A vehicle component includes a housing, a faceplate, an electrical device a photosensor, and a lighting system. The faceplate is attached to the housing, and has a first opening and a second opening. The electrical device is at least partially disposed within the housing so as to be accessible through the first opening, and having an electrical connection configured to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. The photosensor is at least partially disposed within the housing and within the second opening. The lighting system is configured to be activated by the photosensor and powered by the electrical power supply of the electrical device.

A control device for a vehicle includes a transparent support, an opaque decorative layer, a detection layer, and a light source adapted for emitting a light passing through the transparent support. The opaque decorative layer is printed on the transparent support in a control area, and delimits a pattern forming a pictogram where the decorative layer is missing, with the pictogram having an outer edge. The detection layer is electrically conductive and printed on the transparent support around the pictogram, substantially up to the outer edge of the pictogram, in the control area.

A control device for a vehicle includes a transparent support, an opaque decorative layer, a detection layer, and a light source adapted for emitting a light passing through the transparent support. The opaque decorative layer is printed on the transparent support in a control area, and delimits a pattern forming a pictogram where the decorative layer is missing, with the pictogram having an outer edge. The detection layer is electrically conductive and printed on the transparent support around the pictogram, substantially up to the outer edge of the pictogram, in the control area.

Indicator circuit having a backlight and an indicator light associated with a graphical element. The graphical element is adapted to be illuminated by the indicator light for indicating an active vehicle function as well as backlit by the backlight. A switch coupled to the backlight selectively turns OFF the backlight in response to a drive signal supplied by the indicator light. In this manner, the backlight is OFF when the graphical element is illuminated by the indicator light.

A display device includes a liquid crystal panel providing a display surface where an image is displayed, a backlight emitting light to the liquid crystal panel from behind, a real object placed between the liquid crystal panel and the backlight and visible through the liquid crystal panel, and a controller controlling the liquid crystal panel such that a specific pixel region of the display surface behind which the real object is positioned is higher in light transmittance than another pixel region of the display surface.

A display device includes a liquid crystal panel providing a display surface where an image is displayed, a backlight emitting light to the liquid crystal panel from behind, a real object placed between the liquid crystal panel and the backlight and visible through the liquid crystal panel, and a controller controlling the liquid crystal panel such that a specific pixel region of the display surface behind which the real object is positioned is higher in light transmittance than another pixel region of the display surface.

The present disclosure relates to a control unit for a vehicle interior. In particular, the control unit can comprise an information region with symbols, wherein some symbols are always visible and some symbols are only visible when they are back lit. The application also relates to a method for producing a corresponding control unit. The control unit can be part of a vehicle interior trim part, for example part of an instrument panel, door trim or center console.

Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.

Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.

An integrated lighting insert is provided for multi-function automotive vehicle lighting that has minimal space requirements and provides different lighting functions in a single device with an electronic control module that can easily interface with vehicle electronics. The insert a housing and a plurality of light transmission portions, a plurality of light sources integrated into the housing, each one configured for a different predetermined function associated with a particular use of a condition of or a state of the automobile. An electrical circuit is used along with a communications bus and individual controller circuits associated with the light sources fix controlling the light functions.