This week, a new generation of SPD-SmartGlass
Passenger Window solutions are being launched at 2018 Innotrans in
Berlin, Germany
At the recent Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) quarterly
conference call, President and CEO Joe Harary remarked; “Trains can
be our second-biggest market in the next few years… train cars with
our technology are well along with their performance testing on the
rails.... new trains are being built as we speak using our
SPD-SmartGlass in them.”
This week’s InnoTrans trade show in Berlin
illustrates the growth of SPD-SmartGlass in the rail industry, with
solutions that improve the passenger experience and benefit train
operators. Train manufacturers, operators, and train window
suppliers primarily in Europe and Asia have all been working with
Research Frontiers’ patented SPD-SmartGlass technology which allows
passengers and crews, at the touch of a button, to change the tint
of the windows on a train. The windows also interface with climate
control systems for automated control. This technology enables
control and management of heat, light and glare coming into railway
cars to make train cars more comfortable, safer, quieter, and more
energy efficient. By using SPD-SmartGlass technology, passengers
and crews can “tune” the amount of light coming into the train to
preserve and enhance views and reduce unwanted glare.
Innotrans, the leading international trade fair
for transport technology, is the stage for the world premier of new
electronically dimmable window (EDW) solutions using SPD-SmartGlass
technology. AGC, and Vision Systems, both licensees of Research
Frontiers, launched their respective latest generations of
SPD-SmartGlass EDWs for the rail industry. These “smart windows”
control and manage both beneficial and undesirable outside elements
entering train cars through passenger windows. Vision Systems also
unveiled another new solution, “Info-Vision” window, which
integrates an electroluminescent display into the SPD-SmartGlass
EDW.
Vision Systems recently commented about their
new EDW generation: “Thanks to a new industrial process that has
already been tried out successfully for the aeronautic and marine
industries, Vision Systems’ smart shading systems provide enhanced
optical quality, 30% lower cost and a wider range of packaged
solutions adapted to each project.”
Most trains with traditional window shades have
passenger windows that are also highly tinted, in an attempt to
reduce the amount of time the shades must be down due to excessive
light, glare or solar heat. While this reduces somewhat the time
the shades have to be down, it remains ineffective for many
lighting conditions. Even when the shade is up, the tint of the
window limits the passengers’ views outside the train during dusk,
nighttime and pre-sunrise hours. SPD-Smart windows eliminates this
problem with its ability to be in an optically clear state.
SPD-SmartGlass EDWs dramatically improve the
passenger experience, by instantly and precisely managing the
optimum amount of healthy daylight for passenger comfort and
well-being, and rejecting uncomfortable heat and noise. Also, an
important feature of the passenger experience onboard trains is
experiencing the magnificent views. With windows using traditional
shades, views are blocked at all times sunlight, glare or heat are
uncomfortable. SPD-SmartGlass is the solution, by enabling
passengers to instantly and precisely “tune” the window’s tint to a
level that allows them to continue to enjoy views yet remain
extremely comfortable, even in direct sun.
Vision Systems at InnoTrans
In a Vision Systems press release, their Nuance
product line of SPD-SmartGlass solutions using their new generation
technology were reviewed.
Some of the products using SPD-SmartGlass for
the train industry being showcased this week in Berlin include:
- EDWs with integrated control system electronics (on the
passenger window EDW itself), for rapid installation in both new
train car production, and retrofitting existing train
cars.
- SPD-SmartGlass solutions for the driver cabin, to eliminate
glare on the dashboard with side and back window EDWs, and/or SPD
sun visors integrated into the windshield.
- “Info-Vision” window, which integrates an electroluminescent
display into SPD-SmartGlass windows. This combines the benefits of
the EDW with information available directly on the window, such as
time to destination, remaining distance, temperature, service
options, and train schedules.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c282972-e560-4296-bec0-6febb4e16238
We invite you to read the Vision Systems press
release for more information.
Vision Systems Rail Industry
Projects
Vision Systems was one of the first companies to
introduce their Nuance brand of SPD-Smart windows and its benefits
to the train industry. Their Nuance solution was installed on the
mockup of Aeroliner 3000 by Vogler Studio two years ago with the
first generation of dimmable windows. The second generation of this
solution is currently in production for two new main train
projects.
A photo accompanying this announcement is
available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35d3f4d1-2834-4c21-aa7d-5734a1714966
In addition to the above information, Vision
Systems confirmed at Innotrans that they were working on other high
volume train projects with major commuter train manufacturers and
operators.
AGC at InnoTrans
AGC, a leading Tier 1 supplier of transparencies
to the rail industry for over 50 years and licensee of Research
Frontiers’ SPD-SmartGlass technology, is also prominently featuring
SPD-SmartGlass EDWs. In a recent article entitled AGC at Innotrans
with smart glass for transportation, it was noted; “AGC’s booth
will feature AGC’s smart glasses for transportation… Wonderlite
light control glazing, that switches from clear to dark at the
simple touch of a button.” Wonderlite is AGC’s brand name for its
SPD-SmartGlass EDWs. (AGC has also developed Wonderlite for the
automotive industry – please view this video of a “Wonderlite
glassroof.”)
Vision Systems also has a presence at AGC’s
Innotrans booth. AGC is presenting a complete passenger window
integrating Vision Systems’ SPD-SmartGlass dimmable solution.
AGC Rail Industry Projects
In an AGC news release last year, the company
announced that its “…light control glass, WONDERLITE, has been
adopted for JR East luxury sleeper train, Train Suite Shiki-shima…
the front carriage, containing a special area for enjoying
panoramic views of Japan's landscape, has been outfitted with
WONDERLITE light control glass, which makes it possible to adjust
passing sunlight simply with a switch…The train embarked on its
maiden journey on 1 May <2017> and seats have already been
booked up until March 2018.”
Continental Corporation at
InnoTrans
Continental, in a September 18 press release,
indicated that “At InnoTrans, Continental will unveil a number of
new innovations, including an intelligent technology for darkening
glass panes and a range of individual surface designs…. The
‘Intelligent Glass Control’ (IGC) system by Continental provides
passengers with the flexibility to adjust the amount of light and
the color of their window or other glazed areas to suit their
needs. The technology, which was originally developed for the
automotive industry, relies on a film sandwiched between two panes
of glass and connected to an electronic control unit (ECU).”
View the Continental press release for more
information and a simulation of the system in action.
Global Rail News published an article about
Continental at Innotrans, noting; “The level of transparency…
of the glass can be adjusted via a control system, which can be
programmed to respond to external conditions, such as sensor data
on sunlight intensity.”
Other SPD-SmartGlass Rail Industry
Projects
Numerous rail industry projects are in
development and not being disclosed publicly. However, some
information is starting to emerge. For example, this month, in the
article “What’s inside dome car number two?” published in Railway
Age magazine, the SPD-SmartGlass EDW feature on the “GoldLeaf” cars
(to be produced by Stadler Rail) for the new Rocky Mountaineer
train entering service in North America was highlighted: “The
GoldLeaf dome cars are scheduled for regular service with the
beginning of the next season…. Large dimmable panoramic windows
provide an unobstructed view and can be adjusted in tint according
to outside ambient lighting conditions.”
About Research Frontiers
Inc.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is a publicly
traded technology company and the developer of patented SPD-Smart
light-control film technology which allows users to instantly,
precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic
products, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has
licensed its smart glass technology to over 40 companies that
include well known chemical, material science and glass companies.
Products using Research Frontiers’ smart glass technology are being
used in tens of thousands of cars, aircraft, yachts, trains, homes,
offices, museums and other buildings. For more information, please
visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn and YouTube.
Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may
issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking
statements. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any
forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly.
“SPD-Smart and “SPD-SmartGlass” are trademark of Research Frontiers
Inc. “Nuance,” “Nuance V2,” “Nuance V2 Multizone,” and
“Info-Vision” are trademarks of Vision Systems. WONDERLITE is a
trademark of AGC.
- Vision Systems at InnoTrans
- Vision Systems Rail Industry Projects
For further information, please contact:
Joseph M. Harary
President and CEO
Research Frontiers Inc.
+1-516-364-1902
Info@SmartGlass.com
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