The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 07, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 09, 2001
Gregory John Milne, Dearborn, MI (US);
Gregory H. Williams, Brighton, MI (US);
Birgit Lisa Sorgenfrei, Livonia, MI (US);
Visteon Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A system for disabling display illumination includes an electronic device, such as a radio, navigation system or entertainment device having a graphical display that may be covered with a door for enhancing vehicle interior appearance. To allow the graphical display to be read during night time driving conditions, the graphical display includes some form of graphical back lighting. A transceiver is coupled to the electronic device and generates an infrared signal for inter-module communication. When the door is closed, this infrared signal is reflected back to the electronic device indicating that the door is closed. Using this reflected signal, the graphical back lighting may be disabled to eliminate light leaks and reduce heat buildup.