Shared light pipe for a message indicator and light sensor
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorRobert J. Lowles
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims3
A method of operating a message light and an ambient light sensor optically connected via a shared light pipe, comprising:
- flashing said message light according to a predetermined pattern;
- and
- reading an output of said light sensor when said light is not being flashed, thereby avoiding interference between generated and sensed light within the shared light pipe.
A method of confirming the presence of both a message light and an ambient light sensor optically connected via a shared light pipe, comprising:
- flashing said message light;
- and
- simultaneously reading an output of said light sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.