Systems and methods are disclosed and include a needle control module that includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium, a motor driver circuit in communication with the needle control module, the motor driver circuit controlling a stepper motor attached to a needle, and a housing enclosing the needle control module, the motor driver circuit, and the stepper motor, the housing being physically attached to a display of a vehicle. In response to the needle control module receiving a signal representing vehicle state information, the needle control module is configured to instruct the motor driver circuit to control movement of the stepper motor and adjust a position of the needle based on the signal.

An indicator instrument for a vehicle includes a rotational indicator that indicates a vehicle state parameter, and a stepper motor that rotates the rotational indicator. The stepper motor includes an output gear, a reduction mechanism, a motor casing housing the output gear and the reduction mechanism. The output gear includes an output shaft rotatable together with the rotational indicator, and a last-stage gear extending radially outward from the output shaft. The reduction mechanism includes a reduction gear engaged with the last-stage gear. The rotational indicator includes a rotational shaft press-fitted to a specified portion of the output shaft in the motor casing. The specified portion is displaced from the last-stage gear in an axial direction of the output shaft.

A method for displaying a pointer in an instrument panel is described. The method comprises retrieving a current instrument status of an instrument of the instrument panel that is to be displayed, determining a pointer form on the basis of the current instrument status, retrieving of the determined pointer form from a texture atlas, and rendering the pointer in the instrument panel with the retrieved pointer form. There is further described a device for displaying an instrument panel, which device comprises a display module configured to display at least one instrument panel having at least one pointer instrument, and a controller configured to carry out the method using the display module. A vehicle having such a device is also disclosed.

An instrument panel for a motor vehicle includes: a display area including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is located in a first main plane of extension. The second portion is located in a second main plane of extension. The second main plane of extension is positioned relative to the first main plane of extension with respect to a user of the instrument panel such that the second portion of the display area is positioned further from a normal position of the eyes of the user relative to the first portion of the display area. The instrument panel further includes an optical conductor, the optical conductor including a first part and a second part. At least part of the second portion and/or at least part of the third portion of the display area is illuminated by the second part of the optical conductor.

The invention provides a system for providing an indication including a meniscus mobilizer, a meniscus mobilized by at least meniscus mobilizer, and at least one fluid forming the meniscus, such that mobilization of the meniscus by the meniscus mobilize is accomplished through the use of an electro-mechanical or mechanical sub-system. The system further includes a temperature control sub-system, whereby the temperature control sub-system securitizes and optimizes a meniscus displacement velocity of the meniscus. The system further includes an element of a vehicle, such as a windshield, indicators within the cockpit of the vehicle, ship, train, motorcycle or airplane. Optionally, the element comprises a transparent glass. The indication is an indication of time or other parameter such as speed, acceleration, etc. Indication is provided by means of a fluorescent active fluid that forms the meniscus. The invention includes an ultraviolet light generator. Optionally, the ultraviolet light generator is an LED, whereby the system is not lighted in an orthogonal direction and thereby invisible to a driver of a vehicle.

A needle type gauge includes: a needle that includes a main rotating portion that rotates around a rotation shaft, and an indicator which points out an index part; and an actuator. The main rotating portion includes a light emitting portion that emits strip-shaped light. The light emitting portion is located at the actuator side relative to the indicator, and emits the strip-shaped light to a nearby area to the indicator and located, relative the indicator, at one side in a rotation direction of the indicator. The needle includes a shield which extends in a direction of the actuator from the indicator, extends along the indicator, and blocks, among the strip-shaped light, light directed from the one side in the rotation direction of the indicator to the other side therein.

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 (40) that displays information of a plurality of variables that reflect a state of a vehicle, the display device (40) including: a first meter image (41) including a first scale displaying (42) part that displays a scale of a first variable included in the plurality of variables and an indicating part (43) that indicates the first variable that varies with the state of the vehicle and rotating the first scale displaying part (42) in accordance with variation of the first variable, fixing the position of the indicating part (43); and a second meter image (44) including a second scale displaying part (45) that displays a scale of a second variable included in the plurality of variables and a displaying part (46) that displays the second variable that varies with the state of the vehicle, wherein the first meter image (41) and the second meter image (44) are adjacent to each other.

A pointer device for an indicator instrument, in particular for a vehicle, is provided with a light-guide body defined by a single piece, which, in use, receives light from a light source and has a hub and a pointer radially protruding from the hub; the hub has a surface covered by a shield and a light transmission portion, which, on the opposite side, ends with at least one light emission area; the device is provided with a cap defined by a single piece, which is separate from said light-guide body and has an intermediate portion and a lateral portion arranged in an inner and outer radial position, respectively, relative to the light transmission portion; the cap has at least one through opening aligned with the light emission area and connection portions extending radially and joining the intermediate portion to the lateral portion.

A display device, for a hybrid vehicle for displaying an output relating to traveling of the hybrid vehicle, includes a first region and a second region. The first region indicates the output in a first mode in which an internal combustion engine is stopped and the vehicle travels using an electric motor. The second region indicates the output in a second mode in which the internal combustion engine is operated to travel. The first region includes a third region positioned close to the second region and indicating the output at which the internal combustion engine possibly starts up.