Robert Bosch

Hartmut Zobt

Georg Haubner

Hans Petermann

To provide for optical indication of output values relating to the operating conditions, or other parameters for display on the dashboard of a display panel, for example on automotive vehicles, a display panel (10) has a plurality of indicating blocks (15a . . . 15k) distributed thereover. A logic circuit, for example provided by a micro-processor (12) supplies data over data busses (21, 41) to the respective indicating blocks, which can be connected in series (FIGS. 2, 4) or in parallel (FIGS. 5-7). The logic circuit is connected through suitable connecting lines (13) with sensor inputs, providing ambiant, or operation or operating data. The logic circuit, additionally, generates data of its own, for example time outputs. The indicating blocks each include a shift register (17, 18, 50) which is connected to a data line, the stages of the shift register being connected to respective indicating elements (16, 53) which, together, formed the indicating blocks--for example LCD elements--so that the shift state of the respective shift register will provide suitable output indications. For example, if a shift register has eight positions, and four sequential positions have a 1-signal and four other sequential positions have a zero-signal, a line can be displayed representative of half-full state of a fuel tank.

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Furth, Germany

Hartmut Zobt