Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally related to an instrumental cluster, and more particularly to an adaptive instrument cluster for light detection and brightness control.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The instrument cluster, also known as the odometer, is undeniably one of the most prominent and frequently observed components of any vehicle, especially in the case of a 2-wheeler. It serves as a crucial interface for riders, displaying vital information such as vehicle speed, distance traveled, and status indicators for various vehicle sensors. This makes it not just a functional necessity but also a visually captivating element that contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[0003] Given its importance, ensuring optimal visibility of the Instrument Cluster under different lighting conditions is paramount. The US patent application US20120287663A1, filed by William et al., titled "Display Device for a Vehicle, and Vehicle," describes a vehicle display device. This device includes a display unit that displays image information to the user. It has a display layer with a back and a front surface. The display layer receives the image information on its back surface and displays it on the front surface. Additionally, there is a light guide with a first and a second surface. This light guide directs light from the first surface to the second surface and is positioned to receive at least part of the image information from the display unit at the first surface.
[0004] Similar to the auto-brightness function in modern smartphones, an auto-brightness feature has been integrated into the cluster to automatically adjust display brightness based on ambient sunlight intensity. This feature enhances visibility during the daytime while conserving energy at nighttime, offering a seamless user experience. The auto-brightness feature utilizes a photodiode to sense light intensity, strategically positioned within the cluster.
[0005] However, challenges have arisen due to limitations in the design of the aperture through which the photodiode detects ambient light. The existing design fails to capture sunlight from all directions, resulting in suboptimal light detection and display brightness adjustments. This inadequacy leads to inconsistent visibility of the instrument cluster, thereby affecting the overall user experience.
[0006] To address these challenges, the present system identifies key issues requiring inventive solutions: 1. Inability to accurately capture external light sources from all directions. 2. Absence of a light guide to control the direction of light rays falling on the photodiode.
[0007] By addressing these challenges, the present invention aims to enhance real-time brightness adjustment according to the external lighting situation. The present invention ensures that the instrument cluster remains highly visible under various lighting conditions, thereby improving the rider's experience and safety.
[0008] Thus, in view of the above, there is a long-felt need in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An adaptive instrument cluster for light detection and brightness control is provided substantially, as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures.
[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an adaptive instrument cluster that includes a display panel, a top housing, a top panel, a light guide, a photodiode, a printed circuit board (PCB), a bottom housing, and heat sinks. The display panel is configured to display a plurality of readings and a plurality of indications. The top panel is mounted on the top housing. The top panel is configured to protect the display panel from a plurality of external elements (such as dust, dirt, physical impacts, chemicals, moisture, and liquids) while allowing the readings and the indications to be visible to a rider. The light guide is configured to direct an external light to the photodiode to detect light intensity and control the brightness of the display panel according to ambient lighting brightness. The top housing includes two catches, and the light guide includes two holes, one on each side. The holes are aligned with the catches on the top housing. The light guide is pressed against the catches and securely clamped into place from the bottom side of the top housing. This ensures a stable and secure mounting of the light guide onto the top housing, allowing it to effectively guide external light to the photodiode for automatic brightness adjustment. The top housing provides structural support and encloses the adaptive instrument cluster from the top, with the top panel mounted on the top housing. The bottom housing protects the adaptive instrument cluster from the bottom side and encloses the components located below the PCB.
[0011] The light guide includes a plano-concave lens, a cylindrical body, and a plano-convex lens. The plano-concave lens is facing towards the top side of the instrument cluster to capture light rays. The cylindrical body is configured to allow the light rays to pass through and carry the light rays toward a distal end of the light guide. The plano-convex lens is placed at the distal end of the light guide and facing the photodiode to allow the light rays to evenly spread across the surface of the photodiode. The printed circuit board (PCB) is located beneath the display panel and includes various hardware components to compute the readings. The PCB enables the display panel to display the readings in real-time. The bottom housing is configured to enclose the hardware components located below the PCB. The heat sinks are configured to dissipate heat generated by the display panel and the PCB to the surrounding environment, ensuring optimal temperature regulation.
[0012] In an aspect, the display panel is configured to generate heat during the display of the reading and indications.
[0013] In an aspect, the PCB generates heat during computations of the readings.
[0014] In an aspect, the light guide is installed by creating a passage between the top panel and the top housing.
[0015] In an aspect, the top panel is transparent glass.
[0016] In an aspect, the display panel is a thin-film transistor (TFT) display.
[0017] In an aspect, the top housing is made of plastic.
[0018] In an aspect, the heat sinks are connected to the bottom side of the display panel and PCB respectively and placed between the display panel and PCB, PCB, and the bottom housing respectively.
[0019] One key advantage of this invention is it captures light from all directions to adjust brightness within the instrument cluster, ensuring optimal visibility and user comfort while riding.
[0020] Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to improve the light guide to accurately detect the ambient light intensity, thereby enabling the instrument cluster to adjust its brightness appropriately.
[0021] These features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated by reviewing the following description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures wherein reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiment of devices, systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent an example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0023] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled view of an adaptive instrument cluster, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an adaptive instrument cluster, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the top housing that includes two catches, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates a first perspective view of a light guide, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 4B illustrates a second perspective view of the light guide, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a working principle of the light guide, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0030] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate sectional views 600 of the light guide 118 installed in the adaptive instrument cluster 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS HEREIN
[0031] The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments have been discussed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions provided herein with respect to the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For instance, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond certain implementation choices in the following embodiments.
[0032] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled view of an adaptive instrument cluster 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The adaptive instrument cluster 100 provides more accurate and efficient auto-brightness control for vehicle instrument clusters. By utilizing a specially designed light guide with concave and convex lenses, the adaptive instrument cluster 100 ensures that ambient light is captured from all directions. This leads to precise adjustments in display brightness, enhancing visibility for the rider, especially in varying lighting conditions, while also optimizing energy efficiency. Companies involved in the manufacturing of two-wheelers, automobiles, and other vehicles could benefit significantly from this innovative adaptive instrument cluster 100. The adaptive instrument cluster 100 of the present invention addresses the design limitations associated with the hole used for light capture in the integration of the auto brightness feature in 2-wheeler vehicles. This adaptive instrument cluster 100 enhances the design to ensure that light is captured from all directions and efficiently transmitted to the photodiode. By incorporating innovative solutions such as plano-concave and plano-convex lenses, the adaptive instrument cluster 100 improves the accuracy and effectiveness of light detection, enabling precise adjustments to display brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. The adaptive instrument cluster 100 is designed to enhance user experience, promote safety, and prolong the longevity of motorcycle components, ultimately contributing to a superior riding experience for users. Additionally, it conserves energy by reducing brightness in low ambient lighting conditions.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an adaptive instrument cluster 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The adaptive instrument cluster 100 is adaptable to be used with a vehicle. Examples of the vehicle include but are not limited to a two-wheeler electric vehicle and two-wheeler vehicle. The adaptive instrument cluster 100 includes a display panel 102, a top housing 104, a top panel 106, a light guide 118, a photodiode 108, a printed circuit board (PCB) 110, a bottom housing 114, and heat sinks 116, and 120. The display panel 102 is configured to display a plurality of readings and a plurality of indications. Examples of the readings include but are not limited to odometer readings. Examples of the indications include but are not limited to the status of the left indicator and right indicator, headlight status, and alarm indications. In an embodiment, the display panel 102 is a thin-film transistor (TFT) display. However, examples of the display panel 102 include but are not limited to displays based on LCD, and LED to visually present information such as speed, fuel level, engine temperature, odometer reading, turn signals, and warning indicators. The top panel 106 is mounted on the top housing 104. In an embodiment, the top housing 104 is made of plastic. The top panel 106 is configured to protect the display panel 102 from a plurality of external elements (such as dust, dirt, physical impacts, chemicals, moisture, and liquids) while allowing the readings and the indications to be visible to a rider. In an embodiment, the top panel 106 is transparent glass. The light guide 118 is configured to direct an external light to a photodiode 108 to detect light intensity and control the brightness of the display panel 102 according to ambient lighting brightness. The light guide 118 is installed by creating a passage between the top panel 106 and the top housing 104.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the top housing 104 that includes two catches 105a, and 105b, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The top housing 104 includes two catches 105a, and 105b, and the light guide 118 includes two holes 302a and 302b, one on each side. In an embodiment, the catches 105a, and 105b act as latches to secure the light guide 118. The holes 302a and 302b are aligned with the catches 105a, and 105b on the top housing 104. The light guide 118 is pressed against the catches 105a, and 105b and securely clamped into place from the bottom side of the top housing 104. This ensures a stable and secure mounting of the light guide 118 onto the top housing 104, allowing it to effectively guide external light to the photodiode 108 for automatic brightness adjustment. The top housing 104 provides structural support and encloses the adaptive instrument cluster 100 from the top, with the top panel 106 mounted on the top housing. The bottom housing 114 protects the adaptive instrument cluster 100 from the bottom side and encloses the components located below the PCB 110.
[0036] The printed circuit board (PCB) 110 is located beneath the display panel 102. The PCB 110 includes various hardware components to compute the readings and enables the display panel 102 to display the readings in real-time. According to one embodiment, the PCB 110 integrates all the essential hardware components required for the functionality of the instrument cluster 100. The PCB 110 serves as the physical platform that supports and interconnects these components, providing both mechanical stability and the necessary electrical pathways for signals and power. The hardware components include but are not limited to, a microcontroller unit (MCU), sensors, power supply units, communication interfaces, and memory. Together, these components ensure that the instrument cluster delivers accurate, real-time information to the rider, enhancing both safety and convenience. In one embodiment, the MCU processes input signals from sensors and controls the display of information. The MCU executes software algorithms that interpret sensor data and manage outputs. Sensors, such as speed sensors, fuel level sensors, and temperature sensors, collect real-time data from various parts of the vehicle. For instance, the speed sensor measures the vehicle's speed, while the fuel level sensor monitors the fuel tank's contents. The power supply units provide stable and regulated power to all hardware components on the PCB. The communication interface facilitates communication between the instrument cluster and other electronic control units (ECUs) within the vehicle, such as the engine control unit or body control module. Memory components, such as flash memory and EEPROM, store the firmware that runs on the microcontroller and retain important data, including trip meters and odometer readings.
[0037] The bottom housing 114 is configured to enclose the hardware components located below the PCB 110. The heat sinks 116 and 120 are configured to dissipate heat generated by the display panel 102 and the PCB 110 to the surrounding environment, ensuring optimal temperature regulation. In an embodiment, the display panel 102 is configured to generate heat during the display of the reading and indications. In an embodiment, the PCB 110 generates heat during the computations of the readings. In an embodiment, the heat sinks 116 and 120 are connected to the bottom side of the display panel 102 and bottom side of the PCB 110 respectively, and placed between the display panel 102 and PCB 110, and PCB 110 and the bottom housing 114. According to an embodiment herein, the heat sinks 116 and 120, or heat sink plates are made of aluminum, a material known for its excellent thermal conductivity. The heat sink 116 is in contact with the display panel 102 and conducts heat from both sources: via conduction from the display panel 102 and convection from the PCB 110.
[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates a first perspective view of a light guide 118, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 4B illustrates a second perspective view of the light guide 118, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are explained in conjunction with each other and FIG. 2. The light guide 118 includes a plano-concave lens 304, a cylindrical body 306, and a plano-convex lens 308. The plano-concave lens 304 is facing toward the top side of the instrument cluster to capture light rays. The cylindrical body 306 is configured to allow the light rays to pass through and carry the light rays toward a distal end of the light guide 118. The plano-convex lens 308 is placed at the distal end of the light guide 118 and facing the photodiode 108 to allow the light rays to evenly spread across the surface of the photodiode 108.
[0039] The plano-concave lens 304 has the property of diverging light rays. It is flat on one side and curved inward on the other. When parallel light rays pass through the plano-concave lens 304, they refract outward, causing the rays to spread apart. This divergence happens because the lens is thinner at the center and thicker at the edges, which alters the direction of the light rays away from the central axis.
[0040] In contrast, the plano-convex lens 308 has the property of converging light rays. It is flat on one side and curved outward on the other. When parallel light rays pass through the plano-convex lens 308, they refract inward, causing the rays to converge towards a focal point. This convergence occurs because the lens is thicker at the center and thinner at the edges, directing the light rays toward the central axis.
[0041] In the present invention, the plano-concave lens 308 is used with its concave surface facing outward to capture incoming light rays. This arrangement ensures that the lens effectively gathers light from all directions and directs it into the light guide. The convex curvature on the opposite side of the light guide then diverges the light rays, ensuring uniform illumination across the photodiode surface. This design enhances light detection efficiency and improves the performance of the auto-brightness feature in the instrument cluster.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a working principle of the light guide 118, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 5 depicts the top panel 106, photodiode 108 or a light sensor, plano-concave lens 304, plano-convex lens 308, PCB board 110, light guide 118, and a hole 402. The plano-concave lens 304, characterized by its concave shape, is positioned at the entry point of the light guide 118 to gather and focus light into the light guide 118. To facilitate this process, a hole 402 is created in the top housing 104 or cluster housing, allowing light to enter. At the exit point of the light guide 118, a plano-convex lens 308 with a convex shape is used to disperse the light more evenly. This dispersion results in a wider spread of light at the exit point, thereby increasing the amount of light reaching the light sensor. This configuration ensures optimal light capture and distribution, enhancing the performance of the light detection system and improving the accuracy of brightness adjustments in the instrument cluster.
[0043] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate sectional views 600 of the light guide 118 installed in the adaptive instrument cluster 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 5. Section A-A depicts a placement where the light guide 118 is installed in the adaptive instrument cluster 100.
[0044] The present disclosure further describes the stages of light travel through the lenses to reach the photodiode.
[0045] Light Accommodation on Concave Surface: The light guide within the instrument cluster features a concave surface facing upwards towards the top side of the instrumental cluster. This concave surface provides an expanded area, allowing it to effectively capture external light due to its shape. Regardless of the position of the sun's rays, this surface captures the exact lighting conditions present outside. Light rays fall onto the concave surface from all directions, ensuring comprehensive light capture and utilization.
[0046] Light Passes Through the Light Guide Cylinder: Once captured, the light rays travel through the hollow cylindrical shape of the light guide. This process is similar to how light travels through fiber optics. The cylindrical structure efficiently carries the light toward the other end of the light guide, where the plano-convex lens is positioned.
[0047] Light Diverges from Convex Surface: At the exit point of the light guide, the plano-convex lens is strategically positioned with its plane surface facing the light guide cylinder and its convex surface facing the photodiode. As the light rays pass through the convex surface, they diverge, spreading evenly across the surface of the photodiode. This ensures that the light-sensing surface of the photodiode receives light uniformly.
[0048] The photodiode then senses the intensity of the light and adjusts the brightness of the instrument cluster according to the ambient lighting conditions. This setup ensures that light is effectively captured from all directions outside the cluster, transported through the light guide, and accurately measured by the photodiode. This process guarantees precise adjustments in display brightness based on external lighting conditions, enhancing visibility and user experience.
[0049] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “configured to” or “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “configured to”, “configured with”, “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “configured to”, “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices can exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0050] The light guide of the present invention optimizes the capture and transmission of light for accurate brightness adjustments in instrument clusters. The light guide features a concave surface that effectively captures light from all directions, ensuring that the photodiode receives maximum light input. This capability allows for precise adjustments to the display brightness based on the ambient light conditions.
[0051] Light rays captured by the concave surface travel efficiently through the cylindrical shape of the light guide. This design minimizes light loss, ensuring that a reliable amount of light reaches the photodiode. The integration of a plano-convex lens within the light guide further enhances the system by controlling the dispersion of light rays. This setup ensures uniform illumination of the photodiode surface, which is crucial for accurate brightness adjustments.
[0052] The light guide is versatile and adaptable for use in various instrument cluster configurations, allowing for seamless integration into different vehicle models. This flexibility ensures that the light guide can be widely applied across the automotive industry. By providing precise and reliable light sensing, the light guide design significantly enhances the overall user experience. Riders benefit from consistent display brightness levels that optimize visibility and reduce eye strain, contributing to a safer and more comfortable ride.
[0053] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[0054] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms enclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention, provided they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
, Claims:1. An adaptive instrument cluster (100), comprising:
a display panel (102) configured to display a plurality of readings and a plurality of indications;
a top housing (104);
a top panel (106) mounted on the top housing (104), wherein the top panel (106) is configured to protect the display panel (102) from a plurality of external elements while allowing the readings and the indications to be visible to a rider; and
a light guide (118) configured to direct an external light to a photodiode (108) to detect light intensity and control the brightness of the display panel (102) according to ambient lighting brightness, wherein the top housing (104) comprises at least two catches (105a, and 105b), and the light guide (118) comprises of two holes (302a and 302b), one on each side, wherein the holes (302a and 302b) are aligned with the two catches (105a, and 105b) on the top housing (104), wherein the light guide (118) is pressed against the two catches (105a, and 105b) and securely clamped into place from the bottom side of the top housing (104), wherein the light guide (118) comprises:
a plano-concave lens (304) facing towards the top side of the instrument cluster to capture light rays;
a cylindrical body (306) configured to allow the light rays to pass through and carry the light rays toward a distal end of the light guide (118); and
a plano-convex lens (308) placed at the distal end of the light guide (118) and facing the photodiode (108) to allow the light rays to evenly spread across the surface of the photodiode (108).
2. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) (110) located beneath the display panel (102) comprises a plurality of hardware components to compute the readings, and enables the display panel (102) to displays the readings in real-time.
3. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a bottom housing (114) to enclose the hardware components located below the PCB (110).
4. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display panel (102) is configured to generate heat during the display of the reading and indications.
5. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB (110) generates heat during computations of the readings.
6. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of heat sinks (116 and 120) configured to dissipate heat generated by the display panel (102) and the PCB (110) to the surrounding environment, ensuring optimal temperature regulation.
7. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat sink (116) is in contact with the display panel (102) to conduct heat from the display panel (102) via conduction.
8. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat sink (120) is connected to the bottom housing (114) to conduct heat from the PCB (110) via convection.
9. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light guide (118) is installed by creating a passage between the top panel (106) and the top housing (104).
10. The adaptive instrument cluster (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display panel (102) is a thin-film transistor (TFT) display.