Side viewable lighted bezel for a display device

Abstract

A monitor display unit mounted on a surface and in electronic communication with a system or device to be monitored, comprising a face plate, a back plate having at least a portion of a side edge being translucent or transparent, a logic controller, and at least one light-emitting device in electronic communication with the controller. Actuation of the light-emitting device causes light to pass through the side edge of the back plate, thereby being visible to a viewer at an angle that can be generally parallel to the surface on which the display unit is mounted.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for providing side-viewable illumination of a wall-mounted plate to allow a wider off-axis viewing angle for alerts to changes in a condition being monitored by a sensor, wherein the condition is a pressure in a room associated with the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a face plate having a face, sides and an opening; 
 b) a back plate having a front face, rear face and sides, the sides having at least a portion thereof being transparent or translucent; 
 c) a controller; 
 d) at least one light-emitting device associated with the rear face of the back plate rear face and positioned such that light emitted by the light-emitting device at least partially passes through the sides of the back platesides; 
 e) at least one pressure sensor in communication with the controller such that the controller can actuate or change a condition of at least one light-emitting device in response to the pressure sensor information received by the controller; and
 wherein the sides allow a wider off-axis viewing angle to see a change in the at least one light-emitting device in response to the pressure sensor information, wherein the light is provided along a left and a right of the apparatus to provide the wider off-axis viewing angle. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical screen in electrical communication with the controller and adapted to at least be partially received within the opening of the face plate opening. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising means associated with the controller for providing wireless communication. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the rear face of the back plate rear face has a reflective material associated therewith. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners, each fastener adapted to join the face plate to the back plate. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface associated with the controller. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to actuate the at least one light-emitting device. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to control at least one of the an actuation, brightness, color, sequence or pattern of the light emitted from each of the at least one light-emitting device. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further includes timer circuitry so as to dim, brighten or turn on or off the at least one light-emitting device according to at least one preset time interval. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising means associated with the controller for providing wireless communication. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a visual signal projection device that is adapted to be in wireless electronic communication with the controller. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus for providing side-viewable illumination of a wall-mounted plate to allow a wider off-axis viewing angle for alerts to changes in a condition being monitored by a sensor, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a face plate having a front face, a rear face, sides, and a display opening; 
 b) a rear plate adapted to mount either to or within a wall or other structure; 
 c) a bezel having
 i) a front surface, 
 ii) a rear surface, 
 iii) exterior side edges, 
 iv) interior side edges, 
 v) a rim extending at least partially around the exterior side edges of the bezel exterior side edges and defining a recessed area, and 
 vi) at least one opening extending at least partially through the bezel; 
 
 d) at least one light-emitting device adapted to be received within the bezel at least one opening of the bezel whereby light emanating from the at least one light-emitting device is at least partially directed toward the a bezel side edge such that the light is visible when viewed at an angle generally parallel to or at an acute angle with respect to the a plane of a front surface of the faceplate face plate; 
 e) a controller in electrical communication with the at least one light-emitting device for controlling the at least one light-emitting device; 
 f) at least one sensor in communication with the controller such that the controller can actuate or change a condition of at least one light-emitting device in response to the sensor information received by the controller; and
 wherein the bezel allows a wider off-axis viewing angle to see a change in the at least one light-emitting device in response to the sensor information. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the face plate further comprises an electrical screen in electrical communication with the controller. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the bezel side edge has a surface that can transmit the light in a diffused manner. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the bezel side edge has a surface that is frosted. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the bezel is generally rectangular or square and has four corners, wherein a light-emitting device is disposed proximate to each corner. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one light-emitting device is at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”). 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the LED is an RGB LED. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the bezel further includes a display device and a display device opening adapted to receive a portion of the display device, the display device opening having an edge that is at least partially coated with a reflective coating such that at least a portion of light from the at least one light-emitting device directed toward the edge of the display device opening edge is reflected away from the edge of the display device opening edge and back toward the bezel edge. 
     
     
       20. A method of visual alert in response to an environmental condition or change in condition to allow a wider off-axis viewing angle to changes in a condition being monitored, the method comprising:
 a) providing an apparatus according to  claim 1 ; 
 b) positioning the at least one sensor in an environmental location to be monitored; 
 c) instructing a the controller to determine the an initial condition of the sensor and to receive periodic sensor data; 
 d) comparing the periodic sensor data with prior sensor data to determine whether the difference in measurements is greater than a predetermined amount; 
 e) when the predetermined amount is exceeded, actuating a light emitting device the light-emitting device to light in either a predetermined pattern, color, or other state so as to provide a visual alert; and
 wherein the apparatus allows a the wider off-axis viewing angle to see a change in the at least one light-emitting device in response to the predetermined amount being exceeded. 
 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , further comprising resetting the controller using the a display device interface, once at least one subsequent measurement after step e) is less than the predetermined amount. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising a visual signal projection device that is adapted to be in wireless electronic communication with the controller. 
     
     
       23. An apparatus for providing side-viewable illumination to allow a wider off-axis viewing angle for alerts to changes in a condition being monitored by a sensor, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a face plate;   b) a back plate;   c) sides between the face plate and the back plate configured to allow light to pass through;   d) a controller;   e) at least one light-emitting device positioned such that light emitted by the at least one light-emitting device can be viewed through at least the sides;   wherein the controller is in communication with at least one pressure sensor such that the controller can actuate or change a condition of the at least one light-emitting device in response to pressure sensor information received by the controller; and   wherein the sides allow a wider off-axis viewing angle to see a change in the at least one light-emitting device, the change in the at least one light-emitting device indicating a change in the pressure sensor information, wherein the condition is a pressure in a room associated with the apparatus.    
     
     
       24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an electrical screen in electrical communication with the controller and adapted to at least be partially received within an opening of the face plate.  
     
     
       25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the controller further comprises a wireless radio and is configured to wirelessly communicate status information.  
     
     
       26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a rear face of the back plate has a reflective material associated therewith.  
     
     
       27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the controller further comprises a wireless radio and is configured to wirelessly communicate status information.  
     
     
       28. An apparatus for providing side-viewable illumination to allow a wider off-axis viewing angle for alerts to changes in a condition being monitored by a sensor, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a face plate;   b) a rear plate;   c) sides configured to allow light to pass through;   d) a bezel having
 i) a front surface, 
 ii) a rear surface, 
 iii) exterior side edges, 
 iv) interior side edges, 
 v) a rim extending at least partially around the exterior side edges of the bezel and defining a recessed area, and 
 vi) at least one opening extending at least partially through the bezel; 
   e) at least one light-emitting device adapted to be received within the at least one opening of the bezel whereby light emanating from the at least one light-emitting device is at least partially directed toward the exterior side edges such that the light is visible when viewed at an angle generally parallel to or at an acute angle with respect to a plane of the front surface of the face plate;   f) a controller in electrical communication with the at least one light-emitting device for controlling the at least one light-emitting device and the controller being in communication with at least one sensor such that the controller can actuate or change a condition of the at least one light-emitting device in response to sensor information received by the controller; and   wherein the bezel allows a wider off-axis viewing angle to see a change in the at least one light-emitting device in response to the sensor information.    
     
     
       29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is configured for mounting on a surface, wherein the surface is a wall associated with the room.  
     
     
       30. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a display screen, and wherein the sides comprise a left side and a right side and the light is provided along and from the left side and the right side to provide the wider off-axis viewing angle.  
     
     
       31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the display screen comprises a touch screen.  
     
     
       32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the display screen is viewable through an opening in the face plate.  
     
     
       33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a color of light emitted by the at least one light-emitting device indicates an alarm status.  
     
     
       34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the color comprises one of a green color, a yellow color, or a red color to indicate the alarm status.  
     
     
       35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the color is transitionable between the green color, the yellow color, and the red color to indicate changes of the alarm status.  
     
     
       36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the display screen is configured to display a pressure condition.  
     
     
       37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the display screen provides textual information indicative of the pressure sensor information.  
     
     
       38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the pressure sensor information comprises a differential pressure and the apparatus further comprises a user interface configured to program the apparatus.  
     
     
       39. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a circuit board having a notch.  
     
     
       40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices, wherein the controller is positioned beneath the notch and between the first array of the first light-emitting devices and the second array of the second light-emitting devices.  
     
     
       41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the back plate comprises a slot located near the notch.  
     
     
       42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the circuit board comprises a plurality of screw holes each positioned at corners of the circuit board and the face plate comprises a plurality of receptacles corresponding to the plurality of screw holes.  
     
     
       43. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the back plate comprises a rim.  
     
     
       44. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the back plate comprises a hole for receiving a fastener.  
     
     
       45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the back plate comprises a notch opposite the hole.  
     
     
       46. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the back plate comprises a plurality of openings.  
     
     
       47. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the back plate is configured to snap fit or friction fit with the sides.  
     
     
       48. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the face plate and the sides are integrally formed.  
     
     
       49. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the face plate is plastic.  
     
     
       50. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices, the plurality of light-emitting devices positioned in an array.  
     
     
       51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the array extends in a direction parallel with the sides.  
     
     
       52. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the plurality of light-emitting devices comprises at least four light-emitting devices.  
     
     
       53. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices, wherein the first array of first light-emitting devices is linearly positioned on a circuit board along a first side of the sides and the second array of second light-emitting devices is linearly positioned on the circuit board along a second side of the sides, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.  
     
     
       54. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is configured to emit light viewable through at least the sides through a strip of diffusing material disposed near the at least one light-emitting device.  
     
     
       55. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the face plate comprises a rectangular opening for receiving a display.  
     
     
       56. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is provided on a circuit board, wherein the circuit board comprises a light reflective material provided on a surface of the circuit board near the at least one light-emitting device.  
     
     
       57. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is provided on a first circuit board, and the controller is provided closer to the face plate than the first circuit board.  
     
     
       58. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide an alert in response to a change in a condition of an isolation room.  
     
     
       59. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the controller is provided on a first circuit board, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned within the face plate, the sides, and the back plate.  
     
     
       60. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of fasteners, each fastener adapted to join the face plate to the back plate.  
     
     
       61. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the controller is adapted to control color of the light emitted from each of the at least one light-emitting device.  
     
     
       62. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the controller further includes timer circuitry so as to dim, brighten or turn on or off the at least one light-emitting device according to at least one preset time interval.  
     
     
       63. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”).  
     
     
       64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the LED is an RGB LED.  
     
     
       65. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices and further comprising a diffuser positioned between at least one of the light-emitting devices and the sides and configured to increase a diffusion light emitted by at least one of the light-emitting devices.  
     
     
       66. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sides are a left side and a right side wherein the apparatus has a rectangular shape and has a height greater than a width between the left side and the right side, the height being in a vertical direction.  
     
     
       67. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a color of light emitted by the at least one light-emitting device comprises a green color to indicate a first condition, a yellow color to indicate a second condition, or a red color to indicate a third condition.  
     
     
       68. The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising an electrical screen in electrical communication with the controller and adapted to at least be partially received within an opening of the face plate, wherein the electrical screen is a digital display and pressure information is displayed on the display, and wherein the electrical screen can be used to program the color.  
     
     
       69. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a circuit board having a first cut away portion and a second cut away portion, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices, wherein the controller is positioned beneath the first cut away portion and the second cut away portion and between the first array of the first light-emitting devices and the second array of the second light-emitting devices, wherein the circuit board is configured to have a first leg and a second leg, the first cut away portion being disposed between the first leg and the second leg.  
     
     
       70. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a circuit board, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices are disposed on the circuit board and a strip of material is disposed between the side and at least one of the first array and the second array.  
     
     
       71. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a circuit board, a first strip of non-opaque material, and a second strip of non-opaque material, and wherein the sides comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices are disposed on the circuit board, and wherein the first strip of non-opaque material is disposed between the first side and the first array and the second strip of non-opaque material is disposed between the second side and the second array.  
     
     
       72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the first strip of non-opaque material and the second strip of non-opaque material are diffusers.  
     
     
       73. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the back plate comprises a rim extending around an edge of a surface, the rim defining a recess configured for reception of a circuit board.  
     
     
       74. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a circuit board having a first cut away portion and a second cut away portion, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices in a first array of first light-emitting devices and a second array of second light-emitting devices, wherein the controller is positioned beneath the first cut away portion and second cut away portion and between the first array of the first light-emitting devices and the second array of the second light-emitting devices, wherein the back plate has a first slot above the first cut away portion and a second slot above the second cut away portion.  
     
     
       75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the first slot is horizontal and the second slot is vertical.  
     
     
       76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the back plate has an aperture between the first slot and the second slot.  
     
     
       77. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a speaker for providing an audio alert in response to the sensor information.  
     
     
       78. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one light-emitting device comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices, wherein the plurality of light-emitting devices comprises at least four light-emitting devices.  
     
     
       79. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide an alert to a change in a condition of an isolation room.  
     
     
       80. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the electrical screen is a digital display and pressure information is displayed on the display, and wherein the electrical screen can be used to select a color.  
     
     
       81. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide the light so that the light can be viewed across viewing angles of 180 degrees.  
     
     
       82. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a touch screen and display and adapted to at least be partially received within an opening of the face plate, wherein the face plate and the opening of the face plate are rectangular and a top surface face plate defines a border around the opening.  
     
     
       83. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sides are integral with the face plate.  
     
     
       84. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the pressure sensor is a differential pressure remote from the controller.