Indicator Light Assembly Using Astronomic Data for Adaptive Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator light control systems are inadequate as they rely on ambient illumination or device state, failing to adjust output modes appropriately in various lighting conditions and locations, and often require complex and expensive photocell-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
A controller assembly for indicator lights that uses astronomic data to determine output modes, comprising a locator assembly to gather location and time data, a selector assembly to choose the appropriate output mode, and an output assembly to control the indicator light's illumination, eliminating the need for photocells and providing more than two output modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If indicator lights are made very bright to be visible in bright and daytime light, then visibility is improved, but they become too bright for low light conditions and interfere with user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light system dynamically adjusts its brightness level based on ambient light conditions detected by the photocell. The controller automatically transitions between multiple output modes (off, dim, intermediate, bright) depending on the ambient illumination level, making the light intensity adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter of the indicator light based on external conditions. By monitoring ambient light levels and adjusting the indicator light's output accordingly, the system optimizes visibility while minimizing interference with user experience in different lighting environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photocell-based control systems are implemented to automatically adjust indicator light output, then adaptability to lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photocell-based control system serves multiple functions: it detects ambient light levels, determines appropriate output modes, and controls the indicator light accordingly. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the photocell continuously monitors ambient light conditions and sends signals to the controller, which then adjusts the indicator light output. This closed-loop control enables automatic adaptation to changing lighting conditions without user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If indicator lights are controlled based on device state or simple on/off conditions, then ease of operation is maintained, but the system cannot provide appropriate illumination levels for different ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light system is self-regulating through the photocell controller that automatically detects ambient light conditions and adjusts the light output accordingly. No user intervention or complex programming is required - the system serves itself by monitoring and responding to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual control mechanisms with an automated optical sensing system. The photocell electronically detects light levels and triggers appropriate output modes, substituting what would otherwise require mechanical switches or manual user adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A control assembly for an indicator light, (wherein the indicator light structured to emit light in more than two output modes) includes a locator assembly structured to determine the astronomic data for the indicator light, a selector assembly structured to select an output mode of the indicator light, and an output assembly structured to control the output modes of the indicator light. The locator assembly is in electronic communication with the selector assembly. The locator assembly communicates astronomic data for the indicator light to the selector assembly. The selector assembly selects an output mode of the indicator light based on the astronomic data for the indicator light.