Programmable LED Indicator for Context-Aware Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices lack the capability to configure their LED indicators to display various types of information beyond basic operating status, and these indicators are often too bright for use in dimly lit environments.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a programmable multi-color LED indicator that can display non-text-based information, including battery status, using a user activity sensor to activate the indicator even in low power sleep states, and a light sensor to adjust brightness based on ambient light levels, allowing for customizable color schemes and patterns to convey different types of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single color LED indicator driven by internal CPU controllers is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the indicator cannot display various types of information beyond basic operating status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single LED indicator to display multiple types of information (battery status, notifications, events, operating status) through programmable color and pattern control, eliminating the need for separate indicators for each function while expanding information display capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the LED indicator by controlling its color (multi-color capability), brightness levels, and illumination patterns (steady, blinking, pulsing) to encode different types of information, allowing a single indicator to convey diverse status messages without increasing hardware complexity
2Illumination intensity
If the LED indicator brightness is set for daytime usage, then visibility during the day is adequate, but the indicator becomes annoyingly bright in dimly lit rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LED indicator brightness adaptive rather than fixed - the system dynamically adjusts brightness levels based on ambient light conditions detected by sensors and user context, transitioning between high brightness for daytime visibility and low brightness for nighttime comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ambient light sensors and user interaction data feed back to the LED control system, which automatically adjusts indicator brightness accordingly - high ambient light triggers higher LED brightness, while low ambient light triggers reduced brightness to prevent user distraction
3Loss of information
If the LED indicator is activated continuously to provide status information, then users always have access to device status, but the indicator causes distraction and energy consumption in low-power states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by activating the LED indicator only at specific intervals or on-demand rather than continuously - the system uses sensors to detect user presence and interaction, triggering brief status displays during sleep states while maintaining low power consumption between activations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine when status information should be displayed based on sensor input (motion detection, proximity sensing, user interaction detection), eliminating the need for continuous user-initiated status checks while providing information proactively when relevant
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 receive non-text-based information about the device's status, such as battery charge, notifications, and events, while minimizing distraction in low-light conditions through customizable and context-aware LED indicator functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The battery status visual indicator can include a light emitting diode
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device includes one or more memory devices storing executable instructions, one or more processors configured to execute the instructions, a programmable display screen configured to display text-based information, a user activity sensor, a battery configured to provide power to the one or more processors, and a battery status visual indicator. The battery status indicator is located on a surface of the computing device and is configured to display, in response an indication from the user activity sensor of an interaction by a user with the computing device, non-text-based information indicating a status of the battery.