Method and apparatus for testing a connection between digital processing modules, such as in digital printing
US5809226A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/221
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The physical integrity of a large-scale hardware connection between two modules, such as in the context of high-speed digital printing, is tested by entering a diagnostic mode in which single-instruction handshake routines are repeatedly sent from one module to another through a parallel bus. Each handshake routine activates all of the communication lines in the bus. If a sending module does not receive the expected response to the single-instruction handshake routine within a predetermined time, the sending module causes an audible signal to be emitted. Service personnel can manually manipulate various cables, connectors, and sockets forming a hardware connection while the system is in diagnostic mode, to isolate the location of a hardware fault.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.