Shared light pipe for a message indicator and light sensor
US7352930B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10H20/856
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A shared light pipe is set forth for transmitting light generated by a message waiting LED in a mobile communication device, in one direction, and transmitting ambient or surrounding light, in an opposite direction, to a light sensor for controlling a display backlight of the device. The light pipe includes an elongated first portion having a first end for receiving and transmitting light and external surfaces for reflecting light there through via total internal reflection (TIR), a second portion coextensive with the first portion for outputting light received at the first end and reflected through the first portion, and a second branch coextensive with the first portion for receiving and transmitting light for output at the first end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.