Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle, a light modulation member having variable light transmissivity is disposed on a dial plate. The light modulation member includes a plurality of variable light modulation sections respectively connected to a controller that controls light transmissivity of each one of the variable light modulation sections.

Abstract: A graduation board has an arc-shaped graduation portion and translucent graduations disposed along the graduation portion. A light emitting pointer is disposed on a front side of the graduation board and moves along the graduations. A plurality of LEDs that are disposed on a reverse side of the graduation board emits respective graduations. A control circuit controls an emission order of the LEDs according to the movement of the light emitting pointer when a key switch of the vehicle is turned on. As a result, the combination meter provides attractiveness and originality for the driver, when the key switch turns on.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: An indicator device for vehicles has an information indicator panel, and a cover provided in front of the panel. The cover comprises a base layer, a polarizing layer, an anti-glare layer and an anti-reflection layer. The cover is arranged so that P-polarized light from the polarizing layer becomes incident to a front windshield in an angle of about 56°. Thus, the reflectance of the P-polarized light is reduced to about zero, and the light emitted from the panel is restricted from forming a virtual image by reflection on the front windshield.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle, a light modulation member having variable light transmissivity is disposed on a dial plate. The light modulation member includes a plurality of variable light modulation sections respectively connected to a control means that controls light transmissivity of each one of the variable light modulation sections.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: A graduation board has an arc-shaped graduation portion and translucent graduations disposed along the graduation portion. A light emitting pointer is disposed on a front side of the graduation board and moves along the graduations. A plurality of LEDs that are disposed on a reverse side of the graduation board emits respective graduations. A control circuit controls an emission order of the LEDs according to the movement of the light emitting pointer when a key switch of the vehicle is turned on. As a result, the combination meter provides attractiveness and originality for the driver, when the key switch turns on.