Abstract: In a spread illuminating apparatus including a transparent substrate which has a light reflection pattern with grooves formed to be inclined with respect to an optical axis of a light source, an optical path conversion means comprising grooves and flat portions is formed on a side surface of a light conductive member, where the depth of the grooves increases in proportion to the increase in distance from either of spot-like light sources toward a deepest groove formed at a predetermined position. The deepest groove is formed at a position off the center of the light conductive member by a predetermined distance toward either of the spot-like light sources, whereby the distribution of the amount of light emitted from the light conductive member toward the transparent substrate can be appropriately modified so as to level off the unevenness in brightness on the screen.

Abstract: An article (10) comprises a transparent material (42) having interior and exterior surfaces (44 and 46). A coating of paint (48) is applied to the exterior surface (46) of the transparent material (42). Indicia (12) are formed in the coating of paint (48) by a plurality of interrelated line segments (50). Each line segment (50) of the plurality of line segments (50) extends parallel to each other line segment (50). The article (10) further comprises a light source (40) actuatable for directing light against the interior surface (44) of the transparent material (42) and through the line segments (50) to illuminate the indicia (12). The indicia (12) are discernible from the coating of paint (48) when illuminated by the light source (40) and are indiscernible from the coating of paint (48) when not illuminated.

Abstract: An elastomeric mat is formed by extruding transparent or translucent elastomeric material. Columns made of the same material guide light from an LED source directly to a light port on top of the column, and diffuse the light substantially throughout the column. A coating of opaque material is used to surround the length of the columns to prevent leakage of light. When mounted adjacent to a front panel, off-axis performance is substantially increased over the prior art by, in effect, bringing the light-emitting source adjacent to a clear port of the front panel. The columns of translucent or transparent elastomeric material function as light pipes, and are formed when making the eleastomeric mat. The columns may be cylindrical or rectangular. Either a rectangular or a cylindrical column of translucent or transparent elastomeric material can convey light to illuminate a legend printed directly on top of the column.

Abstract: A head up display (HUD) has multiple light sources of varying intensities for projecting a high quality image under various lighting conditions. The light sources provide illumination through an electronic display (e.g. an AMLCD) in the HUD. A high brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during bright or day light conditions. A low brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during night or low light conditions. Both light sources illuminate the electronic display during intermediate lighting conditions. A light panel conducts and diffuses light from the light sources to illuminate the rear of the electronic display. An optional light mixer reduces uneven lighting of the high brightness light source. In operation, the intensities of the light sources are controlled as a function of ambient lighting conditions to optimise the projected image quality.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment a vehicle instrument, comprising: a housing; a light pipe disposed in said housing; an applique disposed on a face of said light pipe; and a retainer disposed over said face of said light pipe, said retainer having structure pressing against an outer periphery of said applique to hold said applique against said face of said light pipe, said applique having no other means of attachment to said face of said light pipe.

Abstract: A shifter assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a shifter operatively connected to a transmission of the motor vehicle to shift the transmission between a plurality of operating positions. The shifter assembly also includes a shift position indicator located adjacent to the shifter to indicate one of the operating positions, a light box located beneath the shift position indicator having a parabolic base and side walls, and a light bulb inset in the light box for illuminating the shift position indicator. The light bulb casts a first shadow around a circumference of a base of the light bulb and a second shadow from a tip of the light bulb. The light bulb emits light radially from a body of the light bulb. The light bulb is inset in the light box at an angle a from the base between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. The light bulb is oriented to emit light on the shift position indicator.

Abstract: A device and method for backlighting a liquid crystal display device using an array of light emitting diodes mounted in a cavity behind the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A head up display (HUD) has multiple light sources of varying intensities for projecting a high quality image under various lighting conditions. The light sources provide illumination through an electronic display (e.g. an AMLCD) in the HUD. A high brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during bright or day light conditions. A low brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during night or low light conditions. Both light sources illuminate the electronic display during intermediate lighting conditions. A light panel conducts and diffuses light from the light sources to illuminate the rear of the electronic display. An optional light mixer reduces uneven lighting of the high brightness light source. In operation, the intensities of the light sources are controlled as a function of ambient lighting conditions to optimize the projected image quality.

Abstract: A self-contained night light is disposed in a housing containing spaced-apart male AC prongs the mate with an AC socket. The housing contains an array of differently colored, preferably light emitting diode. Light sources that can dynamically output different patterns of differently colored light in response to drive signals. A microcontroller executes a sequence of instructions causing the controller to output different sequences of signals that are coupled to a driver unit that drives the light sources. The result is that the array dynamically produces different patterns of differently colored light. A user operable control allows a viewer to “freeze” any desired pattern of light, such that until reset, the night light will continue to output a static pattern of colors. The night light may include a manual or light-sensing ON/OFF switch.

Abstract: A hidden rib for the reflector of an LED display is disclosed, wherein a hollowed optic displaying section is formed in a reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section is connected by a hidden rib, the rib is installed at a plane lower than a surface of the reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section on the reflector can be filled with diffusion agent (or adhered with diffusion film on the reflector) so that the surface of the reflector is formed as a flat smooth plane. When light from the light emitting diode radiates out through the optic displaying section and the epoxy. The light can be diverged to the whole optic displaying section so that the continuous text or pattern optic displaying section does not be interrupted for presenting a beautiful appearance and a clear text or pattern.

Abstract: The present invention features apparatus for uniformly distributing luminance from a back light module for a flat panel, liquid crystal display (LCD). Luminance uniformity, high efficiency and long lamp life are achieved by distributing the lamp cathode thermal energy and maintaining uniform lamp wall temperatures. A heat sink is attached to the fluorescent lamps in the cathode areas, providing cooler operating temperatures at the lamp ends. A thermal sensor is also mounted in the heat sink body. In addition, open louver slots positioned behind the lamps allow for cool air to enter behind each lamp. The size, shape and position of these louvers can be selected so that the lamp temperatures are essentially constant over their entire length.

Abstract: An instrument cluster 100 including a backplate 110, a mask 112, the backplate 110 and the mask 112 formed as a single component using a single shot of injection molding, and a dial 114 formed onto the backplate 110 using a second shot of injection molding.

Abstract: A illuminable plate-frame assembly for drive elements on electric and electronic mechanisms includes a plate-frame made of translucent or transparent material and a mounting plate having a central embossment. The plate-frame is formed so as to interlockingly engage the central embossment. An electroluminescent sheet is disposed between the plate-frame and the mounting plate, with the electroluminiscent sheet extending to the perimeters of the plate-frame and the mounting plate when the plate-frame and said mounting plate are fitted together. The assembly also includes means for providing an electric current to said electroluminescent sheet, such as a connector, which in turn, is connected to an energy source on the mechanism. The electric current triggers the electroluminescent sheet and causes a luminic release, which illuminates the plate-frame assembly so that an observer can determine the position and location of the plate-frame assembly and the drive mechanism positioned within the plate-frame assembly.

Abstract: A combination instrument for a motor vehicle, having a front frame and a display panel and a plurality of display instruments and warning lights which are arranged on a printed circuit board and are provided for displaying information on the display panel. The front frame is produced integrally with light shafts which lead from the warning lights to the display panel. In the region of the warning lights, the display panel is formed by a diaphragm screen which is adhesively bonded to the front frame and is produced as a film. The light shafts simultaneously serve as spacers for the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display apparatus main body, illuminating component, and transparent plate. The display apparatus main body has a flat screen. The illuminating component is formed into a frame to, correspond to a peripheral edge portion of the screen, and is arranged in tight contact with the screen. The transparent plate is arranged on an opposite side of the screen in tight contact with the illuminating component to face the screen. The illuminating component entirely seals a peripheral portion of a gap between the screen and transparent plate.

Abstract: An illuminated switch member assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an applique coupled to a faceplate and substantially parallel to a circuit board such that a first light channel is defined. The assembly also includes a switch member casing coupled to the faceplate such that a second light channel is defined by the walls of the casing. And, an actuator is connected to the circuit board through a contact mechanism and to the button member casing. The assembly further includes a light filter attached to the applique and disposed between the faceplate and the circuit board such that the light filter substantially divides the first light channel from the second light channel. Furthermore, a light source is disposed within the first light channel and emanates a light. Upon activation of the assembly, the light emanates from the light source and through the first light channel and the light filter.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: A light illuminating type switch with a good click rate and having a desired click characteristic near to that of a single member of a metal dome. Fixed contacts 7a are provided on a base sheet 7. On an upper side of the base sheet 7, a dome shaped movable contact 8 capable of electrically connecting the fixed contacts 7a on the base sheet by being elastically deformed is arranged. The surface of the dome shaped movable contact 8 is attached with a flexible EL sheet E by using adhering agents 9a and 9b via an insulating member 6 over a peripheral portion of the dome shaped movable contact 8. The EL sheet E is formed with cut portions 10 partially at positions along an outer peripheral edge of the dome shaped movable contact 8. At least a pair of the cut portions 10 are formed at symmetrical positions centering on the movable contact 8.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a liquid crystal display panel for modulating light to form an image and a back light unit having a plurality of lamp tubes without inside electrodes and which are discharged by outside electrodes disposed along an outer surface of the at least one lamp tube, the back light unit being disposed behind the liquid crystal display panel. One outside electrode disposed at one lamp tube is electrically connected with another outside electrode disposed at an another adjacent lamp tube.

Abstract: An electric heating element (4) designed for heating a fluorescent lamp (2) of an illuminating device for a display is arranged on a printed circuit board (5) at only a small spacing from the flourescent lamp (2). As a result, the fluorescent lamp (2) can be specifically heated in the predetermined regions, the production being simplified at the same time. At the same time, the mounting of the heating element (4) can be performed independently of the flourescent lamp (2), and an adaptation to fluorescent lamps (2) of arbitrary configuration can be undertaken without difficulty.

Abstract: A lighting unit is provided which comprises: a plurality of linear light sources arranged in parallel; light-guiding plates arranged along said light sources; light diffusion means arranged at the top of said light sources and light-guiding plates; and reflection means arranged at the bottom of the light sources; wherein said lighting unit is characterized in that the surface of each light-guiding plate is flat, in that the reverse side of the light-guiding plate includes an inclined face of a curvilinear shape that thins down as the inclined face is more distanced from the light source, and in that when a position relatively near the light source and a position relatively far from the light source, on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate, are inclined by &thgr;n1 and &thgr;f1, respectively, the relationship of &thgr;n1≧&thgr;f1 is satisfied and the angle-of-inclination of the thinnest portion on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate is 0 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages for fitting to an equipment front panel, in particular for aviation equipment, the key comprising a bearing rim and a hollow key body terminated by a front, drive face covered by a mask etched with messages to be illuminated, said key body being connected to said bearing rim by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament, and said rim being made as a single piece of flexible material. According to the invention, a slab of translucent material subdivided into blocks by at least one opaque partition extending substantially perpendicularly to the front face is received inside the key body so as to extend as far as the front, drive face of the key.

Abstract: A display device for displaying transmission selected speeds and ratios is provided. In order to create a display device in which the space requirement for the display is reduced, it is proposed to use as the display elements the scale elements such as scale numbers or divisional lines of a display instrument. In preferred embodiments, the display instrument is a tachometer.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminous pointer which can offer an increased commercial value with its glowing surface having the ability to glow generally uniformly. The luminous pointer is constructed of a pointer element 1 which is made of a light-transmitting material and forms an indicating portion (glowing surface) 2, a light-blocking cover 10 which covers a central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1 and opens rearward, and a shielding element 12 which covers the rear side of the central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1. The pointer element 1 has in its central region of swing motion R reflecting parts 4 to 7 for reflecting illuminating light fed from the rear side at least toward its tip end, and the shielding element 12 has exposing parts 123 for exposing the reflecting parts 4 to 7 of the pointer element 1 and is formed of a light-transmitting material which makes it possible to adjust the amount of transmission of the illuminating light.

Abstract: A device and method for making an electroluminescent surface illuminator device comprising electroluminescent panels built into a running board, nerfbar, step or stepside for illuminating the foot/step placement for vehicles, planes, boats, and the like. The panels comprise an electroluminescent element, a transparent panel sealing said electroluminescent element therein, and wiring for connection to an external DC/AC power inverter placed between a flexible top panel and a rigid foundational base panel commensurate in size and shape with the flexible top panel. The electroluminescent panels can be illuminated by remote control in a vehicle or a parking light switch, a headlight switch or a dome light switch.

Abstract: A luminaire for back lighting a flat panel display in accordance with the present invention includes a fluorescent lamp having multiple lamp sections and a stack of optical components. A light guide is positioned between the fluorescent lamp and the stack of optical components. The light guide includes a first section extending across a width of the luminaire which separates the multiple lamp sections from the stack of optical components and which is adapted to substantially uniformly distribute light from the multiple lamp sections toward the stack of optical components. The light guide also includes multiple leg sections each adapted to protrude from the first section of the light guide to positions between adjacent lamp sections or to positions between one of the lamp sections and a side wall. The multiple leg sections of the light guide redirect light from the lamp sections into the first section of the light guide.

Abstract: An indicator module, suitable for a vehicle, has a holder engaging over an indicator element for fastening the indicator element to a carrier board such as a printed circuit board. The holder is connected by one leg to the carrier board by a catching of the leg into a recess of the carrier board. The recess of the carrier board has a projecting tongue, and the leg of the holder has a recess engaging over the tongue to accomplish a simplified mounting which retains the indicator element upon the carrier board.

Abstract: A surface light source device, comprising a light source (2); a light conductor (1) which has a light incident face (11) on at least one side end surface thereof which confronts the light source (2), and a light emitting face (12) on one surface thereof which is substantially perpendicular to the light incident face (11); and a light angle varying sheet (3) which is disposed at a side of the light emitting face (12) of the light conductor (1), wherein at least one of the light emitting face (12) and a back surface (13) of the light conductor (1) comprises a minute structure having an average slant angle of 0.5 to 7.5 degrees. The light angle varying sheet (3) may comprise a prism sheet having a plurality of prisms (31) which are formed parallel to one another on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: An indication lamp for, for instance, aircraft passenger cabins comprising light sources housed in lamp chambers defined by a housing and a front cover. Translucent indication portions of the shapes indicative of non-smoking and fasten-seatbelt signs in red, for instance, are formed in the front cover; and the light sources, each comprising a set of light emitting diodes of different colors, such as green and red, are installed behind the translucent indication portions so that each light source emits a mixture of colors that is similar to an incandescent light, thus illuminating the sings with an enhanced visibility.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display is formed by a liquid crystal display panel for modulating light to form an image, and a back light unit including a lamp tube which is discharged by an electrode and is disposed behind said liquid crystal display panel, wherein said electrode is formed outside of said lamp tube. In this way, the liquid crystal display unit has a life span which can be increased without the need to replace the lamp tube or the back light unit.

Abstract: A meter for a vehicle has a scale plate, a pointer and a plurality of light sources. A first light source lights a scale plate up from a backside thereof. A second light source lights the scale plate up through a light guiding plate. A third light source lights a pointer up from a base thereof. The first light and the second light have different colors. The first and second lights and the third light are activated with time lag. The light sources produce a novel appearance on the meter.

Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

Abstract: An illuminated switch unit according to the present invention is provided with: a case having a recess, a pair of protrusions provided within the recess and holes corresponding to those protrusions; a movable knob housed within the recess of the case, and provided on the protrusions so as to be able to rock or move up and down; a switch capable of bringing a movable contact provided on an elastic member to be driven by the movable knob into and out of contact with a stationary contact; and a substrate having a light source for illuminating the movable knob, wherein the elastic member is provided with light shielding members for preventing the light from the light source from passing through the holes in the case.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conentional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

Abstract: The double-sided edge lighting-type display sign of the present invention comprises at least two illuminating light sources; two or one display signages; and a light-directing panel. Preferably, a display sign housing accommodates and supports the other elements of the present invention. Namely, the light box housing supports at least two light sources, the display signages and the light-directing panel. The light-directing panel of the present invention is at least partially light reflective and at least partially light passing. The light directing panel directs and redirects light from the included at least two edge lighting-type light source to the included display signages. The light ultimately incident on the display signages is greater than it would normally be without the light-directing panel.

Abstract: An innovative, unique visual display for a powered car audio amplifier. The audio amplifier includes a transparent cover plate, preferably formed of methyl methacrylate, having a name or pattern etched or engraved in the undersurface of the cover plate. A black light or neon gas light tube surrounds an edge of the cover plate. The light produced from the black light or neon glass tube is transmitted through the cover plate and is collimated at the etched or engraved pattern in the cover plate. The pattern appears illuminated when the pattern is viewed through the cover plate without any visible source of light present. The light also appears to highlight the circuitry of the amplifier chassis located below the cover plate.

Abstract: A meter that has a dial plate, a pointer, a light transmitting plate disposed at a rear side of the dial plate and a light source. The light transmitting plate has a shaft hole into which a shaft of the pointer is inserted, and a convex portion formed into a substantially conical shape protruding toward a rear side of the light transmitting plate in the vicinity of the shaft hole. The light source is disposed at a rear side of the light transmitting plate to face the convex portion. Light emitted by the light source enters the light transmitting plate from the convex portion at a relatively large incidence angle and illuminates the dial plate from the rear side of the dial plate.

Abstract: A surface light source device, comprising a light source (2); a light conductor (1) which has a light incident face (11) on at least one side end surface thereof which confronts the light source (2), and a light emitting face (12) on one surface thereof which is substantially perpendicular to the light incident face (11); and a light angle varying sheet (3) which is disposed at a side of the light emitting face (12) of the light conductor (1), wherein at least one of the light emitting face (12) and a back surface (13) of the light conductor (1) comprises a minute structure having an average slant angle of 0.5 to 7.5 degrees. The light angle varying sheet (3) may comprise a prism sheet having a plurality of prisms (31) which are formed parallel to one another on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A rotatable knob for a control apparatus which is less complex than similar devices and which provides greater self-illumination than do similar devices. In the case of the present rotatable knob, a total reflection surface (13) is established wherein the obverse side (14) of the total reflection surface (13) forms a mantle of a conical or cup-shaped frustum upon which segment-like 90° prisms (16) are radially arranged. Accordingly, the present rotatable knob may be used in operational components for radios, air conditioning units, and the like in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A transparent display panel such as an electroluminescent panel is overlapped on a part of a conventional instrument panel for use in an automobile. The overlapped display panel displays additional information such as navigation maps when required and is turned off under a normal driving condition. When the overlapped transparent display panel is turned off, the conventional instrument panel displays information such as a vehicle speed, an engine speed and so forth. In this situation, overall luminance on the combined display panel is made uniform throughout a whole surface including the area where the transparent display panel is overlapped. To realize the uniformity of luminance, brightness of back lamps for illuminating the instrument panel is adjusted or a filter having an adequate transparency is used. The combined display panel may be also made by combining a non-transparent display panel with a conventional instrument panel.

Abstract: An accessory for a vehicle consisting of a display device that can fit into a DC adapter opening or the cigarette lighter opening in a vehicle dashboard. The display device includes an end portion in which are located an illuminated picture or message and an illuminating device, which receives power from the vehicle electrical source. The display message is disposed in a central opening defined by an end cap and can be readily changed by unscrewing the end cap and inserting other discs in the space between an enlarged end cap and the threaded enlarged portion of the cylindrical body portion of the accessory.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a backlit display and an illuminated receptacle for a removable information storage medium, for example an audio device such as a cassette radio for a motor vehicle passenger compartment. The audio device (1) has a backlit display (7) and a receptacle (38) for a removable information carrying medium, comprising at least one backlight, and a light diffuser (5) moulded in a translucent plastics material, the diffuser (5) having a display backlight (201) portion and a receptacle indicator portion (202), the backlight being arranged to illuminate the display backlight portion (201) to provide a diffuse backlight for the display (7), and to shine light through the translucent material of the receptacle indicator portion (201) to indicate an entrance to the receptacle (38).

Abstract: A indicator dial having a plurality of shutters disposed on a base portion and movable between radially retracted and extended positions, an at least partially arcuate visual indicator disposed on the base portion and located radially outwardly of the shutters when the shutters are in the retracted position, a cover portion having a cam groove disposed on a side thereof adjacent the plurality of shutters, a portion of the shutters protruding into the cam groove of the cover portion, the cover portion rotatable relative to the base portion to move the shutters between the retracted and extended positions so that the shutters cover the portions of the light emitting ring when the shutters are in the extended position.

Abstract: Lighting device for instruments on a dashboard especially of motor vehicles with at least one light source for the at least partial illumination of the instruments of the dashboard in this manner that between the at least one light source and the instrument—fields which are to be illuminated at least one selective light filter which is transluceable for a shortwaved, blue spectral range and closes at least approximately the middle and long spectral range, is arranged.

Abstract: A straight cold cathode fluorescent lamp is detachably held at the back of a dial plate by a plurality of fork-shaped holders to illuminate a plurality of scales formed on the front surface of the dial plate and accommodated in the reflector which is also detachably fixed to a casing of the indicator instrument. A circuit board is also detachably fixed to the reflector.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

Abstract: A lightguide for illuminating a dial of a timekeeping device having a flat portion having a bottom surface and an upper surface in facing alignment with the watch dial, a lightpipe integrally formed with and extending below the flat portion, the lightpipe having a foot region at one end thereof, and geometries molded into the bottom surface of the flat portion to selectively eject internally reflected light from the bottom surface of the flat portion through the upper surface, where the lightguide provides illumination to the dial when a concentrated light source disposed below and spaced apart from the foot region conducts light to the lightpipe.

Abstract: A motor vehicle heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning installation has a control panel comprising a light box which consists of a housing comprising a housing member with an open side closed by a front wall of the control panel, and a light source within the housing. The front wall is of translucent material made opaque on its front face except in lighting zones which define illuminated indicia. Some of the lighting zones have a first thickness, while others are of different thicknesses, so that the luminance of the lighting zones at the front face of the front wall is modified locally. In this way, imperfections in the light box arising from differences in luminance in the illuminated indicia can be compensated for.