Ring optical guide integrated into mesh network devices

Abstract

This disclosure describes a ring light guide (114) integrated into a system (102). The system (102) may be a mesh network device, including a light manager application (612) that, when executed by a processor (608), causes the system (102) to determine (702) an operating state and select (704) a color based on the determined operating state. The light manager application (612) then causes the system (102) to activate (706) one or more light-emitting components (112) to emit light corresponding to the selected color, and transmits the emitted light through the ring light guide (114) to provide external light emission (514) below the bottom housing (108) of the system (102).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A mesh network is a network consisting of a grid of nodes linked together to improve network performance and accessibility. As an example, a mesh network supporting a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can include multiple wireless nodes linked together across a large area. Each wireless node or mesh network device can provide system access to the WLAN and exchange network information with other mesh network devices. The aggregation of multiple mesh network devices typically improves connectivity to the WLAN across the large area and increases the efficiency of data exchange.

[0002] In some instances, it can be beneficial for users to be able to verify that a mesh network device is functioning correctly. For example, a user attempting to receive data through a system such as a smartphone might not be receiving the data intended for an application running on that smartphone. The user might want to verify that a nearby mesh network device is working, looking for visual indicators.

[0003] Today, mesh networking devices may include optical mechanisms to indicate the device's functionality to users. However, these mechanisms may be single-point light sources (e.g., a single LED) that are not visible to the user because the mesh networking device is located in a corner or against a wall. The mechanisms may also emit a single color of light, limiting the user's ability to understand the device's functionality beyond simply being "on" or "off." Furthermore, current optical mechanisms may provide glaring and unsightly light. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes a ring light guide integrated into a mesh network device. The mesh network device includes a light manager application that, when executed by a processor, causes the system to determine an operating state and select a color based on the determined operating state. The light manager application then causes the system to activate one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color, and transmits the emitted light through the ring light guide to provide external illumination beneath the system's bottom housing.

[0005] In some aspects, a system is described. The system includes a top housing and a bottom housing, the top housing being radially centered along a first portion of a central axis, and the bottom housing being radially centered along a second portion of the central axis. The interior space of the bottom housing contains one or more light-emitting elements and an annular light guide. The annular light guide is configured to transmit light emitted from the one or more light-emitting elements to provide external light emission below the bottom housing.

[0006] In some other aspects, a method is described. The method is performed by a system and includes determining an operating state of the system and selecting a color based on the determined operating state. The method includes activating one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color, wherein the emitted light is transmitted through a ring-shaped light guide of the system to provide external light emission below the bottom housing of the system.

[0007] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. This summary is provided to introduce the subject matter further described in the detailed description and drawings. Therefore, the reader should not regard the summary as a description of essential features, nor should it limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0008] This document describes in detail one or more aspects of a ring optical guide integrated into a mesh network device. The same reference numerals are used in different instances in the description and figures to indicate similar elements:

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example system with a ring light guide and an exploded view of a portion of the example system are shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an example system with a ring-shaped optical guide is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A top view of an example annular light guide is shown, based on one or more aspects.

[0012] Figure 4 A bottom view of an example printed circuit board with one or more light-emitting components is shown, according to one or more aspects.

[0013] Figure 5 An example operating environment in which various aspects of a system with a ring-shaped optical guide are implemented is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 Functional elements of an example system with a ring-shaped optical guide are shown according to one or more aspects.

[0015] Figure 7 An example method is shown, performed by a system with a ring-shaped optical guide according to one or more aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This disclosure describes a technique for a ring light guide integrated into a system such as a mesh network device. As part of the described technique and system, when executed, the system's light manager application causes the system to determine its operating state and select a color based on that determined operating state. The system's light manager application then causes the system to activate one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to a second color, and transmits the emitted light through the ring light guide to provide external illumination beneath the system's bottom housing.

[0017] While the features and concepts of the described technologies can be implemented in any number of different environments, systems, devices and / or various configurations, the aspects are described in the context of the following example systems, example operating environments and example methods.

[0018] Example System

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view (100) of an example system 102 with a ring-shaped light guide and an exploded view of a portion of the example system 102 are shown. The example system 102 is shown as a mesh networking device, which includes a top housing 104 that is radially centered along a first portion of a central axis 106. The system 102 also includes a bottom housing 108 that is radially centered along a second portion of the central axis 106.

[0020] A printed circuit board (PCB) 110 is contained within the internal space of a bottom housing 108, and the PCB 110 has one or more light-emitting components 112 (the light-emitting components 112 are located within the internal space of the bottom housing 108). Figure 1 (In the exploded perspective view, it is on the underside of PCB 110 and is not visible). For example, PCB 110 may be a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate, such as FR4 material, and has multilayer traces and / or electrical traces, plated through holes for through-hole components, and / or pads for surface mount components.

[0021] The bottom housing 108 includes an annular light guide 114. One or more light-emitting components 112 emit light, and the annular light guide 114 transmits the emitted light to provide external light emission below the bottom housing 108. Figure 1 As shown, PCB 110 is disposed in a plane orthogonal to the central axis 106, and annular light guide 114 is disposed in another plane orthogonal to the central axis 106.

[0022] The bottom housing 108 also includes additional components that, together with the PCB 110, the one or more light-emitting components 112, and the annular light guide 114, form a bottom light-emitting subassembly. The additional components include: (i) a base 116 and a reflector 118 disposed between the base 116 and the annular light guide 114; (ii) a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 120 disposed between the reflector 118 and the annular light guide 114; (iii) a light-blocking strip 122; and (iv) another PSA layer 124 disposed between the surfaces of the PCB 110 and the bottom housing 108. The reflector 118 may include a recess for receiving the one or more light-emitting components 112. The reflector 118 may also have channels or surfaces coated or lined with a reflective material. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0023] In some instances, system 102 may be coupled to a surface. For example, system 102 may be mounted on a desktop. In these instances, system 102 may include a sensor for detecting light reflected from the surface. Furthermore, in some instances, system 102 may be able to receive audible input (e.g., receiving commands from a user of system 102 via a microphone included in system 102) and emit audible output (e.g., emitting messages that may relate to the status of system 102, messages that may relate to weather or news reports, messages that may relate to home automation systems, music, etc., via a speaker included in system 102). In these instances, audible input may be received via port 126, while audible output may be emitted via perforations 128 in the bottom housing 108.

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view 200 of a portion of an example system with a ring-shaped optical guide is shown. Cross-sectional view 200 is... Figure 1 A portion of the bottom housing 108, and shows one or more elements contained in the bottom housing 108.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom housing 108 is radially centered along the second portion of the central axis 106. In some instances, as shown, the inner diameter 202 of the wall of the bottom housing 108, measured along the second portion of the central axis 106, varies, resulting in an inner curvature of the wall of the bottom housing 108. However, in other instances, the inner diameter 202 of the wall can be uniform.

[0026] The bottom housing 108 includes a through-hole 128 for audio porting. In some instances, the bottom housing 108 may be injection molded from a polymer or plastic material. In other instances, the bottom housing may be stamped or formed from a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0027] Figure 2 A portion of the annular light guide 114 is also shown, comprising an inner annular portion as a light tube 204 and an outer annular portion as a diffuser 206. The light tube 204 can be made of a material such as acrylic or polycarbonate and is typically transparent, clear, or translucent. The diffuser 206 can be made of a material such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or styrene and is typically translucent to aid in light mixing. In some instances, titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be part of a material (e.g., a translucent material) to achieve color mixing.

[0028] Figure 2 An example of a light-emitting component 112 is also shown. The light-emitting component 112 may be a packaged component having one or more light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, the light-emitting component 112 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 1 The PCB 110) is available in surface mount or through-hole package types.

[0029] In one example, the light-emitting component 112 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (e.g., LEDs), wherein the LEDs include red light-emitting diodes, green light-emitting diodes, and blue light-emitting diodes (e.g., "RGB" LEDs). In this example, pulse width modulation (e.g., PWM) signaling can be applied to the light-emitting component 112 to enable the light-emitting component 112 to emit light of the selected color. Depending on the geometry of the light tube 204, such LEDs can be top-emitting, side-emitting, or bottom / reverse-mounted.

[0030] Figure 2 The base 116 is also shown. In some instances, as shown, the base 116 can create a gap 208 between the bottom housing 108 and the surface 210. In such an instance, the gap 208 allows reflected light 212 from externally emitted light from the surface 210 on which the system 102 is placed (for simplicity and clarity, ...). Figure 2 The reflected light 212 is shown at a single location.

[0031] The gap 208 (caused by the height of the foot 116) allows an appropriate amount of light to be reflected from the surface 210 (e.g., reflected light 212), resulting in an aesthetically pleasing external light emission beneath the bottom housing 108. In some instances, if the gap 208 is too "small," too little light may be reflected from the surface 210. In other instances, if the gap 208 is too "large," too much light may be reflected from the surface 210.

[0032] The size of the gap 208 can depend on the quality (e.g., intensity, color) of the light expected to be transmitted through the annular light guide 114. For example, in one instance, for one set of qualities, the size of the gap 208 can be between approximately 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm. In another instance and for another set of qualities, the size of the gap 208 can be between approximately 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. And, in yet another instance and for another set of qualities, the size of the gap 208 can be between approximately 0.1 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0033] Figure 3 A top view 300 of an example sub-component including a ring light guide is shown according to one or more aspects. Figure 3 It can include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The elements associated with the annular light guide 114 include an inner annular portion having a light tube 204 and an outer annular portion having a diffuser 206.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the example sub-component is positioned in a plane defined by the x-axis 302 and the y-axis 304. The sub-component includes an inner annular portion with a light pipe 204 and an outer annular portion with a diffuser 206. Figure 3 As shown, for the one or more light-emitting components 112 ( Figure 3 Each light-emitting component (not shown in the image) has a corresponding curved recess 306 on the inner circumference of the light tube 204 to receive and propagate light 308.

[0035] Figure 4 A bottom view 400 of an example printed circuit board having one or more light-emitting components is shown, according to one or more aspects. Figure 4 It can include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components include a PCB 110 and one or more light-emitting components 112.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, PCB 110 is disposed in a plane defined by x-axis 402 and y-axis 404. PCB 110 includes one or more light-emitting components 112 electrically connected to PCB 110. PCB 110 may include additional components, such as drivers, through which power is supplied to the one or more light-emitting components 112, as well as capacitors, resistors, memory, and processors.

[0037] although Figures 1 to 4 The system is illustrated in the context of a mesh network device, but it is important to note... Figures 1 to 4 The technologies and features illustrated are applicable to various system equipment types. Other systems can be derived from... Figures 1 to 4They benefit from the technology and features of these systems, such as automotive headlight systems, television backlight systems, audio speakers, etc.

[0038] Operating environment

[0039] Figure 5 An example operating environment 500 is illustrated, which implements various aspects of a system with a ring-shaped optical guide. The system may be... Figure 1 System 102 and combined with Figures 1 to 4 Components.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, system 102 is a mesh network device that is wirelessly connected to user equipment (UE) 502 using wireless link 504. As an example, UE 502 may be a device such as smartphone 506, Internet of Things (IoT) device such as thermostat 508, personal health device 510, or laptop computer 512.

[0041] System 102 provides UE 502 with connectivity to a network. As an example, the system could be a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point that connects UE 502 to the Internet. As another example, system 102 could be a "hotspot" that connects UE 502 to a cellular network such as a fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) network.

[0042] Figure 5 The bottom housing 108 of system 102 is also shown, which connects the system to the surface (e.g., Figure 2 The surface 210) is bonded. The bottom housing 108 (e.g., the bottom housing 108 includes a printed circuit board 110 having one or more light-emitting elements 112 and annular light guides 114) provides external light emission 514 (e.g., below the bottom housing 108) below the bottom housing 108. Figure 2 (Reflected light 212).

[0043] The external light source 514 located below the bottom of the casing can be the result of one or more methods executed by system 102. For example, the processor of system 102 can execute a light manager application ( Figure 6 (As shown in and discussed with reference to the figure). The light manager application causes system 102 to determine the operating state of system 102. Based on the operating state of system 102, the light manager application further causes system 102 to select a color and activate one or more light-emitting components (e.g., the one or more light-emitting components 112) to emit light corresponding to the selected color and provide external light emission 514 below the bottom housing 108.

[0044] Figure 6Functional elements of an example system with a ring-shaped optical guide are shown according to one or more aspects. This system can be... Figure 1 System 102 and includes Figures 1 to 5 Components.

[0045] As shown in the figure, system 102 includes different types of communication hardware (e.g., transceivers, antennas, circuits, ports) for system 102 to communicate with different types of networks and user equipment. Figure 6 As shown, system 102 includes wireless local area network (WLAN) communication hardware 602, radio access network (RAN) communication hardware 604, and UE communication hardware 606.

[0046] System 102 also includes a processor 608 and a computer-readable storage medium 610 (CRM 610). The processor 608 may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor composed of various materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, high-k dielectrics, copper, etc. The computer-readable storage medium 610 described herein does not include transmission signals. CRM 610 may include any suitable memory or storage device, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory.

[0047] CRM 610 also includes a light manager application 612. Alternatively or additionally, the light manager application 612 may be implemented, wholly or partially, as hardware logic or circuitry integrated or separate from other components of system 102. The light manager application 612 may include code executable by processor 608. The light manager application 612 may also include one or more cross-reference tables having content predetermined by the manufacturer of system 102 or modifiable by the user of system 102. CRM 610 also includes an assistant application 614 (e.g., a virtual assistant). The assistant application 614 may include code executable by processor 608. In different scenarios, the light manager application 612 and / or the assistant application may implement one or more of the techniques described herein.

[0048] WLAN communication hardware 602 provides system 102 with access to the Internet via a wireless link 616 connecting system 102 to access point 618 (e.g., another mesh network device, router). RAN communication hardware 604 provides system 102 with access to the cellular network via a wireless link 620 connecting system 102 to base station 622. UE communication hardware 606 provides smartphone 506 with access to system 102 via wireless link 504, and indirectly provides smartphone 506 with access to either the cellular network or the Internet.

[0049] Combination of communication hardware Figure 6 This is shown as an example only, as other types or combinations of communication hardware are possible that can provide access to different types of networks (e.g., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication hardware, infrared communication hardware).

[0050] Example Method

[0051] Figure 7 An example method 700 is shown, performed by a system having a ring-shaped light guide according to one or more aspects. A processor (e.g., processor 608) executing code of a light manager application (e.g., light manager application 612) enables the system (e.g., Figure 1 System 102) executes method 700. The operation of method 700 is described in a series of blocks 702-708 and is not limited to the order or sequence described below. Furthermore, example method 700 can utilize... Figures 1 to 6 Components.

[0052] At box 702, system 102 determines its operational state. In some instances, determining the operational state of system 102 includes determining the connectivity of system 102 to an access point of the wireless local area network (e.g., access point 616), the connectivity of system 102 to a base station of the radio access network (e.g., base station 620), or the connectivity of system 102 to user equipment (e.g., user equipment 502). In these instances, the corresponding connectivity may be related to the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0053] In other instances, determining the operational state of system 102 includes determining the rate at which data is transmitted through system 102. This could correspond to the rate at which data is transmitted between user equipment 502 and the wireless local area network, or the rate at which data is transmitted between user equipment 502 and the radio access network.

[0054] Furthermore, at 702, determining the operational state of system 102 can be triggered by various mechanisms. Determining the operational state of system 102 can be in response to system 102 being powered on, or in response to a signal received by system 102 from access point 616 of the wireless local area network, a signal received by system 102 from base station 620 of the radio access network, or a signal received by system 102 from user equipment 502.

[0055] At box 704, system 102 selects a color based on the determined operating state of system 102. In some instances, system 102 selects a color from a cross-reference table containing content predetermined by the manufacturer of system 102. In other instances, system 102 selects a color from a cross-reference table containing content that can be modified by the user of the system.

[0056] For example, the contents of the cross-reference table could associate a fully functional system 102 with "green," a system 102 exchanging data at a throttling rate with "yellow," and a non-functional system 102 with "red." As another example, the contents of the cross-reference table could associate a network error or factory reset with "yellow" and a volume change of system 102 with "white."

[0057] Examples of other operating states include the boot state of system 102, the volume level of the speaker of system 102, the update state of system 102, the "listen" mode of system 102, the response state of system 102, etc. Furthermore, in addition to a cross-reference table including color information, the cross-reference table may also include information indicating the predetermined duration, intermittency, and intensity for which system 102 can be applied to activate one or more light-emitting components 112.

[0058] At box 706, system 102 activates one or more light-emitting elements 112 to emit light corresponding to a selected color (e.g., the color selected at box 704). In some instances, activating the one or more light-emitting elements 112 includes using pulse width modulation to combine light from red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes included in each of the one or more light-emitting elements to emit the selected color. In other instances, activating the one or more light-emitting elements 112 includes activating a single light-emitting diode that emits monochromatic light corresponding to the selected color. Furthermore, at box 706, activating the one or more light-emitting elements 112 may include activating the one or more light-emitting elements 112 according to a predetermined duration, intermittency, or intensity.

[0059] At frame 708, system 102 transmits emitted light corresponding to a selected color via a ring light guide (e.g., ring light guide 114) to provide external light emission below the bottom housing (e.g., bottom housing 108) of system 102. Transmitting emitted light corresponding to a selected color via ring light guide 114 may include several aspects, including receiving and propagating the emitted light through a curved recess (e.g., curved recess 306) of a light tube (e.g., light tube 204), wherein the light tube is the inner ring portion of ring light guide 114. Transmitting emitted light corresponding to a selected color via ring light guide 114 may also include transmitting the emitted light through a diffuser (e.g., diffuser 206), wherein the diffuser is the outer ring portion of ring light guide 114. The transmitted light causes external light emission, which indicates a defined operating state of system 102.

[0060] Method 700 can be modified to include additional or alternative steps. As an example, the method may include determining that the operating state of the system no longer exists and deactivating the one or more light-emitting components 112. The method may also include system 102 detecting reflected light (e.g., from...). Figure 5 The color or intensity of the light reflected from the surface 210 is determined, and the activation of one or more light-emitting components 112 is adjusted or modified based on the detected color or intensity.

[0061] As another example, assistant application 614 can enable system 102 to determine and indicate the operational status of the system via audible commands and / or messages. For instance, if a command is received through the microphone of system 102, assistant application 614 can enable system 102 to indicate the operational status via a message emitted by the system's speaker. In this instance, the message can supplement or replace the operational status indicated by external illumination.

[0062] Several examples are described in the following paragraphs.

[0063] Example 1: A system comprising: a top housing radially centered along a first portion of a central axis; a bottom housing radially centered along a second portion of the central axis, the interior space of the bottom housing containing: a printed circuit board having one or more light-emitting components; and an annular light guide configured to transmit light emitted from the one or more light-emitting components to provide external light emission below the bottom housing.

[0064] Example 2: According to the system of Example 1, wherein the one or more light-emitting components are disposed in a plane orthogonal to the central axis, and the annular light guide is disposed in another plane orthogonal to the central axis.

[0065] Example 3: According to the system of Example 2, the annular light guide includes an inner annular portion as a light tube and an outer annular portion as a diffuser.

[0066] Example 4: According to the system of Example 3, for each of the one or more light-emitting components, the inner circumference of the light tube includes a corresponding curved recess for propagating light.

[0067] Example 5: The system according to Example 4 also includes a foot that engages the bottom housing to the surface.

[0068] Example 6: According to the system of Example 5, the foot causes a gap between the bottom housing and the surface, the gap enabling the reflection of external light from the surface.

[0069] Example 7: The system according to Example 6 also includes a sensor capable of detecting the color of light.

[0070] Example 8: According to the system of Example 5, the reflector is disposed between the base and the annular light guide.

[0071] Example 9: The system according to Example 8, wherein a pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the reflector and the annular light guide.

[0072] Example 10: According to the system of Example 2, wherein the one or more light-emitting components are electrically connected to a printed circuit board including one or more drivers, and power is supplied to the one or more light-emitting components through the one or more drivers.

[0073] Example 11: According to the system of Example 10, each of the one or more light-emitting components includes a red light-emitting diode, a blue light-emitting diode, and a green light-emitting diode.

[0074] Example 12: The system according to Example 11, wherein each of the one or more light-emitting components is a surface-mount package.

[0075] Example 13: The system according to Example 12, wherein each of the one or more light-emitting components is a through-hole package.

[0076] Example 14: According to the system of Example 1, the inner diameter of the wall of the bottom housing, measured from the second portion of the central axis, varies along the second portion of the central axis.

[0077] Example 15: According to the system of Example 1, the inner diameter of the wall of the bottom housing, measured from the second portion of the central axis, is constant along the second portion of the central axis.

[0078] Example 16: The system according to Example 1, wherein the bottom shell is perforated.

[0079] Example 17: The system according to Example 1, wherein the bottom shell is formed by injection molding.

[0080] Example 18: The system according to Example 1 further includes a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: determine an operating state of the system; select a color based on the determined operating state of the system; and activate the one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color.

[0081] Example 19: According to the system of Example 18, determining the operating state of the system includes determining the connectivity of the system to a wireless local area network, the connectivity of the system to a radio access network, the connectivity of the system to a user equipment, or the rate of data transmitted through the system.

[0082] Example 20: The system based on Example 18, where the example system is a mesh network device.

[0083] Example 21: A method performed by a system, the method comprising: determining an operating state of the system; selecting a color based on the determined operating state of the system; and activating one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color, wherein the emitted light corresponding to the selected color is transmitted through a ring light guide of the system to provide external light emission around the periphery of the system.

[0084] Example 22: According to the method of Example 21, external light emission is provided around the periphery of the system, which provides external light emission around the periphery below the bottom shell of the system.

[0085] Example 23: According to the method of Example 21, the operating state of the system is determined in response to the system being powered on.

[0086] Example 24: According to the method of Example 21, determining the operating state of the system includes determining the connectivity of the system to the access point of the wireless local area network.

[0087] Example 25: According to the method of Example 24, the determination of the operating state of the system is in response to a signal received by the system from the access point of the wireless local area network.

[0088] Example 26: According to the method of Example 21, determining the operating state of the system includes determining the connectivity of the system to a base station of the radio access network.

[0089] Example 27: According to the method of Example 26, the determination of the operating state of the system is in response to a signal received by the system from a base station of the radio access network.

[0090] Example 28: According to the method of Example 21, determining the operating state of the system includes determining the degree of connectivity between the system and the user equipment.

[0091] Example 29: According to the method of Example 28, the determination of the operating state of the system is in response to a signal received by the system from the user equipment.

[0092] Example 30: According to the method of Example 21, determining the operating state of the system includes determining the rate of data transmitted through the system.

[0093] Example 31: According to the method of Example 30, the rate of data transmitted through the system is the rate of data transmitted between the user equipment and the wireless local area network.

[0094] Example 32: According to the method of Example 30, the rate of data transmitted through the system is the rate of data transmitted between the user equipment and the radio access network.

[0095] Example 33: According to the method of Example 21, the selection of color based on the determined operating state of the system includes selecting color from a cross-reference table with content that can be modified by the user.

[0096] Example 34: According to the method of Example 21, wherein selecting a color based on the determined operating state of the system includes selecting a color from a cross-reference table having content predetermined by the system manufacturer.

[0097] Example 35: According to the method of Example 21, wherein activating the one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to a selected color includes using pulse width modulation to combine light from a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode in each of the one or more light-emitting components.

[0098] Example 36: According to the method of Example 21, activating the one or more light-emitting components to emit a selected color includes activating a single light-emitting diode that emits monochromatic light corresponding to the selected color.

[0099] Example 37: According to the method of Example 21, activating the one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color includes intermittently activating the one or more light-emitting components.

[0100] Example 38: According to the method of Example 21, activating the one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color includes activating the one or more light-emitting components for a predetermined duration.

[0101] Example 39: According to the method of Example 21, wherein transmitting emitted light corresponding to the selected color through the annular light guide includes transmitting the emitted light through a curved recess of the light tube, wherein the light tube is the inner annular portion of the annular light guide.

[0102] Example 40: According to the method of Example 21, wherein transmitting emitted light corresponding to the selected color through the annular light guide includes transmitting the emitted light through a diffuser, wherein the diffuser is the outer annular portion of the annular light guide.

Claims

1. A system having a ring-shaped optical guide, wherein, The system is a mesh network device, and the system includes: Top housing, the top housing being radially centered along a first portion of the central axis; and A bottom housing, radially centered along a second portion of the central axis, the bottom housing comprising: A printed circuit board having one or more light-emitting components; A ring-shaped light guide configured to transmit light emitted from the one or more light-emitting components to provide external light emission below the bottom housing; and A foot that engages the bottom housing with the surface, the foot creating a gap between the bottom housing and the surface that allows external light to be reflected from the surface.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The printed circuit board is disposed in a plane orthogonal to the central axis, and the annular light guide is disposed in another plane orthogonal to the central axis.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The annular light guide includes an inner annular portion as a light tube and an outer annular portion as a diffuser. For each of the one or more light-emitting components, the inner annular portion as a light tube includes a corresponding curved recess to receive and propagate light.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The external light emission provided below the bottom housing provides at least a portion of the external light emission around the perimeter below the bottom housing of the system.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The size of the gap between the bottom housing and the surface is configured to be related to the expected intensity or color of the light emitted from the one or more light-emitting components.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, A reflector is provided between the base and the annular light guide.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, A pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the reflector and the annular light guide.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the one or more light-emitting components includes a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the one or more light-emitting components is a package type, which is a surface mount package or a through-hole package.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, When measured along the second portion of the central axis, the inner diameter of the wall of the bottom housing, as measured from the second portion of the central axis, varies.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The inner diameter of the bottom housing wall, measured from the second portion of the central axis, is constant along the second portion of the central axis.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions causing the system to: Determine the operating status of the system; The color is selected based on the operating state determined by the system; and Activate one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to the selected color.

13. A method performed by the system according to any one of claims 1-11, the method comprising: The operating state of the system is determined by the system's processor; The color is selected by the processor and based on the operating state determined by the system. as well as The processor activates one or more light-emitting components to emit light corresponding to a selected color, and the emitted light is transmitted via (i) the annular light guide to provide external light emission and (ii) the emitted light is transmitted below the bottom housing of the system, the bottom housing being engaged with the surface by feet to effectively reflect the external light emission from the surface.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: It has been determined that the operational state of the system no longer exists; as well as Deactivate the one or more light-emitting components.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Determining the operating status of the system includes: determining the connectivity of the system to the wireless local area network, determining the connectivity of the system to the radio access network, determining the connectivity of the system to the user equipment, or determining the rate of data communication through the system.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Selecting a color based on the operating state determined by the system includes: selecting a color from a cross-reference table containing content that can be modified by the user, or selecting a color from a cross-reference table containing content predetermined by the manufacturer of the system.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Activating the one or more light-emitting components includes activating the one or more light-emitting components for a predetermined duration.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, External light emission is provided around the periphery of the system, which is located around the bottom housing of the system.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13-18, wherein, The operational state of the system is determined in response to the system being powered on.

Images