Motherboard Indicator for Display Output Device Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face confusion when assembling or configuring computer systems due to the inability to distinguish between central processing units with and without display modules, and uncertainty about required display output devices and port interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A computer system comprising a motherboard, central processing unit, indicator, and memory module, where the indicator signals user notifications based on BIOS detection of display output devices, and the memory module stores BIOS for boot procedures to determine and indicate the presence and type of display output devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display output devices are installed in the computer system, then the display functionality is enhanced, but the user confusion increases due to multiple port interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoiduser confusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different colored indicators (e.g., green LED for built-in display module, yellow LED for external display device) to visually distinguish the type of display output device. This color-coding system allows users to quickly identify which port interface to connect to without confusion, while still supporting multiple display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator component that mediates between the display output devices and the user. This indicator provides visual information about the device type and connection status, acting as a communication bridge that eliminates user confusion without requiring complex interfaces or documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motherboard is designed to support both built-in display module and external display device, then the system versatility is improved, but the detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoiddetection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection during the BIOS boot-up process to identify the type of display output device before the user needs to configure the system. The system proactively detects whether a built-in display module or external display device is present and sets up the appropriate indicator state in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time detection during user operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-detection of display output device types automatically during boot-up without requiring user intervention or manual configuration. The BIOS automatically identifies the device type and activates the corresponding indicator, allowing the system to serve itself in providing accurate information to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If no indicator is provided to show display output device type, then the system structure remains simple, but the user information availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoiduser information availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential information about display output device type and presents it through a simple visual indicator. By separating the complex detection logic (handled by BIOS) from the user interface (simple LED indicator), the system provides critical information without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded indicators to convey device type information intuitively. The simple visual language of colored LEDs provides immediate user information availability without requiring complex displays, text, or additional components, maintaining system simplicity while effectively communicating device status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS7917666B2Computer system and method for indicating a display output device thereof
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 ACER INC
  • US7917666B2 patent drawing
  • US7917666B2 patent drawing
  • US7917666B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer system and a method indicate the presence of a display output device. The method includes detecting whether the computer system has a display output or not. If detected, the display output device is selected according to the setting of a BIOS, and an indicator signals an indication to notify a user.