Networked Processor Status Indicator for Home Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home electric appliances connected to a network face inconvenience when performing processes requested by other devices, as users cannot determine if the appliance is available for its original purpose or if it can be powered off without risking data loss or interrupting ongoing processes.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus with a receiving unit for processing requests, an execution unit for handling the requests, and an indicating unit that uses lighting information to visually signal when it is performing a process, allowing users to recognize its status and potential interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a home electric appliance performs a process requested by another apparatus on the network, then distributed processing capability is improved, but user awareness of the appliance's availability status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to the indicator light to convey different operational states. When the appliance is performing a requested process, the indicator displays a specific color (e.g., yellow or red) to indicate unavailability, while showing green or another color when available. This visual color coding allows users to immediately understand the appliance's status without needing to check system logs or receive notifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic blinking of the indicator light to distinguish between different states. For example, a steady light may indicate the appliance is available, while a blinking pattern (e.g., on-off cycles) indicates it is currently executing a requested process. This periodic action provides continuous, dynamic feedback to users about the appliance's real-time availability.
2Productivity
If a home electric appliance executes requested processing, then processing power utilization is improved, but risk of data loss or process interruption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the appliance continuously monitors its operational state and provides real-time status information to users through the indicator. This feedback loop allows users to make informed decisions about whether to interrupt or allow ongoing processes, thereby reducing the risk of data loss. The indicator serves as a visual feedback channel that keeps users synchronized with the appliance's current task state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to take preliminary action by providing advance notice of ongoing processes through the indicator. Before a user inadvertently interrupts a process, the indicator has already signaled that the appliance is busy, allowing the user to cancel or modify their intended action. This preliminary warning prevents harmful interruptions before they occur.
3Ease of operation
If a home electric appliance is used for its original purpose while performing requested processing, then device availability is improved, but process completion reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in the indicator to clearly communicate whether the appliance is available for its original purpose or currently engaged in requested processing. This visual distinction helps users understand that the appliance may be temporarily unavailable, reducing attempts to use it during critical operations and thereby protecting process completion reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing apparatus that is connected with another processing apparatus via a network, receives a request for a processing from the other processing apparatus, executes the requested processing while not performing an originally intended process of the processing apparatus, and indicates that the processing apparatus is executing the requested processing, by causing an indicator to blink on and off.