Method and apparatus for visual silent alarm indicator
US7659830B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.