"Imagine the day when
a fifty story mid-rise will change its glass "skin" façade as
the day progresses, taking into account the landlord's operational requirements,
tenant customization, the temperature outdoors, and the amount of
sunlight hitting each window - Welcome to the world of windows controlled
by SCSC."
The SPD Control Systems
Corporation (SCSC) "RoadRunner" 8-window
automotive controller was demonstrated at the Research Frontiers, Inc.
annual Meeting on June 12, 2008. The demonstration consisted of
eight 16" x 20" windows with the latest Hitachi Chemical SPD
film, being driven by the RoadRunner in a demonstration mode.
Demonstration mode continually runs the windows through tinting
transitions between various levels of clarity and darkness, with each
window slightly out-of-step with the others. For a video of the demonstration and product
details select -
www.spdControlSystems.com/roadrunner.htm The RoadRunner controller is an important
component for the integration of SPD by automotive companies.
Together with RFI's film and window licensee's products, the SPD
Control System Corporation's controllers provide the final components
necessary for automotive companies to integrate SPD into their product
lines. The RoadRunner controller drives 8 SPD windows
independently controlled by switches and sensors. Tinting is
changed using a manual switch per window, a single switch for all the
windows, and sensors to automatically override switch settings.
There can also be switches and sensors configured for groups of windows.
The unit is designed to be mounted in the trunk, under a seat or under
the hood of the car, with control wires run to the car windows and
sunroof. The controller is DC powered using the vehicles
battery. The controller can interface with a vehicle's on-board
computer systems to provide sophisticated integration with the
vehicle's systems. For example, when the vehicle is turned on,
the windows could clear for 20 seconds and then return to the previous
tint level when the vehicle was last turned off. Peter Solaski, the SPD Control System Corporation
CTO, stated that the RoadRunner controller is designed to be easily
customized for the exacting requirements of automotive companies.
Each automotive company will have different requirements for switches,
sensors, and integration with on-board computers. SPD Control Systems next controller will be a
1-window controller. This controller will have a very small footprint
so that it can be co-located with the windows it is controlling;
embedded in a door, roof, and just about any place in a vehicle. All
the 1-window controllers are networked together in a car for
coordinated operations. Jay Moskowitz, Chairman of SPD Control Systems,
noted that the RoadRunner controller contains a core engine that will
be used for aerospace, marine, and for architectural projects.
The RoadRunner is being enhanced to become a wireless architectural
controller for small to large scale residential and commercial
properties under a $600,000 contract SCSC has with NYSERDA, the New
York Energy Research and Development Agency. For more information about SPD Control Systems
Corporation you can visit our web site or speak with John Petraglia
(631-776-8500). SPD Control Systems Corporation's only products
are controllers and control systems to operate any and all SPD
products. With a corporate background of building very sophisticated
electronic and computer based telecommunication products, we are
dedicated to becoming the electronics vendor of choice for all
implementations of SPD Smart Glass.
