Boots – shoes – and leggings
Patent
1986-01-31
1986-11-18
Lall, Parshotam S.
Boots, shoes, and leggings
731173, 36443101, 324379, G06F 1520
Patent
active
046239740
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a method for self-monitoring of microprocessor-controlled automotive systems, and to an apparatus for performing the method.
BACKGROUND
Self-diagnosis devices for microcomputer-controlled network devices are already known, for instance from German Patent Disclosure Documents Nos. DE-OS 28 24 190, (and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,569) DE-OS 29 22 371, and DE-OS 31 21 645. In these known systems, once an error is detected a corresponding data word is stored in a memory of the network device itself, and it can then be read and evaluated, for instance by a testing mechanic, in a repair facility using additional devices. To this end, a complicated serial interface is required, which many microcomputer systems do not initially have, and/or complicated additional devices are needed for performing the evaluation. These devices, in turn, must usually include a microcomputer. With each new network device, such systems must be altered and adapted accordingly, which is expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the method of the invention is to convert a data word indicative of a program error or of a signal line fault into an electrical signal and to detect that signal. The method and the corresponding apparatus have the advantage over the prior art that the diagnosis can be performed with a conventional, commercially available voltmeter. Practically no additional hardware is required in the network device itself, with the possible exception of a larger memory. The rate at which network devices are needlessly replaced may be expected to drop substantially, because the testing mechanic is highly unlikely to conclude that a network device error exists if the network device responds correctly during self-diagnosis.
Expanding the ROM or RAM capacity of the network device may not be at all necessary under some conditions, because often the existing memory locations are not all occupied during normal functioning.
By means of the provisions recited in the dependent claims, advantageous further developments of and improvements to the method disclosed in the main claim are possible. It is particularly advantageous if during normal operation only a short diagnosis program is provided, while a full diagnosis is then performed when the motor vehicle or its drive assembly is stopped, should an error not be detected by this short diagnosis program.
It is furthermore particularly advantageous to issue the ALTER command for performing the full diagnosis or for triggering the error signal train for the voltmeter via a switch, in particular via a switch provided in the diagnosis insert-plug. The ALTER command is executed by the short-circuiting of at least one inut of the network device, preferably the engine speed transducer input. A high level of reliability is thereby attained, because upon calling up the diagnosis program the vital speed transducer signal is short-circuited, and its absence causes the drive assembly to come to a stop in any event. This reliability can be still further increased by providing that a specific combination of input signals be short-circuited. If neither the short diagnosis nor the full diagnosis detects any error, then a program for monitoring electrical devices controlled by the network device, in particular network output stages and positioning element, is advantageously started. This program then generates specific signal trains, in accordance with the actuation of specific transducers, to an associated output of the network device, for instance to an associated device which is to be controlled.
If the switch in the diagnosis insert-plug is actuated in order to call up the diagnosis signal train or the full diagnosis, then a control lamp output, intended as an indicator of a stored error data word, is advantageously connected to an output in the diagnosis insert-plug, to which a voltmeter can also be connected. Naturally, it is also possible for this voltmeter to be integrated with the diagnosis insert-plug itself. In a particularly advantageous manner,
REFERENCES:
patent: 3630076 (1971-12-01), Staudt
patent: 3792445 (1974-02-01), Bucks et al.
patent: 3964302 (1976-06-01), Gordon et al.
patent: 4317364 (1982-03-01), Asano et al.
patent: 4398258 (1983-08-01), Naitoh et al.
patent: 4418388 (1983-11-01), Allgor et al.
patent: 4476531 (1984-10-01), Marino et al.
patent: 4521885 (1985-06-01), Melocik et al.
patent: 4551801 (1985-11-01), Sokol
Denz Helmut
Etzold Peter
Groschel Wolfgang
Kaiser Gunther
Kraemer Heinz
Lall Parshotam S.
Robert & Bosch GmbH
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for self-monitoring of microcomputer-contro does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for self-monitoring of microcomputer-contro, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for self-monitoring of microcomputer-contro will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1620946