Keyboard Wear Detection via Camera Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently evaluating the remaining life of information handling system components and predicting future failures, particularly for portable systems where components experience varying wear and tear, making reuse and recycling inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing camera telemetry to capture two and three-dimensional images of information handling systems, allowing for the evaluation of component wear, such as hinge wobble, keyboard condition, and battery swell, to determine optimal reuse and recycling decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual inspection methods are used to evaluate component wear, then inspection flexibility is maintained, but inspection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of component surfaces and automatically analyzes wear patterns, eliminating the need for manual physical inspection while significantly reducing inspection time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of component surfaces and analyzes these copies to assess wear conditions. By working with image data rather than physically handling components during inspection, the system accelerates the inspection process while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If components are inspected and evaluated individually, then assessment precision is improved, but system complexity and processing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal inspection system that can assess multiple component types (keyboards, displays, batteries, hinges) using the same camera-based approach and image processing framework. This multi-functional system reduces overall complexity compared to having specialized inspection equipment for each component type while maintaining precise wear assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inspection parameters by using image quality metrics and visual pattern recognition instead of traditional physical measurement methods. By analyzing image characteristics such as surface texture, color variations, and dimensional changes, the system achieves precise wear assessment with simpler inspection hardware.
3Reliability
If detailed component evaluation is performed to determine reuse eligibility, then reuse accuracy is improved, but processing time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image capture and automated analysis during the inspection process, eliminating idle time between sampling and evaluation. The system continuously processes images and provides real-time wear assessment, enabling rapid determination of component reuse eligibility while maintaining high accuracy in evaluation decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where image analysis results immediately determine component disposition decisions. The system provides rapid feedback on wear conditions and reuse eligibility, enabling quick manufacturing decisions and improving overall remanufacturing throughput while maintaining reliable reuse assessment accuracy.
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
This approach enables efficient assignment of reuse and recycling, optimizing system value and reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing, by providing an automated, timely, and effective remanufacturing environment.
Implementation Method 1
Cameras capture two and three dimensional images of an information handling system
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system keyboard is tested for wear to determine reuse or recycling by capturing visual images of the information handling system and comparing color, material and finish wear with color, material and finish thresholds. Excessive keyboard wear is detected when housing when the image show excessive degradation from use that impacts potential reuse of the keyboard. Keyboard key wear is checked in part based upon a vertical position of the keyboard keys relative to a palm rest of the information handling system. Keyboard backlight illumination is checked to find any weak lights and is altered to highlight key wear for detection by the camera.