Electrochromic Visor Aids Motorcyclists

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."

Comments

I would buy one

[HotButteredHampster]

If this makes it to market in Canada, I will be first in line to get one. Vision is tremendously important when operating a motorcycle, and tinted visors are a bad compromise at best. Magazines suggest that you should have a second, clear visor and change it after dark, but there are different situations such as tunnels, forest roads, and even weather changes that can darken a sunny day but are easy to wave off as not bad enough to stop, dig out a clear visor and install it.

This would be much more convenient and by extension, safer.

Ah, a Danger-Sensitive Visor!

[ConceptJunkie]

It immediately darkens when dangers is near because what you can't see can't hurt you.

Now if they shrink it down to sunglasses size, we can all be like Zaphod Beeblebrox!