Patent ID: 8045421

Claim:
An instrument, comprising: a first portion of an instrument display oriented substantially parallel to a plane; at least two light sources; and a light diffusion device having at least a first surface parallel to the plane and at least one side angled with respect to the plane, the at least one side extending entirely around the first surface, wherein the at least two light sources are positioned proximal to the at least one side of the light diffusion device, and wherein light from the at least two light sources is diffused by the light diffusion device and propagates through said first surface parallel to the plane to backlight the first portion of the instrument display, wherein the light diffusion device further includes a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first portion of the instrument display is located proximal to the first surface, and wherein the plate is positioned proximal to the second surface, and wherein the at least one side surface extends between the first surface and the second surface.