Amalgamated Alphanumeric Character Display for Automation Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting the network address of automation devices typically requires connecting a laptop or other tool, which is inconvenient and may increase the cost of the display device if it is modified to mimic these tools.
Innovation Solution
An automation component with a display device featuring an array of addressable locations that can illuminate individual or multiple adjacent LEDs to convey data, including the ability to display amalgamated alphanumeric characters, allowing users to set the network address without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display device is modified to mimic laptop or smart device functionality for setting network address, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display individual LED status indicators for monitoring system state, and it can also display amalgamated alphanumeric characters for input and configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve both monitoring and configuration purposes, eliminating the need for separate tools while avoiding the complexity of full laptop/smart device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy of the alphanumeric display capability found in laptops or smart devices. Instead of implementing full keyboard and display functionality, it replicates only the essential character display feature using the existing LED array, allowing users to input and view network address information without requiring additional equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the display device mimics laptop or smart device functionality, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display individual LED status indicators for monitoring system state, and it can also display amalgamated alphanumeric characters for input and configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve both monitoring and configuration purposes, eliminating the need for separate tools while avoiding the complexity of full laptop/smart device functionality.
3Measurement precision
If individual LED locations are used to convey status data, then the measurement precision of system state is improved, but the loss of information occurs when alphanumeric input is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically switches between two operational modes: individual LED status indication mode and amalgamated character display mode. The control circuitry can reconfigure which LEDs are illuminated and how they are grouped, allowing the same physical LED array to convey different types of information as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that both precise status monitoring and alphanumeric input capabilities are available without sacrificing either function.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation component includes a display having addressable locations in an array for display of data, and control circuitry that is configured to control the display. In a first mode, the control circuitry controls illumination of one or more individual locations of the display in the array for conveying individual data corresponding to the individual locations. In a second mode, the control circuitry controls illumination of two or more individual locations in the array to display an amalgamated alphanumeric character.