Multi-function light apparatus

Abstract

An electronic device includes a housing and an array of LEDs deposited on a substrate disposed in the housing. The array of LEDs is disposed to form an indicia via which a logo is displayable.

Description

BACKGROUND

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology provides a lighting means that consumes less energy and is more physically robust, smaller, faster-switching, and longer lasting than previous lighting elements. However, the size, functionality, and configuration of conventional LEDs have constrained the use of LEDs to particular applications. As the desirability of thinness of devices has grown, certain functionalities have been sacrificed in order to preserve slim form factors. For example, some laptops include a logo on the laptop lid that is lit while the laptop screen is lit. In most cases, the logo is lit by the backlight for the liquid crystal display (LCD) of the laptop screen and, accordingly, is unlit when the lid is shut or the LCD backlight is otherwise turned off. Continued illumination of the logo when the lid is shut has not previously been contemplated because keeping the backlight lit while the laptop is in a hibernate mode would be an inefficient use of battery and adding extra lighting elements to illuminate the logo would substantially increase the thickness of the laptop. For similar reasons, second displays or other indicia have not been added to laptop covers, mobile devices, or other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered as providing an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within individual figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components, both within individual figures and between the different figures, may vary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures may depict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 1A is an illustration depicting example environments for lighting an indicium located on electronic devices.

FIG. 1B is an illustration depicting an example environment for lighting an indicium located on a laptop cover.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section diagram illustrating a technique for illuminating an indicium using thin edge-lighting.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section diagram illustrating a technique for illuminating an indicium using a thin second display.

FIG. 3B is a cross-section diagram illustrating another technique for illuminating an indicium using a thin second display.

FIG. 4A is a cross-section diagram illustrating an example disposition of a thin second display to illuminate an indicium.

FIG. 4B is a diagram looking towards an emission direction of the described light-generating sources illustrating an example disposition of a thin second display to illuminate an indicium.

FIG. 4C is an example environment of the described technique employing a thin second display to illuminate the indicium and includes a cross-section diagram illustrating an example disposition of a thin second display to illuminate an indicium.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section diagram illustrating an example disposition of a thin second display to illuminate an indicium.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of the example disposition of the thin second display of FIG. 5A from another angle.

FIG. 6A is a cross-section diagram illustrating an example disposition of a thin second display to illuminate an indicium.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of the example disposition of the thin second display of FIG. 6A from another angle.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section diagram illustrating a technique for illuminating a display and an indicium using a thin display.

FIG. 8A is a cross-section diagram of an example of an indicium illuminated by a surface-mounted light-generating source.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section diagram of an example of an indicium illuminated by a surface-mounted light-generating source.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example device employing the described techniques.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example method to effect notifications on an indicium.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example embodiment of a lighting feature of an electronic device.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example embodiment of a lighting feature of an electronic device.

FIG. 12A illustrates an example embodiment of a lighting feature of an electronic device.

FIG. 12B illustrates an example embodiment of a lighting feature of an electronic device.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment of a lighting feature of an electronic device.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example embodiment of an indicia of an electronic device.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example embodiment of an indicia of an electronic device.

FIG. 15B illustrates an example embodiment of an indicia of an electronic device.

FIG. 15C illustrates an example embodiment of an indicia of an electronic device.

FIG. 15D illustrates an example embodiment of an indicia of an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure is directed to techniques and devices to provide illumination of indicium such as, for example, a logo or user interface disposed on a laptop cover or other mobile device for a variety of uses. In some embodiments, the techniques and devices herein provide illumination of indicium without regard to the state of a display of the device. In some examples, the features provide illumination to enhance the function of a component of an electronic device such as, for example, providing light to illuminate an environment for a camera of an electronic device. In other examples, the techniques and devices herein provide illumination of indicium when opaque components of the device are located between the lit indicium and a display of the device. In yet other examples, the opacity of the indicium may be reduced and/or the amplitude of the illumination may be increased such that the techniques illuminate an environment via the indicium in a manner similar to a flashlight.

The techniques and systems described herein may be implemented in a number of ways. Example implementations are provided below with reference to the following figures. The implementations, examples, and illustrations described herein may be combined. The term “techniques,” for instance, may refer to system(s), method(s), computer-readable media/instructions, module(s), algorithms, hardware logic (e.g., Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs)), and/or technique(s) as permitted by the context described above and throughout the document.

This disclosure describes techniques and products that are well-suited to lighting using unpackaged LEDs. However, the same techniques and products may also implement lighting with packaged LEDs. For consistency, the use of the term LED herein, may generally indicate an unpackaged LED. An “unpackaged” LED refers to an unenclosed LED without protective features. For example, an unpackaged LED may refer to an LED die that does not include a plastic or ceramic enclosure, pins/wires connected to die contacts (e.g., for interfacing/interconnecting with ultimate circuitry), and/or a sealing (e.g., to protect the die from the environment).

In many instances, the techniques discussed herein are implemented at the assembly level (after LEDs are disposed on a “circuit substrate”). The term “circuit substrate” and/or alternatively, “substrate,” may include, but is not limited to: a paper, glass, or polymer substrate formed as a sheet or other non-planar shape, where the polymer—translucent or otherwise—may be selected from any suitable polymers, including, but not limited to, a silicone, an acrylic, a polyester, a polycarbonate, etc.; a circuit board (such as a printed circuit board (PCB)); a string or thread circuit, which may include a pair of conductive wires or “threads” extending in parallel; and a cloth material of cotton, nylon, rayon, leather, etc. The use of either term “circuit substrate” or “substrate” does not necessarily mean that a circuit or circuit trace has yet been added to the substrate. As such, the lighting apparatus may implement a variety of substrates, with or without a circuit, as described herein.

The choice of material of the substrates, as discussed herein, may include durable materials, flexible materials, rigid materials, and/or other materials which maintain suitability for the end use of the product. Further, a substrate, such as a circuit substrate, may be formed solely or at least partially of conductive material such that the substrate acts as a conductive circuit for providing electricity to an LED. In an example, a product substrate may be a flexible, translucent polyester sheet having a desired circuit pattern screen printed thereon using a silver-based conductive ink material to form a circuit trace. In some instances, the thickness of the product substrate may be range from about 5 microns to about 80 microns, about 10 microns to about 80 microns, about 10 microns to about 100 microns, and so on.

Any suitable type of technology can be utilized to implement conductive traces. Examples of suitable technologies include, by way of example and not limitation: silver, carbon-like material, or any other material for conducting electricity. The conductive traces may be composed of material that is reflective, opaque, or otherwise not translucent nor transparent. In some examples, the conductive traces may be translucent or transparent (e.g., by using indium tin oxide). The conductive traces may include conductive nano-fibers. Conductive traces may be created using conventional conductive ink or other similar processes. Conductive inks may be classed as fired high solids systems or PTF (polymer thick film) systems that allow circuits to be drawn or printed on a variety of substrate materials such as polyester to paper. These types of materials usually contain conductive materials such as powdered or flaked silver and carbon like materials. While conductive inks can be an economical way to lay down a modern conductive traces, traditional industrial standards such as etching of conductive traces may be used on relevant substrates. In yet another example, conductive traces may be premade similarly to photo-etched copper and can have a secondary conductive bond material (e.g., solder) applied to the premade conductive trace to facilitate attachment.

Further, in the embodiments discussed herein, it is contemplated that the circuit substrates containing LEDs may be prepared using a “direct transfer” process as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/939,896, where an unpackaged LED die is transferred from a wafer or wafer tape directly to a substrate, such as a circuit substrate, and then implemented into an apparatus at assembly, with or without further processing, such as the addition of a phosphor or other down-converting media such as quantum dots or organic dyes. The direct transfer of the unpackaged LED die may significantly reduce the thickness of an end product (in comparison to other techniques), as well as the amount of time and/or cost to manufacture the product substrate. Although in other instances, the techniques may be implemented in other contexts that do not implement a direct transfer process for the LED dies.

The fabrication of LEDs typically involves an intricate manufacturing process with a myriad of steps. The fabrication may start with handling a semiconductor wafer. The wafer is diced into a multitude of unpackaged LEDs. An unpackaged LED device may be referred to as an LED die, or just a “die.” A single semiconductor wafer may be diced to create multiple dies of various sizes, so as to form upwards of more than 100,000 or even 1,000,000 dies from the semiconductor wafer. For conventional usage, unpackaged dies are then generally “packaged.” The “packaged” modifier refers to the enclosure and protective features built into a final LED as well as the interface that enables the die in the package to ultimately be incorporated into a circuit. For example, as referenced above, packaging may involve mounting a die into a plastic-molded lead frame or onto a ceramic substrate, connecting the die contacts to pins/wires for interfacing/interconnecting with ultimate circuitry, and sealing the die with an encapsulant to improve light extraction and protect it from the environment (e.g., dust). Due to the packaging, the LED dies are ready to be “plugged in” to the circuit assembly of the product being manufactured. A product manufacturer then places packaged LEDs in product circuitry. Additionally, while the packaging of on an LED die protects the die from elements that might degrade or destroy the LED device, packaged LED dies are inherently larger (e.g., in some cases, around 10 times the thickness and 10 times the area, resulting in 100 times the volume) than the die found inside the package. Thus, the resulting circuit assembly cannot be any thinner than the packaging of the LED die and the circuit substrate.

While embodiments are described herein in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed herein as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments.

Illustrative Environment

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations depicting example devices (100, 102, 104) and device states in which examples described herein may operate. In some examples, the various devices may comprise electronic devices such as a laptop 100 or laptop 102. In other examples, the electronic device may be a tablet or smartphone as illustrated at 104. In still other examples, the device may not intrinsically be an electronic device. For example, the device may be any surface to which the lighting elements described herein may be attached or inserted.

In one example, the device comprises a laptop (100, 102) having an indicium (e.g., 106(1), 106(2), 106(4)) disposed on the back cover 108 of the laptop. An indicium may include an icon, logo, mark, design, symbol, or display, among others. The indicium may be static (e.g., a translucent plastic inset on a laptop, a sticker on a bike, etching, engraving) or dynamic (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD)). For example, the indicium may comprise a translucent, semi-transparent, or light-diffusing material shaped as a company mark, such as the indicium 106(1) of laptop 100. In various examples, the indicium can comprise a bezel and/or other features of a device. In other embodiments, the indicium may be an electronic component such as, for example, one or more of: an LCD 106(2), a camera 106(4), a button or other input device 106(5), a radio frequency (RF) emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port etc.

It is not necessary, however, that the device be a laptop (100, 102); the device may be a smartphone or tablet 104 having an indicium (e.g., 106(3), 106(5)) thereon disposed or any other object having a surface comprising an indicium to which the light-generating sources (LGSs) described herein may be affixed or inserted. For example, the object may be a car or a bike to which a decal is affixed, the LGS being disposed so as to light the decal, whether by affixing the LGS to the decal or by disposing the light generating source underneath or within the decal.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate contrasting device states during which the LGSs described herein may be active. FIG. 1A, at 100 and 102, illustrates a “device open” state where, in the instance of a laptop, the laptop lid is up. During this state, the device is commonly in a “power on” state but may also be in a hibernate or sleep state; a display sleep state, where the display is powered off but the rest of the device or substantially all of the rest of the device remains powered on; or in a “power off” state. These states are also common to electronic devices other than laptops. Often, electronic devices turn off the backlight to the display during power off, hibernate, sleep, and display sleep states to conserve battery power and because having an additional display for continued input/output during these states would increase device thickness and power consumption. The techniques contemplated herein provide the ability to illuminate indicium without increasing device thickness or causing a large drain on the battery.

FIG. 1B illustrates a “device closed” state where, in the instance of a laptop, the laptop lid is shut. During this state, the device is commonly in a “power off” state but may also be in a hibernate or sleep state or a display sleep state, where the display is powered off but the rest of the device or substantially all of the rest of the device remains powered on.

Illustrative Technique for Indicium Illumination Using Thin Edge-Lighting

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of an electronic device 200 having an indicium 202 (e.g., a transparent, translucent, or otherwise light-diffusing logo; a liquid crystal display; other display layers, etching, design, symbol, image, electronic component of the electronic device 200 etc.) disposed in a housing 204 employing a technique for indicium illumination using a thin edge-lighting solution (e.g., LGS 206). The electronic device 200 comprises a light generating source (LGS) 206 along one or more edges (e.g., sides, outside surfaces) of the backlight (e.g., collectively, the LGS 206 and light guide 208). As referred to herein, LGS may refer to an individual lighting element or a group of lighting elements. In some examples, the LGS 206 may be disposed along the entire display (e.g., collectively, the LGS 206, light guide 208, and display layer 210). LGS 206 is disposed along one side and emits light into light guide 208, as illustrated by light rays 212(1) and 212(2). The LGS 206 emits the light in a light emission direction 214 transverse to the display light diffusion direction 216.

Note that a “light diffusion direction” and a “light emission direction” may be the same or different. As used herein, “light diffusion direction” is defined to be the direction in which light generally travels to be perceived by an end user or an intended direction of the device whereas “light emission direction” is defined to mean a direction in which a LGS emits light. It is contemplated that “light diffusion direction” and “light emission direction” may be very broad terms seeing that the actual directions photons travel may vary widely depending on multiple factors, including the material through which they travel (e.g., the medium into which the photon is fired, lenses over the LGS, display layers through which the photons travel). Therefore, the terms refer to the direction that most broadly described the direction in which the particular light is travelling. It is also contemplated that an LGS may emit light in a direction (i.e., light emission direction) that is the same as the light diffusion direction (e.g., when a LGS is oriented to emit light directly at the display layer 210 (see FIG. 7), rather than parallel with the display layer 210 to be refracted into the display layer 210 as illustrated in FIG. 2). Furthermore, just because the language “light emission direction” was chosen to describe the direction in which the LGS is oriented to emit light does not mean that the LGS is not diffused as it is emitted. The term “light emission direction” only defines the original emission direction whereas the light diffusion direction defines a direction in which the light emitted is diffused.

LGS 206 may emit electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength appropriate for the use of the display such as, for example, visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, or x-ray, among others. In other implementations, LGS 206 may be an array of packaged light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), laser diodes, quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), a hybrid of these or any other similar device. In another example, LGS 206 may comprise an array of deposited LEDs (dLEDs) or printable light-emitting diodes (pLEDs). An example of an LGS that is contemplated to be used with the technology described herein is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,415,879, which is titled “Diode for a Printable Composition,” which is incorporated by reference herein. These LEDs are printed, thus they are called pLEDs herein. In one example, the pLEDs may have largely-coplanar electrodes.

For a dLED implementation, individual LGSs (e.g., unpackaged LEDs, LED dies) may be disposed (e.g., printed, laminated, captured) on a substrate (e.g., a thin film having a thickness of less than 0.25 millimeters, a thin film having a thickness of 0.2 millimeters, a thin film having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.15 millimeters, a thin film having a thickness of 0.07 to 0.1 millimeters, a thin film having a thickness of 0.006 to 0.012 millimeters, a flexible thin film). Collectively, dLEDs, pLEDs, LED die, etc. deposited on a substrate are referred to as dLED LGSs herein. Note that in FIG. 2, although discrete units appear to be illustrated as LGS 206, it is contemplated that the LGS may comprise thousands of dLEDs in an embodiment utilizing a dLED LGS.

Unpackaged LEDs may be used as the individual LGSs to form a dLED LGS. In some examples, the unpackaged LEDs have a diameter ranging from 10 to 50 microns and a height ranging from 5 to 20 microns. In one example, the unpackaged LEDs have a maximum width or length, whichever is longer, ranging from about 300 to 320 microns. In some implementations, the individual LGSs (e.g., unpackaged LEDs, LED dies) have a diameter ranging from about 20 to 30 microns and a height ranging from about 5 to 50 microns. In one example, the unpackaged LEDs have dimensions of ranging from 230 to 300 microns on one side, 180 to 200 microns on a second side, and 50 to 80 microns in height. Therefore, measurements referencing to thickness with respect to a dLED LGS herein are within 80 microns of the distance stated since the thickness of a dLED LGS is determined primarily by the thickness of the substrate (where thickness of the dLED LGS is a measure of the height of the profile of the dLED LGS or, equivalently, a measure of the distance from the surface of the outermost layer of the substrate to the side of the LGS disposed away from the outermost layer of the substrate).

Furthermore, because the maximum width of unpackaged LEDs is significantly less than that of packaged LEDs, space between the centers of each LED are drastically reduced which therefore increases the uniformity of the perceived light. In one example, the space between the centers of each unpackaged LED after being disposed is 0.05 millimeters. Since LEDs produce a “point” of light and because it is desirable in many applications to have uniform light (i.e., not being able to distinguish each point of light), as a rule of thumb, the diffusing offset distance (i.e., the minimum distance at which the light emitted from a LED array is perceived as uniform) may be approximately equal to the distance between the centers 224 of adjacent LEDs. Therefore, for a dLED LGS, the diffusing offset distance may have a diffusing offset distance of approximately 0.05 millimeters.

Conventional light guides for edge-lit applications employing packaged LEDs have a thickness 218 of approximately 0.25-0.5 millimeters. In an example employing dLED LGSs, the light guide 208 need not be that thick. In an implementation employing dLED LGSs to edge-light the display (collectively, the LGS 206, light guide 208, and display layer 210), the dLED LGS may be directly attached to the edge of the light guide 208 (e.g., molded, pressed, adhered) without a lens structure common to packaged LEDs. Furthermore, the light guide 208 need not be as thick as conventional light guides (0.25-0.5 millimeters) since dLEDs have a substantially smaller dimensions and may sufficiently illuminate the light guide 208 and display layer 210.

Laptops and other displays, such as televisions, commonly employ edge-lighting to illuminate the liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that convey images to users. Display layer 210 represents the various layers of a LCD (e.g., polarizing film, glass filter, negative electrode, liquid crystal layer, thin film transistors, positive electrode, cover glass), diffuser, prism film, and any additional or any other appropriate layers that would modify light to represent images (e.g., images, symbols, signals). Light rays 212(1) that reflect are refracted in the display light diffusion direction 216 are modified (e.g., diffused, blocked, colored) by the display layer 210, to form the desired image (e.g., image, symbol, signal).

In some instances, to increase the brightness of the images presented to the user via the display layer 210, a reflector 220 (e.g., mirror) may be included between the light guide 208 and the housing 204. In one example, the reflector 220 may be non-continuous to illuminate an indicium 202 disposed in the housing 204. A gap 222 in the reflector 220 allows light to pass through to illuminate the indicium 202, which may be incorporated in the housing 204 and permit at least some of light rays 212(2) to pass therethrough.

Due to the extremely small size of the unpackaged LEDs available and the improved placement method and apparatus via direct transfer as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/939,896, the spacing between the LEDs may be significantly decreased when using the improved transfer method compared to the spacing that can be achieved using conventional methods and packaged LEDs. The smaller spacing between LEDs allows for increased density of the LEDs and thus increased brightness capabilities.

In view of the increased density and brightness capabilities, in addition to having an illuminated indicia (e.g., logo), for example on a thin film on a device, it is also contemplated that the indicia may be used as the flash for a camera on the device (e.g., mobile devices including phones, multimedia devices, tablets, and laptop devices). Thus, the illuminable indicia may eliminate the need to include an additional flash mechanism. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the improved illuminable indicia may be used in combination with the flash of a camera to enhance and/or alter the illumination of the environment. For example, the output of the LEDs of the indicia may vary in color or brightness as manufactured, and/or the total output color of the LEDs may be controllable to vary the lighting in the environment. That is, the output color of the LEDs may cast a light having an effect of, for example, bright white, soft white, red, blue, green, etc. on the environment being photographed to create an enhanced or otherwise modified image.

In FIG. 14, an embodiment of a mobile device 1400, such as a phone, is depicted. Housing 1402 of mobile device 1400 may include an indicia 1404 that is illuminated by one or more LEDs 1406. In some instances, indicia 1404 may be used to illuminate an environment for taking a photograph using camera 1408. As such, mobile device 1400 may simply use indicia 1404 as a flash. Additionally, and/or alternatively, mobile device 1400 may further include a built-in camera flash 1410, as a secondary or alternative flash member.

In another embodiment, a group of the LEDs of the indicia may illuminate collectively to depict a number as a countdown (i.e., 3-2-1 . . . ) as a notification of when a picture will be taken. For example, FIG. 15A depicts an indicia 1500A, wherein a notification 1502A of a countdown starting with “3” is illuminated by illuminating a predetermined/preprogramed group of the LEDs of indicia 1500A. Similarly, one or more LEDs of the indicia 1500A may simply illuminate in a timed pulsing as a pre-flash warning (e.g., from one side of the indicia to an opposite side, increasing or decreasing in the quantity of activated LEDs, and/or alternating in color).

Furthermore, the LEDs of the indicia may be selected with varying qualities of brightness and color, and placed in particular quantities at particular positions within the indicia to allow for selective illumination of one or more particular LEDs as desired to create different illumination settings. Such settings may be preprogrammed into functions of the device such as presets in a camera application, or the selective settings of individual or groups of LEDs may be specifically controllable. Preset settings may include activating one or more individual LEDs, and/or activating one or more groups of LEDs having similar or distinct qualities to create uniformity of light or a blended appearance.

Moreover, the improved illuminable indicia (such as indicia 1404 of mobile device 1400) may be used additionally, and/or alternatively, as a flashlight device to simply illuminate the environment. Here again, the output of the LEDs of the indicia may vary in color or brightness as manufactured, and/or the total output color of the LEDs may be controllable to vary the lighting in the environment. That is, the output color of the LEDs may cast a light having an effect of, for example, a soft white, red, blue, green, etc. on the environment to create a modified and/or enhanced environment. Furthermore, the LEDs of the indicia may be selected with varying qualities of brightness and color, and placed in particular quantities at particular positions within the indicia to allow for selective illumination of one or more particular LEDs as desired to create different illumination settings. Such settings may be preprogrammed into functions of the device such as presets in a camera application, or the selective settings of individual LEDs or groups of LEDs may be specifically controllable. Preset settings may include activating one or more individual LEDs, and/or activating one or more groups of LEDs having similar or distinct qualities to create uniformity of light or a blended appearance. Accordingly, as a flashlight, the level of brightness or color may be selected specifically to suit the user's needs and environment.

In yet another embodiment, the improved indicia may further be used additionally in connection with the above described functions, and/or alternatively, as a means of notification of incoming calls, texts, emails, messages, video chats, updates to social and/or other interactive applications, etc. As a notification means, the LEDs of the indicia or logo may be controlled in multiple ways. In some instances, the LEDs of the indicia may be uniformly controlled to illuminate together simultaneously upon receiving a signal from a processor of the device according to a delivery of a notification. The activation of LEDs in the indicia may be controlled to illuminate the LEDs in a pattern of all LEDs on/off, rhythmically, sporadically, or erratically.

Furthermore, the LEDs of the indicia may be illuminated at varying levels of power as well. For example, all LEDs in the indicia (or a portion thereof) may illuminate, for example, at full power/brightness levels, ¾ power/brightness levels, ½ power/brightness levels, etc. Moreover, the variance in power/brightness levels may change with a pattern of illumination (e.g., a repeating first pulse or flash of illumination is executed at full power/brightness level followed by a subsequent second pulse or flash of illumination executed at ½ power/brightness, which sequence may repeat rhythmically).

In some instances, the LEDs of the indicia may be additionally, and/or alternatively, addressable and controllable individually and/or in limited numbered groups so as to illuminate in static or dynamic patterns. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 15B and 15C, in the event of the receipt of an email on a device, a predetermined number of individual LEDs or groups of LEDs of an indicia 1500B, 1500C may statically illuminate so as to depict an envelope notification 1502B or the letters of the word “EMAIL” notification 1502C for a predetermined amount of time. In an additional, and/or an alternative, example, the LEDs of an indicia (such as indicia 1500C) may be preprogrammed to dynamically illuminate so as to depict a notification 1504C as words, images, icons, logos, etc. in a scrolling manner, either in a lateral direction or a vertical direction (e.g., the LEDs in the indicia may display the name of a contact that is calling, texting, or emailing a service available on the device). Notice that notification 1502C may be static, while notification 1504C may be dynamic within the same indicia 1500C, as indicated by the remainder of the name “John Doe” that has begun scrolling by and now displays only “ohn Doe” as seen in FIG. 15C. In yet another example, individual LEDs or adjacent groups of LEDs may be preprogrammed to activate and illuminate in succession to form a wave motion of light, a spiral of light, a pulsation of light with different portions of the indicia being illuminated at varying power/brightness levels pulsing or fading in and out, a chasing light movement, a wave of changing color of light, an explosion of random light points, etc.

In a further example embodiment, the LEDs of the indicia may be illuminated according to a rhythm/style of music or other sounds being played or activated on the device. Such illumination may occur with an entirety of the indicia (e.g., logo) or a portion being illuminated. That is, one or more LEDs of the indicia may illuminate as a notification or as a display in: a pulse to a rhythm or sound uniformly, such as to a song, the ring of a phone call, the background sounds in a game being played on the device, etc.; a scrolling/rippling waveform to correspond to the signal being received; a series of parallel lines/bars as seen in indicia 1500D of FIG. 15D, where each line/bar of notification 1502D represents a different sound and the height of the line/bar represents an intensity of the sound; etc. In each of the above examples, the LEDs of the indicia may vary in the intensity displayed with respect to predetermined settings of power, brightness, color, etc. Note, devices in which the notification/display functions of the LEDs of the indicia are contemplated are not limited to mobile devices or personal/multimedia computing devices. Rather, other devices such as headphones, speakers, personal home assistant/multimedia/multifunction devices, cameras, etc. are also contemplated for use with the above described embodiments of indicium illumination.

As with other embodiments, the LEDs of the indicia that are transferred may be selected with varying qualities of brightness and color, and placed in particular quantities at particular positions within the indicia to allow selective illumination of one or more particular LEDs as desired to create different illumination settings or functions, including those described above. Such illumination settings may be personalized to the user and/or customized by the user to activate the LEDs of the indicia according to the user's preferences. For example, a user may select a first desired indicia illumination pattern/setting for a notification of an incoming phone call, a second distinct desired indicia illumination pattern/setting for a notification of a text, and still a third distinct desired indicia illumination pattern/setting for a notification of an update or status change to a game or application service accessible via the device. Moreover, the settings may be further personalized to distinguish between distinct identities/services (e.g., a first indicia notification illumination setting for a call from a spouse and a second, distinct indicia notification illumination setting for a call from a specific friend, child, parent, school, work, game update, social media notification, etc.)

In any of the embodiments described herein, it is contemplated that a user may further have the ability to create customized notifications of indicia illumination. For example, a user may access an application associated with customization of the indicia and input parameters to display illumination as desired. In an embodiment of customization, a user may be able to program the indicia and notification using touch force sensing.

Illustrative Technique for Indicium Illumination Using Thin Second Display

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-section of device 300 comprising a first display 302 (e.g., light-emitting diode (LED)-backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)) comprised of an LED 304, light guide 306, and display layer 308 (having the same or similar components as display layer 210 above if a LCD is used) and having a light diffusion direction 310 in which general direction the light rays 312 are refracted after being emitted by the LED 304 and modified (e.g., diffused, colored, blocked, intensified) by the display layer 308 propagate.

Although the description and illustration of FIG. 3A depicts a device 300 employing a LED-backlit LCD, other display means can alternatively be employed as a first display 302, such as, for example, full array LED backlighting (e.g., LEDs emitting light directly in the light diffusion direction 310 rather than transversely and being disposed on the reflector 310 throughout the x-z coordinate plane), dynamic backlight (e.g., “local dimming” wherein backlighting LEDs are controlled individually or in clusters to control the level of light/color intensity in a given part of the screen), organic LED, plasma, cathode ray tube, or a thin display (e.g., dLED LGSs) as illustrated in FIG. 3B, among others. Any suitable display device may be employed as a first display 302 having a first light diffusion direction 310 to which the thin second display 314 may be affixed.

In one example, the thin second display 314 may comprise LGSs affixed to a substrate (e.g., collectively, dLED LGSs) and may be affixed (e.g., molded, laminated, pressed, adhered) to a reflector 316. The thin second display 314 has a second light emission direction 318 that illuminates indicium 320 through which light rays 322 pass or may be blocked if indicium 320 is a LCD. The indicium 320 may therefore be illuminated independently of a state of the display 302. That is, the indicium 320 may be illuminated by the thin second display 314 whether or not the LED 306 is active to provide backlight for the display layer 308.

In yet another example, the thin second display 314 (e.g., a dLED LGS) may be affixed to the light guide 306. In that example, the substrate to which the LGSs are deposited may have a reflective surface on the side affixed to the light guide 306. Alternatively, the substrate could be translucent or transparent to allow light from the thin second display 314 to radiate in the light diffusion direction 310 to illuminate the display layer 308. For example, the first LED 304 providing backlight for the display 302 may be inactive and the thin second display 314 may be active to light one or more of the indicium 320 and the display layer 308. This may provide a lower power option for displaying user interfaces that may not require as many pixels of a display. Examples of such user interfaces may include, for example, a login box, notification, or status.

In some instances, the thin second display 314 can be affixed to a housing 324 or to the indicium 320 itself. In one example, the thin second display 314 is affixed to the housing 324 of an electronic device having other layers disposed between the housing 324 and a first display (e.g., a thin second display affixed to the housing of a smartphone where a battery and other components separate the housing on the one side from the first display on the other side). Furthermore, the thin second display 314 may simultaneously contact or be affixed to one or more of the light guide 306, the reflector 316, housing 324, and the indicium 320. In one example, the thin second display 314 may be affixed to one of the light guide 306, the reflector 316, or the housing 324 and there may be space in between the thin second display 314 and the indicium 320. Alternatively, diffusion, prism, phosphor, additional dLED, or other layers may be disposed between the thin second display 314 and the indicium 320. For example, in an example where the thin second display 314 comprises a dLED LGS, to provide modifications to the coloration of the light rays 322, a phosphor layer may be applied to individual LGSs (e.g., LED die) before depositing individual LGSs on the substrate or a phosphor layer may be applied to the LGS and substrate post-deposition.

In yet another example, the thin second display 314 may comprise a flexible substrate (e.g., a polyester substrate) which can be shaped so as to form the outline of a symbol, image, or logo, thereby illuminating the outline or the entirety of the symbol, image, or logo. It is also contemplated that the indicium 320 may be on the same side of a device as the display 302 (e.g., a logo underneath a monitor screen, a button underneath a display, a sensor area underneath a display, a camera above a display, etc.) or may have multiple indicia 320, whether on a same side of a device or on opposing sides (e.g., a smartphone having a display with a logo above the display and a logo on an opposite side, a device having multiple screens, a front-facing camera, infrared sensor).

In some examples, the thin second display 314 may illuminate at least a portion of an electronic component of the device 300 such as, for example, a button, a camera, a sensor area, an input device, etc. For example, the thin second display 314 may light at least part of the circumference of a button. In various examples, the thin second display 314 may be positioned such that light from the LGSs passes an electronic component, such as a camera, to light an environment. For example, the thin second display 314 can be used as a flash or may provide notifications regarding the camera via a pattern and/or color of light being displayed. In some examples, the pattern may be a “tail chasing” pattern to convey the function of storing, processing, updating, a function in process (e.g., capturing data), etc. In various examples, a color of emitted light can indicate various outputs such as, for example, error codes (e.g., red emitted light), application notification, etc.

In various examples, the thin second display 314 can comprise a side of the device 300 disposed opposite the display layer 380 and/or may be disposed underneath a transparent or semi-transparent housing such that information may be conveyed on multiple sides of the device. In some examples, the thin second display 314 may be disposed on any portion of the device 300.

FIG. 3B similarly illustrates a cross-section of device 300 in an additional or different configuration according to examples discussed above. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates use of a different type of first display, namely a thin display 326 (e.g., dLED LGS) of the same or similar type as the thin second display 314 (e.g., dLED LGS). The examples discussed with regard to the functionality and uses of a thin second display are equally applicable here. Using a thin display 326 may increase thinness of the total display due to the eliminated need for a light guide and the decrease in diffusing offset distance.

FIG. 3B also illustrates a cross-section of a thin display 326 having thickness 328 (i.e., for a dLED LGS this equals a total height of the profile of the substrate and the LEDs) of less than 0.25 millimeters, although the thickness may be within a range of 0.1 to 0.15 millimeters, 0.025 to 0.1 millimeters and as little as 0.015 millimeters. Furthermore, FIG. 3B illustrates a minimum diffusing offset distance 330 (i.e., the distance from an emission surface of the thin display 326 to the viewing surface which is in this case a surface of the indicium 320), which is equal to the distance between the centers of the light emitting components of the thin display 326 as illustrated by 332 (i.e., the distance 330 is equal to the distance of 332).

FIG. 4A illustrates a close up cross-section of the thin second display 314 (e.g., dLED LGS) in one example configuration to illuminate the indicium 320. In this example, the thin second display 314 is affixed to one or more of the light guide 306, reflector 316, or housing 324 such that the LGSs 400 emit light away from or, equivalently, perpendicular to the largest surface area of one or more of the light guide 306, reflector 316, or housing 324. The thin second display 314 emits in a positive y-direction as defined by the Cartesian coordinates in FIG. 4A. This embodiment is similar to “full-array” or direct LED lighting embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example layout of LGSs 400 looking towards the emission of the LGSs 400 or, equivalently, in a negative y-direction as defined by the Cartesian coordinates in FIG. 4A. In some examples, the LGSs 400 or LGS groups may be evenly dispersed throughout the thin second display 314. Any other appropriate pattern or distribution of the LGSs 400 that would appropriately light the indicium 320 for the particular use is contemplated. For example, the LGSs 400 may be disposed so as to provide continuous illumination throughout at least a portion of the indicium 320 or may be disposed so as to provide contiguous illumination in discrete portions of an indicium 320 (e.g., around the edges, in a pattern throughout the indicium). FIG. 4B illustrates that the LGSs 400 may be disposed such that the LGSs 400 emit light towards the indicium 320 or, equivalently, in a positive y-direction.

FIG. 4C further illustrates an example environment in which the configuration of the thin second display illustrated by FIG. 4A and discussed above may be employed. FIG. 4C depicts a laptop 402 and a cross-section of laptop 402 having an indicium 320 disposed in a housing 324 being lit by LGSs 400. Note that the cross-section is inverted compared to the cross-section of FIG. 4A to correspond with the depicted orientation of the laptop 402. As discussed above, the indicium 320 can alternatively or additionally include a bezel or other features of a device such as a portion of the housing of the device, and/or an electronic component such as, for example, an LCD, a camera, a button or other input device, sensor(s) (e.g., infrared sensor, depth sensor), scanner, an RF emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port, etc. In such instances, in the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the component can be disposed within an area similar to that illustrated as being occupied by the indicium 320. In various articles, the component can occupy more or less area than FIG. 4A illustrates.

FIG. 5A illustrates a close up cross-section of the thin second display 314 (e.g., thousands of individual LGSs arranged in an array or matrix, each portion of the array or matrix being addressable and the array or matrix composing pixels of a display or being positioned under respective pixels of a display) in one example configuration. In an example, rather than or additionally to disposing the LGSs 400 such that they emit light towards the indicium 320, the LGSs 400 may be arranged so that one or more LGSs are disposed to emit light parallel to the indicium 320 in an “edge-lit”-type application. One or more LGSs 400 may be disposed along one or more sides of a cavity 500 or along a continuous portion less than an entirety of the indicium and illuminate towards an interior portion of the indicium. The cavity 500 may comprise empty space, gas or liquid, the incidium 320 (e.g., translucent or semi-transparent material, LCD, other display layers, etching), or other layers to modify the light, such as a phosphor layer or other LGSs. As discussed above, the indicium 320 can alternatively or additionally include a bezel other features of a device such as a portion of the housing of the device, and/or an electronic component such as, for example, an LCD, a camera, a button or other input device, sensor(s) (e.g., infrared sensor, depth sensor), scanner, an RF emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port, etc. The indicium 320 is lit by light refracted in the cavity 500, therefore it may be helpful to include a light guide or a light guide and a prism layer. Note that FIG. 5A depicts indicium 320 as a diffusive material that does not occupy the totality of the cavity 500. The indicium may fill the entire cavity 500 or may be disposed on the outside of the housing 324. Furthermore, the indicium may comprise any material, LCD, or etching, among other things.

FIG. 5B depicts an example configuration of the LGSs 400 in an “edge-lit” application of the thin second display 314 to light the indicium 320. As is discussed above, the LGSs 400 may be disposed so as to illuminate an interior of the cavity 500 or, in some cases equivalently, an interior of the indicium 320. In some examples, LGSs 400 may be disposed on less than an entire side of the cavity 500 or indicium 320. In other examples, the LGSs 400 are disposed on one or more sides of the cavity 500 or indicium 320. In one example, the LGSs 400 are disposed around a circumference of the cavity 500 or indicium 320 and illuminate towards an interior portion of the cavity 500 or indicium 320. In another example, the LGSs 400 are disposed along a portion less than an entirety of the indicium and illuminate towards an interior portion of the indicium. In this example configuration, the LGSs may occupy space in the housing 324 as illustrated.

FIG. 6A depicts yet another cross-section of an example configuration of the thin second display 314 to illuminate the indicium 320. In this example, the LGSs 400 are disposed along the outside of a cavity 600 such that the LGSs 400 emit light towards an interior of the cavity 600 or the indicium 320, depending on the implementation. In this example, the substrate to which the LGSs 400 are affixed may be flexible, allowing the substrate with the LGSs deposed thereon to be disposed over the surface of any object. In order to accomplish this, the substrate may further comprise an adhesive layer (not shown). The substrate may be attached to the housing 324 via adhesion, vulcanization, pressing, molding, or any similarly contemplated method. In another example, the LGSs 400 may be formed into the indicium itself or disposed throughout the indicium 320 via injection molding, printing, or a similarly contemplated method. It is also contemplated that the LGSs 400 need not be disposed along all sides of the cavity 600 or indicium 320 or to continuously be disposed.

FIG. 6B depicts an example configuration and orientation of the LGSs 400. As is discussed above, the LGSs 400 may be disposed so as to illuminate an interior of the cavity 600 or, in some cases equivalently, an interior of the indicium 320. In some examples, LGSs 400 may be disposed on less than an entire side of the cavity 500 or indicium 320. In other examples, the LGSs 400 are disposed on one or more side of the cavity 500 or indicium 320. In one example, the LGSs 400 are disposed around a circumference of the cavity 500 or indicium 320 and illuminate towards an interior portion of the cavity 500 or indicium 320.

Illustrative Technique for Indicium Illumination Using One Thin Display

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of device 700 comprising a thin display 702 (e.g., light-emitting diode (LED)-backlit liquid crystal display (LCD), dLED LGS-backlight LCD, dLED LGS) comprised of a backlight 704 (e.g., dLED LGS) and display layer 706 (e.g., LCD) and having a light emission direction 708 in which general direction the light rays 710 are emitted by the backlight 704 and modified (e.g., diffused, colored, blocked, intensified) by the display layer 308 in light diffusion direction 712. Although FIG. 7 depicts a thin display 702 having a backlight 704 and a display 706 (e.g., LCD) it is contemplated that the backlight 704 may comprise addressable LGSs (i.e., each LGS or groups of LGSs may be individually controllable) and adequately colored (e.g., by employing phosphor layer over the backlight 704 or by coating the unpackaged LED dies in a phosphor layer before depositing them on a substrate) so that the display layer 706 is unnecessary and may either be replaced or completely removed. In one example, the display layer 706 may be replaced with one or more of a prism layer, a diffusion layer, a diffusing distance offset layer, another LGS layer, a phosphor layer, or any other similarly contemplated layer or surface.

In one example, the thin display 702 may be affixed to a reflector 708. In other examples, the thin display 702 may be affixed to one or more of a housing 712, an indicium 714, or the display layer 706. In some examples the reflector 708 is non-continuous, providing for a cavity 716 that allows light emitted by the thin display 314 to illuminate the indicium 714. The cavity 716 may comprise empty space, gas or liquid, the indicium 714, or other layers to modify the light such as a phosphor layer or other LGS. In this example the indicium 714 is lit by light emitted into the cavity 716 from the backlight 704, therefore it may be helpful to include a light guide or a light guide and a prism layer. The indicium 714 may fill the entire cavity 716, part of the cavity 716, or may be disposed on the outside of the housing 712. Furthermore, the indicium may comprise any material, LCD, or etching, among other things.

In order to illuminate the indicium 714, a substrate of the backlight 704 may be translucent or transparent to allow light to radiate toward the indicium 714 in a light emission direction 718.

In one example that employs a dLED LGS to compose the thin display 702, a uniformly-lit and thin display is achievable while illuminating the indicium 714. The thin display 702 is thinner than conventional displays because the backlight 704 comprising dLED LGS has a thickness 720 of less than 0.25 millimeters and, in some examples, a thickness 720 of at most 0.2 millimeters. In yet other examples, the backlight 704 has a thickness 720 of between 0.1 and 0.15 millimeters. In one example, the backlight 704 has a thickness 720 of between 0.025 and 0.1 millimeters. Furthermore, the distance between adjacent LED edges 722 in a backlight 704 comprising a dLED LGS is 0.05 to 0.1 millimeters or less, meaning the diffusing offset distance only has to be 0.05 millimeters. For this reason, a distance 724 from an emission side of the backlight 704 to a viewing surface 726 need only equal the diffusing offset distance (e.g., 0.05 millimeters).

Furthermore, the backlight 704 may comprise a dLED LGS that has individually addressable (e.g., controllable) dLEDS or group-addressable dLEDs. The dLEDs may also emit light of different wavelengths. Individually controlling the intensity of light emitted by individual dLEDs or groups of dLEDs emitting light of the same wavelength while controlling the intensity of light emitted by other individual dLEDs or groups of dLEDs emitting light of another wavelength may permit the backlight 704 to display images without the need for a LCD (e.g., individual dLEDs or groups of dLEDs that emit red, green, and blue light which, when each is varied in intensity and mixed, emits a spectrum of visible light). Therefore, the thickness of the display layer 706 may be drastically reduced or eliminated since electrode and liquid crystal layers may be removed.

In some examples, the viewing surface 726 and/or the indicium 714 may include a bezel or other features of a device such as a portion of the housing of the device, and/or an electronic component such as, for example, an LCD, a camera, a button or other input device, sensor(s) (e.g., infrared sensor, depth sensor), scanner, an RF emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port, etc.

Illustrative Technique for Indicium Illumination on a Surface

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict cross-sections of an object 800 having an indicium 802 therein or thereon disposed and being illuminated by surface-mounted LGS 804. The object 800 may be any object having a surface to which the surface-mounted LGS 804 may be affixed. Indicium 802, as discussed before, may be a transparent or translucent logo (e.g., plastic icon), etching, LCD, or a design (e.g., a sticker, printed shape), among other things. In some examples, the surface-mounted LGS 804 may be affixed to a surface 806 of the object 800 by adhesion, vulcanization, pressing, molding, or any similarly contemplated method. In another example, the surface-mounted LGS 804 may be formed into the indicium 802. In various examples the indicium 802 can include a bezel or other features of a device such as a portion of the housing of the device, and/or an electronic component such as, for example, an LCD, a camera, a button or other input device, sensor(s) (e.g., infrared sensor, depth sensor), scanner, an RF emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port, etc. In such instances, in the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the component can be disposed within an area similar to that illustrated as being occupied by the indicium 320. In various articles, the component can occupy more or less area than FIG. 4A illustrates.

In one example, as illustrated by FIG. 8A, the indicium 804 is disposed within the surface of the object 800 and the surface-mounted LGS 804 may be disposed over at least part of the indicium 804. In another example, fiber optics or a light guide may be employed so that the surface-mounted LGS 804 is not itself disposed over the indicium 802, but light from the surface-mounted LGS 804 reaches the indicium 802.

In some examples similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8B, the surface-mounted LGS 804 may comprise dLEDs and a flexible substrate having an adhesive disposed thereon on a side opposite the dLEDs. In this example, the surface-mounted LGS 804 may be adhered to the object 800. For example, the surface-mounted LGS 804 could be manufactured like a sticker that has an additional layer to protect the adhesive layer that can be removed. The sticker may be shaped as a company trademark, and the edges of the trademark or the entire trademark may be illuminated by dLEDs disposed on the surface or edges of the flexible substrate. It is contemplated that in FIG. 8B, the indicium 802 may have a thickness equal to or different than the surface-mounted LGS 804 and may diffuse, refract, or reflect the light emitted by the surface-mounted LGS 804.

Illustrative Techniques for Control of Indicium Illumination and Notifications

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of an example electronic device 900 that controls illumination of an indicium by LGS array (902(1)-902(n)). Example electronic device 900 may include any type of computing device having one or more processing unit(s) 904 operably connected to computer-readable media 906. The connection may be via a bus, which in some instances may include one or more of a system bus, a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, a Mini-PCI bus, and any variety of local, peripheral, and/or independent buses, or via another operable connection. Processing unit(s) 904 may represent, for example, a CPU incorporated in example electronic device 900.

Example electronic device 900 may include any type of computing device having one or more processing unit(s) 904 operably connected to computer-readable media 906, I/O interfaces(s) 908, and network interface(s) 910. Computer-readable media 906 may have a display control module 912 and a notification module 914 stored thereon.

The computer-readable media 906 may include, at least, two types of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, non-transitory machine-readable, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information (in compressed or uncompressed form), such as computer (or other electronic device) readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data to perform processes or methods described herein. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

In contrast, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media.

Example electronic device 900 may include, but is not limited to, desktop computers, server computers, web-server computers, personal computers, mobile computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, wearable computers, implanted computing devices, telecommunication devices, automotive computers, network enabled televisions, thin clients, terminals, personal data assistants (PDAs), game consoles, gaming devices, work stations, media players, personal video recorders (PVRs), set-top boxes, cameras, integrated components for inclusion in a computing device, appliances, or any other sort of computing device such as one or more separate processor device(s), such as CPU-type processors (e.g., micro-processors), GPUs, or accelerator device(s).

In some examples, as shown regarding example electronic device 900, computer-readable media 906 may store instructions executable by the processing unit(s) 904, which may represent a CPU incorporated in example electronic device 900. Computer-readable media 906 may also store instructions executable by an external CPU-type processor, executable by a GPU, and/or executable by an accelerator, such as an FPGA type accelerator, a DSP type accelerator, or any internal or external accelerator.

Executable instructions stored on computer-readable media 906 may include, for example, an operating system 916, a display control module 912, a notification module 914 and other modules, programs, or applications that may be loadable and executable by processing units(s) 904. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionally described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components such as accelerators. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. For example, an accelerator may be a hybrid device, such as one from ZYLEX or ALTERA that includes a CPU core embedded in an FPGA fabric.

In the illustrated example, computer-readable media 906 also includes a data store 918. In some examples, data store 918 includes data storage such as a database, data warehouse, or other type of structured or unstructured data storage. In some examples, data store 918 includes a relational database with one or more tables, indices, stored procedures, and so forth to enable data access. Data store 918 may store data for the operations of processes, applications, components, and/or modules stored in computer-readable media 906 and/or executed by processing unit(s) 904 or accelerator(s). For example, data store 918 may store version data, iteration data, clock data, and other state data stored and accessible by the display control module 912 and the notification module 914.

Example electronic device 900 may further include one or more input/output (I/O) interface(s) 908 to allow example electronic device 900 to communicate with input/output devices such as user input devices including peripheral input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a game controller, a voice input device, a touch input device, a gestural input device, indicium, and the like) and/or output devices including peripheral output devices (e.g., a display, a printer, audio speakers, a haptic output, indicium, and the like). Example electronic device 900 may also include one or more network interface(s) 910 to enable communications between example electronic device 900 and other networked devices. Such network interface(s) 910 may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) or other types of transceiver devices to send and receive communications over a network.

Example electronic device 900 may further include controller(s) 920(1)-920(n). In one example, controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) may comprise PN junction diodes, PIN diodes, FETs, electrodes, and/or other appropriate semiconductors or circuits to transition current supplied to the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n) between a grounded state and fully powered state. The controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) thereby a means for the display control module 912, which may be implemented as software stored on the computer-readable memory 906, to increase or decrease the amplitude of the light emitted by the LGS(s) 901(1)-902(n). In one example where the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n) emit light of different wavelengths, the display control module 912 is able to coordinate by the controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) the amplitude of the light emitted at various wavelengths, thereby controlling a total color of various regions illuminated by the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n), such as regions of an indicium. Although FIG. 9 depicts LGS(s) 901(1)-902(n) and controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) as being part of example electronic device 900, it is contemplated that the LGS(s) 901(1)-902(n) and controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) may not be a part of device 900 but may be communicatively coupled with example electronic device 900 by I/O interface(s) 908 or network interface(s) 910.

In some examples the display control module 912 and the notification module 914 are at least partially implemented in software. Display control module 912 is configured to control states of the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n) by the controller(s) 920(1)-920(2). For example, display control module 912 may comprise software instructions stored on computer-readable memory 906 configured to execute on the processing unit(s) 904 to configure the controller(s) 920(1)-920(2) to increase and decrease current supplied to the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n). Where I/O interface(s) 908 include communicative coupling with other displays, display control module 912 may also control states of such displays.

The notification module 914 may receive notifications from other devices (e.g., servers, user devices) connected to example electronic device 900 via network interface(s) 910, the operating system 916, I/O interface(s) 908, applications stored in the data store 918, or other inputs. Notifications, as used herein, may comprise messages (e.g., emails, SMS, MMS, calls, video chat, or indications that one or more of these have been received), register states (e.g., flag states), device states (e.g., hibernate, sleep, power on, power off, battery level, network connectedness, device alerts), geo-data (e.g., location, speed, acceleration), application inputs/outputs (event reminders, social media notifications, application readiness state, time remaining in a process, time of day, date, security alerts, call received, music play state, music information), among other indications of states, inputs, and outputs of an electronic device. It is further contemplated that the object to which the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n) are affixed is not electronic, in which case the notifications may comprise indications of information about the state of the object or inputs to the object (e.g., speed of the object, force applied to the object or a portion of the object).

The notification module 914 in coordination with the display control module 912 may illuminate the LGSs 902(1)-902(n) to cause a representation of a notification to appear on the indicium (e.g., an envelope symbol to represent an email received, a green color to signify a received call, pulsing light to signify a sleep mode, a scrolling animation to represent a process in progress, a flashing red color to signify a security alert). The display control module 912, by the controller(s) 920(1)-920(n), controls the color and intensity of the LGS(s) 902(1)-902(n) such that a the indicium is lit with a symbol, image, animation. In an application where the indicium is a LCD, the display control module 912 may configure the controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) to provide the appropriate light as a backlight for the liquid crystals and electrodes of the LCD, which control the color and intensity of the light emitted from the display.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1000 of illuminating an indicium to represent a notification. At step 1002, the notification module 914 receives a notification from another device via network interface(s) 910, the operating system 916, I/O interface(s) 908, applications stored in the data store 918, or other inputs. The notification module 914 may employ a push or pull model. In a push model, the notification module 914 is pushed notifications from the source (e.g., a server, another device, the operating system) of the notification without requesting the notification. In a pull model, the notification model 914 periodically queries the sources of notifications to ascertain whether there are new notifications.

Once a notification is obtained, at step 1004, the notification module 914 may check the data store 918 to ascertain whether there is an indication for the type of the notification received. For example, indications may include an envelope icon for an email received notification, a flashing green animation for an incoming call, symbols corresponding to the time of day and date, a green pulse for acceptance of input such as a button activation or fingerprint match, a red pulse for rejection of input such as a fingerprint mismatch, a “tail-chasing” animation (e.g., where LGSs are sequentially and serially lit and unlit in a pattern that represents a line chasing its tail) for an ongoing update or download of information, pulsing light for a sleep mode, etc. If there isn't an appropriate indication for the type of notification received (e.g., no symbol, image, animation, coloration, etc. has been corresponded with the notification type), the notification module 914 returns to awaiting a notification or querying for notifications according to the push or pull model. If there is an appropriate indication for the type of notification received, the method continues to step 1006. At 1006, the display control module configures the controller(s) 920(1)-920(n) to provide current to the LGS(s) 901(1)-902(n) such that the LGS(s) 901(1)-901(n) illuminate the indicium in such a way as to convey the indication (e.g., the indicium pulses a green color to signify an incoming call, an envelope shape appears in the indicium, a portion of the indicium is illuminated to indicate battery level, the indicium pulses to signify a sleep state of the device). This method may be employed regardless of the state of another display of the device or even the state of the device (e.g., notifications may be displayed during a sleep state, notifications may be displayed even when another display is off, notifications may be displayed while another display is illuminated).

Illustrative Techniques for Control of Indicium Illumination

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, and 13 depict illustrative techniques for illuminating an indicium that includes a component 1100 (collectively, 1100(1)-(4)) of a device 1102. The component 1100 may include an electronic component such as, for example, an LCD, a camera, a button or other input device, sensor(s) (e.g., infrared sensor, depth sensor), scanner, an RF emitter, data port (e.g., USB, optical), charging port, any combination thereof, etc. In at least one example, the device 1102 may include a housing 1104 having the component 1100 disposed therein, thereon, or therebeneath. In various examples, the housing 1104 can include a material conducive to the operation of the component 1100. For example, in an instance where the housing 1104 covers the component, the housing 1104 can include glass and/or metal of a thickness and composition permitting detection of capacitance for detection of touch by the component 1100 or in an additional or different instance, the housing 1104 can include a glass of a composition and thickness that allows operation of a camera or scanner to detect a fingerprint or other object of the environment outside the device 1102. In some examples, the housing 1104 is continuous and in other examples the housing 1104 is not continuous but may be contiguous to the component. In some examples, the housing 1104 can be contiguous to the component 1100 if operation of the component 1100 is enhanced by the housing 1104 being non-continuous. In various examples, the housing 1104 may be non-continuous and non-contiguous or partially-contiguous to the component 1100. In this instance, another material or component may be interposed between the housing 1104 and the component 1100, such as, for example, an additional portion of the indicium 1106 (e.g., the component 1100 may be a part of the indicium and a remaining portion of the indicium may be interposed between the component 1100 and the housing 1104).

In some examples, the component 1100 may be a singular component of the device 1102, a plurality of components of the device 1102, or a component including further components, as in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, and 13 (1100(1)-(4)). For example, the component 1100 can include a physically or digitally actuatable button and/or a scanner (1100(1)-(4)). In some examples, a component 1100 including a scanner can be disposed at the back, front, or a bezel of the housing 1004. In various examples, the scanner can be disposed under the housing 1104, wherein the portion of the housing 1104 disposed over the scanner has a composition of glass or another material conducive to optical, capacitive, or other sensing. In various examples, 1100(4) can be the portion of the housing 1104 rather than part of the component 1100. FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B depict instances where a component 1100 is disposed in between and below housing 1104 that is contiguous with a portion of the indicium 1106. In at least one example, the portion of the indicium 1106 includes a material contiguous with the component 1100. In some examples, the material can include glass, metal, or plastic. In at least one example, the portion of the indicium 1106 is a ring or a generally circular object. In various examples, the portion of the indicium 1106 can have a continuous shape, such as a polygon, or a non-continuous shape, such as a line or an arc. In some examples, the portion of the indicium 1106 is not included.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of at least one example of the techniques as applied in a device 1102 where LGSs 1108 are disposed on the portion of the indicium 1106. In at least one example the LGSs 1108 are molded, pressed, adhered, directly transferred, and/or otherwise affixed to the portion of the indicium 1106. In some examples, the LGSs 1108 may be disposed within the portion of the indicium 1106. In various examples, the portion of the indicium 1106 can be the LGSs 1108, wherein a substrate of the LGSs 1108 may be as thick as is structurally necessary for support to the housing 1104 or for the function of the component 1100. In at least one example, an illumination direction of the LGSs 1108 can substantially radiate away from the device 1102 or, equivalently, along the y-axis defined in FIG. 11A. In various examples, the LGSs 1108 may be oriented in more than substantially one illumination direction and may radiate in substantially any and/or every direction. Although FIG. 11A depicts the LGSs 1108 as being disposed on a side facing outward from the device 1102, it is contemplated that the LGSs 1108 could be on an opposite side underneath the portion of the indicium 1106, facing inward to the device 1102. In such an instance, the portion of the indicium 1106 could include a material that is transparent or semi-transparent to permit at least some light from the LGSs 1108 to pass through the portion of the indicium 1106. In various examples, the LGSs 1108 are disposed over the component 1100. Furthermore, although the component is illustrated in FIG. 11A as being located in the front of the housing 1104 of the device 1102 below a display 1110, it is contemplated that the component can be disposed anywhere within or without the device 1102. FIGS. 11A, 12A, and 13 merely illustrate particular configurations of LGSs in relation to components of the device 1102.

In at least one example, the LGSs 1108 may be configured to activate in a pattern associated with an indication of a received notification or status, as discussed above. In at least one example, the notification or status may be related to the component 1100. For example, if the component is a scanner, the activation can indicate a successful scan (e.g., scan resulted in useful information, such as a biometric scan that has enough data to identify a match or mismatch with stored biometric data, etc.), an input match with an anticipated input (e.g., biometric data received validated, etc.), an input mismatch with an anticipated input (e.g., biometric data received not received), a power state of the device 1102 (e.g., pulsing for a sleep state, flash for a “turning on” state, etc.), etc.

FIG. 11B illustrates a plane view of the LGSs 1108. Although FIG. 11B depicts eight individual LGSs 1110 composing the LGSs 1108, it is contemplated that more individual LGSs 1110 may compose the LGSs 1108 (e.g., tens, hundreds, or potentially thousands of individual LGSs 1110, depending on type of LGS, the size of the structural support/substrate, the application, notification and status types, and power concerns). FIG. 11B generally illustrates a general distribution of the LGSs 1110 in an x-z plane, as defined in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of at least one example of the techniques as applied in a device 1102 where LGSs 1108 are disposed on the portion of the indicium 1106. In at least one example the LGSs 1108 are molded, pressed, adhered, directly transferred, and/or otherwise affixed to the portion of the indicium 1106. In some examples, the LGSs 1108 may be disposed within the portion of the indicium 1106. In at least one example, the LGSs 1108 may be substantially on or near an inner diameter of the portion of the indicium 1106, having an illumination direction substantially radiating towards the component 1100 of the device 1102. In this instance, at least part 1100(4) of component 1100 may be transparent or semi-transparent. The material of part 1100(4) may be chosen to provide a “halo” effect where radiated light decreases towards a center of the indicium/component.

FIG. 12B illustrates a plane view of the portion of the indicium 1106 and the LGSs 1108.

FIG. 13 illustrates a plane view of at least one example of the techniques as applied in a device 1300 where LGSs 1302 are disposed to illuminate various indicia 1304(1)-(5). In at least one example, the indicia 1304 depicted in FIG. 13 include various components such as, for example, an area 1304(1) and an area 1304(2) of a housing 1306 of the device 1300, a button 1304(3) of the device 1300, a bezel 1304(4) of the device 1300, and an input reception component 1304(5).

In at least one example, at least one of the areas 1304(1) or (2) may be an area of the housing 1306 designated to receive input or transmit output. For example, one or both of areas 1304(1) and (2) may be a touch sensitive area having capacitive, optical, or other sensors disposed below the housing 1306. In some examples, one or both of the areas 1304(1) and (2) may include a camera, signal emitter (e.g., RF emitter, etc.), or any other input/output device. It is also contemplated that, although FIG. 13 depicts areas 1304(1) and (2) as being in the positions they are depicted in, one or both of the areas may be disposed on a back, side, or other position of the housing 1306. The LGSs 1302 can be disposed in any manner as similarly discussed above in regards to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B. FIG. 13 depicts differing configurations of the LGSs 1302 disposed in, beneath, adjacent, and/or above the areas 1304(1) and (2). For example, the LGSs 1302 used to illuminate area 1304(1) may be disposed throughout the area 1304(1) and radiate light away from the device 1300 or in any other suitable direction. Note, as used in this application, the term adjacent may mean next to, adjoining some component, having a common endpoint or border, immediately preceding or following (e.g., in sequence of component structure), etc. In another example, the LGSs 1302 used to illuminate area 1304(2) may be disposed along outer edges of the area 1304(2) and may be oriented so as to radiate light towards a center of the area 1304(2) and/or away from the device 1300. In at least one example, the LGSs 1302 illuminating one or both of the areas 1304(1) and (2) may activate to indicate notifications or statuses of the device 1300 or function as a display for text or images.

In at least one example, the indicia 1304(3) may comprise a button or other input/output feature. In one example, the LGSs 1302 may illuminate the button(s) 1304(3) responsive to provided input or to indicate a received notification or status regarding the function of the button 1304(3). For example, the button(s) 1304(3) can comprise a power, volume, silencing, hold, and/or other button and the LGSs 1302 may illuminate the button(s) 1304(3) or an area near the buttons to indicate a power state, a volume condition, a silencing action, a hold state, etc., respectively.

In some examples, the indicia 1304(4) may comprise a bezel 1304(4) of the device 1300. In this instance, the housing 1306 may be composed of materials being conducive to transmission of light and/or reception of input, such as touch, for example. The LGSs 1302 illuminating the bezel 1304(4) may be disposed so as to convey a variety of notifications and statuses such as, for example, battery level, Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.

In at least one example, the indicia 1304(5) may include an input reception component 1304(5). Input reception component 1304(5) may include a camera, a scanner, a sensor, and/or a button, etc. In some examples, the LGSs 1302 may be disposed and so configured as to function as a flash for a camera. For example, the LGSs 1302 can be disposed around, near, or at a location of the device 1300 such that activation of the LGSs 1302 provides illumination for reception by the camera. In at least one example, the LGSs 1302 can be disposed surrounding the input reception component 1304(5). In some examples, the LGSs 1302 can be disposed beneath, throughout, or over the input reception component 1304(5).

Example Clauses

A: An electronic device comprising: a housing; and an array of LEDs deposited on a substrate disposed in the housing, the array of LEDs being disposed to form an indicia via which a logo is displayable.

B: The electronic device according to paragraph A, wherein the indicia is configured to function as a flashlight in response to selection of flashlight functionality by a user of the electronic device.

C: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-B, wherein the indicia is configured to function as a flash for a camera of the electronic device.

D: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-C, wherein the indicia is configured to display a notification of a function of the electronic device.

E: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-D, wherein the indicia is configured to display a notification of a function, to function as a flashlight in response to selection of flashlight functionality by a user of the electronic device, and to function as a flash for a camera of the electronic device.

F: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-E, wherein settings of the indicia are preprogrammed.

G: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-F, wherein settings of the indicia are customizable by a user of the electronic device.

H: The electronic device according to any of paragraphs A-G, wherein electronic device is a mobile phone or a tablet device.

I: A device comprising: a housing; an array of LEDs forming an indicia deposited on a substrate disposed within the housing, the array of LEDs and the substrate having a combined profile height of less than 0.25 millimeters; one or more processors; and computer-readable media having stored thereon computer-readable instructions, which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to activate the LEDs to illuminate the indicia so as to display a logo.

J: The device according to paragraph I, wherein an output of the LEDs of the indicia is configured to vary in at least one of color or brightness according to a user setting.

K: The device according to any of paragraphs I-J, wherein a total output color of the LEDs is controllable to vary lighting in an environment.

L: The device according to any of paragraphs I-K, wherein activating the LEDs illuminates an area outside the device as a flashlight.

M: The device according to any of paragraphs I-L, further comprising a camera having a field of view, and wherein the LEDs are configured to illuminate an area within the field of view of the camera.

N: The device according to any of paragraphs I-M, wherein the device is configured to use a portion of the LEDs of the indicia as a flash for the camera.

O: The device according to any of paragraphs I-N, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a notification of a function or identify a status of the device, and activate the LEDs based at least in part on the notification or the status.

P: The device according to any of paragraphs I-O, wherein the processors activate the LEDs in a pattern, the pattern based at least in part on a type of the notification or the status.

Q: The device according to any of paragraphs I-P, wherein the pattern corresponds to a preset pattern selected by a user of the device.

R: The device according to any of paragraphs I-Q, wherein the preset pattern includes at least one of: a word, a scrolling word or phrase or name, an image, an icon, a logo, a wave motion of light, a spiral of light, a pulsation of light with different portions of the indicia being illuminated at varying power/brightness levels pulsing or fading in and out, a chasing light movement, a wave of changing color of light, or an activation of random LEDs within the indicia.

S: The device according to any of paragraphs I-R, wherein the processors activate the LEDs according to a rhythm or sounds of audio signals being activated on the device.

T: The device according to any of paragraphs I-S, wherein the LEDs include unpackaged LEDs deposited on the substrate.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

All of the methods and processes described above may be embodied in, and fully automated via, software code modules executed by one or more general purpose computers or processors. The code modules may be stored in any type of computer-readable storage medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods may alternatively be embodied in specialized computer hardware.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “may” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are understood within the context to present that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that certain features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether certain features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is to be understood to present that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z, or a combination thereof.

Any routine descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the routine. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the examples described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, or executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially synchronously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described examples, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a housing; andan array of LEDs deposited on a substrate disposed in the housing, the array of LEDs being disposed to form an indicia via which a logo is displayable,wherein the indicia is configured to function as a flash for a camera of the electronic device.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the indicia is configured to function as a flashlight in response to selection of flashlight functionality by a user of the electronic device.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the indicia is configured to display a notification of a function of the electronic device.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the indicia is configured to display a notification of a function and to function as a flashlight in response to selection of flashlight functionality by a user of the electronic device.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein settings of the indicia are preprogrammed.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein settings of the indicia are customizable by a user of the electronic device.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein electronic device is a mobile phone or a tablet device.

8. A device comprising: a housing;an array of LEDs forming an indicia deposited on a substrate disposed within the housing, the array of LEDs and the substrate having a combined profile height of less than 0.25 millimeters;one or more processors; andcomputer-readable media having stored thereon computer-readable instructions, which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to activate the LEDs to illuminate the indicia so as to display a logo,wherein the device is configured to use a portion of the LEDs of the indicia as a flash for a camera of the device.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein an output of the LEDs of the indicia is configured to vary in at least one of color or brightness according to a user setting.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein a total output color of the LEDs is controllable to vary lighting in an environment.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein activating the LEDs illuminates an area outside the device as a flashlight.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a camera having a field of view, and wherein the LEDs are configured to illuminate an area within the field of view of the camera.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a notification of a function or identify a status of the device, andactivate the LEDs based at least in part on the notification or the status.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the processors activate the LEDs in a pattern, the pattern based at least in part on a type of the notification or the status.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the pattern corresponds to a preset pattern selected by a user of the device.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the preset pattern includes at least one of: a word, a scrolling word or phrase or name, an image, an icon, a logo, a wave motion of light, a spiral of light, a pulsation of light with different portions of the indicia being illuminated at varying power/brightness levels pulsing or fading in and out, a chasing light movement, a wave of changing color of light, or an activation of random LEDs within the indicia.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the processors activate the LEDs according to a rhythm or sounds of audio signals being activated on the device.

18. The device of claim 8, wherein the LEDs include unpackaged LEDs deposited on the substrate.