Abstract: A display system reduces latent image formation by shifting an image between a first position and a second position, displaced only a few pixels from the first position. Preferably, the image is displayed briefly simultaneously at the first and second positions and then displayed only in the second position for a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: The display system includes a display controller which renders text and graphics and writes it to the RAM. The display controller then reads the rendered information from the RAM and activates a display based upon that information. Generally the display controller reads information from the display controller and activates the display at a constant refresh rate; however, when a large number of text and/or graphics to be rendered have accumulated, the display controller temporarily reduces the refresh rate in order to render and write the text and/or graphics to the RAM.

Abstract: A display system provides automatic and manual brightness control. A brightness controller varies the luminance of the display based upon ambient light as sensed by an ambient light sensor. The brightness control varies the luminance of the display between the minimum luminance at a minimum illuminance to a maximum luminance at a maximum illuminance. Preferably, a user input device selectively varies the maximum illuminance at which the display displays said maximum luminance and selectively alters the minimum luminance which is displayed at the minimum illuminance.

Abstract: The display system includes a display controller which renders text and graphics and writes it to the RAM. The display controller then reads the rendered information from the RAM and activates a display based upon that information. Generally the display controller reads information from the display controller and activates the display at a constant refresh rate; however, when a large number of text and/or graphics to be rendered have accumulated, the display controller temporarily reduces the refresh rate in order to render and write the text and/or graphics to the RAM.

Abstract: A display system reduces latent image formation by shifting an image between a first position and a second position, displaced only a few pixels from the first position. Preferably, the image is displayed briefly simultaneously at the first and second positions and then displayed only in the second position for a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method of controlling the brightness levels on a screen includes determining a total number of screen pixels that must be energized to realize various brightness levels throughout the display. The display preferably is generated in a sequence of frames that are subdivided into energization states. An electronic controller determines an order of energizing selected ones of the pixels during each of the energization states to realize the desired brightness levels for the display while reducing drive load variation and realizing more efficient power consumption.

Abstract: A transparent EL display screen has a frame or rim member along only one edge of the screen. The screen is mounted within a vehicle interior so that it can be put in a position above the instrument panel and within the normal line of sight of a driver. Since the display screen is transparent and does not include a frame or rim around its entire parameter, the display screen makes information available without obstructing the driver's view of the road. The single frame or rim member supports all of the row and column drivers that are used to selectively illuminate the pixels on the display screen.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display includes a plurality of generally parallel outer electrodes and a plurality of generally parallel inner electrodes perpendicular to the outer electrodes. A plurality of generally parallel reflective surfaces are formed parallel to the outer electrodes or the inner electrodes to selectively provide a mirrored appearance when the electroluminescent display is not activated. A variable transmissive device, such as an electrochromic dimmer, is positioned in front of the ELD to selectively dim the light emitted from the ELD.

Abstract: A display system includes an input device sending information on a vehicle bus to a display controller. Based upon the information from the input device, the display controller selects one of a plurality of graphics stored on a local memory. The selected graphic is displayed on a display by the display controller.

Abstract: A display system for use with a route guidance system includes a display displaying a proximity indicator. The proximity indicator generally comprises a bar graph which is reduced in size as the vehicle approaches the next maneuver recommended by the route guidance system. Later, the reduced bar graph changes color and flashes to signal the impending turn.

Abstract: A power system for a display, particularly an electroluminescent display, includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the glass panel. A first power supply circuit supplies a first power output having a first average power and first peak power. A second power circuit generating a second power output having second average power greater than the first average power and a second peak power less than the first peak power.

Abstract: A dual use heads-up display panel for a vehicle may be orientated in a first orientation wherein it displays information onto the window of a vehicle. The display panel may be selectively moved to a facing-forward position wherein it directs information towards the operator of the vehicle. The control for the display panel determines which of the two positions the display panel is in, and modifies the information displayed on the panel accordingly. The information should be reversed in a mirror image between the two orientations such that it is properly orientated when read off of the windshield, and is also properly orientated when read from the facing-forward position. In a further feature, a convergent optical system, which may be a lens, is placed in the path of the light from the display panel when in the heads-up position. The lens causes the size of the information displayed on the windshield to be reduced such that its intensity is increased.

Abstract: A manually controllable switch provides a user with an "analog feeling" for controlling digital electronics. A plurality of first electrical conducting portions are alternately arranged with a plurality of second electrical conducting portions. Physical spacing between electrical conducting portions is proportionally and symmetrically varied to provide a sequence of logical states upon movement of the manually adjustable control knob. An electrical contact on the control knob moves into and out of engagement with the electrical conducting portions. Contact between the contacting portion and the conducting portions causes changes in logic state as recognized by a microprocessor or dedicated circuitry coupled to the conducting portions. The microprocessor or dedicated circuitry recognizes specific sequences of change in logic state as indicating manual movement of the control knob.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling information to be displayed on a vehicle reconfigurable display includes the steps of prioritizing information. The control identifies each of the items which are desirably displayed and determines the space necessary to display all of those items. If the necessary space exceeds available space, then the control goes through a routine wherein it attempts to minimize the size of the display items, and prioritize the display items. Certain items must always be displayed, whereas other items need only be optionally displayed. The control may identify certain optional items as not to be displayed under certain circumstances. Further, the control may select between available sizes for other items to provide additional space.