Parking, especially reverse parking, can be painful both figuratively and literally as you twist your spine around to have a better look to see if the coast is clear. Now and then you feel obliged to rise up from your seat for additional assurance that can make all the difference. How much easier it could be if we had a clear view of what’s going on behind the driver’s seat!
They have also been pining after it in Japan, and came up with a resolution! Japan’s Keio University experts worked out a way to make the back seat disappear. The wonder car is a Toyota Prius, exhibited at Tokyo’s 2012 Digital Content Expo; its back seat can be made completely transparent, allowing a full back view and thus bringing hazards to practically nil. The concept is built around the optical-camouflage technology that employs retroreflective materials which reflect light without permitting it to scatter. This technology is about 10 years old and originates from Japan, created by a team of scientists led by Susumu Tachi and Masahiko Inami.
Naturally, the wondrous See-through Toyota Prius is but a concept to be accomplished yet, and will be anticipated by many who don’t mind the illusion of driving in a half-car but will be happy to feel confident over parking.
