Method for multiple gauges in a scanning laser based display device
First Claim
1. A display for measured quantities comprising:
- a gauge with a set of indicia spaced around the gauge to indicate the measured quantities;
a window in the gauge extending along the set of indicia;
an elliptical reflector positioned such that a first foci of the reflector is on the same axis as a center of the gauge;
an optical device mounted on a shaft, the optical device being arranged to redirect a light beam from a second foci of the elliptical reflector onto the elliptical reflector to generate a virtual pointer in the window;
a means for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device;
a light source for projecting the light beam onto the optical device, rotation of the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be selectively aimed at the set of indicia; and
a controller responsive to the measured quantity to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more selected scan positions of the optical device such that the position of the virtual pointer in the window is a representation of the current value of the measured quantity.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A display for measured quantities can include a gauge with a set of indicia spaced around the gauge to indicate the measured quantities. A window can be formed in the gauge that extends along the set of indicia. An elliptical reflector can be positioned such that a first focus of the elliptical reflector is on the same axis as the center of the gauge with this axis perpendicular to the axis connecting the foci. An optical device can be mounted on a shaft and be arranged to redirect a light beam from a second foci of the elliptical reflector onto the elliptical reflector to generate a virtual pointer in the window. Means can be provided for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device. A light source can project the light beam onto the optical device. Rotation of the optical device can enable the virtual pointer to be selectively aimed at the set of indicia.
43 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A display for measured quantities comprising:
-
a gauge with a set of indicia spaced around the gauge to indicate the measured quantities; a window in the gauge extending along the set of indicia; an elliptical reflector positioned such that a first foci of the reflector is on the same axis as a center of the gauge; an optical device mounted on a shaft, the optical device being arranged to redirect a light beam from a second foci of the elliptical reflector onto the elliptical reflector to generate a virtual pointer in the window; a means for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device; a light source for projecting the light beam onto the optical device, rotation of the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be selectively aimed at the set of indicia; and a controller responsive to the measured quantity to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more selected scan positions of the optical device such that the position of the virtual pointer in the window is a representation of the current value of the measured quantity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A display for measured quantities comprising:
-
a first gauge with a first set of indicia spaced around the first gauge to indicate a first set of measured quantities; a second gauge with a second set of indicia spaced around the second gauge to indicate a second set of measured quantities, the second gauge being located at a distinct location on the display relative to the first gauge; a first elliptical reflector positioned such that a first foci of the first reflector is on the same axis as a center of the first gauge; a second elliptical reflector positioned such that a first foci of the second reflector is on the same axis of a center of the second gauge and wherein the first and second elliptical reflectors define a common second foci; an optical device mounted on a shaft, the optical device being arranged to redirect a light beam from the second foci onto the first and second elliptical reflectors to generate a first and a second virtual pointer on each of the first and second gauges, respectively; a means for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device; a light source for projecting the light beam onto the optical device, rotation of the optical device enabling the virtual pointer to be selectively aimed at the first and second sets of indicia; and a controller responsive to the measured quantity to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more selected scan positions of the optical device such that the position of each of the first and second virtual pointers is a representation of the current value of the respective first and second set of measured quantities. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification