Instrument cluster with laser beam illumination
US7193729B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K35/215
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive instrument cluster containing a grouping of display fields representing measured automotive operating quantities such as speed, temperature and pressure. Illumination markers which are analogs of pointers are created within the display fields from a single beam-type light source by means of a multi-faceted rotating mirror and a controller which correlates measured signal quantities representing the vehicle operating quantities to mirror angle in turning the light source on so as to create an illumination marker at a strategic position within each of the display fields. The display is refreshed 50 times per second so as to create the appearance of a continuous marker in each of the display fields. Calibration is provided by means of a separate diode sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.