{"schemaVersion":1,"record":{"key":"mechanic/puzzle--family-signals","type":"mechanic","id":"puzzle--family-signals","lang":"en","title":"Switches, states and signals","summary":"The player controls discrete states and command propagation among system elements.","updatedAt":"2026-10-22","status":"active","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/puzzle--family-signals/","jsonUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-signals.json","markdownUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-signals.md","aliases":["Switches and signals"],"tags":["Puzzles","Mechanics catalog"],"sourceIds":["source-8a3a7e105b6c798e"],"sources":[{"id":"source-8a3a7e105b6c798e","title":"Portal","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/400/","verifiedAt":null}],"sections":[{"id":"principle","title":"How it works","body":"Manage discrete states and command propagation."},{"id":"variants","title":"Variants","body":"### Variants and applications\n\n<a id=\"family-signals-variants\"></a>\n\n- Switching a group of states. Definition: With one action, change the selected element and certain neighbors. Conditional example: Extinguish all lamps with related switches. Terms: Lights Out. <a id=\"variant-toggle-neighbors\"></a>\n- Multi-step switch. Definition: Place elements that cycle through several states. Conditional example: Combine symbols on three connected reels. <a id=\"variant-multi-state-switch\"></a>\n- Pressing and holding organs. Definition: To support a condition by weight or constant presence. Conditional example: To leave a weight on the plate for an open door. <a id=\"variant-pressure-controls\"></a>\n- State machine transitions. Definition: Select a sequence of inputs that leads the system to the desired state. Conditional example: Open an automatic lock with a sequence of signals. <a id=\"variant-state-machine\"></a>\n- Boolean operations. Definition: Assemble or configure a circuit from operations on logical values. Conditional example: Open a door with exactly two active sensors. <a id=\"variant-logic-gates\"></a>\n- Delay and order of pulses. Definition: Set up the propagation of signals with different travel times. Conventional example: Deliver two pulses to the receiver simultaneously. <a id=\"variant-signal-delay\"></a>\n- State memory. Definition: Use elements that preserve the previous input or result. Conditional example: Capture a short pulse with a latch. <a id=\"variant-signal-memory\"></a>\n- Signal frequency and duration. Definition: Create a sequence of pulses with the required parameters. Conditional example: Transmit three short signals after one long one. <a id=\"variant-signal-frequency\"></a>\n- Associated controls. Definition: Set up a system where one knob simultaneously changes several parameters. Conditional example: Align three scales with two knobs. <a id=\"variant-coupled-controls\"></a>\n- Feedback. Definition: Set up a circuit whose output affects the subsequent state of the inputs. Conditional example: Achieve a stable cycle without self-blocking. <a id=\"variant-feedback-loop\"></a>"},{"id":"context","title":"Context and limits","body":"A wide catalog of mechanics for digital puzzles, paper logic problems and physical puzzles. Each position contains an action or rule and a conditional example of application."}],"relations":[],"placements":[{"catalogId":"puzzle","id":"family-signals","title":"Puzzles","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/mechanics/puzzle/#family-signals","categoryIds":["section-1"]}],"supersededBy":[],"attributes":{"preview":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-22","title":"Switches and signals","description":"The player controls discrete states and command propagation among system elements.","image":{"src":"images/mechanics/adventure-portal-04.webp","width":640,"height":360,"game":"Portal","sourceUrl":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/400/","originalUrl":"https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/400/0000002586.1920x1080.jpg?t=1745368554","credit":"Valve","rights":"Game imagery © its respective rights holders. Publisher-distributed Steam screenshot; all rights reserved. Excluded from MIT and CC BY 4.0.","caption":"Buttons and indicators control a passage state","alt":"Buttons and indicators control a passage state","markers":[{"x":84,"y":59,"label":"Button in the active state"},{"x":42,"y":25,"label":"Indicator shows the condition result"}]},"tips":["Show the signal source, connection and receiver state."],"examples":[{"title":"Portal","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/400/"}]}},"endsAt":null,"provenance":"Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on 2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and editorial review.","license":"CC-BY-4.0","codeLicense":"MIT","attribution":"gamemechanics.pro contributors","catalogKey":"catalog/puzzle"}}