Method for utilizing instrument cluster backlighting for dynamic styling

• US 7,703,957 B2
• Filed: 10/09/2007
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Endicott, Mark, Fryc, David, Betts, Stephen, Perez, Alfredo
• Primary Examiner(s): BRUCE, DAVID VERNON
• Application Number:
  US11/869,446
• Publication Number:
  US 20090091911A1
• Time in Patent Office: 931 Days
• Field of Search: 362/488, 362/489
• US Class Current: 362/489
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/14 lighting through the surface to be illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/16 Circuits; Control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/64 for a single lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/28 Structurally-combined illuminating devices

Abstract

A backlighting system and a method for utilizing instrument cluster backlighting for a dynamic styling are disclosed, wherein the backlighting system comprises a plurality of light sources separated into a plurality of light zones, adjacent light zones having walls disposed therebetween, wherein the walls militate against the light emitted in each zone from radiating into an adjacent zone. A controller is in electrical communication with the light source to produce the dynamic styling of the light zones, thereby providing the operator with a situational warning in response to a vehicle condition.

Claims

1. A backlighting system, comprising;

an instrument gauge having an appliqué

;

a plurality of light zones disposed adjacent a rear side of the appliqué

of the instrument gauge, each of the light zones separated from other of the light zones by a wall, wherein the light zones collectively conform to a shape of the instrument gauge to backlight the instrument gauge;

a light source disposed in each of the light zones, wherein the wall militates against radiation of light from one of the light zones into another of the light zones; and

a controller in electrical communication with each of the light sources, the controller adapted to control an intensity of the light sources.

2. The backlighting system according to claim 1, wherein the controller independently varies the intensity of each of the light sources.

3. The backlighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes, each of the light emitting diodes disposed adjacent a plurality of light pipes.

4. The backlighting system according to claim 1, wherein each of the light sources is a light emitting diode.

5. The backlighting system according to claim 1, wherein each of the light zones have a substantially annular shape when viewed in elevation.

6. The backlighting system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to sequentially vary the intensity of the light sources to produce a desired light effect.

7. A backlighting system, comprising;

a plurality of light zones arranged in a desired pattern, each of the light zones separated from other of the light zones by a wall;

a plurality of light sources disposed in the light zones, wherein the wall militates against radiation of light from one of the light zones into another of the light zones;

a printed wiring board in electrical communication with the light sources; and

a controller in electrical communication with the light sources and adapted to sequentially vary an intensity of the light sources to produce a desired lighting effect, wherein the desired lighting effect is one of a ripple effect, a center-to-perimeter effect, and a perimeter-to-center effect.

8. The backlighting system according to claim 7, wherein the controller independently varies the intensity of each of the light sources.

9. The backlighting system according to claim 7, wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes disposed in a plurality of light pipes.

10. The backlighting system according to claim 7, wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes disposed in a desired pattern.

11. The backlighting system according to claim 7, wherein the light zones generally conform to a shape of an instrument display.

12. The backlighting system according to claim 7, wherein the light sources are disposed adjacent a rear side of an instrument cluster appliqué

.

13. A method for utilizing backlighting in an instrument cluster for dynamic styling, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a backlighting system including a plurality of light sources, a printed wiring board, and a controller, wherein the light sources are in electrical communication with the printed wiring board and the controller;

separating each of the light sources into one of a plurality of light zones, wherein adjacent zones are separated by a wall which militates against a radiation of light from one of the light zones into another of the light zones; and

controlling an intensity of the light sources independently to selectively create a desired lighting effect, wherein the desired lighting effect is one of a ripple effect, a center-to-perimeter effect, and a perimeter-to-center effect.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the backlighting system is disposed adjacent a rear side of an instrument cluster appliqué

.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes disposed in a plurality of light pipes.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes disposed in a desired pattern.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the light zones generally conform to a shape of an instrument display.