Hi:
Here's an idea for a flashlight user interface:
Instead of pre-programmed modes, equipt the flashlight with a PC data interface. Obviously, this is where the manufacturer can get clever with making a data link that is low cost, mechanically appropriate for a flashlight, yet gets the job done. Perhaps IRDA, or a jack for RS232 that's only accessible with a sealed cover off, or perhaps a special tailcap with a connector that's only screwed on the light for programming. Once that link is established, now the sky is the limit.
The flashlight comes with PC software (which runs on Linux, of course
. The PC software allows the user to set up from 1-N modes for the tail switch to sequence. Additionally, the output level/strobe/SOS/etc. for each mode can be programmed by the user from the fraction of a lumen level up to the flashlight's max.
The user uploads the parameters to the light, then presto! The flashlight now behaves in a manner precisely tailored to the user's tastes. The flashlight maker can now target every user interface desire with just one model.
This is NOT terribly difficult in terms of hardware/electronics with typical microcontrollers available today. Software and the addition of a data link to a light are also not a huge undertaking. Of course, increasing the work of a micro in polling a data link while maintaining nano-power consumption would be a place where effort would be worthwhile. But since the data rate needed would be minimal, this should also be feasible.
If I were to design a new light, this is the direction I would go. I have the ability to do this sort of hardware/software development, but lack the time and the mechanical capabilities to put it into a flashlight. So the idea is out in the open.
I sure hope to see this as the next evolution in flashlight user interfaces.
Here's an idea for a flashlight user interface:
Instead of pre-programmed modes, equipt the flashlight with a PC data interface. Obviously, this is where the manufacturer can get clever with making a data link that is low cost, mechanically appropriate for a flashlight, yet gets the job done. Perhaps IRDA, or a jack for RS232 that's only accessible with a sealed cover off, or perhaps a special tailcap with a connector that's only screwed on the light for programming. Once that link is established, now the sky is the limit.
The flashlight comes with PC software (which runs on Linux, of course
. The PC software allows the user to set up from 1-N modes for the tail switch to sequence. Additionally, the output level/strobe/SOS/etc. for each mode can be programmed by the user from the fraction of a lumen level up to the flashlight's max.The user uploads the parameters to the light, then presto! The flashlight now behaves in a manner precisely tailored to the user's tastes. The flashlight maker can now target every user interface desire with just one model.
This is NOT terribly difficult in terms of hardware/electronics with typical microcontrollers available today. Software and the addition of a data link to a light are also not a huge undertaking. Of course, increasing the work of a micro in polling a data link while maintaining nano-power consumption would be a place where effort would be worthwhile. But since the data rate needed would be minimal, this should also be feasible.
If I were to design a new light, this is the direction I would go. I have the ability to do this sort of hardware/software development, but lack the time and the mechanical capabilities to put it into a flashlight. So the idea is out in the open.
I sure hope to see this as the next evolution in flashlight user interfaces.
