Patent Description:
In various applications involving displays, it is desirable to have a display surface or functional surface having a deadfront appearance. In general, a deadfront appearance is a way of hiding a display or functional surface such that there is a seamless transition between a display and a non-display area, or between the deadfronted area of an article and non-deadfronted area or other surface. For example, in a typical display having a glass or plastic cover surface, it is possible to see the edge of the display (or the transition from display area to non-display area) even when the display is turned off. However, it is often desirable from an aesthetic or design standpoint to have a deadfronted appearance such that, when the display is off, the display and non-display areas present as indistinguishable from each other and the cover surface presents a unified appearance. One application where a deadfront appearance is desirable is in automotive interiors, including in-vehicle displays or touch interfaces, as well as other applications in consumer mobile or home electronics, including mobile devices and home appliances. However, it is difficult to achieve both a good deadfront appearance and, when a display is on, a high-quality display.

<CIT> relates to a dead front display device comprising polymer composition front layer having a front surface and rear surface, said front surface being adapted to be positioned so as to be visible, said polymer composition front layer being flexible and being capable of transmitting light therethrough said front surface.

<CIT> relates to electrochromic mirror including a housing, a rearview mirror subassembly including a reflector in the housing, and an electrical circuit with switches adapted to interact with electrical systems in the vehicle. An elongated display area is formed in a face of the housing assembly, either under, aside or above the face. Switch buttons are positioned in the display area for operating switches in the electrical circuit. A compact display is incorporated into a face of the buttons. Specifically, a center region forms a symbol. A border is formed around the center region, and a third region is formed around the border. One of the center region, the border, and the outer region is light-transmissive, and the other two regions contrast in color.

<CIT> relates to a light transmissive colored film which comprises a first colored light transmissive layer containing a polymer and a metallic luster pigment dispersed in the polymer and a second colored light transmission layer containing a polymer and a black or a dark coloring material dispersed in the polymer, and is formed of a laminate in which one main surface of the first light transmissive layer and one main surface of the second light transmissive layer are placed to face each other.

<CIT>relates to a surface display unit which incorporates an opaque screen and an image panel. The opaque screen is disposed on the front side of the image panel which provides an optical image. The opaque screen generally hides the image panel while the surface display unit is not in use. When the image panel is activated to provide an optical image, the opaque screen provides a suitable level of transparency so that a viewer can observe the optical image with sufficient clarity.

The invention relates to a deadfront article according to claim <NUM> and to a device according to claim <NUM>. In one aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to a deadfront article. The deadfront article includes a substrate, a semi-transparent layer, and a contrast layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The semi-transparent layer is disposed onto at least a first portion of the second surface of the substrate. Further, the semi-transparent layer has a region of a solid color or of a design of two or more colors. The contrast layer is disposed onto at least a portion of the region. The contrast layer is configured to enhance visibility of the color of the region or to enhance contrast between the colors of the design of the region on the portion of the region on which the contrast layer is disposed.

In another aspect, embodiments of a device incorporating a deadfront article are provided. The device includes a deadfront article having a substrate, a semi-transparent layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate layer, a contrast layer disposed on at least a portion of the semi-transparent layer, and a high optical density layer disposed on at least a portion of the contrast layer. The high optical density layer at least in part defines at least one icon. The device further includes a touch panel located behind the at least one icon.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

Referring generally to the figures, vehicle interior systems may include a variety of different curved surfaces that are designed to be transparent, such as curved display surfaces, and the present disclosure provides articles and methods for forming these curved surfaces. Such surfaces are formed from glass materials or from plastic materials. Forming curved vehicle surfaces from a glass material may provide a number of advantages compared to the typical curved plastic panels that are conventionally found in vehicle interiors. For example, glass is typically considered to provide enhanced functionality and user experience for many curved cover material applications, such as display applications and touch screen applications, compared to plastic cover materials.

Further, it is considered desirable in many applications to equip displays, and particularly displays for vehicle interior systems, with a deadfront appearance. In general, a deadfront appearance blocks visibility of underlying display components, icons, graphics, etc. when the display is off, but allows display components to be easily viewed when the display is on or activated (in the case of a touch-enabled display. In addition, an article that provides a deadfront effect (i.e., a deadfront article) can be used to match the color or pattern of the article to adjacent components to eliminate the visibility of transitions from the deadfront article to the surrounding components. This can be especially useful when the deadfront article is a different material from the surrounding components (e.g., the deadfront article is formed from a glass material but surrounded by a leather-covered center console). For example, a deadfront article may have a wood grain pattern or a leather pattern can be used to match the appearance of the display with surrounding wood or leather components of a vehicle interior system (e.g., a wood or leather dashboard) in which the display is mounted.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the formation of a curved glass-based deadfront article utilizing a cold-forming or cold-bending process. As discussed herein, curved glass-based deadfront articles and processes for making the same are provided that avoid the deficiencies of the typical glass hot-forming process. For example, hot-forming processes are energy intensive and increase the cost of forming a curved glass component, relative to the cold-bending processes discussed herein. In addition, hot-forming processes typically make application of glass coating layers, such as deadfront ink or pigment layers, more difficult. For example, many ink or pigment materials cannot be applied to a flat piece of glass material prior to the hot-forming process because the ink or pigment materials typically will not survive the high temperatures of the hot-forming process. Further, application of an ink or pigment material to surfaces of a curved glass article after hot-bending is substantially more difficult than application to a flat glass article.

<FIG> shows a vehicle interior <NUM> that includes three different vehicle interior systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a center console base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> including a display, shown as curved display <NUM>. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a dashboard base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> including a display, shown curved display <NUM>. The dashboard base <NUM> typically includes an instrument panel <NUM> which may also include a curved display. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a dashboard steering wheel base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> and a display, shown as a curved display <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a base that is an arm rest, a pillar, a seat back, a floor board, a headrest, a door panel, or any portion of the interior of a vehicle that includes a curved surface.

The embodiments of the deadfront articles described herein can be used in any or all of vehicle interior systems <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. While <FIG> shows an automobile interior, the various embodiments of the vehicle interior system may be incorporated into any type of vehicle such as trains, automobiles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses and the like), sea craft (boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters and the like), including both human-piloted vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles and fully autonomous vehicles. Further, while the description herein relates primarily to the use of the deadfront embodiments used in vehicle displays, it should be understood that various deadfront embodiments discussed herein may be used in any type of display application.

Referring to <FIG>, a deadfront article <NUM> for a vehicle display, such as displays <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, is shown and described. <FIG> shows the appearance of deadfront article <NUM> when a light source of the associated display is inactive, and <FIG> shows the appearance of deadfront article <NUM> when a light source of the associated display is active. As shown in <FIG>, with the light source activated, a graphic <NUM> and/or a plurality of icons are visible through the deadfront article. When the light source is inactivated, the graphic <NUM> disappears, and deadfront article <NUM> presents a surface showing a desired surface finish (e.g., a black surface in <FIG>) that is unbroken by graphics <NUM>. In embodiments, the light source is activated using a power button <NUM>. As shown in the embodiments of <FIG>, the power button <NUM> is lighted and changes from red to green when activated. In exemplary embodiments, the power button <NUM> is selected to conform with one of IEC <NUM>-<NUM>, IEC <NUM>-<NUM>, IEC <NUM>-<NUM>, and IEC <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> depict another embodiment of a deadfront article <NUM> for a vehicle display, such as displays <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>. In comparison to the solid color deadfront article <NUM> of <FIG>, a patterned deadfront article <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. When a light source of the associated display is inactive as in <FIG>, only the pattern of the deadfront article <NUM> can be seen. In <FIG>, the light source of the associated display is active and icons <NUM> can be seen through the deadfront article <NUM>. Thus, when the light source is inactivated, icons <NUM> disappear, and deadfront article <NUM> presents a surface showing a desired pattern (e.g., a leather grain pattern in <FIG>) that is unbroken by icons <NUM>.

As will be discussed in more detail below, deadfront article <NUM> provides this differential icon display by utilizing one or more colored layers disposed between an outer substrate and a light source. The optical properties of the colored layers are designed such that when the light source is turned off the borders of the icons or other display structures beneath the colored layer are not visible, but when the light source is on, graphics <NUM> and/or icons <NUM> are visible. In various embodiments, the deadfront articles discussed herein are designed to provide a high quality deadfront appearance, including high contrast icons with the light source on, combined with a uniform deadfront appearance when the light is off. Further, Applicant provides these various deadfront articles with materials suitable for cold forming to curved shapes, including complex curved shapes, as discussed below.

Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment of the structure of the deadfront article <NUM> is provided. In particular, the deadfront article <NUM> includes at least a substrate <NUM>, a semi-transparent layer <NUM>, and a contrast layer <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> facing a viewer and an inner surface <NUM> upon which the semi-transparent layer <NUM> and/or the contrast layer <NUM> are, at least in part, disposed. As used herein, the term "dispose" includes coating, depositing and/or forming a material onto a surface using any known method in the art. The disposed material may constitute a layer, as defined herein. As used herein, the phrase "disposed on" includes the instance of forming a material onto a surface such that the material is in direct contact with the surface and also includes the instance where the material is formed on a surface, with one or more intervening material(s) is between the disposed material and the surface. The intervening material(s) may constitute a layer, as defined herein. The term "layer" may include a single layer or may include one or more sub-layers. Such sub-layers may be in direct contact with one another. The sub-layers may be formed from the same material or two or more different materials. In one or more alternative embodiments, such sub-layers may have intervening layers of different materials disposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments a layer may include one or more contiguous and uninterrupted layers and/or one or more discontinuous and interrupted layers (i.e., a layer having different materials formed adjacent to one another). A layer or sub-layers may be formed by any known method in the art, including discrete deposition or continuous deposition processes. In one or more embodiments, the layer may be formed using only continuous deposition processes, or, alternatively, only discrete deposition processes. While the specifics of the substrate <NUM> will be discussed in greater detail below, in embodiments the substrate <NUM> has a thickness of from <NUM> to <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the substrate may be a transparent plastic, such as PMMA, polycarbonate and the like, or may include glass material (which may be optionally strengthened). As will also be discussed more fully below, in embodiments the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is printed onto at least a portion of the inner surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. In other embodiments, the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is deposited using non-conductive vacuum metallization. Further, in embodiments, the contrast layer <NUM> is printed onto at least a portion of the inner surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and/or onto at least a portion of the semi-transparent layer <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the deadfront article <NUM> also includes a functional surface layer <NUM> and/or an opaque layer <NUM> (also referred to as "high optical density layer"). The functional surface layer <NUM> can be configured to provide one or more of a variety of functions. In another exemplary embodiment, the functional surface layer <NUM> is an optical coating configured to provide easy-to-clean performance, anti-glare properties, anti-reflection properties, and/or half-mirror coating. Such optical coatings can be created using single layers or multiple layers. In the case of anti-reflection functional surface layers, such layers may be formed using multiple, layers having alternating high refractive index and low refractive index. Non-limiting examples of low-refractive index materials include SiO<NUM>, MgF<NUM>, and Al<NUM>O<NUM>, and non-limiting examples of high-refractive index materials include Nb<NUM>O<NUM>, TiO<NUM>, ZrO<NUM>, HfO<NUM>, and Y<NUM>O<NUM>. In embodiments, the total thickness of such an optical coating (which may be disposed over an anti-glare surface or a smooth substrate surface) is from <NUM> to <NUM>. Additionally, in embodiments, the functional surface layer <NUM> that provides easy-to-clean performance provides enhanced feel for touch screens and/or coating/treatments to reduce fingerprints. In some embodiments, functional surface layer <NUM> is integral to the first surface of the substrate. For example, such functional surface layers can include an etched surface in the first surface of the substrate <NUM> providing an anti-glare surface (or haze of from, e.g., <NUM>% to <NUM>%). The functional surface layer <NUM>, if provided, along with the substrate <NUM>, the semi-transparent layer <NUM>, and the contrast layer <NUM> together comprise the semi-transparent structure <NUM> of the deadfront article <NUM>.

As will be discussed more fully below, the opaque layer <NUM> has high optical density in order to block light transmittance. As used herein, "opaque layer" is used interchangeably with "high optical density layer. " In embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> is used to block light from transmitting through certain regions of the deadfront article <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> obscures functional or non-decorative elements provided for the operation of the deadfront article <NUM>. In other embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> is provided to outline backlit icons and/or other graphics (such as the graphic <NUM> and/or power button <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the icons <NUM> shown in <FIG>) to increase the contrast at the edges of such icons and/or graphics. Thus, in embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> has interruptions in the layer that define a window for the graphic(s) <NUM>, power button(s) <NUM>, and/or icon(s) <NUM>. That is, in embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> extends continuously until an edge of a perimeter for a graphic <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icon <NUM> is reached. At such a perimeter edge, the opaque layer <NUM> stops, or in some embodiments, substantially decreases in optical density (e.g., thins in material thickness, decreases in material density, etc.). In embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> resumes intermittently in the region of the graphic <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icon <NUM> to define features of the graphic <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icon <NUM>, such as to define the "|" and "O" of certain power buttons <NUM>, for example. Accordingly, in embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> defines an image negative for the graphic <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icon <NUM> in that the portions of the graphic <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icon <NUM> visible by the user through the outer surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> are blank regions of the opaque layer <NUM>. The opaque layer <NUM> can be any color; in particular embodiments, though, the opaque layer <NUM> is black or gray. In embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> is applied via screen printing or inkjet printing over the semi-transparent layer <NUM> and/or over the inner surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. Generally, the thickness of an inkjet-printed opaque layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM>, whereas the thickness of a screen-printed opaque layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM>. Thus, a printed opaque layer <NUM> can have a thickness in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> is a metal layer deposited via physical vapor deposition and/or is an optical stack produced using the high/low-index stacking discussed above for color matching.

<FIG> provides an exploded view of the layers comprising the deadfront article <NUM> in an embodiment. As can be seen, the layers include the substrate <NUM>, the semi-transparent layer <NUM>, the contrast layer <NUM>, the opaque layer <NUM>, and a color layer <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is a woodgrain pattern, and the opaque layer <NUM> provides negative images for icons <NUM>, e.g., for an entertainment console, such as a power button <NUM>, tuning controls, volume control, presets, etc. The combination of the semi-transparent layer <NUM>, the contrast layer <NUM>, and the opaque layer <NUM> provide a deadfront article <NUM> such as is shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the woodgrain of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is seen when the deadfront article <NUM> is not backlit, and when the deadfront article <NUM> is backlit, the icons <NUM> are visible through the outer surface <NUM> of the deadfront article <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG>, when the color layer <NUM> is disposed on the opaque layer <NUM> (at least in the regions of the icons <NUM>) the color of the icons <NUM> can be changed as shown in <FIG>. Further, while a solid color layer <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, the color layer <NUM> can include multiple colors across the layer as shown in <FIG> and/or specific colors in regions of specific icons <NUM> or portions of icons <NUM>. In this way, the color layer <NUM> is a continuous layer in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, the color layer <NUM> is discontinuous, i.e., color is only provided in certain locations over the opaque layer <NUM> and/or contrast layer <NUM> in regions that define the icons <NUM>.

In embodiments, the optical densities of the layers are tailored to enhance the visibility of the graphics <NUM>, power button <NUM>, and/or icons <NUM> when the deadfront article <NUM> is backlit. In particular embodiments, the combined optical density of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> and the contrast layer <NUM> in illuminated regions (i.e., the graphic <NUM>, the power button <NUM>, and/or the icons <NUM>) is from <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the combined optical density is <NUM> to <NUM>, and in still other embodiments, the combined optical density is about <NUM>. In providing the optical density of the illuminated regions, the optical density of the contrast layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM> in embodiments, and the optical density of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> in embodiments. In the non-illuminated regions (i.e., the regions surrounding the graphic <NUM>, the power button <NUM>, and/or the icons <NUM>), the combined optical density of the semi-transparent layer <NUM>, the contrast layer <NUM>, and the opaque layer <NUM> is at least <NUM>. In providing the optical density of the non-illuminated regions, the optical density of the contrast layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM> in embodiments, the optical density of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM> in embodiments, and the optical density of the opaque layer <NUM> is at least <NUM> in embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the optical density of the color layer <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, in embodiments, the optical density of a particular layer can vary across the layer to provide enhanced contrast or to conserve the ink or material comprising the layer. For example, the optical density of the contrast layer <NUM> can be lower in illuminated regions than in non-illuminated regions. Additionally, the optical density of the color layer <NUM> can be lower (or zero) in non-illuminated regions than in illuminated regions.

<FIG> and <FIG> show different deadfront articles having different levels of optical density, and thus, these figures demonstrate the different appearance between deadfront articles <NUM> in which the optical density is too high in the illuminated regions (<FIG>) and in which the optical density is within the above-described ranges for the illuminated regions (<FIG>). As can be seen in <FIG>, the deadfront article has a carbon fiber pattern in which the optical density of the semi-transparent layer is too high. Thus, as can be seen in <FIG>, the illuminated region is obscured. By comparison, the deadfront article <NUM> in <FIG> has been provided with a carbon fiber pattern with a semi-transparent layer <NUM>, contrast layer <NUM>, and opaque layer <NUM> that have optical densities within the above-described ranges. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the icons <NUM> are much more defined and are clearly visible. Also as shown in <FIG>, the center icon <NUM> is a power button <NUM> that has been provided with a red color using a color layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the deadfront article <NUM> is placed over or in front of a display <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the display may include a touch-enabled displays which include a display and touch panel. Exemplary displays include LED displays (<FIG>), a DLP MEMS chip (<FIG>), LCDs, OLEDs, transmissive displays, reflective displays and the like. In embodiments, the display <NUM> is affixed or mounted to the deadfront article <NUM> using, e.g., an optically clear adhesive <NUM>. The deadfront article <NUM> has a transmittance from about <NUM>% to <NUM>% along the visible spectrum, i.e., a wavelength from <NUM> to <NUM>. In other words, the deadfront article <NUM> exhibits an average light transmittance in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% along the entire wavelength range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As used herein, the term "transmittance" is defined as the percentage of incident optical power within a given wavelength range transmitted through a material (e.g., the deadfront article, the substrate or the layers thereof). In embodiments, the deadfront article <NUM> is a low transmittance deadfront article in which light transmission is <NUM>% or less over the entire visible spectrum. In such instances, the opaque layer <NUM> may not be necessary to obscure the edges of the display <NUM>, i.e., non-display regions, such as a display border, and/or wiring, connectors, etc. In other embodiments, the deadfront article <NUM> is a high transmittance deadfront article exhibiting an average transmittance from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In such embodiments, the opaque layer <NUM> may be necessary to block non-display regions from being seen.

In certain embodiments, the deadfront article <NUM> is provided with touch functionality as shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the deadfront article <NUM> includes substrate <NUM>, a black semi-transparent layer <NUM>, and a contrast layer <NUM> that is disposed on portions of the substrate <NUM> and of the semi-transparent layer <NUM>. In this way, the contrast layer <NUM> and the semi-transparent layer <NUM> define an icon or a graphic, such as a power button <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In an embodiment, touch functionality is provided by capacitive sensing. In certain embodiments, the capacitive sensor is created by a transparent conductive film or coating <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent conductive film <NUM> is a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., indium-tin-oxide (ITO)) coated polyester (e.g., PET) film.

Upon activation of a toggle switch (e.g., by touching the deadfront article <NUM> in the region of the transparent conductive film <NUM>), a light source <NUM> is activated or deactivated <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the light source <NUM> includes a red LED <NUM> and a green LED <NUM>. In certain settings, such as a vehicle, the red LED <NUM> and green LED <NUM> indicate the status of the deadfront article <NUM>. For example, prior to turning the vehicle on, both the red LED <NUM> and green LED <NUM> are off as shown at the bottom of the legend of the power button <NUM> states on the left of <FIG>. When the vehicle is turned on and prior to touching the power button <NUM>, the red LED <NUM> is on while the green LED <NUM> is off (top of the legend of power button <NUM> states), signifying that the display <NUM> is inactive. Upon touching the power button <NUM>, the toggle switch <NUM> will turn off the red LED <NUM>, turn on the green LED <NUM>, and activate the display <NUM>. If the user desires to inactivate the display <NUM> while the vehicle is still on, the user can again touch the power button <NUM>, and the toggle switch <NUM> will turn off the green LED <NUM>, turn on the red LED <NUM>, and shut off the display <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a vibration motor <NUM> is provided to provide haptic feedback each time the toggle switch <NUM> is activated. While the exemplary embodiment of a power button <NUM> for a display <NUM> was provided, the touch-functionality is suitable for other features. Continuing with the example of a vehicle, the touch-functionality is suitable for use in controlling a variety of vehicle systems, such as climate control (i.e., heating and air conditioning) systems, radio/entertainment systems, dashboard display panels (for, e.g., speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, tachometer, vehicle warning indicators, etc.), and center console display panels (for, e.g., GPS displays, in-vehicle information, etc.), among others. In <FIG>, the deadfront article <NUM> is depicted with a speedometer <NUM> and climate controls <NUM>. The deadfront <NUM> article includes a leather grain pattern. <FIG> provides a substantially similar deadfront article <NUM> with a speedometer <NUM> and climate controls <NUM>, but the deadfront <NUM> includes a wood grain pattern.

In particular embodiments, the substrate <NUM> is treated (e.g., via sandblasting, etching, engraving, etc.) in the area of a button to provide tactile feedback to a user's finger. In this way, the user can feel the deadfront article <NUM> for the button without removing his or her eyes from the road (in road vehicle settings). Further, in embodiments, the toggle switch <NUM> is provided with a delay of, e.g., one to three seconds so as to avoid accidental activation of the toggle switch <NUM>. <FIG> provides another embodiment of a deadfront article <NUM> with touch functionality. In particular, the deadfront article <NUM> includes a touch panel <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> can be any of a variety of suitable touch panels, such as a resistive touch panel, a capacitive (e.g., surface or projected) touch panel, a surface acoustic wave touch panel, an infrared touch panel, an optical imaging touch panel, dispersive signal touch panel, or an acoustic pulse recognition touch panel. In embodiments, the touch panel <NUM> is laminated to the deadfront article <NUM> using an optically clear adhesive <NUM>. In other embodiments, the touch panel <NUM> is printed onto the deadfront article <NUM> such that the optically clear adhesive <NUM> is unnecessary. Advantageously, the touch panel <NUM> is cold bendable to provide a three-dimensional shape. Cold bending of the deadfront article <NUM> (including the touch panel <NUM>) is described in greater detail further below.

Having described generally the structure of the deadfront article <NUM>, attention will be turned to the semi-transparent layer <NUM> and the contrast layer <NUM>. As mentioned above, the semi-transparent layer <NUM> and the contrast layer <NUM> are disposed on the substrate <NUM>. In embodiments, the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is printed onto the substrate using a CMYK color model. In embodiments in which the contrast layer is not white, such as gray, the CMYK color model can also be used to print the contrast layer <NUM>. In other embodiments in which the contrast layer <NUM> is white, color models that incorporate white ink can be used for printing the contrast layer <NUM>. The printed semi-transparent layer <NUM> and the printed contrast layer <NUM> each have a thickness of from <NUM> to <NUM>. In embodiments, the color layer <NUM> also has a thickness of from <NUM> to <NUM>. In embodiments, the contrast layer <NUM> has a thickness of from <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, in embodiments, the color layer <NUM> is printed onto the opaque layer <NUM> and/or the contrast layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the color layer <NUM> is printed onto the opaque layer <NUM> and/or contrast layer <NUM> using the CMYK color model.

The ink used for printing the semi-transparent layer <NUM>, the contrast layer <NUM>, and/or the color layer <NUM> can be thermal or UV cured ink. In particular, the ink is composed of at least one or more colorants and a vehicle. The colorants can be soluble or insoluble in the vehicle. In embodiments, the colorants are dry colorants in the form of a fine powder. Such fine powders have particles that are, in embodiments, from <NUM> to <NUM> in size. Using the CMYK color model, the colorant provides cyan, magenta, yellow, and/or key (black) colors. For white inks, the colorant can be any of a variety of suitable pigments, such as TiO<NUM>, Sb<NUM>O<NUM>, BaSO<NUM>, BaSO4:ZnS, ZnO, and (PbCO<NUM>)<NUM>:Pb(OH)<NUM>. The colorants are dissolved or suspended in the vehicle.

The vehicle can serve as a binder to create adhesion to the surface upon which the ink is applied. Further, in embodiments, additives are included in the vehicle specifically for the purpose of improving adhesion to glass/plastic surfaces. Non-limiting examples of vehicles for the colorant include propylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethylacetamide, and toluene. Generally, such vehicles solidify at temperatures from <NUM> to <NUM>. In embodiments, the ink includes from <NUM>% - <NUM>% by volume of the colorant and <NUM>% - <NUM>% by volume of the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, a leather grain semi-transparent layer <NUM> was printed on to the substrate <NUM>, specifically using an inkjet printer according to a CMYK color model (although, in other embodiments, other printer types and/or printing models are used). In <FIG>, a white contrast layer <NUM> was printed behind the semi-transparent layer <NUM>. <FIG> depict the back sides of these printed layers. As can be seen in a comparison of <FIG>, the contrast of the leather grain pattern of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is enhanced by the white contrast layer <NUM> in <FIG>. Indeed, using the contrast layer <NUM>, the overall appearance of the pattern or design in the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is brighter, and the contrast between the colors in the pattern or design is enhanced.

The thickness and composition of the contrast layer <NUM> is tunable to exhibit a particular transmittance in the visible and infrared wavelength range. <FIG> depicts contrast layers <NUM> printed over a glass background. The contrast layers <NUM> are of varying whiteness (W). "Whiteness" as used herein refers to the CIE whiteness, or ISO <NUM>:<NUM>, which measures the amount of light reflected by a white surface over the visible spectrum (wavelength of <NUM> to <NUM>). The lower left corner of <FIG> is a contrast layer of 100W. The whiteness of the contrast layer <NUM> decreases from 100W to 60W going left to right along the bottom row, and along the top row, whiteness decreases from 50W to 10W going left to right. As can be seen, relatively lower whiteness contrast layers <NUM> transmit more light than relatively higher whiteness contrast layer <NUM>. This is also demonstrated in the transmittance (T) graph of <FIG>. As the whiteness increases, the percent transmittance (%T) across the visible spectrum decreases. The data for generating the graph of <FIG> was calculated after printing white ink having diethylene glycol diethyl ether solvent and using a <NUM> nozzle, <NUM> pL printhead. The transmittance (T) is controlled through manipulation of printing resolution and layer thickness. The deadfront article <NUM> is provided with a contrast layer <NUM> having a whiteness of between 10W and 60W. In other embodiments, the contrast layer <NUM> has a whiteness of between 20W and 50W. In a particular embodiment, the contrast layer <NUM> has a whiteness of between 20W and 30W.

<FIG> depicts four glass substrates <NUM> having a semi-transparent layer <NUM> and contrast layer <NUM> printed thereon. As can be seen in <FIG>, the semi-transparent layers <NUM> feature designs of a knitted fabric pattern, a leather grain pattern, and two wood grain patterns. <FIG> depicts a semi-transparent layer <NUM> that transitions from a leather grain pattern to a solid black pattern. In <FIG>, a green power button is also printed in the lower left corner. <FIG> provide a comparison between the same knitted fabric pattern semi-transparent layer <NUM>. However, in <FIG>, a contrast layer <NUM> was printed behind the semi-transparent layer <NUM>. In <FIG>, the deadfront article <NUM> has a transmittance of between <NUM>% and <NUM>% over the visible spectrum (wavelength of <NUM> to <NUM>). <FIG> depict a marble deadfront article <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> is the viewer side of the deadfront article <NUM>, whereas <FIG> is the rear side of the deadfront article <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, a section of the semi-transparent layer <NUM> is not covered with the contrast layer <NUM>. In embodiments, a display could be mounted to the section not covered by the contrast layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, various sizes, shapes, curvatures, glass materials, etc. for a glass-based deadfront article along with various processes for forming a curved glass-based deadfront are shown and described. It should be understood, that while <FIG> are described in the context of a simplified curved deadfront article <NUM> for ease of explanation, deadfront article <NUM> may be any of the deadfront embodiments discussed herein.

As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, deadfront article <NUM> includes a curved outer glass substrate <NUM> having at least a first radius of curvature, R1, and in various embodiments, curved outer glass substrate <NUM> is a complex curved sheet of glass material having at least one additional radius of curvature. In various embodiments, R1 is in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Curved deadfront article <NUM> includes a deadfront colored layer <NUM> (e.g., the ink/pigment layer(s), as discussed above) located along an inner, major surface of curved outer glass substrate <NUM>. In general, deadfront colored layer <NUM> is printed, colored, shaped, etc. to provide a wood-grain design, a leather-grain design, a fabric design, a brushed metal design, a graphic design, a solid color and/or a logo. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to these designs or patterns. Curved deadfront article <NUM> also may include any of the additional layers <NUM> (e.g., high optical density layers, light guide layers, reflector layers, display module(s), display stack layers, light sources, touch panels, etc.) as discussed above or that otherwise may be associated with a display or vehicle interior system as discussed herein.

As will be discussed in more detail below, in various embodiments, curved deadfront article <NUM> including glass substrate <NUM> and colored layer <NUM> may be cold-formed together to a curved shape, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, curved deadfront <NUM> including glass substrate <NUM>, colored layer <NUM> and additional layers <NUM> may be cold-formed together to a curved shape, such as that shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, glass substrate <NUM> may be formed to a curved shape, and then layers <NUM> and <NUM> are applied following curve formation.

Referring to <FIG>, outer glass substrate <NUM> is shown prior to being formed to the curved shape shown in <FIG>. In general, Applicant believes that the articles and processes discussed herein provide high quality deadfront articles utilizing glass of sizes, shapes, compositions, strengths, etc. not previously provided.

As shown in <FIG>, outer glass substrate <NUM> includes a first major surface <NUM> and a second major surface <NUM> opposite first major surface <NUM>. An edge surface or minor surface <NUM> connects the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM>. Outer glass substrate <NUM> has a thickness (t) that is substantially constant and is defined as a distance between the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness (t) as used herein refers to the maximum thickness of the outer glass substrate <NUM>. Outer glass substrate <NUM> includes a width (W) defined as a first maximum dimension of one of the first or second major surfaces orthogonal to the thickness (t), and outer glass substrate <NUM> also includes a length (L) defined as a second maximum dimension of one of the first or second surfaces orthogonal to both the thickness and the width. In other embodiments, the dimensions discussed herein are average dimensions.

In one or more embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> has a thickness (t) that is in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In various embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> has a thickness (t) that is about <NUM> or less. For example, the thickness may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> has a width (W) in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> has a length (L) in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, outer glass substrate <NUM> is shaped to a curved shaping having at least one radius of curvature, shown as R1. In various embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> may be shaped to the curved shape via any suitable process, including cold-forming and hot-forming.

In specific embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> is shaped to the curved shape shown in <FIG>, either alone, or following attachment of layers <NUM> and <NUM>, via a cold-forming process. As used herein, the terms "cold-bent," "cold-bending," "cold-formed" or "cold-forming" refers to curving the glass substrate at a cold-form temperature which is less than the softening point of the glass (as described herein). A feature of a cold-formed glass substrate is an asymmetric surface compressive between the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, prior to the cold-forming process or being cold-formed, the respective compressive stresses in the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM> are substantially equal.

In some such embodiments in which outer glass substrate <NUM> is unstrengthened, the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM> exhibit no appreciable compressive stress, prior to cold-forming. In some such embodiments in which outer glass substrate <NUM> is strengthened (as described herein), the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM> exhibit substantially equal compressive stress with respect to one another, prior to cold-forming. In one or more embodiments, after cold-forming (shown, for example, in <FIG>) the compressive stress on the second major surface <NUM> (e.g., the concave surface following bending) increases (i.e., the compressive stress on the second major surface <NUM> is greater after cold-forming than before cold-forming).

Without being bound by theory, the cold-forming process increases the compressive stress of the glass substrate being shaped to compensate for tensile stresses imparted during bending and/or forming operations. In one or more embodiments, the cold-forming process causes the second major surface <NUM> to experience compressive stresses, while the first major surface <NUM> (e.g., the convex surface following bending) experiences tensile stresses. The tensile stress experienced by surface <NUM> following bending results in a net decrease in surface compressive stress, such that the compressive stress in surface <NUM> of a strengthened glass sheet following bending is less than the compressive stress in surface <NUM> when the glass sheet is flat.

Further, when a strengthened glass substrate is utilized for outer glass substrate <NUM>, the first major surface and the second major surface (<NUM>,<NUM>) are already under compressive stress, and thus first major surface <NUM> can experience greater tensile stress during bending without risking fracture. This allows for the strengthened embodiments of outer glass substrate <NUM> to conform to more tightly curved surfaces (e.g., shaped to have smaller R1 values).

In various embodiments, the thickness of outer glass substrate <NUM> is tailored to allow outer glass substrate <NUM> to be more flexible to achieve the desired radius of curvature. Moreover, a thinner outer glass substrate <NUM> may deform more readily, which could potentially compensate for shape mismatches and gaps that may be created by the shape of a support or frame (as discussed below). In one or more embodiments, a thin and strengthened outer glass substrate <NUM> exhibits greater flexibility especially during cold-forming. The greater flexibility of the glass substrate discussed herein may allow for consistent bend formation without heating.

In various embodiments, outer glass substrate <NUM> (and consequently deadfront article <NUM>) may have a compound curve including a major radius and a cross curvature. A complexly curved cold-formed outer glass substrate <NUM> may have a distinct radius of curvature in two independent directions. According to one or more embodiments, the complexly curved cold-formed outer glass substrate <NUM> may thus be characterized as having "cross curvature," where the cold-formed outer glass substrate <NUM> is curved along an axis (i.e., a first axis) that is parallel to a given dimension and also curved along an axis (i.e., a second axis) that is perpendicular to the same dimension. The curvature of the cold-formed outer glass substrate <NUM> can be even more complex when a significant minimum radius is combined with a significant cross curvature, and/or depth of bend.

Referring to <FIG>, display assembly <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment shown, display assembly <NUM> includes frame <NUM> supporting (either directly or indirectly) both a light source, shown as a display module <NUM>, and deadfront article <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, deadfront article <NUM> and display module <NUM> are coupled to frame <NUM>, and display module <NUM> is positioned to allow a user to view light, images, etc. generated by display module <NUM> through deadfront article <NUM>. In various embodiments, frame <NUM> may be formed from a variety of materials such as plastic (PC/ABS, etc.), metals (Al-alloys, Mg-alloys, Fe-alloys, etc.). Various processes such as casting, machining, stamping, injection molding, etc. may be utilized to form the curved shape of frame <NUM>. While <FIG> shows a light source in the form of a display module, it should be understood that display assembly <NUM> may include any of the light sources discussed herein for producing graphics, icons, images, displays, etc. through any of the dead front embodiments discussed herein. Further, while frame <NUM> is shown as a frame associated with a display assembly, frame <NUM> may be any support or frame article associated with a vehicle interior system.

In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein allow for formation of deadfront article <NUM> to conform to a wide variety of curved shapes that frame <NUM> may have. As shown in <FIG>, frame <NUM> has a support surface <NUM> that has a curved shape, and deadfront article <NUM> is shaped to match the curved shape of support surface <NUM>. As will be understood, deadfront structure <NUM> may be shaped into a wide variety of shapes to conform to a desired frame shape of a display assembly <NUM>, which in turn may be shaped to fit the shape of a portion of a vehicle interior system, as discussed herein.

In one or more embodiments, deadfront structure <NUM> (and specifically outer glass substrate <NUM>) is shaped to have a first radius of curvature, R1, of about <NUM> or greater. For example, R1 may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, support surface <NUM> has a second radius of curvature of about <NUM> or greater. For example, the second radius of curvature of support surface <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, deadfront structure <NUM> is cold-formed to exhibit a first radius curvature, R1, that is within <NUM>% (e.g., about <NUM>% or less, about <NUM>% or less, about <NUM>% or less, about <NUM>% or less, about <NUM>% or less, or about <NUM>% or less) of the second radius of curvature of support surface <NUM> of frame <NUM>. For example, support surface <NUM> of frame <NUM> exhibits a radius of curvature of <NUM>, deadfront article <NUM> is cold-formed to have a radius of curvature in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, first major surface <NUM> and/or second major surface <NUM> of glass substrate <NUM> includes a functional coating layer as described herein. The functional coating layer may cover at least a portion of first major surface <NUM> and/or second major surface <NUM>. Exemplary functional coatings include at least one of a glare reduction coating or surface, an anti-glare coating or surface, a scratch resistance coating, an anti-reflection coating, a half-mirror coating, or easy-to-clean coating.

Referring to <FIG>, a method <NUM> for forming a display assembly that includes a cold-formed deadfront article, such as deadfront article <NUM> is shown. At step <NUM>, the method includes curving a deadfront article, such deadfront article <NUM>, to a curved surface of a support. In general, the support may be a frame of a display, such as frame <NUM> that defines a perimeter and curved shape of a vehicle display. In general, the frame includes a curved support surface, and one of the major surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of deadfront article <NUM> is placed into contact with the curved support surface.

At step <NUM>, the method includes securing the curved deadfront article to the support causing the deadfront article to bend into conformity (or conform) with the curved surface of the support. In this manner, a curved deadfront article <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is formed from a generally flat deadfront article to a curved deadfront article. In this arrangement, curving the flat deadfront article forms a curved shape on the major surface facing the support, while also causing a corresponding (but complimentary) curve to form in the major surface opposite of the frame. Applicant believes that by bending the deadfront article directly on the curved frame, the need for a separate curved die or mold (typically needed in other glass bending processes) is eliminated. Further, Applicant believes that by shaping the deadfront directly to the curved frame, a wide range of curved radii may be achieved in a low complexity manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the force applied in step <NUM> and/or step <NUM> may be air pressure applied via a vacuum fixture. In some other embodiments, the air pressure differential is formed by applying a vacuum to an airtight enclosure surrounding the frame and the deadfront article. In specific embodiments, the airtight enclosure is a flexible polymer shell, such as a plastic bag or pouch. In other embodiments, the air pressure differential is formed by generating increased air pressure around the deadfront article and the frame with an overpressure device, such as an autoclave. Applicant has further found that air pressure provides a consistent and highly uniform bending force (as compared to a contact-based bending method) which further leads to a robust manufacturing process. In various embodiments, the air pressure differential is between <NUM> and <NUM> atmospheres of pressure (atm), specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> atm, and more specifically is <NUM> to <NUM> atm.

At step <NUM>, the temperature of the deadfront article is maintained below the glass transition temperature of the material of the outer glass layer during steps <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, method <NUM> is a cold-forming or cold-bending process. In particular embodiments, the temperature of the deadfront article is maintained below <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C, <NUM> degrees C or <NUM> degrees C. In a particular embodiment, the deadfront article is maintained at or below room temperature during bending. In a particular embodiment, the deadfront article is not actively heated via a heating element, furnace, oven, etc. during bending, as is the case when hot-forming glass to a curved shape.

As noted above, in addition to providing processing advantages such as eliminating expensive and/or slow heating steps, the cold-forming processes discussed herein are believed to generate curved deadfront articles with a variety of properties that are believed to be superior to those achievable via hot-forming processes. For example, Applicant believes that, for at least some glass materials, heating during hot-forming processes decreases optical properties of curved glass substrates, and thus, the curved glass-based deadfront articles formed utilizing the cold-bending processes/systems discussed herein provide for both curved glass shape along with improved optical qualities not believed achievable with hot-bending processes.

Further, many materials used for the various coatings and layers (e.g., easy-to-clean coatings, anti-reflective coatings, etc.) are applied via deposition processes, such as sputtering processes that are typically ill-suited for coating on to a curved surface. In addition, many coating materials, such as the deadfront ink/pigment materials, also are not able to survive the high temperatures associated with hot-bending processes. Thus, in particular embodiments discussed herein, layer <NUM> is applied to outer glass substrate <NUM> prior to cold-bending. Thus, Applicant believes that the processes and systems discussed herein allow for bending of glass after one or more coating material has been applied to the glass, in contrast to typical hot-forming processes. At step <NUM>, the curved deadfront article is attached or affixed to the curved support. In various embodiments, the attachment between the curved deadfront article and the curved support may be accomplished via an adhesive material. Such adhesives may include any suitable optically clear adhesive for bonding the deadfront article in place relative to the display assembly (e.g., to the frame of the display). In one example, the adhesive may include an optically clear adhesive available from <NUM> Corporation under the trade name <NUM>. The thickness of the adhesive may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The adhesive material may be applied in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied using an applicator gun and made uniform using a roller or a draw down die. In various embodiments, the adhesives discussed herein are structural adhesives. In particular embodiments, the structural adhesives may include an adhesive selected from one or more of the categories: (a) Toughened Epoxy (Masterbond EP21TDCHT-LO, <NUM> Scotch Weld Epoxy DP460 Off-white); (b) Flexible Epoxy (Masterbond EP21TDC-2LO, <NUM> Scotch Weld Epoxy <NUM> B/A Gray); (c) Acrylic (LORD Adhesive <NUM>/Accelerator <NUM> w/ LORD AP <NUM> primer, LORD Adhesive <NUM>/LORD Accelerator 25GB, Loctite HF8000, Loctite AA4800); (d) Urethanes (<NUM> Scotch Weld Urethane DP640 Brown); and (e) Silicones (Dow Corning <NUM>). In some cases, structural glues available in sheet format (such as B-staged epoxy adhesives) may be utilized. Furthermore, pressure sensitive structural adhesives such as <NUM> VHB tapes may be utilized. In such embodiments, utilizing a pressure sensitive adhesive allows for the curved deadfront article to be bonded to the frame without the need for a curing step.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes step <NUM> in which the curved deadfront is secured to a display. In one or more embodiments, the method may include securing the display to the deadfront article before step <NUM> and curving both the display and the deadfront article in step <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the method includes disposing or assembling the curved deadfront and display in a vehicle interior system <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, method <NUM> for forming a display utilizing a curved deadfront article is shown and described. In some embodiments, the substrate (e.g., outer glass layer <NUM>) of a deadfront article is formed to curved shape at step <NUM>. Shaping at step <NUM> may be either cold-forming or hot-forming. At step <NUM>, the deadfront ink/pigment layer(s) (e.g., layer <NUM>) is applied to the substrate following shaping to provide a curved deadfront article. Next at step <NUM>, the curved deadfront article is attached to a frame, such as frame <NUM> of display assembly <NUM>, or other frame that may be associated with a vehicle interior system.

The various substrates of the deadfront articles discussed herein may be formed from any transparent material such as a polymer (e.g., PMMA, polycarbonate and the like) or glass. Suitable glass compositions include soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali-containing boroaluminosilicate glass.

Unless otherwise specified, the glass compositions disclosed herein are described in mole percent (mol%) as analyzed on an oxide basis.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include SiO<NUM> in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Al<NUM>O<NUM> in an amount greater than about <NUM> mol%, or greater than about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Al<NUM>O<NUM> in a range from greater than about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from greater than about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the upper limit of Al<NUM>O<NUM> may be about <NUM> mol%, <NUM> mol%, <NUM> mol%, <NUM> mol%, or <NUM> mol%.

In one or more embodiments, glass layer(s) herein are described as an aluminosilicate glass article or including an aluminosilicate glass composition. In such embodiments, the glass composition or article formed therefrom includes SiO<NUM> and Al<NUM>O<NUM> and is not a soda lime silicate glass. In this regard, the glass composition or article formed therefrom includes Al<NUM>O<NUM> in an amount of about <NUM> mol% or greater, <NUM> mol% or greater, <NUM> mol% or greater, about <NUM> mol% or greater, about <NUM> mol% or greater.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises B<NUM>O<NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> mol% or greater). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises B<NUM>O<NUM> in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of B<NUM>O<NUM>.

As used herein, the phrase "substantially free" with respect to the components of the composition means that the component is not actively or intentionally added to the composition during initial batching, but may be present as an impurity in an amount less than about <NUM> mol%.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition optionally comprises P<NUM>O<NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> mol% or greater). In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises a non-zero amount of P<NUM>O<NUM> up to and including <NUM> mol%, <NUM> mol%, <NUM> mol%, or <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of PzOs.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a total amount of R<NUM>O (which is the total amount of alkali metal oxide such as Li<NUM>O, Na<NUM>O, K<NUM>O, Rb<NUM>O, and CszO) that is greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%, greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%, or greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes a total amount of R<NUM>O in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of Rb<NUM>O, Cs<NUM>O or both Rb<NUM>O and Cs<NUM>O. In one or more embodiments, the R<NUM>O may include the total amount of Li<NUM>O, Na<NUM>O and K<NUM>O only. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may comprise at least one alkali metal oxide selected from Li<NUM>O, Na<NUM>O and K<NUM>O, wherein the alkali metal oxide is present in an amount greater than about <NUM> mol% or greater.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Na<NUM>O in an amount greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%, greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%, or greater than or equal to about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the composition includes Na<NUM>O in a range from about from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes less than about <NUM> mol% K<NUM>O, less than about <NUM> mol% K<NUM>O, or less than about <NUM> mol% K<NUM>O. In some instances, the glass composition may include K<NUM>O in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of K<NUM>O.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Li<NUM>O. In one or more embodiments, the amount of Na<NUM>O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Li<NUM>O. In some instances, the amount of Na<NUM>O may be greater than the combined amount of Li<NUM>O and K<NUM>O. In one or more alternative embodiments, the amount of Li<NUM>O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Na<NUM>O or the combined amount of Na<NUM>O and K<NUM>O.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a total amount of RO (which is the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxide such as CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO and SrO) in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes a non-zero amount of RO up to about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises RO in an amount from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes CaO in an amount less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, or less than about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of CaO.

In some embodiments, the glass composition comprises MgO in an amount from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises ZrO<NUM> in an amount equal to or less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises ZrO<NUM> in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises SnO<NUM> in an amount equal to or less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises SnO2 in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include an oxide that imparts a color or tint to the glass articles. In some embodiments, the glass composition includes an oxide that prevents discoloration of the glass article when the glass article is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of such oxides include, without limitation oxides of: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo.

In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Fe expressed as Fe<NUM>O<NUM>, wherein Fe is present in an amount up to (and including) about <NUM> mol%. In some embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of Fe. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe<NUM>O<NUM> in an amount equal to or less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%, less than about <NUM> mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises Fe<NUM>O<NUM> in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, or from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween.

Where the glass composition includes TiO<NUM>, TiO<NUM> may be present in an amount of about <NUM> mol% or less, about <NUM> mol% or less, about <NUM> mol% or less or about <NUM> mol% or less. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of TiO<NUM>.

An exemplary glass composition includes SiO<NUM> in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, Al<NUM>O<NUM> in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, Na<NUM>O in an amount in a range from about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, K<NUM>O in an amount in a range of about <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%, and MgO in an amount in a range from about <NUM>. <NUM> mol% to about <NUM> mol%. Optionally, SnO<NUM> may be included in the amounts otherwise disclosed herein.

In one or more embodiments, the substrate includes a glass material (such as outer glass substrate <NUM> or other glass substrate) of any of the deadfront article embodiments discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, such glass substrates may be strengthened. In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be strengthened to include compressive stress that extends from a surface to a depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress regions are balanced by a central portion exhibiting a tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress crosses from a positive (compressive) stress to a negative (tensile) stress.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrates used in the deadfront articles discussed herein may be strengthened mechanically by utilizing a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between portions of the glass to create a compressive stress region and a central region exhibiting a tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass substrate may be strengthened thermally by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used in the deadfront articles discussed herein may be chemically strengthening by ion exchange. In the ion exchange process, ions at or near the surface of the glass substrate are replaced by - or exchanged with - larger ions having the same valence or oxidation state. In those embodiments in which the glass substrate comprises an alkali aluminosilicate glass or soda lime silicate glass, ions in the surface layer of the article and the larger ions are monovalent alkali metal cations, such as Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+. Alternatively, monovalent cations in the surface layer may be replaced with monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations, such as Ag+ or the like. In such embodiments, the monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass substrate generate a stress.

Ion exchange processes are typically carried out by immersing a glass substrate in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing the larger ions to be exchanged with the smaller ions in the glass substrate. It should be noted that aqueous salt baths may also be utilized. In addition, the composition of the bath(s) may include more than one type of larger ion (e.g., Na+ and K+) or a single larger ion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that parameters for the ion exchange process, including, but not limited to, bath composition and temperature, immersion time, the number of immersions of the glass substrate in a salt bath (or baths), use of multiple salt baths, additional steps such as annealing, washing, and the like, are generally determined by the composition of the glass substrate (including the structure of the substrate and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the substrate that results from strengthening.

Exemplary molten bath composition may include nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides of the larger alkali metal ion. Typical nitrates include KNO<NUM>, NaNO<NUM>, LiNO<NUM>, NaSO<NUM> and combinations thereof. The temperature of the molten salt bath typically is in a range from about <NUM> up to about <NUM>, while immersion times range from about <NUM> minutes up to about <NUM> hours depending on the glass thickness, bath temperature and glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity. However, temperatures and immersion times different from those described above may also be used.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to in the deadfront articles may be immersed in a molten salt bath of <NUM>% NaNO<NUM>, <NUM>% KNO<NUM>, or a combination of NaNO<NUM> and KNO<NUM> having a temperature from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the glass substrate of a deadfront article may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath including from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% KNO<NUM> and from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% NaNO<NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate may be immersed in a second bath, after immersion in a first bath. The first and second baths may have different compositions and/or temperatures from one another. The immersion times in the first and second baths may vary. For example, immersion in the first bath may be longer than the immersion in the second bath.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the deadfront articles may be immersed in a molten, mixed salt bath including NaNO<NUM> and KNO<NUM> (e.g., <NUM>%/<NUM>%, <NUM>%/<NUM>%, <NUM>%/<NUM>%) having a temperature less than about <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> or about <NUM>). for less than about <NUM> hours, or even about <NUM> hours or less.

Ion exchange conditions can be tailored to provide a "spike" or to increase the slope of the stress profile at or near the surface of the resulting glass substrate of a deadfront article. The spike may result in a greater surface CS value. This spike can be achieved by single bath or multiple baths, with the bath(s) having a single composition or mixed composition, due to the unique properties of the glass compositions used in the glass substrate of a deadfront article described herein.

In one or more embodiments, where more than one monovalent ion is exchanged into the glass substrate used in the deadfront articles, the different monovalent ions may exchange to different depths within the glass substrate (and generate different magnitudes stresses within the glass substrate at different depths). The resulting relative depths of the stress-generating ions can be determined and cause different characteristics of the stress profile.

CS is measured using those means known in the art, such as by surface stress meter (FSM) using commercially available instruments such as the FSM-<NUM>, manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co. Surface stress measurements rely upon the accurate measurement of the stress optical coefficient (SOC), which is related to the birefringence of the glass. SOC in turn is measured by those methods that are known in the art, such as fiber and four-point bend methods, both of which are described in ASTM standard C770-<NUM> (<NUM>), entitled "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient," and a bulk cylinder method. As used herein CS may be the "maximum compressive stress" which is the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass substrate. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, giving the compressive profile the appearance of a "buried peak.

DOC may be measured by FSM or by a scattered light polariscope (SCALP) (such as the SCALP-<NUM> scattered light polariscope available from Glasstress Ltd. , located in Tallinn Estonia), depending on the strengthening method and conditions. When the glass substrate is chemically strengthened by an ion exchange treatment, FSM or SCALP may be used depending on which ion is exchanged into the glass substrate. Where the stress in the glass substrate is generated by exchanging potassium ions into the glass substrate, FSM is used to measure DOC. Where the stress is generated by exchanging sodium ions into the glass substrate, SCALP is used to measure DOC. Where the stress in the glass substrate is generated by exchanging both potassium and sodium ions into the glass, the DOC is measured by SCALP, since it is believed the exchange depth of sodium indicates the DOC and the exchange depth of potassium ions indicates a change in the magnitude of the compressive stress (but not the change in stress from compressive to tensile); the exchange depth of potassium ions in such glass substrate is measured by FSM. Central tension or CT is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by SCALP.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the deadfront articles maybe strengthened to exhibit a DOC that is described a fraction of the thickness t of the glass substrate (as described herein). For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC may be equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 05t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 1t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 11t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 12t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 13t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 14t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 15t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 16t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 17t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 18t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 19t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. 2t, equal to or greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, The DOC may be in a range from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 09t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 18t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 11t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 12t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 13t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 14t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 15t to about <NUM>. 25t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 24t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 23t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 22t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 21t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 2t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 19t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 18t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 17t, from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. 16t, or from about <NUM>. 08t to about <NUM>. In some instances, the DOC may be about <NUM> or less. In one or more embodiments, the DOC may be about <NUM> or greater (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the deadfront articles may have a CS (which may be found at the surface or a depth within the glass article) of about <NUM> MPa or greater, <NUM> MPa or greater, <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, or about <NUM> MPa or greater.

In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate used to form the deadfront articles may have a maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) of about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, about <NUM> MPa or greater, or about <NUM> MPa or greater. In some embodiments, the maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) may be in a range from about <NUM> MPa to about <NUM> MPa.

Claim 1:
A deadfront article for a vehicle display comprising:
a glass or plastic substrate comprising:
a first surface; and
a second surface opposite the first surface;
a semi-transparent layer disposed onto at least a first portion of the second surface of the substrate, the semi-transparent layer having a region of a solid color or of a design of two or more colors; and
a contrast layer disposed onto at least a portion of the region, the contrast layer configured to enhance visibility of the color of the region or to enhance contrast between the colors of the design of the region on the portion of the region on which the contrast layer is disposed;
wherein the contrast layer is white and comprises a whiteness of from 10W to 60W according to ISO11475:<NUM>; and
wherein in illuminated regions, the deadfront article comprises an average light transmittance in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% along a wavelength range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.