Abstract: An information providing device according to an aspect includes a setter that sets points for a user of a vehicle on the basis of one or both of information on a battery storing an electric power for traveling of the vehicle and information on driving of the vehicle, an information provider that provides information on the point set by the setter to the user of the vehicle, an acquirer that acquires distribution information in which at least some of the points are distributed as a point for causing an anthropomorphic character associated with the battery to perform a predetermined operation, and a match manager that generates information on a match between the anthropomorphic character and another anthropomorphic character on the basis of the distribution information acquired by the acquirer and provide the generated information to the user.

Abstract: A step motor that drives a rotary body to rotate includes: an output shaft that outputs a rotational driving force to the rotary body, the output shaft having an insertion hole in which the rotary body is arranged so as to be integrally rotatable on an inner circumference side of a top portion of a tip end of the output shaft; a radial bearing radially supporting the output shaft from an outer circumference side; and a cover protruding from the radial bearing radially inward. The cover opposing the top portion through an axial gap at an outer circumference side of the insertion hole. The output shaft has an inner tapered portion which decreases in diameter as approaching the insertion hole radially inward from the top portion. The cover opposes the top portion through the axial gap at an outer circumference side of the inner tapered portion.

Abstract: Problem: To clearly indicate an autonomous driving state and a charge level of a battery of a vehicle with a single lamp. Solution: A vehicle headlamp (3) includes a communication lamp (7) for indicating an autonomous driving state of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving, and a lamp ECU (32) for performing control to cause the communication lamp (7) to indicate a charge level of a battery (31) while the vehicle is stationary. The lamp (7) includes an elongated light guide body that continuously extends along a straight line or a curve and a plurality of light emitting devices (22) arranged at an interval in a longitudinal direction of the light guide body. The lamp ECU (32) controls the output of light from each of the light emitting devices (22) to change an illuminated range of the light guide body according to the charge level of the battery (31).

Abstract: A light emitting pointer device which can reduce luminance unevenness at a light emitting face is provided. An annular rib is provided between a first holding portion holding an emission shaft and a second holding portion holding a light entrance shaft and the annular rib thereby covers a corner of the light entrance shaft. As a result, the light is not likely to enter a pointer body from the corner of the light entrance shaft, thereby reducing stray light and reducing luminance unevenness. An upper face of the annular rib on the light entrance shaft side has a radius of curvature that is greater than a radius of curvature of the corner of the light entrance shaft and is tapered, thus the corner can be easily covered with a space between the light entrance shaft and the annular rib.

Abstract: A display device for a portable object wherein the portable object includes a dial and at least one movable hand, at least one movable hand includes a light source or is coupled to a light source, the dial includes at least one secondary light waveguide, the light source and the secondary waveguide being arranged such that the light source is coupled to the proximal end of the secondary waveguide when the movable hand moves into a predetermined sector of the dial, and the distal end of the secondary waveguide being coupled to a display element of the dial.

Abstract: A transmit integrated circuit includes a light source configured to generate a beam of light. A receive integrated circuit includes a first photosensor. A transmit optic is mounted over the transmit and receive integrated circuits. The transmit optic is formed by a prismatic light guide and is configured to receive the beam of light. An annular body region of the transmit optic surrounds a central opening which is aligned with the first photosensor. The annular body region includes a first reflective surface defining the central opening and further includes a ring-shaped light output surface surrounding the central opening. Light is output from the ring-shaped light output surface in response to light which propagates within the prismatic light guide in response to the received beam of light and which reflects off the first reflective surface.

Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes a first, planar display element arranged in a first display plane of the display device, and at least one further, planar display element, each arranged in a further display plane of the display device, upstream of the first display element in a viewing direction of a user. Together with the first display element, the at least one further display element forms a multilayered combination of display elements. Each of the at least one further display element has an at least partly transparent display surface and a visual protection element for setting a degree of a transparency of at least one region of the display element.

Abstract: A pointer assembly for a vehicle instrument panel includes a pointer arm, a cap, and a shroud. The pointer arm includes a platform portion disposed about an axis or rotation and an arm portion extending outward from the platform portion. The platform portion includes an illuminable perimeter. The cap is secured to the platform portion of the pointer arm inside of the illuminable perimeter. The shroud is secured to the platform portion of the pointer arm outside of the illuminable perimeter, and the illuminable perimeter is visible between an outer perimeter of the cap and an inner perimeter of the shroud.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer cap for an vehicle instrument panel outputs different colors from a white light source by directing the white light through different color filters. The white light is transmitted through a light-conductive substrate and reflected to the color filters by triangular-shaped undercuts formed in one side of the substrate that is opposite the color filters.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly including a display screen having a backlight. A pointer is movable to point to different portions of an instrument cluster gauge in order to convey information to a driver or operator. A light guide is included with the pointer. The light guide is configured to receive light from the backlight of the display screen, and illuminate the pointer.

Abstract: A warning lamp used in lane change at blind zone of a vehicle includes a light source and a light guide including a light entrance surface, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a light exit surface, the light entrance surface is located above the light source so that the light emitted from the light source is converted to parallel light through the light entrance surface, said first reflective surface is arranged aslope above the light entrance surface, sides of s the first reflective surface are provided with the second reflective surface and the light exit surface, respectively, the first and second reflective surface are provided with total reflection stripes configured so that said parallel light is totally reflected to the second reflective surface through the first reflective surface and then totally reflected by the second reflective surface to said light exit surface to form uniform warning light.

Abstract: A structure of a scale graduation includes: a meter dial plate, a light-guiding body made of a translucent material in a dark color, a three-dimensional graduation disposed in a protruding manner on a front surface of the light-guiding body and made of a translucent material in the dark color disposed on the front side of the meter dial plate, and a light source that makes light enter the three-dimensional graduation through the light-guiding body. When the light source emits outgoing light, the three-dimensional graduation lights on in a light color different from the dark color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product comprising a luminous surface, the product comprising a light guide (10) providing said luminous surface, said light guide comprising a plurality of scattering elements (12) for producing a substantially homogeneous light output across said luminous surface; and a first solid state lighting element (20) arranged to emit a beam of light (30) into the light guide; wherein the light guide further comprises a body (40) arranged to create a region (50) in the light guide shaded from said beam.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel having a three-dimensional illumination effect includes a transparent ring having a three-dimensional circular shape, at least one primary scale formed in a front surface of the transparent ring, the at least one primary scale being spaced apart from an adjacent primary scale by a predetermined distance, a reflecting plate for changing a direction of travel of LED light along the transparent ring, generated below the transparent ring, in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and a prism unit including at least one prism for reflecting a portion of the LED light traveling along the transparent ring toward the at least one primary scale at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A light guide and covering element, a motor vehicle instrument panel including the same, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The light guide and covering element include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the light guide and covering element are produced from a first transparent material. The second portion of the light guide and covering element are produced from a second opaque material. The first portion of the light guide and covering element and the second portion of the light guide and covering element are made from a single part.

Abstract: A pointer is rotational relative to a dial plate. The pointer includes a body, a needle and a counterweight. The needle extends radially outward from the body. The counterweight is a separate component from the body and is affixed to the body. The counterweight is located on an opposite side of the body from the needle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lamp including: a plurality of light source units, each of which includes a light source that emits a light and a first light guide part that internally guides the light emitted from the light source; and a second light guide part having an outer peripheral surface positioned adjacent to or connected to an outer peripheral surface of the first light guide part. One end surface of the first light guide part in a light guide direction is formed as a light incident surface of the light emitted from the light source, and the second light guide part internally guides and emits the light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the first light guide part.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes a gauge surface and a light guide. The gauge surface includes a concave surface having an illuminable scale. The light guide forms a geometric shape corresponding to the concave surface of the gauge surface. The light guide has ends that curve away from the gauge surface to receive light.

Abstract: A pointer to indicate gradations formed in a dial of a vehicle instrument cluster includes: a pointer blade to receive and emit light received from the lower portion of the dial when a blade body formed integrally with a blade arm is rotatably supported above the dial; a pointer weight disposed adjacent to a rear surface of the blade body and having a light through-hole to allow light received from the lower portion of the dial to pass through the pointer weight; a light pin part extending to the rear surface of the blade body from one end of the blade arm and inserted into the light through-hole; and a weight supporter, fit between the pointer blade and the pointer weight and below the light through-hole to receive light from the lower portion of the dial and transfer the light to the pointer blade.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automotive instrument cluster with a continuous LED bar graph. The automotive instrument includes a base, LED light sources placed on the base, LED compartments resulting from mounting plate separating plurality of LED lights from each other, an applique covering the top surfaces of the LED compartments wherein the top surface of the applique is perceived by a user, and the bottom surface of the applique covers the LED compartments from inside. The mounting plate is designed in a manner that the inner walls of subsequent LED compartments maintain a predetermined gap with bottom surface of the applique to enable the light to pass to the adjacent LED compartment.

Abstract: A pointer for an indicating device includes a conductor. The conductor includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a receiving portion. The rear portion extends from the front portion. The receiving portion extends from the rear portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive light and to conduct the light through the rear portion toward the front portion. The receiving portion has a cutout dented into the receiving portion.

Abstract: A needle type gauge includes: a needle that includes a main rotating portion that rotates around a rotation shaft, and an indicator which points out an index part; and an actuator. The main rotating portion includes a light emitting portion that emits strip-shaped light. The light emitting portion is located at the actuator side relative to the indicator, and emits the strip-shaped light to a nearby area to the indicator and located, relative the indicator, at one side in a rotation direction of the indicator. The needle includes a shield which extends in a direction of the actuator from the indicator, extends along the indicator, and blocks, among the strip-shaped light, light directed from the one side in the rotation direction of the indicator to the other side therein.

Abstract: A visual display unit creating a three-dimensional volumetric space. The display includes a first screen in a first focal plane, wherein the first screen displays a first image. The display includes a second screen in a second focal plane distinct from the first focal plane, wherein the second screen displays a second image, and wherein the second screen at least partially overlaps the first screen. The display includes a physical object located between the first screen and said second screen, wherein at least one of the first and second images is displayed in response to a placement of the physical object.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a position-indicating module including a position sensor consisting of a mobile element, able to be driven directly by an operator or by a mechanical or electromechanical drive element, and of a detection assembly delivering electrical information dependent on the position of the mobile assembly, as well as at least one illumination element including at least one light source, wherein the mobile assembly includes a zone able to allow through the light beam issuing from the illumination element and the illumination element is situated opposite the zone.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide an airguide backlight assembly having an anterior element, a reflective pan positioned posterior to the anterior element, and a light source positioned to direct light towards the reflective pan. A lens element may be placed in front of each light source. The reflective pan preferably contains a slope or curve so that light emitted from the light sources can be reflected and/or refracted to distribute the light uniformly to the anterior element. In some embodiments, blinders may be positioned between the light sources and the anterior element as well as between the light sources and the reflective pan.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument includes: a three-dimensional object which is formed of a light transmitting material and is formed so as to protrude from a surface displaying a measurement value involved with a vehicle; and a light source which emits light to the three-dimensional object, wherein the three-dimensional object includes a portion having a different protrusion amount from a light incident surface to which light emitted from the light source is incident, and the light incident surface of the portion having a relatively small protrusion amount from the light incident surface is provided with a high-diffusion portion having a relatively large diffusion degree for the incident light compared with the light incident surface of the portion having a relatively large protrusion amount from the light incident surface.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a pointer having light guiding properties, a cap that is attached to the pointer and has light blocking properties, a pointing shaft that is vertically formed on a proximal end portion of the pointer, and a light blocking member. The light blocking member includes a cylindrical main body having both end portions for inserting the pointing shaft and a rotary shaft of a motor having light guiding properties respectively thereinto to prevent illuminating light propagating through the rotary shaft from a light source and entering the pointing shaft from leaking from an outer peripheral surface of the pointing shaft.

Abstract: A gauge assembly which has a gauge surface including graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter. A pointer arm is provided which is made out of a light guide or light transmitting material. The pointer arm includes a step portion in an operative portion of the second bottom surface for reducing light received by said second surface adjacent the step portion and providing an overall even light throughout the operative illuminated viewing surface of the pointer arm.

Abstract: A display device for displaying an image on a display surface includes a liquid crystal panel having the display surface, the liquid crystal panel with a first through hole formed in the display surface, a backlight disposed oppositely to the liquid crystal panel, the backlight with a second through hole formed at a position overlapping with the first through hole, and a cap inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole. The cap includes a tube portion with a third through hole formed, the third through hole parallel to the first through hole and the second through hole, and a flange portion formed at least one end of the tube portion, the flange portion having an outer diameter larger than a diameter of the first through hole, and larger than a diameter of the second through hole.

Abstract: A pointer arm for a gauge of a motor vehicle is provided. The pointer arm includes first and second light reflecting surfaces and an an arm portion extending from the first and second light reflecting surfaces. The pointer arm may be supported for rotation about an axis of rotation relative to a scale, and a shroud may be used to support the pointer arm. A cap may be supported on the pointer arm. The cap may include a pin extending into an opening within the pointer arm. The light reflecting surfaces are configured to propagate light around the opening and through the pointer arm.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a gauge surface with graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter and a pointer supported for movement about an axis to indicate a current condition of the vehicle operating parameter by pointing to a specific location on the gauge surface. The pointer includes a pointer arm extending away from a hub and a bottom surface with a negative slope angled away from a plane normal to the axis toward the gauge surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor designed for being mounted on a circuit board, the circuit board having a pointer side and a rear side. The motor can be used for rotating an illuminated pointer. The motor comprises a light conveying pointer shaft for projecting through the circuit board from the rear side of the circuit board to the pointer side of the circuit board. The pointer shaft is arranged to convey light to the pointer. The motor further comprises a light guide for conveying light from a light source mounted on the circuit board to a rear end of the pointer shaft, the rear end of the pointer shaft being on the rear side of the circuit board. Thus, the motor can be advantageously mounted on the rear side of the circuit board.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing sensor indication and enhancing sensor indication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor indication is provided by sensing an operational status at a sensor circuit, generating a signal at the sensor circuit based on the sensed operational status, utilizing the signal to activate a light source, transmitting light into a first indicator layer with the light source, wherein the first indicator layer includes a fluorophore embedded within a substrate, and wherein the one or more fluorophores modify at least one characteristic of the transmitted light from the light source, and emitting the modified transmitted light from an end wall of the first indicator layer.

Abstract: A strip lighting device includes a main body having front and rear sides extending along a length of the main body. The front side is disposed towards a viewer of the device and the rear side includes a light scattering layer for scattering light from a source of illumination towards the viewer when the device is illuminated. The main body has a front and rear cladding layer each of which is made of a first light transmissive material. The strip lighting device includes a light pipe made of a second light transmissive material sandwiched between the front and rear cladding layers at interfaces extending along the length of the main body. A rear interface of the light pipe has a plurality of angled portions which allow some light to escape into the rear cladding layer to impinge on the light scattering layer and scatter light towards the viewer.

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a pointer rotatable about a pointer axle. A coupling part, a pointer vane and at least one pointer section are arranged between the pointer and the axle. Between the pointer coupling part and the pointer vane at least one pointer section is held in a base structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying ambient information in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a dial including a first dial hand, an ambient light source with a variable light intensity and a variable light color, a first data source and a second data source, a mode selector for selecting between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, and a controller coupled to the mode selector, the ambient light source, and the first dial hand. The controller is configured to, in the first mode of operation, control the position of the first dial hand according to the first data source; and, in the second mode of operation, control at least one of the variable light intensity or the variable light color of the ambient light source according to the second data source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator device, a display device, particularly for a motor vehicle, and a needle mounting method for a display device.

Abstract: A light-guide indicator is provided with a base part, and an indicator main body extending along the indicator plate from one end of the base part. One end of a light-guide output shaft provided with a motor is arranged opposite to the other end of the base part, and the other end of the output shaft is arranged opposite to a light source. A back side of the indicator plate is provided with a light-guide member, and the light-guide member is provided with a first recess receiving the other end of the base part and a second recess receiving the one end of the output shaft. A bottom face of the first recess is arranged tapered in such a way that the bottom face approaches the output shaft as approaches rotation axis of the output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly that includes a display, a pointer, and a light detector. The display is configured to define indicia on a surface of the display. The indicia are configured to emit light. The pointer is configured to rotate a shaft of the pointer about an axis to align a tip of the pointer with the indicia. The pointer is also configured to conduct light emitted by the indicia from the tip into the shaft when the tip is substantially aligned with the indicia. The light detector is configured to detect light in the shaft of the pointer to determine the position of the pointer.

Abstract: An instrument panel having a pointer includes a pointer rotatably centered on a point to pass a numerical region. The pointer may include a transparent portion formed at the numerical region making the numerical region visible from outside of the instrument panel. A first color portion is formed on an outer end portion of the pointer so as to be seen in a first color, and a second color portion is formed on a center of the pointer so as to be seen in a second color.

Abstract: An indicator module for a dashboard, including an electric motor, a mechanical motion-reduction unit, an output shaft, a housing, and a light source. The electric motor is mechanically and electrically connected to a first surface of a printed circuit and drives a visual indicator about an axis of rotation via the reduction unit and the output shaft through the printed circuit such that the indicator provides visual information beyond a second surface of said printed circuit. The light source is positioned on the first or second surface of the printed circuit sending a light flow toward the axis of rotation. The housing has a light case, which extends beyond the second surface of the printed circuit and which is formed around the axis of rotation of the visual indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backlit motor vehicle gauge such as a speedometer or a revolution counter, which gauge has a wall provided with translucent graduations disposed over a circular arc, one or more light-emitting elements (16) carried by a support plate (13), and a light guide (18) interposed between the support plate (13) and the graduated wall so as to diffuse the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (16) towards a back face of the graduated wall in order to illuminate all of the graduations. According to the invention, the light guide (18) is mounted to pivot IO about an axis (AX) passing through the center of the circular arc while having its position servo-controlled, and said light guide (18) carries a spot lighting member (28) situated radially at the same level as the circular arc so as to highlight a portion of the region carrying the graduations. The invention is applicable to gauges designed to equip motor vehicles.

Abstract: A gauge assembly defining an interior direction and an exterior direction includes a gauge faceplate having a plurality of indicators and a hub that is substantially opaque. The hub includes a hub reflective portion that generally faces toward the interior direction. The assembly additionally includes a pointer having a first portion adjacent the hub and a second portion spaced away from the hub. The pointer is operable to move relative to the gauge faceplate such that the second portion distinguishes between the plurality of indicators. The pointer is substantially opaque, and the second portion includes a pointer reflective portion that generally faces toward the exterior direction. Moreover, the assembly includes a light source that emits a light generally in the exterior direction. The light reflects from the hub reflective portion generally toward the pointer reflective portion. The light also reflects from the pointer reflective portion generally toward the exterior direction.

Abstract: A pointer display with a first visible indication and a second visible indication, including a first pointer element, the first pointer element being rotatable around a first axis and comprising a first pointer arm and a first stem, the first stem extending in a first axis and the first pointer arm extending away from the first stem to facilitate the first visible indication; and a second pointer element, the second pointer element being rotatable around a second axis and comprising a second pointer arm and a second stem, the second stem extending a second axis and the second pointer arm extending away from the second stem to facilitate the second visible indication, and the first axis and the second axis being coincident with each other wherein the first pointer element and the second pointer element rotate around a common axis.

Abstract: A control device, in particular for a motor vehicle, including a rotary switch and a peripheral display zone which are arranged on a board and which are back-lit by a back-lighting device, the rotary switch including a knob which is mounted in rotation relative to the board about an axis, the knob being provided with an illuminated pointer turning with the knob, the peripheral display zone including fixed illuminated symbols arranged around the rotary switch, characterized by the fact that the back-lighting device includes at least one light source which cooperates with a light guide lighting both the illuminated pointer and the peripheral display zone.

Abstract: A system includes a layer, a shaftless stepper motor, a lighting element, an input magnet, an output magnet, and a pointer. The layer includes first and second opposed sides. The shaftless stepper motor is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer. The lighting element is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer. The input magnet is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer and is connected to the shaftless stepper motor. The output magnet is disposed on the second opposed side of the layer. The pointer is connected to the output magnet. The input magnet connected to the shaftless stepper motor moves, through magnetism, the output magnet and the connected pointer, and the lighting element transmits lights to light the pointer.

Abstract: Provided is an instrument driving device which can have improved marketability and designability by providing a new expression for a prompting operation. The instrument driving device is provided with an instrument (2) that displays vehicle information by causing a pointer to turn on a display board, and a display board lighting means (2d) for illuminating the display board. The instrument driving device is also provided with a control means (2a) for causing, in response to the input of a predetermined start signal, the instrument (2) to perform a prompting operation which is different from a normal operation, and as the prompting operation, activating at least the display board lighting means (2d), then gradually reducing the illumination such that the transition in brightness is nonlinear and the fading rate lessens over time. The predetermined start signal may be the ON or OFF of an electrical power switch.

Abstract: A meter has a pointer which points indicators to show a vehicle status value. The meter has a light source to illuminate the pointer. The light source is disposed to be rotatable with the pointer. The meter has an electromagnetic power supplying device having a primary module and a secondary module. The primary module provides a stationary transmitter module which generates radio frequency electromagnetic field. The secondary module provides a movable receiver module which induces electric power by receiving the radio frequency electromagnetic field generated by the primary module. The secondary module supplies power to the light source.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a pointer having light guiding properties, a cap that is attached to the pointer and has light blocking properties, a pointing shaft that is vertically formed on a proximal end portion of the pointer, and a light blocking member. The light blocking member includes a cylindrical main body having both end portions for inserting the pointing shaft and a rotary shaft of a motor having light guiding properties respectively thereinto to prevent illuminating light propagating through the rotary shaft from a light source and entering the pointing shaft from leaking from an outer peripheral surface of the pointing shaft.

Abstract: A disclosed instrument cluster includes dial gauges with an illuminated pointer including light reflecting features for uniformly distributing light within the pointer. The light deflecting structure directs light toward tip of the pointer by reflecting the light of each of the first and second sides. The light deflecting structure provides the desired distribution of luminescence by directing light toward the sides surfaces of the pointer.