Embedded Controller GPIO Pin Offline State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring the offline state of electronic devices docked with expansion docks cannot accurately determine connection status due to factors like impacts or weather conditions, which can prevent pins and contacts from properly connecting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an embedded controller with a GPIO pin to detect potential states of a connection port, count signal transmissions, and calculate an interrupt period, allowing for accurate recording of offline states without additional hardware costs or changes to existing circuitry, and enable communication with a remote server for prompt information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the computer is secured at the expansion dock using pins and contacts, then the computer can expand interfaces for other communication protocols, but the pins and contacts cannot be observed from the appearance to determine connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of an embedded controller and monitoring program that indirectly detects connection status through electrical signal changes (potential state changes) on GPIO pins, rather than requiring direct visual observation of the physical pins and contacts. This intermediary detection mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the hidden connection status observable through electrical measurements.
2Strength
If the pin and contact are provided in joining side surfaces, then the computer can be secured at the expansion dock, but the connection status cannot be determined due to impacts or weather conditions preventing proper contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring program continuously monitors the potential state of GPIO pins and compares it against expected values. When connection status changes are detected (through potential state changes indicating online/offline states), the system generates interrupts and updates status information. This continuous feedback loop ensures reliable detection of connection status even when physical contacts are affected by external conditions.
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware is added to monitor connection status, then connection status can be accurately determined, but hardware costs and circuitry changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing multi-functional components in the computer system, specifically the embedded controller and GPIO pins that already serve other purposes. By programming the embedded controller to also perform connection status monitoring functions and using existing GPIO pins for dual purposes (both their original function and connection monitoring), the system achieves accurate connection detection without adding dedicated hardware components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately records offline states and interrupt periods, allowing for precise determination of connection status without additional hardware, and facilitates communication with a remote server for prompt information, enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of the embedded controller is coupled to the connection port, and the GPIO pin detects a potential state of the connection port
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring an offline state of an electronic device includes a dock and the electronic device. The dock includes a connection pin. The electronic device includes a connection port and an embedded controller, wherein a GPIO pin of the embedded controller is coupled to the connection port, the connection port is coupled to the connection pin, and the GPIO pin detects whether the connection port is in a first or second potential state. The connection port is in the first potential state in an online state, and is in the second potential state in an offline state. The embedded controller counts the number of signal transmissions by a second frequency, until the embedded controller detects that the connection port is in the online state. The embedded controller calculates an interrupt period according to the number of signal transmissions and the second frequency.