Fuel gauge stylus

• US 20040041797A1
• Filed: 08/28/2002
• Published: 03/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Phelps, William III, Burrus, Philip H. IV
• Granted Patent: US 7,184,033 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/179
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus

Abstract

This invention includes a stylus that employs a translucent material for conducting light to convey information from a portable electronic device to a user. In one preferred embodiment, the stylus provides a thermometer style fuel gauge. Inserting the stylus into a special stylus holder actuates the fuel gauge. A thermometer like fuel gauge reading then appears in the body of the stylus. Other embodiments include changing color, focal point of a lens and light intensity to convey information. The stylus may be used to convey any type of information, including receipt of e-mail by the portable electronic device.

Claims

1. A stylus for an electronic device, comprising:

a. a body;

b. a writing end coupled to the body;

c. a means for conducting light disposed within the battery.

2. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the means for conducting light comprises at least one optic fiber.

3. The stylus of claim 2, wherein the writing end comprises at least one window, the at least one window corresponding to the at least one optic fiber.

4. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the means for conducting light comprises translucent plastic.

5. The stylus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the means for conducting light is actuated by inserting the stylus into a stylus receptacle.

6. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle comprises at least one light source, the at least one light source corresponding to the at least one window.

7. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle comprises a rotatable shutter having an aperture, the aperture having an area equivalent to the at least one window.

8. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle comprises at least a first and at least a second light source, the at least a first light source having a color different than that of the at least a second light source.

9. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle comprises a light source having variable intensity.

10. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle comprises a lens having an adjustable focal length.

11. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the actuation of the means for conducting light corresponds to information stored within the electronic device.

12. The stylus of claim 11, wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of battery capacity information, alarm information and receipt notification of an electronic message.

13. The stylus of claim 5, wherein the stylus receptacle is coupled to an object selected from the group consisting of a cradle capable of coupling to the electronic device, the electronic device and a battery.