Display diagnostic system and method

Abstract

A display diagnostic system and method includes a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of a light emitter of a display device. The light emitter is configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device. The light emitter is powered by a converter of the display device. The systems and methods include one or more processors that receive sensor signals generated by sensors. The sensor signal is indicative of a parameter of the light emitter at a first time monitored by the sensor. The one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the sensor signal, that the light emitter is inactive at a first time, and in response to determining that the light emitter is expected to be active at the first time, generate a control signal indicative of a fault state of the transducer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic display devices and diagnostics related to electronic display devices. Background Art

[0002] Some display devices, such as computer monitors and televisions, are backlit. A backlit display device may include a translucent screen and a backlight that illuminates the translucent screen to display content to a viewer. The backlight may include an array of light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The array of light emitters may require relatively high currents, and some backlit display devices may feature a converter that powers all of the light emitters in the array. The converter may increase or boost the voltage and current of the power received from the power source before supplying the boosted power to the array of light emitters.

[0003] A converter failure is a type of failure of a backlit display device. For example, if the converter fails, the light emitter array does not receive power. The screen is dark (e.g., not illuminated) because the light emitters do not emit light. It may be difficult to detect and diagnose converter failures. For example, it may be difficult for the control system to identify the converter as the cause of a dark, non-luminous screen by replacing other potential component failures such as LED failures, damaged wires, etc. Converter failures may be difficult to diagnose because the high current output side of the converter may be electrically isolated from the circuit system that can report back to the control system. Due to the difficulty in diagnosing the true source of the problem, the user may replace the wrong component and / or may replace more components than are needed to remedy the problem. For example, when replacing the converter alone can solve the problem of a dark screen, the user may replace the entire display device.

[0004] There remains a need for a system and method for efficiently and accurately diagnosing inverter failures in a backlit display device. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment, a display diagnostic system includes a memory, a sensor, and one or more processors communicatively connected to the memory and the sensor. The memory is configured to store program instructions. The sensor is configured to monitor parameters of a light emitter of a display device. The light emitter is configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device. The light emitter is powered by a converter of the display device. The program instructions are executable by one or more processors to receive a sensor signal generated by the sensor. The sensor signal indicates a parameter of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time. The program instructions are executable by one or more processors to determine that the light emitter is inactive at a first time based on the sensor signal, and in response to determining that the light emitter is expected to be active at a first time, generate a control signal indicating a fault state of the converter.

[0006] In an example, the sensor is a temperature sensor configured to monitor the heat output of the light emitter as a parameter. In another example, the sensor is an optical sensor configured to monitor the light output of the light emitter as a parameter. In another example, the sensor is a current sensor configured to monitor the current received by the light emitter from the converter as a parameter. The sensor may be disposed within the housing of the display device.

[0007] Optionally, the converter includes a transformer circuit system configured to receive current from the power supply at a first current level and output current to the light emitter at a second current level. The second current level is greater than the first current level. Optionally, the display device includes a backlight, and the light emitter forms part of the backlight.

[0008] Optionally, the one or more processors are configured to implement a test pattern indicating that the optical emitter is active at the first time. The one or more processors may determine that the optical emitter is expected to be active at the first time based on the implemented test pattern.

[0009] Optionally, the sensor signal is an analog sensor signal, and the display diagnostic system further comprises an analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter can convert the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal, which is transmitted to one or more processors along the display port link. The digital sensor signal can be transmitted to the one or more processors in an auxiliary channel of the display port link.

[0010] Optionally, the display device is a first display device of a plurality of display devices configured to display content directed by a graphics processing unit. The one or more processors may generate a control signal to electrically disconnect the first display device including the inverter having a fault state. Optionally, the one or more processors are configured to generate a control signal to perform one or more of the following: (i) notify an operator of the display device that the inverter has a fault state, (ii) log a record of the fault state of the inverter in a database, or (iii) initiate additional diagnostic testing of the inverter.

[0011] According to an embodiment, a method for diagnosing a display device is provided. The method includes receiving, via one or more processors, a sensor signal generated by a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of a light emitter of the display device. The light emitter is configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device. The light emitter is powered by a converter of the display device. The sensor signal indicates a parameter of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time. The method includes determining that the light emitter is inactive at a first time based on the sensor signal. In response to determining that the light emitter is expected to be active at a first time, the method includes generating a control signal indicating a fault state of the converter.

[0012] Optionally, the sensor is a temperature sensor and receiving the sensor signal comprises receiving a sensor signal providing a thermal output value of the light emitter as a parameter.

[0013] Optionally, the method includes implementing a test mode that instructs the converter to power the light emitter to emit light at a first time. Determining that the emitted light is expected to be active at the first time is based on implementing the test mode.

[0014] Optionally, the sensor signal is an analog sensor signal. The method includes converting the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal, and transmitting the digital sensor signal to the one or more processors along the DisplayPort link.

[0015] Optionally, the display device is a first display device of a plurality of display devices configured to display content directed by a graphics processing unit. Generating a control signal indicating a fault state of the converter includes electrically disconnecting a first display device including the converter having the fault state. Optionally, generating a control signal indicating a fault state of the converter includes one or more of the following: (i) notifying an operator of the display device that the converter has the fault state, (ii) logging a record of the fault state of the converter into a database, or (iii) initiating additional diagnostic testing of the converter.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a computer program product is provided, which includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes computer executable code, which is configured to be executed by one or more processors to receive a sensor signal generated by a temperature sensor disposed in a housing of a display device. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the thermal output of a light emitter of the display device. The light emitter is configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device. The light emitter is powered by a converter of the display device. The sensor signal indicates the thermal output of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time. The computer executable code is configured to be executed by one or more processors to determine that the light emitter is inactive at a first time based on the sensor signal. In response to determining that the light emitter is expected to be active at a first time, the computer executable code is configured to be executed by one or more processors to generate a control signal indicating a fault state of the converter.

[0017] Optionally, the one or more processors are configured to implement a test pattern indicating that the optical emitter is active at the first time. The one or more processors may determine that the optical emitter is expected to be active at the first time based on the implemented test pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1is a block diagram of a display diagnosis system according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device in which a display diagnosis system is implemented according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of diagnosing a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It will be readily understood that, in addition to the described example embodiments, the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments as represented in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments, but merely represents example embodiments.

[0022] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" (etc.) mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment", etc., appearing in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0023] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, many specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or using other methods, parts, materials, etc. In other examples, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusion. The following description is intended to be used as an example only, and some example embodiments are simply shown.

[0024] Examples of the present disclosure describe display diagnostic systems and methods for diagnosing display devices. The embodiments described herein use one or more sensors to monitor parameters of a light emitter of a display device. The parameters are monitored to determine whether the light emitter is active, which means that the light emitter is receiving power and emitting light during at least a portion of the time period during which the parameters are monitored. Various types of sensors can be used to monitor different parameters, which can be analyzed to indicate whether the light emitter is active. The system and method can analyze sensor signals to determine whether the light emitter is active or inactive based on the parameters. For example, in response to determining that the light emitter is active at a first time, the system and method can characterize the converter of the display device as functioning, which means that the converter is operating as expected without failure. The system and method can track when the light emitter is expected to be active. If the light emitter is determined to be inactive (e.g., not emitting light) at a second time when the light emitter is expected to be active, the system and method can characterize the converter as having a fault, so that the converter is in a fault state. The fault state means that the system and method identify the converter as a potential source of a defective display. For example, the display diagnostic system and method can determine that the light emitter is not receiving power from the converter based on the monitored activity of the light emitter contrary to the expected activity of the light emitter, and thus the converter may be defective. Specifically, when the light emitter is not illuminated at the time when the control system attempts to power the light emitter to emit light, then the fault condition is determined. The display diagnostic system and method can provide an indirect indication that the converter is not functioning properly (e.g., is faulty) based on the unexpected inactivity of the light emitter powered by the converter.

[0025] After identifying the converter as having a fault condition, the systems and methods may take one or more responsive and / or remedial actions. For example, the systems and methods may electrically disconnect the particular display device including the faulty converter from a system of multiple connected display devices. Additionally or alternatively, the systems and methods may notify an operator of the display device that the converter has a fault condition, log a record of the converter's fault condition into a database, and / or initiate additional diagnostic tests on the converter.

[0026] The display diagnostic system and method can provide a mechanism for diagnosing an inverter as a potential source of failure without disconnecting and disassembling the display device. By identifying the inverter as a potential source of failure, the inverter can be replaced without replacing the entire display device, thereby extending the operating life of the display device.

[0027] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a display diagnostic system 100 according to an embodiment. The display diagnostic system 100 includes a controller 102 that performs some or all of the operations described herein to perform diagnostics on a display device. The display diagnostic system 100 includes one or more sensors 104 that monitor the activity or operation of at least one light emitter of the display device. The display diagnostic system 100 is configured to detect a display device such as a display device. Figure 2 The display diagnostic system 100 may include various components of the display device and / or interact with various components of the display device. For example, Figure 1 A converter 106, one or more light emitters 108, and a power supply 110 are shown, which are components of a display device. The power supply 110 provides power to an input side 112 of the converter 106. The converter 106 modifies one or more characteristics of the power, such as voltage, current, phase, etc. The converter 106 transmits the modified power from an output side 114 of the converter 106 to one or more light emitters 108. The light emitter 108 uses the power received from the converter 106 to emit light of a display screen that illuminates the display device. For example, the light emitter 108 can convert the received power into light energy and heat energy (e.g., heat), and the light illuminates the display screen. The light emitter 108 can be an LED, etc. The power supply 110 can be one or more batteries, an external power supply connected to the display device via a power cable and a plug connector, etc.

[0028] The controller 102 is operably (e.g., communicatively) connected to other components of the display diagnostic system 100 via wired and / or wireless communication links to allow information to be transmitted in the form of signals. For example, the controller 102 can receive sensor signals generated by one or more sensors 104. The controller 102 can analyze the sensor signals to determine whether one or more light emitters 108 monitored by the sensors 104 are active. The controller 102 can generate control signals that are transmitted to other components to control the operation of the components. For example, as described herein, the controller 102 can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the transducer 106, for transmitting a notification message to an operator or another device, etc. The display diagnostic system 100 can have Figure 1 Additional components not shown.

[0029] The controller 102 represents a hardware circuit system that includes and / or is connected to one or more processors 116 (e.g., one or more microprocessors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, etc.). The controller 102 can be a control unit, a control system, etc. The controller 102 includes and / or is connected to a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a data storage device), referred to herein as a memory 118. The memory 118 can store programming instructions (e.g., software) that are executed by one or more processors 116 to perform the display diagnostic operations described herein. The programming instructions may include one or more algorithms utilized by the one or more processors 116. References to the controller 102 herein may refer to one or more processors 116 thereof.

[0030] One or more sensors 104 monitor at least one parameter of one or more light emitters 108. For example, each sensor 104 may be associated with a specific corresponding light emitter 108 of a light emitter array of a display device. In an example, the display diagnostic system 100 may have only one sensor 104. A single sensor 104 may monitor a single parameter of one light emitter 108. For example, the sensor 104 may be a temperature sensor that may monitor the thermal output of the light emitter 108 as a parameter. The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, a thermistor, a digital temperature sensor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a semiconductor-based integrated circuit, etc. The thermal output may be a temperature, a change in temperature, etc. In another example, the sensor 104 may be an optical sensor that monitors the optical light output of the light emitter 108 as a parameter. The optical sensor may be a photoelectric sensor, a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photodetector, etc. The light output may be the wavelength and / or frequency of light emitted by the light emitter, the intensity of the light, a change in wavelength, frequency, or intensity, etc. In yet another example, the sensor 104 may be a current sensor that monitors the current received by the light emitter 108 from the converter 106 as a parameter. The current sensor may be a Hall effect current sensor, an inductive current sensor, a magnetoresistive current sensor, etc. Optionally, the display diagnostic system 100 may include a plurality of sensors 104. In an example, at least two of the sensors 104 may monitor different parameters of the same or two different light emitters 108. The first sensor 104 may monitor the thermal output of the first light emitter 108, and the second sensor 104 may monitor the optical light output of the first light emitter 108 or the second light emitter 108. In another example, each of the plurality of sensors 104 may monitor the same parameter of different light emitters 108 of the light emitter array. One or more sensors 104 may be positioned at least close to the respective light emitters 108 being monitored. For example, each sensor 104 may be mounted within a threshold distance of the light emitter 108, such as within 1 cm or 2 cm of the light emitter 108. One or more sensors 104 may be mounted within a housing of the display device.

[0031] One or more sensors 104 may generate a sensor signal indicating a monitored parameter. The sensor signal may be transmitted to the controller 102 for analysis. Optionally, the sensor signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. In an example where the sensor 104 generates an analog signal, the analog signal may be a voltage signal, a frequency signal, etc. The controller 102 may be calibrated to transform the analog signal into a value representing the monitored parameter. In another example where the sensor 104 generates a digital signal, the digital signal may be a data packet indicating a value representing the monitored parameter. An example value indicates the thermal output of the light emitter 108. Optionally, the digital signal may be a simple code such as a binary code. The binary code may indicate whether the monitored light emitter 108 is active or inactive, or whether the measured parameter of the light emitter 108 is above or below a threshold. The controller 102 receives the sensor signal generated by the one or more sensors 104 via one or more wired or wireless paths. Optionally, the controller 102 may receive the sensor signal directly from the sensor 104. The one or more processors 116 may analyze the sensor signal according to programmed instructions in the memory 118 to determine whether the light emitter 108 monitored by the sensor 104 generating the sensor signal was actively emitting light at the time the sensor signal was generated.

[0032] One or more processors 116 of the controller 102 may optionally receive the sensor signal indirectly via an intermediate circuit component. In an embodiment, the controller 102 includes or is communicatively connected to an analog-to-digital (AD) converter 120. For example, the sensor 104 may provide an analog sensor signal to the AD converter 120. The AD converter 120 may receive the analog sensor signal and convert the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal. The digital sensor signal from the AD converter 120 may be transmitted to one or more processors 116 of the controller 102 for analysis. Optionally, the digital sensor signal may be packaged together with other digital data / information in a data stream transmitted to the controller 102 via a display port link of a display device. Another embodiment may omit the AD converter 120, for example if the sensor signal is a digital signal from the sensor 104 or the controller 102 is configured to receive an analog signal.

[0033] The controller 102 can control the operation of the converter 106, such as when to supply power to the light emitter 108, how to modify the characteristics of the power received by the power source 110, and / or how to distribute the content to different light emitters 108 in the light emitter array. The controller 102 can control the converter 106 by generating a control signal that is transmitted to the converter 106. For example, the control communication path can extend from the controller 102 to the input side 112 of the converter 106. The converter 106 is controlled to modify the power received from the power source 110 by increasing the voltage and / or current. In an example, the converter 106 may include a transformer circuit system 122 that increases the voltage and / or current of the power. Therefore, the input power at the input side 112 can have a first current level or value that is less than the second current level or value of the output power from the output side 114. The input side 112 can be referred to as a low current side, and the output side 114 can be referred to as a high current side. The input power at the input side 112 can also optionally have a lower voltage value or level than the output power at the output side 114. The output power is delivered to the optical transmitter 108 to power the optical transmitter 108. The optical transmitter 108 may require relatively high voltage and current, which may be achieved via the converter 106 and its transformer circuitry 122 stepping up the voltage and current of the received power.

[0034] If the converter 106 fails or malfunctions on the output side 114, the effect of the non-luminous screen will be clearly detected, but the source of the fault may be difficult to diagnose. For example, due to the transformer circuit system 122 including the physical gap between the windings, the output side 114 is communicatively isolated from the controller 102 and the control circuit system that can report to the controller 102. Therefore, the controller 102 may not be able to communicate with the output side 114 of the converter 106, the optical transmitter 108, and other components located on the other side of the transformer circuit system 122 relative to the controller 102. The controller 102 may be communicatively connected to the optical transmitter 108 only via the converter 106, so that the controller 102 can control the optical transmitter 108 only by controlling the converter 106. If a fault occurs and one or more of the optical transmitters 108 are not receiving power from the converter 106, the controller 102 cannot communicate directly with the optical transmitter 108 and / or the output side 114 of the converter 106 to determine the source of the fault, such as which component or components failed or are defective.

[0035] In an embodiment, the controller 102 (e.g., one or more processors 116 thereof) analyzes information received in the sensor signal generated by the sensor 104 to determine whether the corresponding light emitter 108 is active or inactive. This determination is referred to as the monitored activity condition of the light emitter 108. The controller 102 then compares the monitored activity condition of the particular light emitter 108 with the expected activity condition during the relevant time period. If the light emitter 108 is determined to be inactive during the time period when the light emitter 108 is expected to be active, the controller 102 determines a fault state. In an example, the light emitter 108 may have a longer expected operating life than the transducer 106. It is more likely that the difference is due to a defect in the transducer 106 rather than a defective light emitter 108. For at least this reason, the controller 102 may determine that the transducer 106 is in a fault (e.g., has a fault state) in response to the difference between the expected activity of the light emitter 108 and the monitored activity.

[0036] The display diagnostic system 100 may optionally include a communication device operably connected to the controller 102. The communication device represents a hardware circuit system that can transmit electrical signals via a wired and / or wireless communication path. The communication device may include a transceiver circuit system (e.g., a transceiver or a receiver and a discrete transmitter) for wireless communication, one or more antennas, etc. The controller 102 may control the communication device to send a notification message to other electronic devices, such as a control center, an IT service center, a personal computing device of an operator using the display device, etc. The notification message may provide that the display device is in a fault state and the predicted source of the fault state is a converter fault.

[0037] The display diagnostic system 100 may optionally include an input device. The input device may be designed to receive user-based input from a user interacting with the input device to generate a user selection. The user selection is a control signal transmitted from the input device to the controller 102. The input device may include or represent a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick, a switch, a physical button, a microphone for receiving audio input, etc. The user may actuate the input device via touch, spoken words, etc. to generate a user selection. In an embodiment, the user may actuate the input device to start a test mode of the display diagnostic system 100.

[0038] The test mode causes the controller 102 to control the converter 106 to power one or more light emitters 108 monitored by the one or more sensors 104. For example, the test mode instructs the controller 102 to cause at least the first light emitter 108 to emit light during a first time period. The controller 102 expects the first light emitter 108 to be active during the first time period. The controller 102 then compares the monitored activity status of the first light emitter 108 during the first time period to determine whether the first light emitter 108 actually emits light during the first time period. In one embodiment, only the first light emitter 108 is monitored by the one or more sensors 104, and the test mode instructs the controller 102 to power the first light emitter 108 only. According to the test mode, other light emitters 108 of the array may be inactive (e.g., not emitting light) during the first time period to conserve energy. In another embodiment, the test mode may instruct the controller 102 to power multiple light emitters 108 of the array during the same time period. The system 100 may include multiple sensors 104 for monitoring parameters of different corresponding light emitters 108. If the monitored activity conditions of at least two of the light emitters 108 differ during the test mode period, such that one light emitter 108 is active and one is inactive, the controller 102 can determine that the converter 106 is not faulty. A converter failure will block power to all light emitters 108 in the array, so no light emitter 108 will be active. The presence of at least one active light emitter 108 indicates that the source of the fault is not the converter 106. The source of the fault may be a defective light emitter 108, defective wiring or circuitry between the converter 106 and the array, etc. On the other hand, if the controller 102 determines from the sensor signals that all monitored light emitters 108 are inactive during the test mode period, this is further evidence that the source of the fault is the converter 106.

[0039] The controller 102 can implement the test mode as needed when receiving the user selection. The user selection for implementing the test mode can be received by an input device or by another electronic device that is communicatively connected to the display device. For example, the user can send a test command message to the controller 102 via a computer or a personal electronic computing device (e.g., a smart phone). In an embodiment, the controller 102 can periodically execute the test mode as part of a health diagnostic check of the display device. For example, the setting can specify that the test mode is executed once a day, once a week, once a month, etc. At each specified time according to the setting, the controller 102 can automatically execute the test mode unless the operator is actively using the display device. If the display device is being used to display content, the controller 102 can delay the test mode until the next available time period when the display device does not display content.

[0040] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram of a display device 200 in which the display diagnosis system 100 is implemented according to an embodiment. The display device 200 may be a computer monitor, a television, etc. In an embodiment, the display device 200 is a display device including an LCD screen 202 and a backlight 204 (e.g., Figure 2 The backlight 204 includes one or more light emitters 108 (in Figure 1 2). Backlight 204 illuminates LCD screen 202 to provide graphical content to an operator / viewer. Display device 200 includes or is connected to a graphics processing unit (GPU) 206. GPU 206 may represent controller 102 or may include Figure 1 206. For example, the one or more processors 116 of the GPU 206 may perform at least some of the operations for diagnosing the display device 200 described herein. The GPU 206 is communicatively connected to the converter 106 of the display device 200 via the backlight control link 208. The GPU 206 may control the converter 106 by transmitting control signals along the backlight control link 208. The display device 200 includes or is connected to a processor that can represent Figure 1 1. The power bus 207 of the power source 110 in FIG. 1. In an example, the power bus 207 can deliver 3.3 volts (V) and 1.5 amps (A) of power to the input side 112 of the converter 106 via the power path 210. In an example, the power from the power bus 207 can have different characteristics than voltage and current. The converter 106 can increase the voltage and / or current before delivering the modified power from the output side 114 to the backlight 204.

[0041] In an embodiment, the display device 200 includes a timing controller 212 and a multiplexer 214. The timing controller 212 can control the timing aspects of the LCD screen 202 and / or the backlight 204. For example, the timing controller 212 can control the timing of the graphical content displayed on the LCD screen 202. The timing controller 212 can be communicatively connected to the GPU 206 via the multiplexer 214. The multiplexer 214 can communicate with the GPU 206 via a display port link 216. The display port link 216 can be an embedded display port. The display port link 216 can be a high-speed digital signaling path that can transmit video frames, Ethernet, audio data, sensor signals, and control signals multiplexed together in a single digital bit stream by the multiplexer 214.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the multiplexer 214 is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 104. The sensors 104 may be located proximate to the light emitters 108 of the backlight 204 (at Figure 1 202). For example, the sensor 104 may be mounted within a housing 218 of the display device 200. The sensor 104 may be inside the housing 218, out of the field of view of a user viewing the LCD screen 202. The following description relates to a single sensor 104, but it should be understood that the description may apply to each of a plurality of sensors 104 mounted in the display device 200 to monitor one or more light emitters 108 of the backlight 204. The sensor signal generated by the sensor 104 may be transmitted to the multiplexer 214 via the conductive sensor signal path 220. The multiplexer 214 may package the sensor signal with other information to form a multiplexed stream that is transmitted to the GPU 206 via the display port link 216.

[0043] Multiplexer 214 may optionally include Figure 1 . For example, AD converter 120 can be part of multiplexer 214. Alternatively, multiplexer 214 can be separated from AD converter 120, but communicatively connected to AD converter 120. In an embodiment, AD converter 120 can receive analog sensor signals from sensor 104, and can convert analog sensor signals into digital sensor signals. Multiplexer 214 can pack digital sensor signals in a multiplexed stream so that digital sensor signals are transmitted to GPU 206 (e.g., one or more processors 116) via display port link 216 for analysis. In an example, multiplexer 214 can transmit a multiplexed stream including digital sensor signals in an auxiliary channel of display port link 216. The auxiliary channel can be a general data communication channel. Other channels of display port link 216 can be reserved for video frames, audio, Ethernet, etc. For example, multiplexer 214 can mark digital sensor signals with auxiliary channel tags.

[0044] In an embodiment, the sensor 104 is a temperature sensor that monitors the thermal output of a corresponding one of the light emitters 108. The sensor signal may indicate the temperature measured by the sensor 104 or whether the temperature measured by the sensor 104 exceeds a threshold. For example, the sensor signal may be binary. If the sensor 104 detects that the temperature of the light emitter 108 is above 35 degrees Celsius, the sensor signal may be a first value (e.g., "1"), or another value representing a specified threshold. If the temperature is below the threshold, the sensor signal may be a second value (e.g., "0"). The GPU 206 receives and unpacks the multiplexed stream to separate and collect the sensor signals for analysis. For example, the GPU 206 may include a demultiplexer. One or more processors 116 determine the monitored activity status of the light emitter 108 based on the sensor signal. As in the previous example, if the temperature is above the specified threshold and / or the binary code is "1", the processor 116 determines that the light emitter 108 is active. The threshold may be selected to be high enough to avoid false positives due to thermal events in the surrounding environment, and low enough to avoid detection delays and false negatives.

[0045] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for diagnosing a display device according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by Figure 1 The display diagnostic system 100 shown in FIG. 1 performs, and optionally performs, Figure 2 The method may be implemented in the LCD device 200 shown in FIG. 1 . For example, one or more processors 116 may automatically perform at least some of the steps of the method based on programming instructions. The programming instructions may be stored in the memory 118. The method may optionally include Figure 3 at least one additional step compared to that shown in Figure 3 at least one fewer step than shown in and / or with Figure 3 At least one different step than shown in .

[0046] At step 302, one or more processors 116 receive a sensor signal. The sensor signal is generated by a sensor 104, which is positioned and designed to monitor a parameter of a light emitter 108 of a display device 200. The light emitter 108 receives power to emit light to illuminate a display screen 202 of the display device 200. The light emitter 108 is powered by a transducer 106 of the display device 200. The sensor signal indicates a parameter of the light emitter 108 monitored by the sensor 104 at a first time (e.g., a moment or a time period). In an example, the sensor 104 is a temperature sensor, and the sensor signal provides a heat output value of the light emitter 108 as a parameter. In another example, the sensor 104 is an optical sensor, and the sensor signal provides a light output value of the light emitter 108 as a parameter. In a third example, the sensor 104 is a current sensor, and the sensor signal provides a current value received by the light emitter 108 from the transducer 106 as a parameter. In an example, the sensor signal can be received along a display port link 216 of the LCD device 200. The sensor signal may be transmitted within an auxiliary channel of the display port link 216, which is also used to transmit audio and / or video. The sensor 104 may be mounted within a housing 218 of the display device 200. The sensor 104 may be in close proximity to the light emitter 108 without interfering with the operation of the light emitter 108 or blocking the light emitted by the light emitter 108 from reaching the LCD screen 202.

[0047] At step 304, a monitoring condition of the light emitter 108 at a first time is determined by one or more processors 116 based on the sensor signal. The monitoring condition describes whether the light emitter 108 is active or inactive at a first time. In other words, the monitoring condition indicates whether the light emitter 108 emits light to illuminate the screen 202 at a first time. The monitored condition can be determined by comparing the sensor signal with a specified threshold by one or more processors. For example, if the temperature of the light emitter 108 measured by the temperature sensor 104 is higher than a specified temperature, the processor 116 determines that the light emitter 108 is active. If the temperature is at or below the threshold temperature, the processor 116 can determine that the light emitter 108 is inactive. The specified threshold can also be used for other types of parameters such as light output and current. For example, if the optical sensor 104 measures a brightness greater than a specified threshold, the processor 116 can determine that the light emitter 108 is active. Otherwise, the processor 116 can determine that the light emitter 108 is inactive. The determination of whether the light emitter 108 is active can involve converting an analog sensor signal generated by the sensor 104. For example, the AD converter 120 may convert the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal. The digital sensor signal may be transmitted along the display port link 216 to the one or more processors 116.

[0048] At step 306, one or more processors 116 determine that the light emitter 108 is expected to be active at the first time. For example, the processor 116 determines that the expected condition of the light emitter 108 is to emit light. The processor 116 can make this determination by running a test mode at the first time, by monitoring the content displayed on the screen 202, etc. For example, the processor 116 can implement the test mode on demand or on schedule. The test mode can instruct the converter 106 to power the light emitter 108 to emit light at the first time. For example, the test mode can instruct the converter to power the light emitter 108 at a maximum power level during a time period including the first time. By implementing the test mode, the processor 116 expects the light emitter 108 to be active at the first time. In another example, the processor 116 can be programmed to associate the light emitter 108 with a first area or zone of the screen 202 illuminated by the light emitter 108. During operation of the display device 200, the processor 116 can track the content transmitted from the GPU 206 to the converter 106 and / or the backlight 204 over time. For example, the displayed content may be a pre-set movie, television program, video, animation, image, screen saver, etc. The processor 116 may determine that a first area of ​​the screen 202 is expected to be illuminated at a first time based on the tracked content. For example, the processor 116 may know that an image is displayed along at least a first area of ​​the screen 202 illuminated by the light emitter 108.

[0049] At step 308, the monitored condition of the light emitter 108 at the first time is compared with the expectation that the light emitter 108 is active at the first time. If the monitored condition is that the light emitter 108 is active, the monitored condition matches the expected condition, thereby indicating that the display device is functional (e.g., no fault condition). The method can return to step 302 to wait for another sensor signal and / or wait for future instructions to run the diagnostic sequence. On the other hand, if the processor 116 determines that the light emitter 108 is inactive at the first time, there is a difference between the expected condition and the monitored condition. In this case, the method proceeds to step 310. At step 310, the processor 116 signals the fault condition by generating a control signal. The fault condition indicates that the converter 106 is a candidate fault source. For example, the fault condition may indicate that the output (e.g., high current) side 114 of the converter 106 may have failed. The processor 116 may generate a control signal to perform a response action to alleviate the problem of the blank, unlit display screen 202. The processor 116 may generate multiple control signals to perform multiple response actions.

[0050] One example response action is to electrically disconnect the display device 200 or a portion thereof from the GPU 206. For example, the display device 200 may be a first display device 200 of a plurality of display devices connected to the GPU 206 and the power bus 207. A user may prefer to utilize multiple displays to display content from a computer. In response to determining a fault condition of the first display device 200, the processor 116 may generate a control signal to disconnect the first display device 200. For example, the computer may automatically rearrange the display devices to omit the first display device 200. Content previously shown on the first display device 200 may thereafter be shown on a second display device that remains connected to the GPU 206. In addition, changing the display settings may prevent an operator from dragging or otherwise displaying any windows or other graphical content on the first display device 200 until the fault condition has been corrected.

[0051] Another example response action is to notify an operator of the display device 200 that the converter 106 may be defective. For example, the processor 116 may generate a notification message that provides text or audio indicating that the display device 200 has a fault condition. The notification message may be displayed to the operator on a second display device, such as a second monitor, connected to the same computer as the display device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the notification message may be transmitted to a personal electronic device of the operator, such as a smartphone or a wearable computing device, via a communication device.

[0052] A third response action of processor 116 may be to log a record of the fault condition of converter 106 into a database for record keeping and data analysis purposes. The record may include a date stamp and a description of the fault condition. A fourth response action may be to initiate additional diagnostic tests on converter 106 or to schedule repairs to display device 200. The additional diagnostic tests may be more complex and longer in duration than the diagnostic methods described herein, but may be used to confirm whether converter 106 has failed. Processor 116 may perform more than one of the response actions described herein.

[0053] Closing statement

[0054] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various aspects may be embodied as systems, methods, or computer (device) program products. Thus, various aspects may take the form of a complete hardware implementation or an implementation including hardware and software, which implementations may generally be referred to herein as "circuits," "modules," or "systems." Additionally, various aspects may take the form of a computer (device) program product embodied in one or more computer (device) readable storage media having computer (device) readable program code embodied thereon.

[0055] Any combination of one or more non-signal computer (device) readable media may be utilized. The non-signal medium may be a storage medium. The storage medium may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of storage media would include the following: a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0056] The program code for performing the operation can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be executed completely on a single device, partly as an independent software package on a single device, partly on a single device and partly on another device, or completely on another device. In some cases, the device can be connected by any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected by other devices (for example, by using the Internet of an Internet service provider) or by a hard line connection such as by a USB connection. For example, a server with a first processor, a network interface and a storage device for storing code can store a program code for performing the operation, and the code is provided to a second device with a second processor for executing code on a second device via a network through its network interface.

[0057] Various aspects are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example methods, devices, and program products according to various example implementations. These program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device or information processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the device implement the specified functions / actions.

[0058] The program instructions may also be stored in a device-readable medium that may direct the device to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the device-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing a specified function / action. The program instructions may also be loaded onto a device such that a series of operating steps are performed on the device to produce a process implemented by the device such that the instructions executed on the device provide a process for implementing a specified function / action.

[0059] The unit / module / application herein may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), logic circuits, and any other circuits or processors capable of performing the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the unit / module / controller herein may represent a circuit module, which may be implemented as hardware having associated instructions (e.g., software stored on tangible and non-transient computer-readable storage media such as computer hard drives, ROMs, RAMs, etc.) for performing the operations described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are therefore not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "controller" in any way. The unit / module / application herein may execute a set of instructions stored in one or more storage elements to process data. The storage element may also store data or other information as desired or required. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or physical memory element within the module / controller herein. The set of instructions may include various commands indicating that the module / application herein performs specific operations of the methods and processes of various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. Software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. In addition, software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs or modules, a program module within a larger program, or a portion of a program module. Software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by a processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to the results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[0060] It should be understood that the subject matter described herein is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description herein or shown in the drawings herein. The subject matter described herein can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items.

[0061] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (particularly in the context of the appended claims) should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, a "sensor" of a system can be the only sensor of the system or one of multiple sensors in the system. In the latter case, the description of the sensor may optionally also apply to other sensors in the system unless otherwise indicated. In addition, in the appended claims, the phrases "at least A or B", "A and / or B", and "one or more of A and B" (where "A" and "B" represent claim elements) are used to cover i) A, ii) B, or iii) both A and B.

[0062] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate, not to limit. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings herein. Although the sizes and types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define various parameters, they are by no means restrictive and are illustrative in nature. After reviewing the above description, many other embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the full scope of equivalents given by the attached claims and such claims. In the attached claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the ordinary English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the attached claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects or the execution order of their actions.

Claims

1. A display diagnostic system, comprising: a memory configured to store program instructions; a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of a light emitter of a display device, the light emitter being configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device, the light emitter being powered by a converter of the display device; as well as one or more processors communicatively connected to the memory and the sensor, wherein the program instructions are executable by the one or more processors to: receiving a sensor signal generated by the sensor, the sensor signal indicating a parameter of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time; determining, based on the sensor signal, that the light emitter is inactive at the first time; as well as In response to determining that the optical transmitter is expected to be active at the first time, a control signal is generated indicating a fault condition of the converter.

2. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is a temperature sensor configured to monitor a thermal output of the light emitter as the parameter.

3. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is an optical sensor configured to monitor the light output of the light emitter as the parameter.

4. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is a current sensor configured to monitor, as the parameter, a current received by the light emitter from the converter.

5. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The converter includes transformer circuitry configured to receive current from a power source at a first current level and output the current to the optical transmitter at a second current level, wherein the second current level is greater than the first current level.

6. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The display device comprises a backlight, and the light emitter forms a part of the backlight.

7. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to implement a test pattern indicating that the optical emitter is active at the first time, and the one or more processors are configured to determine that the optical emitter is expected to be active at the first time based on the implemented test pattern.

8. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor signal is an analog sensor signal, and the display diagnostic system further includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal, which is transmitted along a DisplayPort link to the one or more processors.

9. The display diagnosis system according to claim 8, wherein: The digital sensor signals are transmitted to the one or more processors within an auxiliary channel of the DisplayPort link.

10. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The display device is a first display device among a plurality of display devices configured to display content directed by a graphics processing unit, wherein the one or more processors are configured to generate the control signal to electrically disconnect the first display device including the converter having the fault state.

11. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to generate the control signal to do one or more of the following: (i) notify an operator of the display device that the converter has the fault condition; (ii) log a record of the fault condition of the converter into a database; or (iii) initiating additional diagnostic testing of the converter.

12. The display diagnosis system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is arranged in a housing of the display device.

13. A method for diagnosing a display device, the method comprising: receiving, via one or more processors, a sensor signal generated by a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of a light emitter of a display device, the light emitter being configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device, the light emitter being powered by a converter of the display device, wherein the sensor signal indicates a parameter of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time; determining, based on the sensor signal, that the light emitter is inactive at the first time; and In response to determining that the optical transmitter is expected to be active at the first time, a control signal is generated indicating a fault condition of the converter.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor is a temperature sensor, wherein receiving the sensor signal comprises receiving the sensor signal providing a value of a thermal output of the light emitter as the parameter.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising implementing a test mode that instructs the converter to power the light emitter to emit light at the first time, wherein: Determining that the optical transmitter is expected to be active at the first time is based on implementing the test mode.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor signal is an analog sensor signal, and the method further comprises: converting the analog sensor signal into a digital sensor signal; and The digital sensor signal is transmitted along a DisplayPort link to the one or more processors.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The display device is a first display device among a plurality of display devices configured to display content directed by a graphics processing unit, wherein generating the control signal indicating a fault state of the converter includes electrically disconnecting the first display device including the converter having the fault state.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Generating the control signal indicating the fault state of the converter includes one or more of the following: (i) notifying an operator of the display device that the converter has the fault state, (ii) recording a record of the fault state of the converter in a database, or (iii) initiating additional diagnostic testing of the converter.

19. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer executable code, the computer executable code configured to be executed by one or more processors to: receiving a sensor signal generated by a temperature sensor disposed within a housing of the display device, the temperature sensor being configured to monitor a heat output of a light emitter of the display device, the light emitter being configured to emit light to illuminate a display screen of the display device, the light emitter being powered by a converter of the display device, wherein, the sensor signal being indicative of a thermal output of the light emitter monitored by the sensor at a first time; determining, based on the sensor signal, that the light emitter is inactive at the first time; as well as In response to determining that the optical transmitter is expected to be active at the first time, a control signal is generated indicating a fault condition of the converter.

20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to implement a test pattern indicating that the optical emitter is active at the first time, and the one or more processors are configured to determine that the optical emitter is expected to be active at the first time based on the implemented test pattern.

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