Abstract:
A data communication receiver (100) includes a display (140) for displaying information, a memory (120, 125) for storing messages, and controls (145) for receiving a user input indicating that previews of the messages are to be displayed. A controller (115) provides a portion of a first stored message to the display (140) for presentation on a predetermined region, such as a single line, of the display (140) and subsequently provides a portion of a second stored message to the display (140) for presentation on the single line of the display (140). Alternatively, subjects, rather than portions of message text, for each of the first and second messages can be provided to the display (140) for display on the single line of the diplay (140).
Abstract:
A system (11) for reducing microbes such as bacteria or germs on a portable electronic device (10) can include a portable communication device having a sensor (32) for detecting a condition of the portable communication device and a light source (30) selectively activated for germicidal reduction based on the condition. The condition can include a charging status for the portable communication device or a position for a flip on the portable electronic device, or any number of other operating or environmental conditions. The light source can be an ultra-violet light source such as a UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C light emitting diode. The system can optionally include a charging base (34) having a light source (36) such that the source operates as a anti-bacterial light source when the portable electronic device is being charged.
Abstract:
A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.
Abstract:
A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.