Variable intensity illumination device with detection and control circuit for a front panel of a television apparatus
US7532251B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/47
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variable intensity light device is provided to illuminate front panel user buttons in a television apparatus. The television apparatus allows user control of the level of light intensity preferably via an on-screen menu. Automatic detection circuitry/logic is also provided that detects whether a light such as an LED is present upon initial user set-up. This allows the inclusion of the light device in televisions whose controllers are already designed. Moreover, the light device preferably utilizes a single wire for light presence detection and intensity control. Detection of the light causes the television apparatus to include a light control on-screen menu in the main television on-screen menu. Preferably, the light control menu allows the user selection of at least six different brightness or intensity levels for the light. In one form, the light is a diode that provides blue light though a light pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.