Mobile Display And Housing Diagnostics Using Mirror-Guided Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing faults in mobile device displays and housings are inefficient, prone to errors, and require manual alignment, which impedes the recycling and refurbishment process of used mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using cameras within the mobile device and a reflecting surface in a test fixture to capture aligned images of the device, with interactive guidance for proper placement, and remote server analysis for defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to assess display and housing conditions, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained, but recycler efficiency and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-diagnosis by using its own camera to capture images of its display and housing through a mirror. The device autonomously positions itself using fiducial markers and executes the diagnostic workflow without requiring external diagnostic equipment or manual inspection, thereby improving recycler efficiency while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex external diagnostic equipment to directly view the device, the system creates an optical copy by capturing images through a mirror. This allows the device's own camera to record images of its display and housing, simplifying the diagnostic system while maintaining assessment accuracy
2Productivity
If automated diagnostic methods are implemented, then recycler efficiency is improved, but alignment errors and diagnostic inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment by displaying fiducial markers on the device display and using the camera to detect these markers before capturing diagnostic images. This pre-alignment step ensures proper positioning and orientation, preventing alignment errors while maintaining fast automated assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from fiducial marker detection to automatically adjust and confirm proper device alignment. The camera captures the fiducial markers, the system processes their positions to verify correct orientation, and only then proceeds with image capture, ensuring diagnostic accuracy is maintained throughout the automated process
3Ease of operation
If expensive hardware is deployed at each retail location for device diagnostics, then diagnostic capability is available, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device itself is transformed into a multi-functional tool that serves both as the object being diagnosed and as the diagnostic instrument. By using the device's own camera and processing capabilities, the system eliminates the need for separate expensive diagnostic hardware at retail locations, reducing operational costs while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs its own diagnostic assessment using its built-in camera and processor, eliminating the need for external diagnostic equipment. This self-service approach allows any retail location to perform diagnostics without investing in expensive hardware infrastructure
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate diagnosis of display and housing defects, reducing manual intervention and enhancing the recycling process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting surface in a test fixture to obtain properly aligned and formatted images
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
There is presented a system and method for detecting mobile device fault conditions, particularly detecting defects in a display or housing of a mobile device. One or more cameras included within the mobile device are used with a reflecting surface in a test fixture to obtain properly aligned and formatted images of the external housing and display of the mobile device, and interactive guidance assists with placement and execution of diagnostics. A remote server conducts further analysis of the captured images, and then defect status may be returned to and displayed upon the mobile device screen.