Front panel overlay incorporating a logic circuit

A method of incorporating a logic circuit in a front panel overlay, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of layers in operational association with one another;
• forming a logic circuit onto one or more of the plurality of layers, at, least one of the plurality of layers overlying the logic circuit;
• providing a flex cable extending from one or more of the plurality of layers, the logic circuit communicating with the flex cable;
• programming the logic circuit to locally perform at least one operation configured to output digital information to the at least one of the plurality of layers overlying the logic circuit;
• linking the logic circuit to electric circuitry on the plurality of layers using conductive traces and interconnects;
• and
• the logic circuit configured to receive digital information from an input and an output port of the flex cable.

A front panel overlay, comprising:

• a top circuit layer having a first electrical contact;
• a bottom circuit layer having a second electrical contact;
• a spacer layer interposed between the top circuit layer and the bottom circuit layer for selectively completing an electrical circuit by the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact;
• a flex cable extending from the top circuit layer;
• a graphics layer;
• and
• a logic circuit incorporated within the top circuit layer and in communication with the flex cable, the graphics layer overlying the logic circuit, the logic circuit at least indirectly linked to the first electrical contact such that when the electrical circuit is completed, the logic circuit is activated and configured to receive digital information from an input and an output port of the flex cable and the logic circuit being programmed to locally perform at least one operation configured to output digital information to the graphics layer.