RECONFIGURABLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

BACKGROUND

[0007 J Automotive vehicles include an instrument panel with instrumentation to provide information about the operations of the vehicle to the vehicle operator, typically in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A wide variety of information about a vehicle - performance, maintenance, orientation, fuel level, door closure, interior temperature, ambient temperature, compasses and so forth - may be displayed in clusters in various locations throughout the instrument panel. The instrument panel may include any number of different display devices (e.g., liquid crystal display ("LCD"), light emitting diode ("LED"), motor driven pointer over applique, etcetera).

[0002] One drawback of conventional instrument panels is that their packaging is limited primarily by the dimensions of the interior cavity of the automobile as well as the operator's ability to conveniently view the instrumentation. While customer demands regarding vehicle information increase, real estate within the vehicle instrument panel decreases. ^" It is therefore increasingly difficult to display more non-traditional information within the instrument panel along with traditional instrumentation. Moreover, additional instrumentation usually results in additional part and assembly costs.

[0003] Another drawback of conventional instrument panels is that the instrumentation cannot be altered by the vehicle operator or in response to vehicle conditions. Spaces in the instrument panel dedicated to fuel level (for example) may not later be changed to display vehicle speed or ambient temperature. Ideally, the vehicle operator prefers to have information displayed in the most convenient location on an as needed or "just-in-time" basis.

[0004] Accordingly, what is needed is an improved instrument panel and cluster for an automobile. Further, what is needed is an improved manner of configuring a cluster of instrumentation within the instrument panel to display

an increased amount of information within the same or smaller amount of space. Further still, what is needed is a reconfigurable and aesthetically pleasing instrument cluster.

[0005] The teachings herein below extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to one exemplary embodiment, an instrument cluster for use in a passenger vehicle comprises a value indicia configured to indicate a value of a plurality of vehicle data and an applique comprising first and second indicia. A control circuit is configured to receive first and second vehicle data from different data sources and further configured to control the value indicia and first indicia to indicate the first vehicle data and, in response to a signal, to control the value indicia and second indicia to indicate the second vehicle data.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, an instrument cluster for use in a passenger vehicle comprises a light channel, a plurality of light sources coupled to the light channel.. A control circuit is configured to sequentially illuminate the plurality of light sources based on their respective locations upon receipt of a signal.

[0008] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an instrument cluster for use in a passenger vehicle comprises at least one light channel and an applique coupled to the at least one light channel. The applique includes a plurality of indicia. A light source is configured to selectively illuminate any one of the plurality of indicia. A reconfigurable display is configured to illustrate a plurality of messages; each message in the plurality of messages corresponds to at least one indicia in the plurality of indicia. A control circuit is coupled to the light source and reconfigurable display. The control circuit is configured to receive a plurality of signals, each signal in the plurality of signals corresponding to at least one indicia in the plurality of indicia. Upon

receiving a signal in the plurality of signals, the control circuit is configured to illustrate the corresponding message in the plurality of messages and the corresponding indicia in the plurality of indicia.

[0009] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an instrument cluster for use in a passenger vehicle comprises a board. The board comprises a scale portion. The instrument cluster further comprises a hub. The hub includes a non-protruding value indicia and is configured to rotate with respect to the scale portion. Hub is coupled to the instrument cluster in front of the board with respect to an interior of the passenger vehicle. A control circuit is configured to control the hub relative to the scale portion to display vehicle data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view a of a vehicle with an instrument according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 2 is a schematic of two instrument clusters in an instrument panel, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of an instrument cluster, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4A is a schematic of an instrument cluster and electronic circuit, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 4B is a schematic of an instrument cluster and electronic circuit, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0015] FIG . 4C is a schematic of an instrument cluster and electronic circuit, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic a top cross-sectional view of an instrument cluster, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an instrument cluster, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0018] ^" FIG. 7 is a schematic of an instrument cluster, according to yet another exemplary embodiment; and

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic of plurality of instrument clusters, according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring first to FIG. 1 , a vehicle 5 is shown including an instrument cluster 1 0 according to an exemplary embodiment. Instrument cluster 10 is provided in the instrument panel of vehicle 5 and displays a variety of automobile data for a driver. While vehicle 5 is shown as a four-door sedan, it should be understood that instrument cluster 10 may be included in a wide variety of vehicles including but not limited to minivans, sport-utility vehicles, or trucks.

[0021 J Referring to FIGs 2-3, an instrument cluster 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described. Instrument cluster 10 is an assemblage of parts configured to provide automobile data from a plurality of automobile systems (e.g., speedometers, tachometers, fuel gauges, engine oil temperature sensors, engine oil gauges, engine water temperature sensors, engine oil pressure sensors, battery level sensors etc.) to an operator of the automobile and/or passengers of the automobile. Instrument cluster 10 comprises a lens and housing 1 2 configured to be fixedly mounted to an instrument panel 1 4 of an automobile at one or more locations on the instrument panel, such as, in front of the operator, near the center stack, etcetera, or even in an overhead compartment coupled to the headlined of the vehicle. Instrument cluster is suitable for use with an automobile, which can be any passenger vehicle used for land transportation, such as a car, SUV, miniature van, van, truck, etcetera.

[0022] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, instrument cluster 10 provides a light channel 1 6 (or "white box") configured to guide light within the cavity of the instrument panel 14. Light channel 1 6 is coupled to

instrument cluster 10 and is opaque so as to filter light within light channel 1 6. Light channel 1 6 is commonly composed of a molded plastic. While the illustrated embodiment only shows one light channel a plurality of light channels may be utilized with instrument cluster in order to segregate lighting within instrument cluster.

[0023] Coupled to light channel 1 6 are a plurality of appliques 1 8 and 20, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each applique includes silhouettes or selectively illuminable indicia (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) . Each indicia corresponds to a unit of measurement for vehicle data. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, applique 1 8 comprises first indicia such as 22 and 24 which are on a scale for engine revolutions per minute {in kiJo-revolutions). Appliquέ 20 comprises second indicia, such as 40 and 42, which are on a scale for vehicle speed (in miles or kilometers per hour). Indicia may also be configured to display any other information which may be communicated at progressive levels. Indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 have active and inactive states. In the active state indicia are visible to the vehicle operator. Indicia are substantially opaque in the inactive state. The material of applique 1 8 and 20 is configured to substantially transmit light from light sources 50 and 52, respectively, when lit, and to provide a substantially opaque appearance when not lit. Co-pending U.S. Application No. 60/677.983, filed May 5, 2005 entitled, "Vehicle Lens Assembly" is commonly assigned and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0024J In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, indicia are activated via illumination by light sources 50 and 52. Light source 50 and 52 are coupled to light channel 1 6. Light source 50 is configured to illuminate (or activate) first indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 of applique 1 8; light source 52 is configured to illuminate (or activate) second indicia 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 of applique 20. Light sources may be alternatively arranged to illuminate either applique and/or any one of the indicia. As applique 20 illuminates, indicia regarding vehicle speed are activated and visible to the vehicle operator.

Alternatively, when applique 1 8 illuminates, indicia regarding engine performance are activated and visible to the vehicle operator. Therefore, instrument cluster 1 0 is configured, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, to display information regarding vehicle speed and information regarding engine performance within the same instrument cluster location or position therein. Though the illustrated exemplary embodiment shows two appliques and two light sources, any plurality of appliques and light sources may be utilized and combined to alternatively display different information. Applique ^' s or other display surfaces may provide lines, marks, or other indicia representing different values of the automobile data, wherein value indicias indicate the particular value of the vehicle data or parameter sensed by the respective automobile system. Moreover, ultraviolet inking may be utilized to selectively activate indicia on applique.

[0025] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, value indicia 60 is movable with respect to applique 1 8 and 20, and specifically with respect to indicia selectively illuminable indicia (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48). Value indicia 60 is illuminable and extends from the center of appliques to any one of the indicia therein. In the illustrated embodiment, value indicia 60 is motor driven by a motor 62 — a rotatable motor {e.g. a stepper motor, DC motor, etc.) configured to provide an analog value indicia-type display - which rotates value indicia 60 with respect to appliques 18 and 20. Value indicia 60 may be configured to cover an operational range of movement which is less than 360°. The end user is able to read the location of value indicia 60 with respect to any of the indicia and make a determination of certain information, e.g. speed or engine RPMs.

[0026] In another exemplary embodiment, value indicia is linearly movable with respect to indicia or may be incorporated into an LED or LCD screen as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 4B-C. In another exemplary embodiment, value indicia changes colors to indicate certain predetermined conditions, such as yellow to indicate cautionary conditions or green to indicate normal status. Moreover, value indicia may be colored to coordinate

with active indicia on any one of appliquέ provided in the plurality of applique. For example, if applique 1 8 is configured to display green colored indicia, value indicia may be colored green while functioning atop applique 1 8. Alternatively, when value indicia is operating with applique 20, which may be blue and indicative of engine RPMs, value indicia may be colored blue. More examples are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/346,704, Attorney Docket No. 026032-3882 entitled, "Instrument Cluster", filed January 04, 2002 which is commonly assigned and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, when value indicia 60 is illuminable and is substantially opaque when not illuminated so that value indicia 60 appears invisible to the vehicle operator as illustrated in FIG. 4B-C. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment instrument cluster 10 may include a plurality of first indicia 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 which are illuminable by a light source 52; likewise, second indicia 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 are illuminable by light source 50. Each light source is coupled to microprocessor 64 which selectively illuminates any set of indicia 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48. To communicate the relevant vehicle information to the vehicle user control circuit 80 is operative to illuminate any one of value indicia 60a-g. For example, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, to indicate a vehicle speed of 20 mph light source 50 may be powered and value indicia 60a-b may activated. Alternatively, to indicate an engine speed of four kilo- RPMs light source 52 may be powered and value indicia 6Od may be illuminated. Likewise, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4C, to indicate a vehicle speed of 20 mph light source 50 may be powered and value indicia 60a may activated. Alternatively, to indicate an engine speed of three kilo-RPMs light source 52 may be powered and value indicia 6Of may be illuminated. Source indicia 1 60 and 1 62 are operative to indicate which of the two or more vehicle data is being represented by value indicia. In such arrangements a pointer is not necessary to communicate vehicle information to the vehicle user through instrument cluster 10. Moreover, in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of FIGs 2-4C first indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32

are in proximate vicinity with respect to second indicia 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 to conserve space within instrument cluster 10. For example, first indicia and second indicia can be provided in the same portion of instrument cluster 10 which is traditionally displayed in two separate areas of instrument cluster 10. First and second indicia displaying two different sets of vehicle information may be compacted into substantially the same area of instrument cluster 1 0, as shown in FIGs 2-4C, thus providing the same information to the vehicle user in a smaller amount of space.

[0028] Arrangements of indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 are not limited to a circular arrangements in establishing proximate vicinity. For example, indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 may be adjacent, interposed, interspersed, co-linear, and/or in any geometric formation or relationship. In an alternative embodiment, first indicia and second indicia need not be in proximate vicinity; however, substantially the same portion of instrument cluster can still be utilized to display first and second vehicle data by utilizing the same value indicia to show both first and second indicia at different times. In this embodiment, a source indicia can indicate which of the two or more vehicle data is being represented by value indicia, yet first and second indicia need not be proximate to each other. For example, first indicia 1 60 and second indicia 1 62 could be spaced farther apart with respect to each other.

[0029] Value indicia 60, stepper motor 62 and light sources 50, 52 are governed by a control circuit 80. Control circuit 80 is configured to receive vehicle data (or a signal), to control value indicia 60 to indicate a first vehicle data using a first indicia (e.g., 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 of applique 1 8) to the vehicle operator and, in response to a command, to control value indicia 60 to indicate a second vehicle data using the second indicia (e.g., 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 of applique 20). In one exemplary embodiment, control circuit 80 includes a control circuit 64 which is configured to receive any plurality of signals (or vehicle data e.g., 66, 68 and 70) relating to vehicle information. Control circuit 64 is configured to receive a signal indicative of any of the

following: vehicle speed, engine speed, maintenance, orientation, fuel level, door closure, interior temperature, ambient temperature, compasses, etcetera. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, control circuit 64 is configured to receive signal 66 and signal 68. Signal 66 is indicative of vehicle speed and is coupled to a data source 72 (e.g., a speed sensor). Signal 68 is indicative of engine speed and is coupled to a data source 74 (e.g., a tachometer). When the vehicle operator wishes to have information regarding vehicle speed (for example) displayed vehicle data 70 is received by control circuit 64. Control circuit 64 supplies power to light source 52 which activates second indicia 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 of applique 20. Value indicia 60 is driven or rotated by stepper motor 62 which may be governed according to the appropriate scale by control circuit 64.

[OO3O] Alternatively, when the vehicle operator wishes to have information regarding engine speed (for example) vehicle data 68 is received by control circuit 64 which supplies power to light source 50, thereby activating first indicia 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 of applique 1 8. Value indicia 60 is rotated according to RPMs (or kilo-RPMs) by control circuit 64. Therefore, value indicia 60 may be utilized to display multiple information having varying scales or units of measurement.

[0031] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A-C, control circuit 64 is also configured to activate light sources (50, 52) according to any one of a plurality of predetermined conditions. For example, in vehicles with dual clutch transmissions, the vehicle transmission operates selectively in automatic mode or manual mode. When the vehicle is in automatic mode it may be desirable to have engine speed displayed in a particular area of instrument cluster. Light source 50 may be activated by control circuit 80 to accommodate. When the vehicle user switches the vehicle into manual mode it may be desirable to illuminate light source 52, activate indicia 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 of applique 20, and provide information regarding engine speed to the vehicle operator. Control circuit 64 is configured to automatically switch between supplying power to light source (50, 52) according to the operating

mode of the transmission. While in the illustrated embodiment, control circuit 80 is configured to display information about vehicle speed and RPMs, in another exemplary embodiment control circuit 80 is configured to display information regarding any number of conditions including: vehicle speed, engine speed, time, ambient temperature, interior temperature, atmosphere composition and so forth.

[0032] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG . 4A-C, microprocessor 64 is coupled to a control circuit 80 which comprises a printed circuit board, a speedometer 72 and tachometer 74. Alternatively, control circuit 80 can comprise one or more analog and/or digital electrical or electronic components, and may include a microprocessor, control circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic, and/or other circuit elements. In this exemplary embodiment, control circuit 80 is configured to receive data via one or more electrical wires or buses from a plurality of automobile systems within the automobile. For example, control circuit 80 can be configured to receive fuel data from a fuel level sensor and engine oil temperature data from an engine oil temperature sensor on an automobile,

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, light sources are illuminated so that consecutive illumination of light sources gives the appearance of a waving array of lights. Instrument cluster 1 0 comprises a light channel and a plurality of light sources coupled to the light channel, A control circuit is configured to selectively illuminate the plurality of light sources in sequence based on the location of the light sources in the instrument cluster 1 0, e.g., from left to right, top to bottom, vice-versa, diagonally, or in repeated waving patterns. The control circuit is configured to sequentially illuminate the plurality of light sources upon receipt of the signal. Such an arrangement may be ideal for vehicle start up, such as in an animation sequence described in co-pending U.S. Application No. 1 1 /195, 1 1 2, filed August 2, 2005, entitled "Instrument Cluster Animation Bypass System, Method and Computer Code Product," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, a display 90a-j, as shown in FIGs 5 and 8 is provided within instrument cluster 10. Display 90 is configured to illustrate a number of preset messages or "tell tails". Such preset messages can be event triggered to display the information that is likely to be of most relevance to the vehicle operator. For example, display may be arranged to display "Fuel Tank Low" or an image of an empty fuel tank or an animated picture of a car stranded on the side of a road as a result of running out of fuel. Personal reminders may also be preset into display 90. For example, "Have a nice day", "Buckle Your Safety Belt", or "Pick up Joey from soccer practice at 4:00 pm". Such messages can be displayed during start up, shut down, upon reaching a certain vehicle speed, or in response to the values of other vehicle data and/or user settings. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, information displayed on applique (e.g., 18 or 20} corresponds to information shown on display 90. For example, if user is traveling over the legal speed limit a message such as "Slow Down" may appear on display while value indicia is moved toward (e.g., the 80 MPH indicia on applique 20) in instrument cluster 10. In the exemplary embodiment control circuit 64 is coupled to light source (e.g., 50 or 52) and display 90. The control circuit is configured to receive a plurality of signals (or vehicle data). Signal 70 corresponds to at least one indicia in the plurality of indicia of an applique. Upon receiving a signal in the plurality of signals, control circuit 64 is configured to illustrate the corresponding message in the plurality of messages and activate the corresponding indicia in the plurality of indicia.

[0035] In yet another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs 5-7 board 100 {or applique) includes a scale portion 102 (having indicia 1 08). Scale portion 1 02 has hash marks 1 10 or a scale. A hub 104 defines a non- protruding value indicia .106 which is flush to hub 104 and is configured to rotate with respect to scale portion 102. Hub 104 can be of various shapes. As hub 1 06 rotates, value indicia 106 rotates; both are driven by a stepper motor (e.g., 62) controlled by control circuit 64, In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, hub 104 comprises an applique 100 defining value indicia 1 06 by

way of a transparent portion of hub 104 in board 100. Hub 104 is coupled to instrument cluster 10 in front of board 1 00 with respect to the vehicle interior of the passenger vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, hub 1 04 and scale portion 102 are selectively illuminable by light source 1 50 controlled by control circuit 80. When hub 104 and scale portion 102 are not illuminated hub 1 04 and scale portion 102 are substantially opaque so as to appear invisible to a vehicle user (e.g., instrument cluster 10 would have what is commonly referred to as a "dead front" appearance). In other exemplary embodiments, hub 1 04 may comprises materials other than appliques and value indicia 106 which can by printed onto the hub or may comprise a light pipe or guide or other material which can be lighted by a light source to provide the appearance of a value indicia to the user. Stepper motor 62 is governed by a control circuit 80 which is also configured to receive an input signal instructing light source (e.g., 50 or 52) to illuminate hub 104 and scale portion 102. Hub 104 and scale portion 1 02 also have an active and inactive state in which hub and scale portion are selectively visible by the vehicle operator. In active state hub 104 and scale portion 102 are illuminated by a light source.

[0036J While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the Figures and described above are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims.