Systems and related methods for visual indication of an occurrence of an event

Systems and methods are disclosed for visually indicating an occurrence of an event. A spatial visual indicator system comprises a spatial visual indicator including a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. The spatial visual indicator displays a visual indicator pattern corresponding to a detected event. A control circuit is configured to detect an event, and cause a transceiver to send a communication indicating a visual indicator pattern corresponding to the event to the spatial visual indicator. The spatial visual indicator is configured to display the visual indicator pattern. The spatial visual indicator is located remote to the transceiver. A method of indicating an occurrence of an event comprises receiving a communication indicating one of a plurality of visual indicator patterns that is associated with a detected event. The method also includes displaying the one of the plurality of visual indicator patterns.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to visual indication of an occurrence of an event and, more particularly, to visual indication of an occurrence to a hearing-impaired person.

BACKGROUND

The use of indicators for identifying the activation of a device is commonplace. One predominant form of indicators utilizes an audible or sound-based mechanism for providing notification to a user. However, some persons may have impaired hearing capabilities and may even be completely deaf to audible indicators. Accordingly, such individuals are at a distinct disadvantage to detect and respond to such audible indicating devices.

One such device that has traditionally relied upon an audible indicator is a telephone or similar telecommunications device. Such devices have conventionally utilized a bell, a speaker, or other audible device for notification to a user of an incoming call. For hearing-impaired users, or in environments that are not conducive to audible indicator detection, visual indicators have been developed. One known visual indication approach utilized by hearing-impaired users for identifying an incoming telephone call is illustrated with reference to a conventional visual notification system100, as illustrated inFIG. 1. This prior approach connects a conventional telephone200through a coupling circuit102to a room lamp104or other light source. The coupling circuit102, upon detection of a telephone “ring” signal on a communication network106, causes, for example, a room light or lamp104to flash repeatedly when a ringing voltage or other signal designates an incoming call.

In such applications, and to the hearing-impaired community, telephone-coupling circuits and single light source visual indicator have often been referred as “flashers.” Flashers or visual indicators may be implemented as a single light source located on or near the telephone or may be coupled to a more generally present light source, such as a light bulb or lamp in a room inhabited by a hearing-impaired user. While such visual indicators provide notification to a user thereof, such visual indicators are “one dimensional” in information conveyed in that they provide only a notification of the occurrence of an event (e.g., the ringing of an incoming call).

While visual indicators exist that provide a visual indication of the existence of, for example, an incoming call, such visual notifications often do not adequately alert a user and may go unnoticed. For example,FIG. 2illustrates a conventional telephone200configured with a caller identification display208that provides a visual notification of an incoming call, and even provides information correlated to the calling party. While the caller identification display208is configured to provide correlated information of the calling party, the caller identification display208may not, however, adequately provide a visual alert to draw attention to the telephone200.

An example of a system that provides an improved visual indication of the origin of incoming calls is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,769,141 to Cupal et al., issued Aug. 3, 2010 (hereinafter “Cupal”), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference.FIG. 3illustrates a simplified diagram of a spatial visual indicator system300according to the disclosure of Cupal. Cupal describes a visual indicator system300including a telephone200and a spatial visual indicator device310configured to capture caller identification information from an incoming call on a communication network306, and compare the caller identification information to a list of stored entries of reference caller identification information. The spatial visual indicator device310activates a plurality of illuminatable elements304on a spatial visual indicator312according to a spatial visual indicator pattern corresponding to a stored entry of reference caller identification information that matches the captured caller identification information from the incoming call. Although the visual indicator system300described by Cupal improves visual indication of the origin of incoming calls, a user that is not within sight of the telephone200may not see the spatial visual indicator pattern displayed by the visual indicator device310.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present disclosure comprises a spatial visual indicator system. The spatial visual indicator system comprises a spatial visual indicator including a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. The spatial visual indicator is configured to communicate with a transceiver located remotely from the spatial visual indicator. The spatial visual indicator is also configured to display a first visual indicator pattern corresponding to a first event responsive to receiving a communication from the transceiver indicating the first visual indicator pattern.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure comprises a method of indicating an occurrence of an event. The method includes receiving, with a spatial visual indicator, a communication from a transceiver located remotely to the spatial visual indicator, the communication indicating a visual indicator pattern that is associated with a detected event. The method also includes displaying the visual indicator pattern with a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement on the spatial visual indicator.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure comprises a method of indicating an occurrence of an event. The method includes detecting an occurrence of an event with a control circuit. The method also includes causing a transceiver to send a communication to one or more spatial visual indicators located remotely to the transceiver. The communication indicates a visual indicator pattern that is associated with the detected event. The one or more spatial visual indicators each comprise a plurality of illuminatable elements. The illuminatable elements are configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement for displaying the visual indicator pattern.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure comprises a spatial visual indicator system. The spatial visual indicator system comprises a control circuit configured to detect an occurrence of an event corresponding to a visual indicator pattern to be displayed by a plurality of illuminatable elements arranged in at least a two-dimensional configuration. The spatial visual indicator system also comprises a transceiver operably coupled to the control circuit and configured to send a communication indicating the visual indicator pattern corresponding to the detected event to at least one spatial visual indicator that is located remotely to the transceiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. From this disclosure, various substitutions, modifications, additions rearrangements, or combinations thereof within the scope of the present disclosure may be made and will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. Some drawings may illustrate signals as a single signal for clarity of presentation and description. It should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal may represent a bus of signals, wherein the bus may have a variety of bit widths and the present disclosure may be implemented on any number of data signals including a single data signal.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm acts described in connection with embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and acts are described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure described herein.

Elements described herein may include multiple instances of the same element. These elements may be generically indicated by a numerical designator (e.g., 110) and specifically indicated by the numerical indicator followed by an alphabetic designator (e.g., 110A) or a numeric indicator preceded by a “dash” (e.g., 110-1). For ease of following the description, for the most part, element number indicators begin with the number of the drawing on which the elements are introduced or most fully discussed. Thus, for example, element identifiers on aFIG. 1will be mostly in the numerical format 1xx and elements on aFIG. 4will be mostly in the numerical format 4xx.

The term “incoming call” refers to an incoming communication to a communication device such as a portable communication device as well as less portable audio and video communication devices. This incoming communication should be considered to include communications such as, for example, E-mail, text messages, instant messages, voice communications, and video communications.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and related methods for visually indicating an occurrence of an event. It should be noted that while the utility and application of the various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to a hearing-impaired environment, the present disclosure also finds application to any environment where visually indicating an occurrence of an event may be helpful or desirable.

FIG. 4is a simplified block diagram of a spatial visual indicator system400with an improved user interface. As previously stated, visual indicators for conventionally audible indicating devices provide utility to hearing-impaired individuals who are physically incapable of detecting audible sounds or in situations where an audible indicator may be difficult to detect, such as in a noisy work environment. The spatial visual indicator system400may include a communication network406, a communication device414, a user interface428, a control circuit424, a storage device426, and a spatial visual indicator412. Each of the communication network406, the communication device414, the user interface428, the storage device426, and the spatial visual indicator412may be coupled to, and configured to communicate with, the control circuit424.

The storage device426may include any one or combination of a random access memory, a computer readable media, a flash memory, and an erasable programmable read only memory, etc. The storage device426may be configured to store a plurality of visual indicator patterns and a plurality of possible events that correspond to the plurality of visual indicator patterns. The plurality of visual indicator patterns may be configured for displaying on the spatial visual indicator412.

As non-limiting examples, the plurality of possible events may include a plurality of possible conditions of an incoming communication, such as information that identifies the source of the incoming communication. Examples of information that may be used to identify the source of the informing communication may include a telephone number, an IP address, a media access control (MAC) address, or other similar information. Each event of the plurality of possible events may be assigned a corresponding visual indicator pattern of the plurality of visual indicator patterns.

The spatial visual indicator412may include a plurality of illuminatable elements, which may be arranged in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. The plurality of illuminatable elements may be configured to be varied according to at least one characteristic (e.g., color, brightness, position, etc.) in order to display each of the plurality of visual indicator patterns. By way of example, and not of limitation, the plurality of illuminatable elements may include a plurality of red green blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in at least a two-dimensional arrangement (e.g., a circular ring). Also by way of example, and not of limitation, the plurality of illuminatable elements may include a screen display configured to display a plurality of shapes arranged in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. As non-limiting examples, the screen display may include any of an LED array, a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display, and a plasma display.

The spatial visual indicator412may be configured to include one or more devices configured to alter a user's perception of a displayed visual indicator pattern. By way of non-limiting example, the spatial visual indicator412may include optical elements such as a lens, a diffuser, and an infinity mirror. More detail with respect to the lens will be discussed below with respect toFIGS. 7A through 7E.

The spatial visual indicator412may be configured to display each of the plurality of visual indicator patterns. The plurality of visual indicator patterns may each include one or more sequential frames. The one or more sequential frames may each include a presentation of each of the plurality of illuminatable elements, including variations of color, brightness, position, or combinations thereof. TABLE 1 describes a few non-limiting examples of contemplated visual indicator patterns.

TABLE 1Name of PatternDescriptionAltering Colors andIlluminatable elements fading from dim to bright in one color then dim backBrightness Patternto off, repeated with a plurality of colors.Dimming TailA first illuminatable element is lit at full brightness. The rest of thePatternilluminatable elements are then lit one at a time, and with each new lighting,each previously lit illuminatable element is dimmed, causing an effect of atrail of diminishing brightness behind a leading illuminatable element.Rainbow PatternIlluminatable elements fade from a first color to a second color, repeatedthrough a plurality of colors, with as many shades in between as desired.Sparkling PatternIlluminatable elements are lit at random with random brightness levelscreating an effect of a sparkling constellation of colors.Police PatternThe illuminatable elements all alternate from red to blue at full brightness tomimic the lights on top of a police car.Fire PatternThe illuminatable elements are all lit solid red and their brightness levels areall repeatedly cycled from bright to dim to bright again.Caution PatternThe illuminatable elements are all repeatedly flashed orange for a briefmoment, each flash separated by a pause that lasts twice as long as each flash,mimicking caution lights of traffic barricades.

The communication network406may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an internet protocol (IP) network, a mobile network, other suitable network, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the communication network406may comprise any one or combination of a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or other suitable network. Furthermore, the communication network406may be configured either as a wireless network, such as “wifi,” and cellular networks or a wired network.

The user interface428may include an input device432and an output device430. The input device432and the output device430may optionally be implemented together as a single device, as shown with the dotted line ofFIG. 4. An example of such a single device may include a touch-screen display. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the input device432and the output device430may be implemented as separate devices. By way of example, and not of limitation, the input device432may include any one or combination of a mouse, a keyboard, a track pad, a button array, a camera, a microphone, and a remote control. Also by way of example, and not of limitation, the output device430may include any one or combination of an LED array, a segmented display, a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display, and a plasma display.

The input device432may be configured to sense a command from a user. Also, the user interface428may be configured to cause a visual indicator pattern of the plurality of visual indicator patterns to be shared over the communication network406responsive to the command, as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIG. 6. The user interface428may further be configured to cause another visual indicator pattern to be received through the communication network406and stored on the storage device426, responsive to the command, as also discussed in more detail below with reference toFIG. 6. The user interface428may also be configured to enable the user to create and store at least one user-programmed visual indicator pattern to the storage device426, responsive to the command, as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

The user interface428may be implemented, in part, with a software program. Some or all of the software program may be stored and executed remotely and accessed as a web interface. Also, some or all of the software program may be stored and executed as a stand-alone application on a computer, or a personal communication device such as a tablet computer or a cellular telephone. In addition, some or all of the software program may be implemented as a built-in application on the communication device414.

The communication device414may include a conventional telephone200(FIGS. 1 through 3), a cellular telephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communication device for the hearing impaired such as a video telephone device, a text captioned device, any other device configured to send and receive communications, and combinations thereof.

The control circuit424may be configured to control the spatial visual indicator system400. The control circuit424may be operably coupled to the communication network406, the communication device414, the user interface428, the storage device426, and the spatial visual indicator412. The control circuit424may be configured to monitor the communication network406and detect an event (a current condition of an incoming communication). By way of non-limiting example, the current condition may comprise information indicating a source of the incoming communication. An example of such an indication of the incoming communication may include an internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, a source telephone number, or other similar information.

The control circuit424may also be configured to compare the detected event to the plurality of possible events stored on the storage device426, and direct the spatial visual indicator412to display a visual indicator pattern assigned to an event of the plurality of possible events that matches the detected event. The plurality of possible events may be incoming communications from communication devices associated with entries from a contact list, or list of persons the user is acquainted with.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, more than one element of the spatial visual indicator system400may be integrated into a single device. By way of non-limiting example, the user interface428may be integrated within the communication device414. Also by way of non-limiting example, the spatial visual indicator412may be integrated into the same device as the user interface428, permitting the plurality of illuminatable elements to be displayed on the output device430of the user interface428. A further non-limiting example may include combining the user interface428, the communication device414, the spatial visual indicator412, the storage device426, and the control circuit424into a single spatial visual indicator device.

Other combinations or separations of the elements of the spatial visual indicator system400are possible, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that signals may be communicated between the various elements of the spatial visual indicator system400in various ways. By way of non-limiting example, the user interface428may be implemented remote from the communication device414as a portable communication device, such as a tablet computer, a cellular telephone, or a remote control. The user interface428may be configured to send and receive signals to the control circuit424through any of the communication network406, a mobile data network, infrared, bluetooth, a wireless network, a cable, and combinations thereof. Also by way of non-limiting example, the input device432of the user interface428may be implemented as a remote control comprising an infrared transmitter, and the communication device414may be implemented as a video telephone together with the output device430of the user interface428and an infrared receiver.

FIG. 5Ais a simplified schematic illustration of a non-limiting example for the user interface428(FIG. 4) of the spatial visual indicator system400in a pattern-editing mode. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5Atogether, the user interface428may include a screen display500configured to display a plurality of illuminatable element indicators534, a plurality of illuminatable element selection options536, a color selection field538, a new pattern option542, a reset option544, an enter pattern name field546, a save pattern option548, a frame options field550, and a share patterns option516.

The plurality of illuminatable element indicators534may be configured in an arrangement similar to the plurality of illuminatable elements of the spatial visual indicator412(FIG. 4). In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the user interface428includes eight illuminatable element indicators534corresponding to eight illuminatable elements of the spatial visual indicator412, arranged in a circular ring. Other arrangements of illuminatable elements may be utilized, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, the illuminatable elements may be arranged in a ring, a uniform spacing, or irregular spacing in any of a limitless possibility of shapes, including a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, and an oval, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of illuminatable elements may be arranged in a three-dimensional manner. Regardless of the manner the plurality of illuminatable elements is arranged in, the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534may be configured similarly to the plurality of illuminatable elements.

The plurality of illuminatable element selection options536may be configured to enable a user to select one or more of the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534for editing. Some of the plurality of illuminatable element selection options536may correspond to one of the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534. Others of the plurality of illuminatable element selection options536may include selection options for simultaneously selecting two or more of the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534, such as a non-limiting example of a “check all” option558. Although not illustrated inFIG. 5A, the present disclosure contemplates other selection options, including an even illuminatable element selection option, an odd illuminatable element selection option, other suitable selection options, and combinations thereof.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the plurality of illuminatable element selection options536do not include the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, however, the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534may themselves be illuminatable element selection options536.

Still referring toFIGS. 4 and 5A, the color selection field538comprises a plurality of color selection options540that the user may apply to one or more illuminatable element indicators534that have been selected with one or more of the plurality of illuminatable element selection options536. The embodiment ofFIG. 5Aillustrates “red,” “yellow,” “green,” “cyan,” “blue,” “magenta,” “white,” and “off” color selection options540. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited. By way of non-limiting example, the color selection field538may alternatively include a color pallet, a color wheel, or a color slider. Also by way of non-limiting example, the color selection field538may be configured to provide tens, hundreds, thousands, or even more color selection options540, limited only by the spatial visual indicator's412ability to generate a corresponding color at the plurality of illuminatable elements.

Although not pictured inFIG. 5A, the user interface428may include a brightness selection field or a position selection field, configured with options to enable the user to vary the brightness or position, respectively, of the illuminatable elements in a user-created visual indicator pattern.

The user interface428may cause a new user-created visual indicator pattern to be created responsive to the user selecting the new pattern option. The user interface428may also cause a current frame of the user-created visual indicator pattern to be cleared responsive to the user selecting the reset option544. The user interface428may further cause the user-created visual indicator pattern to be saved to the storage device426responsive to the user selecting the save pattern option548. The enter pattern name field546may be configured to receive a name for the user-created visual indicator pattern.

The frame options field550may include a save frame option552, a previous frame option554, and a next frame option556. The user-created visual indicator pattern may include one or more sequential frames. The plurality of illuminatable element indicators534, therefore, are configured to display a current frame of the one or more sequential frames. The frame options field550may be configured to enable the user to manage the one or more sequential frames.

Responsive to the user selecting the save frame option552, the user interface428may cause the current frame of the user-created visual indicator pattern to be saved to the storage device426. Also, responsive to the user selecting the previous frame option554, the user interface428may cause a previous frame, if any, of the one or more sequential frames, to be displayed on the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534. Further, responsive to the user selecting the next frame option556, the user interface428may cause a next frame, if any, to be displayed on the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534. If there is either no previous frame or no next frame, the user interface428may be configured to generate a blank previous or next frame, responsive to selecting the previous frame option554or the next frame option556, respectively.

The share patterns option516may be selected to cause the user interface428to transition into a pattern-sharing mode (see below with respect toFIG. 6), which may be configured to enable the user to share one or more visual indicator patterns.

FIG. 5Billustrates the user interface428ofFIG. 5Aafter receiving a plurality of commands from a user. Referring toFIGS. 4,5A, and5B, the illuminatable elements may be RGB LEDs. As previously discussed, however, the present disclosure is not so limited. InFIG. 5B, the plurality of illuminatable element selection options536include “LED 1” through “LED 8” selection options. The LED 1 through LED 8 selection options correspond to illuminatable element indicators534-1through534-8, respectively.

FIG. 5Bshows a plurality of illuminatable element selection options536. Specifically, LED 2, LED 4, LED 6, and LED 8 selection options536are marked as selected inFIG. 5B. Following the selection of LED 2, LED 4, LED 6, and LED 8 selection options536, the yellow color selection option540from the color selection field538was selected. As a result, illuminatable element indicators534-2,534-4,534-6, and534-8are shown shaded yellow inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 6is a simplified schematic illustration of the user interface428(FIG. 4) of the spatial visual indicator system400in a pattern-sharing mode. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the user interface428may include a screen display600configured to display a plurality of illuminatable element indicators634, a my patterns option660, a pattern name field664, a play pattern option668, a received patterns option670, a download pattern option672, a send to contact option674, an upload pattern option676, a save pattern option678, a delete pattern option680, and an edit pattern option682.

The plurality of illuminatable element indicators634may be configured as the plurality of illuminatable element indicators534described above with respect toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

The my patterns option660may be configured as a drop-down menu that displays a list of names that correspond to the plurality of visual indicator patterns stored in the storage device426responsive to the user selecting the my patterns option660. A name of a visual indicator pattern may then be selected.

The received patterns option670may be configured as a drop-down menu that displays a list of names that correspond to one or more received visual indicator patterns, responsive to the user selecting the received patterns option670. The one or more received visual indicator patterns may be visual indicator patterns that other users of similar spatial visual indicator systems400sent to the user. A name from the list of names that correspond to the one or more received visual indicator patterns may be selected.

The download pattern option672may be selected to cause the user interface428to establish communication with a website or a database through the communication network406, and enable the user to select and download one or more of a plurality of downloadable visual indicator patterns.

The pattern name field664may be configured to display a name of a visual indicator pattern that has been selected using one of the my patterns option660, the received patterns option670, or the download pattern option672.

The play pattern option668may be selected to cause the plurality of illuminatable element indicators634to sequentially display each frame of one or more frames that make up the visual indicator pattern that corresponds to the name that is displayed in the pattern name field664(hereinafter “the selected visual indicator pattern”). The play pattern option668, therefore, may enable the user to observe the selected visual indicator pattern.

The send to contact option674may be selected to cause the user interface428to display a list of contacts. Responsive to the user selecting from the list of contacts, the user interface428may be sent to a similar spatial visual indicator system400that belongs to the selected contact through the communication network406.

The upload pattern option676may be selected to cause the selected visual indicator pattern to be uploaded to a website or a database. Uploading the selected visual indicator pattern may allow other users to download the selected visual indicator pattern.

The save pattern option678may be selected to cause the selected visual indicator pattern to be saved to the storage device426.

The delete pattern option680may be selected to cause the selected visual indicator pattern to be removed from the storage device426.

The edit pattern option682may be selected to cause the user interface428to transition into the pattern-editing mode (see above with respect toFIGS. 5A and 5B), which may be configured to enable the user to create one or more visual indicator patterns.

FIGS. 7A through 7Dillustrate a lens718configured for mounting in front of the illuminatable elements of the spatial visual indicator412(FIG. 4).FIG. 7Ais a simplified perspective view of the lens718,FIG. 7Bis a plan view of a front side720of the lens718,FIG. 7Cis a side view of the lens718, andFIG. 7Dis a plan view of a back side722of the lens718. Referring toFIGS. 7A through 7Dtogether, the lens718may include an outer surface723and an inner surface721. The lens718may include one or more connecting members762extending from the back side720near the inner surface721of the lens718.

By way of non-limiting example, the lens718may include a transparent plastic, a translucent plastic, a glass, a clear acrylic, a trivex, a polycarbonate, and combinations thereof. Also by way of non-limiting example, the lens718may comprise a material with a refractive index of approximately 1.49. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many different materials include optical properties and a wide range of refractive indices, and the lens718may include any of a variety of materials with optical properties suitable for the embodiments discussed herein.

The back side720of the lens718may include a plurality of valleys784(solid lines onFIG. 7D) and a plurality of peaks (dashed lines onFIG. 7D)786defined by a plurality of facets788.FIG. 7Eis a cross-sectional view of a portion of the back side722of the lens718, the cross-section taken along line7E ofFIG. 7D. Although the line7E ofFIG. 7Dis curved, the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7Eis depicted as a flat cross section, for convenience. Referring toFIGS. 7D and 7Etogether, each of the plurality of valleys784may be located at the bottom of two facets788forming an angle θ with respect to each other. Likewise, each of the plurality of peaks may be located at the top of two facets788forming an angle φ with respect to each other. In some embodiments, all the angles θ and φ may be equal to ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the angles θ and φ at different valleys784and peaks786may vary.

The valleys784and peaks786may be formed by placing heated lens material into a mold configured with valleys784and peaks786, and allowing the heated lens material to cool. The valleys784and peaks786may also be formed by grinding and/or cutting a cool mass of the lens material into the valleys784and peaks786. By way of non-limiting example, the valleys784and peaks786may be formed by hand grinding and/or cutting facets788into the lens material. Also by way of non-limiting example, a laser may be used to cut the facets788into the lens material.

Referring again toFIGS. 7A through 7D, in some embodiments, the front side720, the outer surface723, and the inner surface721of the lens718may be substantially smooth. In other embodiments, one or more facets788may be formed into the front side720, the outer surface723, and/or the inner surface721of the lens718. In still other embodiments, the outer surface723of the lens may be coated in a layer of material configured to scatter light.

FIG. 8Ais a front view of a spatial visual indicator801. By way of non-limiting example, the spatial visual indicator801may include a plate-like member803, a plurality of illuminatable elements804, an aperture805in the plate-like member803, a camera lens assembly809exposed by the aperture805, and one or more connecting receptacles807around the outside edge of the aperture805.

Also by way of non-limiting example, the plurality of illuminatable elements804may be arranged in a ring pattern around the aperture805. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of illuminatable elements804may be mounted in front of the plate-like member803. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of illuminatable elements804may be located underneath the plate-like member803, and the plate-like member803may be configured with a hole in front of each of the plurality of illuminatable elements804. In still other embodiments, each of the plurality of illuminatable elements804may be located underneath the plate-like member803, and the plate-like member803may comprise a material that permits light from the illuminatable elements804to travel through the plate-like member803, such as, for example, a clear plastic or a glass.

The camera lens assembly809may be part of a camera (not shown) located behind the plate-like member803. The camera lens assembly may include a camera lens811. The camera may include devices capable of capturing and converting visual images to data, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the camera may include a webcam, a camcorder device, and other suitable devices. For applications of the present disclosure related to use by the hearing-impaired, the camera may facilitate communication by recording video images of a user communicating in sign language. In some embodiments, a camera may not be integrated with the spatial visual indicator801.

The one or more connecting receptacles807may be configured to physically couple to the one or more connecting members762of the lens718(FIGS. 7A through 7D), such that the back side722of the lens718faces the plurality of illuminatable elements804.FIG. 8Bis a front view of the spatial visual indicator801ofFIG. 8Awith the lens718mounted thereto. The plurality of illuminatable elements804are shown with dotted lines to indicate their presence behind the lens718.

Each of the plurality of illuminatable elements804may emit light towards the back side722of the lens718. As the light strikes the back side722of the lens718, the facets788may cause the light to reflect externally and internally to the lens718. The lens718may also cause the light to refract, magnify, concentrate, form beams, and combinations thereof. The lens718may cause the light to be spread out at multiple angles within a 180 degree spread. The overall effect may be a sparkling effect.

In some embodiments, instead of all of the plurality of illuminatable elements804being mounted to the plate-like member803, some or all of the plurality of illuminatable elements804may be mounted to any of the outer surface723, the inner surface721, the front side720, the back side722, inside of the lens718, and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 9A through 9Cillustrate another method of mounting a lens918to a spatial visual indicator901.FIG. 9Ais a perspective view of a sleeve assembly913that may be used to mount the lens918to the spatial visual indicator901. The sleeve assembly913may include a front portion925and a back portion919separated by a ridge929including one or more connecting receptacles907. The front portion925may include a flanged rim915with one or more rim gaps917. The front portion925may also include a terraced interior927.

FIG. 9Bis a perspective view illustrating the physical coupling of the lens918to the sleeve assembly913. An inside surface921of the lens918may slide over the flanged rim915of the sleeve assembly913until the flanged rim915reaches an interior lip931of the lens918. The rim gaps917may enable the flanged rim915to flex to fit into a back side922of the lens918. The flanged rim915may snap into place at the interior lip931of the lens918. Also, one or more connecting members962of the lens918may be secured into the one or more connecting receptacles907of the sleeve assembly913.

The lens918and the sleeve assembly913may be configured such that the inside surface921of the lens918does not physically couple to the sleeve assembly913. By way of non-limiting example, a diameter of the inner surface921of the lens918may be greater than a diameter of the front portion925of the sleeve assembly913. Reducing a surface area of the lens918that physically couples to the sleeve assembly913may reduce the amount of light absorbed by the sleeve assembly913, and may increase the amount of light observed by a user.

FIG. 9Cis a front view of a spatial visual indicator901with the lens918and the sleeve assembly913mounted thereto. The spatial visual indicator901ofFIG. 9Cmay be similar to the spatial visual indicator801ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, except that a plate-like member903may not include the connecting receptacles807in the plate-like member803ofFIG. 8A. The spatial visual indicator901ofFIG. 9Cmay otherwise be similar to that ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, including the plate-like member903, a plurality of illuminatable elements904, an aperture (not shown as it is behind the lens918and the sleeve assembly913), a camera lens assembly (also not shown) including a camera lens911. Also, the lens918ofFIGS. 9B and 9Cmay be similar to the lens718ofFIGS. 7A through 7EandFIG. 8B.

Referring toFIGS. 9A through 9Ctogether, the lens918and the sleeve assembly913may be physically coupled together as discussed above with respect toFIG. 9B. The back portion919of the sleeve assembly913may be configured to slide into the aperture and onto the camera lens assembly of the spatial visual indicator901. By way of non-limiting example, an inside of the back portion919of the sleeve assembly913may be hollow, and shaped to fit around and secure to the camera lens assembly. The terraced interior927of the front portion925of the sleeve assembly913may be configured to minimize shadowing of the camera lens911.

Similar to the lens718ofFIG. 8B, the lens918ofFIG. 9Cmay be positioned in front of the plurality of illuminatable elements904(shown with dotted lines to indicate presence behind the lens918).

FIG. 10is a simplified block diagram of a spatial visual indicator system1000according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spatial visual indicator system1000may include a communication network1006, a communication device1014, a control circuit1024, a storage device1026, a user interface1028, a transceiver1025, and one or more spatial visual indicators1012-1,1012-2, . . .1012-N (sometimes referred to herein generally together as “spatial visual indicators1012,” and individually as “spatial visual indicator1012”). Each of the communication network1006, the communication device1014, the storage device1026, the user interface1028, and the transceiver1025may be operably coupled to, and configured to communicate with, the control circuit1024. The control circuit1024, the communication network1006, the communication device1014, the storage device1026, and the user interface1028may be similar to the control circuit424, the communication network406, the communication device414, the storage device426, and the user interface428of the spatial visual indicator system400ofFIG. 4.

The spatial visual indicators1012may be operably coupled to, and configured to communicate with, the transceiver1025. Each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to receive a communication from the transceiver1025indicating a visual indicator pattern corresponding to a detected event. In some embodiments, the communication indicating a visual indicator pattern corresponding to a detected event may include an identifier indicating a visual indicator pattern stored by each spatial visual indicator1012. In other words, each spatial visual indicator1012may have one or more visual indicator patterns stored locally such that the communication indicates which of the locally-stored visual indicator patterns to be displayed. In some embodiments, the communication may include computer-readable instructions the spatial visual indicators1012may follow for displaying the visual indicator pattern.

Each of the spatial visual indicators1012may also be configured to display the visual indicator pattern indicated by the communication from the transceiver1025. In some embodiments, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured in a mesh network1027(e.g., in a wired, or wireless configuration), such that the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to communicate with each of the other spatial visual indicators1012. For example, the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to route communications from the transceiver1025to at least another of the spatial visual indicators1012. In addition, communications from the transceiver1025may be routed through a plurality of spatial visual indicators1012to another of the spatial visual indicators1012. In other words, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to communicate with the transceiver1025indirectly through any number of other spatial visual indicators1012. Thus, the lines ofFIG. 10indicating communication between the transceiver1025and the spatial visual indicators1012, and between the spatial visual indicators1012, are dashed to indicate that communications from the transceiver1025may follow any of a variety of different paths to each of the spatial visual indicators1012.

In operation, a communication may be sent from the transceiver1025to the spatial visual indicator1012-N directly. In some embodiments, a communication may be sent from the transceiver1025to the spatial visual indicator102-N through one of the spatial visual indicators (e.g., spatial visual indicator1012-1or spatial visual indicator1012-2). In some embodiments, a communication may be sent from the transceiver1025to the spatial visual indicator102-N through multiple spatial visual indicators (e.g., spatial visual indicators1012-1and spatial visual indicators1012-2). Thus, communications between the transceiver1025and a spatial visual indicator1012may occur with or without direct communication between the transceiver1025and the spatial visual indicator1012.

In some embodiments, the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the transceiver1025and the other spatial visual indicators1012. By way of non-limiting example, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to communicate using an Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV) protocol, such as with a ZigBee transceiver. Also by way of non-limiting example, other communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth and WiFi) may be used.

In some embodiments, the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to communicate with the transceiver1025and the other spatial visual indicators1012through electronic cables. By way of non-limiting example, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may include at least one connector configured to interface with an electronic cable, such as an Ethernet cable, a fiber optic cable, other suitable cable, and combinations thereof. Also by way of non-limiting example, communication between the spatial visual indicators1012and between the transceiver1025and the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured as data-over-power lines (e.g., power line communication (PLC), broadband over power lines (BPL), power-line networking, Ethernet over power lines, etc.). As a further non-limiting example, communication between the spatial visual indicators1012and between the transceiver1025and the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured with a combination of wireless and wired communication. Thus, the lines ofFIG. 10indicating communication between the transceiver1025and the spatial visual indicators1012, and between the spatial visual indicators1012, may indicate wireless communications, wired communications, or a combination thereof.

Similarly to the spatial visual indicator412ofFIG. 4, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may include a plurality of illuminatable elements, which may be arranged in at least a two-dimensional arrangement. Each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to display each of the plurality of visual indicator patterns, as discussed above with respect toFIG. 4. By way of non-limiting example, each of the spatial visual indicators1012may be configured to display the visual indicator patterns described above in Table 1, as well as other contemplated visual indicator patterns. In some embodiments, a lens718(FIGS. 7A through 7E) may be positioned in front of the illuminatable elements of some, or all, of the spatial visual indicators1012.

In some embodiments, the control circuit1024may include a processing circuit configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the storage device1026. The control circuit1024may be configured to detect an occurrence of each of a plurality of events corresponding to one of the plurality of visual indicator patterns. The control circuit1024may be configured to cause the transceiver1025to send a communication indicating a first visual indicator pattern to the spatial visual indicators1012responsive to the control circuit1024detecting an occurrence of a first event corresponding to the first visual indicator pattern.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of events may comprise receiving an incoming call with the communication device1014from a particular one of one or more other communication devices (not shown) through the communication network1006. In some embodiments, the spatial visual indicators1012may serve as visual caller identification devices configured to indicate the identity of a source of an incoming call. In addition, a hearing-impaired user may place the spatial visual indicators1012in a variety of locations remote from the communication device1014. As a result, the hearing-impaired user may be able to be aware of the source of the incoming call at a variety of locations remote from the communication device1014. For example, the communication device1014may be located in a first location (e.g., the kitchen) of the hearing-impaired user's home, and at least one spatial visual indicator1012may be located in another location (e.g., the living room, the bedroom, the bathroom, the utility room, etc.) of the hearing-impaired user's home. Of course, a hearing-impaired user may have more than one communication device1014and/or more than one spatial visual indicator1012at a variety of different locations.

FIG. 11is a flowchart1100illustrating a method of indicating an occurrence of an event associated with a communication device. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11together, at operation1110, the method comprises detecting an occurrence of one of a plurality of events with a control circuit1024. In some embodiments, detecting the occurrence of one of the plurality of events may comprise detecting an incoming call to the communication device1014from a particular other communication device (not shown). In some embodiments, detecting the occurrence of one of the plurality of events may comprise receipt of a message, such as a voicemail message, a text message, a video message, other message, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, detecting the occurrence of one of the plurality of events may comprise detecting availability of a software update. In some embodiments, detecting the occurrence of one of the plurality of events may comprise detecting a new spatial visual indicator1012that was not previously in communication with the transceiver1025. In some embodiments, detecting the occurrence of one of the plurality of events may comprise detecting a system error.

At operation1120, the method comprises the control circuit1024determining which visual indicator pattern may be associated with the detected event. By way of non-limiting example, the incoming call may be from the user's best friend, which may have an associated visual indicator pattern associated therewith (e.g., a sparkling pattern (Table 1)). Other detected events (e.g., a voicemail message, a text message, a video message, a missed call notification message, a software update message, etc.) may each have its own visual indicator pattern associated therewith, which may be determined by the control circuit1024responsive to the detecting the occurrence of the event.

At operation1130, the method comprises the control circuit1024causing the transceiver1025to send a communication to one or more spatial visual indicators1012located remotely from the transceiver1025. As previously discussed, the one or more spatial visual indicators1012may each include a plurality of illuminatable elements configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement for displaying each of a plurality of visual indicator patterns. The communication may indicate one of the plurality of visual indicator patterns that is associated with a detected event.

FIG. 12is another flowchart1200illustrating a method of indicating an occurrence of an event. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 12together, at operation1210the method includes the spatial visual indicators1012receiving a communication from the transceiver1025. The received communication may indicate one of a plurality of visual indicator patterns that is associated with the detected event. The spatial visual indicators1012are remote from the transceiver1025. The spatial visual indicators1012may receive the communication from the transceiver1025directly or indirectly. For example, the communication may be received by one or more spatial visual indicators1012by the transceiver directly. In some embodiments, the communication may be received by at least one of the spatial visual indicators1012, which then routes the communication to other spatial visual indicators1012in a mesh network of spatial visual indicators1012. Also, receiving the communication from the transceiver1025may comprise receiving the communication through one of a wireless communication and an electrical cable.

At operation1220, the method may comprise displaying the received visual indicator pattern on the spatial visual indicator1012. For example, the received visual indicator pattern may be displayed with a plurality of illuminatable elements that are configured in at least a two-dimensional arrangement on the spatial visual indicator1012. By way of non-limiting example, if the detected event is an incoming call from the user's best friend, and the visual indicator pattern associated with the incoming call from the user's best friend is the sparkling pattern (Table 1), then the spatial visual indicator1012may display the sparkling pattern.

FIG. 13is a simplified schematic illustration of a user interface1028of a spatial visual indicator system1000(FIG. 10). The user interface1028may be configured to enable a user of the user interface1028to designate which spatial visual indicators1012the transceiver1025should communicate with, and which spatial visual indicators1028are active. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 13together, the user interface1028may include a screen display1300including a list of unique identifiers1379, an add unique identifier option1377, a remove unique identifier option1375, an active option1373, and an inactive option1371.

The list of unique identifiers1379may list unique identifiers that each correspond to a spatial visual indicator1012that is in communication with the transceiver1025. If there are no spatial visual indicators1012in communication with the transceiver1025, the list of unique identifiers1379may be empty until communication is established between at least one spatial visual indicator1012and the transceiver1025(e.g., through a wireless pairing).

The unique identifiers in the list1379may be configured to enable a user to identify spatial visual indicators1012that are in communication with the transceiver1025. It, therefore, may be desirable to implement the unique identifiers in the list1379in a form that is descriptive of the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012. Of course, in the underlying visual indicator system1000, the transceiver1025may be configured to identify the spatial visual indicators1012by other identifiers, such as, for example, IP addresses, MAC addresses, other suitable identifiers, and combinations thereof, that are commonly used to identify devices in networks. Such identifiers, however, usually convey little meaning to most people. Thus, in order to provide a more user-friendly user interface1028, the unique identifiers in the list1379may be descriptive of the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012.

In some embodiments, the unique identifiers from the list of unique identifiers1379may be descriptive of a location of the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012. By way of non-limiting example, the unique identifiers in the list of unique identifiers1379illustrated inFIG. 13are descriptive of different locations around a user's home, including a “Living Room,” a “Bedroom,” a “Den,” and a “Backyard.” AlthoughFIG. 13illustrates unique identifiers that are descriptive with the use of text descriptions, the present disclosure is not so limited. The unique identifiers1379may include illustrations, photographs, icons, other descriptions, and combinations thereof in addition to, or instead of, text descriptions. In some embodiments, the unique identifiers1379may not be descriptive of the location of the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012.

Each unique identifier in the list of unique identifiers1379may be accompanied by a status identifier1369(also referred to herein in the plurality as “status identifiers1369”). The status identifiers1369may indicate whether the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012are active or inactive. The term “active,” as used herein with reference to a spatial visual indicator1012, indicates that the spatial visual indicator1012is in a state wherein the spatial visual indicator1012may receive communications indicating visual indicator patterns, and display the received visual indicator patterns. The term “inactive,” as used herein with reference to a spatial visual indicator1012, indicates that the spatial visual indicator1012is in a state wherein the spatial visual indicator1012may receive and relay communications to other spatial visual indicators1012, but may not display visual indicator patterns, even if the control circuit1024detects an event. For example, the control circuit1024may cause the transceiver1025to send a communication indicating a visual indicator pattern to the spatial visual indicators1012, but only the spatial visual indicators1012that correspond to unique identifiers accompanied by the “active” status identifier1369may display the indicated visual indicator pattern. Thus, an inactive spatial visual indicator1012may still serve to extend the mesh network1027(which may be wired or wireless).

Each unique identifier in the list of unique identifiers1379may be selectable by a user of the user interface1028. In addition, each of the add unique identifier option1377, the remove unique identifier option1375, the active option1373, and the inactive option1371may be selectable by the user.

A user may desire to activate a spatial visual indicator1012coupled with the control circuit1024through the transceiver1025. The user may select a unique identifier associated with the spatial visual indicator1012desired to be made active. Responsive to detecting a user selection of the active option1373, the control circuit1024may cause the status identifier1369corresponding to each selected unique identifier to change to “active.” In addition, the control circuit1024may cause the spatial visual indicator1012corresponding to each selected unique identifier to become active.

A user may desire to deactivate a spatial visual indicator1012coupled with the control circuit1024through the transceiver1025. The user may select a unique identifier associated with the spatial visual indicator1012desired to be made inactive. Responsive to detecting a user selection of the inactive option1371, the control circuit1024may cause the status identifier1369corresponding to each selected unique identifier to change to “inactive.” In addition, the control circuit1024may cause the spatial visual indicator1012corresponding to each selected unique identifier to become inactive.

Thus, the user is enabled to designate each of the unique identifiers from the list of unique identifiers as one of active and inactive. Also, the user is enabled to turn on and off certain spatial visual indicators1012. For example, before the user goes to sleep in the bedroom, the user may change the status identifier1369accompanying the unique identifier “bedroom” to “inactive” so that a visual indicator pattern displayed by the spatial visual indicator in the bedroom may not interrupt the user's sleep. After the user is finished sleeping, the user may change the status identifier1369accompanying the unique identifier “bedroom” to “active.”

Removing unique identifiers using the remove unique identifier option1375will be discussed with reference toFIGS. 14A,14B. Adding unique identifiers using the add unique identifier option1377will be discussed with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate an exemplary user interaction with the user interface1028ofFIG. 13to remove a unique identifier from the list of unique identifiers1379. For the most part, the elements ofFIGS. 14A and 14Bare the same as those ofFIG. 13. As a result, there is no need to describe the similar elements again and the discussions ofFIGS. 14A and 14Bwill concentrate on the differences inFIGS. 14A and 14B. The user may select a unique identifier from the list of unique identifiers1379. By way of non-limiting example, the user may select the unique identifier “backyard,” corresponding to a spatial visual indicator1012located in the backyard as shown inFIG. 14A. The user may then select the remove unique identifier option1375. As a result, the control circuit1024may cause each selected unique identifier to be removed from the list of unique identifiers1379responsive to detecting the selection of the remove unique identifier option1375. As a result, the “backyard” unique identifier may be removed from the list of unique identifiers1379as shown inFIG. 14B. In addition to removing the selected unique identifier from the list of unique identifiers1379, the control circuit1024may further cause the transceiver1025to terminate communication with the spatial visual indicators1012that correspond to the selected unique identifiers. Thus, spatial visual indicators1012corresponding to the removed unique identifiers may not receive communications from the transceiver1025, or relay communications to other spatial visual indicators1012. For example, if the “backyard” unique identifier is removed from the list of unique identifiers1379, the control circuit1024may also cause the transceiver1025to terminate communication with the spatial visual indicator1012in the backyard. As a result, the user is enabled to remove unique identifiers from the list of unique identifiers1379, and the control circuit1024may cause the transceiver1025to terminate communication with the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012.

Termination of communication with a particular spatial visual indicator1012may be temporary in nature. For example, the user may desire to enable communication again with the removed spatial visual indicator1012. Thus, the user may select the add more unique identifiers option1377and again add the “backyard” unique identifier to resume communication with the spatial visual indicator1012located in the backyard. Adding unique identifiers will be further described with respect toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 15A and 15Billustrate another exemplary user interaction with the user interface ofFIG. 13. For the most part, the elements ofFIGS. 15A and 15Bare the same as those ofFIG. 13. As a result, there is no need to describe the similar elements again and the discussions ofFIGS. 15A and 15Bwill concentrate on the differences inFIGS. 15A and 15B. The add unique identifier option1377may be selectable by the user of the user interface1028. Responsive to detecting a selection of the add unique identifier option1377, the control circuit1024may determine whether there are any detected spatial visual indicators1012that do not presently correspond to a unique identifier from the list of unique identifiers1379. By way of non-limiting example, the control circuit1024may receive IP addresses through the transceiver1025that correspond to new or previously removed spatial visual indicators1012.

If the user selects the add unique identifier option1377, the control circuit1024may cause the user interface1028to present a list1567of unique identifiers corresponding to the detected spatial visual indicators1012. For example,FIG. 15Aillustrates the user interface1028presenting the list1567of the unique identifiers corresponding to the detected spatial visual indicators1012, namely “kitchen,” and “new.”

The unique identifiers in the list1567may be default unique identifiers if the transceiver1025has not previously established communication with the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012. For example, “new” may be a default unique identifier. The unique identifiers in the list1567may be previously used unique identifiers if the transceiver1025has previously established communication with the corresponding spatial visual indicators1012. For example, “kitchen” may correspond to a spatial visual indicator1012that was previously in communication with the transceiver1025while the spatial visual indicator1012was located in the kitchen. In some embodiments, the control circuit1024may be configured to cause the storage device1026to store a unique identifier that corresponded to a spatial visual indicator1012with which communication was previously established. By way of non-limiting example, the control circuit1024may recognize an IP address of a spatial visual indicator1012, and cause the corresponding previous unique identifier stored in the storage device1026to be displayed in the list1567. In some embodiments, the spatial visual indicator1012may be configured to store the unique identifier. By way of non-limiting example, the spatial visual indicator1012may send the unique identifier to the control circuit1024through the transceiver1025, and the control circuit1024may cause the unique identifier to be displayed in the list1567.

The control circuit1024may be configured to enable the user to edit the unique identifiers in the list1567. In some embodiments, each unique identifier in the list1567may comprise a text field that is configured to be selected and edited by the user. By way of non-limiting example, the user may change the “new” unique identifier to a unique identifier that is descriptive of the location of the corresponding spatial visual indicator1012. Also by way of non-limiting example, the user may change the “kitchen” unique identifier to a unique identifier that is descriptive of a changed location of the corresponding spatial visual indicator.

Each of the unique identifiers from the list1567may be selectable by the user. Responsive to a detection of a user selection of a unique identifier from the list1567, the control circuit1024may cause the user interface1028to display the selected unique identifier in the list of unique identifiers1379. The control circuit1024may also cause the transceiver1025to establish communication with the corresponding spatial visual indicator1012. By way of non-limiting example, the control circuit1024may detect a user selection of the “kitchen” unique identifier in the list1567, as illustrated inFIG. 15A. In response, the control circuit1024may cause the unique identifier “kitchen” to be presented in the list of unique identifiers1379, as illustrated inFIG. 15B. The control circuit1024may also cause the transceiver1025to establish communication with the spatial visual indicator1012corresponding to the “kitchen” unique identifier.