Patent ID: 7760975
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G02B,H01L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a message light source and an ambient light sensor optically connected via a shared light guide in a communication device, said ambient light sensor being located at a first internal location within the device, said message light source being located at a second internal location within the device, and said shared light guide including a first branch through which a first light path extends for conveying light from an external location to said first internal location, a second branch through which a second light path extends for conveying light from said second internal location to the external location, a third branch for receiving and transmitting light, through which coincident pads of the light paths extend, comprising: flashing said message light on and off according to a predetermined pattern, wherein said predetermined pattern is approximately 0.5 seconds on, followed by from approximately 3 to approximately 5 seconds off; and selectively reading an output of said light sensor exclusively when said light source is not on.