Abstract:
The invention describes a method and apparatus for audible error code detection and identification. The method and apparatus allow an operator, user, or customer to automatically identify an error condition within an electronic device, such as a workstation computer or network server. The apparatus is configured to output an error message without the need for paper or electronic copies of manufacturer error code lookup tables, except as contained within the apparatus itself, thus simplifying the error detection and identification process. Additionally, the method and apparatus allow an operator to select various output modes so that the apparatus may report either a representation of the generated error code or a representation of the corresponding error condition.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The invention relates to the field of error indication systems associated with computerized devices, and more particularly to automated detection and identification of audible error codes.  
           [0003]    2. The Relevant Art  
           [0004]    Many types of computer and other electronic systems generate audible error codes in response to specific faults and error conditions. These error codes are often invoked via a BIOS system and typically consist of simple combinations of audible tones of varying duration. For example, one long tone followed by two short tones might indicate a disk adapter error on a particular device, while the same tone sequence from another device might indicate a video vertical retrace error.  
           [0005]    Typically, current methods for identifying error conditions that correspond to the audible codes require referencing a lookup table provided by the device manufacturer. For example, an error code lookup table may be available within documentation provided by the manufacturer in either hard copy form, such as printed manuals, or soft copy form, such as CD-ROM files or Internet web pages.  
           [0006]    Several problems exist that are related to current methods for detecting and identifying error conditions within computers and other electronic equipment. One problem relates to the environments in which electronic equipment is typically used. Often, electronic equipment is used in an environment where the ambient noise level makes discernment of audible error codes difficult. For example, ambient noise levels may be affected by human conversations, noise from heating and ventilation systems, mechanical equipment emissions, or similar sources found within the diverse environments where electronic equipment is used.  
           [0007]    Another problem associated with current error code discernment and identification methods is the availability of documentation. Although documentation may be available over the Internet or included in hard copy manuals, the lookup tables are frequently misplaced or otherwise unavailable at the particular time an audible error code is generated. When documentation is not readily available, equipment downtime may result in business setbacks including, but not limited to, financial losses, production stoppage, decreased personnel productivity, and the like.  
           [0008]    In addition to potential noise and documentation problems, audible transmission of error codes does not allow hearing-impaired service technicians and customers to identify error conditions and perform maintenance on malfunctioning machines. The number of audible error codes a system can use is also limited, in that current systems typically require human perception, retention, and identification of the particular emitted error codes generated in response to an error condition.  
           [0009]    Given the difficulty of the present situation within currently available electronic systems, many possible solutions have been explored. However, prior art solutions typically require modification of the hardware and/or firmware of the electronic device or system. Such modifications require select knowledge of each manufacturer&#39;s equipment. Furthermore, the prior art solutions do not fully resolve the problems of noise, documentation, and accessibility described above.  
           [0010]    As mentioned previously, many prior art solutions require modification of the system hardware. Implementation of such prior art error code indication devices, such as diagnostic cards, LED indicators, and similar products, require inclusion of specialized circuitry or physical insertion of a device within the error-generating electronic equipment. Additionally, the implementation requires reconfiguration of the system to recognize and provide proper functionality of the new device. The cost of labor and materials per monitored device is prohibitive.  
           [0011]    Therefore, what is needed is a method and apparatus capable of identifying specific error conditions through detection and processing of audible error codes. Such a method and apparatus preferably would be independent of the hardware and software of the electronic equipment producing the error code. Additionally, the method and apparatus would be capable of detecting and discerning audible codes within noisy environments. Optimally, the solution would implement automated documentation referencing at the time an error code is generated and provide a means for conversion of the detected error code to a discernable message for use by a service technician or customer, regardless of possible hearing impairment.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available error code detection and identification means and methods. Accordingly, it is an overall object of the present invention to provide an audible error code detection and identification apparatus and method that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.  
           [0013]    To achieve the foregoing object, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein in the preferred embodiments, an audible error code detection and identification apparatus is provided and is configured to detect audible error codes, such as those generated by electronic equipment, and output an identified error message to an operator.  
           [0014]    The audible error code detection and identification apparatus is provided with a logic unit containing a plurality of modules configured to carry out the individual steps of the detection and identification process. These modules in the described embodiments include an input module, a signal detection module, a signal conversion module, a signal comparison module, an output module, and an error message lookup module.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment of the present invention, an audible error code detection and identification apparatus is capable of receiving and processing an audible error code generated by an electronic device. The detection and identification apparatus is configured to convert an audible error code to a set of signal detection parameters and to compare the signal detection parameters with values within an error code signature table to provide an error code index. The error code index is then used to access an error message lookup table and retrieve message parameters from which an error message is constructed and communicated to the service technician or equipment operator.  
           [0016]    The error code signature table and the error message lookup table are typically stored within a non-volatile memory such as a flashable ROM. In order to allow for error codes of new machines or error code updates for existing machines, the detection and identification apparatus may include a communications port for receiving revised or new lookup tables. Additionally, the apparatus may include input selector buttons that are used to navigate through setup menus and device configuration settings, such as language, output mode, receive mode, or other typical setup options pertaining to the use of the apparatus.  
           [0017]    In one embodiment, the input selector buttons are also used to scroll through a list of manufacturers and models. The chosen make and model of equipment determines the error code signature table containing ideal values with which the signal detection parameters are compared. Once an error code comparison yields a match, a corresponding error code index is used to access an error message lookup table. The retrieved error message is then output to an operator. The operator may be a service technician, customer, or other party interested in the electronic device error.  
           [0018]    The error message of the detected and identified error condition is preferably conveyed through a visual and/or an audible means that reports the identified error condition corresponding to the received audible error code. In the simplest form, the apparatus receives an audible code comprising a tone sequence, converts the audible code to a digital signal, and outputs a visual signal via an LED that mimics the tone sequence in signal on/off states and duration.  
           [0019]    In a more detailed embodiment, the detection and identification apparatus converts the received audible error code signal to a set of signal detection parameters, compares the signal detection parameters to a set of known error code signatures, references an error message lookup table for a corresponding error message, and outputs the error message to an operator via a LCD, or similar display. Optionally, instructions and information related to the identified error condition and required maintenance are also displayed.  
           [0020]    A method of the present invention is also presented for detecting and identifying an audible error code. The method is initiated with the selection of apparatus settings, including make and model of the electronic test equipment.  
           [0021]    Upon selection of the apparatus settings and receipt of an audible error code, the signal detection module receives and converts the audible error code to a set of signal detection parameters. The detection and receipt of the audible error code, in one embodiment, includes means to filter out unrelated ambient or equipment noise so as to enhance the detection capability of the device. The signal detection parameters resulting from the conversion of the audible error code are then compared with values from an error code signature table in order to determine an error code index. In one embodiment, the error code signature table contains error code signatures that exclusively correspond to the electronic device indicated during selection of the apparatus settings.  
           [0022]    The identified error code index is used to select the appropriate error message from a table of error messages. In response to selection, the appropriate error message is output via an output indicator that conveys a representation of the identified error condition to an operator who is capable of using that information.  
           [0023]    The method and apparatus as described above provide for a more practical, independent, and cost effective process through which audible error codes are detected and identified. The apparatus has advantages over prior art in that it may be a stand-alone device that does not depend on connection to the hardware or update of the firmware of the electronic device. Moreover, the apparatus offers flexibility within the dynamic market of computers and electronic devices-the memory allows for storage of revised lookup tables for modified or soon-to-be-released equipment.  
           [0024]    In addition to the flexibility offered by the lookup table updates, the local storage of such tables provides increased convenience, and consequently lower user cost, than present methods of searching for paper or electronic copies of the lookup table documentation.  
           [0025]    Finally, the method and apparatus of the present invention allow for a greater variety of operators and users through the implementation of communications methods that provide means to convey the necessary information to a hearing-impaired operator. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. dr  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0026]    In order that the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
           [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a schematic front view illustration of a representative electronic device capable of generating an audible error code in accordance with the prior art;  
           [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a schematic front view illustration of one embodiment of a representative audible error code detection and identification apparatus in accordance with the present invention;  
           [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a signal detection module in accordance with the present invention;  
           [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an output module in accordance with the present invention;  
           [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a representative audible error code detection and identification apparatus in accordance with the present invention;  
           [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a representative audible error code detection and identification apparatus in accordance with the present invention;  
           [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a representative audible error code detection and identification apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and  
           [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of an audible error code detection and identification method of the present invention.  
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.  
         [0036]    Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, and may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.  
         [0037]    Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.  
         [0038]    Various electronic signals are also discussed within this specification. Because those signals are transient, they are not independently depicted within the Figures. Rather, the signals are given a number corresponding to the communication mediums over which the signals are transmitted.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a representative prior art audible error code generation system  100 . The system  100  includes an electronic device  102  that represents a network server, computer workstation, or other electronic device with the capability of recognizing internal errors and providing notification of such errors to a user.  
         [0040]    The system  100  also includes an audible error code generator  104 , such as an electronic speaker, that 1) converts the internally processed error code to an audible error code  106 , and 2) transmits the audible error code  106  to an operator, user, or customer. Under prior art conditions, the operator identifies the audible error code  106  by manually searching a lookup table supplied by the electronic device  102  equipment manufacturer for a matching error code and corresponding error condition.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a representative audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202  of the present invention. The depicted embodiment of the apparatus  202  includes input selectors  204 , an audible error code receiver  206 , a user interface screen  208 , an output indicator  210 a, and a communications port  212 . In certain embodiments, the user interface screen  208  may also be used as an output indicator  210   b.    
         [0042]    The input selectors  204  are used to make initial setup configuration selections and scroll through equipment type and error code lists displayed on the user interface screen  208 . Configuration and equipment settings that a user might select include user language, output type, equipment manufacturer and model, lookup table install, lookup table update, and other information incidental to the proper operation of the audible error code detection and identification device  202 .  
         [0043]    In the depicted embodiment, the audible error code receiver  206  is a microphone port through which an audible error code  106  generated by the electronic device  102  is received as input to the detection and identification apparatus  202 . In response to reception and processing of the audible error code  106 , an identified error condition corresponding to the generated error code  106  is output to an operator via an onboard output indicator  210 . The output indicators  210   a  and  210   b  may also serve as a translation device for the generated audible error code  106  by producing a visual communications signal that mimics and identifies the actual generated error code  106 .  
         [0044]    For example, an electronic device  102  might produce an audible error code  106  that distinctly consists of one long and two short tones. An audible error code detection and identification device  202  placed near the electronic device  102  receives the generated error code  106  via the receiver  206  and internally processes the generated error code  106 . Subsequently, in one embodiment, the detection and identification apparatus  202  transmits a visual output signal that consists of one long and two short visual bursts to an operator. The visual output signal mimics the generated audible error code  106  in signal quantity and duration.  
         [0045]    An output indicator  210  may be a device that produces a visual and/or audible interpretation of the identified error condition. The output indicator  210  may also consist of a combination of separate indicating devices that provide distinct means of communication, such as visual text, visual light, audible tone, or audible voice, to an operator. A specific embodiment may include a combination of output indicators  210  such as a user interface screen  210   b  and a light-emitting diode (LED)  210   a , as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2.  
         [0046]    Certain embodiments of the audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202  include a communications port  212  configured to communicate with a separate electronic device. Communication with a separate electronic device, such as a computer workstation or laptop computer, is conducted in order to, for example, receive new or updated lookup tables corresponding to the electronic device  102 , or to facilitate a more advanced user interface with the detection and identification apparatus  202 . A more advanced user interface might include the capability of providing real-time maintenance and equipment troubleshooting hyperlinks for an output error message.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of a specific embodiment of the signal detection module  302 . As shown, the signal detection module  302  includes a signal conversion module  304 , a signal comparison module  306 , and communications channels  308 , such as a memory bus, that provide a physical connection and electronic signal path of travel between the individual components.  
         [0048]    The depicted signal conversion module  304  has two components. A signal receiver  310  detects and receives the audible error code  106  generated by the electronic device  102 . Subsequently, a signal converter  312  converts the received audible error code  106  to a set of signal detection parameters  314  which are transmitted over the communications channels  308  to the signal comparison module  306 .  
         [0049]    After the audible error code  106  has been converted into the signal detection parameters  314 , the signal comparison module  306  compares the signal detection parameters  314  with a set of error code signatures. The error code signatures are stored within an error code signature lookup table  510 , to be discussed further in conjunction with FIG. 5. The error code signatures, in one embodiment, are ideal values for the signal detection parameters that correspond to each audible error code that may be generated by the electronic device  102 . Upon locating the error code signature that matches the signal detection parameters  314  extracted from the audible error code  106 , the signal comparison module  306  outputs an associated error code index  316 .  
         [0050]    In an alternate embodiment, the signal comparison module  306  compares the signal detection parameters with values from an error code signature lookup table  510  stored in a separate electronic device and accessed through the electronic connection permitted by the communications port  212 . In either case, the final output of the signal detection module is the error code index  316  resulting from the error code signature search.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an output module  402  in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the output module  402  includes an error message lookup module  404  and an output device  406 . The internal components are connected by communications channels  408  that are substantially similar to the communications channels  308 .  
         [0052]    The error message lookup module  404  receives the error code index  316  supplied by the signal detection module  302 . The error code index  316  is then used to access an error message lookup table  512 , which is discussed below. The error message lookup module  404  sends a signal containing error message parameters  410  to the output device  406 . The error message parameters  410  may take the form of audio file and volume designators in one embodiment, or text file designator in another embodiment, or any other appropriate designators to convey the error message parameters  410  to the output device  406 .  
         [0053]    The output device  406  converts the error message parameters  410  to an error message  412  in a form that is discernable by an operator or customer. As mentioned above, the discernable error message  412  may take the form of a visual text message, an audible voice message, or any other communications form as generated by the detection and identification apparatus  202 .  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 5 depicts an audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202 . In contrast to FIG. 2, FIG. 5 describes the internal components and modules that make up one embodiment of the detection and identification apparatus  202 . These components include a controller  502 , a signal detection module  302 , an input module  504 , an output module  402 , a read-only memory (ROM) chip  506 , a communications port  212 , and the various communications channels  508  interconnecting the components. These communications channels  508  are preferably substantially similar to the communications channels  308 .  
         [0055]    The controller  502  preferably contains all of the necessary control instructions to perform the functions of the audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202  as described herein. The signal detection module  302 , in essence, detects and receives the audible error code  106  and subsequently converts it from an audible error code  106  to the error code index  316 , as provided in the description of FIG. 3.  
         [0056]    The input module  304  serves as an interface between the input selectors  204 , user interface screen  208 , and the controller  502 . In a similar manner, the output module  308  serves as an interface between the controller  502  and the output device  406 , the details of which have been presented in conjunction with the discussion of FIG. 4. As described previously, the output device  406  may include a combination of visual and audible signaling devices, such as a user interface screen  210   b  and a light-emitting diode (LED)  210   a , as depicted in FIG. 2.  
         [0057]    The ROM chip  406  includes memory capacity for a plurality of lookup tables, namely an error code signature lookup table  510  and an error message lookup table  512 . Each pair of online lookup tables  510  and  512  coincides with a specific make and model of the electronic device  102  and may be updated as required to include new or revised lookup tables  510  and  512  as required by the operator, user, or customer. Such upload of new or revised information is possible due to the flashable properties of the ROM chip  406  and the data transfer via the communications port  212 .  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202  that is configured to output a visible signal that mimics the tone status and duration of an audible error code  106 . Essentially, the device  202  consists of a microphone  602 , a signal amplifier  604 , a LED output indicator  606 , and interconnecting communications channels  608 .  
         [0059]    In this example, the microphone  602  receives the generated audible error code  106  and converts it to signal detection parameters  312 . The amplifier  604  receives the signal detection parameters  316  and outputs a signal containing error message parameters  410  to the LED output indicator  606 , which conveys a visual representation of the error message  412  to an operator.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of an audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202 . The depicted embodiment includes a microphone  702  capable of receiving the audible error code  106  and providing a microphone output signal. In certain embodiments, an analog-to-digital converter  704  converts the audio signal  712  to a digital signal  714 . The analog-to-digital converter  704  output signal  714  is passed through a filter  706  and is then transmitted to a fast fourier transform (FFT) module  708  that serves as a signal converter  312  and generates spectral signal detection parameters  314   a . The filter  706  may be a noise cancellation filter capable of adaptively isolating the features of the audible error code  106  from noise. In general, these components make up the signal conversion module  304 .  
         [0061]    The spectral signal detection parameters  314 a travel via the communications channels  710 , which are substantially similar to the communications channels  308 , to the signal comparison module  306 . The signal comparison module  306  uses the signal detection parameters  314   a  to search the error code signature table  510  and output the corresponding error code index  316   a , as described above.  
         [0062]    Similarly, the error code index  316   a  is used by the error message lookup module  404  to select the correct error message parameters  410   a  within the error message lookup table  512 . The error message parameters  410   a  are then used by the output device  406  to create an appropriate output to convey the error message  412   a  to the operator.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 8 depicts a method of audible error code detection and identification  800  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method  800  may be conducted in conjunction with or independent from the audible error code detection and identification apparatus  202 .  
         [0064]    The method begins  802  followed by selecting  804  various configuration settings, such as language and output modes, and selecting  806  an electronic device manufacturer and model. This information allows the signal comparison module  306  and output module  402  to access the correct lookup tables  510  and  512 , respectively, that match the electronic device  102 . In one embodiment, selecting  804  and selecting  806  occur via the input selectors  204  and input module  504 .  
         [0065]    The audible error code detection and identification method  800  proceeds by receiving  808  and converting  810  the audible error code  106  to the signal detection parameters  314 . The signal detection parameters  314  are subsequently used in searching  812  the error code signature table  510  in order to locate the corresponding error code index  316 .  
         [0066]    In response to locating the error code index  316 , the error code index  316  is used in retrieving  814  within the error message lookup table  512  the error message parameters  410  to send to the output device  406 . The output device  406  receives the error message parameters  410  and proceeds by converting  816  the error message parameters  410  to a representation of the error message  412  and communicating  818  the error message  412  to the operator. After communicating  818  the error message  412 , the audible error code detection and identification method  800  terminates  820 .  
         [0067]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.