Patent ID: 6317037
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: B60Q,G01C,G02B

Abstract:
An instrument panel viewable from a viewing location comprising:a screen portion for displaying information, said screen portion having an upper edge and a lower edge and further comprising a partially reflective combiner having a front surface facing said viewing location;a brow portion extending outwardly from said upper edge of said screen portion;a first illuminated display element positioned behind said combiner;a second illuminated display element mounted in said brow so that the reflection of said second illuminated display element is visible in said combiner from said viewing location superimposed on said first illuminated display element to form an image of a virtual instrument, said second illuminated display element including a gauge motor having a rotary output shaft extending out from said gauge motor downwardly toward said combiner and a pointer mounted on said rotary output shaft;a sensor for sensing a vehicle condition, said sensor generating and transmitting a signal; anda controller for controlling one of said first and second display elements in response to said signal received from said sensor so that said virtual instrument displays information on said vehicle condition.