Vision Systems, based in Brignais, France, has come out with a new dimmable window that will certainly be popular in VIP and VVIP planes in the near future.
Called the Nuance SPD-Smart EDWs (Electronically Dimmable Window), it can control the amount of daylight coming through the windows by using hand gestures, but without requiring the passengers to touch the window.
As seen in the video below, by moving your hand from side-to-side the tint level of the entire window changes and up-and-down movement controls the amount of light coming through different areas of the window.
One of the advantages is instead of blocking the view with a shade, the tint can be adjusted to a level where the passenger can still see through the entire window. Other comforts include keeping the cabin cooler and quieter with better thermal and acoustic insulation.
For aircraft designers, cabin-wide control of the windows working in sync with other mood lighting and entertainment systems increases the number of ideas brought forth to the client.
The windows have no moving parts as the electronics are integrated, so time and cost of maintenance is decreased. The windows are also available with a number of colors and tints to suit the requirements of the customer.