Title of Invention

MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING A LIGHT ACCESSORY PORT

Abstract The present invention discloses a mobile communication device (100) having a light accessory port. The mobile communication device can include a housing (110), a transceiver (150), a controller (120) coupled to the transceiver, a light generating source (180) coupled to the controller, and an optical transmission port (190) coupled to the light generating source and coupled to the housing. The optical transmission port can be configured to optically and detachably couple a visibly perceptible light-emitting light output device to the mobile communication device.
Full Text MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING A LIGHT ACCESSORY PORT
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present disclosure is directed to a mobile communication device having a
light accessory port. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile
communication device including a light source and an optical transmission port coupled
to the light source.
2. Description of Related Art
Presently, different accessories are offered for mobile communication devices.
Such mobile communication devices can include personal digital assistants, portable
phones, or any other portable communication device. The accessories can include
lanyards for hanging a mobile communication device around the neck of a user, charger
cradles for charging a mobile communication device, headsets for audio input and output
for the mobile communication device, and other accessories.
Unfortunately, these accessories may unnecessarily drain the battery of a mobile
communication device. For example, an accessory may use a decorative electrical feature
that requires battery power from the mobile communication device for operation.
Because this electrical feature is external to the mobile communication device, the mobile
communication device may not be able to control excessive power consumption of the
accessory. This can lead to excessive current drain and reduced battery life for operation
of the mobile communication device.
Thus, there is a need for reducing current drained by an accessory for a mobile
communication device. There is also a need for increasing the appeal of an accessory by
offering unique visual features to an accessory without adversely affecting the operational
time of a mobile communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING _DRAWINGS_
The preffered embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and
wherein:
Fig. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a mobile communication device
according to one embodiment;
Fig. 2 an exemplary illustration of a mobile communication device and a visible
light output device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 3 an exemplary illustration of a mobile communication device and a visible
light output device according to another embodiment;
Fig. 4 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system for a mobile
communication device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 5 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system for a mobile
communication device according to another embodiment; and
Fig. 6 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system for a mobile
communication device according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The disclosure provides a mobile communication device having a light accessory
port. The mobile communication device can include a housing, a transceiver, a controller
coupled to the transceiver, a light generating source coupled to the controller, and an
optical transmission port coupled to the light generating source and coupled to the
housing. The optical transmission port can be configured to optically and detachably
couple a visibly perceptible light-emitting output device to the mobile communication
device.
The light generating source may be at least one light emitting diode, a multi-color
light emitting diode, an incandescent light source, or any other light source. The
controller can be configured to control light generated by the light generating source by

providing a signal to the light generating source. The controller can control light
generated by the light generating source by flashing the light on and off, by flashing the
light on and off in a sequential pattern, by flashing the light brighter and dimmer in a
sequential pattern, by changing a color of light output from the light generating source, or
by any other useful means of controlling light. The controller can also be configured to
detect a ornamental light output device coupled to the optical transmission port and to
enable the light generating source when the ornamental light output device is coupled to
the optical transmission port. The controller can additionally be configured to receive a
user assignment of a specified light output to a specified function and configured to
enable the light generating source according to the specified light output when the
specified function is activated. For example, the controller can be configured to detect an
incoming communication and to enable the light generating source to indicate the
detection of an incoming communication.
According to another embodiment, the disclosure provides a mobile
communication device. The mobile communication device can include a transceiver, a
controller coupled to the transceiver, a light generating source coupled to the controller, a
housing providing a housing for the transceiver, the controller, and the light generating
source, an optical transmission port coupled to the housing and coupled to the light
generating source, and a visible light output device optically and detachably coupled to
the optical transmission port.
The light generating source can be at least one light emitting diode, a multi-color
light emitting diode, or any other light source. The visible light output device can be a
lanyard including an optically conductive portion, the lanyard configured to be worn
around the neck of a user of the mobile communication device. The optically conductive
portion can include a fiber optic portion. The lanyard can further include a support
reinforcing portion coupled with the optically conductive portion. The support
reinforcing portion can be a wire, a string, or any other support device coupled with the
optically conductive portion. The housing can be an internal frame housing and the

visible light output device can be an external mobile communication device housing
including an optically conductive portion. The visible light output device can
additionally be a mobile communication device charger, a mobile communication device
car mounting cradle, or any other useful device. The controller can be configured to
control light generated by the light generating source by providing a signal to the light
generating source. The controller can also controls light generated by the light generating
source by at least one of flashing the light on and off, flashing the light brighter and
dimmer in a sequential pattern, and changing a color of light output from the light
generating source. The controller can also be configured to detect a visible light output
device coupled to the optical transmission port and enable the light generating source
when the visible light output device is coupled to the optical transmission port.
Thus, for example, the present disclosure can provide for decorative optical
effects, such as multi-color active lighting, for mobile communication device visible light
output devices, such as accessories, without requiring the accessory to have its own light
source. The present disclosure can also provide for increased power control at a mobile
communication device because the light source can be directly controlled within the
mobile communication device. This can allow for increased control of power
consumption, which can positively influence talk time, standby time, and the like. The
present disclosure can further provide for illumination of an accessory without requiring
an electrical connection to the accessory.
The present disclosure can additionally provide for a connection on a portable
phone. The connection can include a mechanical and optical coupling for a decorative,
non-electrical accessory such that a light source within the portable phone lights up the
accessory and the lighting of the accessory is controlled by features inside the portable
phone. The light source may be the same light source used for other mobile
communication device features or may be dedicated to the accessory. The light source
may only become active when an accessory is attached to the mobile communication
device.

Fig. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a mobile communication device 100
according to one embodiment. The mobile communication device 100 can include a
housing 110, a controller 120 coupled to the housing 110, audio input and output circuitry
130 coupled to the housing 110, a display 140 coupled to the housing 110, a transceiver
150 coupled to the housing 110 and the controller 120, an antenna 155 coupled to the
transceiver 150 and the housing 110, a user interface 160 coupled to the housing 110, a
memory 170 coupled to the controller 120 and the housing 110, a light source 180
coupled to the controller 120 and the housing 110, an optical port 190 coupled to the
controller 120 and the housing 110, and a detector 195 coupled to the controller 120 and
the optical port 190.
The display 140 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode
(LED) display, a plasma display, or any other means for displaying informatioa The
transceiver 150 may include a transmitter and/or a receiver. The audio input and output
circuitry 130 can include a microphone, a speaker, a transducer, or any other audio input
and output circuitry. The user interface 160 can include a keypad, buttons, a touch pad, a
joystick, an additional display, or any other device useful for providing an interface
between a user and a electronic device. The memory 170 may include a random access
memory, a read only memory, an optical memory, a subscriber identity module memory,
or any other memory that can be coupled to a mobile communication device.
The light source 180 can be a light generating source such as at least one LED, at
least one incandescent source, an ultraviolet LED, a multi-color light source, or any other
light generating source. For example, the light source 180 may be a multi-color LED or
multiple different colored LED's. The optical port 190 can be coupled to the light source
180. The optical port 190 can provide for optical transmission of light to and connection
to an accessory device. For example, the optical port 190 can be configured to optically
and mechanically couple a visibly perceptible light-emitting output device to the mobile
communication device 100. The detector 195 can be a capacitive detector, a magnetic

detector, a switch, an optical detector, or any other device useful for detecting the
presence of another device.
In operation, the controller 120 can control the operations of the mobile
communication device 100. The display 140 can display information to a user of the
mobile communication device. The transceiver 150 can receive and transmit signals to
and from the mobile communication device 100. The memory 170 can store data and
programs used by the controller 120. The audio input and output circuitry 130 can
receive and output audio signals from and to a user of the mobile communication device
100. For example, the audio input and output circuitry 130 can output, in audio format,
signals received by the transceiver 150. The audio input and output circuitry 130 can also
output music or other audio signals stored in the memory 170. The controller 120 can be
configured sense an output of the detector 195. The controller can then detect a
ornamental light output device coupled to the optical transmission port 190 and enable .
the light generating source 180 when the ornamental light output device is coupled to the
optical transmission port 190.
According to one embodiment, the controller 120 can be configured to control
light generated by the light generating source 180 by providing a signal to the light
generating source 180. For example, the controller 120 can control light generated by the
light generating source 180 by flashing the light on and off, by flashing the light on and
off in a sequential pattern, by flashing the light brighter and dimmer in a sequential
pattern, by changing a color of light output from the light generating source, or by any
other useful method. The controller 120 can also be configured to detect an incoming
communication on the transceiver 150. The controller 120 can then enable the light
source 180 to indicate the detection of an incoming communication.
The controller 120 can be configured to receive a user assignment of a specified
light output to a specified function. The controller 120 can then enable the light source
180 according to the specified light output when the specified function is activated. In
particular, a user may assign a desired light output pattern to a specific function of the

mobile communication device 100 to visibly indicate when the function is activated. For
example, the user may assign different light outputs for flashing different patterns when
music plays. The user may also assign different light outputs associated with different
phonebook entries. A different light output can then be activated when calls are received
from different callers based on matching a caller identification with the phone book entry
and the corresponding specified light output. The user may additionally assign a specific
light output for operation of a flip on a flip phone. The user may further make any other
useful assignment of a specified light output to a mobile communication device function.
Fig. 2 an exemplary illustration of a mobile communication device 200, such as
the mobile communication device 100 and a visible light output device 210, according to
one embodiment. The mobile communication device 200 can include an optical
transmission port 290 and a removable mobile communication device housing 260. A
portion of the removable mobile communication device housing can be optically
conductive and thus, constitute another visible light output device. For example, the
mobile communication device housing 260 can be optically coupled to a light source 180
via the optical transmission port 290 or via an internal optical transmission port, which is
not shown. The internal optical transmission port may be located on a sub-housing or a
sub-frame of the mobile communication device 200.
The visible light output device 210 can be an accessory for the mobile
communication device 200. For example, the visible light output device 210 can include
a connector 220 and a lanyard 230 that can be used to hang the mobile communication
device 200 from the neck of a user. The lanyard 230 can include an optically conductive
portion 240 that can include fiber optics or any other optically conductive material. The
lanyard 230 can also include a support reinforcing portion 250 coupled with the optically
conductive portion 240. The support reinforcing portion 250 can be a wire, a string, a
housing for the optically conductive portion 240, or any other feature than can provide
additional support for the optically conductive portion 240. However, the support
reinforcing portion 250 may not be necessary if the optically conductive portion 240 is

sufficiently strong to support the lanyard 230 and/or the mobile communication device
200.
In operation, the visible light output device 210 can connect to the mobile
communication device 200 via the connector 220 and the optical transmission port 290.
The controller 120 can detect the connection of the visible light output device 210 using
the detector 195. The controller 120 can then enable the light source 180 to provide light
to the visible light output device 210 via the optical transmission port 290.
Fig. 3 an exemplary illustration of a mobile communication device 300, such as
the mobile communication device 100 and a visible light output device 310, according to
another embodiment. The mobile communication device 200 can include an optical
transmission port 390, such as the optical transmission port 190. The visible light output
device 310 may be a mobile communication device car mounting cradle or base, a mobile
communication device charger, or any other useful visible light output device 310 for a
mobile communication device. The visible light output device 310 can include a
connector 320.
In operation, the visible light output device 310 can connect to the mobile
communication device 300 via the connector 320 and the optical transmission port 390.
The controller 120 can detect the connection of the visible light output device 310 using
the detector 195. The controller 320 can then enable the light source 180 to provide light
to the visible light output device 310 via the optical transmission port 390. This light can
be distributed throughout the visible light output device 310 using reflectors, fiber optics,
or any other light distribution means. For example, fiber optics may lead directly to light
output ports in the visible light output device 310. As another example, the light source
180 may provide ultraviolet light signals to the visible light output device 310. The
visible light output device 310 can then use fluorescent or phosphorous inks on optics,
such as fiber optics, to visibly communicate the light signals to a user.
Fig. 4 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system 400 for a
mobile communication device, such as mobile communication device 100, according to

one embodiment. The optical connection system 400 can include a visible light output
device 410 having a connector 420 and the mobile communication device 100 having the
housing 110. The housing 110 can include an optical transmission port 490. The optical
transmission port 490 can include at least one light source 480, at least one notch 492,
and a detector 495. The connector 420 can be t-shaped and can include at least one light
receptor 422 and a connection bump 424.
In operation, the connector 420 of the visible light output device 410 can connect
to the mobile communication device 100 by sliding into the optical transmission port 490.
The bump 424 can connect with the notch 492 to secure a connection between the
connector 420 and the optical transmission port 490. When the connection is made, the
detector 495 can detect the presence of the visible light output device 410. The controller
120 can receive a signal from the detector 495 and enable functions of the mobile
communication device 100 that use the light source 480 and the visible light output
device 410. The light source 480 can then direct light into the light receptor 422 for
illuminating the visible light output device 410.
Fig. 5 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system 500 for a
mobile communication device, such as mobile communication device 100, according to
another embodiment The optical connection system 500 can include a visible light
output device 510 having a connector 520 and the mobile communication device 100
having the housing 110. The housing 110 can include an optical transmission port 590.
The connector 520 can include at least one light receptor 522, a base 526, at least one leg
528, and a tab 524 on the at least one leg 528.
In operation, the connector 520 of the visible light output device 510 can connect
to the mobile communication device 100 by sliding into the optical transmission port 590.
The tab 524 can connect with notches (not shown) in the optical transmission port 590 to
secure a connection between the connector 520 and the optical transmission port 590.
When the connection is made, a detector 195 can detect the presence of the visible light
output device 510. The controller 120 can receive a signal from the detector 195 and

enable functions of the mobile communication device 100 that use the light source 180
and the visible light output device 510. The light source 180 can then direct light into the
light receptor 522 for illuminating the visible light output device 510. To remove the
visible light output device 510 from the mobile communication device 100, the leg 528
can be pinched against the base 526 to disengage the tab 524 from a notch in the optical
transmission port 590.
Fig. 6 is an exemplary illustration of an optical connection system 600 for a
mobile communication device, such as mobile communication device 100, according to
another embodiment. The optical connection system 600 can include a visible light
output device 610 having a connector 620 and the mobile communication device 100
having the housing 110. The housing 110 can include an optical transmission port 690.
The optical transmission port 690 can include at least one notch 692 and a detector 195.
The connector 620 can be oval-shaped and can include at least one light receptor 622, a
pin 624, and a reflector 626.
In operation, the connector 620 of the visible light output device 610 can connect
to the mobile communication device 100 by coupling to the optical transmission port 690.
The pin 624 can slide into the notch 692 and can be turned into an internal cavity in the
optical transmission port 690 to secure a connection between the connector 620 and the
optical transmission port 690. When the connection is made, the detector 195 can detect
the presence of the visible light output device 610. The controller 120 can receive a
signal from the detector 195 and enable functions of the mobile communication device
100 that use the light source 180 and the visible light output device 610. The light source
180 can then direct light 628 into the light receptor 622. The light 628 can be reflected by
the reflector 626 for illuminating various portions of the visible light output device 610.
The method of this invention is preferably implemented on a programmed
processor. However, controller 120 may also be implemented on a general purpose or
special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and
peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a hardware

electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device
such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device on which resides
a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the Figures may
be used to implement the processor functions of this invention.
While this invention has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is
evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be
interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Accordingly, the preferred
embodiments of the invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.

WE CLAIM:
1. A mobile communication device, comprising:
a housing;
a transceiver;
a controller coupled to the transceiver;
a light generating source coupled to the controller; and
an optical transmission port coupled to the light generating source and
coupled to the housing, the optical transmission port configured to optically and
detachably couple a visibly perceptible light-emitting output device to the mobile
communication device.
2. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
light generating source comprises at least one light emitting diode.
3. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
at least one light emitting diode is a multi-color light emitting diode.
4. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to control light generated by the light generating source by
providing a signal to the light generating source.
5. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller controls light generated by the light generating source by flashing the light
on and off.
6. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller controls light generated by the light generating source by flashing the light
on and off in a sequential pattern.

7. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller controls light generated by the light generating source by flashing the light
brighter and dimmer in a sequential pattern.
8. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller controls light generated by the light generating source by changing a color
of light output from the light generating source.
9. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to detect an ornamental light output device coupled to the
optical transmission port and enable the light generating source when the ornamental
light output device is coupled to the optical transmission port.
10. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to receive an user assignment of a specified light output to a
specified function and configured to enable the light generating source according to
the specified light output when the specified function is activated.
11. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
controller is configured to detect an incoming communication and to enable the light
generating source to indicate the detection of an incoming communication.

Documents:

00588-kolnp-2006-abstract.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-claims.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-description complete.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-drawings.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-form 1.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-form 3.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-form 5.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-international publication.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-international search report.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-pct request.pdf

00588-kolnp-2006-priority document.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-(04-04-2012)-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-(04-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-(04-04-2012)-FORM-16.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-(04-04-2012)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED CLAIMS.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED PAGES.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-assignment.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-CANCELLED PAGES.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-correspondence-1.3.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.PDF

588-kolnp-2006-examination report.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1.1.1.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-form 18.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-FORM 2.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-form 3.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-form 5.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-FORM-27.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-abstract.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-claims.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-description (complete).pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-drawings.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-form 1.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-form 2.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-granted-specification.pdf

588-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-pa.pdf

588-kolnp-2006-reply to examination report.pdf

abstract-00588-kolnp-2006.jpg


Patent Number 246707
Indian Patent Application Number 588/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 11/2011
Publication Date 18-Mar-2011
Grant Date 11-Mar-2011
Date of Filing 13-Mar-2006
Name of Patentee MOTOROLA, INC.
Applicant Address 1303 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD, SCHAUMBURG ILLINOIS
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CAUWELS, PATRICK, JOSEPH 7559 SHANE LANE, SOUTH BELOIT, IL 61080
2 LUNDELL, LOUIS, J. 1404 VILLAGE COURT, BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089
PCT International Classification Number G02B 6/36
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/031143
PCT International Filing date 2004-09-23
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/680,524 2003-10-07 U.S.A.