Intelligent Electronic Device Audible Visual Alarm Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power meters in electrical systems require users to manually scroll through information or consult manuals to diagnose alarms, leading to delayed problem resolution and increased downtime due to the lack of immediate audible and visual instructions at the alarm location.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent electronic device (IED) with an integrated audible and visual interface that provides specific instructions through digital audio files, visual displays, and network-accessible updates, allowing users to pre-program and download audio files, record instructions, and access standardized troubleshooting guides via a network, enabling immediate corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional power meters display alarm information on the face with numerical data and LED indicators, then the device structure remains simple, but the user must manually scroll through numerous lines of information or consult external manuals to diagnose the specific alarm cause, resulting in increased troubleshooting time and device downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of information delivery by incorporating audible output (speaker) alongside the traditional visual display. When an alarm condition is detected, the system plays audio files containing step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, transforming the 2D visual interface into a multi-dimensional interface that combines visual and auditory information channels. This allows users to receive comprehensive troubleshooting guidance without manually navigating through display menus or external manuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces audio files as an intermediary carrier of troubleshooting information. Instead of requiring users to directly interpret numerical data and LED patterns, the system uses pre-recorded audio files as a mediator that translates alarm codes into human-readable instructional content. These audio files serve as an intermediate layer between the alarm detection mechanism and the user, providing structured troubleshooting steps without increasing the complexity of the core metering functionality.
2Productivity
If the power meter provides detailed alarm information and troubleshooting instructions at the local device, then the user can immediately diagnose and resolve issues, but the device requires additional components for storing and delivering instructional content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-recording troubleshooting instructions as audio files and storing them in the device's memory before alarm conditions occur. The system anticipates potential alarm scenarios and prepares corresponding instructional content in advance. When an alarm is detected, the microprocessor retrieves and plays the appropriate pre-prepared audio file, enabling immediate troubleshooting without requiring users to search for or interpret technical information during the alarm event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by storing audio file representations of troubleshooting instructions in the device's memory. Instead of displaying complex graphical interfaces or storing extensive text manuals, the system creates audio copies of instructional content that can be played directly through the speaker. This copying approach allows comprehensive troubleshooting information to be delivered through a simple audio output channel, minimizing the need for additional complex hardware components.
3Ease of operation
If the power meter uses different alarm sounds to denote different alarm types, then users can quickly identify alarm categories, but the device requires additional audio processing capabilities and memory storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of differentiation through auditory characteristics, analogous to color changes in visual systems. Different alarm types are distinguished by variations in audio properties such as tone frequency, duration, or pattern (e.g., single beep vs. repeated beeps). This auditory differentiation allows users to quickly identify alarm categories through sound alone, similar to how color-coded indicators work visually. The microprocessor implements this by selecting and playing different audio files with distinct acoustic characteristics based on the detected alarm condition.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic device having an audible and visual interface for providing audible and visual instructions to a user in an event of an alarm or trouble indication in the electrical power system. The intelligent electronic device includes at least one sensor configured for measuring at least one power parameter of an electrical circuit and generating at least one analog signal indicative of the at least one power parameter; at least one analog to digital converter for receiving the at least one analog signal and converting the at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal; a processor configured for receiving the at least one digital signal and detecting at least one event occurring in the electrical circuit; and an interface configured for providing instructions associated to the at least one detected event. The instructions may be in the form of text, audio and/or video.