Future Windows Could Be The Next Computer Screen

Toyota demos augmented-reality-enhanced car windows: Toyota is toying with augmented reality to improve the view outside of its vehicles' windows. A design exercise developed in conjunction with the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID), Toyota's "Window to the World" concept uses augmented reality to turn a car window into a glass canvas that lets the viewer interact with the elements outside the window.

CIID and Toyota Kansei Design Division engineers and designers came up with five potential uses for the new windows. Similar to the way kids draw shapes onto fogged-up glass, passengers can trace images on the window, but they appear to become integrated with the landscape and stay in place as the car drives away.

The window can lets onlookers zoom in on objects they see outside, and it can translate and identify objects in another language. Augmented reality can help viewers gauge the distance of landmarks, and it can also help them identify constellations in the sky. Of course, these features are just a concept, but in the future windows could be the next computer screen.

Two working prototypes of the augmented reality concept were on display last month at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the "Our Future Mobility Now" exhibition organized by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.

New Auto-Brush Unveiled

Peter Fogwill of Aquatech has released a video of Auto-Brush 2 (below), a great way of starting/stopping the water flow from the brush head by tapping the frame with the brush head. The new Autobrush features its on & off switch in the vertical position instead of horizontal. The old way can be viewed here. Peter says "For those who thought it a problem with the water switching off accidentally then this has been addressed. The valves are less likely to be damaged as they are far more protected by the positioning. The bars are far less likely to be damaged because of the very small length. In all a much better way of saving water and time. The bad news is there is a 3 week wait for one." One user states - "it is a vast improvement on the old style due to the different switch position, and its much harder to switch off by mistake unless you're in the habit of slamming the brush on the bottom sill,"

More information & video's at Aquatech. Forum talk here in the WFP section.
Previous blog on the autobrush here.

Aquatec & Peter Fogwill

Peter has been making his own systems now for a few years. This is the first system I bought & its still going strong. I've changed a few things round, but I still use the major parts of Peters original system to carry out my work. Peter originally was in partnership with Mike at Cleantech before they decided to go there own ways. Peter also has his own forum , where many of you will recognise my username of "karlosdaze" & where I do a little moderating. Peter has realised a number of inventions over the last couple of years. The main booster to the company was his trolley system which is still going strong. He also features in Mark Hendersons window cleaning resources DVD on wfp's.
Over the last couple of years, Peter has patented the new autobrush & its a favourite among window cleaners. Here are a couple of videos of it in action. The time saving & water saving elements of this unique gadget, make it a must for any wfp'er.