Hino Motors showcases light-controlling SPD-Smart windows

Think user-controlled Transitions lenses, but for automobiles. Got it? If so, then you've got a pretty decent idea of what makes Hino Motor's concept motorcoach -- which was being shown off at this year's Tokyo Motor Show -- unique. Developed by Research Frontiers, the SPD-Smart technology covering those expansive panels there on your right "allows vehicle occupants to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the amount of sunlight, glare and heat passing through the windows, sunroofs and other glazings." Additionally, it blocks over 99-percent of harmful UV radiation and can be darkened or lightened with the press of a button. Unfortunately, we've no idea when this tech will be headed to your everyday commuter car, but we can hear window tinters the world over grumbling in unison.

[Via Gizmag]

[euclid @ Oct 30th 2007 7:21AM]

Finally. I've envisioned this for a long long time and I have no idea why we don't have this on everyday cars yet.

[uberfu @ Oct 30th 2007 2:12PM]

I've been intrigue with this on cars since I saw the tech on glasses years ago myself_ The tint in my car is to the point I need to replace it_

Here's to hoping the tech moves quick enough to the consumer level for us to enjoy in our lifetimes_

[Onetruebill @ Oct 30th 2007 3:01PM]

Its actually very simple.
Camry = $30,000 roughly
Camry + cool windows = You don't want to know

[Jason @ Oct 30th 2007 7:42AM]

Maybach has been doing something similar on the 62 model for a few years... only on theirs it's a little bit more amazing. The glass doesn't tint (ala transitions), it instantly "frosts" at the press of a button for privacy. It's really amazing to see in real life.

[Tommy Rutledge @ Oct 30th 2007 10:32AM]

I saw "instant on" window tinting probably 20 years ago on a concept car. It was fantastically cool then, and I've been waiting for it ever since. Nice to see that it's making it's way around again.

[RB @ Oct 30th 2007 11:33AM]

I think part of the reason it's slow to market is the phrase "SPD light-control technology is protected by over 500 patents and patent applications" in the linked doc. Christ, everyone want's their $0.02 on this one it seems.

Bet those windows are damn expensive. Window tinters can go on smokin their joints with no worries for quite a while I bet... (and it looks like it's a film anyhow, so maybe they will end up applying it as well).

The only problem I see is that they turn dark on power loss, so a component failure in a vehicle means your visibility is reduced.

[Pokerface @ Oct 31st 2007 12:49AM]

You said: "I think part of the reason it's slow to market is the phrase "SPD light-control technology is protected by over 500 patents and patent applications" in the linked doc. Christ, everyone want's their $0.02 on this one it seems."

You should know all of the patents are owned by one company, Research Frontiers, traded on the NASDAQ under the REFR symbol. They have a website. You would be smart to buy their stock at $14-$15 like it traded today. Or at least buy some options.

Good Luck.

[Pokerface @ Oct 31st 2007 12:49AM]

Also you said: "The only problem I see is that they turn dark on power loss, so a component failure in a vehicle means your visibility is reduced."

Have you ever heard of a battery backup?

[classlessclown @ Nov 17th 2007 10:36AM]

"The only problem I see is that they turn dark on power loss, so a component failure in a vehicle means your visibility is reduced."

This is not a problem if you choose the version of SPD film which is not opaque but merely legally shaded in its darkest state. This film is able to be made in multiple variable ranges and can be made to order from what I have learned about the technology from some friends who have worked with it at their jobs.

[Gonzie @ Oct 30th 2007 12:11PM]

thank god, there's no better place for this kinda tech than coaches the oven with many wheels, the hot box of the road and it can't come a minute too soon

[T.H. @ Oct 30th 2007 12:28PM]

This is like the Popular Science article way way back on the infrared cameras that go at the bottom of the windshield. An idea that is cool and would increase usability in a car but is very late in coming. Infrared cameras showing what's ahead is just starting to show up in higher end cars, I shudder to think what this would cost when it does go in production. But on the bright side, much like power windows and other options, it should trickle down to eventually (hopefully) become a standard feature for the everyman.

[Pokerface @ Oct 31st 2007 12:59AM]

It won't be much longer before this appears in cars and it actually will be cheaper than the Maybach Liquid Chrystal technology. Plus this is variable tint, not two states as in the Maybach. Plus the Mayback technology scatters light, not as helpful if at all cooling a car. But SPD blocks the light.

AGP Glass also is showing the technology at SEMA this week to serve the aftermarket.

[thiel @ Oct 31st 2007 1:20AM]

Stuff the glass - check this interior!

http://response.jp/issue/2007/1030/article101161_1.images/158554.jpg