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. 12, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 20, 2004
William John Testin, Indianapolis, IN (US);
William Patrick Mccarthy, Indianapolis, IN (US);
John Edward Nicholson, Indianapolis, IN (US);
William John Testin, Indianapolis, IN (US);
William Patrick McCarthy, Indianapolis, IN (US);
John Edward Nicholson, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Thomson Licensing, Boulogne-Billancourt, FR;
Abstract
A variable intensity light device is provided to illuminate front panel user buttons in a television apparatus. The television apparatus allows user control of the level of light intensity preferably via an on-screen menu. Automatic detection circuitry/logic is also provided that detects whether a light such as an LED is present upon initial user set-up. This allows the inclusion of the light device in televisions whose controllers are already designed. Moreover, the light device preferably utilizes a single wire for light presence detection and intensity control. Detection of the light causes the television apparatus to include a light control on-screen menu in the main television on-screen menu. Preferably, the light control menu allows the user selection of at least six different brightness or intensity levels for the light. In one form, the light is a diode that provides blue light though a light pipe.