GB2572003A - Black box data reader for devices without communication interface - Google Patents
Black box data reader for devices without communication interface Download PDFInfo
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- GB2572003A GB2572003A GB1804253.1A GB201804253A GB2572003A GB 2572003 A GB2572003 A GB 2572003A GB 201804253 A GB201804253 A GB 201804253A GB 2572003 A GB2572003 A GB 2572003A
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- interface
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- status indicator
- signal
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
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Abstract
A data reader for a microcontroller based electronic device 1, such as an emergency light driver, which has no externally accessible data interface, includes an interface device 3 for communicating with the electronic device via a first interface 8. The interface device includes a transmitting means 12 configured to transmit a request signal to the electronic device and a receiving means 11 configured to receive a data signal. The transmitting means may transmit the request signal to a test switch connection 6.1, 6.2 of the electronic device and the receiving means receives the data signal transmitted via a status indicator light connection 7.1, 7.2 of the electronic device. The data signal may comprise event log data relating to operation of the electronic device. The interface device may be connected to a computer 2 to download and store the obtained log data.
Description
The invention is in the field of microcontroller based electronic devices without an externally accessible data interface. In particular, the invention relates to an electronic device, an interface device and a method for reading data from an electronic device. Preferably the electronic device is an emergency light driver, in particular an emergency LED driver.
Known light driver devices (ballasts) and in particular emergency light driver devices include a memory which stores data on usage history of the light driver device and/or certain events. For example, information on events such as how many battery charge cycles a battery of the light driver has experienced, or how many battery replacements were performed is stored in the memory. This memory may be referenced as a black box which stores key information of important events during lifetime of the light driver device as log data. This log data can be highly relevant for failure analysis in case the light driver fails to pass a regularly performed test.
Generally, log data or event logs record events taking place during operation of a device in order to provide an audit trail that can be used to understand the activity of the device and to diagnose problems. A log file is a file that records events that occur in the device and/or interactions between different devices or with users of the device. Log events with a type of the event and a number of occurrences are often written to a single log file stored in a memory.
The stored log data may be accessed via a communication interface of the light driver device and read out for further analysis. For example, EP1954105 Al shows a light driver with a DALI communication interface, which enables to read out log data from the light driver.
Particularly emergency light driver devices are tested at regular intervals if the emergency light driver device is able to provide an emergency light for a predetermined amount of time with a specified load current for ensuring a minimum ambient light level. These regular tests are protocolled and in case of a failure to pass the test immediate replacement and failure analysis is required. A memory logging key operational events and the capability of reading out the logged data is a significant improvement, however, a data interface for accessing the memory from external of the light driver device results in additional interface costs and further space requirements for the light driver device.
Simple light driver devices for cost sensitive product ranges neither show suitable communication interfaces for reading out log data, nor do they include a respective log data file in a memory for economic reasons, although the benefit over light driver device’s lifecycle would be obvious.
Therefore light driver devices in the low cost product range may benefit from improvement without increasing their costs disproportionally.
The problem is solved by the interface device according to claim 1, the corresponding electronic device and method for communicating with the electronic device.
Further advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect, an interface device for communicating with an electronic device comprises a first interface with a transmitting means configured to transmit a request signal and a receiving means configured to receive a data signal. The receiving means is configured to receive the data signal as a modulated drive signal for driving a status indicator light.
The interface device accordingly enables to use a signal emitted by the electronic device via the 15 status indicator light connection as carrier signal for transmitting a data signal to the interface device. In particular emergency light driver devices of any kind include a test switch connector for connecting an external test switch and a status indicator light connector for driving an external light emitting diode as a status indicator light.
• · · ί Thus no additional connectors at the electronic device are required for implementing the • · ·
*. * · ί 20 counterpart of first interface of interface device. The complexity and the cost of the electronic device are only moderately increased, as a dedicated log data interface is not necessary, although the electronic device gains the capability to provide internally stored data to the interface device and via the interface device to a computer for evaluation and display.
The interface device according to a preferred embodiment is configured to communicate with a light driver, in particular an emergency LED driver, as the electronic device.
A status indicator light, for example a charge status display light emitting diode (LED) indicates an actual charge status of the emergency light driver by emitting for example a green light. A green LED may for example indicate that a charging current is flowing into a battery of the emergency light driver device.
A capability to read out stored log data without requiring an additional interface is particularly advantageous in case of emergency light driver devices, which require regular testing and in case of failing the test, a subsequent failure analysis. Additionally, emergency lighting driver devices include rechargeable batteries with a limited number of charging/discharging cycles over their 5 lifetime, possibly dependent on the battery chemistry actually used in the rechargeable battery.
Accordingly, the possibility of logging and reading out data represents a significant improvement without adding significant cost and space restrictions to the emergency light driver.
The interface device according to a preferred embodiment comprises the transmitting means configured to transmit the request signal to a test switch connection of the electronic device.
An optional test switch is adapted for testing emergency lighting functionality, for example by interrupting an un-switched input phase of the mains power supply of the emergency light driver. The optional test switch and the optional status indicator light are typically arranged on an external lamp housing which encloses one or more light driver devices for driving light emitting modules of the lamp.
Using the test switch connection for the request signal dispenses with the need for a dedicated communication line and corresponding connectors at the electronic device.
The interface device according to a preferred embodiment includes a second interface configured to connect to a computer device. Preferably the second interface is a USB interface or a wireless radio interface.
According to an embodiment, the USB interface further provides a supply voltage for the interface device.
The USB interface provides a standardized interface to a commercial of-the-shelf computer which is capable of running a graphical user interface for receiving and analysing the received data from the electronic device on the one hand, while the standardized USB interface simultaneously provides the capability for providing a power supply to the interface device.
The interface device according to an advantageous embodiment further comprises a data converting means configured to convert information received by the first interface in a first format into a second format for transmission via the second interface.
The data converting means enables to use a proprietary data format for requesting read out of the 30 data from the electronic device and transmitting the read data to the interface device and at the ··· ··· same time to use a second, different data format for transmitting the received and converted data further to the computer using a more common computer standard. The degrees of freedom available to a design engineer for devising the first interface are accordingly increased, as the converting means may convert any received data to the common second data format for transmission over the second interface to the computer.
According to an embodiment, the data converting means is configured to convert the received information including log event identifiers into the second format including full event data for transmission via the second interface.
Since the data structures of the data comprising the log data have only a limited number of events to cover and the structure of the log data stored in the memory of the light driver device are accordingly simple, well-defined and known a priori, the data transmitted via the first interface may even be reduced to numbers of events or number of occurrences of events that have been logged in the log data memory. Therefore only a rather slow serial connection over the first interface is required for reading the data from the electronic device. The data converting means then may convert the information by supplementing the log event identifiers with respective log type data to provide a full information on the logged events to the computer via the second interface. Accordingly the rather simple and low data rate first interface is compensated for by the converter device and the computer obtains a full log data information for analysing the stored data.
,... 20 According to a second aspect of the invention, an electronic device includes a control means, a , status indicator light connection and a test switch connection. The electronic device is • · ’ ” characterized in that the test switch connection is configured to act as a receiving means for a request signal and the status indicator light connection is configured to transmit a data signal, wherein the control means is configured to transmit the data signal via the status indicator light 25 connection in response to receiving the request signal.
The electronic device may be an emergency light driver, in particular an emergency LED driver.
According to an embodiment, the control means is configured to determine if a request signal is received at the test switch connection, when the electronic device is started, and if the request signal is determined, the control unit is configured to switch into a read- out mode.
The control means according to a preferred embodiment is configured to transmit log data stored in a log data memory of the electronic device via the status indicator light connection.
The electronic device may be configured to transmit at least one log data identifier identifying a log data event as the log data.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for communication between an electronic device and computer comprises a step of the electronic device determining, if a request signal is received at a test switch connection of the electronic device and a transmission step of the electronic device transmitting a data signal to the computer device if it is determined, that the request signal is received. The method is characterized in that the transmission step transmits the data signal via a status indicator light connection of the electronic device to an interface device, and the interface device transmits information based on the received data signal to the computer.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed with reference to the figures, in which
Fig. 1 shows an interface device and an electronic device according to an embodiment, and
Fig. 2 depicts a flowchart of the method for communicating log data between the electronic device and a computer using the interface device.
• · · • · • · ·
.... · 15 The following description of embodiments of the invention uses an emergency light driver • · device as the electronic device 1.
Fig. 1 shows an interface device 3 and an electronic device 1 with a computer 2 in an arrangement according to an embodiment. The electronic device 1 is depicted with those structural elements only which are most relevant for the invention.
• · ··
For the electronic device 1 being an emergency light driver device, the electronic device 1 may have further modules such as a power supply interface for connecting to a mains power supply, a power factor correction circuit, a rectifier circuit for converting a mains AC supply voltage to a DC voltage, at least one converter circuit for converting the DC voltage to a DC voltage for driving one or more lighting modules either from mains power supply or from electric energy drawn from a rechargeable battery also forming part of the emergency light driver. With mains power supply being present at the mains supply interface, a battery charging circuit of the emergency light driver device will charge the battery in order to ensure that a minimum amount of energy is available for maintaining a defined emergency light level over a predetermined time in case mains power supply fails.
··· ·?· ι·:
The emergency light driver device will also include circuitry for detecting a mains power supply failure and for switching over from mains power supply to battery power supply in case a mains power supply failure is detected.
The various circuits of the emergency light driver device are controlled by one or more microcontroller circuits shown in fig. 1 by the electronic device control circuit 4.
Also not depicted in fig. 1 are low voltage power supply circuits LVPS which generate one or more low voltages for supplying the different circuits of the electronic device 1 with the respectively required DC voltages, for example the electronic device control circuit 4.
The electronic device 1 further may include a status indicator light circuit 7, and according to the invention, includes at least a status indicator light connection. The status indicator light connection in fig. 1 comprises a first status indicator light terminal 7.1 and a second status indicator light terminal 7.2. The first and second status indicator light terminals 7.1, 7.2 enable to connect a status indicator light, for example a status indicator light emitting diode (LED), typically with an electric cable of a predefined maximum cable length to the electronic device 1.
The status indicator light circuit 7 drives the status indicator light with an appropriate load
:.: ··· ··?
·♦ current when the electronic device control circuit 4 controls the status indicator light to be switched on.
If the electronic device 1 is an emergency light driver device, the status indicator light being switched on may for example indicate, that the battery charging circuit is charging the battery of the emergency light driver.
The electronic device 1 may include more than one status indicator light controlled by the electronic device control circuit 4. The electronic device control circuit 4 controls the status indicator light 7 to emit light.
The electronic device 1 of fig. 1 further comprises a test switch circuit 6 and test switch connection including a first test switch terminal 6.1 and a second test switch terminal 6.2. The first and second test switch terminals 6.1, 6.2 connect a test switch, typically with an electric cable of a predefined maximum cable length to the electronic device 1. The test switch circuit 6 detects a state of the connected test switch, in particular if the connected test switch is in a closed state or an open state. The test switch circuit 6 provides a test switch signal signalling an open state or a closed state of the test switch to the electronic device control circuit 4.
The test switch circuit 6 and the status indicator light circuit 7 can form part of the electronic device control circuit 4, as available microcontrollers offer suitable output and input terminals connected to respective circuits internally.
The electronic device 1 may include more than one test switch connection in order to connect 5 plural test switches. The electronic device 1 may also include more than one status indicator light connection in order to connect plural status indicator lights.
If the electronic device 1 is an emergency light driver device, the test switch may signal in its closed state to the electronic device control circuit 4 that the emergency light driver device is to transition into a test state. In the test state, the emergency light driver device may for example be 10 driven by electric energy drawn from the battery although mains power supply is available in order to test its proper functioning.
Generally the test switch connection, in fig. 1 the first and second test switch terminals 6.1, 6.2, enables to input a signal via the test switch circuit 6 to the electronic device control circuit 4.
The electronic device control circuit 4 further comprises a log data memory 5 for storing log data. The log data memory 5 may also be referred to as black box storing log data on events during the lifetime of the electronic device 1.
• · · · ···· In case of the electronic device 1 being the emergency light driver device, log data may include * · * information such as when a lighting module was replaced by another lighting module, when the . · · · rechargeable battery was replaced by a new rechargeable battery, how many charging cycles a • o · · • · · 20 rechargeable battery experienced since the last battery change. The log data of the emergency • · · light driver device therefore enables a service technician to judge the state of the emergency light driver device, its experienced load over its elapsed lifetime and supports in locating failures during maintenance and repair of the emergency light driver device.
The electronic device control circuit 4 controls storing and reading of the log data into or from 25 the log data memory 5.
The interface device 3 shown in fig. 1 includes a first interface 8 for connecting the interface device 3 to the electronic device 1, and a second interface 16 which will be discussed with more detail later.
The first interface 8 comprises first and second status indicator light interface terminals 8.1 and
8.2. The first status indicator light interface terminal 8.1 is connectable to the first status indicator light terminal 7.1 of the electronic device 1. The second status indicator light interface terminal 8.2 is connectable to the second status indicator light terminal 7.2 of the electronic device 1.
The first interface 8 further comprises first and second test switch interface terminals 8.3 and 8.4.
The first test switch interface terminal 8.3 is connectable to the first test switch terminal 6.1 of the electronic device 1. The second test switch interface terminal 8.4 is connectable to the second test switch terminal 6.2 of the electronic device 1.
The first and second status indicator light interface terminals 8.1, 8.2 of the first interface 8 are connected to a receiving means 11 of the interface device 3. The receiving means 11 may be an electronic receiving circuit adapted to receive the modulated light drive signal corresponding to the data signal via the first and second status indicator light interface terminals 8.1, 8.2 and thereby from the electronic device 1 and its status light connection. The receiving means 11 are further adapted to provide the received data signal to an interface device control circuit 9.
The interface device control circuit 9 may be implemented by using one or more microcontroller circuits.
The receiving means 11 may be an optocoupler. A light emitting diode of the optocoupler is connected to the first and second status indicator light interface terminals 8.1, 8.2 of the first interface 8. A phototransistor of the optocoupler is connected to the interface device control circuit 9. Using an optocoupler as receiving means 11 is advantageous, as the input of the optocoupler being a light emitting diode easily emulates a light emitting diode of the status indicator light with only limited additional electronic elements such as a resistor 13.
The interface device control circuit 9 is on the one hand adapted to obtain the data signal received via the receiving means 11 and on the other hand is adapted to generate the request signal, and to provide the generated request signal to a transmitting means 12 of the interface 25 device 3.
The first and second switch interface terminals 8.3, 8.4 of the first interface 8 are connected to the transmitting means 12 of the interface device 3.
The transmitting means 12 may be an optocoupler. A photo transistor corresponding to the output of the optocoupler is connected to the first and second test switch interface terminals 8.3, 30 8.4 of the first interface 8. A light emitting diode representing an input circuit of the optocoupler is connected to an output of the interface device control circuit 9. Using an optocoupler as transmitting means 12 is advantageous, since the output circuit of the optocoupler being a phototransistor easily emulates a switch of the test switch towards the test switch connection 6 of the electronic device 1 with only limited additional electronic elements, represented in fig. 1 by resistor 14.
The request signal generated and output by the interface device control circuit 9 is transmitted via the transmitting means 12 and the first and second test switch interface terminals 8.3, 8.4, the first and second test switch terminals 6.1, 6.2 of the electronic device 1 on to the electronic device control circuit 4.
The request signal is configured to initiate (request) reading out log data from the log data memory 5 of the electronic device 1. The request signal in a particularly simple form is a signal which simulates a closed test switch connected between the first and second test switch terminals
6.1,6.2.
The interface device control circuit 9 obtains the received data signal from the receiving means
11. The obtained data signal may include log data representing log data information read out by • · ·· »··· • · · the electronic device control circuit 4 from the log data memory 5. The data signal may be a generated by the electronic device control circuit 4 by modulating the data to be transmitted onto a drive current output to the first and second status indicator light terminals 6.1, 6.2 using any known modulation technique.
The serial data connection over the first interface 8 of the interface device 3 to/from the electronic device 1 may have only a small data rate due to adapting to the specific electric configuration of the test switch connection and the status indicator light connection, however the serial connection is particularly well suited and entirely sufficient to communicate largely predefined log data with it’s a priori known data structure. The data transmitted in the data signal may be advantageously transmitted in a first data format to merely include numbers of occurrence of certain events as stored in the log data file in the log data memory 5. The type of event may for example be coded in the position of the number of occurrences in the data signal structure. The interface device 3 may include a data converting means 15 which combines the received number of occurrences of the respective type of event with the respective type of events information and generates a data signal of a second data format which includes the type of event 30 and the number of occurrences corresponding to this type of event and received from the electronic device 1 in the data signal in the first data format. The data signal in the second data format is then provided to the second interface 16 of the interface device 3 for transmitting the data signal with the full information to the computer 2 for further processing.
... ··· ···
The data converting means 15 may preferably form part of the interface device control circuit 9 or be implemented structurally separate from the interface device control circuit 9.
The interface device 3 can further include a communication means 10, for example an USB interface circuit, which provides a bi-directional communication capability between the interface 5 device 3 and the computer 2. The communication means 10 is connected with the interface device control circuit 9 on the one hand and the second interface 16 on the other hand and preferably performs communication according to an established communication standard, for example wire-bound communication according to an USB-standard or wireless communication according to a standard of the WLAN or WPAN group of communication standards, such as for 10 example Bluetooth™. Therefore the interface device 3 enables the computer 2 to access the log data file in the log data memory 5 of the electronic device 1 based on a known communication format, even though the electronic device 1 is not furnished with an additional communication capability and therefore still of a basic and cost-effective configuration.
The interface device 3, in particular its second interface 16 is connected with an interface 15 connection 17 of the computer 2. The computer 2 may be any kind of personal computer, notebook or table computer, smartphone or a proprietary terminal, such as a commissioning device for commissioning of components of lighting systems. The computer 2 runs an application software, for example with a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables a user to at least control the interface device 3 to request reading log data from the connected electronic 20 device 1 and to transfer the read log data via the interface device 3 to the computer 2. The GUI presented on a display of computer 2 may then show the read log data from the electronic device to a user, for example a service technician. The GUI may also include a software module for converting the read-out log data from a hexadecimal format into an easy to read table with a detailed description and explanation of the shown parameters contained in the log data.
The computer 2 may provide a storage capability to store the obtained log data in a corresponding log data file, for example for generating a documentation of a state and of regular maintenance of an emergency lighting system and its individual components for a review by authorities or insurance companies. The GUI can enable the user to perform a multitude of evaluation tasks with respect to and assists in maintenance of the electronic device 1.
The computer 2 requires no specific adaptation since the interface device control circuit 9 in combination with the data converter means 15 can provide the same information to the computer as if it could be directly read out from the electronic device 1 via a dedicated and direct communication between the computer 2 and the electronic device 1. However the inventive approach dispenses with the need for furnishing each electronic device 1 with a communication interface for transferring data stored in the electronic device 1 to an external computer 2.
The computer may also provide electric power to the interface device 3 via the computer interface 17, for example via the computer interface 17 implemented as an USB connection, to 5 the second interface 16 to the communication means 10 of the interface device 3. The communication means 10 may further provide electric power via suitable low voltage power supplies to the various circuits of the interface device 3, most notably the interface device control circuit 9.
The interface device 3 may further provide electric power to the electronic device 1. This is particularly advantageous when the electronic device 1 is disconnected from its regular power supply, for example from a mains power supply and/or a battery for test purposes. For the test purposes, the electronic device 1 possibly requires only limited power, for example for the electronic device control circuit 4 and the test switch circuit 6 and the status indicator light circuit 7, in particular for reading out the log data and generating the data signal.
Alternatively of additionally, the interface device 3 and the electronic device 1 can comprise additional, respectively corresponding connections for the interface device 3 acting as a power supply source to the electronic device 1.
Thus, also not depicted in fig. 1, the computer 2 may provide electric power to the interface device 3 and even the electronic device 1, at least for performing log data read out operation.
Fig. 2 depicts a flowchart of the method for communicating log data between the electronic device 1 and the computer using the interface device 2.
The method begins with a first step S1 of starting (activating) the electronic device 1.
In step S2, the interface device 3 transmits the request signal via the first interface 8 to the first and second test switch terminals 6.1, 6.2 of the electronic device 1. The request signal corresponds to pressing a test switch which would be externally connected to the electronic device 1. The request signal may include a sequence of signals.
The electronic device control circuit 4 analyzes the received request signal and identified such sequence of signals.
If the electronic device control circuit 4 determines that the electronic device 1 is started and subsequently the request signal is not received, which corresponds to not pressing the test switch for an activated electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 transits into the standard mode of operation in step S3. In the standard mode of operation, the electronic device 1 performs its usual task, for example when the electronic device 1 is an emergency light driver device, providing a load current to one or more lighting modules of a luminaire.
If, on the other hand, the electronic device control circuit 4 determines that the electronic device 1 is started and subsequently the request signal is received corresponding to the test switch being pressed for an activated electronic device 1, the operational mode of the electronic device 1 transits into a service state in step S4 different from the standard mode of operation.
In step S5 succeeding to step S4, the electronic device control circuit 4 then changes into the log data read-out mode. In the log data read-out mode, the electronic device control circuit 4 reads the log data from the log data memory 5, generates the data signal based on the read log data and transmits the data signal via the first and second status indicator light terminals 6.1, 6.2 to the first interface 8 of the interface device 3. In particular, the electronic device control circuit 4 may modulate based on the read-out log data a drive signal for driving the status indicator light in * ·· • * • ·♦ · ·· • ® ··♦· »··· ··· ·· «
order to generate the data signal and transmit the generated data signal via the first and second status signal indicator light terminals 6.1, 6.2 to the first interface 8.
The steps S4 and S5 are repeated until the read-out log data from the log data memory 5 is entirely transmitted. In step S6 succeeding to step S5, the electronic device control circuit 4 determines if the end of the log data file is reached. The steps S4 and S5 are repeated as long as the answer to step S6 is NO. When the answer to the question if the end of the log-data file is reached in step S6 is affirmative or YES, the method continues to step S3 and the electronic device control circuit 4 changes the operational mode of the electronic device 1 into the standard mode.
The method enables to assemble log data even in low cost electronic devices and to access the 25 stored log data by use of the interface device 3 with a standard computer 2 without requiring a dedicated data communication interface for the log data transfer.
The interface device 3 may be implemented on a small additional circuit board, for example basically including two optocouplers as receiving means 11 and transmitting means 12 a microcontroller acting as interface device control circuit 9 and an USB interface as communication means 10. In this simple configuration, the interface device 3 enables bidirectional serial communication between the computer 2 and the electronic device 1. Removing the electronic device 1 for accessing the log data memory 5 is not necessary.
• ·· • · • ··
1» • ® • •3· ···· ·«· ···· *
···· n· • *
An embodiment of the invention is discussed which uses an emergency driver device as electronic device 1. It is immediately apparent, that any electronic device 1 which includes respective externally accessible connections such as, but not limited to a test switch connection 6 and a status indicator light connection 7 and further employs a microcontroller or equivalent structural means may advantageously use the method and the interface device 3 according to the enclosed claims.
Claims (5)
- 5 1. An interface device for communicating with an electronic device (1), the interface device comprising a first interface (8) with a transmitting means (12) configured to transmit a request signal and a receiving means (11) configured to receive a data signal, and characterized in10 that the receiving means (11) is configured to receive the data signal as a modulated drive • · · • · · signal for driving a status indicator light.• · • · ·· • · · ·..
- 2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (1) is an emergency light driver, in particular an emergencyLED driver.
- 3. The interface device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting means (12) is configured to transmit the request signal to a test switch connection (6) of the electronic device (1).
- 4. The interface device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interface device further comprises a second interface (16) configured to connect to a computer device (2).25 5. The interface device according to claim 4, wherein the second interface (16) is a USB interface or a wireless radio interface.6. The interface device according to claim 4, wherein the USB interface provides a supply voltage for the interface device.7. The interface device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the interface device further comprises a data converting means (15) configured to convert information received by the first data interface (8) in a first format into a second... format for transmission via the second interface (16).• · · • · · ·:···: io • · ·· ···! 8. The interface device according to claim 7, • · · owherein the data converting means (15) is configured to convert the received information • · · · > ·.; including log event identifiers into the second format including full event data for transmission • · · ', ·,; via the second interface (16).9. An electronic device including a control means (4), a status indicator light connection (7) and a test switch connection (6), wherein the electronic device is characterized in that the test switch connection (6) is configured to act as a receiving means for a request20 signal, that the status indicator light (7) connection is configured to transmit a data signal, that the control means (4) is configured to transmit the data signal via the status indicator light connection (7) in response to receiving the request signal.10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device (1) is an emergency light driver, in particular an emergency LED driver.
- 5 11. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control means (4) is configured to determine if a request signal is received at the test switch connection (6) , when the electronic device is started, and if the request signal is received, the control unit (4) is configured to switch into a readout mode.• · · • · · • ·· . 10 ······ • ·•. ·. 12. The electronic device according to any of claims 9 to 11 • · · · ’ i * the control means (4) is configured to transmit via the status indicator light connection.... (7) log data stored in a log data memory (5) of the electronic device.···· • · · • · · • ··15 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the control means (4) is configured to transmit at least one log data identifier identifying a log data event as the log data.14. A method for communication between an electronic device (1) and a computer device (2), 20 the method comprising a step of the electronic device (1) determining, if a request signal is received at a test switch connection (6) of the electronic device (1), a transmission step of the electronic device (1) transmitting a data signal to the computer device (2) if it is determined, that the request signal is received, and25 characterized in that the transmission step transmits the data signal via a status indicator light connection (7) of the electronic device (1) to an interface device (3), and the that the interface device (3) transmits information based on the received data signal to the computer device (2).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1804253.1A GB2572003B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Black box data reader for devices without communication interface |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1804253.1A GB2572003B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Black box data reader for devices without communication interface |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| GB2572003A true GB2572003A (en) | 2019-09-18 |
| GB2572003B GB2572003B (en) | 2022-04-20 |
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| GB1804253.1A Active GB2572003B (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2018-03-13 | Black box data reader for devices without communication interface |
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Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP4195174A1 (en) * | 2021-12-07 | 2023-06-14 | Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG | Test control device for an emergency device in a building automation system |
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| GB2460721A (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-16 | Red Dot Technologies Ltd | Electrical apparatus having operation status indicator which cn transmit parameter values |
| GB2508093A (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2014-05-21 | Heber Ltd | Dongle with light sensor and audio jack plug suitable for receiving diagnostic data from a flashing LED on an appliance |
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| US5691699A (en) * | 1996-02-08 | 1997-11-25 | Detection Systems, Inc. | Security detector with optical data transmitter |
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| US20050025494A1 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-03 | Jurgis Astrauskas | Method and apparatus for improving noise immunity for low intensity optical communication |
| GB2413909A (en) * | 2004-05-08 | 2005-11-09 | Heber Ltd | Optical communication light source that flickers at a frequency invisible to the human eye |
| GB2460721A (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-16 | Red Dot Technologies Ltd | Electrical apparatus having operation status indicator which cn transmit parameter values |
| GB2508093A (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2014-05-21 | Heber Ltd | Dongle with light sensor and audio jack plug suitable for receiving diagnostic data from a flashing LED on an appliance |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP4195174A1 (en) * | 2021-12-07 | 2023-06-14 | Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG | Test control device for an emergency device in a building automation system |
| WO2023104483A1 (en) * | 2021-12-07 | 2023-06-15 | Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg | Test control device for an emergency device in a building automation system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2572003B (en) | 2022-04-20 |
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