External Status Display Module for Computer Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computers require users to replace accessories one by one to diagnose hardware issues, which is inefficient and costly, and conventional debug cards display machine code through LEDs, necessitating manual decoding and chassis opening.

Innovation Solution

A computer with a status display module that includes a decoder to translate machine codes into text descriptions and a display device positioned externally, allowing users to intuitively understand the computer's status without opening the chassis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a conventional debug card with LED display is used, then hardware status can be indicated, but users must manually decode machine code and open the chassis to read it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatus information accessibilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decoder as an intermediary component that translates machine code into human-readable text descriptions. This decoder is electrically connected to the motherboard and works alongside the existing debug card, converting the cryptic LED codes into meaningful status messages that users can understand without technical expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the display system by incorporating an external display device (such as an LCD screen) that presents status information in a visually accessible format outside the chassis. This transforms the internal LED code display into an external text-based visual interface, making information accessible without opening the computer case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If users replace accessories one by one to diagnose hardware problems, then the problem can be located, but the process is inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the status display module continuously provides real-time information about hardware component status. The decoder reads machine codes from the debug card and translates them into descriptive status messages that give immediate feedback about which component has a problem, eliminating the need for systematic replacement testing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service diagnosis by providing users with clear, intuitive status information directly through the display device. Users can identify hardware problems without technical expertise or the need to systematically replace components, as the system automatically provides diagnostic information in user-friendly text descriptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a debug card displays machine code through LEDs, then hardware status can be indicated, but users must open the chassis to read the code

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatus indication accuracyVSAvoidaccess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the display capability from internal LED indicators to an external display device that presents information outside the chassis. This dimensional extension allows users to access status information visually from the exterior of the computer without needing to open the case, while maintaining the reliability of the original debug card's status detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7486502B2Computer with status display module
Publication Date: 2009.02.03 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US7486502B2 patent drawing
  • US7486502B2 patent drawing
  • US7486502B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer including a chassis, a motherboard, an electronic component, an I/O port and a status display module is provided. The motherboard is disposed in the chassis. The electronic component is electrically connected with the motherboard. The I/O port is electrically connected with the motherboard and has at least one machine code to indicate the status of the electronic component. The status display module is electrically connected with the motherboard. The status display module includes a decoder and a display device. The decoder is configured to translate the machine code into a text description. The display device is disposed on the chassis and is electrically connected to the decoder to display the text description.