Patent Description:
There has been increased efforts to provide displays that can display objects in three-dimensions. For example, stereo displays convey depth information by displaying offset images that are displayed separately to the left and right eye. When an observer views these planar images they are combined in the brain to give a perception of depth. However, such systems are complex and require increased resolution and processor computation power to provide a realistic perception of the displayed objects.

Multi-component displays including multiple display screens in a stacked arrangement have been developed to display real depth. Each display screen may display its own image to provide visual depth due to the physical displacement of the display screens. For example, multi-display systems are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. However, such systems may be too complex and expensive for some applications.

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a display system that integrates a mechanical indicator assembly in an overlapping manner with one or more displays in an instrument panel. The mechanical indicator assembly may provide the three dimensional structure that an observer is accustomed to seeing while the one or more displays positioned in front of and/or behind the mechanical indicator assembly may provide additional information to the observer. The one or more displays may digitally display content to enhance the visibility of the mechanical indicator assembly. For example, the one or more displays may display a digital ring around the perimeter or inside of the mechanical indicator assembly, digits, and/or text. In some embodiments, the one or more displays may be controlled to hide at least a portion of the mechanical indicator assembly.

Integration of the mechanical indicator assembly with the one or more displays may allow for information to be displayed to an observer in a three dimensional manner without needing to use complex displays. In addition, embodiments of this disclosure may improve existing displays (e.g., multi-layer displays) used to display information in a three-dimensional manner by incorporating the mechanical indicator assembly as part of the display.

The inventive instrument panel has the features of claim <NUM>. Subclaims are directed to preferred embodiments.

So that features of the present invention can be understood, a number of drawings are described below. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only particular embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

Certain example embodiments of the instant invention provide solution(s) that reduce the complexity and cost of systems used to display content with a three-dimensional depth in a digital display. Example include integration of mechanical devices having a tree-dimensional depth with one or more digital displays.

<FIG> illustrate an instrument panel <NUM> according to an embodiment, which is not claimed but useful for understanding the invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may be installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. The instrument panel <NUM> may be configured to display information to an occupant of the vehicle via one or more displays and one or more mechanical indicators provided in the instrument panel <NUM>. The displayed information may include vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, charge level, and navigation information, but is not so limited.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the instrument panel <NUM> may include a mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>, a formed layer <NUM>, and/or a transparent display <NUM>. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided partially or completely within the formed layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may be positioned such that it is overlapping the indicator assembly <NUM> and the formed layer <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the transparent display <NUM> may abut the outer edges of the formed layer <NUM>.

The instrument panel <NUM> may also include a first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be configured to detachably engage and to enclose the indicator assembly <NUM>, formed layer <NUM>, and/or the transparent display <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a plurality of attachment features <NUM>, such as mounting tabs or other connectors known in the art for securing the instrument panel <NUM> to the vehicle.

The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a mechanical structure including a movable component configured to respond to signals received from a processor and/or sensors directly or via a processor. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be a needle indicator assembly including a back panel <NUM>, an information layer <NUM>, a pointer <NUM>, and a bezel layer <NUM>. The back panel <NUM> may be printed circuit board (PCB) including a connector for coupling to another connector provided in the housing <NUM> or outside of the housing <NUM>. The PCB may include circuitry for controlling position of the pointer <NUM> relative to the information provided on the information layer <NUM>.

The information layer <NUM> may include information such as numerals on a front surface. The information may be printed on the front surface or attached by other means.

The pointer <NUM> may overlay the information layer <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> may be configured to rotate about an axis. The pointer <NUM> may rotate between a first position and a second position, different from the first position, responsive to received signals. The rotational position of the pointer <NUM> may be controlled by controlling a motor (e.g.. , a stepper motor) or other means known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the pointer <NUM> may be a magnetized pointer rotationally positioned using electromagnets arranged around a perimeter or periphery of the indicator assembly <NUM>. The motor may be a rear mounted to the back panel <NUM>.

The bezel layer <NUM> may include a back surface that abuts the information layer <NUM> and a three dimensional front structure that extends toward the transparent display <NUM>. At least a portion of the three dimensional front structure of the bezel layer <NUM> (e.g., outside perimeter) may abut the transparent display <NUM>.

The formed layer <NUM> may be a three-dimensional (3D) formed graphic printed layer including one or more openings for at least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> to be viewed through. At least one of the openings of the formed layer <NUM> may correspond to the shape of the information layer <NUM> and/or the bezel layer <NUM>. In <FIG>, the formed layer <NUM> is illustrated with flat surfaces on each side of the opening, but it is not so limited. In some embodiments, the formed layer <NUM> may include one or more curved surfaces and/or three dimensional features. At least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> may extend through and past the formed layer <NUM> (e.g., the pointer <NUM> and/or the bezel layer <NUM>).

The transparent display <NUM> may be an LCD display (e.g., LCD with TFT technology) or LED display (inorganic or an organic LED display) configured to display content in color. As illustrated in <FIG>, an edge light PCB <NUM> for lighting the transparent display <NUM> may be provided on at least one edge of the transparent display <NUM>. The edge light may eliminate the need for a backlight being provided behind the transparent display. The transparent display <NUM> may use other technologies, such as OLED, to eliminate the need for a backlight.

The transparent display <NUM> may allow a user to see what is displayed on the transparent display <NUM> while still being able to see what is positioned and/or displayed on other displays behind the transparent display <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may be configured to display text, images, and/or video content that is overlays physical object or other display screen(s) positioned behind the transparent display <NUM>.

The transparent display <NUM> may be controlled to be clear or opaque. Thus, the transparent display <NUM> may hide the physical objects or other display screen(s) positioned behind the transparent display <NUM> or allow them to be viewable via the transparent display <NUM>. In one embodiment, the transparent display <NUM> may be turned off to allow the physical objects and/or other display screens to be viewable, and may be turned on to reduce the visibility of the physical objects and/or other display screens behind the transparent display <NUM>.

In some embodiments, content displayed on the transparent display <NUM> may determine what portion of the transparent display <NUM> is clear and what portion of the transparent display <NUM> is opaque. In this embodiment, certain physical objects and/or certain portions of one or more displays behind the transparent display <NUM> may be hidden while other physical object and/or certain portions of one or more displays behind the transparent display <NUM> may be visible. OLED technology may be utilized to display black or dark content on the transparent display <NUM> where the transparent display <NUM> needs to be clear and to display white or bright content on the transparent display <NUM> where the transparent display <NUM> need to be opaque.

Because ambient light can affect the appearance of transparency, an instrument panel hood <NUM> may help to reduce the amount of ambient light that reaches the transparent display <NUM>. The instrument panel hood <NUM> may be provided adjacent to a front housing cover <NUM>. The front housing cover <NUM> may include an opening for viewing the transparent display <NUM> and be configured to engage and hold the transparent display <NUM> in place against the formed layer <NUM>. The front housing cover <NUM> may optionally include a protective transparent material to cover the transparent display <NUM> and/or reduce glare from ambient light.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a second display <NUM> may be provided behind the transparent display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be used to display additional information such as a numeral value of the speed, navigation information, and/or warning. The information displayed on the display <NUM> may be viewed via the transparent display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may display information that corresponds to the information provided by the indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the pointed <NUM> in the indicator assembly <NUM> may be controlled to point to a numeral on the information layer <NUM> that approximately corresponds to the vehicle's current speed and the display <NUM> may display a numeral value of the vehicle's current speed.

In <FIG>, the display <NUM> is illustrated as being provided as part of the indicator assembly <NUM> and mounted to a front surface of the back panel <NUM>, but is not so limited. The display <NUM> may be provided in other locations of the instrument panel <NUM> behind the transparent display <NUM>. In <FIG>, the display is viewable via an opening provided in the information layer <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) matrix. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may include organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, transparent light emitting diode (TOLED) displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), field sequential display or projection displays. In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be combinations of either full color RGB, RGBW or monochrome panels. The display <NUM> is not limited to the listed display technologies and may include other display technologies that allows for the projection of light. In one embodiment, the light may be provided by a projection type system including a light source and one or more lenses and/or a transmissive or reflective LCD matrix. The display <NUM> may include a multi-layer display unit including multiple stacked or overlapped display layers each configured to render display elements thereon for viewing through the uppermost display layer.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be smaller in size as compared to the transparent display <NUM> and have a planar surface that is parallel or substantially parallel to the transparent display <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate components of an instrument panel <NUM> according to another embodiment, which is not claimed but useful for understanding the invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may include a mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>, a formed layer <NUM>, and/or a transparent display <NUM>. The instrument panel may further include a multi-layer display unit <NUM>. The components of the instrument panel <NUM> may be provided in a common housing (not illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may overlay a front display of the multi-layer display unit <NUM>. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided at least partially within the formed layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may be positioned such that it is overlapping the indicator assembly <NUM> and the formed layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may abut a portion (e.g., the outer edges) of the formed layer <NUM>.

The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a mechanical structure including a movable component configured to respond to signals received from a processor and/or sensors directly or via a processor. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be a needle indicator oriented by periphery electromagnets disclosed in <CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the indicator assembly <NUM> may include a back panel <NUM>, with may be a clear lens. A retainer <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the back panel <NUM> for rotationally supporting a pointer <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> may be a magnetized pointer overlaying the multi-layer display <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> may be configured to rotate about an axis, and so defines an area swept by the pointer.

The pointer <NUM> may be characterized as magnetized as it may be entirely, or partially, formed of magnetic material. For example, the magnetic material may be material suitable for making permanent magnets, or other ferromagnetic material such as iron. The pointer <NUM> may be formed entirely or partially of a permanent magnet, or material that can be temporarily magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. If only a tip portion of the pointer <NUM> is formed of magnetic material, for example a permanent magnet, the remaining portion of the pointer <NUM> may be formed of a polymeric compound. The pointer <NUM> is formed partially or entirely of magnetic material so that the pointer <NUM> itself is urged to some particular orientation by a magnetic field in order to point in a desired direction. This configuration advantageously avoids the more traditional configuration of having a separate permanent magnet coupled to the pointer by a shaft on the axis, and an electromagnet proximate to the separate permanent magnet, as these parts would undesirable obscure the view of the display <NUM> proximate the pointer <NUM>.

In order to generate a suitable magnetic field to orient the pointer <NUM> in the desired direction, the indicator assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of electromagnets <NUM> arranged around a perimeter of a ring <NUM>. By way of example and not limitation, the electromagnets <NUM> may be a coil of wire wound on an iron bobbin, and attached to a printed circuit board or other suitable substrate. Alternatively, the coil of wire may be wound on a bobbin formed of polymeric material. It should be recognized that each of the electromagnets <NUM> may include two conductive leads (not shown) coupled to an H-bridge circuit (not shown) so that a positive, negative, or zero current can be established in each of the electromagnets <NUM> and thereby generate a NORTH magnetic field, a SOUTH magnetic field, or a null or OFF magnetic field. It should also be recognized that the strength or intensity of the magnetic field is generally proportional to the magnitude of current flowing in an electromagnet. As is known in the art, the magnitude of current may be controlled by pulse-width-modulation of the signal applied to the electromagnets <NUM>. Accordingly, the electromagnets <NUM> are operable to urge the pointer <NUM> to point in a desired direction.

In one embodiment, the electromagnets <NUM> are oriented so that when a positive current is applied, a NORTH magnetic field is projected towards the center of the ring <NUM>, and a SOUTH magnetic field is projected away from the center of the ring <NUM>. If only one of the electromagnets <NUM> is energized, then the pointer <NUM> will be urged to a particular orientation. If an adjacent electromagnet is energized, then the pointer can be incrementally positioned away from the particular orientation. It should be apparent that by energizing combinations of the electromagnets <NUM> that the pointer can be incrementally positioned to any orientation, and is not limited to being positioned at only a number of distinct orientations corresponding to the number of the electromagnets <NUM>.

The formed layer <NUM> may be a three-dimensional (3D) formed graphic printed layer including one or more openings for at least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> and/or portion of the display <NUM> to be viewed through. In some embodiments, the formed layer <NUM> may include one or more curved surfaces and/or three dimensional features. At least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> (e.g., the pointer <NUM>) may extend through and/or past the formed layer <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the back surface of the formed layer <NUM> may include a channel for housing a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the back panel <NUM> may abut the back surface of the formed layer <NUM> and the ring <NUM> and/or the electromagnets <NUM> may be provided inside of the formed layer channel.

The transparent display <NUM> may be an LCD display (e.g., LCD with TFT technology) or LED display (inorganic or an organic LED display). The transparent display <NUM> may allow a user to see what is displayed on the transparent display <NUM> while still being able to see what is positioned and/or displayed on the display <NUM> behind the transparent display <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may be configured to display text, images, and/or video content that is overlays physical object or other display screen(s) positioned behind the transparent display <NUM>.

The transparent display <NUM> may be controlled to be clear or opaque. Thus, the transparent display <NUM> may hide the physical objects or other display screen(s) positioned behind the transparent display <NUM> or allow them to be viewable via the transparent display <NUM>. In one embodiment, the transparent display may be turned off to allow the physical objects and/or other display screens to be viewable, and may be turned on to reduce the visibility of the physical objects and/or other display screens behind the transparent display <NUM>.

The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may include a light source (e.g., rear mounted light source, side mounted light source, optionally with a light guide), and/or a plurality of display screens. The display screens may be disposed substantially parallel or parallel to each other and/or a surface (e.g., light guide) of the light source in an overlapping manner.

The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content to a viewer/observer by displaying information on one, two, three, or more of the display screens simultaneously. The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content that interacts with the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display numerals in an outside portion of the clear back panel <NUM> and the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be controlled to position the pointer <NUM> to one of the displayed numerals. Each of the display screen may be controlled to display different content.

Each of the display panels/screens in the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) matrix. Alternatively, the display screens may include organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, transparent light emitting diode (TOLED) displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), field sequential display or projection displays. In one embodiment, the display panels may be combinations of either full color RGB, RGBW or monochrome panels. The display screens are not limited to the listed display technologies and may include other display technologies that allows for the projection of light. In one embodiment, the light may be provided by a projection type system including a light source and one or more lenses and/or a transmissive or reflective LCD matrix.

In one embodiment, each of the display screens of the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may be approximately the same size and have a planar surface that is parallel or substantially parallel to one another. In another embodiment, one or more of the display screens may have a curved surface. In one embodiment, one or more of the display screens may be displaced from the other display screens such that a portion of the display screen is not overlapped and/or is not overlapping another display screen.

Each of the display screens in the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may be displaced an equal distance from each other in example embodiments. In another embodiment, the display screens may be provided at different distances from each other. For example, a second display screen may be displaced from the first display screen a first distance, and a third display screen may be displaced from the second display screen a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The fourth display screen may be displaced from the third display screen a third distance that is equal to the first distance, equal to the second distance, or different from the first and second distances. In a vehicle display panel, the display screens may be displaced <NUM> to <NUM> from each other. In a mobile application, the display screens may be displaced <NUM> to <NUM> from each other.

The display screens may be configured to display content with color. The content may include visual display of objects and/or texts. In one embodiment, the content may include displaying images or a sequence of images to provide video or animations. In one embodiment, displaying the content may include moving objects and/or text across the screen or changing or providing animations to the objects and/or text. The animations may include changing the color, shape and/or size of the objects or text. Displayed objects and/or text may be moved between the display screens.

Each of the display screens may be configured to receive data and display, based on the data, a different image on each of the display screens simultaneously. Because the images are separated by a physical separation due to the separation of the display screens of the multi-layer display unit <NUM>, each image is provided at a different focal plane and depth is perceived by an observer in the displayed images. The images may include graphics in different portions of the respective display screen.

The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a mechanical structure including a movable component configured to respond to signals received from a processor and/or sensors directly or via a processor. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the indicator assembly <NUM> may include an integral ring <NUM> and pointer <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may include gear teeth provided on the outside periphery of the ring <NUM>. The ring gear teeth may engage a drive gear coupled to a motor <NUM> to rotate the ring <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> may rotate with the rotation of the ring <NUM> due to the rotation of the drive gear. Content may be displayed in a portion of the multi-layer display unit <NUM> corresponding to the inside portion of the ring <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the back surface of the formed layer <NUM> may include a channel for housing a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the ring <NUM> may be disposed at least partially inside of the formed layer <NUM>. The gears on the ring <NUM> may mesh with the gear of the motor <NUM> inside of the channel. At least a portion of the formed layer <NUM> back surface may abut against the display <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor <NUM> may be mounted in front of the transparent displayed <NUM>, but it is not so limited. For example, in some embodiment, the motor <NUM> may be mounted behind the formed layer <NUM> and/or the display <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be a high speed and torque stepper motor with a drive gear configured to engage the teeth on the ring <NUM>.

The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content to a viewer/observer by displaying information on one, two, three, or more of the display screens simultaneously. The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content that interacts with the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display numerals in portion of the display corresponding to the position inside of the integrated ring <NUM> with gears and the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be controlled to position the pointer <NUM> to one of the displayed numerals. Each of the display screen in the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may be controlled to display different content.

<FIG> illustrates components of an instrument panel <NUM> according to another embodiment, which is not claimed but useful for understanding the invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> provided in front of a surface of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be multi-layer display unit including a plurality of display screens. The mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided in front of a front surface of the multi-layer display unit.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may include a pointer and may extend in a direction away from the front surface of the display <NUM>. The physical structure of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may separate the display <NUM> into a plurality of regions: a first display region <NUM> provided on one side of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>, a second display region <NUM> provided inside of a portion of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>, and a third display region <NUM> provided on an opposite side of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>. A fourth display region <NUM> may be provide inside of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>.

The mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be a mechanical tachometer or speedometer. Values corresponding to the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be displayed in the second display region <NUM> and a pointer <NUM> may be controlled such that the pointer <NUM> is positioned relative to appropriate displayed numerals.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate components of an instrument panel <NUM> according to another embodiment, which is not claimed but useful for understanding the invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may include an indicator <NUM> that includes both mechanical and digitally displayed components. A transparent display <NUM> may be provided in front of the indicator <NUM> and a multilayer display <NUM> may be provided behind the indicator <NUM>. A third display <NUM> may be provided in a portion of the indicator <NUM>.

Mechanical components of the indicator <NUM> may include a pointer <NUM> and a bezel <NUM> (e.g., a metal bezel) defining the outside perimeter of the indicator <NUM>. The digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM> may include numerals, indicator graphics, and/or other vehicle operational information. The digitally displayed component of the indicator <NUM> may be all displayed on the multi-layer display <NUM> behind the indicator <NUM>. Other content may also be displayed on the multi-layer display <NUM> (e.g., outside of the perimeter of the bezel <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates the digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM> not being visible. <FIG> illustrates the digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM> being displayed. The digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM> may not be visible due to the digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM> not being displayed on the display <NUM> or due to the transparent display <NUM> being controlled to partially or completely hide the content displayed on one or more other displays behind the transparent display <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, content displayed on the third display <NUM> may be displayed and viewable regardless of whether other content (e.g., digitally displayed components of the indicator <NUM>) is intended to be viable or not. The content displayed on the third display <NUM> may be displayed due to portion of the transparent display <NUM> corresponding to the third display <NUM> being controlled to be clear or due to intensity of the content and or lighting provided to the third display <NUM>.

<FIG>and <FIG> illustrate an instrument panel <NUM> according to another embodiment, which is not claimed but useful for understanding the invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may be installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. The instrument panel <NUM> may be configured to display information to an occupant of the vehicle via one or more displays and one or more mechanical indicators provided in the instrument panel <NUM>. The one or more mechanical indicators may be provided in front of a transparent display and/or a multi-layer display. The information displayed on the transparent display and/or the multi-layer display may include vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, charge level, and navigation information, but is not so limited.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the instrument panel <NUM> may include an indicator assembly <NUM>, a formed layer <NUM>, a transparent display <NUM>, and/or a multi-layer display <NUM>. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided partially or completely within the formed layer <NUM>. In one embodiment, a portion of the indicator <NUM> (e.g., a back panel <NUM>) may be provided on one side of the formed layer <NUM> and a portion of the indicator <NUM> (e.g., a pointer <NUM>) may be provided on an opposite side of the formed layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may be positioned such that it is behind the indicator assembly <NUM> and the formed layer <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transparent display <NUM> may be adjacent to and/or abut the front of the display <NUM>.

The instrument panel <NUM> may also include a first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be configured to detachably engage and to enclose the indicator assembly <NUM>, formed layer <NUM>, the transparent display <NUM>, and multi-layer display <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a plurality of attachment features <NUM>, such as mounting tabs or other connectors known in the art for securing the instrument panel <NUM> to the vehicle.

The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a mechanical structure including a movable component configured to respond to signals received from a processor and/or sensors directly or via a processor. The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a back panel <NUM>, a stepper motor <NUM> mounted to a front surface of the back panel <NUM>, a bezel layer <NUM> attached to the front surface of the back panel <NUM>, and a pointer <NUM>. The back panel <NUM> may be printed circuit board (PCB) including a connector for engaging another connector provided in the housing <NUM> or outside of the housing <NUM>. The PCB may include circuitry for controlling position of the pointer <NUM> relative to the information displayed on the transparent display <NUM> and/or the multi-layer display <NUM>.

The pointer <NUM> may be configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, different from the first position. The rotational position of the pointer <NUM> may be controlled by controlling a motor <NUM> (e.g.. , a stepper motor) or other means known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motor may be a top mounted stepper motor mounted to a front surface of the pack panel <NUM>. The thickness of the formed layer <NUM> may correspond to the length of the motor <NUM>.

The bezel layer <NUM> may include a back surface that abuts the back panel <NUM> and a three dimensional front structure that extends toward the front of the instrument panel <NUM>.

The formed layer <NUM> may be a three-dimensional (3D) formed graphic printed layer including one or more openings for at least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> to be viewed through. At least one of the openings of the formed layer <NUM> may correspond to the shape of the bezel layer <NUM>. At least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> may extend through and past the formed layer <NUM> (e.g., the pointer <NUM>).

The transparent display <NUM> may be an LCD display (e.g., LCD with TFT technology) or LED display (inorganic or an organic LED display). An edge light PCB <NUM> for lighting the transparent display <NUM> may be provided on at least one edge of the transparent display <NUM>. The edge light <NUM> may eliminate the need for a backlight being provided behind the transparent display. The Transparent display <NUM> may use other technologies, such as OLED, to eliminate the need for a backlight. The edge light <NUM> may include one or more connectors for connecting component of the indicator assembly <NUM> and for connecting to other circuitry within and outside of the housing <NUM>. A connector strip <NUM> may be used to connect the edge light <NUM> to the component of the indicator assembly <NUM> and/or other circuitry.

The transparent display <NUM> may be configured to display text, images, and/or video content that overlays physical object or other display screen(s) positioned behind the transparent display <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may display numerals for the indicator assembly <NUM>, outlines for physical components (e.g., bezel layer <NUM>) of the indicator assembly <NUM>. Further, the transparent display <NUM> may be controlled to be clear or opaque.

The front housing <NUM> may include an instrument panel hood <NUM> to help to reduce the amount of ambient light that reaches the displays housed inside the instrument panel <NUM>. The instrument panel hood <NUM> may be provided adjacent to a formed layer <NUM>. The front housing cover <NUM> may include a plurality of openings for viewing different portions of the transparent display <NUM> and/or the multi-layer display <NUM>.

The multi-layer display <NUM> may include a light source (e.g., rear mounted light source, side mounted light source, optionally with a light guide), and/or a plurality of display screens. The display screens may be disposed substantially parallel or parallel to each other and/or a surface (e.g., light guide) of the light source in an overlapping manner.

The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content to a viewer/observer by displaying information on one, two, three, or more of the display screens simultaneously. The multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display content that interacts with the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>. For example, the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may display numerals in portion of the display corresponding to the position of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> and the motor <NUM> may be controlled to position the pointer <NUM> to one of the displayed numerals. Each of the display screen in the multi-layer display unit <NUM> may be controlled to display different content.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an instrument panel <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention. The instrument panel <NUM> may be installed in a dashboard of a vehicle. The instrument panel <NUM> may be configured to display information to an occupant of the vehicle via one or more displays and one or more mechanical indicators provided in the instrument panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the instrument panel <NUM> includes an indicator assembly <NUM>, an electrochromatic (EC) glass layer <NUM>, and a transparent display <NUM>. The instrument panel <NUM> may include a formed layer <NUM> and/or a multi. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided partially or completely within the formed layer <NUM>. The EC glass layer <NUM> and the transparent display <NUM> are provided in an overlapping manner, and is positioned such that they overlap the indicator assembly <NUM> and the formed layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may abut the EC glass layer <NUM>.

The instrument panel <NUM> also includes a first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be configured to detachably engage and to enclose the indicator assembly <NUM>, formed layer <NUM>, the EC glass layer <NUM>, and/or the transparent display <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a plurality of attachment features <NUM>, such as mounting tabs or other connectors known in the art for securing the instrument panel <NUM> to the vehicle.

The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a mechanical structure including a movable component configured to respond to signals received from a processor and/or sensors directly or via a processor. The indicator assembly <NUM> may include a back panel <NUM>, an information layer with light pipe <NUM>, an applique layer <NUM>, and a pointer <NUM>. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be configured to be dead-front "dark til lit. " Thus, the indicator assembly <NUM> may have a reduced visibility until it is provided with a signal or power to be made visible. To increase visibility the light pipe <NUM> may be activated to illuminate the information layer <NUM> the applique layer <NUM>, and the pointer <NUM>.

The back panel <NUM> may be printed circuit board (PCB) including a connector for engaging another connector provided in the housing <NUM> or outside of the housing <NUM>. The PCB may include circuitry and a rear mounted stepper motor <NUM> for controlling position of the pointer <NUM> relative to the information provided on the information layer with light pipe <NUM>. The information layer <NUM> may include information such as numerals on a front surface. The information may be printed on the front surface or attached by other means.

The pointer <NUM> overlies the information layer <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> may be configured to rotate about an axis. The pointer <NUM> may rotate between a first position and a second position, different from the first position, responsive to received signals. The rotational position of the pointer <NUM> may be controlled by controlling the motor <NUM> or other means known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The formed layer <NUM> may be a three-dimensional (3D) formed graphic printed layer including one or more openings for at least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> to be viewed through. The indicator assembly <NUM> may be provided at least partially within the formed layer <NUM>. At least a portion of the indicator assembly <NUM> may extend through and past the formed layer <NUM> (e.g., the pointer <NUM>).

The transparent display <NUM> may be an LCD display (e.g., LCD with TFT technology) or LED display (inorganic or an organic LED display). The transparent display <NUM> may use other technologies, such as OLED, to eliminate the need for a backlight.

The EC glass layer <NUM> is controlled to alter light transmission properties when voltage and/or light is applied to the EC glass layer <NUM>. The EC glass layer <NUM> may be a smart glass that is configured to change from opaque to transparent. Thus, the EC glass layer <NUM> is controlled to be clear, opaque, or tinted (translucent). The EC glass layer <NUM> may provide for almost complete blackout of visible light.

An edge light PCB <NUM> for lighting the transparent display <NUM> and/or the EC glass layer <NUM> is provided on at least one side of the transparent display <NUM> and/or the EC glass layer <NUM>. The edge light PCB <NUM> may be turned on to control the EC glass layer <NUM> to be opaque or translucent. The edge light also provides light for the transparent display <NUM> and thus eliminates the need for a backlight being provided behind the transparent display <NUM>.

Thus, EC glass layer <NUM> may work as a window blind to hide the physical objects or other display screen(s) positioned behind the EC glass layer <NUM> or allow them to be viewable via EC glass layer <NUM> and the transparent display <NUM>. In one embodiment, the EC glass layer <NUM> may be turned off to allow the physical objects and/or other display screens to be viewable, and may be turned on to reduce the visibility of the physical objects and/or other display screens behind the EC glass layer <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> may display content while the EC glass layer <NUM> is controlled to be transparent or opaque. The EC glass layer <NUM> may further serve as a diffused backlight for the transparent display <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the transparent display <NUM> may also be controlled to reduce visibility of physical objects and/or other display screens behind the EC glass layer <NUM>. Content displayed on the transparent display <NUM> may determine what portion of the transparent display <NUM> is clear and what portion of the transparent display <NUM> is opaque. In this embodiment, certain physical objects and/or certain portions of one or more displays behind the transparent display <NUM> may be hidden while other physical object and/or certain portions of one or more displays behind the transparent display <NUM> may be visible.

Because ambient light can affect the appearance of transparency, an instrument panel hood <NUM> may help to reduce the amount of ambient light that reaches the transparent display <NUM>. The instrument panel hood <NUM> may be provided adjacent to a front housing cover <NUM>. The front housing cover <NUM> may include an opening for viewing the transparent display <NUM> and be configured to engage and hold the transparent display <NUM> in place. The front housing cover <NUM> may optionally include a protective transparent material to cover the transparent display <NUM> and/or reduce glare from ambient light.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a second display <NUM> may be provided behind the transparent display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be used to display additional information such as a numeral value of the speed, navigation information, and/or warning. The information displayed on the display <NUM> may be viewed via the transparent display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may display information that corresponds to the information provided by the indicator assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the display <NUM> as part of the indicator assembly <NUM>, but is not so limited. The display <NUM> may be provided in other locations of the instrument panel <NUM> behind the transparent display <NUM>. For example, a larger display <NUM> may be provided behind the indicator assembly <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) matrix. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may include organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, transparent light emitting diode (TOLED) displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), field sequential display or projection displays. In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be combinations of either full color RGB, RGBW or monochrome panels. The display <NUM> is not limited to the listed display technologies and may include other display technologies that allows for the projection of light. In one embodiment, the light may be provided by a projection type system including a light source and one or more lenses and/or a transmissive or reflective LCD matrix. The display <NUM> includes a multi-layer display unit including multiple stacked or overlapped display layers each configured to render display elements thereon for viewing through the uppermost display layer.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangements of electrochromatic (EC) glass <NUM> not according to the present invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, a lightpipe pane <NUM> may be disposed between a transparent display <NUM> and the EC glass <NUM>. Edge light LED's in an edge light PCB <NUM> may provide light for the lightpipe pane <NUM>. The light pipe <NUM> may be a clear polycarbonate lightpipe.

<FIG> illustrates an instrument panel <NUM> not according to the present invention. The instrument panel <NUM> includes a front transparent display <NUM> and a mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> provided in housing <NUM>. The transparent display <NUM> is provided in front of the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM>.

The mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> includes a pointer <NUM> configured to rotate about an axis to indicate a numeral value displayed as part of the indicator assembly <NUM>. The mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> may be a mechanical tachometer or speedometer. A second display <NUM> may be provided on a surface of the indicator assembly <NUM>.

The instrument panel includes an electrochromatic (EC) glass layer disposed between the mechanical indicator assembly <NUM> and the transparent display <NUM>. The electrochromatic (EC) glass layer may be controlled to be clear make the indicator assembly <NUM> and/or other displays positioned behind the indicator assembly <NUM> visible or opaque to hide the indicator assembly <NUM> and/or other displays positioned behind the indicator assembly <NUM>. The electrochromatic (EC) glass layer being opaque may also improve the visibility of content displayed on the transparent display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates method for controlling the display of content not according to the present invention. The method for viewing content displayed on a front transparent display and hiding the mechanical indicator assembly (e.g., a mechanical tach) and/or other displays (e.g., a rear LCD) is illustrated in <FIG>. The method for viewing content displayed on a displays and/or mechanical indicator assembly behind a front transparent display is illustrated in <FIG>.

To view content displayed on the front transparent display and to hide the mechanical indicator assembly (e.g., a mechanical tach) and/or other displays (e.g., a rear LCD) behind the front transparent display, the transparent display is turned on <NUM>, the EC glass is controlled to be opaque <NUM>, the edge-light is turned on <NUM>, and/or the indicator backlight is turned off <NUM>. Turning on the front transparent display may allow for content to be displayed on the front display. The EC glass may be made opaque by applying a voltage to the EC glass. The edge-light is turned on to allow for the content on the front display to be visible and/or for reduce the transparency of the EC glass. The indicator backlight is provided to illuminate portions of the mechanical indicator and is turned off to reduce the possibility of the indicator being visible to an observer. In some embodiment, other displays and or back lights behind the EC glass may also be turned off.

To view content displayed on a displays and/or mechanical indicator assembly behind a front transparent display, the front transparent display is turned off <NUM>, the EC glass is controlled to be made clear <NUM>, the edge-light is turned off <NUM>, and the indicator backlight it turned on <NUM>. In some embodiments, content may be displayed on the front transparent display while the EC glass is made clear. In this embodiment, the edge-light may be turned on to improve the visibility of the content on the front transparent display.

While the embodiments in this application are described above with reference to an instrument panel of a vehicle, they are not so limited. The embodiments of this application may be applied to other application and device that involve displaying content on a digital display and including a mechanical indicator. For example, the embodiment of this application may be applied to clocks, appliances, or watches.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary processing system <NUM> upon which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The processing system <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) or other type of processor. Depending on the configuration and/or type of computer system environment, the memory <NUM> may comprise volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. Additionally, memory <NUM> may be removable, non-removable, etc..

In other embodiments, the processing system may comprise additional storage (e.g., removable storage <NUM>, non-removable storage <NUM>, etc.). Removable storage <NUM> and/or non-removable storage <NUM> may comprise volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any combination thereof. Additionally, removable storage <NUM> and/or non-removable storage <NUM> may comprise CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information for access by processing system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the processing system <NUM> may communicate with other systems, components, or devices via communication interface <NUM>. Communication interface <NUM> may embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal (e.g., a carrier wave) or other transport mechanism. By way of example , communication interface <NUM> may be couple to wired media (e.g., a wired network, direct-wired connection, etc.) and/or wireless media (e.g., a wireless network, a wireless connection utilizing acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless signaling, etc.).

Communication interface <NUM> may also couple the processing system <NUM> to one or more input devices <NUM> (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc.) and/or output devices <NUM> (e.g., a display, speaker, printer, etc.). The output devices <NUM> may include the displays and/or mechanical indicator assemblies disclosed in this application. The processor <NUM> may operate as a controller to control the state and/or operation of components in the instrument panel. For example, the controller may control whether the EC glass layer is opaque or clear, control position of the points, and/or turn on and off back lights and edge lights.

The input devices <NUM> may be used by an observer to manipulate the way information is displayed on an output device <NUM> and/or what information and/or graphics are displayed in different portion of the output device <NUM>. In one embodiment, communication interface <NUM> may couple the processing system <NUM> to a display including three or more display panels arranged in an overlapping manner, and/or a transparent display disposed in an overlapping manner with a mechanical indicator assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, a graphics processor <NUM> may perform graphics/image processing operations on data stored in a frame buffer <NUM> or another memory of the processing system. Data stored in frame buffer <NUM> may be accessed, processed, and/or modified by components (e.g., graphics processor <NUM>, processor <NUM>, etc.) of the processing system <NUM> and/or components of other systems/devices. Additionally, the data may be accessed (e.g., by graphics processor <NUM>) and displayed on an output device coupled to the processing system <NUM>. Accordingly, memory <NUM>, removable storage <NUM>, non-removable storage <NUM>, frame buffer <NUM>, or a combination thereof, may comprise instructions that when executed on a processor (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) implement a method of processing data (e.g., stored in frame buffer <NUM>) for improved display quality on a display.

As shown in <FIG>, portions of the present invention may be comprised of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in a processing system <NUM> and which may be used as a part of a general purpose computer network (not shown). It is appreciated that processing system <NUM> is merely exemplary. As such, the embodiment in this application can operate within a number of different systems including, but not limited to, generalpurpose computer systems, embedded computer systems, laptop computer systems, hand-held computer systems, portable computer systems, stand-alone computer systems, game consoles, gaming systems or machines (e.g., found in a casino or other gaming establishment), or online gaming systems.

While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered as examples because many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.

Claim 1:
An instrument panel (<NUM>) comprising;
a mechanical indicator assembly (<NUM>) comprising a pointer (<NUM>) configured to rotate about an axis and thereby define an area swept by the pointer (<NUM>), wherein the pointer (<NUM>) overlies a multi-layer display (<NUM>);
a transparent display (<NUM>), different than the multilayer display (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) configured to support the mechanical indicator assembly (<NUM>) and the transparent display (<NUM>) overlaying the mechanical indicator assembly (<NUM>);
an electrochromatic, EC, glass layer (<NUM>) disposed between the mechanical indicator assembly (<NUM>) and the transparent display (<NUM>) wherein the transparent display (<NUM>) is configured to be provided between the pointer and a viewer of the instrument panel;
wherein an edge light printed circuit board (<NUM>) for lighting the transparent display (<NUM>) and/or the EC glass layer (<NUM>) is provided on at least one side of the transparent display (<NUM>) and/or the EC glass layer (<NUM>), the edge light printed circuit board (<NUM>) is adapted to be turned on to control the EC glass layer (<NUM>) to be opaque or translucent and the edge light of the edge light printed circuit board is further adapted to provide light for the transparent display (<NUM>); and
a control system comprising a controller (<NUM>) configured to (<NUM>) display, on the transparent display, content including text and/or graphics and to control the transparency of the EC glass layer (<NUM>) via application of voltage thereto in order to hide the pointer (<NUM>) from the viewer.