Method and apparatus for enabling optical communication through low intensity indicators in an appliance that uses a vacuum fluorescent display
AssigneeEmerson Electric Co.
InventorTimothy E. Graff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical interface using indicator lights is provided for an appliance having a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) by mounting the indicator lights behind a VFD. In a VFD having a dark background, apertures are formed in the VFD so the indicator lights are enabled for optical communication through the VFD. Preferably, the apertures are formed in the dark layer covering a glass substrate in the VFD so the dark layer helps absorb reflected light that may cause optical noise in the light signals being communicated. Each aperture may be located equidistantly from a group of four pixels in the VFD.
Claims20
An optical interface for an appliance using indicator lights comprising:
- a vacuum fluorescent display;
- and
- a first indicator light mounted behind the vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) so that the first indicator light may be operated as an optical communication device for optical communication through the vacuum fluorescent display.
A method for enabling optical communication with an appliance having a vacuum fluorescent display comprising:
- mounting a first indicator light behind a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD);
- and
- operating the first indicator light as an optical communication device for optical communication through the VFD.
An appliance enabled for optical communication with a diagnostic tool comprising:
- an appliance having a control panel;
- a vacuum fluorescent display mounted in the control panel;
- and
- an indicator light mounted behind the vacuum fluorescent display for optical communication between the indicator light and a diagnostic tool through the vacuum fluorescent display (VFD).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.