The present invention provides a composite structure comprising a translucent layer (1) having a light transmittance of 1 to 50%, an opaque layer (2) containing a translucent area (6), and a touch sensor area (5) that is at least partly arranged in or above or below the translucent area of layer (2). The present invention also provides a method of producing the composite structure. The composite structure can be used to replace conventional buttons in motor vehicles.

A trim element having a first aspect layer, a lighting device emitting light to the first aspect layer, and a first obturation layer extending between the lighting device and the first aspect layer. The first obturation layer includes at least two first optical obturation areas, configurable between an open position, in which a first optical obturation area lets light pass through, and a closed position, in which a first optical obturation area prevents the passage of light. The trim element includes a second aspect layer and a second obturation layer having at least two second optical obturation areas that are configurable between an open position and a closed position.

A surface display unit incorporates an opaque screen and an image panel. The opaque screen is disposed on the front side of the image panel which provides an optical image. The opaque screen generally hides the image panel while the surface display unit is not in use. When the image panel is activated to provide an optical image, the opaque screen provides a suitable level of transparency so that a viewer can observe the optical image with sufficient clarity. The opaque screen can provide optical enhancement, decorative texture, and/or mechanical support.

An operating system for a motor vehicle has an operating surface with at least one operating area that is indicated by a symbol system on the operating surface, a touch sensor system by means of which a touch of the operating area is detectable, a drive for generating a haptic feedback by a movement of the operating surface, a drive frame which connects the drive to the operating surface in a force-transmitting manner, and an operating system carrier relative to which the operating surface is movable for generating the haptic feedback. An elastically pretensioned mounting is provided between the drive frame and the operating system carrier.

The invention relates to a method for producing a fiber optic element (102). An optical fiber (106) is coated at least in part with a transparent metal layer (108) by sputtering at least one metallic diffuser thereon.

A component for a vehicle interior with a display panel is disclosed. The component may comprise a module comprising an insert and a cover. The cover and the insert may be configured to facilitate optical performance of the module. The insert may allow light to pass from the display panel to the cover and may limit reflection of light between the display panel and cover. An index of refraction of the insert may match an index of refraction of the cover. An outer surface of the insert may be contoured to align with a contoured surface of the cover. The insert may comprise a flat inner surface and a curved outer surface. The insert may be attached to the cover by an adhesive comprising an index of refraction between that of the cover and the insert. The cover may comprise glass and/or plastic.

Display device is disclosed herein, and may be implementable in a variety of contexts, including a motor vehicle (for example, the instrument cluster). A semi-transparent plane is essentially placed in between a display and a mechanical element member. This allows a virtual projection of information over the mechanical plane in an on-state, while the mechanical element shows non-indicia during the off state.

A control panel for a vehicle and comprising: a flat main body having at least one first through opening, which is obtained inside it and is completely surrounded by the flat main body; and a flat secondary body, which has the same shape and the same size as the first through opening of the main body, has a first face and a second face opposite one another, and is arranged in the area of the first through opening of the main body. The flat secondary body is mounted in a rotary manner in order to rotate around a rotation axis so that, by rotating each time by 180? around the rotation axis, the secondary body shows, through the first through opening of the main body, its first face or, alternatively, its second face.

A display device for a vehicle includes: a dial plate having an indicator portion corresponding to vehicle information on a viewing side; an image display panel disposed on a back side of the dial plate opposite to the viewing side to luminescently display an image; and a light transmissive display plate that includes a reflective portion disposed on the viewing side of the dial plate to reflect a light from a light source to the viewing side. A region of the dial plate, which faces the image display panel, is set to have a light transmission property to transmit the image of the image display panel through the region of the dial plate.

A surface display unit incorporates an opaque screen (180) and an image panel (110). The opaque screen is disposed on the front side of the image panel which provides an optical image. The opaque screen generally hides the image panel while the surface display unit is not in use. When the image panel is activated to provide an optical image, the opaque screen provides a suitable level of transparency so that a viewer can observe the optical image with sufficient clarity. The opaque screen can provide optical enhancement, decorative texture, and/or mechanical support and include antiglare, anti-reflective, and anti-scratch films (140, 150, 160). The opque screen can be a laminated polymer film, an electrochromic or photochromic system, or a switchable dye doped liquid crystal material.