Telephone Patents (Class 362/88)
  • Patent number: 10926783
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10896589
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. A safety vest may be configured to support worker protection receiver function in worker protection systems. Components used in conjunction with the receiver functions may be integrated into the safety vest. The components may include one or more antennas, radio receiver (or transceiver) circuitry, integrated power supply source, indication components, and acknowledgement components. The safety vest may generate safety alerts in response to receiving signals from peer transmitter devices in the worker protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10737709
    Abstract: A worker protection system may include a train-mounted unit for use on a train, and one or more wayside units, configured for placement on or near a track traversed by the train. Each of the train-mounted unit and the one or more wayside units may include a corresponding communication component, with one or more antennas, configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals, with the signals comprise ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and one or more circuits configured for processing signals and data, and for performing applications or functions relating to operations of the corresponding unit. The train-mounted unit may operate cooperatively with the one or more wayside units, to provide alerts to one or more workers operating on or near the track, based on communication of the UWB signals with at least one of the one or more wayside units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10336353
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10179595
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9188326
    Abstract: A security feature in a handheld electronic wireless communication device, has two switch buttons A and B that are positioned on the bezel of the device that are for increasing/decreasing functions of the device. The device has a LED light used for flash light in a camera mode of the device. A device-logic, in a non-active state of the device, detects activations of the two switches in the non-active state of the device and uses the switch activations to control the LED light; thereby the logic enables quick response use of the LED light for security purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal
  • Patent number: 8894242
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a light source; a casing that accommodates the light source and includes a first window transmitting light from the light source; a water inhibitor that is formed from a circumferential wall and a window seal in a monoblock form, the circumferential wall being disposed along a inner circumference of the casing and preventing invasion of water from the circumference of the casing into the casing, the window seal being disposed inside the first window and preventing invasion of water from the first window into the casing, the water inhibitor preventing invasion of water into the casing and transmitting the light from the first window to a outside of the casing; and a light guide member that is disposed over the first window and guides the light transmitted through the first window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tada, Yoshifumi Kajiwara, Takashi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Takita, Hiroshi Kubo
  • Patent number: 8752971
    Abstract: A color changeable lighting keyboard includes a housing, a key assembly disposed on the housing, a lighting module disposed in the housing for lighting the key assembly, and a color changing mechanism. The color changing mechanism includes a movable element disposed in the housing and operable to perform a linear motion, and a plurality of colored pieces made of a light-permeable material and having different colors. The movable element is operable to move the colored pieces along a moving direction to align a selected one of the colored pieces with the lighting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Keng-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8740401
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device includes a ceramic patterned light transmitting portion and a ceramic light resistant portion surrounding the light transmitting portion. A thickness of the light transmitting portion is in a range from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. A thickness of the light resistant portion is at least 0.3 mm thicker than that of the light transmitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-She Bian, Bai-Da Yu, Guang-Liang Chen, Ke Zhang, Lian-Meng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8596805
    Abstract: A light-collecting accessory for an electronic device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing can form an opening adapted to receive the electronic device. A light guide is communicatively coupled to the housing. The light guide can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be communicatively coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The second end can be communicatively coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In the event the electronic device resides in the opening of the housing, light emitted from the electronic device passes from the second end of the light guide to the first end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: James Carl Infanti, Archer Chi Kwong Wun, William Stephen Steinhoff
  • Patent number: 8579477
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a body, a light source, a light shutter, and a light transmissive net structure. The body has a cavity therein. The light source is disposed in the cavity. The light shutter is disposed over the light source, wherein the light shutter includes a light transmissive pattern therein. The light transmissive net structure is disposed over the cavity and covers the light shutter. In use, light emitted from the light source would pass through the light transmissive pattern to the light transmissive net structure, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the light transmissive pattern onto the light transmissive net structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Lin, Liang-Chieh Tseng, Chun-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 8567975
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal and a method for fabricating a case thereof, the mobile terminal comprising a case defining an appearance of the mobile terminal, wherein the case includes a first base formed of a transparent material, a plurality of recess portions recessed into one surface of the first base, and a second base having a surface facing the plurality of recess portions, and disposed to be overlaid on the plurality of recess portions so as to form empty spaces defined by the plurality of recess portions and the surface facing the plurality of recess portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Inseok Yoo
  • Patent number: 8467172
    Abstract: A mobile terminal device including a movable side housing having a movable side rear case, a fixed side housing connected to the movable side housing with a connection part. An emitting member is provided to the movable side rear case, and a curved panel that covers the emitting member is attached to the movable side rear case through a light shielding sheet member, wherein light shielding print part is formed on a back side near an illuminated part in the curved panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenta Sugimori, Toshikazu Ishioka, Manabu Matsushima, Yoshifumi Kajiwara, Hiroyuki Takita, Kazunobu Yoneyama, Hiroshi Kubo, Yoshifumi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 8459813
    Abstract: A light-emitting device of a portable communication terminal improves exterior decoration by emitting light to the exterior of the portable communication terminal and implements a sense of unity of a design in a non-light emission state by integrating a portion to which the light is transmitted with a main body housing. The light-emitting device includes a housing, a light-emitting element for emitting light, a light guide sheet for guiding the light from the light-emitting element, and a light-transmitting portion integrally formed on the housing for transmitting the light from one end of the light guide sheet to an outer side of the housing. A sense of unity of the main body housing and the light-transmitting portion can be improved by applying a non-conductive vacuum metallizing (NCVM) process to the exterior. An aesthetic sense is improved with the sense of unity of the exterior design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Hwa Moon, Joon-Young Lee, Kyoung-Jong Kim, Jin-Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8388157
    Abstract: A light guide sheet includes a material sheet having a film shape, first and second illuminations portion provided on the material sheet for diffusing light. The material sheet has a slit having substantially a strip shape provided therein and provided around the first illumination portion. The slit has a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The first edge faces the first illumination portion. The material sheet includes a first bridge and a second bridge linking the first edge of the first slit to the second edge across the first slit. This light guide sheet provides a movable contact assembly which is easily fabricated and provides preferable illuminating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Tatehata, Nobuhisa Takahashi, Masahiro Ito, Makoto Sadakane, Shinji Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20120302294
    Abstract: An illuminated cell phone case that includes a one piece bumper that surrounds a perimeter of a cell phone, illuminated indicia that is disposed on a back portion of the illuminating cell phone case and a LED, PCB and battery assembly. The illuminating cell phone case includes one or more programmable microprocessors that controls a plurality of LED lights, LCD Screens, LED Screens, a motion sensing chip, an audio detection sensor microphone, electronic microprocessor switches that activates electronic components powered by a battery that provides power to the illuminating cellphone case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Hays Hammond, Robert Francis Kerr, JR.
  • Patent number: 8303126
    Abstract: The present invention is a cell phone stand to secure a cell phone or a camera with video recording capability that includes a plurality of support legs with a plurality of front support legs, a plurality of side support legs and a plurality of back support legs, a cell phone base plate or a camera base plate with a raised perimeter to secure the cell phone or camera that is supported by the support legs. There is also a plurality of rotator cuffs disposed around the base plate to rotate the front support legs and the back support legs under the base plate, a built-in light and one or more batteries housed in a battery casing to provide electric power to the built-in light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Randall Moya, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8108015
    Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic apparatus includes an enclosure body defining an opening. The enclosure allows a panel member to cover over the opening from the outside of the enclosure body. One is allowed to design the panel member regardless of the shape of the opening. This results in a widened variety of design for the enclosure body, namely the enclosure for an electronic apparatus. The enclosure is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sakashita, Yoshifumi Kajiwara, Takehisa Ishikawa, Yoshiya Matsumoto, Kazunori Murayama, Atsuko Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7963688
    Abstract: The present invention has a configuration is one example in which a second body is connected to be rotatable around a rotational axis to a first body. A light emitting element that emits light and a first light guiding member, which propagates light emitted from the light emitting element as well as irradiating light from an irradiating unit, are housed in the first body. A light receiving element that receives light and a second light guiding member, which lets in light from the light collecting portion irradiated by the irradiating unit as well as propagates light in the light receiving element, are housed in the second body. Complimentary location regions of the irradiating units and light collecting portions are multiply provided between the first light guiding member and the second light guiding member, thereby multiply forming propagating paths of light from the irradiating units to the light collecting portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Kanji Satake
  • Patent number: 7942538
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards an information presenting device and a portable electronic device including such an information presenting device. The information presenting device (16) comprises a first information layer (18) having a first information presentation structure (20) of photo chromatic material changing appearance when irradiated by light (28) of a specific wavelength, a second information layer (22) having a second information presentation structure (24), and a first light source (26) illuminating the second information layer for presenting the second information presentation structure, wherein the first information layer is of a material that is transparent for light emanating at least from the first light source when the first layer is not exposed to light of said specific wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Mats Kleverman, Gunnar Klinghult
  • Patent number: 7862190
    Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light-emitting element which generates light, and a light guide plate which causes light emitted from the light-emitting element to be incident from an end face, causes the light to be reflected between opposite plate surfaces to guide the light along the plate surfaces and make the light emerge from the plate surfaces, and transmits light incident from one plate surface toward the other plate surface. A first optical element is placed on one plate surface side of the light guide plate, transmits part of light emerging from one plate surface of the light guide plate toward a front side, and returns the remaining light to a rear side. A second optical element is placed on the other plate surface side and transmits at least part of light emerging from the other plate surface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Higashiyama
  • Patent number: 7794130
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a segmented light guide includes a light channeling layer having a plurality of regions, with multiple slits in the light channeling layer dividing neighboring regions. The segmented light guide also includes at least one light source associated with the light channeling layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Muh Fong Chung, Sian Tatt Lee, Choon Guan Ko, Fook Chuin Ng
  • Patent number: 7740390
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a segmented light guide includes a light channeling layer having at least one slit dividing the light channeling layer into a plurality of segments, and at least one LED associated with the light channeling layer. The slit substantially prevents light from migrating in the segmented light guide between adjacent segments that are divided by the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sian Tatt Lee, Eit Thian Yap, Choon Guan Ko, Fook Chuin Ng
  • Patent number: 7673998
    Abstract: An enclosure assembly allows a hinge bracket to realize establishment of the opened attitude or the closed attitude of a second enclosure relative to a first enclosure. The second enclosure rotates relative to the hinge bracket around the second rotation axis. The second enclosure in this manner changes its attitude relative to the first enclosure. The hinge bracket stays where it is. The hinge bracket does not rotate. The position of the light sources is thus kept unchanged. The position of the light is maintained regardless of a change in the attitude of the second enclosure around the second rotation axis. The enclosure for an electronic apparatus is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance. This leads to an enhanced appearance of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Atsuko Yamamoto, Yoshiya Matsumoto, Kazunori Murayama, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hiroaki Sakashita, Yoshifumi Kajiwara, Takehisa Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7651231
    Abstract: A lighting module adapted for use in a keypad device includes a circuit substrate board, a transparent light guide plate stacked on the circuit substrate board, and at least one light emitting diode embedded in the light guide plate and connected electrically to the circuit substrate board. By having the light emitting diode embedded in the light guide plate, the overall thickness of the lighting module can be reduced to permit miniaturization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Kun Chou, Pai-Chen Chieh, Yung-Fu Wu, Yu-Nan Liu
  • Publication number: 20090027874
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing, an electrical connector, a light source and an elongated light guiding member. The electrical connector is disposed on the housing. The electrical connector has a first terminal contact for electrical connection to a power supply port of a portable electronic device, and a second terminal contact. The light source is electrically connected with the second terminal contact and configured for emitting light. The elongated light guiding member has a light incident surface at a distal end. The light incident surface faces the light source for receiving the light from the light source. The elongated light guiding member is configured for matingly contacting a peripheral side surface of the portable electronic device. The elongated light guiding member has a light emitting surface for emitting the light therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
  • Patent number: 7465068
    Abstract: A method of configuring one or more illumination states for illuminating at least two user interface devices of a mobile device, the method comprising assigning a first illumination state to first and second user interface devices, when intensity of ambient light is greater than a first threshold; assigning the first illumination state to the first interface device, and a second illumination state to the second interface device, when the intensity of the ambient light is between the first threshold and a second threshold; and assigning the second illumination state to the first and the second user interface devices, when the intensity of the ambient light is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: IXI Mobile (R&D), Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Fornell
  • Publication number: 20080232089
    Abstract: An attachment for cell phones contains a light and bottle opener. The attachment may be affixed to or be removably attached to the back of a cell phone and/or to a cell phone case. If removable, the structure attaches to the back of a cell phone or case via VELCRO® fastening. The removable light may be held in place by the bottle opener and/or by walls formed on the plate. In another embodiment, the bottle opener also serves as a spring loaded belt clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Riccardi
  • Patent number: 7270435
    Abstract: A mobile phone holder includes: a bottom plate having a first coupling part; a top plate having a second coupling part; and a light emitting unit mounted on the top plate. The top plate is connected movably to the bottom plate, and is movable between an unfolded position and a folded position, where the top plate is disposed above the bottom plate and cooperates with the bottom plate to confine a receiving space. The top plate is formed with an access hole in spatial communication with the receiving space when the top plate is disposed at the folded position, thereby permitting insertion of a mobile phone into the receiving space via the access hole. The second coupling part is capable of removable engagement with the first coupling part when the top plate is disposed at the folded position, thereby retaining releasably the top plate at the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Beta Emblems & Dies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Lin
  • Patent number: 7232248
    Abstract: A backlight unit. The backlight unit is employed in a display device having a main screen and a sub screen. The backlight unit comprises a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit. When the display device uses the sub screen, the first light-emitting unit provides a first light to the sub screen. When the display device uses the main screen, the first and the second light-emitting units respectively emit a second light and a third light, and a first aggregate light comprising the second light and the third light is provided to the main screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuang-Tao Sung, Cheng-Mou Lee
  • Patent number: 7097318
    Abstract: A mobile phone provided with lighting devices capable of capturing not only a still image but also a moving image in the dark. When a user sets the lighting of a light emitting section to ON at the time of capturing an image, the light emitting section is controlled so as to illuminate a subject for the most suitable time for capturing the image regardless of capturing a still image or moving image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to capture an image in the dark successfully. Moreover, the mobile phone can be used as a flashlight by continuously turning on the light emitting section that would be used when capturing an image. Accordingly, the mobile phone may be used for lighting when finding a keyhole, searching for something, etc. in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 7086748
    Abstract: A cellular flashlight including a cellular phone having a housing and a light unit extending from the housing of the cellular phone. The cellular flashlight further includes a power source for providing power to the cellular phone and cellular flashlight. A power switch is connected between the light unit and the power source, wherein the power switch is moveable between a first open position disconnecting the light unit from the power source and a second closed position connecting the power source to the light unit, wherein when the power switch is in the second closed position, the light unit is illuminated to provide light to an area at which the light unit is directed. The cellular phone further includes a power source for providing power to the cellular phone and the cellular flashlight. The cellular flashlight further includes an adaptable flashlight unit installed within a cellular phone and operates off its own battery supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Ismail A Elembaby
  • Patent number: 6979093
    Abstract: This invention discloses an accessory illuminating device of a mobile phone, of which a switch is built in the mobile phone or embedded into a base of the mobile phone for controlling a battery to power on or off the illuminating device, and providing the illumination for an object photographed by a camera lens of the mobile phone. A circuit for driving a battery charger to charge the battery can be installed to the device, if needed. The lamp of the mobile phone is lit to provide an illumination in the photographing direction of an object or a scene, so that the photograph of such object or scene can be taken at night or in a dark environment, when electric power is supplied by controlling the switch. This invention provides the light for taking photographs by using the camera function of a mobile phone under poor lighting conditions, transmits clear photographs, and acts as a portable flashlight for a multiple of purposes and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Feng Tsay
  • Patent number: 6945663
    Abstract: A tubular electro-luminescent light includes an inner member around which an electro-luminescent panel having electrodes is coiled, and at least one additional wire connected between ends of the light for carrying electric signals related to the function of an external device. The external device may be an audio, video, or communications device, or a power supply for a household appliance or the like, and the electric signals carried by the additional wire, or sensors, may be used to trigger the light. For example, the external device may connect an ear-phone set of a cellular telephone, the device being arranged in a loop to be worn around a body part of the user, a handbag, or the like, and the light being triggered by electric signals indicative of an incoming telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 6928297
    Abstract: In a portable telephone including a plurality of input buttons 1 for inputting various indications, light emitting elements 7 which emit a light, when any one of the input buttons 1 is pushed on, diffusers 8 which are located under a plurality of input buttons 1 and which diffuse the light emitted from the light emitting element 7, the diffuser 8 has an incidence portion 5 which has a receiving plane positioned near the light emitting elements 7 and receiving the light emitted from the light emitting elements 7, and a projecting portion 6 which has a reflecting plane for reflecting the light received by the incidence portion 5 to an upper side of a plurality of input buttons 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromu Kitamura, Shuichi Saito
  • Patent number: 6901144
    Abstract: There are provided a light emitting device and an electronic device, which are light, have low consumption power and a low cost. When an organic light emitting material (1204b) is included in the positions between the lattices of a heavy metal complex (1204a) with a lattice structure, the phosphorescence of the organic light emitting material (1204b) in which only fluorescence is generally observed can be promoted. Since the organic EL element obtained thus can utilize phosphorescence, the light emission efficiency is high. Also, since a conventional organic light emitting material can be used, various light emission colors are obtained and the organic EL element can be manufactured at a low cost. A light emitting device and an electronic device are manufactured using such an organic EL element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Seo
  • Patent number: 6874926
    Abstract: A light conduit to be used in conjunction with a light source in a hand-held electronic device for illuminating the keys and display of the device. The light conduit has a planar light guiding section with a plurality of light escape elements located in the keys to allow portions of the received light to escape for illuminating the keys. An light escapement section, located near the display, is extended from or optically coupled to the light guiding section to allow a further portion of the received light to escape from the light escapement section for illuminating the display. The light source can be located near the light guide section or near the light escapement section. light guide section or near the light escapement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jaakko Nousiainen
  • Patent number: 6761462
    Abstract: In a button for an electronic device, a red numeral pattern 21, a green kana pattern 31 and a black English character pattern 41 are printed on a key top 11 as plural kinds of patterns. By selectively causing a red LED 51 and a green LED 52 that function as a light source of a backlight to emit a light, red, green and orange lighting colors of the backlight are obtained. According to the color of the pattern used according to a mode, the lighting color of the backlight is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6755549
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile handheld communications devices with a light emitting diode (LED) that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case and a switch to control the LED. An LED that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case can be added to any mobile handheld communications device, including pagers, telephone handsets, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.
    Inventors: Sean Rogers, Tom Pitta
  • Publication number: 20040114341
    Abstract: A pushbutton switch mechanism has board 28 incorporating an electronic circuit thereon, metal sheet contact 26 disposed on board 28, a light-transmissive pushbutton disposed in an opening defined in a casing of the electronic device for being pressed from outside, the light-transmissive pushbutton having outer key top 22 and presser 25 formed with rubber sheet 24 for contacting metal sheet contact 26, and light-emitting elements 27 disposed on board 28 around presser 25 for applying light to a side surface of the presser 25. Presser 25 has a conical shape having an upper surface as a bottom surface substantially aligned with a lower surface of key top 22 and a vertex for contacting metal sheet contact 26. Light emitted from light-emitting elements 27 is applied to the entire side surface of presser 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Ono, Mitsura Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20040085745
    Abstract: A mobile phone provided with lighting devices capable of capturing not only a still image but also a moving image in the dark. When a user sets the lighting of a light emitting section to ON at the time of capturing an image, the light emitting section is controlled so as to illuminate a subject for the most suitable time for capturing the image regardless of capturing a still image or moving image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to capture an image in the dark successfully. Moreover, the mobile phone can be used as a flashlight by continuously turning on the light emitting section that would be used when capturing an image. Accordingly, the mobile phone may be used for lighting when finding a keyhole, searching for something, etc. in the dark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeo Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 6711005
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a small computing device. In one arrangement, the device comprises an internal computer, a power source, and a light source that is adapted to emit light out from the small computing device to illuminate surroundings in which the small computing device is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Cindy L. Martin
  • Patent number: 6692132
    Abstract: A faceplate (indicating operation status of an apparatus) includes a bezel and a light-pipe, which are integrated into a piece. The faceplate can be injection-molded with an optically clear plastic. The light-pipe includes a lens and a light guide. The lens focuses light from a light source toward the light guide and is shaped so as to focus and collect the light within a boundary of the light guide. The surface of the light guide includes a number of mini refracting lenses to promote illumination of the light. Alternatively, an ink can be applied on the surface of the light guide to promote the illumination of the light. Further, a diffusing lens can be formed on the surface of the light guide to promote illumination of the, light. The faceplate can include multiple light-pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Calix Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew K. Meeker
  • Publication number: 20040022052
    Abstract: A tubular Electro-Luminescent (EL) light incorporated with device(s) which offer a desired light effects and brightness for video device, communication device, MP3, CD player, Radio, Walkie Talkie, with fasten means such as Loop for people wearing on body on neck, shoulder or fasten on bags, main objects. The EL light are triggered by electric signals from the devices may selected from group combination including Electric-Signal(s), Sound, Frequency, Pulse(s) to make the light to make illumination with desired function and duration time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20030198036
    Abstract: A key backlight control method and circuit can be provided by illuminating only the keys to be operated with the power consumption for a key arrangement unit reduced. The key arrangement unit is configured by a plurality of keys and LEDs for respectively illuminating the keys. The LEDs are controlled by a LED control unit, FETs, a scan register unit, and a CPU unit such that only the LEDs corresponding to the keys required (or requested) in the processing mode (browsing mail, etc.) can be turned on in the mobile terminal equipment such as a mobile phone unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Masafumi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030179565
    Abstract: A low cost light guide is provided for a message waiting light of a telephone. A circuit board is supported inside the telephone housing and a light emitting diode is mounted on the circuit board. A light guide directs light from the light emitting diode to a diffuser located on the outer face of the telephone housing. The light guide is comprised of a flexible reflective material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Mathieson Craig
  • Publication number: 20030090885
    Abstract: A photoconductor panel for lighting a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed in an electronic product having a liquid crystal module and a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed on the bottom of the liquid crystal module. The photoconductor panel has a photoconduction face facing the liquid crystal module. At least one side of the photoconduction face has multiple photoconduction sections for conducting light beam to the photoconduction face. At least one light source is disposed on one side of the photoconduction face. A portion of the photoconductor panel is further formed with multiple through holes corresponding to the touch sections of the keyboard and the touch buttons. The circumference of each through hole is formed with at least one second photoconduction section for conducting light beam upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chen-Chang Hsu
  • Patent number: 6561659
    Abstract: A photoconductor panel for lighting a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed in an electronic product having a liquid crystal module and a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed on the bottom of the liquid crystal module. The photoconductor panel has a photoconduction face facing the liquid crystal module. At least one side of the photoconduction face has multiple photoconduction sections for conducting light beam to the photoconduction face. At least one light source is disposed on one side of the photoconduction face. A portion of the photoconductor panel is further formed with multiple through holes corresponding to the touch sections of the keyboard and the touch buttons. The circumference of each through hole is formed with at least one second photoconduction section for conducting light beam upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Wintek Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Chang Hsu
  • Patent number: 6474828
    Abstract: An illuminant radio communication device has a console and a cordless phone communicating with the console. The cordless phone has at least one light emitting diode controlled by the control button on the cordless phone so that the cordless phone is able to provide sufficient light when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unity Opto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Chin
  • Patent number: 6435690
    Abstract: Perimeter lighting systems for portable communication devices such as radiotelephones include a light distribution channel which is configured to capture light emitted by a device and directs it around perimeter portions of the device to allow for easier locating means in dark or low light conditions. The perimeter lighting system can be integrated into the housing of the device or can be provided as an after market case or belt clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L.M. Ericsson
    Inventor: David Till