Transparent displays on their way to automobiles
There's no doubt that car dashboards will soon be swept up in the technology revolution -- but rear-view mirrors? Korean company NeoView Kolon developed a kind of transparent transistor for an OLED display, and now they have found a way to integrate that technology into a rear-view mirror. As seen above, the mirror would display what looks like speed as well as two other numerical indicators, what gear you're in, and a host of ancillary information.
If it is really meant for rear-view mirrors we have to wonder what the scientists at NeoView are doing when they drive. It seems unlikely that one could quickly note the information and tell what's going on behind the car. But if nothing else, we certainly applaud the technology.
[Source: Engadget]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Smegley 7:58AM (4/21/2009)
I have a better idea:
They should just put cameras on ever corner and angle of a car that feed into an automobile internal infotainment system, and then the driver puts on a virtual reality head encasement and drives in a virtual world in which he/she is completely detached from the experience altogether.
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dartingd 8:17AM (4/21/2009)
I could see that working if they only showed temperature, heading, and MAYBE gear, but mph and such will be a very distracting thing. /fail
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P.F. Bruns 3:13PM (4/21/2009)
Let's just hope that the company name doesn't become a generic term for the technology. We have enough people looking through their colons while driving without them looking through their Kolons.
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Autophreak 8:46AM (4/21/2009)
I already have a heads up display and gauges that tell me everything else. So whats the point of this.
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Protzenegger 8:48AM (4/21/2009)
Definitely seems redundant. That's what an instrument panel is for.
BoxerFanatic 9:51AM (4/21/2009)
I thought this was a HUD for a second, but if this is some sort of rear-view mirror replacement, that seems less than ideal.
Part of the issue with displaying information, is pertinence. Not everything needs to be displayed prominently with flashing lights, and in lots of locations.
It seems like "bling" and lots of flashing lights, and multi-colored sophisticated, and busy displays get lots of attention on the auto-show stands. But that is not necessarily the best for functionality.
OLED transparent displays do have some interesting implications, but gimmicky stuff is not a good option, and this looks like good tech, with a gimmicky execution.
Really, it needs to be a tool of ergonomics and solid useage studies, to provide better tools, not just new tricks.
Richard 8:53AM (4/21/2009)
Yes, a new view of the colon it certainly is!
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Ben 9:05AM (4/21/2009)
wow, I feel like i'm in the FUTURE
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Nick 9:52AM (4/21/2009)
The future of colonoscopy?
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Randy915 10:25AM (4/21/2009)
U can have the same color guide lines from your existing rearview back up camera integrated into your mirror.
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fixitfixitstop 11:23AM (4/21/2009)
I don't think that's for a rear-view mirror. The main benefit a manufacturer would see out of using this type of device is fewer parts occupying a smaller space in the IP. I think a separate odometer would still be advisable.
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artso06 11:43AM (4/21/2009)
Good example of having technology just for technology sake. Or better yet something to drain MORE energy from the engine. Instead of working on producing lighter, less power draining components we get something that we really don't need....awesome. This however does have potential in something like a home.
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gerrrg 1:53PM (4/21/2009)
Hell, I want my entire front windshield to be this way.
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Noah 2:40PM (4/21/2009)
Could be an ok idea of it doesn't have too many things going on up in there.
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giggles123 5:20PM (4/21/2009)
this is great...because who really needs to see whats goin on behind them while driving anyway?
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fakefrank 12:26AM (4/22/2009)
I think there has been a mistake. I have tracked this back as far as I could and nowhere does it state straight forward that it is a rear view mirror, except for engadget.
Someone may have jumped to a conclusion based on the shape, although it is more shaped like an instrument cluster than anything else. What would be the point for a rear view mirror with this functionality?
So really it is a good looking new solution that will make cars feel more "open" and "clean".
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