Ring-Segment Field Display for Distance-Readable Multi-State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in process automation engineering face challenges in visually representing states from a distance and prioritizing information, as existing solutions are not easily readable from a greater distance and cannot depict multiple information types simultaneously without prior planning.
Innovation Solution
A field device with ring-shaped or ring-segment-shaped display means, configured as multi-color lighting, such as RGB LEDs, that can visualize states by color progression or different colors, allowing for increased information representation and visibility from a distance, including the use of sensors for process quantity determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional status display means (LEDs) are used in field devices, then the device can indicate operational states, but the displays are not readable from a greater distance and cannot represent multiple information types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The display means is divided into multiple independently controllable segments arranged in a ring configuration. Each segment can be individually activated to display different information, allowing multiple states to be represented simultaneously while maintaining readability from a distance through the ring's extended surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The display transitions from a traditional linear or point-based LED arrangement to a two-dimensional ring configuration. This dimensional change increases the visible surface area and allows multiple segments to be displayed simultaneously around the ring, enabling representation of multiple information types without compromising distance readability
2Loss of information
If multiple status displays are added to represent different information types, then information representation capability increases, but the device complexity and information prioritization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped display means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can display various operational states, process quantities, and status information through different segment combinations and color patterns. This universal display approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized displays and reduces information prioritization requirements, as all information types can be represented equally on the ring segments
3Illumination intensity
If ring-shaped display means are used to increase visibility from distance, then readability from greater distance improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED segments are merged into a continuous ring structure, where individual segments can be controlled independently but are physically integrated into a unified ring configuration. This merging approach maintains the visibility advantages of the ring shape while simplifying the overall structure compared to having separate discrete displays for each function
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
The solution enables clear and reliable visualization of multiple states from a distance, eliminating the need for prior information prioritization and enhancing the visibility of process quantities like filling level, pressure, and operational status, facilitating easier monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
the display means (2, 3, 4, 16, 21) is configured as a multi-color lighting means, preferably as a multi-color light-emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A field device with display means for the visual representation of states determined by the field device, wherein at least two display means are provided, which are each configured in a ring-shaped or ring-segment-shaped manner, as well as a method for the visual representation of states determined by a field device.