Systems and methods for visual alerting mechanisms on a mobile communication device

• US 20060199618A1
• Filed: 03/01/2005
• Published: 09/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corporation (Kyocera Corporation)
• Inventors: Becze, Karoly, Sitachitt, Sidney, Baar, Kenneth W., Steer, Marc A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,970,439 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/567
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/048 Arrangements providing optical indication of the incoming call, e.g. flasher circuits

Abstract

A mobile communication device includes an alerting mechanism comprising a light source, wherein the light source is configured to alert the user via a visual alert that an event has, or is, occurring. The event can be an incoming communication, a voice message, an alarm etc. The visual alert can be synchronized with an audible alert also included in the mobile communication device.

Claims

1. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a display module, comprising a light source; and

a processor coupled to the display module and the light source via a plurality of electrical connections, the processor configured to control the light source so as to produce light responsive to an event via a signal sent through one of the electrical connections and to control at least one other function related to the display module using the same electrical connection.

2. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the event comprises receiving a mobile communication.

3. The mobile communication device of claim 2, wherein the mobile communication comprises a mobile telephone call.

4. The mobile communication device of claim 2, wherein the event comprises an indication that a voice mail message has been received.

5. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

6. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

7. The mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising a digital logic, wherein the processor is configured to control the light source via the digital logic.

8. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control the light source to emit light in accordance with a selected mode of operation.

9. The mobile communication device of claim 8, wherein the mode of operation comprises a flashing pattern.

10. The mobile communication device of claim 8, further comprising an audible alert mechanism, and wherein the light emitted from the light source is synchronized with the audible alert mechanism in accordance with the selected mode of operation.

11. A mobile communication device, comprising:

an audible alert mechanism configured to issue an audible alert in response to an event;

a light source; and

a processor coupled to the light source, the processor configured to control the light source so as to produce light responsive to the event in a synchronous manner with the audible alert issued from the audible alert.

12. The mobile communication device of claim 11, wherein the event comprises receiving a mobile communication.

13. The mobile communication device of claim 12, wherein the mobile communication comprises a mobile telephone call.

14. The mobile communication device of claim 12, wherein the event comprises an indication that a voice mail message has been received.

15. The mobile communication device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

16. The mobile communication device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

17. The mobile communication device of claim 11, further comprising a display module, wherein the light source is mounted on the display module, and wherein the processor is coupled to the display module and the light source via a plurality of electrical connections, the processor configured to control the light source so as to produce light responsive to an event via signal sent through one of the electrical connections and to control at least one other function related to the display module using the same electrical connection.

18. The mobile communication device of claim 11, further comprising a main board and a separate board, wherein the processor is mounted on the main board and wherein the light source is mounted on the separate board.

19. The mobile communication device of claim 11, further comprising a housing and a lens mounted in the housing, the light source configured to shine light through the lens.

20. The mobile communication device of claim 19, wherein the lens is colored to match the color of the housing.

21. The mobile communication device of claim 11, comprising a light pipe, wherein the light pipe is configured to deliver light form the light source to a point of delivery.