Digital meter
OwnerChristopher J. Volpe, Arthur S. Browninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An instrument cluster assembly includes a plurality of gauges that each provides an indication and measure for communicating vehicle operating conditions to a vehicle operator. At least one of the gauges includes a secondary scale that includes a plurality of individually illuminatable segments. The measured parameter is indicated by the secondary scales by illuminating select segments in a variable manner between a fully illuminated, partially illuminated and off conditions to provide an additional degree of precision.
Claims19
A gauge for a vehicle comprising:
- a scale representing a vehicle operating parameter, the scale having a plurality of discrete sections representing a single increment of a measured vehicle operating parameter;
- and
- a separate individual light source associated with each of the plurality of discrete sections, wherein each of the light sources are illuminatable according to one of a fully illuminated condition, a partially illuminated condition and a non-illuminated condition.
A vehicle instrument cluster assembly comprising:
- at least one gauge including a scale representing a vehicle operating parameter, the scale having a plurality of discrete sections representing a single increment of a measured vehicle operating parameter;
- and
- a separate individual light source associated with each of the plurality of discrete sections, wherein each of the light sources are illuminatable according to one of a fully illuminated condition, a partially illuminated condition and a non-illuminated condition.
A method of indicating a measured value indicative of a vehicle operating condition, the method comprising the steps of:
- defining a scale to have a plurality of discrete sections;
- associating an increment of a measured valued with each of the plurality of discrete sections;
- illuminating a light source associated with one of the plurality of discrete sections in a partially illuminated condition to indicate a portion of an increment of the measured value;
- and
- illuminating a light source associated with one of the plurality of discrete sections in a fully illuminated condition to indicate an increment of the measured value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.