| 摘要 |
<p>A view control prism display system in which the viewable angle of an informational display (15) is controlled and limited to certain desired areas (17) by utilizing the reflective and refractive properties of an optical prism element (10) used in association with the informational display. In the exemplary application of a button (6B) in an instrument cluster in a vehicular environment the informational display is included as an applique (15) on a flat surface provided adjacent to but spaced from the optical prism by an air gap (14). A further, "decorated" surface (13), which can be painted black or be frosted, is provided on an adjacent, bottom surface of the optical prism. Within the desired viewing angle in front (11) of the button, the viewer will see the refracted image of the information contained on the applique, while those outside (18) of the desired viewing angle will see the reflected image of the non-informational decorated surface. Likewise, by properly designing the angles of the various surfaces of the optical prism and the locations of the two surfaces, the informational image will not be projected onto the interior side of the windshield, which is located outside of the desired viewing range of angles, preventing any daytime or nighttime reflections from being generated on the windshield or, if so designed, any of the side windows.</p> |
