Light guide-based deadfront for display, related methods and vehicle interior systems

A vehicle interior system comprising:

• a cover structure comprising:
• a cover glass layer;
• a first layer of light transmitting ink or pigment disposed on the cover glass layer, wherein the first layer of light transmitting ink or pigment comprises any one of a wood-grain design, a leather-grain design, a fabric design, a brushed metal design, a graphic design, and a logo;
• and
• an image enhancing layer of white light transmitting ink or pigment disposed on the first layer, the image enhancing layer increasing contrast of portions of the first layer of light transmitting ink or pigment;
• a glass light guide layer attached to the cover structure, wherein the first layer and the image enhancing layer are disposed between the cover structure and the glass light guide layer;
• a light extraction layer located on a surface of the glass light guide layer;
• and
• a first light source optically coupled to the glass light guide layer such that light from the first light source is carried within the glass light guide layer via total internal reflection;
• wherein, when the first light source is activated, the light within the glass light guide layer is extracted out by the light extraction layer in the shape of a display graphic which is visible through the cover glass layer, and
• wherein the light extraction layer is not visible through the cover glass layer when the first light source is inactive.