Abstract: A display unit for a portable electronic device includes a substantially transparent display layer having a front side for displaying information and a rear side, a color filter layer, a reflector, and a lighting system for illuminating the substantially transparent display from the rear side. The reflector is provided on a front side of the color filter layer facing a user, such that reflected light does not have to travel through the color filter layer. When the lighting system is switched on, the display unit operates in an emissive mode, and when the lighting system is switched off, the display unit operates in a reflective and/or transflective mode. The display unit thereby provides two modes of operation that combine peak performance of an emissive display with a transflective ability to be read without backlighting. In this way, a display is provided which has saturated colors and high luminance, and which is still possible to be read in strong sunlight.

Abstract: A display unit for a portable electronic device includes a substantially transparent display layer having a front side for displaying information and a rear side, a color filter layer, a reflector, and a lighting system for illuminating the substantially transparent display from the rear side. The reflector is provided on a front side of the color filter layer facing a user, such that reflected light does not have to travel through the color filter layer. When the lighting system is switched on, the display unit operates in an emissive mode, and when the lighting system is switched off, the display unit operates in a reflective and/or transflective mode. The display unit thereby provides two modes of operation that combine peak performance of an emissive display with a transflective ability to be read without backlighting. In this way, a display is provided which has saturated colours and high luminance, and which is still possible to be read in strong sunlight.

Abstract: An electric device includes a housing having an indicator window and a visual indicator adapted to emit a visible light signal through the indicator window for indicating a status of the device. The device also has at least one of the following components, which are operative within a first spectral range of light substantially covering red or infrared light: an IR transmitter for transmitting infrared light, an IR receiver for receiving infrared light, an electronic component sensitive to infrared light, or an optical detector susceptible of infrared or red light. The visible light signal is provided within a second spectral range, which substantially covers blue light and is outside the first spectral range.

Abstract: A portable communication used in a mobile communications network has a transceiver device for providing a first wireless communication link to the mobile communications network. It also has visual indicator adapted to emit a first visible light signal, within a first predetermined spectral range, for indicating a status of the first wireless communication link. The transceiver device also provides a second wireless communication link to equipment other than the mobile communications network. The visual indicator emits a second visible signal for indicating a status of the second wireless communication link. This second visible light signal is provided in a second spectral range, which is different from the first spectral range.