PATENT ABSTRACT
An illuminated remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device. The illuminated remote control device comprises a housing defining an outer surface and a cavity therein. The housing comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to handheld wireless remote control devices to operate electronic devices, and more particularly, to remote control devices incorporating illumination. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   Remote control devices are finding varied uses for controlling one or more functions of electrical components, such as those within an automobile. A remote control is a device that enables a user, by actuation of a button on a handheld transmitter, to remotely control such operations as the locking/unlocking of a vehicle&#39;s doors, the setting of an alarm, and the starting of the engine. A simple remote control device comprises a transmitter having a single button to activate the transmitter. When the button is activated, the transmitter, using energy, such as, but not limited to radio frequency and infrared energy, transmits a transmitter identification (ID) code that is unique to the transmitter. A receiver, interconnected with the component to be activated, determines whether or not the received ID code matches a code that has been stored in the memory of the receiver beforehand. When a match is determined to exist between the codes, a predetermined function of a device to be controlled is activated. The predetermined function of the device to be controlled corresponds to execution of a specific function, such as the unlocking of a lock mechanism of a vehicle door, wherein the lock mechanism performs a locking operation and an unlocking operation alternately when the ID code is received repeatedly. 
   It is not uncommon for the remote control device to be operated in a dark location or at night. The operation of a single-button remote control device is not particularly hindered by low light conditions, but with the increasingly popular multi-button remote control device, button selection and operation is significantly hampered. The operator has to rely on touch and memory in order to correctly select a particular control button. This would be extremely difficult for a user to operate the remote control device if she is unfamiliar with the automobile, such as in the case of a rental car or a borrowed car. 
   It is becoming popular for remote control devices to be configured for a dual purpose as a key holder. It is also common for a user to use a key in the dark or low light condition. In situations where a lock is not well illuminated, it is particularly difficult to insert the key into the lock positioned in the correct orientation, or to operate the lock in an emergency. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a remote control device that provides the user with an increased ability for operation in low light conditions. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a handheld wireless remote control device with illumination. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld remote control device comprises a light source that provides illumination in the visible spectrum that projects from the remote control device housing suitable for a particular purpose, such as, but not limited to, to illuminate a nearby object, to provide a beacon, and/or to provide a pleasing light display. The illumination is projected from one or more areas of the remote control device, such as, but not limited to, a forward edge or surface such as to illuminate a facing target, as well as an adjacent edge or surface such as to illuminate an adjacent target, such as the hand holding the remote control device. In particular, the illumination reflecting off of the hand provides the user with increased ability to visualize the operating buttons. 
   The illumination also provides a lighting effect that is visually appealing to the user and to those in view to providing a pleasurable visceral response. The illumination can be used as a beacon, such that the user can be identified in a dark location by the unique configuration of the lighting effect. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld remote control device provided above further comprises a component attachment feature, such as, but not limited to, a key chain for the attachment of keys to the remote control device. The illumination may be used in complimentary arrangement with the attached component, such as to illuminate a lock into which an attached key is inserted. 
   These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentality&#39;s, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a front perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an illuminated remote control device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3–5  show front, side and back views of the illuminated remote control device in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a translucent material of uniform configuration in the form of a frame having a light guide aperture, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a translucent material with a series of diffraction ridges, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a series of translucent channels and light modifying areas, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a series of translucent channels and light modifying areas, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10   a – 10   d  are edge views of embodiments of light guide edges, in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of an illuminated remote control device comprising a key ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
   Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device  1  is provided below. It is understood that these embodiments are provided as examples of various embodiments for practicing the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention thereto. The following description is primarily directed to an illuminated remote control device resembling a rectangle having two sides and four edges. Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device can take many forms, including the form of a geometric shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, triangle, and circle, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of an illuminated remote control device  1  providing illumination in the visible spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated remote control device  1  provides the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter and a light source. The light illuminates and projects from one or more translucent portions  32  of one or more edges or surfaces of the illuminated remote control device  1 . 
   The illuminated remote control device  1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a housing  9  having an outer surface  12  and a cavity (not shown) therein, the housing  9  defining at least one translucent portion  32  adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface  12 ; at least one control feature  18  adjacent the outer surface; transmitter electronics (not shown) housed in the cavity and adapted for wireless communication and operable by the at least one control feature  18 ; and at least one light source (not shown) operable by the at least one control feature  18  and adapted to emit light in the visible spectrum into the cavity and through the at least one translucent portion. 
     FIG. 2  shows a front perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an illuminated remote control device  1  providing illumination in the visible spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated remote control device  1  provides the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter and a light source. The light illuminates and projects from one or more portions of one or more edges or surfaces of the illuminated remote control device  1 . 
   The illuminated remote control device  1  comprises a two-piece housing  9 , comprising a first side  10  and a second side  20 , and a light guide  30  there between, defining a first edge  2 , a second edge  3 , a third edge  4  and a fourth edge  5 . The first side  10  and the second side  20  substantially conform to the periphery of the light guide  30 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the light guide  30  forms a continuous band around the perimeter of the illuminated remote control device  1 . The light guide  30  provides a conduit to direct light produced within the illuminated remote control device  1  to one or more portions of the first side  10 , first edge  2 , second edge  3 , third edge  4  and/or the fourth edge  5 , where from the light projects from the housing  9 . 
   The housing  9  is adapted to contain one or more light sources  42 ,  43  and associated illumination and transmitter electronics  41  and a power source  44 . The one or more light sources  42 ,  43  comprise any suitable illumination-generating component, such as, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED). Light emitting diodes are available that emit various colors of the visible spectrum, such as, but not limited to, blue and red. The various colors can be used advantageously, such as the use of red to preserve night vision, or combination of colors for a pleasing or alerting lighting effect. 
   The power source  44  comprises any suitable energy storage component, such as, but not limited to, a battery, of sufficient energy to power the one or more light sources  42 , 43  and the electronics  41 . Suitable battery sources include, but are not limited to, 3-volt lithium coin cell batteries available from Panasonic bearing the CR2016 marking. 
   In an embodiment of the invention, light is caused to project from the illuminated remote control device  1  in a relatively concentrated manner so as to provide a relatively more intense lighting effect. Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first edge  2  comprises a light lens  32  that is either integral with the light guide  30  or coupled thereto. A portion of the first edge  2  and the first side  10  comprises a conformal lens aperture  17  into which the light lens  32  extends. The light lens  32  focuses and guides the light to project out of a portion of both the first edge  2  the first side  10 . In other embodiments, a light lens is provided on one or more portions of the illuminated remote control device  1 , including the surfaces and edges, singularly or in combination. 
   Embodiments in accordance with the invention comprise tactile features to assist in the handling and operation of the illuminated remote control device  1 . Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first side  10  further comprises a first recessed portion  11  and a second recessed portion  13 , and a ridge  14  there between. The first recessed portion  11  is adapted to accept a pair of switch elements in the form of first control buttons  18  therein. The second recessed portion  13  is adapted to accept a pair of switch elements in the form of second control buttons  19  therein. The first and second control buttons  18 , 19  project from the first and second recessed portions  11 , 13 , respectively, to an elevation substantially flush with the first surface  12 . The first and second control buttons  18 ,  19  include engaging elements (not shown) that extend within the housing  9  to engage switch elements therein. The switch elements open and close a circuit comprising the power source  44 , the one or more light sources  42 , 43 , and/or the electronics  41 . 
   The first and second control buttons  18 , 19  comprise tactile features to assist in button differentiation. The first control buttons  18  have a generally square shape in comparison to an oval shape of the second control buttons  19 . Other tactile features may be incorporated to assist in the operation of the illuminated remote control device  1 , such as, but not limited to, shapes of the buttons and textures of the first and second control buttons  18 , 19 . 
   The ridge  14  also provides a tactile feature that assists in button differentiation by providing a positioning reference separating the first control buttons  18  from the second control buttons  19 . 
     FIGS. 3–5  show front, side and back views of the illuminated remote control device  1  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . The front light lens  32  provides an expanded region from which intensified illumination projects, including from at least a portion of the first edge  2  and at least a portion of the first side  10 . The illumination projects from the light guide edge  31  in various ways that will be further discussed below. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the second side  20  comprises a back recessed portion  22  that assists the user in handling and operation of the illuminated remote control device  1 . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second side  20  further comprises an attachment aperture  24  that is adapted to accept a coupling means of an accessory, such as, but not limited to, a key chain, as will be discussed below. 
   The first side  10  and the second side  20  can comprise a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, or other suitable materials. Aluminum, for example, provides a desirable combination of lightweight, durability, and attractive finish. The first side  10  and the second side  20  protect the internal components and therefore must have appropriate structural properties. The first side  10  and the second side  20 , being separate pieces, can be made from different materials and/or different colors suitable for a particular purpose, one of which is aesthetics. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the illuminated remote control device  1  is assembled by positioning the light guide  30  between the front side  10  and the second side  20 . Fastening features  25  are provided to enable the light guide  30  and the second side  20  to be coupled to the first side  10 . Example of fastening features include, but are not limited to, mating peg holes and pegs (not shown) positioned about the periphery of either the first side  10  and/or the bottom side  20  to assist in the alignment for screw fastening, gluing, and ultrasonic welding, among others. Button apertures  46  in the light guide  30  enable button projections (not shown) to pass through the light guide  30  to contact appropriate switch elements  45 . Fastening apertures  35  are provided in the light guide  30  suitable for a particular fastening features between the first side  10  and the second side  20 . 
   The second side  20  is provided with a cavity  21  adapted to accommodate electrical components comprising one or more light sources  42 , 43 , a power source  44 , electronics  41 , and push button contacts  45 . The push button contacts  45  comprise any suitable contact switch element, such as, but not limited to, a tactile flex dome switch element. The push button contacts  45  are operable to close a circuit including the power source  44 , the one or more light sources  42 , 43 , and the electronics  41 . Pressure applied to the flex dome, such as from the depression of a control button  18 , 19 , causes the flex dome to collapse from a convex to a concave configuration and to come into contact with a switch element, thereby closing the circuit. When the pressure is removed, the flex dome returns to its convex position breaking contact with the power source and returning the circuit to the off configuration. 
   In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , a first light source  42  provides illumination to the light lens  32  and/or portions of the light guide  30 . A second light source  43  provides illumination to one or more portions of the light guide  30 . It is understood that one or more light sources can be used for a particular purpose and is not limited to the configuration shown. The first and second light sources  42 , 43  can be any suitable light source for the particular purpose, including, but not limited to, incandescent and light emitting diode (LED). 
   In operation, depressing either one or more first and second push buttons  18 ,  19  closes the electrical circuit to activate the electronics  41  for the transmitter and/or activating the one or more light sources  42 ,  43 . Electronic logic enables a variety of illumination possibilities suitable for a particular purpose. Examples of illumination possibilities include, but are not limited to, one of the first push buttons  18  activates only the first light source  42 , and the other first push button  18  activates the second light source  43 . It is understood that various combinations of activating the one or more light sources  42 , 43  is possible and within the scope of the present invention. 
   It is understood that various features can be incorporated into the light guide  30  suitable for a particular purpose of guiding the illumination to predetermined one or more portions of the illuminated remote control device  1 . Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the light guide  30   a  is comprised of a translucent material in a planar sheet configuration. Generally, light impinging a central portion of a planar sheet will substantially uniformly disperse to the edge  31 . 
     FIG. 6  is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide  30   b  comprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration having a light guide aperture  33 , in accordance with the present invention. The light guide aperture  33  provides additional internal volume to accommodate electronics  41  or other components and/or provide access for a centrally positioned light source. The light guide aperture  33  provides an internal edge  34  to act as an entry conduit for the illumination from the light source  42 ,  43 . 
     FIG. 7  is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide  30   c  comprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration with a series of diffraction ridges  36 , in accordance with the present invention. The diffraction ridges  36  assist in the distribution of the illumination throughout the light guide  30   c  and substantially uniformly exiting out of the light guide edge  31 . 
     FIG. 8  is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide  30   d  comprising a series of translucent channels  37   a  and light modifying portions  38   a , in accordance with the present invention. The translucent channels  37   a  guide or transmit illumination at predetermined portions of the light guide edge  31 . The light modifying portions  38   a  are configured to change, diminish and/or block the light transmission from portions of the light guide edge  31  for a predetermined lighting effect. 
     FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a light guide  30   e  comprising a series of translucent channels  37   b  and light modifying areas  38   b , in accordance with the present invention. The translucent channels  37   b  guide the illumination to predetermined portions of the light guide edge  31 . The light modifying areas  38   b  are configured to change, diminish and/or block the illumination from portions of the light guide edge  31  for a desired predetermined lighting effect. 
     FIGS. 10   a – 10   d  are edge views of portions of embodiments of a light guide edge  31 , in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 10   a  shows a light guide edge  31   a  having a substantially smooth surface  39   a  that is uniform along the perimeter of the light guide, that provides a substantially uniform lighting effect along the perimeter. 
     FIG. 10   b  shows a light guide edge  31   b  comprising a vertically grooved surface  39   b  that modifies, such as, but not limited to, bending and scattering, the illumination emanating from the light guide edge  31   b.    
     FIG. 10   c  shows a light guide edge  31   c  comprising a horizontally grooved surface  39   c  that modifies the illumination emanating from the light guide edge  31   c.    
     FIG. 10   d  shows a light guide edge  31   d  comprising areas of different illumination properties, such as, but not limited to, a smooth surface  39   e  and a cross-hatch grooved surface  39   d , and the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The a light guide edge  31   d  creates a predetermined lighting effect. 
   The embodiments of  FIGS. 1–5  show the light guide  30  comprising a light lens  32  that is assembled within a complimentary conformal lens aperture  17  of the top surface  10 . The embodiments of  FIGS. 6–9  show light guides  30   b – 30   e  having no light lens  32  integral to the light guides  30   b – 30   e . It is understood that such embodiments may also be utilized with embodiments of the remote control device  1  that comprise a separate light lens, or embodiments with a first side  10  having no conformal lens aperture  17 . It is understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the illuminated remote control device  1  having or not having a light lens  32  and a conformal lens aperture  17 . 
   It is also understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to an illuminated remote control device  1  comprising a light guide as a singular piece, but also comprises illuminated remote control devices  1  comprising one or more translucent windows or inserts that are adapted to project within corresponding apertures in the housing  9 , such as, but not limited to, one or more light lenses  32  and corresponding conformal lens apertures  17 . 
     FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the illuminated remote control device  1  further comprising an attached accessory, such as a key ring  26 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The key ring  26  is adapted to couple with the attachment aperture  24  on the second side  20  of the illuminated remote control device  1 . 
   The invention is not intended to be limited by the particular geometry, location of illumination emission, or components depicted herein, which are illustrative. It is further understood that the present invention is not limited to illuminated remote control devices having an attachment aperture that is adapted to accept a coupling feature of an accessory. It is further understood that the present invention is not limited to illuminated remote control devices having four control buttons or any particular combination of one or more control buttons. 
   Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.