Multifunction Device Dynamic Power Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices lack the ability to provide real-time status information during power-on or power-off modes, limiting user understanding of the device's status.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction device with a print engine, power status monitors, and a user interface that employs a light emitting module and audio module to create dynamic feedback patterns, such as visual and audio patterns, to convey the current power status to the user, including sequences for powering on, off, warm-up, and low power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional monochromatic indicator lights are used to indicate power status, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot provide real-time status information during power-on or power-off modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static indicator lights into dynamic visual feedback systems that change patterns, colors, and intensities based on real-time power status. The light emitting module transitions from fixed monochromatic indication to dynamic multi-color patterns that evolve during power-on/power-off sequences, providing continuous status information without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in light parameters (color wavelength, intensity, pattern frequency) to encode multiple status states. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system conveys different power status information using the same physical indicator light infrastructure, avoiding the need for separate indicators for each status condition.
2Loss of information
If binary indicator lights are used to show power on/off status, then the indicator system remains simple, but no real-time status information is provided during transition modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light emitting module receives real-time power status data from the processor and dynamically adjusts its visual output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system provides continuous information about transition states (powering on, powering off, warm-up, low power mode) without requiring additional sensors or complex monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic visual patterns (blinking, pulsing, rotating sequences) to convey different status information during transitions. These time-based patterns allow the system to communicate multiple states using the same physical indicator, transforming static binary indication into dynamic temporal sequences that provide real-time status feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-color indicator lights are added to enhance indication function, then more status information can be conveyed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light emitting module multi-functional by enabling it to display multiple colors and patterns using a single integrated component. Rather than adding separate indicator lights for different statuses, the system uses one versatile light module that can dynamically switch between colors and patterns to indicate various power states, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing information capability.
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
Enhances user experience by providing clear, real-time visual and audio feedback about the device's power status, improving user understanding and satisfaction through customizable and informative communication.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting module positioned to illuminate at least part of the perimeter
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction device (MFD) includes a print engine, power status monitors, and a user interface. The user interface is at least partially surrounded by a perimeter, and a first light emitting module is positioned to illuminate at least part of the perimeter. The MFD also includes a processor in communication with the first light emitting module and a computer-readable medium containing programming instructions. An MFD may detect a triggering event corresponding to a change in its power status. In response to detecting the triggering event, the MFD may receive information relating to a current power status of the MFD from the power status monitors, identify a dynamic feedback pattern associated with the triggering event, and instruct the first light emitting module to emit a first visual pattern. The dynamic feedback pattern includes the first visual pattern that provides information about the current power status of the MFD to a user.