Method and apparatus for a remote speaker microphone to indicate radio battery charge state with flashlight and strobe control

摘要

A communication system (100) formed of a portable radio (102) and radio accessory (106) is provided in which the accessory (106) provides emergency strobe and flashlight modes, the flashlight mode further providing a low battery indicator. Strategic control of lighting triggers and patterns allows for a single high intensity LED (132) to be used for both emergency strobe and flashlight modes, with minimized impact on battery life.

主权项

1. A portable communication system, comprising:
a portable radio having a battery; an accessory coupled to the radio, the accessory comprising:
a light emitting diode (LED);a first user interface button for enabling an emergency SOS strobe signal at the LED;a second user interface button for enabling continuous lighting of the LED, the LED switching from continuous lighting to a predetermined blinking pattern in response to a low battery indicator by the radio;the first user interface button comprises an emergency button that enables an emergency mode of operation;the second user interface button comprises a light control button that enables a flashlight mode of operation;
the emergency mode of operation overriding the flashlight mode of operation; andthe flashlight mode of operation further providing another predetermined blinking pattern distinct from the emergency SOS strobe signal and distinct from the predetermined blinking pattern associated with the low battery indicator.