Hi,
a simple idea for all the phone charger that are permanently plugged in. A power switch that will automatically turn off the appliance plugged in when the consumption falls under a configurable threshold. With the phone plugged into the charger a small charge will always be drawn which keeps the socket alive. Once the phone is disconnected the socket switch detects that almost no power is consumed and hence switches off.
In order to detect if the phone has been connected again the power socket could wake up in regular intervals and check the power consumption. If the consumption is still low it will switch off after a preconfigured time.
As the realisation of this logic is very simple I could envisage such a circuit to be complementary to every phone charger by the manufacturer.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
BUSINESS IDEA: Instead of giving away personal data to competition, offer them for sale with high granularity
Hi,
watching on of those advertisements for car insurance, I started dreading again the task of selecting another insurer for the family car. Much rather I would offer some relevant information or even a reference from the current insurer and wait for some good offers to come in.
Spinning this thought further it becomes apparent that selling of some personal data is already common place: as subscriptions to mailing lists, detailed searches in company websites or simply tracking cookie. Only, there is no direct profit to the owner of the data as well as no incentive of keeping the data accurate and up-to-date.
The idea works as such: my personal data is stored in a library encrypted together with an access list. A data provider (i.e. the user, person, company, individual, etc.) will have the encryption key -- possibly using asymmetric encryption.
The data provider can then reverse advertise for an offer of goods or services by subscribing to categories and supplying a minimal set of data. For a car insurance perhaps the number plate, age and recent claims history for example.
For solicited access a data consumer (i.e. insurance company, shipping company, market research organisation, etc.) will have to ask the data provider for one-time-access to more of the personal data in order to complete an offer.
The interesting part is the idea of selling some of the information, such as household income statistics in a reverse google adwords fashion. For example the data consumer would put a request out for all data provider with an interest in gadget, a disposable income of X amount and in a certain region. Data providers can then subscribe and offer some more of their information for a guaranteed monetary amount. Of course, just like ebay and google a certain amount of lying can be expected and need to be factored in. Reputation points are on option. Another more drastic possibly proof of location, age and income may be accepted by the website to purchase creditability points in order to help weed out some of the abuse.
Finally, for market research a statistical group subscription could be offered where data provider are classified into groups of age, location or income. An interested market research company could purchase. Again with some small reward to the data provider.
On a grander scale this system can be extended with electronic voting and/or backed by a call center for companies to purchase as sales channel.
The biggest drawback is the privacy issue. Everyone conscious of their data being used against them, such as questions related to health issues or accident history should be rightly concerned. A decent amount of safety can be guaranteed as the data is encrypted to be used at the immediate and temporary discretion of the end user only and all of the statistical and "unsolicited" access is done via a highly granular opt-in. Perhaps 10-30% of the personally sensitive data of random data provider should be withheld as a matter of business rule to avoid the absence of information to have a meaningful value to the data buyer.
Another drawback is data harvesting by companies or company groups sharing this information after purchasing. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done with the exception to legally require a NDA (non-disclosure-agreement). Interesting options are emitting a significantly insignificant amount of false data, such as misspellings in name or a few days off the age, as tracer to spot companies abusing the NDA. This can only work as deterrent but not as a guarantee. And as the past storage of credit card details has been show some data leakage can be expected even when taken all precautions.
Credibility is the most important asset for this business. Hence it becomes vital to offer to the data provider an audit trail of every access and search specifically to the providers data and details about the encryption.
watching on of those advertisements for car insurance, I started dreading again the task of selecting another insurer for the family car. Much rather I would offer some relevant information or even a reference from the current insurer and wait for some good offers to come in.
Spinning this thought further it becomes apparent that selling of some personal data is already common place: as subscriptions to mailing lists, detailed searches in company websites or simply tracking cookie. Only, there is no direct profit to the owner of the data as well as no incentive of keeping the data accurate and up-to-date.
The idea works as such: my personal data is stored in a library encrypted together with an access list. A data provider (i.e. the user, person, company, individual, etc.) will have the encryption key -- possibly using asymmetric encryption.
The data provider can then reverse advertise for an offer of goods or services by subscribing to categories and supplying a minimal set of data. For a car insurance perhaps the number plate, age and recent claims history for example.
For solicited access a data consumer (i.e. insurance company, shipping company, market research organisation, etc.) will have to ask the data provider for one-time-access to more of the personal data in order to complete an offer.
The interesting part is the idea of selling some of the information, such as household income statistics in a reverse google adwords fashion. For example the data consumer would put a request out for all data provider with an interest in gadget, a disposable income of X amount and in a certain region. Data providers can then subscribe and offer some more of their information for a guaranteed monetary amount. Of course, just like ebay and google a certain amount of lying can be expected and need to be factored in. Reputation points are on option. Another more drastic possibly proof of location, age and income may be accepted by the website to purchase creditability points in order to help weed out some of the abuse.
Finally, for market research a statistical group subscription could be offered where data provider are classified into groups of age, location or income. An interested market research company could purchase. Again with some small reward to the data provider.
On a grander scale this system can be extended with electronic voting and/or backed by a call center for companies to purchase as sales channel.
The biggest drawback is the privacy issue. Everyone conscious of their data being used against them, such as questions related to health issues or accident history should be rightly concerned. A decent amount of safety can be guaranteed as the data is encrypted to be used at the immediate and temporary discretion of the end user only and all of the statistical and "unsolicited" access is done via a highly granular opt-in. Perhaps 10-30% of the personally sensitive data of random data provider should be withheld as a matter of business rule to avoid the absence of information to have a meaningful value to the data buyer.
Another drawback is data harvesting by companies or company groups sharing this information after purchasing. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done with the exception to legally require a NDA (non-disclosure-agreement). Interesting options are emitting a significantly insignificant amount of false data, such as misspellings in name or a few days off the age, as tracer to spot companies abusing the NDA. This can only work as deterrent but not as a guarantee. And as the past storage of credit card details has been show some data leakage can be expected even when taken all precautions.
Credibility is the most important asset for this business. Hence it becomes vital to offer to the data provider an audit trail of every access and search specifically to the providers data and details about the encryption.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
IDEA: Safer driving on snow and ice.
Hi,
driving home and being stuck in bad road conditions last night has given me plenty of time to think about improving driving in snow. Of course I am not the first one thinking bout this. Waiting for the truck far ahead to make it up the steep slope (or not as it were) I realized that the other lane with traffic coming the opposite way developped a natural pattern of ridges.
Apparently, the faster counter flow did not just push the snow away from the tires but also compressing it whilst rolling over it. Somehow the "chaotic" compression and displacement resulted in a rough road surface. I would have thought that given this rough pattern (although horribly noisy to drive over) gives more grip both accelerating and breaking -- especially with ASR and ABS as many modern car have now built in.
My idea is therefore: instead of removing the snow/ice create a grip pattern to drive on. Maybe even flash freezing a light coat of water to fortify it. The grip pattern has ice/snow ridges that are slightly elevated and dips accross the tires causing a cobble effect. This prevents both fast driving that is unsuitable for the road conditions and removes the need for creating deep snow walls on either side of the road. It also removes the need for salting.
Drawbacks are the on high frequency routes the ridges will get worn round soon. However, if the ridges would reflect the naturally developing pattern it may become self sustaining. Subject to pressure and temperature this may well be an option.
driving home and being stuck in bad road conditions last night has given me plenty of time to think about improving driving in snow. Of course I am not the first one thinking bout this. Waiting for the truck far ahead to make it up the steep slope (or not as it were) I realized that the other lane with traffic coming the opposite way developped a natural pattern of ridges.
Apparently, the faster counter flow did not just push the snow away from the tires but also compressing it whilst rolling over it. Somehow the "chaotic" compression and displacement resulted in a rough road surface. I would have thought that given this rough pattern (although horribly noisy to drive over) gives more grip both accelerating and breaking -- especially with ASR and ABS as many modern car have now built in.
My idea is therefore: instead of removing the snow/ice create a grip pattern to drive on. Maybe even flash freezing a light coat of water to fortify it. The grip pattern has ice/snow ridges that are slightly elevated and dips accross the tires causing a cobble effect. This prevents both fast driving that is unsuitable for the road conditions and removes the need for creating deep snow walls on either side of the road. It also removes the need for salting.
Drawbacks are the on high frequency routes the ridges will get worn round soon. However, if the ridges would reflect the naturally developing pattern it may become self sustaining. Subject to pressure and temperature this may well be an option.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
IDEA: Bluetooth PA system
Hi,
with all the audio visual communications equipment around the house or work, including the mobile equipment, it appears a bit of a challenge to be heard or to interrupt a listener and to get attention.
As most of the equipment is able to synthesize sound it would be a good idea to enable the devices to be interrupted for a broadcast by another system. This would be an opt-in of course to avoid abuse.
Hence, my idea is to enable or attache an enabled bluetooth device for local broadcasts.
Simple ? Too simple ?
HPBM24BBV9QH
with all the audio visual communications equipment around the house or work, including the mobile equipment, it appears a bit of a challenge to be heard or to interrupt a listener and to get attention.
As most of the equipment is able to synthesize sound it would be a good idea to enable the devices to be interrupted for a broadcast by another system. This would be an opt-in of course to avoid abuse.
Hence, my idea is to enable or attache an enabled bluetooth device for local broadcasts.
Simple ? Too simple ?
HPBM24BBV9QH
Friday, December 18, 2009
REQUEST: mirror replacement+
Hi,
as the follically challenged person I am I find myself turning to odd angles and peek out of the corner of my eye to catch a non frontal view in the mirror. Quite to the amusement of anyone around. And, no, I don't consider myself vain -- although I grudgingly appreciate that you may get the impression.
So I wondered if anyone has started building TV screens to replace mirrors and indeed there are. And indeed there are quite a few. Unfortunately, I couldn't see if any of the devices allow recording and freeze frames. So here is my request to the manufacturers of the world.
Please create a mirror replacement that allows me to record my twirls in front of the flat screen TV and to play them back for review. Of course there are some privacy measures required to prevent the playback by other hands and to avoid the obvious abuse from others to steal the secrets of my expertly eradicating my beard stubbles.
I am sure that its use will extend way beyond the simple bathroom application.
as the follically challenged person I am I find myself turning to odd angles and peek out of the corner of my eye to catch a non frontal view in the mirror. Quite to the amusement of anyone around. And, no, I don't consider myself vain -- although I grudgingly appreciate that you may get the impression.
So I wondered if anyone has started building TV screens to replace mirrors and indeed there are. And indeed there are quite a few. Unfortunately, I couldn't see if any of the devices allow recording and freeze frames. So here is my request to the manufacturers of the world.
Please create a mirror replacement that allows me to record my twirls in front of the flat screen TV and to play them back for review. Of course there are some privacy measures required to prevent the playback by other hands and to avoid the obvious abuse from others to steal the secrets of my expertly eradicating my beard stubbles.
I am sure that its use will extend way beyond the simple bathroom application.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
IDEA: furniture lint blocker
Hi,
clearning under furniture is seldom done due to inaccessibility. My idea is to block lint and other items from seeping underneath furniture. This can be achieved in multiple ways of which I shall list a few.
Using positive pressure method - generate a constant airflow blowing out. This works on furniture with very small gaps around. As a fan or air pump is required this is also a costly and perhaps noisy option. However, combined with a heating system may be practical.
An cushion or bellow that can be inflated and topped up if required. This is a fairly universal method but requires a preformed cushion or bellow that fits the gaps perfectly. The filling can be air or some for of expanding foam.
Of course, the obvious way is to use furniture that does not have gaps and smoothly attaches to the floors. This can also be achieved using retrofitted skirting of kind.
clearning under furniture is seldom done due to inaccessibility. My idea is to block lint and other items from seeping underneath furniture. This can be achieved in multiple ways of which I shall list a few.
Using positive pressure method - generate a constant airflow blowing out. This works on furniture with very small gaps around. As a fan or air pump is required this is also a costly and perhaps noisy option. However, combined with a heating system may be practical.
An cushion or bellow that can be inflated and topped up if required. This is a fairly universal method but requires a preformed cushion or bellow that fits the gaps perfectly. The filling can be air or some for of expanding foam. Of course, the obvious way is to use furniture that does not have gaps and smoothly attaches to the floors. This can also be achieved using retrofitted skirting of kind.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 3
Hi,
this is another continuation of the previous posts "IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 1 and ". This method proposes the use of chemical keying a dye in the envelop that will stain the document and make it unusable.
The dye will be situated between two sheets inbetween the outer and inner shell of the envelop and will flow stain the document when the inner shell is broken. Ideally, the inner shell should be decomposing rapidly to allow more stain to enter once it starts flowing. Perhaps an agent with the document will accelerate this.
To disarm the envelop, the dye has a coagulation agent that the receiver can use to solidify the dye and then open the envelope. This coagulation agent should be coded to the individual and as unique as possible. Therefore avoiding another person to open the envelope by accident. In the far future this could even be based on DNA or other biometrical measures.
this is another continuation of the previous posts "IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 1 and ". This method proposes the use of chemical keying a dye in the envelop that will stain the document and make it unusable.
The dye will be situated between two sheets inbetween the outer and inner shell of the envelop and will flow stain the document when the inner shell is broken. Ideally, the inner shell should be decomposing rapidly to allow more stain to enter once it starts flowing. Perhaps an agent with the document will accelerate this.To disarm the envelop, the dye has a coagulation agent that the receiver can use to solidify the dye and then open the envelope. This coagulation agent should be coded to the individual and as unique as possible. Therefore avoiding another person to open the envelope by accident. In the far future this could even be based on DNA or other biometrical measures.
Monday, December 14, 2009
IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 2
Hi,
this is a continuation of the "IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 1" post. In the last method, the destruction of the ink was used to ensure the document is destroyed when the envelop was opened without proper authorisation.
Another method is to use special paper, such a photo paper which interacts with the environment when opening the envelop improperly. For example the photo paper will be exposed to normal light when opening an envelope without dark room. However, this mechanism will only protect the content from unintentional opening. Parties familiar with the process can open the envelop in any darkroom and gain access to the content.
A more suitable means would be to key the paper chemically in a unique way -- such as using a photo paper which is save only in a specific wave length using filter paper. A person in a dark room needs to have a particular light source to expose the paper for it not to expose. Therefore the paper can be tuned towards a specific recipient.
The self destructive paper system could be combined with my previous method in a way that the envelope contains a small destructive light source such as LEDs or a flash light that exposes the content upon opening without authorisation.
this is a continuation of the "IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 1" post. In the last method, the destruction of the ink was used to ensure the document is destroyed when the envelop was opened without proper authorisation.
Another method is to use special paper, such a photo paper which interacts with the environment when opening the envelop improperly. For example the photo paper will be exposed to normal light when opening an envelope without dark room. However, this mechanism will only protect the content from unintentional opening. Parties familiar with the process can open the envelop in any darkroom and gain access to the content.
A more suitable means would be to key the paper chemically in a unique way -- such as using a photo paper which is save only in a specific wave length using filter paper. A person in a dark room needs to have a particular light source to expose the paper for it not to expose. Therefore the paper can be tuned towards a specific recipient.The self destructive paper system could be combined with my previous method in a way that the envelope contains a small destructive light source such as LEDs or a flash light that exposes the content upon opening without authorisation.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
IDEA: tamper proof mail self destructive envelope - Method 1
Hi,
a tamper proof bag or envelop usually comprise of a resistant material with the flap or opening permanently closed [1]. Some mechanism is in place to validate that the purpose opening is permanently stained upon opening. However, this will not protect the content from being accessed.
My idea is to use a self destructive envelope that will render the document unusable when being accessed without authorisation. Of course an exothermic reaction of any kind, i.e. fire -- although effective -- is too dangerous and illegal for posting. However, some material decompose and change when exposed to water rapidly. One mechanism is to use washable ink which immediately runs when exposed to water. The envelope will detect tampering and releases an ink destructive agent using a rapid distribution system such as a slightly pressured water pouch.
To detect the penetration of the envelop the envelop material has woven or printed strands of an electrical conductor in horizontal and vertical strips seperated by a thin insulator. When either of these layer is torn the electrical properties ( resistance, capacity or inductivity ) change and can be detected.
A simple printed-on number pad can be used to disarm the mechanism upon receiving of the item. Then the envelope can be unsealed without impacting the ink. Unfortuntely, the ink will destroy over time hence the document needs to be treated on the receiving side to permanently fix.
[1] United States Patent 3895755, http://www.wikipatents.com/3895755.html
a tamper proof bag or envelop usually comprise of a resistant material with the flap or opening permanently closed [1]. Some mechanism is in place to validate that the purpose opening is permanently stained upon opening. However, this will not protect the content from being accessed.
My idea is to use a self destructive envelope that will render the document unusable when being accessed without authorisation. Of course an exothermic reaction of any kind, i.e. fire -- although effective -- is too dangerous and illegal for posting. However, some material decompose and change when exposed to water rapidly. One mechanism is to use washable ink which immediately runs when exposed to water. The envelope will detect tampering and releases an ink destructive agent using a rapid distribution system such as a slightly pressured water pouch.
To detect the penetration of the envelop the envelop material has woven or printed strands of an electrical conductor in horizontal and vertical strips seperated by a thin insulator. When either of these layer is torn the electrical properties ( resistance, capacity or inductivity ) change and can be detected. A simple printed-on number pad can be used to disarm the mechanism upon receiving of the item. Then the envelope can be unsealed without impacting the ink. Unfortuntely, the ink will destroy over time hence the document needs to be treated on the receiving side to permanently fix.
[1] United States Patent 3895755, http://www.wikipatents.com/3895755.html
Thursday, December 10, 2009
IDEA: electric potato peeler
Hi,
the mind idle as it is during potato peeling, I wondered how to improve on the potato peeler. The first draft is a machine in this crude diagram.
In my first draft, the idea is inspired by an electric beard razor. Unlike the razor which moves whilst the face is kept still this device moves the potato with the devices held firmly in one hand.
There are three parts to this idea. The cylindrical tube like frame allowing the potato to be pushed against by hand. A set of several spring mounted cylindrical blades pushed against the potato to perform the peeling function. The third part are the spring mounted sprocket like wheels that roll the potato in the hand.
The user would hold the potato lightly in the cusp pushed against the tube end. The spring mounted sprocket will push the potato along and the spring mounted blade cylinders perform the cutting of the skin. With a bit of practice I believe on can move the potato so that it gets shaven evenly all around.
Unfortunately, just like the manual peeler small folds and small concave dents will not be processed very cleanly either. But I can imaging that given the right speed and traction of the sprocket the peeling can be done quite fast.
the mind idle as it is during potato peeling, I wondered how to improve on the potato peeler. The first draft is a machine in this crude diagram.
In my first draft, the idea is inspired by an electric beard razor. Unlike the razor which moves whilst the face is kept still this device moves the potato with the devices held firmly in one hand.
There are three parts to this idea. The cylindrical tube like frame allowing the potato to be pushed against by hand. A set of several spring mounted cylindrical blades pushed against the potato to perform the peeling function. The third part are the spring mounted sprocket like wheels that roll the potato in the hand.
The user would hold the potato lightly in the cusp pushed against the tube end. The spring mounted sprocket will push the potato along and the spring mounted blade cylinders perform the cutting of the skin. With a bit of practice I believe on can move the potato so that it gets shaven evenly all around.
Unfortunately, just like the manual peeler small folds and small concave dents will not be processed very cleanly either. But I can imaging that given the right speed and traction of the sprocket the peeling can be done quite fast.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
IDEA: road surface that assists regenerative breaking
Hi,
the car industry has worked on the regenerative break idea for a very long time [1]. And this work does take fruition in some vehicles now. Surely it will be soon mainstream for modern cars.
However, in this brief, I am considering the idea of assisted regenerative breaking through the use of the road surface. The general approach is likely to collect the momentum of the vehicle through the surface material and store it somehow. The stored energy can be used to accelerate the car again. The most suitable location for this are controlled stop points such as traffic signals, exit of motorways and intersections.
When vehicles are required to decelerate, the road should absorb the energy. This can be achieved through displacement of a liquid perhaps embedded oil pockets or water bellows. The displacement pressure can be used to generate electricity. Once the car needs to accelerate the road surface need to be firm and flat.
Another more direct option is to use a lever mechanism to use the momentum of the car to lift itself ready to use its own weight for the subsequent acceleration. Vehicles might climb a suitable raised ramp to raise up. A sea-saw movement of the ramp will then accelerate the vehicle again as it appears to move downhill.
Interesting with this general approach is that the driver is expect to perform either deceleration or even a full stop rapidly in order to transfer most of the energy or does not use the break at all. The system needs to be responsible for gradually slowing down a vehicle instead of the vehicle itself. This is a considerable advantage when imposing a stop at a red light.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_brake
the car industry has worked on the regenerative break idea for a very long time [1]. And this work does take fruition in some vehicles now. Surely it will be soon mainstream for modern cars.
However, in this brief, I am considering the idea of assisted regenerative breaking through the use of the road surface. The general approach is likely to collect the momentum of the vehicle through the surface material and store it somehow. The stored energy can be used to accelerate the car again. The most suitable location for this are controlled stop points such as traffic signals, exit of motorways and intersections.
When vehicles are required to decelerate, the road should absorb the energy. This can be achieved through displacement of a liquid perhaps embedded oil pockets or water bellows. The displacement pressure can be used to generate electricity. Once the car needs to accelerate the road surface need to be firm and flat. Another more direct option is to use a lever mechanism to use the momentum of the car to lift itself ready to use its own weight for the subsequent acceleration. Vehicles might climb a suitable raised ramp to raise up. A sea-saw movement of the ramp will then accelerate the vehicle again as it appears to move downhill.
Interesting with this general approach is that the driver is expect to perform either deceleration or even a full stop rapidly in order to transfer most of the energy or does not use the break at all. The system needs to be responsible for gradually slowing down a vehicle instead of the vehicle itself. This is a considerable advantage when imposing a stop at a red light.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_brake
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
REQUEST: car stereo with instant replay facility
Hi,
for several years now there were requests for an instant replay [1][2] and some claims of a product that has such a function [3]. Commuting with the car, I often hear something on the radio but given traffic and other interruptions I miss it. Traffic news being the most important one.
Considering you can now get a record and replay facility in Greeting Cards and childrens toys the chip set should be cheap enough to make it into the mainstream radio. I guess that with hardware costs in bulk should be minimal, someone gave the circuitry away for free even back in 2007 [4]. Even radios that have an MP3 player built in playing from your handy USB stick or MP3 player don't offer any functionality of replaying radio broadcasts for the last 5 minutes.
I really wonder why the car industry is not keen on this ? Maybe it is the copyright -- which don't look very expensive to me in the first instance for the USA [5]. I don't read the fine print though it does specifically exclude non music storage -- ideal for recording traffic news.
Will it ever happen ?
[2] http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/TiVo_20Car_20Radio
[3] http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2005/9_1_2005/9January2005_57.html
[4] http://www.scary-terry.com/dsr/dsr.htm
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Home_Recording_Act
for several years now there were requests for an instant replay [1][2] and some claims of a product that has such a function [3]. Commuting with the car, I often hear something on the radio but given traffic and other interruptions I miss it. Traffic news being the most important one.
Considering you can now get a record and replay facility in Greeting Cards and childrens toys the chip set should be cheap enough to make it into the mainstream radio. I guess that with hardware costs in bulk should be minimal, someone gave the circuitry away for free even back in 2007 [4]. Even radios that have an MP3 player built in playing from your handy USB stick or MP3 player don't offer any functionality of replaying radio broadcasts for the last 5 minutes.I really wonder why the car industry is not keen on this ? Maybe it is the copyright -- which don't look very expensive to me in the first instance for the USA [5]. I don't read the fine print though it does specifically exclude non music storage -- ideal for recording traffic news.
Will it ever happen ?
[2] http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/TiVo_20Car_20Radio
[3] http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2005/9_1_2005/9January2005_57.html
[4] http://www.scary-terry.com/dsr/dsr.htm
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Home_Recording_Act
Monday, December 7, 2009
REQUEST: computer mouse with squeese control
Hi,
usually I am "at one" with my mouse. The mouse moves via the familiar movement of my hand to the position required. Since a few years mice have now a scroll button which help endlessly when scrolling up and down a page "underneath" the mouse.
Depending on my mood and the stress or excitement, however, the mouse pointer sometimes feels too slow when flicking through the pages. Eventually, I reduce the mouse resolution to be faster. Then I notice that the mouse tends to overshoots the target position or pages too fast.
My request is to install a pressure pad on the side of the mouse that works as a speed dial. Harder squeeze translates into a lower resolution of the mouse pointer and thus faster movement. Holding it lighter translates into a higher resolution of the mouse pointer and more precise movement. Apple has gone some ways with this mouse [1] but their 'squeeze' button is a button rather than a speed dial.
An interesting variation is to use the downward pressure of the hand palm on the mouse for the same purpose. Low pressure for low resolution and high pressure for high resolution.
[1] http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=Apple+Mouse&hl=en
usually I am "at one" with my mouse. The mouse moves via the familiar movement of my hand to the position required. Since a few years mice have now a scroll button which help endlessly when scrolling up and down a page "underneath" the mouse.
Depending on my mood and the stress or excitement, however, the mouse pointer sometimes feels too slow when flicking through the pages. Eventually, I reduce the mouse resolution to be faster. Then I notice that the mouse tends to overshoots the target position or pages too fast.
My request is to install a pressure pad on the side of the mouse that works as a speed dial. Harder squeeze translates into a lower resolution of the mouse pointer and thus faster movement. Holding it lighter translates into a higher resolution of the mouse pointer and more precise movement. Apple has gone some ways with this mouse [1] but their 'squeeze' button is a button rather than a speed dial.
An interesting variation is to use the downward pressure of the hand palm on the mouse for the same purpose. Low pressure for low resolution and high pressure for high resolution.
[1] http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=Apple+Mouse&hl=en
Sunday, December 6, 2009
IDEA: toaster with butter well for the perfect coverage
Hi,
as it is Sunday - here is my 'decadent' idea. According to a superficial search in google there is no toaster that also does apply the butter after the toast cycle is done. As this appears to be the most common of spreads and traditionally applied manually with the knife. This could be a chrismas present for those who do have everything else -- or just hate to break the toast applying cold butter.
Technically, the butter flows almost at room temperature. Therefore the application of a thin layer of butter can be done fairly easy. So leaving with some options, such as roll on, spray on or even a fully flowing well.
Rolling on can be tricky being that toast warps under the heat. A well to run the toast through does apply too much butter for me. Spraying butter appears to be a good way. Practically, I would think a double height toaster would do the trick. The bread enters a semi-conventional four slice toaster. On finishing the toast cycle it will drop out on the bottom. Whilst dropping through it will fall through a blade of butter spray.
The butter is heated at the same time as the toast flowing into a reservoir. Then gas is applied (maybe from a carbonate gas cartridge or generated using a mini compressor or various other means) to the butter propelling it onto the toast. To control the amount of butter you could finely adjust the butter pressure or let it fall through several times.
Cleaning is likely be done using some kitchen towels strategically mounted to catch the excess or some baking paper box.
Is it healthy ? Maybe we need less butter with the spray on as it would be distributed very thinly. But, I readily admit, this is a more decadent idea of doing toast the posh 'Sunday' style. Health is less of my motivation -- otherwise I wouldn't use butter.
Applying low fat cream cheese likely requires a completely different approach. But that is the topic of another 'decadent' post.
as it is Sunday - here is my 'decadent' idea. According to a superficial search in google there is no toaster that also does apply the butter after the toast cycle is done. As this appears to be the most common of spreads and traditionally applied manually with the knife. This could be a chrismas present for those who do have everything else -- or just hate to break the toast applying cold butter.
Technically, the butter flows almost at room temperature. Therefore the application of a thin layer of butter can be done fairly easy. So leaving with some options, such as roll on, spray on or even a fully flowing well.
Rolling on can be tricky being that toast warps under the heat. A well to run the toast through does apply too much butter for me. Spraying butter appears to be a good way. Practically, I would think a double height toaster would do the trick. The bread enters a semi-conventional four slice toaster. On finishing the toast cycle it will drop out on the bottom. Whilst dropping through it will fall through a blade of butter spray.
The butter is heated at the same time as the toast flowing into a reservoir. Then gas is applied (maybe from a carbonate gas cartridge or generated using a mini compressor or various other means) to the butter propelling it onto the toast. To control the amount of butter you could finely adjust the butter pressure or let it fall through several times.
Cleaning is likely be done using some kitchen towels strategically mounted to catch the excess or some baking paper box.
Is it healthy ? Maybe we need less butter with the spray on as it would be distributed very thinly. But, I readily admit, this is a more decadent idea of doing toast the posh 'Sunday' style. Health is less of my motivation -- otherwise I wouldn't use butter.
Applying low fat cream cheese likely requires a completely different approach. But that is the topic of another 'decadent' post.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
REQUEST: trip statistics in cars
Hi,
I like to know what the per gallon statistics are for my car. Just yesterday, filling up my car at the petrol station, I realised that the car manufacturers missed a trick with the trip mileage counter. Once the car is filled up I always wonder how I did driving wise. And not just from the current trip but from my last trip(s) as well -- since I usually reset the counter after filling up.
It doesn't take much computational power away from the systems to store the statistics. It also does only require a simple user interface -- simply displaying the mpg number at the same time as the mileage would do. Ticking once on the reset button goes back, keeping it down for 10 seconds resets the current counter.
The only slightly expensive affair is to measure the volume in the petrol tank more accurate. That can be done with weight sensors on the tank or some electronic capacitance [1] sensors. I would think the standard float based gauge will not be accurate enough.
There is a fairly straight forward thing to do. I wonder why there is no pressure on the car manufacturer to offer these kinds of statistics if they can help us to drive more consciously.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_gauge
I like to know what the per gallon statistics are for my car. Just yesterday, filling up my car at the petrol station, I realised that the car manufacturers missed a trick with the trip mileage counter. Once the car is filled up I always wonder how I did driving wise. And not just from the current trip but from my last trip(s) as well -- since I usually reset the counter after filling up.
It doesn't take much computational power away from the systems to store the statistics. It also does only require a simple user interface -- simply displaying the mpg number at the same time as the mileage would do. Ticking once on the reset button goes back, keeping it down for 10 seconds resets the current counter.
The only slightly expensive affair is to measure the volume in the petrol tank more accurate. That can be done with weight sensors on the tank or some electronic capacitance [1] sensors. I would think the standard float based gauge will not be accurate enough.
There is a fairly straight forward thing to do. I wonder why there is no pressure on the car manufacturer to offer these kinds of statistics if they can help us to drive more consciously.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_gauge
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