Programmable Indicator Light With 360° Status Message Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual indicators lack the ability to provide clear, multi-dimensional interpretations of machine or process status, often relying on legends that require additional guidance and are not adaptable to diverse user needs, including color blindness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode programmable indicator light (MPIL) with embedded programmable scrolling displays (EPSD) that displays predetermined messages around its perimeter, allowing 360° viewing and customizable parameters such as color, brightness, and text size, along with a user-friendly interface for easy configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional single-color indicator lights are used, then the device complexity is low, but the information conveyance capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indicator lights of different colors (red, yellow, green, blue) into a single integrated indicator device, allowing multiple status meanings to be conveyed simultaneously through different color combinations and patterns, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate indicators while enhancing information delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal dimension by implementing flashing patterns and duration variations alongside color coding, creating a multi-dimensional status communication system that can distinguish between different types of alerts, warnings, and normal operations beyond what static colors alone can provide
2Loss of information
If legend plates are added to explain indicator meanings, then the information completeness improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized color meanings (red for emergency, yellow for abnormal, green for normal, blue for mandatory action) that are universally recognized and intuitively understood, eliminating the need for legend plates while maintaining clear communication of status meanings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flashing patterns where the frequency and pattern of flashing provide additional contextual information about the severity and type of status condition, making the meaning self-evident without requiring written explanations
3Loss of information
If multiple colors are used to represent different statuses, then the information density increases, but the ease of operation worsens for color-blind users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the indicator into distinct spatial segments with different colors and patterns, allowing color-blind users to differentiate statuses through position and temporal patterns rather than relying solely on color perception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different flashing frequencies and patterns for different status levels, providing tactile-temporal differentiation that is perceivable by all users regardless of color vision capabilities
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 simultaneous display of multiple messages with enhanced adaptability, providing clear interpretations across various viewing angles and accommodating diverse user needs, including color blindness, while protecting the device from harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion (LEP) configured to emit a light indicium
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a light device with a programmable display. In an illustrative example, a linear multi-mode programmable indicator light (LMPIL) may include a housing extending along a longitudinal axis having a display surface. For example, the LMPIL may include an indicator light, and a programmable display coupled to the housing. For example, the indicator light may emit a light indicium orthogonal to the display surface. For example, the programmable display may display a predetermined visual indicium along a longitudinal axis through the display surface when the indicator light emits the light indicium. For example, based on predetermined associations between light indicia and corresponding predetermined visual indicia, the programmable display may display the predetermined visual indicium as the corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium based on the predetermined associations. Various embodiments may advantageously display preconfigured messages with corresponding light indicia on any visible surface.