Optical Error Communication via Color Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems often fail to enable reliable textual and graphical video output, leading to issues in communicating information, especially when LEDs produce less light over time, and embedded controllers struggle to convey information effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a light sensor, such as an image sensor or camera, to receive and interpret light transmissions from an information handling system, including multiple color sequences, determining information based on content and ordering, and communicates this information via a network to a service entity, even when traditional video output is not enabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional video output methods are used to communicate system information, then information can be displayed textually and graphically, but the system fails when video output is not enabled and LEDs produce less light over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual LED indication systems with an optical communication system using invisible or near-invisible light waves. Instead of relying on human-visible LED brightness, the system uses optical signals that can be detected by optical sensors, substituting the mechanical/optical indication mechanism with a different optical detection approach that is insensitive to LED aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from human-visible light intensity to optical signal characteristics detectable by sensors. By using optical sensors to detect specific optical indications rather than relying on human perception of LED brightness, the system can communicate information reliably even when LED light output has degraded over time.
2Loss of energy
If optical indications are used instead of video output, then network utilization and bandwidth are reduced, but information communication becomes possible even when video output is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information communication function from the video output system and implements it through a separate optical indication channel. By separating the diagnostic information transmission from the main video output pathway, the system can communicate system status without utilizing network bandwidth required for video transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical indication system serves multiple functions: it provides system diagnostic information, communicates error codes, and operates independently of both video output and network communication systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to convey information through multiple channels without increasing network utilization.
3Loss of information
If embedded controllers use traditional methods to convey information, then textual and graphical output can be provided, but communication fails when video output is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the embedded controller and the external diagnostic system. The optical sensor detects optical indications generated by the controller and converts them into electrical signals that can be processed and transmitted, serving as a mediator that enables information communication without requiring video output capabilities.
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 method allows for reliable communication of information from information handling systems, reducing network utilization and bandwidth by using optical indications, even when LEDs produce less light, and enables identification of system issues for timely maintenance or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
receive, via a light sensor, multiple light transmissions from an information handling system
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may receive, via a light sensor, multiple light transmissions from an information handling system, the multiple light transmissions including multiple light sequences, where at least one light sequence of the multiple light sequences includes at least two different colors; may determine respective multiple colors of the multiple light transmissions; may determine the multiple color sequences from the multiple colors; may determine information represented by the multiple color sequences based at least on content and ordering of the multiple color sequences; and may provide the information to a service entity via a network.