MACHINE INDICATOR LIGHT WITH BUILT-IN STATUS SENDER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 371,594, titled "Machine Indicator Light with Build-in Status Message," filed by Charles Dolezalek, on August 16, 2022.

[0002] This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application(s) herein by reference.

[0003] The subject matter of this application may have common inventorship with and / or may be related to the subject matter of the following: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 483,476, titled "Body-Registering Unified Circuit In-Line Touch Switch," filed by Charles Dolezalek, et al., on February 6, 2023. International Design Application Serial No. 35 / 003,350, issued with International Registration No. DM / 233724, titled "In-Line Touch Module," filed by Charles Dolezalek, et al., on January 13, 2023. U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 377,301, titled "Reconfigurable Detection Windows with Dynamically Activated Detection Arrays," filed by Charles Dolezalek, et al., on September 27, 2022. U.S. Design Patent No. DM / 222908, titled "Communication Hub Offset Standoff Bracket," filed by Robert T. Fayfield, et al., on April 22, 2022, issued on April 21, 2023. PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2022 / 078548, WIPO Publication No. WO2023034807A1, titled "Distributed Communication System Using Concurrent MultiChannel Master Unit," filed by Robert T. Fayfield, et al., on October 21, 2022. PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2022 / 075677, titled "Field Installable Light Curtain Side Status Module," filed by Nick Olsen, et al., on August 30, 2022. U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 823,312, U.S. Publication No. 20230064404A1, titled "Field Installable Light Curtain Side Status Module," filed by Nick Olsen, et al., on August 30, 2022. PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2022 / 00108, WIPO Publication No. WO2022159921A1, titled "Distance Sensing and Visual Indicator Arrays with Reconfigurable Detection Windows," filed by Charles Dolezalek, on January 10, 2022. U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 153,691, U.S. Publication No. 20220229180A1, titled "Distance Sensing and Visual Indicator Arrays with Reconfigurable Detection Windows," filed by Charles Dolezalek, on January 20, 2022. U.S. Application Serial No. 15 / 222,429, U.S. Publication No. 20180033260A1, titled "Omni-Directional In-Line Indicator Device," filed by Charles Dolezalek, et al., on July 28, 2016, issued as U.S. Patent No. 10,347,092 on July 9, 2019. U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 935,763, U.S. Publication No. 20230102850A1,_titled "radio Permissive Impact Absorbing Unitary Cover," by Dolezalek, et al., on September 27, 2022. U.S. Application Serial No. 15 / 254,564, U.S. Publication No. 20180061595A1, titled "IMPACT ABSORBING UNITARY COVER ASSEMBLY" and filed Sep. 1, 2016, by Dolezalek, et al., issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,984,835 on May 29, 2018. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Various embodiments relate generally to configurable visual indicators.BACKGROUND

[0005] Single and multi-color indicators have been used for decades to signify machine or process status. Typically, colors of an indicator may convey a predetermined meaning (e.g., machine or process status) to alert workers, machine operators, and / or supervisor. For example, a typical stack light may be used with a standard for the meaning of each color. For example, according to the standard, red light may mean an emergency status, amber light may mean an abnormal observation, a green light may represent a normal operation, and a blue light may mean that mandatory action is required.

[0006] With advances in technology, more colors may be made available as indicator lights. In some examples flashing lights may be used to signify a machine or process status. To communicate meanings of these new colors and / or patterns, a legend plate may be used to display the meaning directly next to each indicator light to give the operator guidance as to a meaning of (an illumination) of the indicator light.

[0007] US Patent Application Publication Serial No. US 2010 / 109900 A1 filed by Juergen Marquardt, et al., discloses a warning light device having at least one indicating unit for visually indicating an operating state. US Patent Application Publication Serial No. US 2018 / 142864 A1 filed by Thomas Freyermuth, et al., discloses a signaling apparatus having at least two light modules that are stacked along a main axis. EP Patent Application Publication Serial No. EP 3 263 971 A1 filed by Kazuki Mashiro, discloses a stack unit for a signal indicator lamp including a plurality of stack units in a stacking direction.SUMMARY

[0008] Apparatus and associated methods relate to a light device with built-in status display. In an illustrative example, a multi-mode programmable indicator light (MPIL) may include at least one embedded programmable scrolling display (EPSD) at one or more light emitting portions (LEPs) of the MPIL. The LEP, for example, may emit a light indicium in a first plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the MPIL. The EPSD, for example, may display a predetermined scrolling message at a physical peripheral boundary of the MPIL. The scrolling message, for example, may represent a corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium. For example, the scrolling message may be displayed in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. Embodiments of the invention advantageously display an interpretation of the light indicium from substantially 360° around the longitudinal axis of the MPIL.

[0009] Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may display multiple messages at distinct portions of the MPIL to advantageously provide multiple messages simultaneously. Some embodiments, for example, may provide a 360° viewing angle without multiple legends around the MPIL. For example, some embodiments may include a user interface to advantageously provide an easy to program / reprogram MPIL. Some embodiments, for example, may advantageously provide multiple combinations of a background color, a text color, characters height, and / or brightness of the EPSD to enhance color adaptability for color blind people. For example, some embodiments may include an encapsulating housing to advantageously protect the MPIL from (potentially) harsh operating environment. Some embodiments, for example, may be flexible to advantageously provide a peripheral optical boundary.

[0010] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Multi-mode Programmable Indicator Light (MPIL) employed in an illustrative use-case scenario. FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary MPIL controller. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict exemplary embodiments of MPIL. FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary cross-section view of an MPIL such as, for example, is depicted in FIG. 3B. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary indicator light programming method. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary indicator light operating method.

[0012] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Multi-mode Programmable Indicator Light (MPIL 100) employed in an illustrative use-case scenario. In the depicted example, a factory 105 includes multiple MPILs 100. For example, the MPILs 100 may be attached to machines 115 in the factory 105. For example, the lighting indicators may include a single or a multicolor indicator used to signify machine or process status (e.g., a factory tower light). Workers in the factory 105, for example, may read status signals transmitted by the MPILs 100 and interpret a status of the machines 115 (e.g., machines working in good condition, machines requiring maintenance, machines having safety issues). In some examples, each of the colors of the lighting indicators may, typically, be assigned a meaning for communicating and / or alerting a machine operator or floor supervisor.

[0014] As shown in a close-up diagram in FIG. 1, the MPIL 100 may include one or more light emitting portions (LEPs 110a, 110b, 110c). For example, each of the LEPs 110a-c may be a segment of a stacked tower light. For example, the top LEP 110a may be configured to display a red light. For example, the middle LEP 110b may be configured to display an amber light. For example, the bottom LEP 110c may be configured to display a green light. As shown, the MPIL 100 extends along a longitudinal axis y. In some implementations, the LEPs 110a-c may display a light 360° about the longitudinal axis y in a first plane p1.

[0015] In some implementations, the LEPs 110a-c may be a reconfigurable light emitting diode (LED) circuit. For example, the reconfigurable LED circuit may be reconfigured in size and color so that the LEPs 110a-c may be selectively varying in height and colors. In some examples, the MPILs 100 may be configured in a specific configuration that is controlled by a control signal connected to the MPIL 100. For example, the LEP 110a may be configured to be flashing red when a corresponding control signal is received by the MPIL 100.

[0016] In this example, the LEP 110a includes an embedded programmable scrolling display (EPSD 120). In some implementations, the EPSD 120 may be configured to display a text representing a meaning (of a color) of a corresponding LEP (e.g., the LEP 110a).

[0017] As shown, the EPSD 120 is configured to display a message indicating that the LEP 110a (e.g., a red lighting indicator) means "DANGER". The message wraps around a perimeter of the LEP 110a. In some implementations, more than one message may be displayed at any of the LEPs 110a-c. For example, the message may be a repeating pattern distributed about the axis (e.g., the y-axis). For example, the LEP 110a may include one message at a base and another message at a top to advantageously provide multiple messages for each segment of the MPIL 100. In the depicted example, the message may be scrolling about the longitudinal axis y in a second plane p2. According to the invention, the planes p1 and p2 are coplanar. Accordingly, for example, the MPIL 100 may advantageously provide a 360° viewing angle without multiple legends around the multicolor MPIL 100.

[0018] In the depicted example, the MPIL 100 includes a MPIL controller 125. In some implementations, the MPIL 100 may include one or more RGB LEDs on a controlling circuit (e.g., a vertical printed circuit board (PCB)). For example, the RGB LEDs may be configured to display multiple color combinations controlled by the controller running a controlling software. In some implementations, by programming the MPIL controller 125, the LEPs may be configured to selectively display status messages corresponding to a color of the LEPs.

[0019] In this example, a user may use a computing device 155 to configure the MPIL 100. For example, the computing device 155 may be a desktop computer. For example, the computing device 155 may be a mobile computing device. In some examples, the computing device 155 may be a server accessed by a user device via a network (the Internet). The computing device 155 includes a tower light programming module (TLPM 130) in this example. For example, the TLPM 130 may be executed by the computing device 155 to program the MPIL 100. In this example, the TLPM 130 may display a user interface 135 for a user to selectively input a configuration to the MPIL 100.

[0020] According to the invention, the EPSD 120 is programmed to display a message representing an interpretation of a corresponding LEP 110a-c. As shown, the user interface 135 may be used for programming a first portion (of red color light) of the MPIL 100. A user may select, from a drop-down menu 140, a predetermined message associated with the first portion (in red color light). For example, the predetermined message may be associated with a meaning of the LEP. In some examples, the predetermined message may be built-in to the TLPM 130. In some examples, new messages may be selectively added by a user via the user interface 135. In some implementations, various parameters associated with the meaning may be selected. For example, the message may be programmable through the user interface 135. As shown, a user may select a text size using a selection box 145. In some implementations, a user may use the TLPM 130 to configure a background color, a text color, characters height, and / or brightness of the EPSD 120. For example, the message may be static or scrolled at user selectable speeds. For example, messages in multiple languages may be displayed. Accordingly, the TLPM 130 may advantageously provide an easy to program / reprogram interface and enhance color adaptability for color blind people.

[0021] The TLPM 130, in some implementations, may generate a configuration data structure (CDS 150). In some implementations, the CDS 150 may include a configuration schema readable by the MPIL controller 125. For example, the configuration schema may include a mapping between, for example, a message and one or more of the LEPs. For example, the configuration schema may include a mapping between an input signal and a color and / or operating characteristics (e.g., animation, brightness) to one or more of the LEPs.

[0022] In the depicted example, the CDS 150 may be transmitted to the MPIL 100 to configure a display message at one or more of the LEPs 110a-c according to user input. For example, the CDS 150 may be flashed into a memory device (e.g., an onboard data register) of the MPIL 100. In some examples, the CDS 150 may be transmitted to the MPIL 100 via a network communication module (NCM) operably coupled to the MPIL controller 125 via a communication network. As an illustrative example, the NCM may be configured to interact with a Modbus network. In some examples, the NCM may be configured to interact with a Banner Bus network (as specified, for example, by Banner Engineering Corp., Plymouth, MN). In some examples, the NCM may be configured to interact with an IOLink Network.

[0023] According to the invention, the MPIL 100 is extending along the y axis and defining a physical peripheral boundary path in a first plane p1 orthogonal to the y axis. The MPIL 100 emits a light indicium (e.g., a static light) corresponding to a predetermined interpretation in p1. The EPSD 120 is disposed along substantially a physical peripheral boundary path of the MPIL 100. When the MPIL 100 emits the light indicium, the EPSD 120 displays at least one predetermined text message in a second plane p2 parallel to p1. The at least one predetermined text message represents a corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium so that the at least one visual indicium is visible in p2 from substantially 360° around the y axis.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary MPIL controller 125. In the depicted example, the MPIL controller 125 includes a processor 205. The processor 205 may, for example, include one or more processing units. The processor 205 is operably coupled to a communication module 210. The communication module 210 may, for example, include wired communication. The communication module 210 may, for example, include wireless communication. The communication module 210 may, for example, include MODBUS communication. In the depicted example, the communication module 210 is operably coupled to the computing device 155 and a central controller 215. The computing device 155, for example, may be configured to receive the CDS 150 transmitted to the communication module 210. The central controller, for example, may transmit a control signal to the MPIL 100 corresponding to status changes in the factory 105. For example, upon an emergency is detected, the central controller 215 may transmit a control signal to display an emergency light and at the MPIL 100.

[0025] The processor 205 is operably coupled to a memory module 220. The memory module 220 may, for example, include one or more memory modules (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)). The processor 205 includes a storage module 225. The storage module 225 may, for example, include one or more storage modules (e.g., non-volatile memory). In the depicted example, the storage module 225 includes a device programming engine (DPE 230) and a device operation engine (DOE 235).

[0026] The DPE 230 may, for example, process the CDS 150 received from the computing device 155. In some implementations, the DPE 230 may identify a mapping between a LEP (e.g., the LEPs 110a-c) and a corresponding visual indicium (e.g., text interpretation) based on the CDS 150. The DPE 230, for example, may retrieve the mapping and display the visual indicium with the corresponding LEP. In some examples, the DPE 230 may operate based on a control signal received from the central controller 215.

[0027] The processor 205 is further operably coupled to the data store 245. The data store 245, as depicted, includes a predetermined associations database 250, a predetermined display profiles 255, and a predetermined visual indicia database 260. In some implementations, the predetermined associations database 250 may store the predetermined association between various LEPs 110a-c and corresponding interpretations display (e.g., text). For example, after receiving the mapping, the DPE 230 may store associations indicated in the mapping in the predetermined associations database 250.

[0028] In some implementations, the predetermined display profiles 255 may include the display parameters of visual indicia at the LEPs 110a-c. For example, the display parameters may include the font size of a text message. For example, the display parameters may include a color of the text message. In some implementations, the display parameters may indicate display modes of a visual indicium. For example, the display profiles may include a stealth mode and an operation mode for a visual indicum. For example, in a stealth mode, the visual indicium may be configured as a solid color substantially the same as a color of a corresponding portion of the MPIL 100. For example, in an operation mode, the visual indicium may include a background different from the corresponding portion of the MPIL 100 and a scrolling text message.

[0029] The predetermined visual indicia database 260, for example, may include various visual indicia corresponding to the LEPs. For example, in operation, the DOE 235 may retrieve, from the predetermined visual indicia database 260, the visual indicium corresponds to a LEP. For example, the DOE 235 may display the retrieved visual indicium based on display parameters indicated in the predetermined display profiles 255 associated with the visual indicium.

[0030] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict exemplary embodiments of MPHIL. FIG. 3A shows an MPIL 300 with an EPSD 305 in a multi-color stack light application. As shown, the EPSD 305 includes a built-in image. In some implementations, the built-in image may be pre-installed in the MPIL 300. In some implementations, the built-in image may be user-programmable. For example, the MPIL 300 may include one message at the base or top of multiple messages (one for each segment).

[0031] As shown, the MPIL 300 is extending along the y axis and defining a first peripheral boundary path 310 orthogonal to the y axis. In this example, the MPIL 300 emits a static light indicium (e.g., a red light) in a top LEP 315 of the 300. The EPSD 305 displays a text message 325 along substantially a second peripheral boundary path 330 of the MPIL 300. The EPSD 305 displays the text message 325 in the second peripheral boundary path 330 parallel to first peripheral boundary path 310. The text message 325 is visible along the second peripheral boundary path 330 from substantially 360° around the y axis. For example, the text message 325 may be a repeating pattern distributed about the axis (e.g., the y-axis).

[0032] FIG. 3B shows an MPIL 350 in a single indicator application with an EPSD 355. For example, the background and foreground colors of the MPIL 350 may be changed electrically by using RGB LEDs. In this example, the EPSD 355 includes a built-in image wrap around perimeters 370a, 370b of the MPIL 350. As shown, the perimeter 370a and the perimeter 370b are parallel. For example, the perimeters 370a, 370b may be orthogonal to the y axis. For example, the built-in image displayed at the EPSD 355 may be scrolling. For example, the built-in image may be static.

[0033] In various implementations, the EPSDs 305, 355 may be fully configurable through software (e.g., the TLPM 130) including the background color, text color, character height, and brightness. In some examples, the EPSDs 305, 355 may be scrolled at user selectable speeds. In some implementations, multiple images may be stored and linked to individual inputs at a segment of the MPIL 300.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3B, the EPSD 355 may, for example, be located inside an enclosure 360 with a lighting indicator of the MPIL 350. For example, the EPSD 355 may advantageously be protected from an outside environment (which may be harsh to the EPSD 355). In some examples, the MPIL 300 of FIG. 3A may also include a single housing encapsulating both the EPSD 305 and a RGB LED of the multicolor stack light.

[0035] As shown, the enclosure 360 may be coupled to a base housing 365. For example, the base housing 365 may include electrical and communication connections for the MPIL 350. As shown, the enclosure 360 extends substantially parallel to a physical peripheral boundary path of the EPSD 355. In some implementations, the enclosure 360 may be at least partially optically transparent. For example, the built-in image displayed at the EPSD 355 may be visible through the enclosure 360. In some implementations, the enclosure 360 may be configured to apply a predetermined optical effect to the built-in image and / or an indicator light within the MPIL 350.

[0036] FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary cross-section view 370 of an MPIL (e.g., the MPIL 350) such as, for example, is depicted in FIG. 3B. In the depicted example, the EPSD 355 is provided with individual light emitters 380 (e.g., LEDs). The individual light emitters 380 are electrically coupled, in the depicted example, to the EPSD 355. The EPSD 355 is coupled to a control circuit 385 by leads 395 (e.g., wire(s), bus(es), cable(s)). For example, the control circuit 385 may provide control signals and / or power to the individual light emitters 380 via the leads 395 and the EPSD 355.

[0037] As depicted, the EPSD 355 and the control circuit 385 are coupled (e.g., mounted) to a base element 390. The base element 390 may, for example, provide structure. In some implementations, the base element 390 may, for example, be a printed circuit board. For example, the control circuit 385 may be formed directly on the base element 390.

[0038] In the depicted example, the EPSD 355 is disposed around a periphery of the base element 390 such that the EPSD 355 is disposed around a peripheral boundary of the EPSD 355. In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, the EPSD 355 may, for example, be rigidly formed into the shape of the periphery. In some implementations, by way of example and not limitation, the EPSD 355 may, for example, be jointed (e.g., multi-segmented) such that the EPSD 355 may be disposed around the periphery. The EPSD 355 may, in some examples, be flexible (e.g., a flex circuit having at least one flexible substrate such that it may be manually manipulated into a range of desired curvilinear shapes). Accordingly, the EPSD 355 may advantageously provide a peripheral optical boundary. For example, the EPSD 355 may be at least partially opaque.

[0039] In the depicted example, the enclosure 360 is disposed around the outside of the EPSD 355. The enclosure 360 may, for example, be optically translucent. In some implementations, the enclosure 360 may apply one or more optical effects (e.g., increased refraction and / or reflection, frequency filtering).

[0040] In some implementations, one or more light-emitting modules (e.g., bulbs, LEDs) may be disposed above the EPSD 355 relative to the longitudinal axis. In some implementations, one or more light emitting modules may be disposed interior to the EPSD 355 but configured such that the light is emitted above and / or below the EPSD 355 relative to the longitudinal axis. In some such implementations, the EPSD 355 may provide, for example, a dynamic interpretation of the light displayed longitudinally adjacent to the EPSD 355.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary indicator light programming method 400. For example, the DPE 230 may perform the method 400 to associate various predetermined visual indicia to a corresponding LEP of a MPIL. The method 400 begins in step 405 when a data object to configure one or more portions of a MPIL is received from a user device. For example, the MPIL controller 125 may receive the CDS 150 from the computing device 155. Next, in step 410, a configuration, including parameters (e.g., text, scrolling speed, text color) of a visual indicium, and associated at least one LEP, is determined from the data object. In step 415, an association between the LEP and the visual indicium is generated. After the association is generated, in step 420, the generated association is stored in a first datastore (e.g., the predetermined associations database 250). In step 425, the parameters associated with the visual indicium is stored in a second data store (e.g., the predetermined display profiles).

[0042] In a decision point 430, it is determined whether the visual indicium is newly defined. For example, the visual indium may be a new meaning of the LEP defined by a user. If it is determined whether the visual indicium is not newly defined, the method 400 ends. If it is determined whether the visual indicium is newly defined, in step 435, the new visual indicium is stored to a third data store (e.g., the predetermined visual indicia database) and the method 400 ends.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary indicator light operating method 500. For example, the DOE 235 may use the method 500 to control the MPIL 100 in operation. The method 500 begins when an input signal is received to operate a MPIL in step 505. For example, a control signal is received from the central controller 215. In a decision point 510, it is determined whether the input signal corresponds to any stored predetermined associations. For example, the predetermined associations database 250 may include a mapping between input signals and corresponding display of the MPIL 100. If the input signal does not correspond to any stored predetermined association, the method 500 ends.

[0044] If the input signal corresponds to a stored predetermined association, in step 515, a light indicium (e.g., a LEP) and at least one predetermined visual indicium (e.g., a scrolling text) is retrieved as a function of the input signal from the data store. In step 520, the MPIL is operated to display the light indicium. For example, the DOE 235 may retrieve a color associated with the input signal from the predetermined display profiles 255. In step 525, the MPIL is operated to display the visual indicium, and the method 500 ends. For example, the DOE 235 may retrieve, from the predetermined visual indicia database, a corresponding text message to be displayed associated with the light indicium.

[0045] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

[0046] Although an exemplary system has been described with reference to FIG. 1, other implementations may be deployed in other industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, and / or residential applications.

[0047] In various embodiments, some bypass circuits implementations may be controlled in response to signals from analog or digital components, which may be discrete, integrated, or a combination of each. Some embodiments may include programmed, programmable devices, or some combination thereof (e.g., PLAs, PLDs, ASICs, microcontroller, microprocessor), and may include one or more data stores (e.g., cell, register, block, page) that provide single or multi-level digital data storage capability, and which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination thereof. Some control functions may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of any of them.

[0048] Computer program products may contain a set of instructions that, when executed by a processor device, cause the processor to perform prescribed functions. These functions may be performed in conjunction with controlled devices in operable communication with the processor. Computer program products, which may include software, may be stored in a data store tangibly embedded on a storage medium, such as an electronic, magnetic, or rotating storage device, and may be fixed or removable (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, thumb drive, CD, DVD).

[0049] Some systems may be implemented as a computer system that can be used with various implementations. For example, various implementations may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. Apparatus can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and methods can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of various embodiments by operating on input data and generating an output. Various embodiments can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and / or at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0050] Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, which may include a single processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

[0051] In some implementations, each system may be programmed with the same or similar information and / or initialized with substantially identical information stored in volatile and / or non-volatile memory. For example, one data interface may be configured to perform auto configuration, auto download, and / or auto update functions when coupled to an appropriate host device, such as a desktop computer or a server.

[0052] In various implementations, the system may communicate using suitable communication methods, equipment, and techniques. For example, the system may communicate with compatible devices (e.g., devices capable of transferring data to and / or from the system) using point-to-point communication in which a message is transported directly from the source to the receiver over a dedicated physical link (e.g., fiber optic link, point-to-point wiring, daisy-chain). The components of the system may exchange information by any form or medium of analog or digital data communication, including packet-based messages on a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN (local area network), a WAN (wide area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), wireless and / or optical networks, the computers and networks forming the Internet, or some combination thereof. Other implementations may transport messages by broadcasting to all or substantially all devices that are coupled together by a communication network, for example, by using omni-directional radio frequency (RF) signals. Still other implementations may transport messages characterized by high directivity, such as RF signals transmitted using directional (i.e., narrow beam) antennas or infrared signals that may optionally be used with focusing optics. Still other implementations are possible using appropriate interfaces and protocols such as, by way of example and not intended to be limiting, USB 2.0, Firewire, ATA / IDE, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, 802.11 a / b / g, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, IrDA, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), token-ring networks, multiplexing techniques based on frequency, time, or code division, or some combination thereof. Some implementations may optionally incorporate features such as error checking and correction (ECC) for data integrity, or security measures, such as encryption (e.g., WEP) and password protection.

[0053] The invention is defined in the appended independent claims.

[0054] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An indicator apparatus comprising: an indicator light (100, 300, 350) extending along an axis (y), wherein the indicator light (100, 300, 350) comprises a first physical peripheral boundary path (310, 370a) along a perimeter of a first physical peripheral boundary of the indicator light (100, 300, 350), wherein the first physical peripheral boundary path is comprised in a first plane (p1) orthogonal to the axis (y), wherein the indicator light (100, 300, 350) is configured such that, during operation, the indicator light (100, 300, 350) emits a light indicium in the first physical peripheral boundary path (310, 370a), the light indicium corresponding to a predetermined message; and, a programmable lighting array disposed along substantially the physical peripheral boundary path of the indicator light (100, 300, 350) and configured such that, when the indicator light (100, 300, 350) emits the light indicium, the programmable lighting array displays at least one predetermined visual indicium along a second physical peripheral boundary path (330, 370b) parallel to the first boundary path (310, 370a), which defines a second plane (p2) substantially parallel to the first plane (p1), wherein the at least one predetermined visual indicium represents a corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium comprising a message displayed around the second physical peripheral boundary path (330, 370b), and the at least one predetermined visual indicium is visible in the second plane (p2) from substantially 360 degrees around the axis (y).

2. The indicator apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a controller (125) operably coupled to the indicator light (100, 300, 350) and the programmable lighting array; and, a datastore operably coupled to the controller (125) and configured to store a plurality of predetermined associations between light indicia and corresponding predetermined visual indicia, wherein the controller (125) is configured to perform indication operations in response to an input signal, the indication operations comprising: retrieve from the datastore, as a function of the input signal, the light indicium and the at least one predetermined visual indicium; operate the indicator light (100, 300, 350) to display the light indicium; and, operate the programmable lighting array to display the at least one predetermined visual indicium as the corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium.

3. The indicator apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller (125) is further configured to operate the programmable lighting array such that: in a stealth mode, the at least one predetermined visual indicium is a solid color substantially same as a color of the indicator light (100, 300, 350), and in an operation mode, the at least one predetermined visual indicium comprises a background and a second visual indicium.

4. The indicator apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a network communication module operably coupled to the controller (125) such that the controller (125) is configured to receive the input signal via a communication network.

5. The indicator apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a single housing substantially encapsulating both the programmable lighting array and the indicator light (100).

6. The indicator apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the single housing comprises a viewing housing and a base housing (365), the viewing housing extends substantially parallel to the axis (y) external to the physical peripheral boundary path and is at least partially optically transparent, such that the light indicium and the at least one predetermined visual indicium is visible through the viewing housing, and the viewing housing is configured to couple to the base housing (365).

7. The indicator apparatus of claim 6, wherein the viewing housing is physically configured to apply a predetermined optical effect to at least one of the light indicium and the at least one predetermined visual indicium.

8. The indicator apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one predetermined visual indicium comprises scrolling text.

9. The indicator apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one predetermined visual indicium comprises a repeating pattern distributed about the axis (y).

10. The indicator apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plane (p1) and the second plane (p2) are coplanar.

11. An indicator apparatus comprising: an indicator light (100) extending along an axis (y), wherein the indicator light (100) comprises a first physical peripheral boundary path (310, 370a) along a perimeter of a first physical peripheral boundary of the indicator light (100), wherein the first physical peripheral boundary path (310, 370a) is comprised in a first plane (p1) orthogonal to the axis (y), wherein the indicator light (100, 300, 350) is configured such that, during operation, the indicator light (100, 300, 350) emits a light indicium in the first physical peripheral boundary path (310, 370a) the light indicium corresponding to a predetermined message; and, means for displaying at least one predetermined visual indicium along a second physical peripheral boundary path (330, 370b) parallel to the first boundary path (310, 370a), wherein the means for displaying is configured such that, when the indicator light (100, 300, 350) emits the light indicium, the means for displaying displays the at least one predetermined visual indicium in a second plane (p2) substantially parallel to the first plane (p1) and along the_second physical peripheral boundary path (330, 370b), wherein the at least one predetermined visual indicium represents a corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium comprising a message displayed along the second physical boundary path (330, 370b), and the at least one predetermined visual indicium is visible in the second plane (p2) from substantially 360 degrees around the axis (y).

12. The indicator apparatus of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a text.

13. The indicator apparatus of claim 1, wherein the message comprises multiple messages simultaneously at each segment of the programmable light array.