Abstract: An approach involving light use for multiple purposes in a portable computing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include: accessing a user interface in a portable computing device; programming a visual state information indicator via the user interface; programming a monitoring signal that conveys a real-time state of a parameter associated with a device module; and linking the visual state information indicator to a light source and the parameter via the user interface, where the visual state information indicator is adjusted using the light source in response to a comparison of the monitoring signal against the programmed visual state information indicator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system with variable image orientation. Embodiments may further relate to networked data distribution and management; interactivity; image-enhancing optics; controlled audio; a protective covering; an anti-slip feature; fragrance technology; theft prevention; deployment in a track-and-trench system; specialized positioning mechanisms; and lightweight, flexible implementations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly, it pertains to single or networked guiding devices that utilizing pre-programming and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic to safety. The networked guiding devices of the system are configured to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, directing traffic to safety. The system is configured to be controlled locally or remotely, on-demand. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other transportation modes. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.

Abstract: An on-vehicle information terminal comprises a display control unit that displays a first screen at a display monitor and switches from the first screen to a second screen when a predetermined length of display change-over time elapses after the first screen starts to be displayed and a time control unit that adjusts the length of display change-over time based upon at least one of the volume of information contained in the first screen and a screen selection record indicating past selections of the first screen or the second screen by the user.

Abstract: A movable reference guide mounted to slide over a circuit breaker reference chart on the door of a circuit breaker box to visually mark individual circuit breaker labels on the chart, and indicator lights associated with each of the circuit breakers on the breaker panel opposite the door, the indicator lights responsive to the position of the guide on the reference chart to light up when their corresponding labels are marked by the guide. In the preferred form the guide includes a magnifier lens to enlarge the writing on the labels.

Abstract: A recharging system for recharging a rechargeable battery of a mobile device such as a headset is disclosed. The recharging system includes a rechargeable system battery, a first connector configured to connect the recharging system to the mobile device, a second connector configured to connect the recharging system to a source of electrical power, and a controller configured to direct electrical power as required.

Abstract: A method of managing data stored in an electronic device includes determining a desired memory storage location for data displayed on the electronic device responsive to a written and/or audible user direction, and then transferring the data to the desired memory storage location responsive to the determination. The written user direction may define at least one alphanumeric character and/or symbol on a display of the electronic device, and the audible user direction may provide a spoken/voice command. Related electronic devices and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A lamp set with remotely group setting function comprising a plurality of lamp assemblies and a remote controller; each lamp assembly including a casing, a signal receiver; a lamp body, a base, a circuit assembly, a power device and a group switch set; the casing for receiving element of the lamp assembly; the function group switches having a plurality of buttons for selecting the package signals sent from the remote controller; the circuit assembly of the lamp assembly being electrically connected to the lamp body, the power device, the receiver, and the group switch set. The circuit assembly serving to read package signals received from the receiver; the group switch set determining whether it is necessary to process the received package signals; if necessary, the circuit assembly will send driving signals to the lamp body to has to present different light effects according to the signals.

Abstract: A load control device comprises an actuator for controlling a connected lighting load and a plurality of status indicators for displaying the intensity of the lighting load as feedback to a user. One or more of the status indicators are illuminated to a bright active level when the actuator is actuated. After a predetermined amount of time, the intensity of the status indicators is faded one of two dim levels depending upon whether the lighting load is on or off. Accordingly, the load control device will “wake up”, i.e., the status indicators will illuminate to the bright active level, upon another actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A wind power installation includes a pylon and a machine housing mounted thereon. The pylon accommodates the rotor of the wind power installation and the generator for producing energy. Wind power installations can be provided with signaling devices so that the attention of air traffic is drawn to the existence of the wind power installation as a large structure. The flight lighting arrangement produces a light which is visible over a long distance, preferably a flashing light. A cover arranged with the flight lighting arrangement can substantially prevent the light from the flight lighting arrangement from being visible, from the ground, in a region around the wind power installation.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance including a door having a handle, and display means for displaying an operating state of the domestic appliance by projecting a light projection, wherein the display means are disposed in the handle of the door.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate the display of status information associated with a network device using a plurality of multi-function status indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one implementation, a network device includes a plurality of user-viewable status indicators adapted to display status information associated with the network device. The network device further includes a processor adapted to detect a plurality of event conditions at the network device. A logic circuit of the network device is adapted to determine first and second sets status information to be displayed by the status indicators. A control circuit of the network device is adapted to provide the status indicators with display states associated with the first and second sets of status information without requiring user interaction with the network device. The event conditions may be multiplexed to identify associations between the event conditions and the display states.

Abstract: A pre-programmed device and method for forming and displaying images which includes electrically powered light emitters in one or more rows that are preferably sequentially illuminated in time with music, the light emitters are typically a row of lights; a microprocessor(s) controlling the lights; a source of music that will preferably be coordinated with the illumination of the light emitters which enable the display device to convey a message; and a source of electrical power within, on. The inventive display device is useful in displaying a graphic.

Abstract: An external hard drive enclosure (EHDE 10) that is in the form of a decorative enclosure (20) for an external hard drive (86), and an electrical circuit (12) that interfaces with an external computer (84). The decorative enclosure can be configured as a vehicle, and includes a lower panel (22) having a cavity (32) that allows the hard drive (86) to be easily inserted into and removed from the vehicle. The EHDE (10) operates with the electrical circuit (12) that includes a pair of white LED head lights (DS1,DS2), at least one blue LED (DS3) that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a pair of red LED tail lights (DS4,DS5). The red tail lights (DS4,DS5) are synchronized to illuminate only when the computer (84) is accessing the external hard drive (86).

Abstract: A mask includes a patient interface and a reminder system provided to the patient interface. The reminder may manifest itself in mechanical, electronic, chemical, and/or electro-mechanical forms, and may be provided to various portions of the patient interface, e.g., mask frame, cushion, hoses, headgear, etc. Moreover, the reminder system may be a stand-alone system, or it may be provided to other portions of the CPAP/PPV apparatus.

Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror element having a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating and a video display positioned behind the mirror element such that a display image is viewable through the partially reflective, partially transmissive coating. The video display may generate a viewable display image that has an intensity of at least 250 cd/m2. The video display may generate a display image that extends along and abuts at least a portion of curved edges of a housing. The assembly may include a forward facing light sensor for sensing a first light level forward of the vehicle, a rearward facing light sensor sensing a second light level to the rear of the vehicle, and a control circuit for comparing the first and second light levels and generating a warning signal when the second light level exceeds the first light level by at least threshold amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals and a control method thereof. The electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals, including: a light-emitting unit disposed adjacent to the plurality of connection terminals; a sensing unit sensing whether an external connection terminal is within a predetermined sensing range with respect to the connection terminal; and a control unit controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light when it is determined that the predetermined external connection terminal is within the predetermined sensing range according to the sensed result of the sensing unit. With this configuration, the connection convenience is provided by guiding an external connection terminal to the corresponding connection terminal of the electronic device under a low luminance condition, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: An operator system for an aperture member, such as a window or a door, having a fixed frame and a movable element such as a movable sash, the operator system being designed for operating the movable elements associated with the aperture member, e.g. for opening and closing of the aperture, and the aperture member having such operator system.

Abstract: A sound guiding apparatus enabling a user to intuitively understand traveling route information from a sound includes a position detecting unit that detects a current position of a user; a determining unit that determines a traveling direction based on the detected current position and a destination of the user; a sound generating unit that generates a sound based on the determined traveling direction; and a sound output unit that outputs the generated sound.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first flow characteristic of a flow, the flow comprising at least one targeted user. The method also includes generating for display a first message based on the first flow characteristic of the flow.

Abstract: A lighting system for delivering a dynamic, fully customized, and automatic illumination to a subject. The lighting system comprises a programmable light unit for emitting a programmed pattern and spectra of illumination, a sensor pod comprising an array of sensors for detecting ambient lighting conditions and subject characteristics, a control unit for allowing a user to program the lighting system, and a processing unit for analyzing data from the sensor pod and control unit to construct an optimal lighting profile in accordance therewith. The lighting system generates light in accordance with the lighting profile which is fully optimized in spectrum, intensity, color, contrast, temperature, angle, and focus for any given environment, subject and task.

Abstract: An emergency location identification system is provided. The system includes a monitoring unit and an emergency light unit. The monitoring unit is connected to a telephone system of a facility, and responds to some predetermined dialing of the telephone generating signals, which is going to control the behavior of the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit includes a plurality of colors and shapes adapted to display a emergency location identification to an emergency crew or visitors. The emergency light unit may include blue, green, and red lights and may flash for some instances. Also, the emergency light may have a predetermined shape such as arrow, triangle, and others to alert people properly for the emergency situations.

Abstract: To provide alert apparatus for use with fastener equipment, fasteners, wearable and portable items (for example, clothing and bags) including fasteners. The alert apparatus having a signal source (for example, a pull tab having a bell made of soft iron) that is helpful in alerting a user that a fastener has not been closed or connected, and a modifier (for example, a pull tab provided with a magnet) that can be connected to the signal source. The signal source and modifier each being attached to part(s) (for example, slider(s) of a slide fastener) of a fastener or to the cloth surrounding an opening in clothing, opening of a bag, or the like. When the opening is closed by means of the fastener and the signal source and the signal modifier are connected to each other, the operating condition of the signal source is modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, personal alarm device. The device features a housing comfortably held within one hand of its user. The device provides emergency tools, particularly in the event of an automotive emergency such as a vehicle accident. These features include a mechanism to cut through the web material of vehicle's seatbelts, and a mechanism to break the vehicle's windows. Both such features providing emergency means of escape for the vehicle's occupants. The inventive device further includes electronic circuits providing a flashlight function, and an emergency flasher, and also an audible alarm function. The device is water resistant and also may be provided from materials which make it visible in the dark, prior to activation of any of its functions. The inventive device also serves the routine function of a key ring so that it will always be available to the user in the event of an automotive emergency.

Abstract: A touchpad interface device comprises a sensing board, a light guide plate, a control panel, and a plurality of lighting elements. The control panel includes a plurality of transparent areas and a plurality of covering areas to form a plurality of patterns. Users can understand the operating functionality of the control panel according to the plurality of patterns, wherein the plurality of patterns comprise a plurality of scale patterns, and the plurality of scale patterns have a volume adjusting area. The plurality of light members is located under the control panel and corresponding to the volume adjusting area. When the plurality of lighting elements illuminate, the scale patterns at the corresponding position are illuminated.

Abstract: A system for management of port terminal operations is disclosed as one of the embodiments of the invention. The system includes a plurality of task communication devices, a plurality of first and second display devices, and a task dispatch system. Each of the task communication devices is associated with a respective one of a plurality of transportation equipment, and receives a signal indicative of at least one task to be completed by the associated transportation equipment. Each of the task communication devices has one of the first display devices and one of the second display devices coupled to it. Each first display device displays a first aspect of the at least one task. Each second display device displays a second aspect of the at least one task. The task dispatch system causes signals each of which indicative of at least one task to be completed by a respective one of the transportation equipment to be transmitted to the plurality of task communication devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading one or more lighting programs including one or more lighting effects. The lighting program(s) may be downloaded from a web site to one or more LED-based lighting devices that are configured to execute the downloaded lighting program(s) so as to reproduce the lighting effect(s). In various examples, a variety of programming devices may be employed to facilitate wired or wireless downloading, including one or more computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, media players (e.g., MP3 players), and the like. Information may be uploaded to the web site to facilitate selection and/or creation of lighting effect(s) that are included in the downloaded lighting program(s).

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device for visibly marking a fire hydrant. In one embodiment, the device for visibly marking a fire hydrant has a ring-shaped body portion defining a bore between a first end surface and an opposite, second end surface, a light emitting means disposed on the body portion, and at least one photovoltaic device disposed on the first end surface and positioned to be exposed to the external environment, for powering the light emitting means.

Abstract: A means to measure the content of vessels and relay that information to persons remote from the vessels. The means to measure could be for example volume sensors, photo-detectors or lasers. The relay of information could be for example, wires or wirelessly. The specific use of this innovation with garbage cans. Display of lights on the garbage can will indicate the volume of garbage in the garbage can. Another embodiment calls for wireless transmission of the volume information to a remote receiver that is translated to a readily readable format so that garbage collectors may see remotely which garbage cans to empty and which may be left until the following collection.

Abstract: A lighting control framework is provided. The lighting control framework receives an implicit request from an application. The implicit request is converted into a converted explicit request which is processed to utilize a light of a lighting device.

Abstract: A detector for a test system having multiple indicators uses position sensitive light detection by multiple light detecting elements to produce a measured signal vector. The measured signal vector, which may include fewer components than there are indicators, has a magnitude and a direction that can identify how many and/or which set of the indicators are active. Analysis of the measured vector signal can use vector composition/decomposition techniques.

Abstract: System and method for graphically displaying a coin toss using sensors to detect the physical movement of a coin or instrumented coin, communication of sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display of a virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of the tossed coin. May utilize a sensor system, communication system and display system. Sensor system and part of a wireless communication system may be embedded in a coin shaped housing or may be external to coin. Display system and part of wireless communication system may include a remote or repeater station. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects has a sensor with a light source, a light receiver, and a light retroreflector between them. Light from the source is transmitted to the detector along a light transmission path from the source to the retroreflector and is reflected back to the detector along a light reflection path that substantially corresponds to the transmission path. A single lens or a pair of adjacent lenses shapes the respective light beams from both light emitted by the source and light reflected by the retroreflector in accordance with either the auto collimation principle or the double-eye principle, respectively. A polarizer and a beam splitter are arranged in the light transmission path for light from the source, and a polarization filter is arranged in the light reflection path so that light reflected by the retroreflector passes through the beam splitter and the polarization filter before it reaches the light receiver.

Abstract: In a display device, a display member for displaying information as an image receives a light from a light source arranged behind and is illuminated by the light. A decorative member is arranged on the front surface of the display member to partly cover the display member. The decorative member is illuminated by the light passing through the display member. The decorative member rises from the front surface of the display member and illuminates, thereby providing an enhanced three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility device faceplate that allows a user to change its orientation with respect to the user. In one embodiment, the orientation is a swivel up, down or from side to side so as to present the front surface of the faceplate substantially perpendicular to the user regardless of the orientation of the device or the wall that contains the utility box it is mounted within. In another embodiment, the faceplate can be removed and viewed and/or operated from a location remote from the physical location of the utility device to which it pertains. In one embodiment, the faceplate anticipates the user's position and adjusts itself to accommodate the user.

Abstract: An operating device for operating a machine tool, production machine and/or a robot includes a transparent pane and a display arranged behind the pane. The pane has an edge region projecting beyond the display. The control device includes an indicating device which transmits an indication signal through the edge region. This arrangement simplifies the design of the operating device.

Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.

Abstract: An LED package structure for increasing light-emitting efficiency includes: a substrate unit, and a plurality of fluorescence colloid units, LED units, conductive units and opaque units. The substrate unit has a main body and a plurality of through holes passing through the main body. Each fluorescence colloid unit is received in the corresponding through hole and having an installed surface. Each LED unit has a light-emitting surface disposed on the corresponding fluorescence colloid unit and facing the installed surface of the corresponding fluorescence colloid units. Each conductive unit is electrically connected between each two electrode areas that have the same pole and are respectively arranged on each LED unit and the main body. Each opaque unit is disposed on two corresponding lateral faces of the main body for covering the installed surface of the corresponding fluorescence colloid unit, the corresponding LED unit, and the corresponding conductive units.

Abstract: A floor display system, including a floor covering, an electronic display device associated with the floor covering, wherein the electronic display device is configurable to display electronically modifiable arbitrary content, a controller, and a sensing device coupled to the controller, wherein the brightness of an image displayed by the electronic display device is capable of being varied based on information received by the controller from the sensing device. The sensing device may include a proximity detector. The electronic display device may include a plurality of separate panels.

Abstract: A method for operating a signal lamp (1), in particular a railway signal lamp, wherein the signal lamp (1) comprises as its illuminant at least one light emitting diode (=LED) (2), and wherein the luminous intensity of the signal lamp (1) is adapted to the brightness of the surrounding, is characterized in that the at least one LED (2) is operated during first time intervals as the illuminant of the signal lamp (1), and during second time intervals, the at least one LED (2) is operated as a photo diode, that first and second time intervals alternate over time, in particular periodically, and that the output voltage of the LED (2) during the second time intervals is used to control the operating current of the at least one LED (2) during first time intervals. The inventive method does without a separate sensor, thus allowing the use of a corresponding signal lamp arrangement which is simple and inexpensive.

Abstract: A cable joint assembly may include a base and a plurality of removable legs connected to the base, each leg preferably including a limiter. A securing assembly preferably maintains the leg connected to the base. The securing assembly preferably includes an indicator for providing a visual indication whether or not the corresponding limiter is blown. The base is preferably constructed and arranged such that the indicator is visible and accessible to facilitate removal of the blown limiter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a light source to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. The light source is preferably an array of light emitting diodes. A rangefinder may be used to control the light output from the light source to avoid exposing a subject to light energy beyond a maximum permissible exposure threshold.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) has an insulative housing (10) including a top wall (12), a bottom wall (13) and a pair of opposite side walls (14), an upper shell (31) and a lower shell (32) locking with the upper shell. The upper shell has a top plate (311) and a pair of side plates (312) at least partially enclose the bottom and the side walls of the housing. The upper shell has a bottom plate (321) and a pair of side wings (322) at least partially enclosing the top and the side walls of the housing. Each side wall of the insulative housing includes a flange portion (17) protruding outwardly therefrom. The side wing of the lower shell are guided onto the side plates of the upper shell by the flange portions and partially overlapping with the upper shell.

Abstract: A plurality of common, modular panels attach to a support frame carrying power and data connections for an electronic display sign. LEDs are used as the light mechanisms for illumination of said sign. Each modular panel is under separate microcontroller control and includes its own on-board memory. The electronic display sign includes a master control element that connects to a PC or laptop computer for loading data or programs into the memory of each modular board. The master control sends out commands or data that is interrogated by every microcontroller on each modular panel of the entire sign such that only the panel with a unique identification number will process data intended therefore. The on-board memory allows for the creation of a virtual screen such that each modular panel of the entire sign is rendering the entire message being displayed on said sign even though each modular panel may only be actually illuminating a portion of said message on the LEDs of each panel.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system that comprises a data storage device is disclosed. The data storage and retrieval system further comprises a first LED, a second LED, a third LED, and a fourth LED, interconnected with the data storage device. The data storage device causes the first LED and the second LED to emit first light comprising a first color if the data storage device detects an internal failure. Alternatively, the storage device causes the third LED and the fourth LED to emit second light comprising a second color if the data storage device remains operative.

Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle comprises an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element that has a front portion that faces generally towards the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the vehicle and that has a rear portion that is generally opposite the front portion. The reflective element comprises a transflective mirror reflector that preferably is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at the rear portion of the reflective element, and that preferably is at least about 60 percent reflective to visible light incident at the front portion. A video display screen is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a variable reflectance reflective element, which includes an electrochromic medium, a first information display positioned to the rear of the variable reflectance reflective element, and a second information display. The mirror assembly further includes a single control for adjusting the luminous intensity of the first information display and the second information display and at least one light sensor, with the output of the control being generated responsive to a light level sensed by the at least one light sensor. In addition, the luminous intensity of the first information display and of the second information display increases responsive to the output of the control to compensate for any decrease in transmission of the electrochromic medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for diverting the flight of birds in order to prevent collisions with overhead wires and cables, such as high-voltage lines. The inventive device comprises a system for fixing same to overhead wires and cables, from which a central body is suspended. The fixing system enables the device to be mounted to or removed from overhead wires and cables of different diameters manually by one person. The diversion device comprises a modular construction, thereby facilitating the transport thereof and the replacement of any part if necessary. Once assembled, the volume of the device is greater than that of the individual parts. All of the device is made form an electrically-insulating polymer material which does not corrode the cables or wires. Moreover, the device can move and the components thereof can have different colours in order to render same more visible. In addition, the components of the device are perforated such as to have low wind resistance.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control. A first set and a second set of device states are monitored. The plurality of device indicator lights are individually utilized to communicate each of the first set of device states. It is determined if the user control has been activated. The plurality of device indicator lights are used in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: A method for gradually increasing the brightness of an indicator light. An activation signal is received indicating that the indicator light should be lit. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases. Upon detection of deactivation of the activation signal, the indicator light is extinguished.