Development of a New Instrument Cluster with Electrochromic Device (ECD)

We have developed a new automotive instrument cluster consisting of a dial made of a glossy natural metal in order to enhance the high-quality appearance of the cluster. The glass covering the cluster contains an electrochromic device (ECD) to reduce the glare of natural light reflecting off the dial. The ECD automatically controls light transmittance in steps based on the brightness of the surrounding environment.

We had to solve the following two problems before successfully completing the new cluster development:

1. (1)
   Selection of a transparent device that can change the light transmittance; and
2. (2)
   Finding a method for sensing the intensity of sunlight reflected from the dial surface.