US5504661A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Translucent fluorescent filter for display panels
Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1994-07-05
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Granted: 1996-04-02
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Expires: 2014-07-05
Abstract
Abstract In a display apparatus using projected illumination for display elements, a translucent fluorescent filter is disposed between the light source and the display element. The filter modifies the visible spectrum of light illuminating the display element. A single light source can be used to achieve a color that is not present or is very low in the original source without added complexity in a control panel. Acceptable luminance levels are achieved in multi-colored control panels with a single light source.
Inventors
- 👤 Archana Szpak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01D11/28; B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/10; B60Q3/14; B60Q3/16; B60Q3/18; B60Q3/60; B60Q3/62; B60Q3/64; B60Q3/68
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An automotive illumination apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; a light source backlighting said backlit display panel and directing illumination toward said first translucent graphic and said second translucent graphic, said light source having a luminance at said first predetermined color less than a desired total luminance to be provided by said first translucent graphic; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said light source and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said second predetermined color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An automotive illumination apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; a light source backlighting said backlit display panel and directing illumination toward said first translucent graphic and said second translucent graphic, said light source having a luminance at said first predetermined color less than a desired total luminance to be provided by said first translucent graphic; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said light source and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said second predetermined color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light source is comprised of an electroluminescent lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light source is comprised of filtered incandescent light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said layer of fluorescent material comprises a fluorescent pigment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said fluorescent pigment is carried in a substantially clear matrix.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said layer of fluorescent material comprises a fluorescent pigment screened on said electroluminescent lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said layer of fluorescent material comprises a fluorescent pigment screened on said backlit display panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color; an electroluminescent lamp in the form of a thin sheet having a first light emitting area disposed behind and illuminating said first translucent graphic and a second light emitting area disposed behind and illuminating said second translucent graphic, said first and second light emitting areas emitting substantially identical light having an intrinsic color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said first light emitting area and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said intrinsic color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color; an electroluminescent lamp in the form of a thin sheet having a first light emitting area disposed behind and illuminating said first translucent graphic and a second light emitting area disposed behind and illuminating said second translucent graphic, said first and second light emitting areas emitting substantially identical light having an intrinsic color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said first light emitting area and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said intrinsic color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said layer of fluorescent material is comprised of a fluorescent pigment carried in a substantially clear matrix.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said layer of fluorescent material is applied to said electroluminescent lamp in a screening process to selectively cover said first light emitting area.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automotive illumination apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; a substantially white light source backlighting said backlit display panel and directing illumination toward said first translucent graphic and said second translucent graphic; a light filter disposed between said backlit display panel and said substantially white light source, said light filter substantially blocking all light in said substantially white light source other than said second predetermined color whereby light directed through said light filter toward said first translucent graphic has a luminance at said first predetermined color less than a desired total luminance to be provided by said first translucent graphic; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said light filter and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said second predetermined color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automotive illumination apparatus comprising: a backlit display panel having first and second translucent graphics, said first translucent graphic being displayed with a first predetermined color, said second translucent graphic being displayed with a second predetermined color corresponding to a higher frequency than said first predetermined color; a substantially white light source backlighting said backlit display panel and directing illumination toward said first translucent graphic and said second translucent graphic; a light filter disposed between said backlit display panel and said substantially white light source, said light filter substantially blocking all light in said substantially white light source other than said second predetermined color whereby light directed through said light filter toward said first translucent graphic has a luminance at said first predetermined color less than a desired total luminance to be provided by said first translucent graphic; and a layer of fluorescent material disposed between said light filter and said first translucent graphic, said fluorescent material characterized by light absorption at said second predetermined color and light re-emission including said first predetermined color.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first translucent graphic has the color of said first predetermined color.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said second translucent graphic is substantially white in color.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said backlit display panel is comprised of an applique, said applique including a substantially clear substrate having said layer of fluorescent material, said first and second translucent graphics, and an opaque background disposed thereon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a substantially white translucent layer disposed on said applique between said layer of fluorescent material and said first translucent graphic.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-04-02 | 1999-10-02 | 2000-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-02 | 2003-10-02 | 2004-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-02 | 2007-10-02 | 2008-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |