GB2366496A

GB2366496A - A modem which detects errors and adjusts the flashing frequency of an LED to indicate the type of error detected

Info

Publication number: GB2366496A
Application number: GB0127807A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Junko Sasaki; Hiroshi Tanaka
Original assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
Current assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
Priority date: 1997-02-28
Filing date: 1997-10-06
Publication date: 2002-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-06
Also published as: GB0127807D0; GB2366496B

Abstract

An error indicator indicates plural errors with a light emitter. A MPU 2 checks each section in a data modulator-demodulator A1, and flashes an error LED 501-507 at a standard cycle when any error occurs. When a user turns ON an error check key 511 the MPU varies a flashing cycle of the error LED in accordance with the detected error.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> ERROR INDICATOR OF DATA MODULATOR-DEMODULATOR The present invention relates to an error indicator indicating an operational error (initial check error) by flashing a light emitter, the operational error detected by executing an operational check (initial error check) in a data modulator- demodulator (modem) when power is supplied to it. This application is a divisional of GB 2322774 which relates to a data modulator-demodulator with a loop back test function as a maintenance function and relates to an indicating method by use of a light emitter.

In information processing equipment such as a modem, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) , a sequencer and the like are installed. Upon power-on, the equipment executes a self-check to find out whether an operational error exists in an internal circuit and if so, displays this, typically by illuminating a light emitter (LED (Light Emitting Diode) , lamp, or the like) provided either exclusively as an error indicator or used also as another indicator.

However, error check items in the information equipment include different things, therefore, it is impossible to specify the type of error only by lighting or simply flashing the light emitter. By providing light emitters of the same number as the

error check items, it becomes possible to specify the type of error, however, this increases the number of components used in the equipment.

It is also possible to vary a flashing cycle of a light emitter in accordance with the type of operational error, to inform the user of various types of error using the same light emitter. In this case, however, it is very difficult for the user to distinguish flash cycles of the light emitter and to recognise the type of error, unless he is skilled at doing this or has a stopwatch or the like.

An embodiment of the invention may provide an error indicator in which one light emitter can indicate various kinds of operational errors by flashing the light emitter in a such a way that a user can easily distinguish flashing cycles.

The present invention provides an error indicator indicating an operational error of information equipment. This error indicator comprises a light emitter arranged on the information equipment, an operational state monitoring device monitoring an operational state of each section in the information equipment and detecting whether an operational error has occurred and if so what kind of error, an operating member switchable between a first condition and a second condition, and a flashing control section starting when an error is detected by the operational

state monitoring device, and flashing the light emitter in a predetermined standard cycle if the operating member is in the first condition, or in a flashing cycle previously allocated to the kind of error detected by the operational state monitoring device if the operating member is in the second condition.

Thus, when the operational state monitoring device detects an error, the flashing control section flashes the light emitter in accordance with a condition of the operating member. That is, the flashing control section flashes the light emitter in a standard cycle when the operating member is in the first condition, but if it is in the second condition, the flashing control section lights the light emitter in a flashing cycle which represents the kind of error. As a resultj the user can compare the flashing cycle (standard cycle) when the operating member is in the first condition with the flashing cycle when the operating member is in the second condition, and can determine the kind of error based on, for example, the length of the flashing cycle.

This light emitter may be a lamp or a light emitting diode.

The operating member may be a two-position switch which is stable in the first condition and in the second condition or may be a switch which is normally in the first condition and becomes the second condition

only when operated. This switch may be a button, a slide switch or a lever.

A range of flashing cycles previously allocated to the kinds of operational errors may include any of a cycle shorter than the standard cycle, a cycle equal to the standard cycle and a cycle longer than the standard cycle.

Correspondence between kinds of errors and flashing cycles may he fixed or may be made alterable by an user.

Conveniently, the operating member is normally in the first condition and, only when said operating member is operated, becomes in the second condition.

An embodiment of this aspect further comprises a table in which each kind of operational error is associated with a flashing cycle in addition to the above, and wherein the control section, when the operating member is in the second condition, reads from the table the flashing cycle corresponding to the kind of error detected by the operational monitoring device.

For example, flashing cycles corresponding to particular kinds of error can include ones shorter than the standard cycle or longer than the standard cycle.

Reference is made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a principle of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a data modulator-demodulator of the first embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a structural view of firmware stored in the ROM 4 in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an initial error check process executed by the MPU 2 which reads the initial error check module in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an error LED lighting process executed by the MPU 2 which reads the error LED lighting module in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a structural view of an initial error ID; FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a data modulator-demodulator of the second embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an error LED lighting process of the second embodiment according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a structural view of an LED flashing interval table stored in the E2ROM 13 in FIG. 7.

Explanations will be.given of embodiments in which an error indicator is integrated into a data modulator- demodulator (modem) according to the present invention. < First Principle> The first principle of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is an error indicator indicating an operational error in information equipment. This error indicator comprises a light emitter arranged on the/

information equipment 103, an operational state monitoring device 100 monitoring an operational state of each section in the information equipment and detecting whether the operational error occurs or not and a kind of the operational error which occurs, an operating member 102 in one of a first condition and a second condition, and a flashing control section 101 starting when the operational error is detected by the operational state monitoring device, and flashing the light emitter at-a predetermined standard cycle if the operating member is in the first condition, or at a flashing cycle previously corresponded to the kind of the operational error detected by the operational state monitoring device if the operating member is in the second condition.

The error indicator is structured in this way, whereby the operational state monitoring device 100 monitors an operational state of each section in the information equipment, detects whether the operational error occurs or not, and detects a kind of the operational error when any operational error is detected. When the operational state monitoring device 100 detects that any operational error occurs, the flashing control section 101 makes the light emitter 103 flash in accordance with a condition of the operating member. Concretely, the flashing control section 101 makes the light emitter flash at a standard cycle when

the operating member 102 is in the first condition. On the contrary, when the operating member 102 is in the second condition, the flashing control section 101 lights the light emitter 103 at a flashing cycle previously corresponded to the kind of the operational error in accordance with the kind of the operational error detected by the operational state monitoring device 100. As a result, the user can compare the flashing cycle (standard cycle) in a case that the operating member 102 is in the first condition with the flashing cycle in a case that the operating member 102 is in the second condition, and the user can know the kind of the operational error detected based on whether the latter is longer than the former or not.

< First Embodiment> (Hardware Configuration of Data Modulator- Demodulator) FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit structure in a data modulator-demodulator Al according to the first embodiment and connection conditions to external equipment . As shown in FIG. 2, the data modulator-demodulator Al is connected to various digital terminal equipment (DTE) via serial cables s and to an analog network N via a circuit m. The data modulator- demodulator Al converts digital data outputted from each DTE into an analog signal, and then transmits the analog signal to another data modulator-demodulator B via the

analog network N. The data modulator-demodulator Al- converts the analog signal received from the other data modulator-demodulator B via the analog network N into a digital signal, and then outputs the digital signal to an addressed DTE.

This data modulator-demodulator is provided with plural ports (A port 10a, B port 10b) respectively connected to DTEs, plural driver/receivers 9a, 9b correspondingly connected to the ports 10a, 10b, a multiplexer (MPX) 6 connected to the driver/receivers 9a, 9b, a modulation-demodulation section 7 connected to the MPX 6, an analog line interface 8 connected to the modulation-de modulation section 7, a circuit connecter 11 connected to the analog line interface 8, and a hardware setting terminal 1, a MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 4 and an operation display section 5 which are connected to the MPX 6 and the modulation- demodulation section 7 via a bus 12.

Each port (A port 10a, B port 10b) is a connector to which the serial cable s linking to the DTE is connected.

Each driver/receiver 9a, 9b is an interface unit for transmitting/receiving data between each port (A port 10a, B port 10b) and the MPX 6 while 8ulting a data format logically and electrically in accordance with an interface (such as V. 35 and X. 21) at the connection

side. The MPX 6 controls each driver/receiver 9a, 9b. The MPX 6 converts the serial digital signal received from each driver/receiver 9a, 9b to a speed corresponding to the communication speed set by the MPU 2 and transmits the converted serial digital signal to the modulation- demodulation section 7, and transmits the serial digital signal received from the modulation-demodulation section 7 to the#corresponding driver/receiver 9a, 9b. The MPX 6 also transmits a command received via the modulation- demodulation section 7, issued from the other data modulator-demodulator B and addressed to the MPU 2 to the MPU 2 via the bus 12. The MPX 6 also transmits a command received from the MPU 2 and addressed to the. other data modulator-demodulator B to the modulation- demodulation section 7.

The modulation-demodulation section 7 carries out frequency modulation and phase modulation based on the serial digital signal received from the MPU 6, and transmits an analog signal obtained by the modulation to the analog line interface, 8. The modulation-demodulation section 7 also carries out demodulation (cycle detection) based on the analog signal received f rom the analog line interface 8 and transmits a serial digital signal obtained by the demodulation to the-MPX 6.

The analog line interface 8 connects a signal line for receiving an analog signal from the modulation-

demodulation section 7 and a signal line for transmitting an analog signal to the modulation- demodulation section 7 with a signal line connected to the circuit connector 11, and separately controls currents of up and down analog signals (an analog signal transmitted from the modulation-demodulation section 7 to the circuit connector 11 and an analog signal transmitted from the circuit connector 11 to the modulation-demodulation section 7).

The hardware setting terminal 1 includes a plurality of switches for setting the operational state, all over the data modulator-demodulator Al.

The operation display section 5 is provided with seven LEDs 501-507 and seven switches 511-517 attached to the frame surface of the data modulator-demodulator. The operation display section 5 shows various information by lighting (flashing) each LED 501-507 based on instructions from the MPU 2, and various information is inputted.to the MPU 2 based an the operational state of each switch 511-517- Each LED 501-507 shows information as follows. That is, the LED 5Dl acts as a light emitter for operational error instruction, -and lights to show that the initial check is executed by the MPU 2 and flashes to show that an operational error (initial check error)-occurs (hereinafter, the LED 501 is called "error LED"). Incidentally, the operational error is detected by

executing an initial error check when power is supplied to the data modulator-demodulator. Further, the LED 502 lights to show that the data modulator- demodulator Al is set to automatic receiving. The LED 503 flashes to show that the data modulator-demodulator Al transmits data to the DTE. The LED 504 flashes to show that the DTE transmits data to the data modulator- demodulator Al. The LED 505 flashes to show that the data modulator-demodulator Al is in communication state. The LED 506 lights to show that a circuit is connected. The LED 507 flashes to show that the DTE is already prepared to start communication.

Moreover, the switch 511 as an operating member is operated by a user while the error LED flashes, and a command for varying a flashing cycle of the error LED is inputted based on a kind of an error which occurs to the MPU 2 (hereinafter, the switch 511 is called "error check key"). Further, the other switches 512-517, when operated by the user, input respective commands to carry out corresponding loop back tests to the MPU 2.

The ROM 4 stores firmware executed by the MPU 2. Detail explanation will be given of the fi=ware later. The MPU 2 is a processor for overall control of the data modulator-demodulator Al, and controls operations in the MPX 6 and the modulation-demodulation section 7 based on setting by the hardware setting terminal 1. The MPU 2, when main power is supplied by

a power unit(not shown),executes operational check (initial error check) of each portion in the data modulator-demodulator Al. The MPU 2, when a command from the other data modulator-demodulator B is notified by the MPX 6, writes the command into the RAM 3 by an interrupt process and carries out a process corresponding to the command at a predetermined timing. The MPU 2, when each switch 511-517 in the operation display section 5 is operated, acts in accordance with the operation. The MPU 2 instructs the operation display section 5 to make each LED 501-507 light based on the operation in the data modulator-demodulator Al.

A working area is expanded in the RAM 3 by the MPU 2.

(Structure of Firmware) Next, an explanation is given of the outline structure of the firmware stored in the ROM 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the firmware in the ROM 4 includes a plurality of modules (an initial error check module 41, a hardware setting module 43, a front panel monitor module 44, a receiving command process module 45, and an error LED module 42).

The initial error check module 41 as an operational state monitor section starts by turning on the main power in the data modulator-demodulator Al- and checks the operational state of each section in the data modulator-demodulator Al. The initial error check module

41, when any operational error occurs, calls the error LED module 42, and, when no operational error occurs, turns the process to the hardware setting module 43. Items checked by the initial error check module 41 are (1) operational error checks in the RAM 3, the ROM 4 and the MPX 6, (2) a B port control check by the MPX 6 (a check relating to the control of the B port 10b executed in the MPX 6), and (3)an A port control check by the MPX 6 (a check relating to the control of the A port 10a executed in the MPX 6). When the initial error check module 41 calls the error LED lighting module 42, the initial error check module 41, to notify the error LED lighting module 42 of a kind of the operational error, writes a parameter (initial error ID) shown in FIG. 6 into the RAM 3. In the parameter, a bit of a weight "01" shows whether an occurring error is an operational error in one of the RAM 3, the ROM 4 and the MPX 6 (=1) or not (=O). A bit of weight "02" shows whether an occurring error is a B port control error of the MPX 6 (=1) or not (=O). A bit of weight "03" shows whether an occurring error is an A port control error of the MPX 6 (=1) or not (=O).

The error LED lighting module 42 as a flashing control section, when read from the initial error check ..module 41, first, flashes the error LED 501 at a standard cycle (500x2ms), and, when the error check key 511 is turned ON, flashes the error LED 501 at a cycle

corresponding to a kind of the error shown by a parameter (FIG. 6) written in the RAM 3 (200x2ms in cases of operation errors in the RAM 3, the ROM 4 and the MPX 6, 500x2ms in a case of a B port control error of the MPX 6, 8OOx2ms in a case of a A port control error of the MPX 6).

The hardware setting module 43 monitors a setting condition of the hardware setting terminal 1, and instructs the MPX 6 and the modulation-demodulation section 7 to vary the operational state in accordance with the setting condition.-When necessary instructions are finished in the hardware setting-module 43, the process starts in the front panel monitor module 44.

The front panel monitor module 44 monitors an operation state of each of the switches 512-517 in the operation display section 5, and, when any of the switches 512-517 is ON, executes a loop back test corresponding to one of the switches 512-517 turned ON. When necessary loop back tests are finished in the front panel monitor module 44, the process starts in the receiving command process module 45.

The receiving command process module-45 monitors whether the command notified from the other data modulator-demodulator B is written in the RAM 3 by the MPX 6 or not, and, when any command is written in the .RAM 3, carries out a process corresponding to this command. When necessary processes are finished in the

receiving command process module 45, the process starts in the hardware setting module 43.

(Process of Initial Error Check Module) Next, an explanation is given of the initial error check process executed in the MPU 2 which reads the initial error check module 41 with reference to FIG. 4.

In the initial step S01 after starting, the MPU.2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S02, the MPU 2 carries out an error check in the above-mentioned items.

In the next step S03, the MPU 2 determines whether the hardware corresponding to the item operates normally or an operational error occurs based on the result of the error check carried-out in the step S02. When it is determined that the hardware operates normally, the process starts in the step S04.

In the step S04, it is determined whether the error checks of all items are finished. When the error checks are not finished as to all items, the process returns to the step S02.

After the loop process between the step S02 and the step S04 is repeated, when it is determined that the error checks of all items are finished in the step S04, the process starts in the step S05. In the step S05, the MPU 2 puts out the error LED 501. Then, the MPU 2 starts the process in the hardware setting module.

On the contrary, in the loop process between the

step S02 and the step S04, when it is determined that the operational error occurs in the step S03, the MPU 2 advances the process to the step S06. In the step S06, the MPU 2 writes a parameter (initial error ID) in which a bit corresponding to the kind of the operational error which occurs, and then calls the error LED lighting module 42.

(Process of Error LED Lighting Module) Next, an explanation,is given of the error LED lighting process executed by the MPU 2 which reads the error LED lighting module 42 with reference to FIG. 5.

In the initial step S1.1 af ter starting, the MPU 2 puts out the test LED 5bi.

In the next step S12, the MPU 2 checks whether the error check key 511 is turned ON or not. When the error check key 511 is ON (namely, the first condition), the MPU 2 waits for 5OOms in the step S13.

In the step S14 after elapse of 5OOms, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S15, the MPU 2 waits for 5OOms. After that, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step Sll and putsout the test LED 501, On the contrary, when it is determined that the error check key is turned ON (namely, the second condition), the MP#U 2 checks whether the bit of the weight "01" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "l" or not in the step S16. When the bit of the

weight "01" is set to "1", namely, when an operational error occurs in the RAM 3, the ROM 4 or the MPX 6, the MPU 2 waits for 200ms in the step S22.

In the step S23 carried out after passing 200ms, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S24, the MPU 2 waits for 200ms. After elapse ot 200ms, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step S11, and puts out the test LED 501.

On the contrary, when it is not determined that the bit of the weight "01" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "1" or not in the step S16, the MPU 2 checks whether the bit of the weight "02" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "1" or not in the step S17. When the bit of the weight "02" is set to "1", namely, when the B port control error of the MPX 6 occurs, the MPU 2 waits for 500ms in the step S13.

In the step S14 carried out after elapse of 5OOms, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S15, the MPU 2 waits for 500ms. After elapse Of 500ms, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step Sll, and puts out the test LED 501.

On the contrary, when it is not determined that the bit of the weight "02" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "1" in the step S17, the MPU 2 checks whether the bit of the weight "04" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "l" or not in the step S18. When the bit of the weight "04" is set to "i", namely,

when the A port control error of the MPX 6 occurs, the MPU 2 waits for BOOms in the step S19.

In the step S20 carried out after 8OOms, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S21, the MPU 2 waits for 800ms. After 800ms, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step S11, and puts out the test LED 501.

Additionally, when it is not-determined that the bit of the weight "04" in the parameter (initial error ID) is set to "l" in the step S17, the MPU 2 advances the process to the step S13.

The MPU 2 repeated the above-mentioned loop process when the main power supply of the data modulator- demodulator Al is out off.

(Operation of First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, immediately after turning ON the power supply of the data modulator-demodulator Al, the MPU 2 carries out the initial check of each item by the initial error check module 41. While the initial error check is carried out, the MPU 2 keeps the error LED 5011it.

As a result of this initial error check, when it is detected that an operational error occurs, the MPU 2 keeps flashing the error LED 501 at the standard cycle (500x2ms) by the error LED lighting module-42 (S11, S13- S15).

When the error LED 501 is kept flashing at the

standard cycle (500x2ms), the user turns ON the error .check key 511, the MPU 2 varies the flashing cycle of the error LED 501 in accordance with the kind of the error item shown in the parameter (initial error ID) written in the RAM 3. Concretely, when an operational error occurs in the RAM 3, the ROM 4 and/or the MPX 6, the error LED 501 flashes at a cycle (200x2ms) shorter than the standard cycle (500x2ms) (S22-S24, Sll), when an A port control error of the MPX 6 occurs, the error LED 501 flashes at a cycle (8OOx2ms) longer than the standard cycle (500x2ms) (S19-S21, Sll), and when a B port control error of the MPX 6 occurs, the error LED 501 flashes at a cycle equal to the standard cycle (500x2ms) (S13-S15, S11). When the user turns OFF the error check key 511, the MPU 2 returns the flashing cycle of the error LED 501 to the standard cycle (500x2ms).

Thus, the user can distinguish the item of the detected operational error only by comparing the flashing cycles before and after turning ON the error check key 511. That is, when the flashing cycle of the error check key 511 after turning ON the error check key 511 is shorter than that before turning ON the error check key 511, it is possible to know that an operational error occurs in the RAM 3, the ROM 4 and/or the MPX 6. When the flashing cycle, of the error check key 511 after turning ON is longer than that before

turning ON the error check key 511, it is possible to know that the A port control error of the MPX 6 occurs. When the flashing cycle after turning ON the error check key 511 is equal to that before turning ON, it is possible to know that the B port control error of the MPX 6 occurs.

In this way, though there are differences among individuals as to feeling such as each cycle is "short" or "long. ", the feeling can be standardized among individuals by comparing each cycle with the standard cycle. As a result, though the user does not carry a special reference such as a stop watch, the user can distinguish the kind of the operational error which occurs by distinguishing the le ngth of the flashing cycle of one error LED 501.

< Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in a respect that an user can set a flashing cycle corresponding to an item of a detected operational error freely in accordance with the user's feeling.

(Hardware Configuration of Data Modulator- Demodulator) FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit structure of an data modulator-demodulator A2 of the second embodiment and connections with external devices. As shown in FIG. 7, the data modulator-demodulator A2 of

the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment only in a point that a E 2 ROM 13 is connected to the bus 12.

FIG. 9 illustrates a structure ofan LED lighting interval table made by the user and written in the E2ROM 13. As shown in FIG. 9, the LED lighting interval table is structured so that the user can write flashing intervals (flashing cycles) to match them with errors ID (01-FF) respectively corresponding to the bits included in the parameter (initial error ID) and an error ID (00) corresponding to a reference value. The MPU 2 writes and updates flashing intervals (flashing cycles) into the LED lighting interval table based on"a command from the DTE.

Others in the second embodiment are similar to those in the second embodiment, therefore, explanations are omitted of the others.

(Process of Error LED Lighting Module) Next, an explanation is given of the error LED lighting process executed by the MPU 2 which reads the error LED lighting module 42 with reference to FIG. 8.

In the initial step S31 after starting, the MPU 2 puts out the test LED 501.

In the next step S32, the MPU 2 checks whether the error check key 511 is turned ON or not. When the error check key 511 is not turned ON (namely, in the first condition), the MPU 2 reads a flashing interval

corresponding to an error ID (00) from the LED interval table in the step S33, and then waits for the read flashing interval (reference interval).

In the step S34 carried out after the reference interval, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

in the next step S35, the MPU 2 waits for the reference interval. After the reference interval, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step S31 and puts cxxt the test LED 501.

On the contrary, when it is determined that the error check key 511 is turned ON (namely, in the second condition) in the step S32, the MPU 2 reads a flashing interval corresponding to an error ID of the bit set to "1" in the parameter (initial error ID) from the LED flashing interval table in the step S36.

In the next step S37, the MPU 2 waits for the flashing interval read from the LED flashing interval table in the step S36.

In the step S38 executed after the flashing interval, the MPU 2 lights the test LED 501.

In the next step S39, the MPU 2 waits for the flashing interval read from the LED flashing interval table in the step S36. After the flashing interval, the MPU 2 returns the process to the step S31 and puts out the test LED 501.

Other modules of firmware in the second embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, therefore,

explanations are omitted.

(Operation of Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, immediately after turning ON the power supply of the data modulator-demodulator A2, the MPU 2 carries out the initial check of each item by the initial error check module 41. While the initial error check is executed, the MPU 2 keeps the error LED 501 lit.

As the result of this initial error check, when it is detected that an operational error occurs, the MPU 2 keeps flashing the error LE1 501 per the standard cycle read from the LED flashing interval table by the error LED lighting module 42 (S31, S33-S35).

When the user turns ON the error check key 511 while the error LED 501 flashes per the standard cycle, the MPU 2 flashes the error LED 501 in accordance with the bit set to "1" in the parameter (initial error ID) written in the RAM 3 per the flashing interval written in the LED flashing table as a correspondence to the error ID of that bit (S36-S39, S31).

According to the second embodiment, the operation of the first embodiment is carried out, further, the user can set a reference flashing interval and other flashing intervals in accordance with the user's feeling freely.

According to the error indicator of the present invention structured as above described, it is possible to flash a light emitter in a manner that the user can distinguish flashing cycles without a special reference tool. Thus, one light emitter can indicate occurrences of plural operation errors so as to distinguish them.

This invention being thus described, it will be obvious that same may be varied in various ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the scope of the invention, and all such modifications would be obvious for one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An error indicator indicating an operational error of information equipment, comprising: a light emitter arranged on the information equipment; an operational state monitoring device monitoring an operational state of each section in the information equipment and detecting whether the operational error occurs or not and a kind of the operational error; an operating member in one of a first condition and a second condition; and a flashing control section starting when the operational error is detected by said operational state monitoring device, and flashing said light emitter at a predetermined standard cycle if said operating member is in the first condition, or flashing at a cycle previously corresponded to the kind of the operational error detected by said operational state monitoring device if said operating member is in the second condition.
2. An error indicator according to claim 1, wherein said operating member is in the first condition usually and, only when said operating member is operated, becomes in the second condition.

<Desc/Clms Page number 27>
3. An error indicator according to claim I or 2, further comprising a table in which each kind of the operational error is corresponded to a different user selectable flashing cycle; and wherein said flashing control section, when said operating member is in the second condition, reads from said table the flashing cycle corresponded to the kind of the operational error detected by said operational state monitoring device.
4. An error indicator according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the cycle corresponded to the kind of the operational error includes a cycle shorter than said standard cycle or another cycle longer than said standard cycle.
5. A modem substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 or Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.