Networked Status Light Indication for Distributed Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the status of multiple automation devices over a large distance or in environments with restricted views or high noise levels is challenging due to the limitations of optical and acoustic signaling.
Innovation Solution
An automation device with a communication interface to receive status messages from other devices and a light source that emits signals indicating the status or status changes, allowing for efficient visual indication of device states without direct monitoring, using LED lights and various communication interfaces like WLAN or fieldbus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual and audible signal towers are mounted on machines to display status, then machine status can be signaled, but monitoring becomes difficult or impossible due to long distances, limited views, high ambient noise, or large number of machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between machines and operators. Status messages are transmitted electronically through this intermediary system, allowing operators to access machine status information remotely without needing direct visual or audible contact with the machines. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable status monitoring despite distance, noise, and view limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical signaling systems (signal towers, lights, audible alarms) with electronic communication systems. Instead of relying on physical signal transmission that is limited by distance and environment, the system uses electronic data transmission through communication networks, eliminating the constraints of the mechanical signaling approach.
2Loss of information
If multiple automation devices are monitored individually through direct observation, then complete status information is obtained, but significant time is required to examine and monitor each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the status monitoring functions of multiple automation devices into a single centralized system. Through the communication network, status messages from multiple devices are aggregated and can be viewed simultaneously at one location, eliminating the need to visit each device individually and significantly reducing monitoring time while maintaining complete information coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of status information from each automation device and transmits them through the communication network. Operators can view these copied status representations centrally without needing to physically inspect each device, obtaining complete status information across all devices instantly rather than sequentially.
3Ease of manufacture
If light sources are used to indicate status of other devices, then visual indication is provided, but the light source must be configured to distinguish different states and priorities effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different light characteristics (colors, blinking patterns, intensities) to represent different status types and priority levels. Each status message type receives a specific light signature, allowing operators to quickly distinguish between normal operation, warnings, errors, and priority levels without complex interfaces or configurations.
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 users to quickly identify the status or status changes of other automation devices, prioritizing alerts and reducing maintenance time by visually distinguishing different states through light color, brightness, and frequency.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is configured to emit the light signal in a specific color and/or brightness and/or frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automation device (101a) in a group of automation devices (101a-c), having a communication interface (103) for communicating with a further automation device (101b-c) in the group of automation devices (101a-c) via a communication network (105), wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to receive a state message for the further automation device (101b-c), which state message indicates a state or a change in the state of the further automation device (101b-c), and a light source (107) which is designed to emit a light signal in response to the reception of the state message, which light signal indicates the state or the change in the state of the further automation device (101b-c).