Accessory for providing light based functionality to a mobile communications device

• US 6,611,697 B1
• Filed: 12/21/1999
• Issued: 08/26/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ericsson, Inc. (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)
• Original Assignee: Ericsson, Inc. (Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)
• Inventors: Hiri, Farzad, Ewing, Pam, Westbrook, Bret, Boltz, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Thanh Cong
• Assistant Examiner(s): LELE, TANMAY S
• Application Number:
  US09/469,095
• Time in Patent Office: 1,344 Days
• Field of Search: 455/556-557, 455/404, 455/550, 455/567, 455/568, 455/572, 455/343, 455/127, 455/90, 455/575, 307/10.8, 320/2, 320/15, 320/113, 340/521, 340/540, 340/567, 340/573, 340/691, 340/693, 250/342, 250/221, 379/442, 379/447, 379/450, 379/355.1, 379/456, 379/61, 315/82, 701/29, 701/36, 345/467, 345/102, 362/231, 362/246, 362/558, 362/31, 362/555, 362/561, 362/559, 362/190, 362/191, 362/194, 362/195, 362/183, 362/188, 362/391, 362/396, 362/418, 362/430
• US Class Current: 455/575.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/22 Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10

Abstract

Provided is a light accessory and a motion detector accessory attachable to a mobile communication device. The functionality of the devices can be incorporated into a single light and motion detector accessory. In general, the light accessory comprises a light of at least five lumens, and a logic circuit coupled to the light to provide a user control of the light. The motion detector accessory typically includes a motion detector and a logic circuit coupled to the motion detector. Also provided is a method for activating a motion detector on a mobile communication device accessory. The method includes the steps prepping a user for a motion detector accessory input; and executing a user selection for the motion detector accessory

Claims

1. An accessory attachable to a mobile communication device, comprising:

a housing adapted to selectively couple the accessory to the mobile communication device, wherein the accessory includes a light source of at least five lumens and a motion detector disposed in the housing, and the light source blinks at a first rate when a call is received at the mobile communication device, and the light source blinks at a second rate when motion is detected by the motion detector; and

a logic circuit coupled to the light source and disposed in the accessory, the logic circuit providing a user interactive control of the light source through the mobile communications device.

2. The accessory of claim 1 further comprising a second light source coupled to the logic circuit, the second light source being disposed in the housing.

3. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the motion detector is coupled to the logic circuit.

4. Provide accessory of claim 1 further comprising a cable for electrically coupling the accessory to the mobile communication device.

5. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the logic circuit is in communication with a processor in the mobile communication device.

6. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the logic circuit comprises a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

7. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the light source blinks when a transmission is received by the mobile communication device, and wherein the blink is controlled by the logic circuit.

8. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the light source blinks when the motion detector detects a motion, and wherein the blink is directed by the logic circuit.

9. The accessory of claim 1 further comprising a switch for enabling the user to activate a motion detector, the switch being coupled to the logic circuit.

10. The accessory of claim 2 wherein the first light and the second light alternate illumination.

11. The accessory of claim 1 wherein the housing has a top configured to be integrally connected to the mobile communications device.

12. The accessory of claim 11 further comprising a positioning knob and lock disposed on the top the accessory for engaging and disengaging the accessory with the mobile communications device.

13. The accessory of claim 11 further comprising at least one connection for enabling the mobile communications device to communicate with the accessory.

14. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the connection comprises a serial port.

15. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the connection comprises a parallel port.