Electronic Apparatus Booting via Signal Line Potential Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices like laptops face inconvenience when booting up while connected to external devices, as they need to manually open and close the chassis to expose the power button, and docking stations are expensive and not always necessary.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a controller and a connector that uses a transmission line with a power source line and signal line, including a switch to disconnect or connect the signal line to a reference potential, allowing the controller to monitor potential changes and boot the system upon signal line reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power source button is covered when not in use to protect it, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when booting with external devices connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a docking station as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the electronic apparatus. The docking station includes a power source button that can trigger the power supply unit when external devices are connected, eliminating the need to manually open the chassis to access the covered power source button on the apparatus itself.
2Ease of operation
If a docking station is introduced to enable booting without chassis operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the docking station with multi-functionality, allowing it to serve both as a connection hub for external input/output devices and as a control interface for power supply operations. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated power control devices, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the power source button is exposed to enable easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control function from the main electronic apparatus by placing it on a separate docking station. This segmentation allows the power button on the docking station to be easily accessible while the main apparatus retains its covered power source button for protection, effectively separating the accessibility requirement from the protection requirement.
4Reliability
If manual chassis opening and closing is required to boot with external devices, then the reliability is improved by ensuring proper connection, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the docking station to automatically detect when external devices are connected and to have the power source button pre-configured to trigger the power supply unit. This eliminates the need for repeated manual chassis operations, as the system is prepared to boot automatically when the docking station is connected, thereby improving productivity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is made connectable with a DC power source by using a transmission line. The transmission line has a power source line and a signal line. A switch disconnects a signal line or makes the signal line connectable to a reference potential line. A controller monitors the potential of the signal line, detects reconnection of the signal line on the basis of the potential and then boots a host system.