Multipurpose Indicator Lights for Analog State Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional router indicator lights are limited in communicating complex states, particularly analog information such as signal strength or battery level, as they primarily use binary indicators that cannot effectively convey magnitude.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple indicator lights individually to communicate binary states and in concert to convey analog states, where the number and pattern of light activation reflect the magnitude of the state, allowing for real-time feedback on signal strength and other analog metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each indicator light is dedicated to indicating the status of a single function, then the simplicity of implementation and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to communicate complex analog states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indicator lights to work together as a unified display system. Instead of each light operating independently, multiple lights are merged to collectively represent analog values, where the combination of lights provides richer information than individual lights alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights serve multiple functions: they can individually show binary states for simple status indication, or work in combination to display analog values for complex states. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different information display needs.
2Loss of information
If multiple indicator lights are used to communicate analog states, then the information communication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different light configurations based on the type of information being displayed. For binary states, individual lights are used; for analog states, multiple lights are activated in specific patterns. This dynamic adaptability optimizes the balance between information richness and system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If indicator lights are arranged in a row along an edge, then the ease of manufacture and visibility are improved, but the ability to convey magnitude information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the spatial arrangement of lights by introducing blinking patterns. While lights are physically arranged in a row for ease of manufacture, they convey magnitude information through time-based variations in their activation patterns, effectively adding another dimension to the information encoding.
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
Enables effective communication of complex network states like signal strength and battery level, enhancing user interaction and decision-making by providing clear, real-time feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the lights are often LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) which can be mounted in a row along the edge of a printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A method of utilizing device indicator lights is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control, and monitoring a first set and a second set of device states. The first set of device states correspond to binary device states, and the second set of device states correspond to analog device states. The method also includes utilizing each of the plurality of device indicator lights individually to communicate one of first set of device states, determining whether the user control has been activated, and utilizing at least two of the plurality of device indicator lights in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.