APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE DISPLAY LIGHTING

• US 20120140499A1
• Filed: 12/07/2010
• Published: 06/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US Incorporated (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Jones, Thomas L., Dudenbostel, Dirk
• Granted Patent: US 8,740,426 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/489
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/145 Instrument input by combination of touch screen and hardware input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1523 Matrix displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/336 Light guides
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/34 Backlit symbols
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 13/00 Component parts of indicators for measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 13/28 with luminescent markings

Abstract

A display is provided that includes a display surface and a bezel. The bezel includes a top surface and a bottom surface and the bottom surface of the bezel covers a first area of display surface leaving a second area of the display surface uncovered. At least one graphical indicator is disposed at the bezel. The display is configured and arranged to produce and emit light from one or more selected portions of the first area of the display surface such that the emitted light passes through the bezel and is effective to illuminate the at least one graphical indicator.

Claims

1. A display comprising:

a display having a display surface;

a bezel having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the bezel covers a first area of display surface leaving a second area of the display surface uncovered;

at least one graphical indicator disposed at the bezel;

wherein the display is configured and arranged to produce and emit light from one or more selected portions of the first area of the display surface such that the emitted light passes through the bezel and is effective to illuminate the at least one graphical indicator.

2. The display of claim 1 wherein the one or more selected portions of the first area are configured to be varied in size.

3. The display of claim 1 wherein the one or more selected portions are selectively movable within the first area.

4. The display of claim 1 wherein the one or more selected portions have an adjustable brightness.

5. The display of claim 1 wherein the one or more selected portions have an adjustable color.

6. The display of claim 1 wherein the bezel is constructed of an optically clear material.

7. The display of claim 6 wherein the clear material is selected from the group consisting of a polycarbonate and an acrylic.

8. The display of claim 1 wherein the graphical indicator is disposed on the top surface so as to be directly above the bottom surface.

9. The display of claim 1 wherein the graphical indicator is disposed on the top surface so as to not directly above the bottom surface.

10. The display of claim 1 further comprising a paint substance, the paint substance disposed on at least one of:

portions of the top surface of the bezel and portions of the bottom surface of the bezel.

11. The display of claim 10 wherein the paint substance comprises an ink.

12. A method of illuminating a graphic indicator on a bezel, the method comprising:

determining the identity of at least one area of a display to illuminate;

actuating the at least one area to produce light rays, the at least one area being at least partially covered by a bezel;

conducting the light ray through the bezel to illuminate the graphical indicator.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising varying the size of the area.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising moving the area.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising varying the brightness of the area.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising varying the color of the area.

17. A bezel comprising:

a solid body portion constructed from a light conducting material, the body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a graphical indicator disposed on the upper surface;

the lower surface of the bezel disposed so as to completely cover a light source, the light source being selectively actuated to produce light that traverses the bezel and illuminates the graphic indicator.

18. The bezel of claim 17 wherein the clear material is selected from the group consisting of a polycarbonate and an acrylic.

19. The bezel of claim 17 further comprising an ink, the ink disposed on at least one of:

portions of the upper surface of the bezel and portions of the lower surface of the bezel.

20. An instrument panel comprising:

at least one display having a display surface that displays at least one indicator related to vehicular operation;

at least one bezel having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the bezel covers a first area of display surface leaving a second area of the display surface uncovered;

at least one graphical indicator disposed at the at least one bezel;

wherein the at least one display is configured and arranged to produce and emit light from one or more selected portions of the first area of the display surface such that the emitted light passes through the at least one bezel and is effective to illuminate the at least one graphical indicator.