Functional application of photochromic compound materials to products
First Claim
1. A method of selectively altering the appearance of a device having at least one photochromic compound, comprising the steps of:
- energizing an ultraviolet light source forming a portion of the device; and
exposing at least a portion of the device having the at least one photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of selectively altering the appearance of a device having at least one photochromic compound, comprising the steps of:
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energizing an ultraviolet light source forming a portion of the device; and
exposing at least a portion of the device having the at least one photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A device capable of selectively altering its appearance, comprising:
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a housing portion of the device having at least one photochromic compound; and
an ultraviolet light source forming a portion of the device for exposing at least a portion of the device having the at least one photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A device capable of altering its appearance, comprising:
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a housing portion of the device having at least one photochromic compound; and
at least one light sensor at least partially within the housing portion. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. An electronic device, comprising
a housing; -
a display lens and a plurality of buttons within apertures of the housing; and
at least one photochromic compound on at least one among the housing, the display lens and the plurality of buttons, wherein exposure to ultraviolet light causes the at least one photochromic compound to change color. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. A writing instrument, comprising:
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a pen-shaped housing; and
an ink cartridge within the housing wherein the ink cartridge within the housing comprises a photochromic compound that changes colors when exposed to ultraviolet light.
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Specification