Abstract: A gauge or dial has multiple displays for indicating various vehicle operating conditions. Pointers indicate a range of measured values on some of the displays. A fixed hub covers ends of the pointers where they connect with their drive shafts and extend through the dial. The hub has a display screen with a graphic or symbol imprinted on it. A conduit directly under the hub on an opposite side of the dial extends to a printed circuit board. A light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board within the conduit. Light from the diode is reflected through the conduit to backlight the symbol on the display screen. Switching on and off of the diode is controlled in response to sensing or measurement of a vehicle condition or vehicle component operation, such as a turn signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide plate for a liquid crystal display back light and a liquid crystal display module of a car audio in use with the light guide plate, capable of preventing occurrence of a moiré phenomenon by removing a pattern on an incident light side.

Abstract: An instrument gauge display for a vehicle dash includes a transparent dial having an upper surface partially covered by black paint and a lower surface covered with white paint. Uncovered areas on the upper surface define a plurality of graphical images that indicate a vehicle operating condition. A light guide, supported within a light housing, is positioned underneath the dial. The light housing and at least one light source is mounted to a printed circuit board, which is supported underneath the light guide by a vehicle structure. The light guide includes a plurality of scattering elements that are positioned generally underneath each of the graphical areas on the dial. The light source cooperates with the light guide and scattering elements to improve the light efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting housing utilizes a combination of a two-way mirror, a strip of LEDs, a one-way mirror spaced from the two-way mirror, and a cover glass such that when the LEDs are illuminated, light reflects back and forth between the two-way mirror and the one-way mirror to present a series of constantly converging light streams forming an endless tunnel of light.

Abstract: A backlight setting method of an analog instrument panel is provided. Through a cooperation between a microprocessor and an electronic control circuit, the backlight of the analog instrument panel can be cyclically varied. Moreover, the present invention employs the key set mounted outside the instrument panel to be pressed by the user for choosing a favorite backlight color during the backlight of the instrument panel is mixing changed. Furthermore, because the program design in the microprocessor, the illuminating element, through an asynchronous color mixing theory, can provide various colors to be set by the user for complying the backlight of the analog instrument panel with the like and demands of the user.

Abstract: In motor vehicles the problem often arises that additional lighting is required in the cabin, in places where a voltage supply and the mounting thereof in the cockpit can not satisfactorily be resolved. A plug-in rechargeable lamp (1) has thus been developed, which may be plugged into the 12V or 24V cigarette lighter socket with a light diode (13) as light source, which gives a multi-application light source which may be used anywhere. The use of a light diode renders the lamp insensitive to shock effects and contributes to the lifespan thereof. The threshold voltage of the light diode (13) is optimally matched to the final discharge voltage of the applied accumulator cells, such that a fill discharge of the accumulators is practically excluded.

Abstract: A simulated neon-light tube assembly (10) that is comprised of four major elements: a transparent tube (12) having a closed front end (16) and an open rear edge (18), a light-diffusing material (24), a light source (50) and a power source (60). The light-diffusing material (24) consists of stacks of thin acetate, or a like material, which are rolled and inserted into the tube (12) through the tube's open rear edge (18). The light source (50) can consist of a single LED (52) or an LED cluster. In either case, the LED(s) are located within a light-power assembly (70) that encloses the LED (52). The power source (60) for the LED can consist of an internal battery located within the assembly (70) or the assembly (70) can include a cable that is connected to an external battery. In either design, when the LED (52) illuminates, the light travels through the light emitting material (28) to cause the simulation of a neon-light.

Abstract: A device for conducting light through an electromagnetic compliant faceplate is described. The device includes a first light pipe, a second light pipe, and a connector. The first light pipe has a first end to receive light from a first light source and a second end with an expanded endface. The second light pipe has a first end to receive light from a second light source and a second end with an expanded endface. The connector is attached to the first and second light pipes and has an elongated portion, a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first and second attachment portions extend from the elongated portion and are coupled to the first and second light pipes.

Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: A tachometer pointer instrument for motorcycles comprises a housing which includes a housing base and a housing cover which is transparent at least in part. The tachometer pointer instrument also comprises a pointer drive module accommodated in the housing base and a number dial visible through the housing cover. The pointer drive module has a stepping motor, control electronics and a display unit which are built on a common printed circuit board and the pointer drive module is fastened on support structures formed in the housing base.

Abstract: A lighting device for lighting a display surface is provided. The lighting device includes a light source, a lighting well and a lens, which is arranged between the light source and the display surface. Due to the combined use of the lighting well and the lens, light scattered laterally is also reflected in the direction of the display surface.

Abstract: A flat panel display for presenting graphical renderings of aircraft flight, operation and system status data to an aircraft pilot renders the data at various predetermined brightness levels depending on the category of data assigned to that data. Primary data appears on the screen at a full brightness level and secondary data appears on the screen at a brightness level less than the full brightness level. In this manner, a wide variety and range of aircraft flight, operation and system status data can be simultaneously conveyed to the pilot on a single display screen through selective illumination of particular classes or categories of the data on the display at predetermined brightness levels, thereby advantageously directing the pilot's attention specifically to the primary data which is presented at full brightness.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement for the ignition lock of a motor vehicle has a light ring comprising a translucent material and fitted on to the housing of an engine immobilizer of the vehicle. Light-guide extensions in leg form lead to the light ring from light emitting diodes on the circuit board of the immobilizer. Preferably arranged at the side of the light ring which is towards the ignition lock are notches for producing a light-dark pattern, wherein the notch depth and position can vary for the purposes of producing a uniform emission of light.

Abstract: An indicator including a transmittable indicator panel attached to a shielding holder (a housing), and a character or a graphic form indicated inside the indicator panel. The character or the graphic form is irradiated by a light emitting diode located inside the housing. The indicator panel is formed by a character indicating part that indicates a character or a graphic form and transmits light, a masking part that intercepts light by surrounding the character indicating part, and a transmittable margin that surrounds the masking part and transmits light. With this configuration, a character or a graphic form becomes conspicuous during the daytime, and at night is never more conspicuous than is required. Thus, the visibility of the indicator can be improved. Moreover, the configuration of the transmitting light from the light source of the indicator allows it to be accommodated in the limited space available on the indicator panel.

Abstract: A pointer type indicator having a dial plate (30) with indexes corresponding to measured values and a pointer (10) for pointing to respective indexes of the dial plate (30). The pointer (10) includes a pointing portion (103) to be illuminated by light emitted from a pointer light source (102), and light guides (103d, 101d, 101e, 104) for guiding a part of light emitted from the pointer light source (103) to illuminate a limited area of the dial plate (30) behind the pointing portion (103).

Abstract: A custom instrument gauge module is disclosed which replaces the OEM instrument cluster gauges sub-assembly and utilizes the original electronic circuitry for the unique customization of an existing instrument cluster. The custom gauge module is designed and calibrated to replace the original cluster graphics, gauges, and pointers, while maintaining the original cluster circuitry and, optionally, the molded housing. The flexible design and manufacturing of the custom gauge module allows the enhancement of existing instrument panels to have an upgraded appearance and additional functions, while maintaining and using the original cluster complex electronic circuit.

Abstract: An indicator panel for a vehicle instrument panel is provided with a base substrate having transparency, an ink-acceptance layer coated on at least one surface of the base substrate and a shading layer coated further on the ink-acceptance layer. Hazes of the base substrate and the ink-acceptance layer are more than 92.8% and less than 93.5%.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle having luminescent or “glow-in-the-dark” markings placed on an interior surface of the vehicle and a light source located remotely from the markings to illuminate the markings, particularly at night. The markings can be placed on any surface inside a vehicle, such as a gear shift know, door handle or steering column control stalk. Additionally, the light source can be placed in the roof of the vehicle, behind a steering wheel, or any other location having an unobstructed view of the markings.

Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle has at least two light sources, a primary light source for general illuminating or marking purposes and a secondary light source, namely a plasma lamp, for creating exciting and appealing lighting effects.

Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information. In particular the invention relates to illumination for an instrument suitable for use in a vehicle. Such instruments, located on the dashboard of an automotive vehicle, require illumination to allow the driver to read the information when it is dark. An instrument suitable for use in a vehicle is thus provided, generally comprising a housing, an information bearing surface, a transparent protective cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a first light source coupled to the protective cover. The protective cover acts as a light guide and is arranged to allow light to escape at a selected location into the interior of the instrument to illuminate a portion of the information bearing surface.

Abstract: A light distribution plenum for directing light to first and second control devices spaced from the plenum. The light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. Also included is a light source receptor configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. Also disclosed is an illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum and a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly. Further disclosed is a method of illuminating first and second control devices.

Abstract: A system and method for providing images for an operator of a vehicle include the capability to receive electrical signals representing electromagnetic radiation at an image source and to generate a visual image based on the electrical signals. The system and method further include the capability to reflect different portions of the visual image with a magnifying optical element for presentation at different viewing locations, the visual image appearing as a virtual image, wherein at least one dimension of the visual image is larger than the magnifying optical element can use to present an image at one of the viewing locations.

Abstract: A jet propulsion boat is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit displaying operation information. An ordinary movement of the jet propulsion boat is regarded as an ordinary state. When the need arises for abruptly reducing the speed of the transportation means or abruptly changing the direction of the transportation means, and the like it is regarded as a non-ordinary state. The liquid crystal display unit is caused to reverse a white-and-black display thereof when the jet propulsion boat shifts from the ordinary state to the non-ordinary state. It is possible to sensitively and directly notify the driver that the transportation means is in a non-ordinary state. As a result, it becomes easier to recognize that the jet propulsion boat is in a non-ordinary state.

Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a transparent base board interposed between an indicator board on which indicator needles are movably mounted and a transparent cover. The base board defines a number of recesses for respectively and movably accommodating the indicator needles therein. Patterns, such as characters, digitals, scales and figures, are formed on the base board by means of CO2 etching. The base board defines a number of slots in an end thereof for receiving illuminators, such as light emitting diodes, which give off lights of different colors and intensities. The illuminators are connected to and controlled by a control circuit. A sensor is mounted to an automobile for detection of an operation parameter of the automobile and applies the operation parameter to the control circuit.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for an automobile instrument panel comprised of a backlight module; a light guide plate on the module; a light source and multiple semi-spherical grains on the guide plate sandwiched by a reflection plate and a diffusion plate; light being projected and evenly distributed on the light guide plate due to those grains; light intensity being increased by the reflection plate to be projected on the diffusion plate for the light to be evenly projected onto the instrument panel by light reflex and scattering to better illuminate the instrument panel.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention relates to an intelligent lighting device that can receive signals and change the illumination conditions as a result of the received signals. The lighting device can change hue, saturation, and brightness as a response to received signals. One example of using such a lighting device is to display particular colors as a response to certain events. Among others, embodiments may include vehicle lighting systems, an information cube, a back lighting system for a display panel, and an indicator of a condition of a package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable fill switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle having luminescent or “glow-in-the-dark” markings placed on an interior surface of the vehicle and a light source located remotely from the markings to illuminate the markings, particularly at night. The markings can be placed on any surface inside a vehicle, such as a gear shift know, door handle or steering column control stalk. Additionally, the light source can be placed in the roof of the vehicle, behind a steering wheel, or any other location having an unobstructed view of the markings.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a housing having an open end, an instrument body having a dial and arranged within the housing, a red light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a green light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a blue light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a control means fitted within the housing and electrically connected with the red, green and blue light emitting diodes for selectively controlling the light emitting diodes to give light, and a cover mounted on the open end of the housing for keeping the instrument body within the housing, whereby the instrument panel can emit lights with different colors as desired.

Abstract: A display apparatus adapted to be mounted on an audio/video player or the like comprises a housing having a window. A backlight unit having a plate mounted in said housing and made of transparent materials which has a front surface and a back surface, and a plurality of reflecting pieces disposed on the back surface of said plate and being gradually enlarged by distance. A light set has a LED arranged beside the plate of the backlight unit nearby said the reflecting pieces of smaller sizes to emit light to the backlight unit and reflected by the reflecting pieces to the front surface of the plate. A screen is mounted in the housing and disposed in front of the front surface of the backlight unit corresponding in location to the window of the housing, the screen is capable of passing the light reflected by said backlight unit.

Abstract: A lighting device which is arranged on motor vehicles and/or in interiors of motor vehicles is proposed. It includes an electroluminescent layer assembly comprising at least one first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, an electroluminescent luminous layer and a transparent second electrode layer, wherein the electroluminescent layer assembly is arranged on a support and/or in a frame and the electrode layers are connected to an a.c. voltage control device. Preferably the electroluminescent layer assembly with the support and/or frame as well as the a.c. voltage control device with components and wiring arranged on a printed circuit board which is connected to the support and/or simultaneously constructed as a support for the electroluminescent layer assembly, and if necessary a transparent cover covering the electroluminescent layer assembly, form a compact structural unit.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing indirect lighting to at least one coverable recess in a vehicle is provided. The at least one recess is arranged on the side of a control panel of a motor vehicle. In the recess electrical components are arranged and the recess is closed with a detachable cover. The inside of the detachable cover is equipped with a reflecting layer so that light from an existing light source in the vehicle is reflected into the recess so as to illuminate the electrical components.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which the necessity of a light conductor for illuminating the front panel can be eliminated and cost reduction and slimming is realized, comprising: a circuit board 1; an instrument body 3 disposed on the circuit board 1 and including a drive shaft 2 extending forward; a pointer 4 to be fitted on the tip side of the drive shaft 2; a front panel 5 disposed between the pointer 4 and the circuit board 1 for illuminating at least the display portion 52; a light source 6 disposed in front of the circuit board 1 on the side where the drive shaft 2 resides with respect to the display portion 52; a reflector 7 to be disposed between the front panel 5 and the circuit board 1; and the circuit board 1 including a first reflecting portion 75 facing to the light source 6 for reflecting the illumination from the light source 6 toward the outer periphery, and a second reflecting portion 77 extending outward with an appropriate space interposed between itself and the front panel 5 so as to surround t

Abstract: A cabin lamp used in, for instance, an airplane having an LED module that is attached to a lamp housing and connected via a connector to a feeder element provided in the lamp housing. The LED module has a printed circuit board and a plurality of reflectors that are installed in a frame-shaped bezel detachably attached to a front end portion of the lamp housing. The printed circuit board is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the reflectors surround each of the LEDs so as to reflect the light from the LEDs substantially forward.

Abstract: In a display unit there is provided a front instrument panel (2) for inscription with symbols (9), which have an opaque portion (12) enclosed by a transparent portion (11), a so-called island. This opaque portion (12) is applied to a transparent backing (15) and fitted into an opening (13), made in the front instrument panel (2) to correspond to the contour of the symbol (9), at a distance from an edge region (20) of the opening (13). Use of the backing (15) makes it possible to dispense with connecting cross-pieces between the island and the front instrument panel (2). Furthermore, a process for producing the front instrument panel (2) intended for the display unit is provided, in which process firstly the opening (13) is made by punching and the backing (15) is formed by film-insert molding a transparent plastic behind the front instrument panel (2).

Abstract: An instrument for a vehicle, by which an instrument board thereof can be seen as well at night as in the daytime is provided. In the instrument, an illuminating panel 50 including a prism sheet 50a transforms light from an LED 50b into planar light illumination for the instrument board 40, the prism sheet 50a on which prisms arranged in a sawtooth shape to form a prism alley P at a vehicle driver side thereof.

Abstract: A light conducting body has a generally conical through bore defined therein. The conical through bore includes a front bore part defined by a sloped surface and a rear bore part defined by a concave surface. A light conducting dial board is installed in the conical through bore with its front face facing forward and positioned in the vicinity of the junction portion between the front and rear bore parts. The dial board has a peripheral edge separated from the inner wall surface of the conical through bore thereby to define therebetween a circumferentially extending space. A light conducting supporting plate is attached to a rear surface of the dial board. The supporting plate is formed with a light transmitting portion which extends rearward and has an rear end intimately received in a recess formed in the rear end of the light conducting body. A plurality of light sources are positioned behind the rear end of the light conducting body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information. In particular the invention relates to illumination for an instrument suitable for use in a vehicle. Such instruments, located on the dashboard of an automotive vehicle, require illumination to allow the driver to read the information when it is dark.

Abstract: The present invention accurately detects the illumination on the surface of an instrument panel, to thereby enable an easy view of the instruments. A meter unit includes an instrument panel in which a speedometer and other instruments are arranged, and an information display panel for displaying various information by characters and other graphic symbols. The instrument panel has a translucent dial, on the back side of which illuminating lamps are installed. A light sensor is located in the speedometer adjacent to indicators which display various kinds of information. Since the actual illumination on the instrument panel can be accurately detected in accordance with a result of detection by the light sensor, the luminance of the illuminating lamp can be controlled on the basis of the result of the detection, to thereby provide proper illumination for the rider's easy view of the instruments.

Abstract: A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: A display instrument, in particular for a vehicle, with a printed circuit board, at least one illuminable display area and at least one illuminating element which has an LED and can be fastened on the printed circuit board by a contact socket. To simplify the production of the display instrument, the contact socket has a support component for activation electronics for activating the LED.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliqué with a first and second side and at least one opaque section and one translucent section. A light-carrying panel with a first and second side is positioned such that the first side is adjacent to the second side of the graphics appliqué. The light-carrying panel has at least one opening defined in it and at least one light source is positioned to align with the opening. Opposite the light source, the light-carrying panel has a first light-redirecting area nearest its first side. In another position on the light-carrying panel, there is a second light-redirecting area nearest the second side of the light-carrying panel and opposite a translucent section of the graphics appliqué.

Abstract: An indicator device is intended to make an indication by illuminating a predetermined indicating surface, and comprises a light source (12) for emitting a light (L1) of the first wavelength and a fluorescent plate (22) disposed between the light source and the indicating surface for changing at least part of the light of the first wavelength projected from the light source into a light (L2) of the second wavelength longer than the first wavelength and projecting it towards the indicating surface.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1) having a pointer shaft (12) that deflects a pointer flag (10), the pointer flag (10) can be illuminated by means of a light source (14). For this purpose, the light source (14) is formed, for example, as a light-emitting polymer (13), which is applied between the pointer flag (10), which is formed at the same time as an electrode, and a further, transparent electrode (15), and emits light of any desired coloration under appropriate electrical excitation. The pointer flag (10) can assume any desired shape as the result of using such a light source (14) that can be shaped. In particular, multiple curvatures can be represented without differences in brightness occurring in this case.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board (1) for a display instrument, a support (3) is used for holding a light source (5). For this, the support (3) is fitted onto the printed circuit board (1), which has a conductor track (2), using a fixing means (7). This allows the light source (5) to be individually matched to different applications, and gives it a small physical height at the same time. In this arrangement, there is no need for the use of optical fibers, and this allows the reading accuracy of the instrument to be improved, particularly as a result of a uniform, high illumination level.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A vehicle display lighting device the lighting device includes a light emitting assembly arranged along the outer circumference of the display dial in front of the front surface. The light emitting assembly directs lights across at least the front surface of the display dial. The lighting device also includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of the light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly may one or more light sources for emitting light, and a transmitting assembly for radiating the light from the light source across at least the front surface of the display dial.