index S is a numerical value smaller than β1, the control unit 200 increases the count number indicated by the number 262 below the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit value 262.

Here, the fact that the index S is a numerical value smaller than β1 means that the number of output values 0 or 3 among N output values is smaller than a certain number, which means that the signal intensity is small. To do.
This means an abnormality of the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1). The abnormality of the antenna unit 21 includes, for example, failure of the antenna 22 itself, disconnection of the cable connecting the antenna 22 and the amplifier 24, failure of the amplifier 24, and power supply to the antenna unit 21 from the power supply circuit (not shown). If the cable is shorted, etc.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the power supply circuit of the receiver 20.
A current is supplied from the power supply circuit of the receiver 20a, which is a part other than the antenna unit 21 of the receiver 20, to the circuit of the receiver through P1, P2, and P4. The circuit of the receiver is the filter 26 in FIG.
In addition, current is supplied to the antenna unit 21 from the power supply circuit of the receiver 20a through P1, P2, P3, P5, and P6. However, when the cable between P5 and P6 is short-circuited, the resistance decreases and a large current flows to P1, P2, P3, and P5. As a result, the inside of the receiver 20a generates heat, causing a failure or the like in the components of the receiver 20a including the power circuit.
Therefore, in order to protect the components of the receiver 20a, the path flowing from P3 to P5 is temporarily cut by the resettable switch. Thereby, a large current flows and the components of the receiver 20a can be protected.
When the current from P3 to P5 is cut by the resettable switch, the current does not flow to the antenna unit 21, and the antenna unit 21 cannot receive a signal.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to observe a state where the antenna unit 21 cannot receive a signal by this resettable switch, and as a result, it is possible to detect a short circuit between P5 and P6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an antenna abnormality determination index generation number evaluation program 228 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna abnormality determination index generation number evaluation program 228 is a program for the control unit 200 to determine whether or not the number of antenna abnormality determination indices S has reached M.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an antenna abnormality determination program 230 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna abnormality determination program 230 is information for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the antenna unit 21 based on the result of the evaluation of the M indexes S by the control unit 200. That is, the antenna abnormality determination program 230 and the control unit 200 are examples of antenna abnormality determination means.

Specifically, the control unit 200 determines the number of numerical indices S between β1 and β2 and the number of numerical indices S equal to or less than β1 in the evaluation results of the M indices S. It is determined whether or not the unit 21 has an abnormality.
For example, the control unit 200 determines that the antenna unit 21 is normal if there are X or more numerical indexes S between β1 and β2 in the evaluation results of the M indexes S.
Further, in the evaluation result of the M indices S, the control unit 200 may determine that the numerical index S between β1 and β2 is less than X and the numerical index S less than β1 is less than Y. In this case, it is determined that the antenna unit 21 is normal.
On the other hand, in the evaluation result of M indices S, the control unit 200 has less than X numerical indices S between β1 and β2 and Y numerical indices S less than β1. If it is above, it will judge that the antenna part 21 is abnormal.

Here, in the configuration of the receiver 20 (see FIG. 1), since the antenna 22 is exposed from the housing (not shown) of the receiver 20, there is a possibility of failure due to external physical force. Is big. Further, since the amplifier 24 is directly connected to the antenna 22, the amplifier 24 receives a physical force received by the antenna 22. That is, in the receiver 20, the antenna unit 21 is a part that is particularly susceptible to failure.
For this reason, when the signal strength information generated by the ADC 42 or the like is not appropriate for reasons other than the reception environment, it can be estimated that the antenna unit 21 is out of order.

As shown in FIG. 5, the AGC control device 48 stores an antenna abnormality information output program 232 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna abnormality information output program 232 is information for the control unit 200 to output an abnormality of the antenna unit 21 based on the determination result by the antenna abnormality determination program 230 described above. That is, the antenna abnormality output program 232 and the control unit 200 are examples of antenna abnormality output means.
Based on the antenna abnormality output program 232, the control unit 200 outputs information indicating abnormality of the antenna unit 21 by, for example, displaying it on a display device (not shown) of the receiver 20.
Thereby, the user of the receiver 20 knows the abnormality of the antenna unit 21 and can take appropriate measures such as repair.
As described above, the receiver 20 can detect that the antenna unit 21 is out of order.

The AGC amplifier 38, the AGC control device 48, the ADC 42, and the like described above have a hardware configuration that a receiver that receives signals normally has.
That is, the receiver 20 detects abnormalities such as a failure of the antenna unit 21, a cable cut in the antenna unit 21, and a short circuit by adding the above-described program to conventional hardware.
Thereby, the receiver 20 can detect the abnormality of the antenna unit 21 without adding hardware.

The above is the configuration of the receiver 20 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the operation will be described mainly using FIGS. 9 and 10.
9 and 10 are schematic flowcharts showing an operation example of the receiver 20.

(About AGC control flow)
First, the AGC control flow will be described. The AGC control flow is a flow in which the AGC control device 48 controls the AGC amplifier 38 and the like based on the output values output from the ADCs 42 and 44, and shifts to the abnormality detection mode when the index R cannot be adjusted to an appropriate range. It is supposed to be.
First, the AGC control device 48 (see FIG. 1) of the receiver 20 sets the gains of the AGC amplifiers 38 and 40 to initial values (step ST1 in FIG. 9).
Subsequently, the ADC 42 and the like generate output value information 252 (see FIG. 5) (step ST2).

  Subsequently, the AGC control device 48 generates a signal strength determination index 256 (index R) from the N pieces of output value information 252 (step ST3). This step ST3 is an example of a signal strength index generation step.

  Subsequently, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the index R is smaller than a lower limit α1 (see FIG. 6) (step ST4). This step ST4 is an example of a signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determination step.

When the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST4 described above that the index R is smaller than α1 (see FIG. 6) which is the lower limit value, the process proceeds to step ST41. In step ST41, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is maximum. This step ST41 is an example of a signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step.
In step ST41, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is maximum, it is impossible to adjust the index R, so that the cause of the abnormal signal strength is searched. Then, shift to the abnormality detection mode.
On the other hand, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is not the maximum in step ST41, the AGC control device 48 can adjust the index R. The gain of the AGC amplifier 38 and the like is increased (step ST42).

  When the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST4 described above that the index R is not smaller than α1 (see FIG. 6), which is the lower limit value, the process proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the index R is larger than α2 (see FIG. 6), which is an upper limit value. This step ST5 is also an example of a signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determination step.

If the AGC controller 48 determines in step ST5 described above that the index R is greater than α2 (see FIG. 6), which is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step ST51. In step ST51, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is minimum. This step ST51 is an example of a signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step.
In step ST51, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is the minimum, it is impossible to adjust the index R, so that the cause of the abnormal signal strength is searched. Then, shift to the abnormality detection mode.
On the other hand, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like is not the minimum in step ST51, the AGC control device 48 can adjust the index R. The gain of the AGC amplifier 38 and the like is reduced (step ST52).

(About abnormality detection flow)
Next, the abnormality detection flow will be described.
The cause of the shift from the AGC control flow to the abnormality detection flow is considered to be either the antenna unit 21 (FIG. 1) or the reception environment. The abnormality detection flow is a flow for specifying the cause.
First, the AGC control device 48 (see FIG. 1) sets the gain of the AGC amplifier 38 or the like to an initial value (step ST101 in FIG. 10). At this time, the AGC control device 48 sets the antenna abnormality determination index number 259 (see FIG. 5) to 0.

Subsequently, the AGC control device 48 sets the number S within the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range 260 (see FIG. 5) and the number 262 (see FIG. 5) less than the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit value of the index S to 0 (step ST102). ).
Subsequently, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the number of generated indices S is greater than M (step ST103).

If the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST103 that the number of generated indices S is not more than M, the process proceeds to step ST104.
In step ST104, the AGC control device 48 generates an antenna abnormality determination index 258 (see FIG. 5) from the N pieces of output value information 252 (see FIG. 5) (step ST104). This step ST104 is an example of an antenna abnormality determination index generation step.
When generating the index S in step ST104, the AGC control device 48 increases the antenna abnormality determination index number 259 by one count.

Subsequently, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the index S is larger than the lower limit value β1 (see FIG. 7) (step ST105). This step ST105 is an example of an antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step.
In step ST105, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the index S is not larger than the lower limit value β1, the AGC control device 48 increases the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit number 262 by 1 count (step ST1). ST108).

  On the other hand, in step ST105, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the index S is larger than the lower limit value β1, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the index S is smaller than the upper limit value β2. Is determined (step ST106).

  In step ST106, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the index S is smaller than the upper limit value β2, the AGC control device 48 increases the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 by one count (step ST107). . On the other hand, when the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST106 that the index S is not smaller than the upper limit value β2, the process directly returns to step ST103.

When step ST106, step ST107 or step ST108 is completed, the process returns to step ST103.
If the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST103 that the number of indices S is greater than M, the process proceeds to step ST131.

In step ST131, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 is greater than the allowable number X. This step ST131 is an example of an antenna abnormality determination step.
In step ST131, when the AGC control device 48 determines that the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 is larger than the allowable number X, the process proceeds to step ST132. When the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 is larger than the allowable number X, the antenna unit 21 (see FIG. 1) is normal, and therefore the normal AGC control flow shown in FIG. 9 is performed again (see FIG. 9). Step ST132).

  On the other hand, when the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST131 that the antenna abnormality determination index threshold range number 260 is not more than the allowable number X, the process proceeds to step ST133.

In step ST133, the AGC control device 48 determines whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit number 262 is less than the allowable number Y. This step ST133 is also an example of an antenna abnormality determination step.
In step ST133, if the AGC control device 48 determines that the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit value 262 is less than the allowable number Y, the process proceeds to step ST134 and outputs information indicating abnormality of the antenna unit 21. This step ST134 is an example of an antenna abnormality information output step.

  On the other hand, when the AGC control device 48 determines in step ST131 that the antenna abnormality determination index lower limit value 262 is not less than the allowable number Y, the steps after step ST102 are repeated.

  As described above, the receiver 20 can detect an abnormality in the antenna unit 21 by receiving control by the above-described program added to the hardware configuration that the conventional receiver normally has.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the receiver 20A in the second embodiment is the same as that of the receiver 20 in the first embodiment, the common parts are the same reference numerals and the like, the description thereof is omitted, and The difference will be mainly described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a receiver 20A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the receiver 20 </ b> A includes an antenna unit 21 </ b> A separately from the antenna unit 21. That is, the receiver 20A has a plurality of antenna units. The antenna unit 21 is, for example, an internal antenna, and the antenna unit 21A is, for example, an external antenna.
The receiver 20 also has an antenna switching device 50.
As described below, the AGC control device 48A of the receiver 20A is configured to be able to switch to the antenna unit 21A and receive a signal by the antenna switching device 50 when the antenna unit 21 is out of order. Has been.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a main software configuration of the AGC control device 48A of the receiver 20A.
As shown in FIG. 12, the AGC control device 48 </ b> A stores an antenna switching program 234 in the first storage unit 210. The antenna switching program 234 transmits an antenna switching signal to the antenna switching device 50 (see FIG. 11) when the control unit 200 determines, for example, that one antenna unit 21 is abnormal by the antenna abnormality determination program 230. This is a program for switching to another antenna unit 21A. That is, the antenna switching program 234 and the control unit 200 are examples of antenna switching means.

  Thereby, when one antenna part 21 breaks down, it can switch to the other antenna part 21A and can receive a signal.

(About programs and computer-readable recording media)
A signal strength index generation step of the above-described operation example in the computer, a signal strength index appropriate range inside / outside determination step, a signal strength index adjustment possibility determination step, an antenna abnormality determination index generation step, an antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step, It can be set as the control program of the receiver for performing an antenna abnormality determination step, an antenna abnormality information output step, and the like.
Further, a computer-readable recording medium in which such a receiver control program is recorded can be used.

  A program storage medium used for installing the control program of the receiver in the computer and making it executable by the computer is, for example, a flexible disk such as a floppy (registered trademark), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only). Semiconductor memory in which programs are temporarily or permanently stored as well as package media such as Memory, CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewriterable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc. It can be realized with a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be combined with each other.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the receiver of embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the input signal to ADC. It is a figure which shows an example of the output value from ADC. It is the schematic which shows the main hardware constitutions of an AGC control apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the main software structures of an AGC control apparatus. It is the schematic which shows an example of the relationship between the parameter | index R and a gain. It is the schematic which shows an example of the relationship between the parameter | index S and a gain. It is the schematic which shows an example of the power supply circuit of a receiver. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of a receiver. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example of a receiver. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the receiver of embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the main software structures of an AGC control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  20, 20A ... receiver, 21, 21A ... antenna section, 22 ... antenna, 24 ... amplifier, 26 ... filter, 28 ... mixer, 30 ... local oscillator, 32 ... Filter, 34 ... Amplifier, 36 ... Quadrature detector, 38, 40 ... AGC amplifier, 42, 44 ... ADC, 46 ... Baseband part, 48, 48A ... AGC control device, 212 ... amplification gain setting program, 214 ... output value information number judgment program, 216 ... signal strength judgment index generation program, 218 ... signal strength judgment index evaluation program, 220 ... AGC control program, 222 ... abnormality determination program, 224 ... antenna abnormality determination index generation program, 226 ... antenna abnormality determination index evaluation program, 228 Antenna abnormality determination indicator generation ratings program, 230 ... antenna abnormality determining program, 232 ... antenna abnormality information output program 234 ... antenna switching program

Claims (8)

An antenna device for receiving signals;
A signal strength adjusting device for adjusting the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device;
A signal strength adjusting device control device for controlling the signal strength adjusting device;
A signal strength information generating device for generating signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the signal adjusted by the signal strength adjusting device;
A receiver having:
The signal strength adjusting device control device is:
A signal strength indicator generating means for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal input to the signal strength information generating device based on a plurality of the signal strength information;
A signal strength index suitability range inside / outside judgment means for judging whether or not the signal strength index is within a suitable range;
A signal strength index adjustment possibility determination means for determining whether or not the signal strength index can be adjusted to be within the appropriate range by controlling the signal strength adjustment device;
An antenna abnormality determination index generating means for generating an antenna abnormality determination index for determining an abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal strength information;
An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means for evaluating whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating a possibility that the antenna device has an abnormality;
Antenna abnormality determination means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the antenna device based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices by the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation means;
Based on the determination result of the antenna abnormality determination means, antenna abnormality information output means for outputting information indicating abnormality of the antenna device;
A receiver comprising:   The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the signal strength adjusting device is an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) amplifier that amplifies the signal with a specified gain.   The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the signal strength information generation device is an ADC (Analog Digital Converter) that converts an analog signal into a digital signal at a sampling frequency.   4. The antenna abnormality equivalent range is defined by a lower limit value of the antenna abnormality determination index while keeping a gain at which the AGC amplifier amplifies the signal constant. The listed receiver. A plurality of the antenna devices;
Antenna device switching means for switching to another antenna device when it is determined by the antenna abnormality determination means that there is an abnormality in one of the antenna devices;
5. The receiver according to claim 1, comprising: An antenna device that receives a signal, a signal strength adjustment device that adjusts the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, a signal strength adjustment device control device that controls the signal strength adjustment device, and the signal strength adjustment device A receiver having a signal strength information generating device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the adjusted signal, and input to the signal strength information generating device based on a plurality of the signal strength information A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal;
The receiver determines whether or not the signal strength index is within an appropriate range;
A signal strength index adjustability determination step for determining whether or not the receiver can adjust the signal strength index to be within the appropriate range by controlling the signal strength adjustment device; and
An antenna abnormality determination index generating step in which the receiver generates an antenna abnormality determination index for determining abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal strength information;
An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step in which the receiver evaluates whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating a possibility that the antenna device has an abnormality; and
An antenna abnormality determination step in which the receiver determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the antenna device based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step;
An antenna abnormality information output step in which the receiver outputs information indicating abnormality of the antenna device based on a determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step;
A control method for a receiver, comprising: On the computer,
An antenna device that receives a signal, a signal strength adjustment device that adjusts the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, a signal strength adjustment device control device that controls the signal strength adjustment device, and the signal strength adjustment device A receiver having a signal strength information generating device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the adjusted signal, and input to the signal strength information generating device based on a plurality of the signal strength information A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal;
The receiver determines whether or not the signal strength index is within an appropriate range;
A signal strength index adjustability determination step for determining whether or not the receiver can adjust the signal strength index to be within the appropriate range by controlling the signal strength adjustment device; and
An antenna abnormality determination index generating step in which the receiver generates an antenna abnormality determination index for determining abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal strength information;
An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step in which the receiver evaluates whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating a possibility that the antenna device has an abnormality; and
An antenna abnormality determination step in which the receiver determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the antenna device based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step;
An antenna abnormality information output step in which the receiver outputs information indicating abnormality of the antenna device based on a determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step;
A control program for a receiver. On the computer,
An antenna device that receives a signal, a signal strength adjustment device that adjusts the signal strength of the signal received by the antenna device, a signal strength adjustment device control device that controls the signal strength adjustment device, and the signal strength adjustment device A receiver having a signal strength information generating device that generates signal strength information indicating the signal strength of the adjusted signal, and input to the signal strength information generating device based on a plurality of the signal strength information A signal strength indicator generating step for generating a signal strength indicator for evaluating the signal strength of the signal;
The receiver determines whether or not the signal strength index is within an appropriate range;
A signal strength index adjustability determination step for determining whether or not the receiver can adjust the signal strength index to be within the appropriate range by controlling the signal strength adjustment device; and
An antenna abnormality determination index generating step in which the receiver generates an antenna abnormality determination index for determining abnormality of the antenna device based on a plurality of the signal strength information;
An antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step in which the receiver evaluates whether or not the antenna abnormality determination index is within an antenna abnormality equivalent range indicating a possibility that the antenna device has an abnormality; and
An antenna abnormality determination step in which the receiver determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the antenna device based on an evaluation result of the plurality of antenna abnormality determination indices in the antenna abnormality determination index evaluation step;
An antenna abnormality information output step in which the receiver outputs information indicating abnormality of the antenna device based on a determination result in the antenna abnormality determination step;
A computer-readable recording medium on which a control program for a receiver is recorded.

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