How does smart glass work

The laminated material within is Liquid Crystal Privacy Film, which responds to an electrical current.

When electricity is applied to the film via the wiring, the liquid crystals align and the glass instantly becomes clear. When the power is turned off, the liquid crystals return to their normal scattered positions rendering the glass an opaque translucent.

In their natural uncharged state, the PDLC droplets randomly align. In their natural uncharged state, the PDLC droplets randomly align, thus creating the an opaque translucent condition. The concept behind smart glass is nothing new, and there have been various versions of the technology over the years, some less smart than others.

Thermochromic glass essentially uses the heat from sunlight to tint the windows — the hotter it is, the darker the room becomes, allowing properties to regulate their own heat. But everything is automatic and there is no manual control. Then there are liquid crystal windows, which use technology similar to that found in many digital wristwatches.

A thin layer of liquid crystals is positioned in between two transparent electrical conductors on plastic films, which in turn is sandwiched between two layers of glass. The level of translucence depends on the voltage applied, and the technology is largely used to enhance privacy indoors, for example in conference rooms or on shower doors.

In the years since, Gentex has branched out into other verticals, including aerospace, where it has partnered with PPG Aerospace to replace those hard-plastic pull-down shades on the Boeing Dreamliner.

Business is looking good for Gentex. Kinestral, however, is focusing on new constructions in the short term. The application of electrochromic smart glass in business environments is an obvious one, given that many modern office blocks are constructed nearly entirely of glass. With hundreds or thousands of people working all day and often into the evening, optimizing indoor light and temperatures organically, as opposed to relying on expensive air conditioning or electric lights, could save companies big bucks in the long term.

While the less smart thermochromic windows are already being used in residential buildings, how close are we to seeing electrochromic glass installed domestically? Mic: The microphone for cellphone conversations and hands-free voice searches is perched under one hinge.

Most smart glasses today pair the microphone with a micro speaker for audio feedback and notifications, as well as to listen to music and podcasts. Projector and Prism: Located above the upper part of the lens, this projection method, called curved mirror or curved mirror combiner, offers partially transparent digital displays without obscuring the real-world view. Some manufacturers now offer an alternative version called waveguide holographic optics.

The digital overlay of text and images within our field of view is the key that unlocks the smart glasses experience. Camera: While an obvious feature in our selfie age, the camera lens at the temple of the Google Glasses brought with it an unintended new experience: privacy concerns.

While smart manufacturers now make camera lenses small enough to fit inconspicuously inside the frame of their products, a few, including Focals by North and Vue, now offer camera-less models. Perhaps as entrancing as the visual overlays of smart glasses are the various ways you can control them. Other options available to smart glasses makers include gesture recognition of head, eye and hand movements such as nodding or looking up or down, directing via eye tracking and even controlling our glasses with our thoughts really!

The below graphic demonstrates how each technology works. Smart Glass Applications. Architects, Interior Designers, and Automotive Companies regularly use smart glass in:. Office Partitions. Download the Office Brochure. Download the Hotel Brochure. Download the Hospital eBook. Download the Residential Brochure. Download the Retail Brochure. Download the Automotive Brochure. PDLC Indoor. Offers privacy without blocking light. Transitions quickly. Interior privacy partitions Transparent displays.

Special solar variations can control IR heat which can enter from sunlight, without blocking light Transitions quickly improves energy ratings for green buildings. Exterior windows Interior glass walls Interior privacy partitions. Blocks light Transitions slowly. Large or small facade windows where instant shade is not required. Smart Glass Application Methods. Smart Glass Cost and Benefits. The Future of Smart Glass. Privacy glass trends that are likely in the next decade include:.

Greater accessibility. Increased use in building interiors and exteriors. Broader applications. Who Manufactures and Delivers Smart Glass? Glossary of Smart Glass Terminology. Active Smart Glass. Dynamic Glass. Electrochromic Glass. Passive Smart Glass. Photochromic and thermochromic glass treated with coatings that respond to solar rays. PDLC Film. Photochromic Glass. A coated glass mostly used in eyewear that filters visual light.

Privacy Glass. Smart glass that can turn opaque. Rear Projection Window. PDLC film applied directly to a piece of existing glass with dry or wet adhesive. Simple PDLC. Switchable PDLC film that manipulates light but not heat. Smart Tint. Another name for kinds of smart glass that change appearance in response to electricity.

SPD Film. Switchable Glass. Smart glass that changes appearance and function in response to electricity. Thermochromic Glass.