Full angle laser illuminate instrument cluster
First Claim
1. A display for measured quantities comprising:
- a dial plaque with at least one set of indicia spaced around the plaque to indicate the measured quantities;
an optical device mounted on a shaft within a perimeter of the dial plaque surrounded by the indicia, the optical device capable to redirect an incident light beam;
a motor for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device through three-hundred-sixty degrees about an axis of rotation centered on the shaft;
means for sensing the shaft rotating angular position;
a light source for projecting a light beam on the optical device along the axis of rotation such that a virtual pointer is generated, the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be aimed at the at least one set of indicia for a three-hundred-sixty degree scan around the plaque as the optical device is rotated; and
a controller for receiving signals representing the measured quantities and for monitoring the angular position of the shaft provided from the sensing means, and to coordinate on/off of the light source based on the signals and the angular position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A display for measured quantities can include a dial plaque with at least one set of indicia spaced around the plaque to indicate the measured quantities. An optical device can be mounted on a shaft within a perimeter of the dial plaque at a location surrounded by the indicia. The optical device can redirect an incident light beam onto the area of the set of indicia. A motor can turn the shaft to rotate the optical device through three-hundred-sixty degrees about an axis of rotation centered on the shaft. Apparatus can be provided for sensing the shaft rotating angular position. A light source can project a light beam on the optical device through the axis of rotation, such that a virtual pointer is generated.
37 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A display for measured quantities comprising:
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a dial plaque with at least one set of indicia spaced around the plaque to indicate the measured quantities; an optical device mounted on a shaft within a perimeter of the dial plaque surrounded by the indicia, the optical device capable to redirect an incident light beam; a motor for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device through three-hundred-sixty degrees about an axis of rotation centered on the shaft; means for sensing the shaft rotating angular position; a light source for projecting a light beam on the optical device along the axis of rotation such that a virtual pointer is generated, the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be aimed at the at least one set of indicia for a three-hundred-sixty degree scan around the plaque as the optical device is rotated; and a controller for receiving signals representing the measured quantities and for monitoring the angular position of the shaft provided from the sensing means, and to coordinate on/off of the light source based on the signals and the angular position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A display for measured quantities comprising:
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a dial plaque with a first and a second set of indicia spaced around the plaque to indicate a first and a second distinct measured quantity; an optical device mounted on a shaft within a perimeter of the dial plaque; a motor for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device through three-hundred-sixty degrees about an axis of rotation centered on the shaft; means for sensing the shaft rotating angular position; a light source for projecting a light beam on the optical device along the axis of rotation such that a virtual pointer is generated, the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be aimed at the first and second sets of indicia for a three-hundred-sixty degree scan around the plaque as the optical device is rotated; and a controller for receiving signals representing the measured quantities and for monitoring the angular position of the shaft provided from the sensing means, and to coordinate on/off of the light source based on the signals and the angular position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification