Patent ID: 7263870
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. An instrument panel gauge assembly comprising: an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon; a needle pointer for a gauge assembly; a transparent chaplet formed within the applique to allow ambient light to pass through the applique, the transparent chaplet being positioned such that the needle pointer passes over the transparent chaplet as the needle pointer moves relative to the applique, the transparent chaplet being sized relative to the width of the needle pointer such that when the needle pointer is positioned directly in front of the transparent chaplet, ambient light is substantially blocked from passing through the transparent chaplet; a light sensing element positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the transparent chaplet formed within the applique; a light baffle positioned behind the applique and adapted to guide light passing through the transparent chaplet to the light sensing element; a controller, the light sensing element adapted to send a signal to the controller indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the transparent chaplet based upon the absence of light passing through the transparent chaplet, the controller further adapted to compare the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculate a correction factor, and calibrate the gauge accordingly.