Patent ID: 6696932
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
An indicator for use in a motor vehicle having a panel with predefined apertures, each of which is sized for a single electrical switch, and having a communication network over which messages are transmitted between devices in the motor vehicle, said indicator comprising:a housing that is sized to fit into one of the predefined apertures; a first input device mounted on the housing by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can provide an input signal to the indicator; a display mounted on the housing to present information to an occupant of the motor vehicle, wherein the display has a plurality of light emitters each being independently controllable; and an electronic circuit connected to the communication network to receive messages and connected to the first input device and the display, the electronic circuit responding to contents of the messages by independently controlling each of the plurality of light emitters to indicate an operating parameter of the motor vehicle.