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altspace
11-08-2007, 10:06 AM
Hino Motors, Ltd has unveiled a concept motorcoach incorporating SPD-Smart light-control windows – a technology that blocks more than 99% of UV radiation and allows vehicle occupants to instantly control the amount of sunlight, glare and heat passing through the windows and sunroofs.

The patented technology developed by Research Frontiers Inc. is featured in the S’elega Premium luxury tour bus which is currently on display at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.

The S’elega Premium has five large curved SPD-Smart laminated window panels totaling over 11 square meters of glass (more than 36 square feet) on the side of the motorcoach. The windows can be instantly, uniformly and accurately dimmed at the touch of a button. They vary from appearing as clear as a standard automotive windshield to being six to eight times darker than a dark conventional automotive window film in a transition that takes just seconds.

As well as providing control over the amount of light, glare and heat passing through the windows, the system featured on the S’elega Premium also boasts noise reduction properties, greater security for both privacy and structural integrity, and the protection of interiors and occupants from heat and harmful ultraviolet radiation.

In the tour bus environment, SPD-Smart windows also permit the tour guide to selectively reveal scenery during the tour and passengers can adjust the tint of their own windows according to personal preference.

The concept motorcoach itself offers a number of notable features designed to take touring to a new level of luxury including a spacious leather seating layout (2 seats per row), large personal monitors and on-board galley for passenger service.

SPD technology has many applications outside the automotive industry where light-control is useful. These include marine, aerospace and building applications as well as sunglasses that can be adjusted to regulate the amount of light entering.

protegeV
11-08-2007, 10:50 AM
taht sounds cool. Love to see the look on a cops face when he pulls you over for your limo tint and by the time he gets up to your window its clear...lol

TinmanMS6
11-08-2007, 11:08 AM
I don't think he'd be that upset. I'm pretty sure that a lot of the problem with dark tint is that an officer can't see what's going on inside the car when he approaches.

BlackCherry06
11-08-2007, 11:11 AM
I think this is an excellent idea. There's a lot of people who like dark tint but wish it wasn't there when it's time to back up at night in a dark parking lot. I'd keep mine on max tint all the time except when I'm backing up at night in unfamiliar territory, and when I get pulled over. Being able to switch it at-will would truly be a luxury worth having.

fourthmeal
11-08-2007, 11:41 AM
It would be extremely sweet for cars here in Vegas, when you leave them in the sun! Shut down, all goes pitch black. Also good for theft issues.

This technology is used already in some other applications, it seems a great idea to use it here too.

Foolish
11-08-2007, 12:19 PM
Yeah, it would be awesome if you could tint all the glass including the windshield completely opaque when parked. I'd also like the ability to have only a light tint or none at all at night, for better visibility.

altspace
11-08-2007, 01:52 PM
"six to eight times darker than a dark conventional automotive window film"...now that's got to be really difficult to see through.