Visual Port Guidance for Narrow-Bezel All-In-One Computers

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-in-one computers with narrow bezels have connection interfaces located on the back or bottom, making it difficult for users to identify and access these ports or slots without turning the computer over, which is cumbersome due to its weight.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a sensor adjacent to the connection interface that detects user proximity, triggering a display to present graphical interfaces showing the location and status of the connection ports or slots on the screen, allowing users to identify them without rotating the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If connection interfaces are located on the back or bottom to achieve narrow bezels, then the display area is maximized, but users cannot easily identify and access the ports without turning the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidaccessibility of connection interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical sensor and display as an intermediary system between the user and the connection interface. The sensor detects user proximity and the display provides visual guidance, mediating the interaction so users can locate back/bottom ports without physically turning the device. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by maintaining the narrow bezel design while improving accessibility through digital assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of turning or lifting the device with an optical/electronic system. Instead of requiring physical manipulation of the device to see the connection interfaces, the system uses optical sensors to detect user presence and electronic displays to show interface locations, substituting mechanical interaction with sensor-based guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the entire computer is turned around to show connection interfaces, then users can see the location and content clearly, but the device becomes difficult to handle due to its weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of connection interfaceVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the connection interface locations on the display screen. Instead of requiring users to physically see the actual ports by turning the device, the system displays graphical representations showing where connection interfaces are located, providing information without requiring physical repositioning of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The display acts as an intermediary that provides visual information about connection interface locations without requiring the user to physically reposition the device. This intermediary system delivers the visibility benefit while avoiding the handling burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If connection interfaces are placed on the back or bottom, then the device structure is optimized for narrow bezels, but users must lift or rotate the device to access ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidease of accessing ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for mechanical manipulation (lifting or rotating the device) with an optical sensing and display system. The optical sensor detects user proximity and the display provides guidance information, substituting the mechanical action with an electronic guidance system that maintains the optimized device structure while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables users to easily locate and use connection interfaces without lifting or rotating the device, enhancing user convenience and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor detects the entrance of an object into a specified range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12450143B2Method for visual aid prompts and electronic apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for visual aid prompts and an electronic apparatus thereof. After a sensor adjacent to a connection interface configured on a display is driven for operation, when the sensor detects an object entering a specified range, a processor provides a driving signal to the display. The display presents at least one graphical interface on the display screen according to the driving signal, and the graphical interface includes a schematic diagram corresponding to the connection interface. The processor determines whether the connection interface is being used, and further dynamically adjusts a content presented by the graphical interface.