RGB Light-Ring Display Scale for Variable Operating States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices lack flexibility in adapting their scale design to varying operating conditions and application-specific requirements, particularly in hygiene-sensitive environments where cleaning processes can misinterpret critical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a concentrically arranged RGB segment light arc that can be dynamically adjusted based on signals from an external control unit, allowing variable sectioning and coloration to indicate different operational states, utilizing a memory unit to store configurations for various scenarios, and enabling communication via IO-Link for bidirectional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scale is divided into fixed good and bad ranges, then the display device provides clear visual guidance for normal operation, but it cannot adapt to varying operating conditions such as cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The scale markings are made dynamically adjustable through a display memory that stores multiple configuration sets. The controller can switch between different scale divisions based on operating conditions (e.g., normal operation vs. cleaning processes), allowing the same physical display to adapt its visual guidance without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The numerical values and color assignments of scale sections are changed as parameters based on received signals. The controller modifies which numerical ranges correspond to green (good) or red (bad) zones depending on the current operating state, enabling flexible adaptation without altering the physical scale structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scale markings are fixed, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but users cannot adapt the display to specific application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single display device incorporates multiple scale configurations within its memory, making it universal across different applications. The same physical device can serve multiple functions by loading different scale division sets appropriate for various operating conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically manufacturing different scales for different applications, the patent creates virtual copies of scale configurations stored in memory. The controller loads appropriate scale patterns based on the application, providing customization without complex manufacturing variations.
3Reliability
If cleaning processes use high pressure and temperature, then effective cleaning is achieved, but measurement values may falsely appear to be in critical ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback signals indicating the current operating state (e.g., cleaning mode vs. normal operation). Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the scale markings to reflect appropriate good/bad ranges for the current condition, preventing misinterpretation of measurements during transient states like cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple scale configuration sets in advance for different operating conditions. When a cleaning process is initiated, the controller preemptively switches to the appropriate scale configuration that accounts for the expected measurement variations during cleaning, ensuring accurate interpretation from the start of the process.
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 precise and flexible adaptation of the display scale to different operating conditions, preventing misinterpretation of critical measurements during cleaning processes and enhancing user understanding of system states through customizable color coding.
Implementation Method 1
the RGB segments are implemented as LEDs. Typically, the sections are displayed in the primary colors red, green, or yellow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a display device (1) for an automation and process measurement technology system for displaying measured values. In addition to a circular arc-shaped scale (4), the display area (3) further comprises a circular arc-shaped light ring (5) made of RGB segments (5c) that runs concentrically to the scale (4). The light ring (5) is divided into several sections (5a, 5b), each of which is assigned to measured values or measured value ranges on the scale (4). The extents of the sections (5a, 5b) along the circular arc and/or their coloring can be varied depending on a signal received from the external control unit via the connection device, the received signal representing an operating state of the system.