Camouflaged openings in electronic device housings
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic device, comprising:
- a housing having an outer exposed surface with at least one hole extending therethrough, the housing at least partially covering an inner region;
a light source provided within the inner region and proximate to the at least one hole;
a light transmissive filler provided in the hole; and
light reflective material selectively and partially provided in or on the light transmissive filler.
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Abstract
Techniques and apparatus for providing one or more holes in a housing for an electronic device are disclosed. The one or more holes in the housing can be used to facilitate visual indicators. A light source can be controlled to provide light into a hole and thus emit light from the hole. When the light source is not providing light to the hole, the hole can be visually disguised (e.g., camouflaged) so it blends with the surrounding portions of the housing. The electronic device can, for example, be a small electronic device, such as a portable or handheld electronic device.
253 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An electronic device, comprising:
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a housing having an outer exposed surface with at least one hole extending therethrough, the housing at least partially covering an inner region; a light source provided within the inner region and proximate to the at least one hole; a light transmissive filler provided in the hole; and light reflective material selectively and partially provided in or on the light transmissive filler. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24)
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19. A consumer electronic device, comprising:
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a housing having an outer exposed surface with at least one hole extending therethrough, the housing at least partially covering an inner region; a light source provided within the inner region and proximate to the at least one hole; a controller provided within the inner region and operatively coupled to the light source to control when the light source emits light; a polymer filler provided in the hole; and ink selectively provided in or on the polymer filler, wherein the ink is only partially in or on the polymer filler. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification