Display apparatus
First Claim
1. Display apparatus, comprising in combination:
- a transparent viewing screen having a reflective substrate adapted to form transitory opaque symbols thereon in response to respective ones of input data signals;
means for applying the data signals to selected portions of the substrate;
illumination means disposed in registry with the screen for backlighting the substrate in response to respective ones of input control signals;
control means coupled with the illumination means for applying the control signals thereto to illuminate predetermined portions of the illumination means against which the symbols on the substrate can be viewed;
means for detecting the presence of data signals applied to the substrate, and generating a blanking signal in the absence thereof;
means for coupling the blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means;
light detection means for detecting ambient light intensity, and generating a second blanking signal when the light intensity exceeds a predetermined value;
means for coupling the second blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means;
proximity detection means for detecting a spatial separation between the apparatus, and a user thereof, and generating a third blanking signal when the separation distance is less than a predetermined value; and
means for coupling the third blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An alphanumeric, and graphics liquid crystal display having utility in portable devices used in communications, measurement, and data display systems generally, is disclosed in the environment of a wireless telephone handset. The display includes a transparent viewing screen having a reflective substrate adapted to display thereon transitory opaque symbols in response to data signals received during a telephone call or generated at a keypad of the handset when a call is placed. Positioned under the substrate, an illumination screen has selectable elements which are illuminated in response to control signals generated in correspondence with the data signals. Being in registry with portions of the substrate on which the symbols are displayed, the selected elements of the illumination screen provide backlighting for viewing the symbols under low ambient light levels without illuminating the entire viewing screen, thereby conserving power in an on-board battery.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. Display apparatus, comprising in combination:
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a transparent viewing screen having a reflective substrate adapted to form transitory opaque symbols thereon in response to respective ones of input data signals; means for applying the data signals to selected portions of the substrate; illumination means disposed in registry with the screen for backlighting the substrate in response to respective ones of input control signals; control means coupled with the illumination means for applying the control signals thereto to illuminate predetermined portions of the illumination means against which the symbols on the substrate can be viewed; means for detecting the presence of data signals applied to the substrate, and generating a blanking signal in the absence thereof; means for coupling the blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means; light detection means for detecting ambient light intensity, and generating a second blanking signal when the light intensity exceeds a predetermined value; means for coupling the second blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means; proximity detection means for detecting a spatial separation between the apparatus, and a user thereof, and generating a third blanking signal when the separation distance is less than a predetermined value; and means for coupling the third blanking signal to the control means for restorably disabling operation of the illumination means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification