APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS ON STATUS INDICATORS

摘要

A user interface for a load control device comprising a plurality of status indicators allows a user to control an operating characteristic of a load to a plurality of discrete levels, where the number of discrete levels is greater than the number of status indicators. The user interface also includes an adjustment member for allowing the user to select one of the discrete levels of operating characteristics. The status indicators are arranged in a linear array and collectively designate the presently selected discrete level by illuminating one or more of the individual status indicators. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, either one status indicator or two consecutive status indicators are illuminated to indicate the presently selected discrete level. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, three consecutive status indicators are illuminated to indicate the presently selected discrete level, where the three consecutive status indicators may comprise a fully illuminated status indicator surrounded by two dimly illuminated status indicators. According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a single status indicator may be illuminated to indicate one or more of the M discrete levels.