Patent Publication Number: US-11393270-B2

Title: Electrochromic film for a user interface display for access control

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/557,011 filed Aug. 30, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,937,260, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of Disclosure 
     The present disclosure generally relates to user interface displays, and more specifically to an electrochromic colored filter enhancer for user interface displays associated with access control. 
     Related Art 
     Conventional user interface displays typically include light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned in the conventional user interface display to provide feedback to the user as the user engages the conventional user interface display. With the advent of screen printed on film organic LEDs (OLEDs), the OLEDs are arranged in a conventional dot matrix pattern such that the necessary OLEDs emit light to provide the appropriate pattern to be displayed to provide feedback to the user. Typically, OLEDs are screen printed as monochromatic to decrease the cost in screen printing the OLEDs. The color of feedback displayed to the user is limited to the monochromatic color of the OLEDs and/or the filter positioned on the monochromatic OLEDs limiting the display of that filter to a single color. Thus, the flexibility of the feedback emitted by the monochromatic OLEDs is significantly limited for the conventional user interface display. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to incorporating an electrochromic filter into a user interface display system associated with access control to transition the colors displayed by the user interface display system as the user interface display system provides feedback to the user. In an embodiment, a user interface display system is associated with an electronic key that provides feedback to a user that is engaging an electronic lock with the electronic key. A user interface display is positioned on the electronic lock and is configured to depict to the user a plurality of feedback patterns with each feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides the feedback to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. An electrochromic filter is positioned on the electronic key and is configured to transition a color depicted by the user interface display to correspond to the feedback pattern depicted by the user interface display. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback that is provided to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. A controller is configured to transition the electrochromic filter to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is depicted by the user interface display so that the transitioned color and the feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key. 
     In an embodiment, a method provides feedback to a user that is engaging an electronic lock with an electronic key. A plurality of feedback patterns is depicted via a user interface display positioned on the electronic key with each feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides the feedback to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. A color depicted by the user interface display is transitioned via an electrochromic filter to correspond to the feedback pattern depicted by the user interface display. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback that is provided to the user as the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key. The electrochromic filter is transitioned to each color via a controller to correspond with the feedback pattern that is depicted by the user interface display so that the transitioned color and the feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key. 
     In an embodiment, a user interface display system is positioned on a door closer that provides feedback to a user that is engaging the user interface display system of the door closer. A user interface display is configured to depict to the user a plurality of feedback patterns with each feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the user interface display system positioned on the door closer. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides the feedback to the user as the user engages the user interface display system of the door closer. An electrochromic filter positioned on the door closer and is configured to transition to a color depicted by the user interface display to correspond to the feedback pattern depicted by the user interface display. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback that is provided to the user as the user engages the door closer. A controller is configured to transition the electrochromic filter to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is depicted by the user interface display so that the transitioned color and the feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the door closer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a visual feedback display system that displays visual feedback to a user as the user engages the visual feedback display system; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an elevational view of an example electronic key that includes a user interface display; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an elevational view of an example electronic key that includes a user interface display that emits a feedback pattern for a rejected credential based on the electrochromic filter that is associated with the user interface display; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an elevational view of the example electronic key that includes the user interface display that emits a feedback pattern for a low battery level based on the electrochromic filter that is associated with the user interface display; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic view of an electrochromic filter configuration that is associated with a user interface display system; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic view of an electrochromic filter configuration that depicts a layering view of the electrochromic filter depicted in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts an elevational view of an example user interface display system for a mechanical key that includes a user interface display that emits feedback patterns based on an electrochromic filter; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts an elevational view of an example user interface display system positioned on a mechanical key; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an elevational view of an example user interface display system that is associated with a door closer that emits feedback patterns based on an electrochromic filter; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a block diagram of an example door closer setting configuration that depicts the different adjustment settings that the user may manually adjust the adjuster of the door closer to attain the corresponding force that the door associated with the door closer closes; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a schematic view of a digit display circuit that is associated with the user interface display of the door closer; 
         FIG. 10  depicts an elevational view of an electronic lock configuration that provides progressive feedback to the user as the user enters the access code; 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic key configuration that incorporates the user interface display systems discussed in detail above; and 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     The following Detailed Description refers to accompanying drawings to illustrate exemplary embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. References in the Detailed Description to “one exemplary embodiment,” an “exemplary embodiment,” an “example exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate the exemplary embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every exemplary embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same exemplary embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art(s) to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other exemplary embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the Detailed Description is not meant to limit the present disclosure. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as instructions applied by a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, electrical optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further firmware, software routines, and instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact result from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc. 
     For purposes of this discussion, each of the various components discussed may be considered a module, and the term “module” shall be understood to include at least one software, firmware, and hardware (such as one or more circuit, microchip, or device, or any combination thereof), and any combination thereof. In addition, it will be understood that each module may include one, or more than one, component within an actual device, and each component that forms a part of the described module may function either cooperatively or independently from any other component forming a part of the module. Conversely, multiple modules described herein may represent a single component within an actual device. Further, components within a module may be in a single device or distributed among multiple devices in a wired or wireless manner. 
     The following Detailed Description of the exemplary embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the present disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge of those skilled in the relevant art(s), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such exemplary embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and plurality of equivalents of the exemplary embodiments based upon the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by those skilled in the relevant art(s) in light of the teachings herein. 
     Electrochromic Visual Feedback Display System 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a visual feedback display system  100  that displays visual feedback to a user as the user engages the visual feedback display system  100 . For example, the visual feedback display system  100  may be associated with a key that enables the user to receive feedback as the user engages an access control device with the key in an attempt to obtain access to the space that is regulated by the access control device. The visual feedback display system  100  includes a user interface display  140 , an electrochromic filter  120 , a light source  130 , and a controller  110 . 
     The visual feedback display system  100  may be associated with a system that provides visual feedback to the user as the user engages the system. As the user engages the system, the visual feedback display system  100  may provide feedback to the user such that the user may have a better understanding of the status of the user in engaging the system. For example, the visual feedback display system  100  may be associated with the key that is required to engage an access control system that regulates the access that the user may have to a space. The user may engage the key to access the access control system in an attempt to gain access to the space that is regulated by the access control system. The feedback displayed by the visual feedback display system  100  may then provide the user with information that enables the user to have a better understanding of the status of the user engaging the access control system with the key. For example, the visual feedback display system  100  when associated with the key to engage the access control system may provide feedback to the user to enable the user to have a better understanding if the user is adequately engaging the access control system with the key to gain access to the space that the access control system is regulating. 
     The visual feedback display system  100  may provide feedback to the user that is attempting to engage a system with the key that includes but is not limited to access control systems that include but are not limited to door closers, door operators, auto-operators, credential readers, hotspot readers, electronic locks including mortise, cylindrical, and/or tabular locks, exit devices, panic bars, wireless reader interfaces, gateway devices, plug-in devices, peripheral devices, doorbell camera systems, door closer control surveillance systems and/or any other type of access control system that regulates access control to a space that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Further, visual feedback display system  100  may provide feedback to the user that is attempting to engage any type of system where that engagement by the user with the system provides feedback to the user that is associated with the status of the user in engaging the system that may provide the user with a better understanding of the status of the user in engaging the system that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The key that the user engages the access control system with to access the space associated with the access control system and has the visual feedback display system  100  positioned on the key may include but is not limited to an electronic key, a key card, a mechanical key, and/or any other type of key that includes the visual feedback display system  100  that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The visual feedback display system  100  may include the user interface display  140  that depicts to the user a plurality of feedback patterns with each feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the system. Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides the feedback to the user as the user engages the system. As the user engages the system associated with the visual feedback display system  100 , the user interface display  140  of the visual feedback display system  100  may depict feedback patterns to the user that correspond to the current status of the user in engaging the system associated with the visual feedback display system  100  thereby enabling the user to have feedback with regard to the current status of the user in engaging the system. 
     For example,  FIG. 2  depicts an elevational view of an example electronic key  200  that includes the user interface display  140 . As the user engages the electronic lock with the electronic key  200 , the user interface display  140  may depict to the user different feedback patterns with each feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key  200  such that each feedback pattern provides different information to the user regarding the status of the engagement of the electronic lock with the electronic key  200  by the user. In such an example, the user interface display  140  displays the feedback pattern  210  of a “green check mark” to the user indicating to the user that the user has provided the appropriate electronic key  200  to the electronic lock  200  and that the electronic lock is transitioning into an unlocked state to enable the user to have access to the space regulated by the electronic lock. The feedback pattern  210  displayed by the user interface display  140  may be any type of feedback pattern that provides information to the user as to the status of the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100  that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The user interface display  140  may include any type of display device include but not limited to a touch screen display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a dot matrix display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, screen printed OLED matrix display and/or any other type of display device that includes a display that will be apparent from those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     The user interface display system  100  may include a light source  130  that is configured to emit a plurality of light patterns via the user interface display  140  to the user with each light pattern corresponding to each feedback pattern that is displayed in response to the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . As noted above, as the user engages the user interface display system  100 , the user interface display  140  may emit feedback patterns that provide feedback to the user as to the current status of the user in engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . For each feedback pattern that is emitted by the user interface display  140 , the light source  130  may generate a light pattern that corresponds to the feedback that is to be provided to the user in order to generate the feedback pattern emitted by the user interface display  140  thereby enabling the user to have feedback with regard to the current status of the user in engaging the system. In doing so, the controller  110  may instruct the light source  130  to emit each light pattern via the user interface display  140  to the user that corresponds to each feedback pattern that is displayed in response to the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . 
     For example,  FIG. 3  depicts an elevational view of an example electronic key  300  that includes the user interface display  140  that emits feedback patterns with a corresponding color based on the electrochromic filter  120  that is associated with the user interface display  140 . As the user engages the electronic lock  300 , the user interface display  140  may depict to the user different feedback patterns  310  with each feedback pattern  310  that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the electronic key  300  such that each feedback pattern  310  provides different information to the user regarding the status of engagement of the electronic lock  300  by the user. In doing so, the controller  110  may instruct the light source  130  that is associated with the user interface display  310  to emit different light patterns with each light pattern corresponding to a different feedback pattern  310  that is displayed by the user interface display  140  to the user in response to the user engaging the electronic key  300 . 
     In such an example, the user engages the electronic key  300  with an electronic lock. In response to the user providing the electronic key  300  with the incorrect credential associated with the electronic key  300 , the controller  110  instructs the light source  130  that is associated with the user interface display  140  to emit a light pattern that depicts the “red X”. The user interface display  140  then displays the feedback pattern  310  of the “red X” to the user indicating to the user that the user has provided an electronic key  300  with an incorrect credential associated with the electronic key  300  to engage the electronic lock and that the electronic lock is remaining in a locked state to prevent the user from having access to the space regulated by the electronic lock. The light pattern emitted by the light source  130  as instructed by the controller  110  and displayed by the user interface display  140  may be any type of feedback pattern that provides information to the user as to the status of the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100  that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The light source  130  may include any type of lighting configuration and not limited to a light emitting diode (LED) configuration, OLED configuration, dot matrix lighting configuration, an LCD lighting configuration, a screen printed OLED matrix configuration, and/or any other type of lighting configuration that includes a light source that will be apparent from those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     The electrochromic filter  120  may transition a color depicted by the user interface display  140  to correspond to the feedback pattern depicted by the user interface display  140 . Each feedback pattern that is displayed to the user provides a corresponding color that is associated with the feedback that is provided to the user as the user engages the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is depicted by the user interface display  140  so that the transitioned color and the feedback pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . The controller  110  may control the optical properties of the electrochromic filter  120 , such as but not limited to the optical transmission, absorption, reflectance, and/or emittance, in a continuous manner based on a voltage applied to the electrochromic filter  120  to transition the color of the electrochromic filter  120 . In doing so, the optical properties of the electrochromic filter  120  may also be reversed to transition the color of the electrochromic filter  120  back to the original color when the controller  110  applies a different voltage to the electrochromic filter  120 . 
     The electrochromic filer  120  may provide the user interface display system  100  with the flexibility to emit different colors associated with each feedback pattern. Rather than the user interface display  140  emit each different feedback pattern to the user in a single color, the electrochromic filter  120  may enable the user interface display system  100  to display each different feedback pattern in a color that corresponds to the feedback pattern to further enhance providing feedback to the user regarding the current status of the user in engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . For example, returning to  FIG. 2 , the user may provide the electronic key  200  that is associated with the appropriate credential to engage the electronic lock such that the electronic lock transitions to the unlocked state to enable the user to gain access to the space regulated by the electronic lock. In doing so, the controller  110  may instruct the light source  120  to emit a light pattern that corresponds to a feedback pattern  210  of a “check mark”. Rather than simply displaying the light pattern in a monochromatic color such as “white”, the controller  110  may instruct the electrochromic filter  120  to transition to the color “green” thereby providing additional feedback to the user in that the color “green” is typically associated with by the user as being “correct” and/or “authorized”. Thus, the additional feedback of the color “green” further provides information to the user in addition to the feedback pattern  210  of the “check mark” that the user has adequately entered the correct access code and that the electronic lock has transitioned to the unlocked state thereby enabling the user to have access to the space regulated by the electronic lock. 
     In an embodiment, the user interface display system  100  may incorporate a screen printed OLED matrix display such that the light source  130  incorporates a screen printed OLED matrix configuration that then emits the light pattern via the user interface display  140  that incorporates the screen printed OLED matrix display. In doing so, the power consumed by the user interface display system  100  to emit each light pattern to correspond to each feedback pattern displayed by the user interface display  140  to the user may be decreased as compared to other conventional light sources such as dot matrix LED light configurations. Further, the overall thickness of the user interface display system  100  that incorporates the screen printed OLED matrix display may also be decreased as compared to other conventional light sources such as dot matrix LED light configurations due to the OLED matrix light source being screen printed to generate the screen printed OLED matrix display. 
     However, conventional user interface display systems that incorporate the screen printed OLED matrix display may be limited to emitting a single color with regard to the screen printed OLED matrix display. Typically, the screen printed OLED matrix display is limited to a single color such that once the OLED matrix light source is screen printed onto the conventional display system, such a screen printed OLED matrix display is limited to then emitting a single color for each feedback pattern that is displayed by the user interface display associated with the screen printed OLED matrix display. For example, a conventional user interface display that incorporates a screen printed OLED matrix light source that is a “white” color is then limited to displaying each feedback pattern in a “white” color. In such an example, such a conventional user interface display is limited to displaying both a feedback pattern of a “check mark” and a feedback pattern of a “X” in the single monochromatic color of “white” thereby limiting the feedback to the user. 
     Further in such an example, the conventional user interface display that then incorporates a screen printed OLED matrix light source that is a “green” color is then limited to displaying only feedback patterns where the user may easily correspond the “green” color with feedback that the user typically associates with as being “green”. In doing so, the conventional user interface display is limited to displaying feedback patterns that are “affirmative” in nature such as the “check mark” that the user may easily associate with the “green” color. The user may become easily confused should the conventional user interface display then display the feedback pattern of the “X” in the “green” color as typically the user associates the feedback pattern of the “X” as “negative” in nature which conflicts with the “green” color which is typically associated by the user as being “affirmative” in nature. Thus, the conventional user interface display is limited in the feedback patterns that may be displayed via the conventional user interface display based on the color of the screen printed OLED matrix light source that is associated with the conventional user interface display. 
     In order for the conventional user interface display to have an increase in flexibility in the color that the conventional user interface display emits, the conventional user interface display is required to incorporate a dot matrix LED light source that includes multi-color LEDs. Each multi-color LED may emit a different color when instructed based on the feedback pattern that is to be emitted by the conventional user interface display. For example, the multi-color LEDs may transition between the color “green” when the conventional user interface display emits the “check mark” and then transition to emitting the color “red” when the conventional user interface display emits the “X”. However, such multi-color LEDs consume significantly more power than the screen printed LED matrix light source as well as significantly increase the thickness of the conventional user interface display system. As a result, for many applications, that are battery operated and require a stringent physical footprint, such as an access control system, incorporating a multi-color LED dot matrix light source to provide the flexibility in emitting different colors to correspond to different feedback patterns is not feasible. 
     Thus, the electrochromic filter  120  may transition the color of the feedback pattern that is displayed by the user interface display  140  to correspond to the light pattern emitted by the light source  130  thereby providing the user interface display  140  with the flexibility to emit feedback patterns with a color that corresponds to the feedback pattern. The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to each color to correspond with the light pattern that is emitted by the light source  130  so that the transitioned color and the emitted light pattern that is displayed is in response to the user engaging the system associated with the user interface display system  100 . For example, in  FIG. 3 , the controller  110  may instruct the electrochromic filter  120  to transition into different colors to correspond to the different feedback pattern that is displayed by the user interface display  140  to the user in response to the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key  300 . In such an example, the controller  110  instructs the electrochromic filter  120  that is associated with the user interface display  140  to transition to the color “red” such that the user interface display  140  displays the feedback pattern  310  of the “red X” to the user indicating that the user has failed to provide the electronic key  300  with the appropriate credential associated with the electronic key  300  to engage the electronic lock and that the electronic lock is remaining in a locked state to prevent the user from having access to the space regulated by the electronic lock. 
     However,  FIG. 410  depicts an elevational view of the example electronic key  400  that includes the user interface display  140  that emits a different feedback pattern  410  as well with a different color from  FIG. 3  based on the electrochromic filter  120  that is associated with the user interface display  140 . In such an example, the controller  110  is communicating that the power level of the battery associated with the electronic key  400  has decreased below a battery level threshold and is thus indicative that the battery associated with the electronic key  400  is low thereby triggering a different feedback pattern  410  to be emitted by the user interface display  140  to provide feedback to the user that corresponds to the power level of the battery being below the battery level threshold. In doing so, the controller  110  instructs the light source  130  to transition from emitting the light pattern of the “X” to the light pattern of the “low battery indicator” to provide to the user the feedback that the user that the power level of the battery associated with the electronic key  400  has decreased below the battery level threshold. 
     In doing so, the user interface display system  100  includes the flexibility to have different feedback patterns emitted by the user interface display  140  with the appropriate corresponding color to provide the appropriate feedback to the user without being limited to the user interface display  140  emitting a single feedback pattern that corresponds with a single color. For systems associated with the user interface display system  100  that may be battery operated, such as an access control system, user interface display system  100  may provide the flexibility with emitting different feedback patterns via the user interface display  140  that correspond to different colors provided by the electrochromic filter  120  while still incorporating the light source  130  as a screen printed OLED matrix. In doing so such systems that require decreased power consumption as well as a decreased physical footprint, such as the electronic key, may have an increased flexibility in the feedback patterns displayed to the user as well as an increased flexibility in the colors associated with the feedback patterns while maintaining decreased power consumption and a decreased physical footprint. 
     Electrochromic Filter 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic view of an electrochromic filter configuration  500  that is associated with a user interface display system. The electrochromic filter configuration  500  transitions between colors as instructed by the controller  110  based on a negative voltage  150  that is applied to the electrochromic filter  520  by the controller  110  and a positive voltage  160  that is applied to the electrochromic filter  520 . The electrochromic filter configuration  500  includes the controller  110 , an electrochromic filter  520 , a negative conducting layer  510 , and a positive conducting layer  530 .  FIG. 5B  is also a schematic view of an electrochromic filter configuration  550  that depicts a layering view of the electrochromic filter  520  depicted in  FIG. 5A . The electrochromic filter configuration  550  includes the negative conducting layer  510  that the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150 , the positive conducting layer  530  that the controller  110  applies the positive voltage  160 , and an electrochromic film  540 . The electrochromic filter configurations  500  and  550  share many similar features with the user interface display systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400 ; therefore, only the differences between the electrochromic filter configurations  500  and  550  and the user interface display systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400  are to be discussed in further detail. 
     The electrochromic filter  520  includes the negative conducting layer  510 , the positive conducting layer  530 , and the electrochromic film  540 . The electrochromic film  540  includes electrochromic materials that are bi-stable in that when the controller  110  applies the positive voltage  160  to the positive conducting layer  530 , the electrochromic film  540  transitions from an active state in that the electrochromic film  540  is in a color state to an inactive state in that the electrochromic film  540  is in a clear state. The electrochromic film  540  then transitions from the inactive state in that the electrochromic filter  530  is in the clear state to an active state in that the electrochromic filter  530  is in the color state when the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150  to the negative conducting layer  510 . In being bi-stable, the electrochromic film  540  may remain in its current state after the controller  110  applies the positive voltage  160  and/or the negative voltage  150  until the controller  110  applies a different voltage triggering the electrochromic film  540  to change from its current state. 
     For example, the electrochromic film  540  may remain inactive in the clear state in that the electrochromic filter  530  is clear thereby enabling the user interface display  140  to emit the color of the light source  130  until the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150  to the negative conducting layer  510 . The electrochromic film  540  may then activate and transition to the colored state when the controller  110  applies the positive voltage  160  to the positive conducting layer  530  thereby enabling the user interface display  140  to emit the color of the electrochromic film  160  when activated in the colored state until the controller  110  applies the positive voltage  160  to the positive conducting layer  530  and in doing so inactivating the electrochromic film  530  and transitioning the electrochromic film  530  back into the clear state. 
     The controller  110  may activate the electrochromic filter  520  and transition the electrochromic filter  520  into the colored state when the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150  to the negative conducting layer  510 . In applying the negative voltage  150  to the negative conducting layer  510 , a discharge of the electrochromic filter  520  is triggered from the reduction oxidation of the electro potential between the cathode and the anode thereby activating the optical properties of the electrochromic film  530  to transition the electrochromic film  530  into the colored state such that the user interface display  140  emits the color of the electrochromic film  530 . In applying the positive voltage  160  to the positive conducting layer  530 , a charge of the electrochromic filter  520  is triggered from the reoxidation reaction of the electro potential between the cathode and the anode thereby deactivating the optical properties of the electrochromic film  530  to transition the electrochromic film  530  into the clear state such that the user interface display  140  emits the color of the light source  130 . 
     In doing so, the electro potential of the electrochromic filter  520  may be triggered with a decreased voltage applied by the controller  110  whether the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150  or the positive voltage  160  to the electrochromic filter  520 . The electrochromic filter  520  may then activate into the colored state when the controller  110  applies a decreased negative voltage  150  and may remain in that state until a decreased positive voltage  160  is applied. The electrochromic filter  520  may then deactivate into the clear state when the controller  110  applies a decreased positive voltage  160  and may remain in that state until a decreased negative voltage  150  is applied. Thus, the electrochromic filter  520  may transition colors of the feedback pattern displayed by the user interface display  140  and may maintain the displayed color while consuming decreased power. In an embodiment, the electrochromic filter  520  may be activated into the colored state and may maintain the colored state or deactivated into the clear state and may maintain the clear state when the controller  110  applies the negative voltage  150  and/or the positive voltage  160  of 1V or less. 
     Electrochromic Visual Feedback Display System Associated with an Electronic Key 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , the electronic key  200  may include the user interface display  140  and depict to the user various feedback patterns, such as feedback pattern  210 , via the light source  130 . In doing so, the user may receive the appropriate feedback from the user engaging the electronic lock with the electronic key  200  based on the feedback patterns displayed to the user via the user interface display  140 . In doing so, the electronic lock may be a less sophisticated lock in that the electronic lock does not require the user interface display. Rather, the electronic lock may communicate with the electronic key  200  via the communication lines  220 ( a - b ) such that the controller  110  of the electronic key  200  may then instruct the user interface display  140  to display the appropriate feedback pattern to the user based on the communication provided by the electronic lock thereby eliminating the requirement of the electronic lock to have a user interface display. 
     The electronic key  200  may include the communication lines  220 ( a - b ) such that data may be communicated between the electronic key  200  and the electronic lock. The electronic key  200  may transmit data to the electronic lock regarding the credential that is associated with the user of the electronic key  200  via the communication lines  220 ( a - b ). The electronic lock may transmit data to the electronic key  200  regarding the appropriate feedback patterns that the user interface display  140  is to depict to the user based on the status of the user engaging the electronic lock via the electronic key  200  provided by the credential. The electronic key  200  may also include power contacts  230 ( a - b ) such that the power may be propagated between the electronic key  200  and the electronic lock. In doing so, the electronic lock may propagate power via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) to the electronic key  200  such that the electronic key  200  powers the electronic lock thereby having the primary battery source positioned on the electronic key  200 . Further, the electronic lock may propagate power to the electronic key  200  via power contacts  230 ( a - b ) such that the appropriate voltage pulses to adjust the electrochromic filter  120  positioned on the electronic key  200  may be transmitted via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) such that the electrochromic filter  120  transitions to display the appropriate feedback pattern to the user. In doing so, the primary battery source may be positioned on the electronic lock. 
     The controller  110  may communicate with the electronic lock to determine whether a credential associated with the electronic key is accepted by the electronic lock. The electronic key  200  may include a credential that is associated with the user of the electronic key  200  such that the credential when analyzed by the controller  110  may determine whether the user associated with the electronic key may be granted access to the space associated with the electronic lock. The user may be assigned a credential and the credential may be programmed into the controller  110  of the electronic key  200 . The credential assigned to the user and programmed into the controller  110  of the electronic key  200  may provide the appropriate access that the user is to be granted to various spaces associated with electronic locks. The user may then engage the electronic lock with the electronic key  200  such that the communication lines  220 ( a - b ) engage the electronic lock and communication is established between the electronic key  200  and the electronic lock. The controller  110  may then communicate to the electronic lock the credential associated with the user of the electronic key  200  via the communication lines  220 ( a - b ). 
     The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to display an accepted feedback pattern  210  that is depicted by the user interface display  140  when the credential associated with the electronic key  200  is accepted by the electronic lock. The accepted feedback pattern  210  communicates to the user that the credential associated with the electronic key  200  is accepted by the electronic lock. After the controller  110  has communicated to the electronic lock the credential associated with the user of the electronic key  200 , the electronic lock may determine whether the user may be granted access to the space associated with the electronic lock based on the credential provided by the controller  110  of the electronic key  200 . The electronic lock may then communicate via communication lines  220 ( a - b ) that the user is to be granted access to the space associated with the electronic lock based on the credential of the user of the electronic key and that the electronic lock may transition from the locked state to the unlocked state. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to display the accepted feedback pattern  210  such that the user interface display  140  may provide the appropriate feedback to the user that the credential has been accepted and that the electronic lock is transitioning from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to display a rejected feedback pattern  310  that is depicted by the user interface display  140  of the electronic key  300  as shown in  FIG. 3  when the credential associated with the electronic key  300  is rejected by the electronic lock. The rejected feedback pattern may communicate to the user that the credential associated with the electronic key  300  is rejected by the electronic lock. After the controller  110  has communicated to the electronic lock the credential associated with the user of the electronic key  300 , the electronic lock may determine whether the user may be granted access to the space associated with the electronic lock based on the credential provided by the controller  110  of the electronic key  300 . The electronic lock may then communicate via communication lines  220 ( a - b ) that the user is denied access to the space associated with the electronic lock based on the credential of the user of the electronic key and that the electronic lock may remain in the locked state. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to display the rejected feedback pattern  310  such that the user interface display  140  may provide the appropriate feedback to the user that the credential has been denied and that the electronic lock is remaining in the locked state. 
     Power contacts  230 ( a - b ) may be positioned on the electronic key  200  and may receive power from the electronic lock when the electronic key  200  is inserted into the electronic lock so that the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) engage a power source associated with the electronic lock. The power received from the electronic lock is provided to the controller  110  and the user interface display  140  to power the controller  110  and the user interface display  140  when the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) engage the power source associated with the electronic lock. The power contacts  230 ( a - b ) may enable the electronic key  200  to engage the power source of the electronic lock and in turn rely on the power source of the electronic lock as the primary power source. In doing so, the power source positioned on the electronic key  200  may require significantly less capacity than the power source of the electronic lock thereby enabling the cost of the electronic key  200  to be decreased due to the decreased capacity of the power source positioned on the electronic key  200  or the elimination of a need for a power source positioned on the electronic key  200  altogether. 
     In such an embodiment, the controller  110  may be powered by the power source associated with the electronic lock when the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) engage the power source associated with the electronic lock. The controller  110  may then instruct the user interface display  140  as to the appropriate feedback pattern to display to the user based on the engagement of the user with the electronic lock via the electronic key  200 . However, rather than the controller  110  providing the appropriate voltage pulses to transition the electrochromic filter  120  positioned on the electronic key to depict the appropriate feedback pattern, the controller  110  may instruct the power source of the electronic lock to pulse the appropriate voltage pulses to transition the electrochromic filter  120  via the power contracts  230 ( a - b ). In doing so, the power source associated with the electronic lock may provide the appropriate voltage pulses to the electrochromic filter  120  via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) such that the user interface display  140  depicts the appropriate feedback pattern to the user. 
     A power source positioned on the electronic key  200  may provide power to the electronic lock when the electronic key  200  is inserted into the electronic lock so that the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) engage the power source associated with the electronic lock. The power received from the power source positioned on the electronic key  200  is provided to the power source associated with the electronic lock when the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) engage the power source associated with the electronic lock. The power contacts  230 ( a - b ) may enable the electronic lock to engage the power source of the electronic key  200  and in turn rely on the power source of the electronic key  200  as the primary power source. In doing so, the power source positioned on the electronic lock may require significantly less capacity than the power source of the electronic lock thereby enabling the cost of the electronic lock to be decreased due to the decreased capacity of the power source positioned on the electronic lock or the elimination of a need for a power source positioned on the electronic lock altogether. 
     For example, the electronic lock may determine that the credential provided by the controller  110  of the electronic key  200  authorizes the user to have access to the space associated with the electronic lock. The power source positioned on the electronic key  200  may then be provided to the electronic lock via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ). In doing so, the controller  110  of the electronic key  200  may pulse the voltage generated by the power source positioned on the electronic key  200  to a motor positioned in the electronic lock via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ). The motor may then drive a pin into a clutch positioned in the electronic lock based on the power provided from the electronic key  200  via the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) to then enable the user to manually transition the deadbolt from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     The communication lines  220 ( a - b ) and the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) may enable the flexibility to have the primary controller  110  positioned on the electronic key  200  such that the controller  110  continues to control the user interface display  140  and/or the electrochromic filter  120  as positioned on the electronic key  200 . The controller  110  as positioned on the electronic key  200  may also be the primary controller  110  for the electronic lock such that the controller  110  instructs the electronic lock  110  as to how to operate. In doing so, the primary power source may be positioned on the electronic key  200  and may power the controller  110  to transition the electrochromic filter  120  and to instruct the user interface display  140  to display the appropriate feedback patterns as well as be the primary source for the electronic lock. However, the primary power source may also be positioned on the electronic lock and may power the controller  110  and the user interface display  140  and to provide the voltage pulses to transition the electrochromic filter  120 . The primary controller  110  may also be positioned on the electronic lock such that the controller  110  controls the user interface display  140  and/or the electrochromic filter  120  as positioned on the electronic lock. The communications lines  220 ( a - b ) and the power contacts  230 ( a - b ) enable the flexibility to have the primary controller  110  and/or the primary power source positioned on the electronic key  200 , the electronic lock, and/or any combination thereof that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Electrochromic Visual Feedback Display System Associated with a Mechanical Key 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict an elevational view of a portable user interface display  600  that is incorporated with a mechanical key  660  thereby forming the portable user interface display system  650  that is associated with a mechanical key and a corresponding mechanical lock. Rather than being associated with an electronic key and a corresponding electronic lock as discussed in detail above, the portable user interface display  600  enables a user interface display  140  to be incorporated into the mechanical key  660  such that the electrochromic filter  120  is transitioned accordingly to display the appropriate feedback pattern to the user via the user interface display  140 . In doing so, the features discussed in detail above in depicting the appropriate feedback pattern to the user via the transitioning of the electrochromic filter  120  may be provided to the user engaging the mechanical lock with the mechanical key  660 . The mechanical key is a key that is patterned to engage a corresponding mechanical lock that is patterned to receive the mechanical key. The mechanical lock then transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state when the appropriate mechanical key with the appropriate pattern is inserted into the mechanical lock that is patterned to receive the mechanical key with the appropriate pattern and the user then manually rotates the mechanical key to transition the mechanical lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     A portable user interface display system  600  may be positioned on a mechanical lock  660 . The user interface display system  600  may provide a user interface  140  that may be positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  and may depict to the user feedback patterns in response to the user engaging an adaptable mechanical lock with the mechanical key  660 . The portable user interface display system may be removable from the mechanical key  660 . The portable user interface display system  600  may provide an electrochromic filter positioned on the portable user interface display  600  and may transition to a color depicted by the user interface  140  as the user engages the adaptable mechanical lock with the mechanical key  660 . The adaptable mechanical lock is a mechanical lock that is adapted to engage the portable user interface display system  600 . The portable user interface display system  600  may provide a controller  110  positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  and may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to each color to correspond with the feedback pattern that is depicted by the user interface display  140  in response to the user engaging the adaptable mechanical lock with the mechanical key  660 . 
     The portable user interface display system  600  may engage with the adaptable mechanical lock via communication lines  220 ( a - n ). The communication lines  220 ( a - n ) of the portable user interface display system  600  may engage corresponding communication lines of the adaptable mechanical lock to enable communication between the portable user interface display system  600  and the adaptable mechanical lock. The portable user interface display system  600  may engage with the adaptable mechanical lock via a plurality of power contacts. The power contacts of the portable user interface display system  600  may engage a plurality of corresponding power contacts of the adaptable mechanical lock to enable power to be provided between the portable user interface display system  600  and the adaptable mechanical lock. 
     The portable user interface display system  600  may engage the adaptable mechanical lock such that the adaptable mechanical lock may communicate with the portable user interface display system  600  such that the portable user interface display system  600  may then provide to the user the appropriate feedback patterns as the user engages the adaptable mechanical lock with the mechanical key  660 . For example, the controller  110  positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  may communicate with the adaptable mechanical lock via the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) and may determine from the adaptable mechanical lock whether the mechanical key  660  has successfully been inserted into the adaptable mechanical lock and whether the user has successfully rotated the mechanical key  660  thereby transitioning the adaptable mechanical lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. The communication lines  220 ( a - n ) of the portable user interface display system  600  may engage the corresponding communication lines of the adaptable mechanical lock. The adaptable mechanical lock may generate a signal when the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     The controller  110  positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  may monitor the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) for the signal generated by the adaptable mechanical lock that indicates that the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state. The adaptable mechanical lock may generate the signal indicating that the adaptable mechanical lock has transitioned to the unlocked state when the mechanical key  660  is successfully inserted into the adaptable mechanical lock and the pattern of the mechanical key  660  corresponds to the pattern of the adaptable mechanical lock thereby enabling the bolt to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  to depict the feedback pattern of the “check mark” when the controller  110  detects the signal via the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) that the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock has transitioned to the unlocked state. In doing so, the user interface display  140  positioned on the portable user interface display system  600  may depict the feedback pattern of the “check mark” and thereby provide to the user the feedback that the adaptable mechanical lock has been transitioned to the unlocked state and the user may access the space associated with the adaptable mechanical lock. 
     In another example, the controller  110  may communicate with the adaptable mechanical lock via the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) and may determine from the adaptable mechanical lock that the mechanical key  660  that has been inserted into the adaptable mechanical lock has failed to successfully transition the adaptable mechanical lock from the locked state to the unlocked state. The adaptable mechanical lock may determine when the mechanical key  660  has been inserted into the adaptable mechanical lock. The adaptable mechanical lock may then determine that the pattern of the mechanical key  660  fails to correspond to the adaptable mechanical lock in that the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock has failed to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state. The adaptable mechanical lock may then generate a signal that indicates that the mechanical key  600  has failed to transition the bolt from the locked state to the unlocked state. The controller  110  may monitor the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) and determine that the mechanical key  660  has failed to transition the bolt from the locked state to the unlocked state when the controller  110  identifies such a signal generated by the adaptable mechanical lock. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the feedback pattern of the “X” such that the user interface display  140  may provide to the user the feedback that the adaptable mechanical lock has failed to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state and the user is prohibited from accessing the space associated with the adaptable mechanical lock. 
     In another example, the adaptable mechanical lock may generate a signal when the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock is in the locked state. The controller  110  may then monitor the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) when the mechanical key  660  is inserted into the adaptable mechanical lock and the communication lines  220 ( a - n ) engage the corresponding communication lines of the adaptable mechanical lock. The controller  110  may then determine that the adaptable mechanical lock has generated the signal indicating that that the bolt associated with the adaptable mechanical lock is currently in the locked state. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to depict to the feedback pattern  610  of a “lock” such that the user interface display  140  may provide to the user the feedback that the adaptable mechanical lock is currently in the locked state. 
     The controller  110  may also monitor aspects of the portable user interface display system  600  and provide feedback to the user associated with the portable user interface display system  600 . For example, the controller  110  may monitor the battery level of the battery associated with the portable user interface display system  600  and may determine whether the battery level of the battery associated with the portable user interface display system  600  has decreased below the battery level threshold. In such an example, the controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the feedback pattern of the “low battery” such that the user interface display  140  may provide to the user the feedback that the battery level of the battery associated with the portable user interface display system  600  has decreased below the battery level threshold. 
     Electrochromic Visual Feedback Display System Associated with a Door Closer 
       FIG. 7  depicts an elevational view of a user interface display door closer configuration  700  such that a user interface display system  730  is positioned on a door closer  720 . The door closer may include several different adjustment settings in that each adjustment setting corresponds to an amount of force in which the door associated with the door closer may close. The user interface display system  730  may depict to the user an adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  that provides the user with the feedback as to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is currently set. The controller  110  included in the user interface display system  730  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  included in the user interface display system  730  to depict the appropriate adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  such that the user interface display  140  may display the appropriate adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  to the user. The user may then have the feedback as to the current adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . 
     The door closer  720  includes an adjuster  740  such that the user is required to manually shift the adjuster  740  with a wrench to adjust the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . The adjustment setting corresponds to an amount of force that when the adjuster  740  is manually adjusted to the adjustment setting by the user, the door associated with the door closer  720  then closes at the amount of force that corresponds to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is currently set. The user may manually adjust the adjuster  740  to adjust the adjustment setting to decrease and/or increase the amount of force that the door associated with the door closer  720  closes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a door closer setting configuration  800  depicts the different adjustment settings that the user may manually adjust the adjuster  740  of the door closer  720  to attain the corresponding force that the door associated with the door closer  720  closes with. In such an example, the adjuster  740  may be manually adjusted by the user to attain the adjustment settings of “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”. Each of the different adjustment settings correspond to a different force in which the door associated with the door closer  720  closes with when the adjuster  740  is set to the corresponding adjustment setting. Thus, the user may manually adjust the adjuster  740  to each of the adjustment settings of “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6” to increase and/or decrease the amount of force that the door associated with the door closer  720  closes. 
     The controller  110  included in the user interface display system  730  may determine an adjustment setting associated with the door closer  720  is set. The adjustment setting associated with the door closer  720  corresponds to the amount of force that the door closer  720  is set to apply to a door associated with the door closer  720 . The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to display an adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  that is depicted by the user interface display  140  that corresponds to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. The adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  provides feedback to the user as to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the controller  110  determines that the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  is currently at the adjustment setting of “4”. The controller  110  then transitions the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  of “4” such that the user interface display  140  displays to the user the adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  of “4”. In doing so, the user may easily identify that the current adjustment setting of the door closer  720  is the adjustment setting of “4”. 
     The controller  110  may determine the adjustment setting associated with the door closer  720  as the user adjusts the adjustment setting. The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to adjust the adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  that is depicted by the user interface display  140  to correspond to the adjusted adjustment setting of the door closer  720  as adjusted by the user to provide feedback to the user as to the adjusted adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. As the user adjusts the adjustment setting associated with the door closer  720 , the controller  110  may automatically determine the change in the adjustment setting and then automatically transition the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the current adjustment setting that has changed as the user adjusts the adjustment setting. The automatic determination of the adjustment setting by the controller  110  and then the automatic transitioning of the electrochromic filter  120  by the controller  110  to depict the current adjustment setting enables the current adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  to be displayed to the user via the user interface display  140 . In doing so, the user may receive feedback as to the current adjustment setting of the door closer  720  as the user adjusts the adjustment setting. The user may determine whether the user is required to continue to increase and/or decrease the adjustment setting based on the current adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  displayed to the user as the user adjusts the adjustment setting. 
     For example, the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  may currently be set at the adjustment setting of “4”. The controller  110  may ensure that the electrochromic filter  120  depicts the adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  of “4” such that the user may easily identify that the current adjustment setting of the door closer  720  is at the adjustment setting of “4”. As the user increases the adjustment setting to the adjustment setting of “5”, the controller  110  may automatically determine that the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  has increased from “4” to “5”. The controller  110  may then transition the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the adjustment setting of “5” such that the user interface display  140  displays to the user the adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  of “5” rather than the previous adjustment setting of “4”. The user may then determine whether the user is required to continue to increase and/or decrease the adjustment setting based on the current adjustment setting feedback pattern  710  displayed to the user by the user interface display  140 . 
     The controller  110  may adjust a voltage applied to a contact  850 ( a - n ) from a plurality of contacts  850 ( a - n ), where n is an integer that equals the amount of different adjustment setting feedback patterns  810 ( a - n ) that may be displayed by the user interface display  140 , such that each of the contacts  850 ( a - n ) corresponds to an adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) that is depicted by the user interface display  140 . In doing so, each of the contacts  850 ( a - n ) correspond to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. The controller  110  may transition the electrochromic filter  120  to transition such that the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) is displayed by the user interface  140  when the voltage applied to the contract  850 ( a - n ) that corresponds to the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) to depict to the user the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a schematic view of a digit display circuit  900 . The digit display circuit  900  is included in the user interface display system  730  that is positioned on the door closer  720 . As the user manually adjusts the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 , the controller  110  automatically adjusts the sliding contact  820  along the sliding contact bus  840   a  and sliding contact bus  840   b  in correspondence with the user manually adjusting the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . As the user manually transitions the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  from adjustment setting to adjustment setting, the controller  110  automatically transitions the sliding contact  820  to the corresponding contact  850 ( a - n ) as positioned along the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the sliding contact bus  840   b . For example, door closer  720  is currently set at the adjustment setting of “1” and thus the sliding contact  820  is positioned at contacts  850   a  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and contact  850   a  on the sliding contact bus  840   b . As the user manually transitions the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  from the adjustment setting of “1” to the adjustment setting of “2”, the controller  110  automatically transitions the sliding contact  820  from being positioned at contact  850   a  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and contact  850   a  on the sliding contact bus  850   b  to the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and contact  850   b  positioned on the sliding contact bus  840   b.    
     The controller  110  may determine the contact  850 ( a - n ) that corresponds to an adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. Each adjustment setting of the door closer  720  is associated with a corresponding contact  850 ( a - n ). The controller  110  may adjust the voltage applied to the contact  850 ( a - n ) that corresponds to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set to activate the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) that is depicted by the user interface display  140  to correspond to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set. As the user manually adjusts the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 , the sliding contact  820  automatically transitions to the contact  850 ( a - n ) along the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the sliding contact bus  840   b  that corresponds to the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . As the sliding contact  820  engages the contact  850 ( a - n ), the controller  110  then applies the negative voltage  150  to the contact  850 ( a - n ) on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and then the positive voltage  160  to the contact  850 ( a - n ) on the sliding contact bus  840   b . In applying the negative voltage  150  and the positive voltage  160  to the contact  850 ( a - n ) along the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the sliding contact bus  840   b , the electrochromic filter  120  is then activated to display the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) that corresponds to the contact  850 ( a - n ) that the negative voltage  150  and the positive voltage  160  is applied. In doing so, the user interface display  140  then displays to the user the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) that corresponds to the current adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . 
     For example, adjustment setting of the door closer  720  is currently at the adjustment setting of “2”. In doing so, the sliding contact  820  is initially positioned on the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   b . The negative voltage  150  is then applied to the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the positive voltage  160  is applied to the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   b . The application of the negative voltage  150  to the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the positive voltage  160  applied to the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   b  transitions the electrochromic filter  120  to depict the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810   b  such that the user interface display  140  displays to the user the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810   b  of “2” that corresponds to the current adjustment setting of the door closer of “2”. 
     The user then manually adjusts the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  from the adjustment setting of “2” to the adjustment setting of “3”. The controller  110  may then automatically transition the sliding contact  820  from being positioned on the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the contact  850   b  on the sliding contact bus  840   b  to being positioned on the contact  850   c  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the contact  850   c  on the sliding contact bus  840   b . In doing so, the controller  110  may then apply the negative voltage  150  to the contact  850   c  on the sliding contact bus  840   a  and the positive voltage  160  to the contact  850   c  on the sliding contact bus  840   b . The electrochromic filter  120  may then be transitioned from depicting the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810   b  of “2” to the depicting the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810   c  of “3”. The user interface display  140  may then transition the display to the user the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810   b  of “2” to the display to the user the automatic setting feedback pattern  810  of “3”. In doing so, the user may easily determine that the adjustment setting of the door closer has transitioned from the adjustment setting of “2” to the adjustment setting of “3”. Thus, the controller  110  may adjust the negative voltage  150  and the positive voltage  160  that is applied to each contact  850 ( a - n ) to correspond to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set at as the user adjusts the adjustment setting of the door closer  720  to adjust the adjustment setting feedback pattern  810 ( a - n ) that is depicted by the user interface display  140  to correspond to the adjustment setting that the door closer  720  is set as the user adjusts the adjustment setting of the door closer  720 . 
     Electrochromic Visual Feedback Display System Associated with a Door Closer 
       FIG. 10  depicts an elevational view of an electronic lock configuration  1000 . The electronic lock configuration includes an electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). The electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) provides progressive feedback to the user as the user enters an access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). As the user correctly enters each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). Each row of digits  1020 ( a - n ), where n is equal to the amount of rows of digits positioned on the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ), positioned on the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) may transition color to depict to the user whether the user correctly entered each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). Thus, the user may receive feedback following the entering of each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) as to whether the user correctly entered each digit of the access code. 
     The electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) includes a access code indicator  1030 . The access code indicator  1030  may be an LED that emits a color as the user enters the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). Conventionally, the user would engage the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) to enter the access code. The access code indicator  1030  then begins flashing, such as flashing the color “YELLOW”, as the user begins to enter the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) to indicate to the user that the access code entry process has been initiated. The access code indicator  1030  then remains flashing until the user correctly enters the complete access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) and the access code indicator  1030  then terminates flashing and/or transitions to emit the color “GREEN” to indicate to the user that the user has correctly entered the complete access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). The access code indicator  1030  remains flashing when the user fails to correctly enter the complete access code and/or transitions to emit the color “RED” to indicate to the user that the user has failed to correctly enter the complete access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). 
     However, the conventional approach of providing feedback to the user via the access code indicator  1030  after the user has attempted to enter the complete access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) fails to provide the user any feedback as to which digit of the access code that the user failed to enter correctly into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). In an embodiment, the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) may include strips of electrochromic filters (not shown). Each strip of electrochromic filters may be positioned behind a corresponding row of digits  1020 ( a - n ) included in the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). For example, a first electrochromic filter strip may be positioned behind the row of digits  1020   a , a second electrochromic filter strip may be positioned behind the row of digits  1020   b , and a third electrochromic filter strip may be positioned behind the row of digits  1020   c.    
     The controller  110  associated with the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) may then transition each electrochromic strip to depict a specific color that corresponds to whether the user correctly entered each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). In doing so, the user may then receive feedback following the entry of each digit included in the access code as to whether the user correctly entered each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ). For example, the access code required for the user to enter into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) to transition the electronic lock associated with the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - n ) from the locked state to the unlocked state is the four digit combination of “1234”. The user initially enters the first digit of the access code of “1” into the electronic lock keypad  1010   a . The controller  110  then determines whether the first digit of the access code of “1” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the first digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  identifies that the first digit of the access code of “1” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the first digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  then transitions the first electrochromic filter strip that is positioned behind the row of digits  1020   a  to transition to the color “GREEN” to depict to the user that the user has correctly entered the first digit of “1” of the access code. 
     The user then attempts to enter the second digit of the access code of “5” into the electronic lock keypad  1010   b . The controller  110  then determines whether the second digit of the access code that the user attempted to enter of “5” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the second digit of the access code of “2”. The controller  110  identifies that the second digit that the user attempted to enter as the access code of “5” fails to correctly correspond to the second digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  then maintains the second electrochromic strip that is positioned behind the row of digits  1020   b  to remain in the color of “CLEAR” to depict to the user that the user has failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code. In an embodiment, the controller  110  transitions the second electrochromic strip that is positioned behind the row of digits  1020   b  to transition to the color of “RED” to depict to the user that the user has failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code. 
     Rather than the user not receiving feedback that the user failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code, the controller  110  determines that the user failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code and then instructs the electrochromic filter to maintain in the “CLEAR” state and/or transition to the color “RED” to indicate to the user that the user failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code. In doing so, the user recognizes that the user failed to correctly enter the second digit of “2” of the access code and thereby then enters the correct second digit of the access code of “2” into the electronic keypad  1010   b . The controller  110  then determines whether the adjusted digit of the access code that the user attempted to enter of “2” correctly corresponds to the second digit of the access code of “2”. The controller  110  identifies that the adjusted digit of the access code that the user attempted to enter of “2” correctly corresponds to the second digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  then transitions the second electrochromic strip that is positioned behind the row of digits  1020   b  to transition to the color “GREEN” to depict to the user that the user has correctly entered the second digit of “2” into the access code. 
     The user then enters the third digit of the access code of “3” into the electronic lock keypad  1010   c . The controller  110  then determines whether the third digit of the access code of “3” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the third digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  identifies that the third digit of the access code of “3” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the third digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  then transitions the third electrochromic filter strip that is positioned behind the row of digits  1020   c  to transition to the color “GREEN” to depict to the user that the user has correctly entered the third digit of “3” of the access code. 
     The user then enters the fourth digit of the access code of “4” into the electronic lock keypad  1010   d . The controller  110  then determines whether the fourth digit of the access code of “4” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the fourth digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  identifies that the fourth digit of the access code of “4” entered by the user correctly corresponds to the fourth digit of the access code of “1234”. The controller  110  then transitions the first electrochromic strip positioned behind the row of digits of  1020   a , the second electrochromic strip positioned behind the row of digits  1020   b , and the third electrochromic strip positioned behind the row of digits  1020   c  from the color “GREEN” to the color of “CLEAR”. In doing so, the user may then easily identify that the user has correctly entered each of the four digits of the access code of “1234” and that the electronic lock associated with the electronic lock keypad  1010   d  is transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state to enable the user to access the space associated with the electronic lock keypad  1010   d . Thus, the user may have received progressive feedback when entering the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - d ) as to the progress in the user correctly entering each digit of the access code into the electronic lock keypad  1010 ( a - d ). 
     Access Control Device System Overview 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic key configuration  1100  that incorporates the user interface display systems discussed in detail above. For example, the electronic key configuration  1100  may incorporate the user interface display system  100  into the user interface display system  1120  which operates as the controller for the electronic key  1110 . In another example, the electronic key configuration  1100  may incorporate the user interface display system  100  into the door closer  1150 . In doing so, the user interface display system  1120  as operating as the controller of the electronic key  1110  and/or the door closer  1150  may control one or more components of the electronic key  1110  and/or the door closer  1150  as the electronic key  1110  and/or the door closer  1150  operates. For example, the electronic key  1110  may be a key system and the user interface display system  1120  determines when the electronic key  1110  has provided the appropriate credential to the corresponding electronic lock to provide feedback to the user as to whether the appropriate credential has been provided. 
     The electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  that the user interface display system  1120  may act as the controller for may include but is not limited to electronic keys, mechanical keys, door closers, door operators, auto-operators, credential readers, hotspot readers, electronic locks including mortise, cylindrical, and/or tabular locks, exit devices, panic bars, wireless reader interfaces, gateway devices, plug-in devices, peripheral devices, doorbell camera systems, door closer control surveillance systems and/or any other type of access control device that regulates access control to a space that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The user interface display system  1120  when operating as the controller for the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  may control one or more components of the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  as the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  operates such as but not limited to, providing the credential associated with the user of the electronic key, transitioning the adjustment setting of the door closer, extending/retracting a door latch, engaging/disengaging a dogging mechanism on an exit device, opening/closing a door via a door closer/operator, moving a primer mover, controlling an electric motor, and/or any other type of action that enables the electronic key  1110  to regulate the opening and/or closing of a door that provides access to a space and/or enables the door closer  1150  to adjust the adjustment setting of the door closer  1150  that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The user interface display system  1120  when operating as the controller for the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  may receive data from the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  as well any type of component included in the electronic key  110  and/or door closer  1150  that may provide data to the user interface display system  1120  for the user interface display system  1120  to adequately instruct the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  as to how to operate to adequately regulate how the door opens and/or closes to provide access to the space. 
     For example, sensors included in the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  may send data to the user interface display system  1120  indicating whether the credential associated with the electronic key  1110  has been accepted by the electronic lock and/or the door closer  1150  may send data to the user interface display system  1120  indicating that a person has departed from the door after the door closed behind the person. The user interface display system  1120  may then instruct the door latch to retract thereby unlocking the door and/or to extend thereby locking the door. The user interface display system  1120  may receive data from any type of component included in the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  that includes but is not limited to sensors, credential readers, biometric sensing devices, user interface devices, and/or any other component that may provide data to the user interface display system  1120  to adequately instruct the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  to execute actions to regulate the door providing access to the space that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The user interface display system  1120  may communicate to with the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  via wire-line communication and/or wireless communication. The user interface display system  1120  may engage in wireless communication with the electronic key  1110  and/or door closer  1150  that includes but is not limited to Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, and/or any other wireless communication protocol that will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The user interface display system  1120  may communicate with the server  1140  via network  1130 . 
     System Overview 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing device  1200  is shown. The illustrative computing device  1200  depicts at least one embodiment of a controller  110  for the user interface display system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Depending on the particular embodiment, computing device  1200  may be embodied as a reader device, credential device, door control device, access control device, server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook, netbook, Ultrabook™, mobile computing device, cellular phone, smartphone, wearable computing device, personal digital assistant, Internet of Things (IoT) device, control panel, processing system, router, gateway, and/or any other computing, processing, and/or communications device capable of performing the functions described herein. 
     The computing device  1200  includes a processing device  1202  that executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic  1208 , an input/output device  1204  that enables communication between the computing device  1200  and one or more external devices  1210 , and memory  1206  which stores, for example, data received from the external device  1210  via the input/output device  1204 . 
     The input/output device  1204  allows the computing device  1200  to communicate with the external device  1210 . For example, the input/output device  1204  may include a transceiver, a network adapter, a network card, an interface, one or more communication ports (e.g., a USB port, serial port, parallel port, an analog port, a digital port, VGA, DVI, HDMI, FireWire, CAT 5, or any other type of communication port or interface), and/or other communication circuitry. Communication circuitry may be configured to use any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, WiMAX, etc.) to effect such communication depending on the particular computing device  1200 . The input/output device  804  may include hardware, software, and/or firmware suitable for performing the techniques described herein. 
     The external device  1210  may be any type of device that allows data to be inputted or outputted from the computing device  1200 . For example, in various embodiments, the external device  1210  may be embodied as controller  110  in the user interface display system  100 . Further, in some embodiments, the external device  1210  may be embodied as another computing device, switch, diagnostic tool, controller, printer, display, alarm, peripheral device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen display, etc.), and/or any other computing, processing, and/or communications device capable of performing the functions described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the external device  1210  may be integrated into the computing device  1200 . 
     The processing device  1202  may be embodied as any type of processor(s) capable of performing the functions described herein. In particular, the processing device  1202  may be embodied as one or more single or multi-core processors, microcontrollers, or other processor or processing/controlling circuits. For example, in some embodiments, the processing device  1202  may include or be embodied as an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), and/or another suitable processor(s). The processing device  1202  may be a programmable type, a dedicated hardwired state machine, or a combination thereof. Processing devices  1202  with multiple processing units may utilize distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing in various embodiments. Further, the processing device  1202  may be dedicated to performance of just the operations described herein, or may be utilized in one or more additional applications. In the illustrative embodiment, the processing device  1202  is of a programmable variety that executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic  1208  as defined by programming instructions (such as software or firmware) stored in memory  1206 . Additionally or alternatively, the operating logic  1208  for processing device  1202  may be at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware. Further, the processing device  1202  may include one or more components of any type suitable to process the signals received from input/output device  1204  or from other components or devices and to provide desired output signals. Such components may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination thereof. 
     The memory  1206  may be of one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a solid-state memory, electromagnetic memory, optical memory, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the memory  1206  may be volatile and/or nonvolatile and, in some embodiments, some or all of the memory  1206  may be of a portable variety, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, and/or other suitable portable memory. In operation, the memory  1206  may store various data and software used during operation of the computing device  1200  such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers. It should be appreciated that the memory  1206  may store data that is manipulated by the operating logic  1208  of processing device  1202 , such as, for example, data representative of signals received from and/or sent to the input/output device  1204  in addition to or in lieu of storing programming instructions defining operating logic  1208 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the memory  1206  may be included with the processing device  1202  and/or coupled to the processing device  1202  depending on the particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the processing device  1202 , the memory  1206 , and/or other components of the computing device  1200  may form a portion of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and be incorporated on a single integrated circuit chip. 
     In some embodiments, various components of the computing device  1200  (e.g., the processing device  1202  and the memory  1206 ) may be communicatively coupled via an input/output subsystem, which may be embodied as circuitry and/or components to facilitate input/output operations with the processing device  1202 , the memory  1206 , and other components of the computing device  1200 . For example, the input/output subsystem may be embodied as, or otherwise include, memory controller hubs, input/output control hubs, firmware devices, communication links (i.e., point-to-point links, bus links, wires, cables, light guides, printed circuit board traces, etc.) and/or other components and subsystems to facilitate the input/output operations. 
     The computing device  1200  may include other or additional components, such as those commonly found in a typical computing device (e.g., various input/output devices and/or other components), in other embodiments. It should be further appreciated that one or more of the components of the computing device  1200  described herein may be distributed across multiple computing devices. In other words, the techniques described herein may be employed by a computing system that includes one or more computing devices. Additionally, although only a single processing device  1202 , I/O device  1204 , and memory  1206  are illustratively shown in  FIG. 12 , it should be appreciated that a particular computing device  1200  may include multiple processing devices  1202 , I/O devices  1204 , and/or memories  1206  in other embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, more than one external device  1210  may be in communication with the computing device  1200 . 
     CONCLUSION 
     It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Abstract section may set forth one or more, but not all exemplary embodiments, of the present disclosure, and thus, are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way. 
     The present disclosure has not been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries may be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and in detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.