The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 23, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 24, 1998
Bruce W Melvin, Roseville, CA (US);
Bharat K Singh, Roseville, CA (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A configuration apparatus for network devices. A plurality of LEDS on the front panel of a network device has a primary mode, displaying device and port status. These LEDS are grouped in a matrix, consisting of pairs of LEDS arranged in a plurality of parallel columns. Textual information may be provided adjacent each of the pairs, to describe an associated secondary mode, for configuration of the features and operational states of the device. When a configuration switch and mode control circuitry are enabled, drivers for the LEDS are disconnected from the ports. A configuration cycle is initiated, during which at least some of the LEDS provide visual cues to the user for carrying out the configuration operations. Sequential and unison blinking of the LEDS, as a group, individually, and in pairs, confirms reconfiguration opportunity, selection, and execution, for each secondary function.