Taste of Future in Present !

Futuristic Fridge Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Self Cleaning Futuristic Fridge:

This fridge technology sounds good..isn't it? Cleaning of fridge is always consider as a tedious task especially in big families, families with young children as lots of leftover can be stored in fridge and with the bachelors. How about a fridge which can clean itself automatically and adjust temperature, and re arrange the food containers according to their date of storage. Yes this fridge is going to be real in approx 2040 years as this project is sponsored by IKEA and it is currently in concept phase and university of central Lancashire and supermarket Ocado are working together to create this kitchen marvel.

This fridge can place supermarket home delivery orders and will give you recipes to cook the food with leftover when connected with internet WiFi . This fridge is having a capacity to clean itself, arrange and scan its food shelves, with its full wireless capability it can show you cookery show and recipes for leftover food. for more info you can visit .. worldmustbcrazy.com

Some more interesting concept design on the futuristic fridge:

Futuristic Bio-polymer Gel Fridge from Electrolux

This futuristic design is based on the cooling by bio-polymer gel which will be cooled by bio robots through luminescence. There will be no shelves as the non sticky odorless gel morph around the fruits or other foods and keep separated from each other. I am still trying to get more information on this concept i also have many queries on this project. I will update you soon as soon as i get more information on its concept and technology till then enjoy the pics of this very beautiful fridge.

Pi c Courtesy: rollwiththewinnersent.blogspot.in

and here is one of the most promising concept design for 2060 by Designer Marcela Guarnizo for ELECTROLUX.

source: coroflot

Foldable Electric Bicycle Design for London Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Have you heard about the London garden? It is the concept car free zone in down town London where cars will not be allowed only bicycles and bus will be allowed for transportation. For that designer Marten Wallgren, David Seesing, and Miika Heikkinen have designed a foldable compact electric bicycle.

Concept behind the design is to store the energy in the inner batteries of the bicycle while riding and later you can use this energy as a currency for bus ride. you can fold the bicycle and keep it in the storage racks in the bus. There are special parking is developed near to bus stop where we can park the bike and while we finish our work bike can transfer the spare energy to the bus stop and latter this energy can be used in London garden network system, which is the Universal Electricity Network of this concept.

So guys time to Go Green! Check out more pics below via syahdiar.org

Kamil Kurka's Coffee Machine Design

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:10:00 +0000

There are many days especially weekends when we got up late in the morning and feel so tired to make a single cup of coffee for our self. We want to have it but we do not want to go to kitchen for that especially bachelors ;-) but how about if you just cross the kitchen or you can view the kitchen from drawing room and something dazzling just catch your attention and you will attract toward it automatically and when you reach at it you will see that in spite of having a desire of cup of coffee it is the coffee maker which makes you come there. Sound funny and unrealistic..? hhmm just wait for some more days when Kamil Kurka's single serve coffee maker will find a place in your kitchen and you will have an sweet and attractive excuse to go in the kitchen again and again :-)

via: TUVIE.com

Well this model is in concept phase right now and it can serve one cup at a time but we adjust heat level and the quantity of the coffee per cup. It has a movable base tray which allow the removal of cup without any hassle. The appearance of the coffee machine is very attractive.

SIXTH SENSE Technology by Pranav Mistry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:14:00 +0000

Starting of new era in technology field

Pic Courtesy: Pranavmistry.com

Hello Everyone... When we see Sci Fi movie like minority report, Iron Man etc then did not we think that what an awesome technologies they have shown in the movie..like the Tony Shark or IRON MAN in IRON MAN movie series handled/worked with the gadgets in his apartment and lab. the technologies shown in these movie is so impressive that most of us will say only one word.. Wowww ! How about if that movie technology you can use in your daily life at nominal price by using a small arrangement of devices which would cost say about only 350 dollar? Shocked ??? I was shocked too when i saw and read about this genius from MIT, America whose name is Mr Pranav Mistry. This guy has developed a technology by using 2-3 small devices and arrange them in such a manner that u can easily wear and use in daily life.

'SixthSense' is a wearable gestural interface that augments the physical world around us with digital information and lets us use natural hand gestures to interact with that information" - (http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/)

This is the combination of projector, camera, and color markers. Just wear these three things as shown in pics and here you readt to interact with virtual world on your finger tips. just with the movement of your fingers tips you can get any information at any place at any time. Wanna see a pics captured by your camera but do not have a laptop or tablet so that you can show these pics to many person at a time.. no need to worry guys .. just use your device, any nearby wall and some magical hand movement and Wallahhh here is your all pics , video on the wall :-) If you are in bookstore and want to know the critics opinion just place the book cover infront of the camera and you will get all the critics review and rating there on the cover of the book without going anywhere.

If you see the presentation given by pranav on this technology you would say this guy has marked a very milestone in technology field. The usage of this device for various activities is endless. You can read a book on any surface, check your flight status on your boarding pass only, Want to play a car race game but donot have a tablet or PSP or smart phone..hhhmmm don't worry if possible take any piece of white paper and here you go you have your screen with you ..now enjoy the game, how? see the pics below :-)

In short, with this technology whole world is your scribble pad, paint it with your thoughts.

This is some thing which we have always dream about ..but this guy has converted it to the reality. Kudos and Thanks to the Mr Pranav for being so humble and donating this technology to the science and human.

Please check out the video shown below and his official website (http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/) to get detailed information on this amazing technology:

TATA MEGAPIXEL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:35:00 +0000

I do not how the Indian giant automotive manufacturer Tata Motors keep surprising us, after giving world's most cheapest car "NANO" now they are working on the project which will be one of the world's most economical car with superb looks and design, the car will be known as "MEGAPIXEL"

With the initial pictures the car look promising and attractive. This is four-seater B-Pillar less car based on Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) concept, for up to 900 Km at one go. which attract the motorist around the world for its economy and environment friendly features.

The USP of this car is its mileage claimed by company which is 100 KM/Liter and just 22 gm CO2 emission. and it seem which such amazing usp this car will become a tough competition in its segment of electric vehicle.Its power is supplied by Lithium Ion Phosphate battery and an on board petrol engine generator to give power/recharging on the move.

Further details on this car's project can be read here TATA's MEGAPIXEL Info

Have a look on the pictures of this small beauty :-)

Pain Ray or Active Denial System

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Recently Air Force's futuristic design "Pain Ray" (also known as Active Denial System) has unvielived which is able to generate the powerful radiation beams which causes burning sensation in the body of victim and people run to hide from the radiations. In first instance it looks a good invention but again it start controversy that usage of Tear Gas can be accpetable to control the crowd but this invention is not seem too safe like if some persons are allergic to these kind of radiation then his/her skin could get severe reaction to these beams. and as the souces told that these beams are enough strong to penetrate through the clothes then what would happen to skin?

After considering these thoughts the Air force is currently thinking to use and test this device on the Air planes to scatter the birds who come in the path of plane to avoid any accident. personally i feel that it still need lots of testing before implement into direct usage on human. Also this device could be use as a weapon in wars but i would prefer the idea of usage on the airplans to save hundreds of lifes instead of using in wars. Well lets time and Airforce decide its usage.

Source: http://www.futurich.com/future-weapons-army-pain-ray

RollTop Futuristic foldable laptop

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 01:43:00 +0000

Time to roll the Laptop!

Have you ever think that how easy to carry the laptop if we can just roll it like a sheet of paper? If not then see this incredible design by Evgeny Orkin of folable laptop and find yourself saying Wowww!

The RollTop is a flexible notebook concept that can be folded like a roll of paper allowing the user ultimate convenience of carrying and storing it even in a congested place. It features a 17” flat-screen OLED display when fully rolled out with the multi-touch facility that will offer the ease and functionality of that of an iPhone. Also, when required, it can be folded into a 13” smart tablet pc. Aside from the touch-screen controlling, it features full fledged keyboard like conventional notebooks with which convenient typing can be performed. When folded, this compact notebook takes the size of a water carrier and can easily be hanged over the shoulder with a hanging belt.

Video:

Source: http://www.tuvie.com/futuristic-rolltop-foldable-notebook-with-17-inch-oled-display-and-full-fledged-keyboard/

Next Gen iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Conceptual phone by iPhone!

While searching for the new iPhone model i come to know about this concept phone by iPhone which i thought a good concept but difficult to use. It uses a projection technology to create a display for phone. You have to strap this iPhone to your wrist and project the screen into your plam, you will get the same display what you get on normal iPhone screen and after that you know how to use it. But i have not got any information for my query regarding the display size of projection area like is it fixed or will vary with the user's palm size? but still if it from iPhone we can trust on it and hope that i will create benchmark for the project technology in the phones.

Source: http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/10/07/talking-with-a-palm/

Waste Paper Processor

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Time to do some recycling!!!

All of us knows the importance of recycling and eco-friendly gadgets. As we all know the wastage of paper is mostly happen in offices where once printed or used paper directly trash into the dustbin or in recycle bin where it took a long time to recycle. How about if we use the used paper to save the stationary cost of office like reducing the purchasing of pencils by creating them instantly in the office by used paper.

Yes the industrial designers Chengzhu Ruan, Yuanyuan Liu, Xinwei Yuan and Chao Chen create a waste paper processor which convert the used paper sheets into a pencil instantly. This waste paper processor is an small step with big effect in recycling world. I hope these small steps will take us to an eco-friendly future.

Source: http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/pp-office-waste-processor-converts-waste-paper-into-pencils/

Cool Cell Phones

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:59:00 +0000

Heys Guys.. Here i found some unique, creative and very artistic concept cell phones by Benq- Siemens & nokia which i would like to share with you. An interesting thing about these phones is that most of the phones does not even look like a cell phones. Its true that they look awsome, their styling and looks is their USP but when it comes to usage i personally think that by looking their design i believe that these phones would be a bit difficult to handle. But then every new concept and idea which bring revolution in technology field initially look hard to follow and it take time to make their place in the market and people. I will hope that some of these concept phones will translate into reality and make life more easier : )

Nokia:

Now i really like the below one, the best thing i like about this concept phone known as Cobalto is its 3D image/model creation capability of the selected places in the map. It gives a feel of future which we have seen in Sci-Fi movies like Minority report etc.

Source: http://gadgets.biteus.org/benq-siemens-future-phones-concepts/
http://fgadgets.com/future-gadgets/cobalto-and-zafiro-futuristic-gadgets-that-are-inspired-by-sci-fi-movies

Pocket Light

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:15:00 +0000

It’s about the size of a credit card and powered by a small cell. Flip up the lightbulb shaped cut-out to switch on the soft, mellow, glow of bliss. What’s the point? Novel - next time you have a bright idea, you can have an actual lightbulb “bling!” on.

Designer: Hyun Jin Yoon & Eun Hak Lee

0-60 Seconds in 60 Seconds…

Albert Einstein once said “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” Tell that to designer John Pszeniczny, he thinks time could use a turbo boost and has designed the fastest watch on Earth dubbed “F1/Carbon GMT”.

Inspired by the F1 race car world and constructed of carbon fiber, Swarovski crystal, rubber and metal, this timepiece has 18 identical rubies and tells the time in everyone of the 18 cities on the 2008 F1 circuit. With a built in lap timer function and a stopwatch, time will seem to stand still as it races by at relative speed…which is 42.

Designer: John Pszeniczny

Source: http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/10/06/got-a-light & http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/04/24/0-60-seconds-in-60-seconds/

Vuzix Wrap 920AV Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:03:00 +0000

There's little doubt that as we inch closer to the technological singularity, video-enabled glasses will play a part. Unfortunately, manufacturers have yet to produce a pair that don't make you look like a complete idiot, and bionic eye camera implants still seem a ways off.

Luckily, the folks at Vuzix must have grown tired of all the Geordi La Forge jokes, as their latest pair of video glasses look astonishingly normal. While there's no guarantee that the Vuzix Wrap 920AV won't induce muffled laughter from everyone around you, they do promise to combine virtual reality capabilities and augmented reality features into one of the least obnoxious designs we've seen yet. The Wrap 920AV glasses will supposedly connect with almost any media player, and include built in headphones and individual focal adjustments.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10127213-1.html?tag=mncol;txt

Displays that yields to the touch...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Hewlett-Packard and the Flexible Display Center (FDC) at Arizona State University announced the purported first prototype of what they call affordable, unbreakable flexible electronic displays.

For the uninitiated, a flexible display is a paperlike computer display that's made almost entirely out of plastic. According to HP, these displays consume less power than traditional computer displays and of course are more easily portable. They are also said to use up to 90 percent fewer materials than traditional displays by volume.

The press release states that "mass production of such displays can enable production of notebook computers, smart phones and other electronic devices at much lower costs since the display is one of the more costly components," but we'll have to wait and see if costs on these devices are actually lowered because of this technology.

The displays were created via a process called self-aligned imprint lithography (SAIL). SAIL purportedly enables thin film transistors to be fabricated on a flexible, plastic material in a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. According to HP, this allows for a more low-cost continuous production, rather than batch sheet-to-sheet production.

To create the display, FDC produces semiconductor materials and metals on flexible polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. Using the SAIL process HP then patterns the substrates and then integrates E Ink's Vizplex imaging film to produce the display on plastic.

Future of Internet Searching...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:52:00 +0000

Mac Funamizu has a brilliant, forward-thinking concept of what of internet searching might look like on mobile devices in the future &

The device known as Looking Glass.

NEREUS ...a future watercraft

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:14:00 +0000

The world's first submersible fuel-free jetski...

Friends here is the world's first prototype of an under water jetski called the Nereus,

This jet-ski style watercraft is designed by Mathias Koehler. The whacky-looking concept uses the wind for propulsion, which means the rider can spend as long as they like out on, or under, the water.

Tell me, What could be more fun than flying a kite or riding a Waverunner? Try both at the same time! That’s the basic idea behind the “Nereus” water craft.

Powered by none other than Mother Nature herself, this water craft can deliver hours of fuel free fun above and below the water. Steering is managed via foot pedals and the diving function is handled vie the hand grips controlling the pivoting fins at the base. Sailing into the wind is a simple as traditional zig zag tacking.It’s much like sailing and jet skiing combined.

Time for a RIDE....

Source:www.yankodesign.com

Colourfull Water Ball Ripples

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:24:00 +0000

Water Ball Ripples

The Ripple faucet creates a new, fun way to interact with water. Drawing inspiration from surface ripples, the faucet creates a strong visual relationship between the two. On top of the frosted ripple surface sits a metal ball. An array of electromagnetic sensors detects that ball’s position. Moving the ball in or out from the center controls water pressure. Moving it around controls temperature.

The surface glows red or blue to denote how hot or cold it is. The two separate channels combine the hot and cold water to get the perfect mix. Don’t worry about scalding yourself tho. The water in the hot water channel isn’t actually hot until it’s ready to be mixed via flash heating.

Designer: Smith Newnam & Touch360 Studio

Normal

Cold

Hot

Source:http://www.yankodesign.com

A Future HAND Glove

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Talk to the hand via 'HandTalk'

There may come a day when telling someone to "Talk to the hand" won't intimate you're turning a deaf ear to what the other person has to say.

Quite the contrary. Designers Bhargav Bhat, Hemant Sikaria and Priya Narasimhan have in hand a prototype gadget called HandTalk, which essentially is a phone for the hearing impaired. This wearable glove device detects the motions and gestures used in sign language, translates these into audio, then plays this back on a cell phone or mobile device.

Recently showcased at the Meeting Of The Minds expo at Carnegie Mellon University Center, the mobile software app can reportedly detect 32 words to date--a mere drop in the ocean of the hearing impaired's vocabulary.

But it's a start, and one the team hopes to expand by integrating pressure sensors and accelerometers to augment the flexor strips on the glove's digits. Hopefully, too, this turns out to be more than just vaporware, unlike a certain glove camera.

Source:http://crave.cnet.com

Super Long Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:00 +0000

World’s Super Long Phone

Finally, a mobile phone that bucks the trend.There is a big competition among different mobile companies that claim their mobile phones to be “the smallest“, “the thinnest” or “the lightest“. But how about manufacturing a mobile phone that is “the longest”?

Most phones are designed to be pocket-friendly. But the designer Tamer Koseli thinks a bit different. His phone is probably the world’s longest phone ever made.

He wanted to create a device with no superfluous features. That’s right, you won’t find a MP3 player, video capabilities, or even a camera. But WAIT! Don’t dismiss the Super Phone yet because it’s got a touchscreen. The idea behind the extra long design? There's more screen estate naturally, which means there's plenty of room for touchscreen functionality.

There are, in fact, two displays: One OLED that shows basic info, the other for scrolling. And from the pictures, while there’s no digital camera onboard, there appears to be an expansion slot of some sort. So, if this Super Phone manufactured commercially, would you be interested in buying one?

Source:www.techlivez.com

Toyota’s Lightweight 1/X Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:14:00 +0000

Toyota 1/x concept

After presenting the 1/X concept , Toyota has proved again that they are the pioneer in the field of the future cars. It seems that they are going to utilise each and every space of this car , so that unneccessary space can be avoided.They are trying to reduced the weight of the car also so that we a get good fuel milege in a result.

It seems like every other day now that a car company announces a new concept that is redefining what it means to be an environmentally friendly vehicle. However, when Toyota says it, we tend to take a closer look. It was Toyota, after all, that created the Prius, the standard to which all subsequent hybrid vehicles are measured. The Toyota 1/x concept, which recently appeared at the Chicago Auto Show, is Toyota’s latest attempt at redefining what a green vehicle means. And to them, it is all about making it weigh less.

The name 1/X refers to the reduced amount of weight, emissions and fuel consumption that the vehicle has compared to that of other similar vehicles in its class. It is made from a carbon fiber reinforced plastic frame, that is quite strong but much lighter than conventional framing system. The shape of the vehicle is a result of a desire by Toyota’s designers to create a smaller space, that would have a feeling of openness. It has the same amount of space as a Prius, yet weighs about a third

Toyota is looking for more ways to squeeze every inch from a gallon of gas possible. This 1/X concept design was built from the ground up with light weight materials, with which they hope to double the Prius’ already impressive mileage ranking. Some interesting choices can be found overhead. The roof is transparent, heat and noise insulating, and made from a bio-plastic derived from kenaf and ramie plants. The wheels are thinner than normal cars due to its extreme light weight.This design, combined with the lightness of the car means that it can travel for over 600 miles on a four-gallon tank of fuel. Pretty impressive effort from Toyota, one of the only companies successfully marketing hybrids today.

The roof is transparent, heat and noise insulating, and made from a bio-plastic derived from kenaf and ramie plants. The seats of the vehicle are extremely light, yet, according to Toyota, quite comfortable. The entire front of the vehicle is clad in an LED lighting system that provides a soft glow, illuminating the entire front surface of the vehicle. And, due to the light weight of the vehicle, the 1/X’s wheels are smaller and thinner than those of a regular vehicle. They have even reduced the amount of water splashed by the tires when traveling on wet surface.

The aerodynamic shape of the 1/X and unique cabin design result in smaller pillars, allowing passengers more visibility and helping to create a greater sense of openness and freedom with its outer surroundings for driver and passengers.The 1/X roof is produced from a bio-plastic made from environmentally-responsible material derived from kenaf and ramie plants. The result is a roof that improves heat insulation, emits less carbon dioxide, increases the amount of light entering the cabin, and reducing noise.

On the inside, the 1/X employs four ultra-lightweight seats made of polyester fiber that is knitted three-dimensionally for added comfort. The material functions like a spring or damper that helps create a cushion-like feel for all occupants

The 1/x is meant to operate at a fuel efficiency that is double that of the Prius. It comes with a plug-in hybrid unit and a small fuel-engine. This design, combined with the lightness of the car means that it can travel for over 600 miles on a four-gallon tank of fuel. Overall, a pretty impressive technology package from Toyota

Source:http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/04/08/transportation-tuesday-toyotas-lightweight-1x-concept/

LIFESAVER Bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:39:00 +0000

Life saving Design

Availability of clean drinking water is massive problem all over the world. From natural disasters like 2004’s tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, to war torn areas of the word, countless lives are unnecessarily lost due to bacteria and virus filled wells, lakes and streams.

LIFESAVER bottle is the world’s first all in one ultra filtration water bottle. It will remove bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and all other microbiological waterborne pathogens without using chemicals like iodine or chlorine which leave a distinctive foul taste. LIFESAVER bottle produces filtered sterile drinking water quickly and easily. It incorporates LIFESAVER systems’ unique FAILSAFE technology (another world first) which shuts off the bottle’s cartridge upon expiry, preventing contaminated water from being drunk.With LIFESAVER bottle there is no need for tablets, boiling, chemicals, tubes, shaking, scrubbing, waiting or effort. LIFESAVER bottle produces clean, sterile drinking water with no foul taste - fast!

The Lifesaver is designed to operate at any angle, or on any axis. This means that the bottle can be used to fill a variety of water storage vessels easily. The pneumatic action of the bottle allows water to be pressurized for use in applications where a high pressure spray of water is needed, like the sanitation of a wound. The possible applications for this innovative design are vast and include use by the military, where it will reduce the weight carried by soldiers, as well as in rescue operations, like the one faced by response teams after the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

In this example, many people perished in the weeks after the tsunami hit, simply because they had no access to clean drinking water. Instead of providing the water directly - an expensive and time consuming logistical challenge that also requires the clean up of millions of empty bottles - rescue efforts could supply the means by which every person was able to collect safe water themselves. With the Lifesaver bottle there is no time wasted filtering water at the point of collection or waiting for chemicals to work, you simply collect the water, apply a few pumps, and drink.

Winner of countless design and product awards, the LIFESAVER bottle dispenses the need for tablets, boiling, chemicals, tubes, shaking, scrubbing, waiting or effort. The LIFESAVER bottle could be one of the most important designs this century so far.

Source:www.yankodesign.com & www.gizmag.com

DIGITAL POT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:17:00 +0000

Plants Tell You What They Want

This is Digital Pot a concept from designer Junyi Heo that's a 21st Century plant pot. It's filled with sensors measuring temperature, soil moisture and the like. It lets you know the results on a display with a mix of emoticons and symbols, so your plants can tell you what they want (and no: they probably don't want you to smoke them.)

Growing plants would be a lot easier if plants could express what it is they need from you. Fret not because that’s what the Pet Plant by Junyi Heo does. The very sleek looking pot measures soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and water - calculates those variables based on the need of said plant, and expresses its condition via a series of pictograms on an LCD display.

It’s also smart enough to know if you’ve over watered and will systematically drain itself into a water vessel. All this high tech goodness does mean it needs power but a simple USB interface does double duty by charging and transmitting pertinent information to and from computer software.

It's even clever enough to drain itself if you're a chronic over-waterer and charges via USB— also sending its data to your PC for your perusal. Just a concept, but a rather cute one, don't you think?

Source: www.yankodesign.com

DEATH WATCH & ROCKET-COPTER

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:43:00 +0000

Timex concept is a literal death watch

Here's something we don't want:

the Timex 2154 life index watch. Years ago we came across a page called Deathforecast.com, which predicts how long you'll live depending on the answers to a couple dozen questions. That was morbid enough, but now there's something that does it one better by providing a constant physical reminder of one's mortality.Chances are, you’ve come across or heard of longevity calculators, but now instead of turning to sites like Deathforecast.com or crunching numbers according to longevity statistics.Timex is making it possible to wear your personal count down clock on your body in a form similar to nicotine patches.

The "Life Index Watch" is a concept developed for a Timex competition that keeps track of your remaining days based on personal biometrics. or that counts the minutes you have left to live.And just to make sure you don't miss one nerve-wracking second, it's meant to be "worn like a patch on the skin," according to ProductDose.

Basically, you put it on your skin, where it reads your biometric stats to determine how much longer you'll be alive. Pretty frightening, but even worse, it appears to be only available in purple.The digits displayed are based on your personal biometrics.

I’m not too sure why anyone would wear this, but it’s probably meant to raise awareness, no remind people that their lives are shortened by smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol and living under stress, and that when they exercise and right, they can actually increase their lifespan.

Why anyone would want something like this is beyond us. Then again, maybe it's meant to remind us that life is short, so remember to enjoy the important things while we're here.

Source: http://www.crave.cnet.com/

Personal rocket-copter for your commute

With $4 gas prices looking like a permanent fact of life, consumer interest in jetpacks and other forms of personal air transport might soon go from whimsy to reality. That seems to be driving the engineers at Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana, whose latest project is the "Libelula Rocket Helicopter."
Don't laugh. This may look like something from a '50s sci-fi movie, but its creators have already produced a "Rocket Belt" built to custom specifications. The personal chopper could be also be more reliable than its full-size counterparts because, Dvice says,

"by using tiny rocket motors at the tips of the rotor blades, the Libelula eliminates the torque which makes a tail rotor necessary in a conventional helicopter."

There are other potential advantages over the jetpacks we've seen, including price. We assume that the Libelula will be at least a tad cheaper than the Rocket Belt, which goes for $250,000--that's crazy money to pay for anything, let alone something that can fly for only 30 seconds at a time. Then again, the way prices at the pump are going, it might be worth another look.

Source: http://www.crave.cnet.com/

Strangest Gadgets of the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:52:00 +0000

Solar Powered LED Light

The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Source: http://www.yankodesign.com/ & www.techeblog.com

Intelligent Spoon

Connie Cheng and Leonardo Bonanni have developed the world's first "Intelligent Spoon". It's equipped with sensors to measure temperature, acidity, salinity, and viscosity. Download the recorded data to any computer via a cable for furthur processing.

This project aims to introduce computing into traditional culinary utensils. It seeks to provide information, in an integrated manner, about any food the spoon is in contact with, and to offer suggestions to improve the food. The spoon is equipped with sensors that measure temperature, acidity, salinity, and viscosity, and is connected to a computer via a cable. The sensors evaluate the different properties of the food, and send them to the computer for further processing.

" Apart from consolidating measurements that are normally done by an array of equipments into a single spoon,the information obtained can be used to advise the users what their next step should be,for example it tells the user if there is not enough salt in the brine prepared to make pickles "

source: http://www.media.mit.edu/ci/projects/intelligentspoon.html
www.techeblog.com

Citizen's Memory LCD

Citizen Japan has unveiled a new LCD technology -- called "memory liquid crystal" -- that retains the image even when turned off. Basically, its inorganic membrane and angled orientation keep the crystals frozen without needing power. Practical applications would include watches and mobile phone displays.

Used in conventional liquid-crystal orientation polyimide film instead, inorganic orientation film used for the orientation film and liquid crystal molecules with extreme angle of 20 degrees on the memory to achieve. In addition, the gap between conventional glass substrate of about 1 / 3 the following, could improve memory and low-voltage (5 V) is the driving.

Major Features

◆ It is also shown to cut the power is maintained by the memory of a function LCD display.

◆ picture writing except when they are not needed for power, as compared to conventional LCD about 1 / 50 (※ rewriting frequency of 1 / 10 sec for) the low power consumption.

◆ orientation film material is used as inorganic orientation film, film and the orientation of liquid crystal molecules and a 20-degree angle near the pole by setting a sufficient memory to ensure success.

◆ glass substrate of the LCD to the usual gap of about 1 / 3 or less narrowing of the memory of better results occur as expected.

◆ PASSHIBUMATORIKKUSU display system for Adoption, detailed images can be formed.

Uses

◆Electronic shelf tags and other types of meters and as part of the liquid crystal display

◆As mobile phone sub-LCD display Or e-books as part of electronic paper display

◆In addition, low-power consumption is required as part of any liquid crystal display

source: http://www.citizen.co.jp/release/06/060413me.html

www.techeblog.com

Origami DVD Player

This Origami DVD Player concept uses a fully-flexib

le display technology (e-paper) to ensure maximum portability. When not in use, the screen folds up neatly back into the case. From the image, it looks to sport integrated speakers as well. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.

"As a product, it would target the business traveler who wants a convenient way to watch DVD movies "

source: http://inventables.com & www.techeblog.com

Magenn Power Air Rotor System

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:12:00 +0000

Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS)

The Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) is an innovative lighter-than-air tethered device that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, efficiently generating clean renewable electrical energy at a lower cost than all competing systems.

This electrical energy is transferred down the tether to a transformer at a ground station and then transferred to the electricity power grid. Helium (an inert non-reactive lighter than air gas) sustains the Air Rotor which ascends to an altitude for best winds and its rotation also causes the Magnus effect. This provides additional lift, keeps the device stabilized, keeps it positioned within a very controlled and restricted location, and causes it to pull up overhead rather than drift downwind on its tether.

All competing wind generators use bladed two-dimensional disk-like structures and rigid towers. The Magenn Power Air Rotor system is a closed three-dimensional structure (cylinder). It offers high torque, low starting speeds, and superior overall efficiency thanks to its ability to deploy higher. The closed structure allows Magenn Power to produce wind rotors from very small to very large sizes at a fraction of the cost of current wind generators.

The Magenn system concept is deployment-flexible. Large MARS units may be deployed to supplement established grid systems supporting the electrical requirements of large urban areas. Small MARS units would be deployed in emergency, as-needed, and/or mobile applications (e.G., pack version deployed by a hiker, motorist, boater, or for military and emergency response applications). Various in-between sizes would be ideal for farms, houses and cottages located where grid power is nonexistent. Small to medium sized systems could also be air-dropped into disaster areas for emergency electrical power for medical and all other uses.

The distinct advantages of the Magenn Air Rotor System design are as follows:

*Magenn Air Rotor System is less expensive per unit of actual electrical energy output than competing wind power systems.

*Magenn Power Air Rotor System will deliver time-averaged output much closer to its rated capacity than the capacity factor typical with conventional designs. Magenn efficiency will be 40 to 50 percent. This is hugely important, since doubling capacity factor cuts the cost of each delivered watt by half.

*Wind farms can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission line loses.

*Conventional wind generators are only operable in wind speeds between 3 meters/sec and 28 meters/sec. Magenn Air Rotors are operable between 1 meter/sec and in excess of 28 meters/sec.

*Magenn Air Rotors can be raised to higher altitudes, thus capitalizing on higher winds aloft. Altitudes from 400-ft to 1,000-ft above ground level are possible, without having to build an expensive tower, or use a crane to perform maintenance.

*Magenn Air Rotors are mobile and can be easily moved to different locations to correspond to changing wind patterns. Mobility is also useful in emergency deployment and disaster relief situations.

These points are mutually inclusive. The advantages above combine to make Magenn the most cost-effective wind electrical generation system.

Protective Force Field for Astronauts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Researchers are reviving an old but wild idea to protect astronauts from space radiation.

Opposite charges attract. Like charges repel. It's the first lesson of electromagnetism and, someday, it could save the lives of astronauts.

Space beyond low-Earth orbit is awash with intense radiation from the Sun and from deep galactic sources such as supernovas. Astronauts en route to the Moon and Mars are going to be exposed to this radiation, increasing their risk of getting cancer and other maladies. Finding a good shield is important.
Right: Supernovas produce dangerous radiation.

The most common way to deal with radiation is simply to physically block it, as the thick concrete around a nuclear reactor does. But making spaceships from concrete is not an option. (Interestingly, it might be possible to build a moonbase from a concrete mixture of moondust and water, if water can be found on the Moon, but that's another story)

NASA scientists are investigating many radiation-blocking materials such as aluminum, advanced plastics and liquid hydrogen.Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Those are all physical solutions. There is another possibility, one with no physical substance but plenty of shielding power: a force field.

Like charges repel. So why not protect astronauts by surrounding them with a powerful electric field that has the same charge as the incoming radiation, thus deflecting the radiation away?
Many experts are skeptical that electric fields can be made to protect astronauts. But Charles Buhler and John Lane, both scientists with ASRC Aerospace Corporation at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, believe it can be done. They've received support from the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts, whose job is to fund studies of far-out ideas, to investigate the possibility of electric shields for lunar bases.

Above: Artist’s concept of an electrostatic radiation shield, consisting of positively charged inner spheres and negatively charged outer spheres. The screen net is connected to ground.

Image courtesy ASRC Aerospace.

"Using electric fields to repel radiation was one of the first ideas back in the 1950s, when scientists started to look at the problem of protecting astronauts from radiation," Buhler says. "They quickly dropped the idea, though, because it seemed like the high voltages needed and the awkward designs that they thought would be necessary (for example, putting the astronauts inside two concentric metal spheres) would make such an electric shield impractical."
Buhler and Lane's approach is different. In their concept, a lunar base would have a half dozen or so inflatable, conductive spheres about 5 meters across mounted above the base. The spheres would then be charged up to a very high static-electrical potential: 100 megavolts or more. This voltage is very large but because there would be very little current flowing (the charge would sit statically on the spheres), not much power would be needed to maintain the charge.

The spheres would be made of a thin, strong fabric (such as Vectran, which was used for the landing balloons that cushioned the impact for the Mars Exploration Rovers) and coated with a very thin layer of a conductor such as gold. The fabric spheres could be folded up for transport and then inflated by simply loading them with an electric charge; the like charges of the electrons in the gold layer repel each other and force the sphere to expand outward.

Basic Idea behind this is placing the spheres far overhead would reduce the danger of astronauts touching them. By carefully choosing the arrangement of the spheres, scientists can maximize their effectiveness at repelling radiation while minimizing their impact on astronauts and equipment at the ground. In some designs, in fact, the net electric field at ground level is zero, thus alleviating any potential health risks from these strong electric fields.

Buhler and Lane are still searching for the best arrangement: Part of the challenge is that radiation comes as both positively and negatively charged particles. The spheres must be arranged so that the electric field is, say, negative far above the base (to repel negative particles) and positive closer to the ground (to repel the positive particles). "We've already simulated three geometries that might work," says Buhler.

It sounds wonderful, but there are many scientific and engineering problems yet to be solved. For example, skeptics note that an electrostatic shield on the Moon is susceptible to being short circuited by floating moondust, which is itself charged by solar ultraviolet radiation. Solar wind blowing across the shield can cause problems, too. Electrons and protons in the wind could become trapped by the maze of forces that make up the shield, leading to strong and unintended electrical currents right above the heads of the astronauts.

The research is still preliminary, Buhler stresses. Moondust, solar wind and other problems are still being investigated. It may be that a different kind of shield would work better, for instance, a superconducting magnetic field. These wild ideas have yet to sort themselves out.

But, who knows, perhaps one day astronauts on the Moon and Mars will work safely, protected by a simple principle of electromagnetism even a child can understand.