Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Electrochromic Visor Aids Motorcyclists

Posted by michael on from the night-rider dept.

opticsorg writes "A team from Uppsala University and the firm Chromogenics Sweden AB have developed a flexible electrochromic foil and integrated it into the visor of a motorcycle helmet. The result is a visor that the rider can electronically switch between dark and transparent states. Applying a voltage of about 1V to the initially transparent visor causes it to darken in a matter of seconds. When the voltage is turned off, the visor keeps its properties, while applying a reverse voltage makes it revert to its natural lightly tinted state."

3 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. This isn't "transparent" by wowbagger · · Score: 4, Informative

    The maximum transmissivity is 50% - in other words, at its "light" setting, it STILL blocks half the light coming in.

    At its "dark" setting, it transmits 20%.

    So what you have is not "clear" and "krylon black", but rather "dark" and "darker". While this is useful, it still would be darker than clear.

    And for all the people who will post about "I want this on my car" - no, you don't. Many municipalities have a legal limit of about 90% on car windows - pass less than this and the nice police officer can ticket you. Since 50% < 90%, if the cop wants to give you grief he can.

    --
    www.eFax.com are spammers
    1. Re:This isn't "transparent" by Shiifty · · Score: 4, Informative

      50% still isn't good enough for night time riding. I use a tinted visor on my helmet and sometimes get caught out after dark without my clear visor. The tint isn't too dark, maybe 35% but its enough to make you feel uncomfortable on main streets, nevermind rural areas. 50% wouldn't be much better. Simple solution, just flip it up if you get caught out, thats what I do.

  2. Sunscreen for the Car by sunbane · · Score: 2, Informative

    We looked into this several years ago after doing a digitized lighting system for a wealthy family up in New Hampshire who had glass capable of this effect in their shower, overlooking a beautiful valley. If you wanted the privacy you could instantly have it. We thought, this is perfect for when your car is parked... block all of the suns rays and heat with a simple switch - no more need for those cardboard sunglasses. Unfortuneately the only supplier we could find wanted $5000 / sq. foot. But, if prices have come down, this would be pretty cool to have.