Illuminated Bezel Light Diffuser for Panel Status Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interface panels face challenges in space utilization due to LED consumption and distinguishing messages across multiple panels, as existing technologies do not efficiently manage illumination for communication and often require additional controls and visual differentiation.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated bezel system with a light diffuser and controller that distributes light around the perimeter of the panel to communicate predefined messages, allowing for customizable color and flash frequencies to convey information, potentially replacing traditional LEDs and enhancing message clarity across multiple panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional LEDs are used for communication on interface panels, then messages can be conveyed to users, but valuable space on the panel is consumed that could be used for additional interface buttons and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the message communication function with the existing bezel structure by integrating a light diffuser into the bezel. This allows the bezel to serve dual purposes: structural framing and message display, thereby eliminating the need for separate LED components and freeing up panel space for additional controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated bezel system provides multi-functionality by enabling the bezel to serve as both a structural element and a communication channel. The light diffuser integrated into the bezel allows the same component to perform both structural support and information display functions, optimizing space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface panels are combined to form a larger control center, then more controls and functionality are available, but it becomes difficult to distinguish messages from different panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each panel's bezel to display customized messages with specific colors, patterns, or text. This allows each panel to have unique visual characteristics for its communications, making it easy to distinguish messages from different panels even when multiple panels are combined in a control center.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated bezel system utilizes color changes to differentiate messages from various panels. By assigning different colors to different panels or message types, the system enables clear visual distinction of message sources across multiple panels in a control center configuration.
3Loss of information
If additional LEDs and controls are added to interface panels to enhance communication and functionality, then more information can be conveyed, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by merging the message display function into the existing bezel structure. Instead of adding separate LED components, buttons, or display elements, the system utilizes the bezel itself as the communication medium, thereby maintaining enhanced communication capability without increasing structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution optimizes space by eliminating the need for additional controls, enhances message clarity by customizable illumination, and allows for user-defined preferences, improving user interaction and panel integration in industrial and software applications.
Implementation Method 1
A light diffuser is coupled to a light source and is configured to distribute the light generated by the light source. The light diffuser is disposed in the bezel and extends around the perimeter of the panel.
Implementation Method 2
A light source controller, coupled to the light source, is configured to control the light source to generate the light to communicate a predefined message via the light diffuser.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for communicating status information associated with a device has an interface panel. The interface panel has a bezel extending substantially around a perimeter thereof. The interface panel is configured to interface with the device. The interface panel has a light device disposed substantially around a perimeter of the bezel. The light device is configured to illuminate the bezel. The system has a light controller coupled to the light device. The light controller is configured to control light output of the light device to indicate a status of the device.