Dynamic Eye sunglasses will prevent sunstrike. Photo / Thinkstock
A DIM IDEA: Sunstrike, or even just oncoming bright headlights, can be a real problem. Imagine if Dynamic Eye technology were incorporated in windscreens. Dynamic Eye sunglasses include a layer of liquid crystal, and a small camera. The glasses put an extra layer of pixels between your retinas and the
sun, providing targeted shade. It beats holding your hand up in front of your eyes. More at DVice.
A DOUBLE-EDGED METER: Streetline, based in San Francisco, put sensors in parking spaces and tie parking meters into a wireless network. Signs guide motorists to vacant spaces, while meters can take cash or credit card. The down side: quicker fines, as a live feed shows not only vacant spaces, but expired meters. Easier parking; more fines. More at Wired.
POLISHED DESIGN: Warsaw's new Inspiro underground carriages are made of aluminium, so are significantly lighter than usual, and they're 97.5% recyclable. Reduced weight means lower energy consumption. Designed by Siemens and BMW, carriages are spacious, with wide doors, and large electronic displays for system maps. Just because something will last 50 years doesn't mean it shouldn't be recyclable. More at
FastCodeSign.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: We think of computers helping people, but sometimes it's the other way round. Electric signals in our brains fire before we even know we've seen something odd. To search photos quickly for unusual details the C3Vision system displays around 10 images per second to a human viewer. An EEG monitor soon shows which images may be of interest. Computer and brain: a good team. More at Kurzwelai.
KIWI SPACE: Kiwi company Rocket Lab signed a deal with US company L2 Aerospace to turn some of its rocket technology into commercial products. L2 Aerospace supply commercial, civilian and military markets. Lifting Kiwi know-how to new heights. PDF at RocketLab.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
