Darrell Lamont Hunt

US Patent:

62194518, Apr 17, 2001

Filed:

Dec 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/221915

Inventors:

Darrell M. Hunt - Temple TX
Ronald D. Shaw - Cedar Park TX

Assignee:

Dell USA, L.P. - Round Rock TX

International Classification:

G06K 974

US Classification:

382214

Abstract:

A notebook computer system having a base unit, a display panel, and display panel indication circuit for identifying the display panel includes a table of display panel IDs and corresponding display panel identification characteristics stored within the base unit. A display panel indicator circuit is provided for being disposed with the display panel, the display panel indicator including a panel ID unique to the type, resolution, and manufacturer of the display panel, the panel ID further including a prescribed count. The indicator circuit further includes a counter and a comparator. A clock signal is provided from the base unit to the display panel indicator circuit while simultaneously monitoring a clock signal count within the base unit. The clock signal is utilized by the display panel indicator circuit as an input to the indicator circuit counter to count from an initial count and wherein the count of the indicator circuit counter is compared with the prescribed panel ID count using the indicator circuit comparator. A signal is output to the base unit indicative of a count match upon the counter count becoming equal to the panel ID count.