Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly that includes a display surface and a pointer equipped with an electro-optical cell. The display surface is equipped with a graphical indicator. The graphical indicator is selectively operable to an off-state and an illuminated-state. The pointer is operable to move about an axis to point to indicia on the display surface. The pointer is operable to a position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The electro-optical cell is operable to a transparent-state and located on the pointer to overlay the graphical indicator when the pointer is at the position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The cell is operated to the transparent-state when the graphical indicator is operated to the illuminated-state.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly that includes a display surface and a pointer equipped with an electro-optical cell. The display surface is equipped with a graphical indicator. The graphical indicator is selectively operable to an off-state and an illuminated-state. The pointer is operable to move about an axis to point to indicia on the display surface. The pointer is operable to a position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The electro-optical cell is operable to a transparent-state and located on the pointer to overlay the graphical indicator when the pointer is at the position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The cell is operated to the transparent-state when the graphical indicator is operated to the illuminated-state.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly configured to determine an orientation angle of a stepper motor actuated pointer of the assembly. The assembly includes a pointer, a stepper motor, a magnet, and a sensor. The pointer is movable about an axis to point to indicia on a display surface of the assembly. The stepper motor is coupled to the pointer via a reduction gear arrangement. The magnet is fixedly coupled to the pointer such that a magnetic field direction generated by the magnet corresponds to an angle of the pointer. The sensor is configured to determine the magnetic field direction of the magnet and output a signal indicative of the angle of the pointer.

Abstract: An illuminated indicator is disclosed. The illuminated indicator includes graphics disposed on a rear surface of a lightpipe and a housing that supports the rear surface of lightpipe. The housing defines an outer perimeter light channel. The illuminated indicator also includes a plurality of light sources that are disposed about the outer perimeter light channel. The outer perimeter light channel directs light from the plurality of light sources to an outer perimeter edge of the lightpipe to evenly illuminate the graphics.