Hi,
as there is often a chance that I forget to switch the mobile phone off during driving, I find myself tempted to answer the phone during commuting. Hence, I would like to use a gadget of sort -- possibly bluetooth based that can switch the answer phone message automatically when I am sitting in the car. It also could switch it back once I leave the car.
People calling me would not be so disturbed that I am not answering immediately and maybe inclinded to leave a message instead.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
IDEA: DIY clothing
Hi,
clothing comes as of the rack or tailored. I could imagine that clothing could be combined when suitably build just like a puzzle. Straight pieces like the back, sides and front can be made of regular rectangles or triangles. Only pieces like shoulders and neck may require customisation.
Hence the idea of a DIY kit for clothes that allows a fashion able person to combine various elements and patterns in a semi permanent fasion ( zippers, magnetic, velcro or otherwise ). With various elements and details a person may be able to develop reusable and distinguishable clothing.
clothing comes as of the rack or tailored. I could imagine that clothing could be combined when suitably build just like a puzzle. Straight pieces like the back, sides and front can be made of regular rectangles or triangles. Only pieces like shoulders and neck may require customisation.
Hence the idea of a DIY kit for clothes that allows a fashion able person to combine various elements and patterns in a semi permanent fasion ( zippers, magnetic, velcro or otherwise ). With various elements and details a person may be able to develop reusable and distinguishable clothing.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
IDEA: emergency pump for small volumes
Hi,
the washing machine waste filter got clogged up with what turns out later to be a lolipop stick. In order for the filter to be accessible there was the need to pump out all the water. Usually, I have a little tray which I fill time and time again to empty the machine.
However, tired of dumping and spilling most of the water in the process I was thinking about how to create a water pump. The design ended up to be very simple in the end. A 2 liter water bottle with smooth sides got cut in half at the diameter half way up the bottle. The two halves could be pushed into each other with a thin cut of the bottom half to make it slightly smaller in diameter.
Using tape and a sturdy plastic sheet I sealed the bottle as to allow the parts to slide into each other easily. On pulling the bottom part out create a small vaccum that is forced to be filled through the lid as the plastic sheet sticks to the gap and prevents air to enter at the cut seam.
The design allows around 800ml of water to be sucked up before the water needs to be expelled by unscrewing the cap and letting the water out. Also, at this time pushing the bottom back into the top to "reload" the bottle so to speak. Repeat this process until all the water that can be extracted has gone. Then it was a minor spillage to get to the filter and remove the blockage.
I fitted the cap with a thin piece of hose so that I do not have to hold the bottle into the water directly. Also, if the machine is still quite full gravity will help letting the water out. Simply submerge the whole of the hose into water to get all the air out. Then put one end into the machine water and hold the other end near the floor into a bucket of even drain if there is one. The water will then flow down until the hose sucks in air or the water level is too low.
the washing machine waste filter got clogged up with what turns out later to be a lolipop stick. In order for the filter to be accessible there was the need to pump out all the water. Usually, I have a little tray which I fill time and time again to empty the machine.
However, tired of dumping and spilling most of the water in the process I was thinking about how to create a water pump. The design ended up to be very simple in the end. A 2 liter water bottle with smooth sides got cut in half at the diameter half way up the bottle. The two halves could be pushed into each other with a thin cut of the bottom half to make it slightly smaller in diameter.
Using tape and a sturdy plastic sheet I sealed the bottle as to allow the parts to slide into each other easily. On pulling the bottom part out create a small vaccum that is forced to be filled through the lid as the plastic sheet sticks to the gap and prevents air to enter at the cut seam.
The design allows around 800ml of water to be sucked up before the water needs to be expelled by unscrewing the cap and letting the water out. Also, at this time pushing the bottom back into the top to "reload" the bottle so to speak. Repeat this process until all the water that can be extracted has gone. Then it was a minor spillage to get to the filter and remove the blockage.
I fitted the cap with a thin piece of hose so that I do not have to hold the bottle into the water directly. Also, if the machine is still quite full gravity will help letting the water out. Simply submerge the whole of the hose into water to get all the air out. Then put one end into the machine water and hold the other end near the floor into a bucket of even drain if there is one. The water will then flow down until the hose sucks in air or the water level is too low.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
IDEA: recover energy from waste water
Hi,
it appears to be wasteful that hot or warm water is drained away in sewage pipes without at least recovering some energy from the temperature. To recover the energy different means are possible. Suggestive would be to recover the kinetic energy using some form of wheel or other mechanism. This is only possible for slightly soiled water as the danger of clogging the mechanism is rather great. Technically, the means to recover the kinetic energy is some form of obstacle which will collect slower and heavier substances easily.
To recover the heat energy is easier. By using heat conducting piping for parts of the way a heat transfer can be easily achieved. It suggest itself to use a meandering two metal coating inside the pipe which would in itself convert the heat into a small amount of electricity. Once the sacrifical electrode is used up the pipe will still be intact and therefore would not lead to any impairment or structural weakness of the functionality of the pipe.
it appears to be wasteful that hot or warm water is drained away in sewage pipes without at least recovering some energy from the temperature. To recover the energy different means are possible. Suggestive would be to recover the kinetic energy using some form of wheel or other mechanism. This is only possible for slightly soiled water as the danger of clogging the mechanism is rather great. Technically, the means to recover the kinetic energy is some form of obstacle which will collect slower and heavier substances easily.
To recover the heat energy is easier. By using heat conducting piping for parts of the way a heat transfer can be easily achieved. It suggest itself to use a meandering two metal coating inside the pipe which would in itself convert the heat into a small amount of electricity. Once the sacrifical electrode is used up the pipe will still be intact and therefore would not lead to any impairment or structural weakness of the functionality of the pipe.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
IDEA: USB data stick with index and file listing display
Hi,
with the increasing popularity of USB memory sticks eventually many owner will use several USB sticks for their day-to-day usage. However, with their capacity increasing it will become difficult to remember what data is stored on which stick - or if lost what data is lost.
Hence my idea to put a small display known from budget mp3 players on the stick that will allow to browse the content of the stick. Ideally, there should be a mechanism to mark content so that when pluggin the memory stick into the computer the correct program to read this content is already starting automatically.
Your host computer would keep track of all the other memory sticks you own and will update the inventory on the memory stick automatically when it is attached to the computer.
with the increasing popularity of USB memory sticks eventually many owner will use several USB sticks for their day-to-day usage. However, with their capacity increasing it will become difficult to remember what data is stored on which stick - or if lost what data is lost.
Hence my idea to put a small display known from budget mp3 players on the stick that will allow to browse the content of the stick. Ideally, there should be a mechanism to mark content so that when pluggin the memory stick into the computer the correct program to read this content is already starting automatically.
Your host computer would keep track of all the other memory sticks you own and will update the inventory on the memory stick automatically when it is attached to the computer.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
IDEA: Passive in-door illumination
Hi,
with the fibre optical material coming down in price the concept of directing light from outside to the inside is more affordable. Some interesting concepts and ideas are on the horizon:
Similar to water, sewage and electricity one can consider a lighting infrastructure directing outside natural light to various places within the building and/or appliances. A well placed collection point for light with a wide angle lense or for more luxurious systems a sun tracking mirror will feed the light into the system. Night time and low light compensation could be achieved by a high efficiency light source supplementing the systems feed.
Using a simple plug-in system, light could be fed into appliances such as refriderators or freezers perhaps even with IR light filtering for background illumination. This, of course, can be appreciated best with see-through doors know from the retail fridges. Closets and cabinets with bad lighting could well be supplemented with daytime lighting as needed.
Interesting, given sufficient light, are connecting fibres up to flat-screen TV, flat-screen computer screens and other electronic devices that normally are supplemented with a build in light source. Particular for laptops such a built in lightsource is rather battery draining.
However, for the short term benefits a natural light is quite night for background illumination in living or working areas as there are general ergonomical benefits of natural light.
with the fibre optical material coming down in price the concept of directing light from outside to the inside is more affordable. Some interesting concepts and ideas are on the horizon:
Similar to water, sewage and electricity one can consider a lighting infrastructure directing outside natural light to various places within the building and/or appliances. A well placed collection point for light with a wide angle lense or for more luxurious systems a sun tracking mirror will feed the light into the system. Night time and low light compensation could be achieved by a high efficiency light source supplementing the systems feed.
Using a simple plug-in system, light could be fed into appliances such as refriderators or freezers perhaps even with IR light filtering for background illumination. This, of course, can be appreciated best with see-through doors know from the retail fridges. Closets and cabinets with bad lighting could well be supplemented with daytime lighting as needed.
Interesting, given sufficient light, are connecting fibres up to flat-screen TV, flat-screen computer screens and other electronic devices that normally are supplemented with a build in light source. Particular for laptops such a built in lightsource is rather battery draining.
However, for the short term benefits a natural light is quite night for background illumination in living or working areas as there are general ergonomical benefits of natural light.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
IDEA: Kinetic energy recover for cars
Hi,
last month I have been thinking about the wasted energy decelerating vehicle and regenerative breaking. There are good and viable systems around to recover the energy from cars by means within the car. However, I was and still am intruiged by the notion of recovering energy using the road surface or other means.
At the time I considered traffic lights, intersection and off ramps on motorways to be a good place for implementing such devices. Now I would like to consider the use of regenerative breaking at stop signs. The main advantage of a stop sign is that all cars must break at this place. Every car must come to a full stop. A regenerating road surface, such as a slight ramp that uses the weight of the vehile will not only provide a means of recovering some of the kinetic energy but also improves road safety be delaying quick progress at this point, i.e. running the stop sign.
My favorite mechanism at a stop sign is likely to be a ramp. It normally is in the upper position requiring the vehicle to traffel upwards onto it. Whilst the ramp then sets to its lower position the car must be required to stand before continuing. Once the car has left the ramp sufficient time needs to be given to the following car for the ramp to raise up again. This is dependent on the travel distance of the ramp but should be small. Hence, unlike all other places, the ramp will be actuated for every car.
Considering the ramp for a moment, I envisage a mechanically raised large sheet of metal lifting a total of 2-3 cm up from the road surface either using pneumatically or hydraulic system. The passing car pushes down the ramp and by driving up the ramp transfers some of the energy to the system. It is also store for the lifting action once the car has left the ramp.
For safety reasons the travel distance must be small else to avoid creating a tripping hazzard or possible damage to vehicles reversing for whatever purpose over the ramp. Smaller travel distances mean more force needs to be transferred and thus the mechanism becomes slower.
last month I have been thinking about the wasted energy decelerating vehicle and regenerative breaking. There are good and viable systems around to recover the energy from cars by means within the car. However, I was and still am intruiged by the notion of recovering energy using the road surface or other means.
At the time I considered traffic lights, intersection and off ramps on motorways to be a good place for implementing such devices. Now I would like to consider the use of regenerative breaking at stop signs. The main advantage of a stop sign is that all cars must break at this place. Every car must come to a full stop. A regenerating road surface, such as a slight ramp that uses the weight of the vehile will not only provide a means of recovering some of the kinetic energy but also improves road safety be delaying quick progress at this point, i.e. running the stop sign.
My favorite mechanism at a stop sign is likely to be a ramp. It normally is in the upper position requiring the vehicle to traffel upwards onto it. Whilst the ramp then sets to its lower position the car must be required to stand before continuing. Once the car has left the ramp sufficient time needs to be given to the following car for the ramp to raise up again. This is dependent on the travel distance of the ramp but should be small. Hence, unlike all other places, the ramp will be actuated for every car.
Considering the ramp for a moment, I envisage a mechanically raised large sheet of metal lifting a total of 2-3 cm up from the road surface either using pneumatically or hydraulic system. The passing car pushes down the ramp and by driving up the ramp transfers some of the energy to the system. It is also store for the lifting action once the car has left the ramp.
For safety reasons the travel distance must be small else to avoid creating a tripping hazzard or possible damage to vehicles reversing for whatever purpose over the ramp. Smaller travel distances mean more force needs to be transferred and thus the mechanism becomes slower.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
BUISNESS IDEA: offer a public transport infomertial beacon for bluetooth
Hi,
as public transport (bus, train, underground, taxi, etc) is a rather booring affair there is a great opportunity to offer informertials and advertising embedded in public service announcements. For example a customer could tune / connect to a broadcast beacon on a bus. Using messages or a simple client the beacon on the bus may broadcast the current location, the next stop and its estimated arrival time. Also it may offer some up-to-date weather forecast, traffic news likely encountered, connecting services and their estimated departure time.
Ontop of the information a provider could offer advertising space for local businesses -- possibly tied into the location information. For example the nearest pub, the nearest fast food restaurant and any special offers available. Perhaps the location of the farmers market and when it is held next. What films are in the local cinema and the even offer pre-booking through the service.
As the familiarity of the system grows there could be room for offering advertising space on the go. Someone offering a second hand utility nearby may be interested to sell the item in some form of small ads that can be browsed. Placing an ad could be as simple as sending a SMS message. Or anyone offering tutoring for schooling or any other activity may offer services to passengers.
as public transport (bus, train, underground, taxi, etc) is a rather booring affair there is a great opportunity to offer informertials and advertising embedded in public service announcements. For example a customer could tune / connect to a broadcast beacon on a bus. Using messages or a simple client the beacon on the bus may broadcast the current location, the next stop and its estimated arrival time. Also it may offer some up-to-date weather forecast, traffic news likely encountered, connecting services and their estimated departure time.
Ontop of the information a provider could offer advertising space for local businesses -- possibly tied into the location information. For example the nearest pub, the nearest fast food restaurant and any special offers available. Perhaps the location of the farmers market and when it is held next. What films are in the local cinema and the even offer pre-booking through the service.
As the familiarity of the system grows there could be room for offering advertising space on the go. Someone offering a second hand utility nearby may be interested to sell the item in some form of small ads that can be browsed. Placing an ad could be as simple as sending a SMS message. Or anyone offering tutoring for schooling or any other activity may offer services to passengers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
IDEA: Recycling and Garbage management (3)
Hi,
another quick stab on an almost infinite and relevant modern subject. This post is a sequel, reaffirming the truths that one man's garbage is another man's treasure. The art of recycling is to sort and to specialising. Previously, we dipped into separation, treatment and logistic.
Not unlike any other sales channel, recycling requires a holistic view of the 'customer' starting from the generating point of the garbage (i.e. kitchen) to the endpoint or collector. When looking into recycling in the kitchen a few small tricks and gadgets could go a long way. Depending on the type of disposables there different procedures for handling. Typically there is a cleaning procedure, followed by a compacting step and then followed by the sorted storage.
The cleaning procedure will be subject to a future visit to this subject. This post is considering the options for the sorted storage. Typically, there are at least 5 containers required for glass (separated by colour ?), paper, compostables, recyclables plastics and metal. Other containters may be required for batteries and other WEEE electronics ( recyclable ? ), organic non compostables ( meat products ? ) and others.
Convenience is the recycling friend above all else. Hence, when designing a kitchen great care should be taken to design the "exit stragtegy" and avoid bins dotted in some random location. Some work towards this has been done already. Although one must consider that any chute or tunnel does collect dirt and should be open to clean from within the house. Also, with an non compacted recycling a large amount of space is allocated for very little value. Additionally, a collection strategy is a great deal more efficient when the volume to weight ration of the material is low.
A good design is therefore a compactor with liquid trainage and then a foward the compacted material to the collection container. Compacting glass is a straight forward crushing mechanism which also allows discarding of caps and paper perhaps separate as it does not crack the same way. Giving the option to prepare two grade of glas material could increase the purity of the collected material and thus the value. If an electrical crusher is involved an optional colour detection may be used to separate the glas colour conveniently. Metal itself can be separated and compacted based on the magnetic properties. As different metal elements have specific melting points a separation may not be necessary at the collection site. Paper and paper shredder are fairly commonly used. Given the typical shape of paper that can be recycled it should be possible to create pretty clean separation.
Compostables and plastic require due care by the person recycling the material. Compostables such as garden waste, peelings and others require skillful balance with fillables to prepare a good organic waste. A quality grating of the compost by the receiver -- similar to the grating of any agricultural produce -- is pretty much mandatory to create reusable base material. For plastic it was previously mentioned that heating and melting can allow compaction of plastic. With careful selection of the disposable plastic a good grade of melted material can be achived. However, a mistake on the selection could ruin the whole batch.
another quick stab on an almost infinite and relevant modern subject. This post is a sequel, reaffirming the truths that one man's garbage is another man's treasure. The art of recycling is to sort and to specialising. Previously, we dipped into separation, treatment and logistic.
Not unlike any other sales channel, recycling requires a holistic view of the 'customer' starting from the generating point of the garbage (i.e. kitchen) to the endpoint or collector. When looking into recycling in the kitchen a few small tricks and gadgets could go a long way. Depending on the type of disposables there different procedures for handling. Typically there is a cleaning procedure, followed by a compacting step and then followed by the sorted storage.
The cleaning procedure will be subject to a future visit to this subject. This post is considering the options for the sorted storage. Typically, there are at least 5 containers required for glass (separated by colour ?), paper, compostables, recyclables plastics and metal. Other containters may be required for batteries and other WEEE electronics ( recyclable ? ), organic non compostables ( meat products ? ) and others.
Convenience is the recycling friend above all else. Hence, when designing a kitchen great care should be taken to design the "exit stragtegy" and avoid bins dotted in some random location. Some work towards this has been done already. Although one must consider that any chute or tunnel does collect dirt and should be open to clean from within the house. Also, with an non compacted recycling a large amount of space is allocated for very little value. Additionally, a collection strategy is a great deal more efficient when the volume to weight ration of the material is low.
A good design is therefore a compactor with liquid trainage and then a foward the compacted material to the collection container. Compacting glass is a straight forward crushing mechanism which also allows discarding of caps and paper perhaps separate as it does not crack the same way. Giving the option to prepare two grade of glas material could increase the purity of the collected material and thus the value. If an electrical crusher is involved an optional colour detection may be used to separate the glas colour conveniently. Metal itself can be separated and compacted based on the magnetic properties. As different metal elements have specific melting points a separation may not be necessary at the collection site. Paper and paper shredder are fairly commonly used. Given the typical shape of paper that can be recycled it should be possible to create pretty clean separation.
Compostables and plastic require due care by the person recycling the material. Compostables such as garden waste, peelings and others require skillful balance with fillables to prepare a good organic waste. A quality grating of the compost by the receiver -- similar to the grating of any agricultural produce -- is pretty much mandatory to create reusable base material. For plastic it was previously mentioned that heating and melting can allow compaction of plastic. With careful selection of the disposable plastic a good grade of melted material can be achived. However, a mistake on the selection could ruin the whole batch.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
IDEA: Gagdet proximity alert for the distracted wearer
Hi,
forgetting/leaving behind your phone or other worthwhile items is very undesirable and can lead to all sorts of problems (such as someone breaking into your car for it). Hence the idea for the invisible teather. Many devices are bluetooth enabled or battery powered and could be otherwise tagged with an active sensor of some kind.
A simple register and track device in your pocket or attached to the clothes or bags could keep polling the surroundings to identify if a specific gadget is responding. If it is, the device goes dormant again. If not, the device would alert the wearer that a specific gadget does not respond. The wearer can then confirm that the gadget is still in his/her possession or backtrack to check where the device was last.
Another use would be to connect a gadget with a theft alert where the gadget starts making a noise once it detects the absence of the polling device. Hence will draw attention to itself. Finally, to find the mobile phone when it slipped into the couch cushions again a 'find-me' alert could be requested to track down (i.e. tuck the theather) the device.
Update 01/02/2010: Yes! Someone has already worked on this and apparently apparently another product has claims to be the first product based on bluetooth. Now, what would it take to extend this device to your bag, purse or wallet ?
forgetting/leaving behind your phone or other worthwhile items is very undesirable and can lead to all sorts of problems (such as someone breaking into your car for it). Hence the idea for the invisible teather. Many devices are bluetooth enabled or battery powered and could be otherwise tagged with an active sensor of some kind.
A simple register and track device in your pocket or attached to the clothes or bags could keep polling the surroundings to identify if a specific gadget is responding. If it is, the device goes dormant again. If not, the device would alert the wearer that a specific gadget does not respond. The wearer can then confirm that the gadget is still in his/her possession or backtrack to check where the device was last.
Another use would be to connect a gadget with a theft alert where the gadget starts making a noise once it detects the absence of the polling device. Hence will draw attention to itself. Finally, to find the mobile phone when it slipped into the couch cushions again a 'find-me' alert could be requested to track down (i.e. tuck the theather) the device.
Update 01/02/2010: Yes! Someone has already worked on this and apparently apparently another product has claims to be the first product based on bluetooth. Now, what would it take to extend this device to your bag, purse or wallet ?
IDEA: Gagdet(s) to combine mobile phone and computer
Hi,
our most frequently used devices such as the mobile phone, computers, music player and car are strangely selfish devices. Even though there are protocols and properties they can achieve some synergy there is no pattern of this showing on the horizon. Even though phone and car or computer and car allow some sort of relationship where the car works as hands free kit there is no workings the other way round. For example trip notes and statistics for speed and mileage do not make it back to the phone or computer.
At the work desk it could be quite useful if the computer would transmit a preview of everything currently in the clipboard to the mobile phone. That way one would not clutter the screen with extra information but it may come in useful to know what was last in the clipboard. The phone would also interact with the land line phone to use the preferred device for all calls.
Another useful example would be if the music player could forward the audio to the mobile phone so that one can combine the budget music player and the standard phone. It appears that some manufacturer (such as Nokia) does indeed provide such a function when connecting computer and phone.
Really desirable would be a combination of computers. Sitting here at my desk and writing on one computer I have another computer connected via VPN for an intranet. I cannot multiplex my favorite keyboard to one or the other as appropriate. What would be simpler than to extend the bluetooth connection of one computer to proxy the keyboard output on demand. Also, the computer is playing music from a streaming site. But without actually plugging in my stereo via the headphone output I cannot stream my output to the nearest audio visual system. As one of the systems is an Apple and the other one a Microsoft based system I will push my luck in asking for the screens to be overlapping. Although each system allows multi monitor configuration.
What is a required is a suitable capability broadcast functionality of all mobile and fixed devices that can collaborate in a grid of computer. Thereby a user can elect to have profiles in place to optimally use the best output and input devices for any kind of task ongoing.
our most frequently used devices such as the mobile phone, computers, music player and car are strangely selfish devices. Even though there are protocols and properties they can achieve some synergy there is no pattern of this showing on the horizon. Even though phone and car or computer and car allow some sort of relationship where the car works as hands free kit there is no workings the other way round. For example trip notes and statistics for speed and mileage do not make it back to the phone or computer.
At the work desk it could be quite useful if the computer would transmit a preview of everything currently in the clipboard to the mobile phone. That way one would not clutter the screen with extra information but it may come in useful to know what was last in the clipboard. The phone would also interact with the land line phone to use the preferred device for all calls.
Another useful example would be if the music player could forward the audio to the mobile phone so that one can combine the budget music player and the standard phone. It appears that some manufacturer (such as Nokia) does indeed provide such a function when connecting computer and phone.
Really desirable would be a combination of computers. Sitting here at my desk and writing on one computer I have another computer connected via VPN for an intranet. I cannot multiplex my favorite keyboard to one or the other as appropriate. What would be simpler than to extend the bluetooth connection of one computer to proxy the keyboard output on demand. Also, the computer is playing music from a streaming site. But without actually plugging in my stereo via the headphone output I cannot stream my output to the nearest audio visual system. As one of the systems is an Apple and the other one a Microsoft based system I will push my luck in asking for the screens to be overlapping. Although each system allows multi monitor configuration.
What is a required is a suitable capability broadcast functionality of all mobile and fixed devices that can collaborate in a grid of computer. Thereby a user can elect to have profiles in place to optimally use the best output and input devices for any kind of task ongoing.
Friday, January 29, 2010
IDEA: Recycling and Garbage management (2)
Hi,
as outlined in my previous post on the subject, practical recycling is about generating value out of garbage. It all starts with sorting the recyclable items. One of the first problems for sorting is the space it takes to keep the different stacks/buckets/tubs or bags for the individual items. The next problem is the collection of the already separated items.
Here the management becomes logistical. In order to effectively recycle the items have to be collected or submittted in their respective most valuable bundeling - typically separated by base material. There are several options available to do so. The common option is the drop off point at the local collection site. However, there is usually no management and quality control and therefore the separation is not as good as it can be. Thus reducing the value of the recylables. For high value items, such as valuable metals (gold, platinum, silver..) the process of recycling becomes a sale and thus the separation is of excellent quality.
The other option is a collection, such as the regular green bin collection or other recyclables. The timing and efficiency is such that there is no time to perform quality control. This is due to the indiscriminate nature of the recycling collections. Another aspect is the volume of individual groups of items per household. Together with the storage limitations of house holds it becomes unfeasible and unreliable for perfect separation. Hence a frequent collection is required.
This provides a good opportunity for small business and local groups. For example the frequently milk delivery could be used to collect empty plastic bottles. As the delivery is already specialist to milk and deliverable products it may not be a stretch to think of a reverse collection of the empty bottles. Weight and volume should not be an issue. Quality of separation can be expected as high. There are similar options available, such as home deliveries. Some provider do collect empty delivery bags on return for recycling.
Where is the business case here ? There is intrinsic value in sorted garbage (typicall £0~100 when measured in tons). Given that the garbage collection of these items are not cheap either there may be a business case if the local government can manage more granular collection mechanism.
as outlined in my previous post on the subject, practical recycling is about generating value out of garbage. It all starts with sorting the recyclable items. One of the first problems for sorting is the space it takes to keep the different stacks/buckets/tubs or bags for the individual items. The next problem is the collection of the already separated items.
Here the management becomes logistical. In order to effectively recycle the items have to be collected or submittted in their respective most valuable bundeling - typically separated by base material. There are several options available to do so. The common option is the drop off point at the local collection site. However, there is usually no management and quality control and therefore the separation is not as good as it can be. Thus reducing the value of the recylables. For high value items, such as valuable metals (gold, platinum, silver..) the process of recycling becomes a sale and thus the separation is of excellent quality.
The other option is a collection, such as the regular green bin collection or other recyclables. The timing and efficiency is such that there is no time to perform quality control. This is due to the indiscriminate nature of the recycling collections. Another aspect is the volume of individual groups of items per household. Together with the storage limitations of house holds it becomes unfeasible and unreliable for perfect separation. Hence a frequent collection is required.
This provides a good opportunity for small business and local groups. For example the frequently milk delivery could be used to collect empty plastic bottles. As the delivery is already specialist to milk and deliverable products it may not be a stretch to think of a reverse collection of the empty bottles. Weight and volume should not be an issue. Quality of separation can be expected as high. There are similar options available, such as home deliveries. Some provider do collect empty delivery bags on return for recycling.
Where is the business case here ? There is intrinsic value in sorted garbage (typicall £0~100 when measured in tons). Given that the garbage collection of these items are not cheap either there may be a business case if the local government can manage more granular collection mechanism.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
IDEA: Encode payment information on bills computer readable
Hi,
cheques for the bank account have machine readable numbers for a long time. That is largely for the automatic processing of the cheques and speedy (ahem) transaction.
A simple standard code could also benefit any paper and non paper based invoice, bill or other credit notification. I proposed that each paper or electronic bill has to include a area similar to the product bar code stating the date, unique number, summary description, creditor, due date as well as the amount. Electronic bill could include an embedded XML code that presents the same information.
Using a suitable standard programs to decode this information are therefore possible to manage the "paper trail" for households and corporation much easier. Standard decodding libraries make it cost effective to include the extra functionality into all sorts of products.
cheques for the bank account have machine readable numbers for a long time. That is largely for the automatic processing of the cheques and speedy (ahem) transaction.
A simple standard code could also benefit any paper and non paper based invoice, bill or other credit notification. I proposed that each paper or electronic bill has to include a area similar to the product bar code stating the date, unique number, summary description, creditor, due date as well as the amount. Electronic bill could include an embedded XML code that presents the same information.
Using a suitable standard programs to decode this information are therefore possible to manage the "paper trail" for households and corporation much easier. Standard decodding libraries make it cost effective to include the extra functionality into all sorts of products.
Monday, January 25, 2010
IDEA: Recycling and Garbage management (1)
Hi,
there is two things certain in life: death and taxes. Actually, I think garbage makes it a threesome. There is always garbage. Typically, garbage is everything that anyone wants to dispose off. Most commonly this is understood to be waste products, such as somewhat revolting material like sewage and kitchen waste. But actually, the classification is rather grey as one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Ebay being a great example of individuals disposing of items that are of less value to them than to the buyer - just lookup horse manure.
With this thought going to a meaningful conclusion for recycling purposes, recycling starts with the sorting of waste products or disposable items into value classes. For household waste the most important step is to get a clean separation of the "goods". This is a vital step and various incentive schemes should be used to encourage this. A major incentive would be offering a full cycle system for certain garbage materials.
First looking at an example for low hanging fruits -- specifically yoghurt container but also water bottles that are largely labelled as to their composition as PET or similar material. Gently heating of bottles to around 80-90 degrees causes most plastic to revert to their original form. Some heat may be generated from excess or end of live material too contaminated for reuse. Any foreign body will lead to burning or discolouration and marks the material easier to grade for reuse. Because of the relative small amount of material the heat energy required is less than some bakeries would use. For example a house hold may engage a service provider that will reduce its selected plastic to another base material according to the materials requirements.
As with film development at a photo development plan -- albeit less frequent today -- a person would submit the waste material to the provider that returns the same material to the person in a uniform reformed state. Alternatively, a household or community could invest in a reformatting system themselves to reform the waste. If the material was cleaned and separated correctly the reform process will likely produce good grade new raw material. Such reformed raw material should be easier to classify and thereby have increased the value.
This principle in conjunction with incentive schemes as well as a general shift in garbage mangement mentality leads to better use of the natural resources. The idea its to put the incentive for clean separation back onto the household and with that to bring forward an incentive for manufacturing to product easy to separate materials. And thus providing the basic method to connect the end of the life cycle of a product with the beginning of the same or another.
there is two things certain in life: death and taxes. Actually, I think garbage makes it a threesome. There is always garbage. Typically, garbage is everything that anyone wants to dispose off. Most commonly this is understood to be waste products, such as somewhat revolting material like sewage and kitchen waste. But actually, the classification is rather grey as one man's garbage is another man's treasure. Ebay being a great example of individuals disposing of items that are of less value to them than to the buyer - just lookup horse manure.
With this thought going to a meaningful conclusion for recycling purposes, recycling starts with the sorting of waste products or disposable items into value classes. For household waste the most important step is to get a clean separation of the "goods". This is a vital step and various incentive schemes should be used to encourage this. A major incentive would be offering a full cycle system for certain garbage materials.
First looking at an example for low hanging fruits -- specifically yoghurt container but also water bottles that are largely labelled as to their composition as PET or similar material. Gently heating of bottles to around 80-90 degrees causes most plastic to revert to their original form. Some heat may be generated from excess or end of live material too contaminated for reuse. Any foreign body will lead to burning or discolouration and marks the material easier to grade for reuse. Because of the relative small amount of material the heat energy required is less than some bakeries would use. For example a house hold may engage a service provider that will reduce its selected plastic to another base material according to the materials requirements.
As with film development at a photo development plan -- albeit less frequent today -- a person would submit the waste material to the provider that returns the same material to the person in a uniform reformed state. Alternatively, a household or community could invest in a reformatting system themselves to reform the waste. If the material was cleaned and separated correctly the reform process will likely produce good grade new raw material. Such reformed raw material should be easier to classify and thereby have increased the value.
This principle in conjunction with incentive schemes as well as a general shift in garbage mangement mentality leads to better use of the natural resources. The idea its to put the incentive for clean separation back onto the household and with that to bring forward an incentive for manufacturing to product easy to separate materials. And thus providing the basic method to connect the end of the life cycle of a product with the beginning of the same or another.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
PRODUCT IDEA: Desk calculator with bluetooth for computer interface
Hi,
this one if for all the admin staff, financial people and project managers. Do you use your software only desk calculator on your computer often ? I use it very rarely and only when unavoidable. Actually, I use the google built-in calculator more for computations. Or even command line only versions running in xterm, such as expr. Why ? First off it the calc software does not normally run on my desktop as I don't really need it often. Secondly, on laptops the number keypad is often an overlay ontop of the qwerty keyboard. It is awkward to switch inbetween.
The beauty of a desktop calculator is the number of dedicated keys just for their purpose and with a little bit of practice they are blazingly fast to use. Additionally, most slightly more advanced calculator can do some form of programming to store formulars and conversion functions easily accessible.
The only thing I am missing is the ability to cut-and-paste between the desk calculator and the desktop. Plus I could think of various cool things that can beef up a standard calculator when attached to a comparatively fast desktop or laptop. For example more sophisticated display in conjunction with the dedicated keypad of the desktop calculator that shows the history of calculations. And you can take the calculator away to your colleague and upload the numbers whilst discussing their implications.
I think a simple calculator with bluetooth facility backed up by a slightly sophisticated program on the desktop that interacts with the calculator will be very popular. At the age of iphone it already makes one wonder if a subscription based desktop calculator that you can purchase addons to through an e-store might be interesting.
It could be useless but fancy things like skin's and special softkeys. But also mathematical extensions such as resolver, optimiser and other programs. Spinning this further, how about a barcode scanner on it and start integrating it with a database as a universal low cost scanner for your shopping trips ?
Google found Casio as the only manufacturer that built a base version.
this one if for all the admin staff, financial people and project managers. Do you use your software only desk calculator on your computer often ? I use it very rarely and only when unavoidable. Actually, I use the google built-in calculator more for computations. Or even command line only versions running in xterm, such as expr. Why ? First off it the calc software does not normally run on my desktop as I don't really need it often. Secondly, on laptops the number keypad is often an overlay ontop of the qwerty keyboard. It is awkward to switch inbetween.
The beauty of a desktop calculator is the number of dedicated keys just for their purpose and with a little bit of practice they are blazingly fast to use. Additionally, most slightly more advanced calculator can do some form of programming to store formulars and conversion functions easily accessible.
The only thing I am missing is the ability to cut-and-paste between the desk calculator and the desktop. Plus I could think of various cool things that can beef up a standard calculator when attached to a comparatively fast desktop or laptop. For example more sophisticated display in conjunction with the dedicated keypad of the desktop calculator that shows the history of calculations. And you can take the calculator away to your colleague and upload the numbers whilst discussing their implications.
I think a simple calculator with bluetooth facility backed up by a slightly sophisticated program on the desktop that interacts with the calculator will be very popular. At the age of iphone it already makes one wonder if a subscription based desktop calculator that you can purchase addons to through an e-store might be interesting.
It could be useless but fancy things like skin's and special softkeys. But also mathematical extensions such as resolver, optimiser and other programs. Spinning this further, how about a barcode scanner on it and start integrating it with a database as a universal low cost scanner for your shopping trips ?
Google found Casio as the only manufacturer that built a base version.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
IDEA: Unique codes on bus stop time tables as planning aids
Hi,
having to rely on coaches to travel over the last view days I found it rather tedious to read the timetable. They never seem to be quite accurate as local traffic, accidents and road conditions had a severe impact on the timing. It is almost normal with public transport that route planning has to adapt quickly to such conditions. Hence a method of obtaining up to date information would be exceedingly useful.
To facilitate this time tables on bus stops should feature a short but unique serial numbers. Perhaps barcodes that can be read using the built-in camera available in many mobile phones now. Using this information it is possible to text or browse for up-to-date trip information from a central time table service. At a very minimum, such a website could feature the time of the next bus or train should be available possibly interpolating the timing on successive stops.
Riding on the code a whole host of other services could be provided. Using a map application the real or estimated location of the current scheduled buses could be shown. Hence the traveller could make an informed decision to use a different bus stop to board earlier. If a bus is delayed an alternative route or line could be suggested. On getting off the bus and using the the code I could use the location when choosing and calling a local taxi company for the final leg of the trip.
having to rely on coaches to travel over the last view days I found it rather tedious to read the timetable. They never seem to be quite accurate as local traffic, accidents and road conditions had a severe impact on the timing. It is almost normal with public transport that route planning has to adapt quickly to such conditions. Hence a method of obtaining up to date information would be exceedingly useful.
To facilitate this time tables on bus stops should feature a short but unique serial numbers. Perhaps barcodes that can be read using the built-in camera available in many mobile phones now. Using this information it is possible to text or browse for up-to-date trip information from a central time table service. At a very minimum, such a website could feature the time of the next bus or train should be available possibly interpolating the timing on successive stops.
Riding on the code a whole host of other services could be provided. Using a map application the real or estimated location of the current scheduled buses could be shown. Hence the traveller could make an informed decision to use a different bus stop to board earlier. If a bus is delayed an alternative route or line could be suggested. On getting off the bus and using the the code I could use the location when choosing and calling a local taxi company for the final leg of the trip.
Monday, January 18, 2010
IDEA: "Follow me" TV function
Hi,
many house holds today have multiple TV/Media sets in the rooms dotted over the house. Unless they are off usually they show whatever the person in the room left running last. Which can be annoying when you are watching a TV program and at the same time are busying yourself around the house.
It should be a technically a simple solution to feed all the TV from a central media center with modern STB (set top boxes). Alternatively, with multi-room or freeview it should be possible to configure all STB to receive the same channel (perhaps even via internet where applicable).
The controller walking the rooms will have a remote control that announces the current program choice to the nearest device. The TV will then tune the channel of choice as announced by the remote control. This results in a follow-me effect where the TV choice follows the person into all rooms.
Additionally, to save energy, the TV/Media sets can be configured to switch off when the remote control signal is out of reach or too low. This could indicate that the person has left the room.
many house holds today have multiple TV/Media sets in the rooms dotted over the house. Unless they are off usually they show whatever the person in the room left running last. Which can be annoying when you are watching a TV program and at the same time are busying yourself around the house.
It should be a technically a simple solution to feed all the TV from a central media center with modern STB (set top boxes). Alternatively, with multi-room or freeview it should be possible to configure all STB to receive the same channel (perhaps even via internet where applicable).
The controller walking the rooms will have a remote control that announces the current program choice to the nearest device. The TV will then tune the channel of choice as announced by the remote control. This results in a follow-me effect where the TV choice follows the person into all rooms.
Additionally, to save energy, the TV/Media sets can be configured to switch off when the remote control signal is out of reach or too low. This could indicate that the person has left the room.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
IDEA: distribution system for medication in hospitals
Hi,
having spend more than my fair share of time visiting or being in hospitals I got to know the routine of staff quite well. And a big responsibility that has to be performed with 100% accuracy is the distribution of medication. However, in cases with more than just one medication per patient more often than we would like to see things go wrong: medication is distributed on time, renewal are not requested, running out of stock on the ward outside pharmacy hours or simple human error. And I have seen them all happening.
Hence the question is why the process of medication distribution is done by hand, from blister pack with paper documentation handwritten on wards that are understaffed and full with demanding and uncooperative patients. There are already studies [1] of the accuracy and timeliness of medication dispensing on wards showing error rates of somewhere in the range of 5% - 10% error. On wards with distribution system the error rate appears to be around 2% (with mostly omission errors). And given the costs of compensation and the frequency of occurrence it looks like some automation may just pay for itself.
One wonders where the low tech mobile dispenser are that can be taken from ward to ward in order for the medication to be dispensed quickly and efficiently for patient and staff. In the right setup the medication dispense time can be reduced or the number of dispense routes increased. Additional administration guidance checks can give the doctor and care staff immediate information about the dispense procedure, after care and monitoring allowing the medical staff to reduce the paper work and to reduce the time spend on detailing prescription. Together with a wristband reader this should give great accuracy and leave the staff to deal with patients and not blister packs.
having spend more than my fair share of time visiting or being in hospitals I got to know the routine of staff quite well. And a big responsibility that has to be performed with 100% accuracy is the distribution of medication. However, in cases with more than just one medication per patient more often than we would like to see things go wrong: medication is distributed on time, renewal are not requested, running out of stock on the ward outside pharmacy hours or simple human error. And I have seen them all happening.
Hence the question is why the process of medication distribution is done by hand, from blister pack with paper documentation handwritten on wards that are understaffed and full with demanding and uncooperative patients. There are already studies [1] of the accuracy and timeliness of medication dispensing on wards showing error rates of somewhere in the range of 5% - 10% error. On wards with distribution system the error rate appears to be around 2% (with mostly omission errors). And given the costs of compensation and the frequency of occurrence it looks like some automation may just pay for itself.
One wonders where the low tech mobile dispenser are that can be taken from ward to ward in order for the medication to be dispensed quickly and efficiently for patient and staff. In the right setup the medication dispense time can be reduced or the number of dispense routes increased. Additional administration guidance checks can give the doctor and care staff immediate information about the dispense procedure, after care and monitoring allowing the medical staff to reduce the paper work and to reduce the time spend on detailing prescription. Together with a wristband reader this should give great accuracy and leave the staff to deal with patients and not blister packs.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
IDEA: trip safer/safer trip by using a delayed ignition
Hi,
often it is the convenience that wins out when environmental considerations and the necessities fight each other when using the car. Whilst there was snow around and the car covered I found myself walking more for short trips to the shop since it appeared to be faster than getting the car out and drive worthy. This inspired an idea.
By introducing a "think pause" in the ignition cycle when the car was stopped for longer periods and 'cooled down' it may convince a person to do a local trip on foot or with the bicycle instead of using the car. The delay should be a minute or two, perhaps adjustable, where the drive has to have the key in the ignition but the car won't start.
This time forces the driver to think about taking the trip and/or to check over the car lights and other issues. An additional bonus of that a delayed ignition system may also prevent car theft as it takes a lot longer to start a car and drive off.
often it is the convenience that wins out when environmental considerations and the necessities fight each other when using the car. Whilst there was snow around and the car covered I found myself walking more for short trips to the shop since it appeared to be faster than getting the car out and drive worthy. This inspired an idea.
By introducing a "think pause" in the ignition cycle when the car was stopped for longer periods and 'cooled down' it may convince a person to do a local trip on foot or with the bicycle instead of using the car. The delay should be a minute or two, perhaps adjustable, where the drive has to have the key in the ignition but the car won't start.
This time forces the driver to think about taking the trip and/or to check over the car lights and other issues. An additional bonus of that a delayed ignition system may also prevent car theft as it takes a lot longer to start a car and drive off.
BUSINESS IDEA: personal route planner for public transport
Hi,
given the existence of travel agencies it appers rather strange that a true independent path buyer does not exist. Most online companies are only working with one travel medium ( train, bus, car rental or plan ) and only resort to a switch when there is nothing else available. None of the agencies appear considering taxi companies -- I am waiting to be contradicted!
The idea is a bazaar style system where I would put up a trip (start, end), frequency, number of person to travel and times. Transport companies would note what services do overlap with they cover area and could put in an offer. For example a trip from my place of living to my place of work. I would need to be at work around 9am and would leave work at around 5pm. Adding of course either location companies can then look if a location is within their area of coverage.
The planning would be as such: the taxi company would state that it can drive me (and how fast) from home directly to work for a price, or drive me to the nearest train or bus for another price. The bus company would say suggest to take bus stop X at and what times are available. A train company would do the same. Perhaps a car rental place would offer me a car for a week for this distance at a discount price. Maybe a private person would let me ride for the cost of the fuel.
The individual agencies would offer a travel vector which then will be calculated to several routes. The business would then offer these routes to the requestor and for a fee would book each item. You may be able to set a price, a preferred travel medium or choose the fastest route. It probably is an app that fits nicely into the mobile world.
given the existence of travel agencies it appers rather strange that a true independent path buyer does not exist. Most online companies are only working with one travel medium ( train, bus, car rental or plan ) and only resort to a switch when there is nothing else available. None of the agencies appear considering taxi companies -- I am waiting to be contradicted!
The idea is a bazaar style system where I would put up a trip (start, end), frequency, number of person to travel and times. Transport companies would note what services do overlap with they cover area and could put in an offer. For example a trip from my place of living to my place of work. I would need to be at work around 9am and would leave work at around 5pm. Adding of course either location companies can then look if a location is within their area of coverage.
The planning would be as such: the taxi company would state that it can drive me (and how fast) from home directly to work for a price, or drive me to the nearest train or bus for another price. The bus company would say suggest to take bus stop X at and what times are available. A train company would do the same. Perhaps a car rental place would offer me a car for a week for this distance at a discount price. Maybe a private person would let me ride for the cost of the fuel.
The individual agencies would offer a travel vector which then will be calculated to several routes. The business would then offer these routes to the requestor and for a fee would book each item. You may be able to set a price, a preferred travel medium or choose the fastest route. It probably is an app that fits nicely into the mobile world.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
IDEA: Self regulating simmer pot
Hi,
to get to the best simmer I often leave the lid on the pot with a crack open as it is easier and more immediate to control the heat. Of course this is somewhat wasteful and requires monitoring.
Another idea would be a pot that can detect the inside heat an turn down the heat to keep the temperature as hot as possible and prevent boiling over. This can be achieved in a few different ways. The immediate way is to measure the heat inside the pot and inverse regulate the temperature to a set value. This requires the stove to be adaptive and some form of temperature sensor.
The other way is a pot that can sense the heat and shift the position to a cooler part of the stove or simply lifting it up. This isn't any less wasteful than leaving the lid open but at least does not require monitoring. A really simple approach would be to use the steam using some sort of valve to elevate the pot upwards creating a small gap between pot and stove. A simple clutch would allow the pot to sink down constantly unless pushed up by the steam driven valve.
to get to the best simmer I often leave the lid on the pot with a crack open as it is easier and more immediate to control the heat. Of course this is somewhat wasteful and requires monitoring.
Another idea would be a pot that can detect the inside heat an turn down the heat to keep the temperature as hot as possible and prevent boiling over. This can be achieved in a few different ways. The immediate way is to measure the heat inside the pot and inverse regulate the temperature to a set value. This requires the stove to be adaptive and some form of temperature sensor.
The other way is a pot that can sense the heat and shift the position to a cooler part of the stove or simply lifting it up. This isn't any less wasteful than leaving the lid open but at least does not require monitoring. A really simple approach would be to use the steam using some sort of valve to elevate the pot upwards creating a small gap between pot and stove. A simple clutch would allow the pot to sink down constantly unless pushed up by the steam driven valve.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
IDEA: customised TV advertising for me between programs
Hi,
I don't like TV advertising for most parts. Usually because I am not average (actually, nobody is really average ). However, I do accept it as necessary evil as it comes part and parcel of capitalism in its various guises. It would be a lot more bearable if advertising actually consist of any items I am interested in.
What is required is simply to use a STB (set top box) with storage, such as the various plus boxes from Sky and Virgin to fill in the advertising slot primarily with items that I am interested in by downloading the clips in advance and inserting them as required by the broadcaster. A signal in the program could indicate the start of an advertising clip and control the replay of the locally stored clips instead. If no preferences are set or insufficient matches are available for the time slot, the box will only play the provided clips from the feed.
The box could also play all of the advertising I am interested in on demand. For example should I look for a car insurance I could view all the recent advertisements for car insurance over and over again. Maybe the advertiser could also augment the advert with additional details to make it a longer, purpose build advert for me.
This should be a very simple amendment as movies can already be stored and downloaded on demand. Why not advertising programs ?
I don't like TV advertising for most parts. Usually because I am not average (actually, nobody is really average ). However, I do accept it as necessary evil as it comes part and parcel of capitalism in its various guises. It would be a lot more bearable if advertising actually consist of any items I am interested in.
What is required is simply to use a STB (set top box) with storage, such as the various plus boxes from Sky and Virgin to fill in the advertising slot primarily with items that I am interested in by downloading the clips in advance and inserting them as required by the broadcaster. A signal in the program could indicate the start of an advertising clip and control the replay of the locally stored clips instead. If no preferences are set or insufficient matches are available for the time slot, the box will only play the provided clips from the feed.
The box could also play all of the advertising I am interested in on demand. For example should I look for a car insurance I could view all the recent advertisements for car insurance over and over again. Maybe the advertiser could also augment the advert with additional details to make it a longer, purpose build advert for me.
This should be a very simple amendment as movies can already be stored and downloaded on demand. Why not advertising programs ?
IDEA: additional car window protection for parking cars
Hi,
it had to happen. My car got broken into (again) through the side window whilst parking in the disabled parking area at a hospital no less. It was a break and grab from what I see. So what makes it so easy to do this ? The window is designed to scatter for security purposes. Naturally, one cannot make a car into a rolling safe but it appears a bit too easy with modern tools to break in. The tools for the "trade" are radically cheap.
The idea is to use a fibre curtain inside that not only protects the glass from falling into the car. It also delays the intrusion into the car significantly. The curtain or fabric should be automatically rectracted from all windows when driving. Upon locking the car the fabric will be pulled up (down?) into position similar to shutters and held on all four sides. This will also provide reduced visibility to the inside of the car.
In order to gain access after breaking the window an intruder would have to cut through the wobbly fabric strengthened with some form of metal fibres to make that slower. Alternatively, the truder would have to dislodge the fabric held on all four sides. As the fabric does not need to fit snug to the window it may be possible to inset the sides into a groove to decrease access.
The protection is only needed for parking and thus should not hinder access by the emergency services.
it had to happen. My car got broken into (again) through the side window whilst parking in the disabled parking area at a hospital no less. It was a break and grab from what I see. So what makes it so easy to do this ? The window is designed to scatter for security purposes. Naturally, one cannot make a car into a rolling safe but it appears a bit too easy with modern tools to break in. The tools for the "trade" are radically cheap.
The idea is to use a fibre curtain inside that not only protects the glass from falling into the car. It also delays the intrusion into the car significantly. The curtain or fabric should be automatically rectracted from all windows when driving. Upon locking the car the fabric will be pulled up (down?) into position similar to shutters and held on all four sides. This will also provide reduced visibility to the inside of the car.
In order to gain access after breaking the window an intruder would have to cut through the wobbly fabric strengthened with some form of metal fibres to make that slower. Alternatively, the truder would have to dislodge the fabric held on all four sides. As the fabric does not need to fit snug to the window it may be possible to inset the sides into a groove to decrease access.
The protection is only needed for parking and thus should not hinder access by the emergency services.
Monday, January 11, 2010
IDEA: CD/DVD writer with label printer
Hi,
CD/DVD burning is almost out-of-fashion with USB memory sticks of similar and better capacity available. Still, unlike USB memory sticks the DVD has some history and uses as cheap semi-permanent storage media.
Given that a DVD gets "burned" using a laser writer one could ask if the same laser writer can be made to "print" the DVD label as well. Consider a DVD in the drive; after burning the disk one would turn the disk around and insert it again. Possibly with some form of adhesive colouring medium equal to the blue paper of the old days (for those who have been around a while).
The write head, instead of following the groove as it were, would then be positioned to writer by heatingup the adhesive and thus cause some sort of color transfer. One could think of the need of multiple consecutive bursts of heat to cause a solid transfer so to generate grey values or to sharpen the features of the print.
The colour transfer would seep into the top plastic, perhaps made specially absorbend in some form. Which would then cause a single color / black and white print label to be embedded in the CD/DVD for the lifetime of its use.
CD/DVD burning is almost out-of-fashion with USB memory sticks of similar and better capacity available. Still, unlike USB memory sticks the DVD has some history and uses as cheap semi-permanent storage media.
Given that a DVD gets "burned" using a laser writer one could ask if the same laser writer can be made to "print" the DVD label as well. Consider a DVD in the drive; after burning the disk one would turn the disk around and insert it again. Possibly with some form of adhesive colouring medium equal to the blue paper of the old days (for those who have been around a while).
The write head, instead of following the groove as it were, would then be positioned to writer by heatingup the adhesive and thus cause some sort of color transfer. One could think of the need of multiple consecutive bursts of heat to cause a solid transfer so to generate grey values or to sharpen the features of the print.
The colour transfer would seep into the top plastic, perhaps made specially absorbend in some form. Which would then cause a single color / black and white print label to be embedded in the CD/DVD for the lifetime of its use.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
IDEA: Reusable occasion cards
Hi,after the holidays are over and we all settle down to clearing away the decoration I am stuck with my chrismas and occasion cards I received from acquaintences, friends and family. Although I would think that some people will frown at this idea I consider it a worthwhile idea to make reusable cards. I shan't argue the case for or against here as this isn't the forum. Instead I consider the options to make reusable cards.
First consideration should be towards the material. For reusable cards it is required to provide some form of resisting material that can stand wear and tear without looking used. The blank card will probably be something made out of durable plastic with pouches where inserts can be added. Possibly a area that permanently has written the people a card has been given to. The frame could be extendable to stick together several cards for a bigger card for example.
Second consideration should be the message. Of course the card needs to be themed. Given the basic design has pouches it should be an easy detail to create respective templates to slot into the pouches. It may well be that new pouches are added for every new occasion creating a little book.
As an interesting side effect one can consider the life cycle of the card and who it is given to by whom. I presume that a chrismas card that went through celebrity hands at one time or another should give a neat touch to the actual ritual. I certainly wouldn't mind getting a card given to me that in a former cycle was handled by Steve Jobs, Larry Wall, Larry Page or Sergey Brin or even all of them!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
IDEA: Garden fence the opens up or closes as per my mood
Hi,
Garden or property fences have many useful functions. They can be protective, enable privacy or obstructive. The latter is necessary for the former. A decorative but open fence does not prevent intrusion or visibility. Just like curtains or windows shutters it would be nice if at times one could open up the garden fence for a better view or better air circulation. Businesses may attract more customers when the merchandise (such as cars or machinery) is visible during business hours and protected during shop closing hours.
One could consider an almost infinite number of different styles and/or mechanisms. There will be not enough room here to discuss even a fraction of the possibilities that come to mind. Still, a couple of neat once come to mind:
A blade based fence where fence posts are equally spaced around the perimeter with a distances of 5-15cm. Each fence post rotates around its axis by 45..135 degrees. A metal or wooden panel is fixed to the post. When the fence is closed all panels stand shoulder to shoulder. The open or semi open fence rotates the post and thus opens up the view. This fence can be made very tall using a top support.
Another design is a metal cage fence where metal or wood panels with small holes are combined into the rectangular shape of a brick wall fence. The design requires this to be hollow in order to have another panel layer inside. The inside 'wall' can shift a small distance sideways (or vertical subject to your design). In the left position the inside panel has its holes at the same spot as the outside panel and thus allows light to go through. In the opposite position the holes are offset as such that no light can go through.
The last design is a fold up fence that is raised and lowered through poles that move into the ground. The fence itself consists of horizontal panels that fold up into the ground. This type of fence removes itself completely from view when lowered.
Garden or property fences have many useful functions. They can be protective, enable privacy or obstructive. The latter is necessary for the former. A decorative but open fence does not prevent intrusion or visibility. Just like curtains or windows shutters it would be nice if at times one could open up the garden fence for a better view or better air circulation. Businesses may attract more customers when the merchandise (such as cars or machinery) is visible during business hours and protected during shop closing hours.
One could consider an almost infinite number of different styles and/or mechanisms. There will be not enough room here to discuss even a fraction of the possibilities that come to mind. Still, a couple of neat once come to mind:
A blade based fence where fence posts are equally spaced around the perimeter with a distances of 5-15cm. Each fence post rotates around its axis by 45..135 degrees. A metal or wooden panel is fixed to the post. When the fence is closed all panels stand shoulder to shoulder. The open or semi open fence rotates the post and thus opens up the view. This fence can be made very tall using a top support.Another design is a metal cage fence where metal or wood panels with small holes are combined into the rectangular shape of a brick wall fence. The design requires this to be hollow in order to have another panel layer inside. The inside 'wall' can shift a small distance sideways (or vertical subject to your design). In the left position the inside panel has its holes at the same spot as the outside panel and thus allows light to go through. In the opposite position the holes are offset as such that no light can go through.
The last design is a fold up fence that is raised and lowered through poles that move into the ground. The fence itself consists of horizontal panels that fold up into the ground. This type of fence removes itself completely from view when lowered.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
IDEA: Using a Pay-as-you-go phone as free Skype gateway
Hi,
my phone company has given me my old phone with a free SIM card when I extended my contract with them. Recently I noticed that I have free skype inbound calling on this SIM card.
Currently, a skype gateway requires some siptosit software to bridge skype and open voip. Using a sound card with some custom cables to simulate a hands free kit I realised that it may be possible simulate a mobile phone to skype gateway. The bluetooth messaging system may even be helpful in identifying calls and callers. Arguably the actual implementation may well be more complex than a siptosit gateway - but this method does not require a fixed internet access.
A caller who wants to get in touch calls my skype ID. The call will be handled by the mobile phone provider inbound and causes a connection request on the phone. The phone will message this via bluetooth to the server on the other side of the audio connection. The voice will be sampled via the soundcard and forwarded (possibly using some asterisk server) to the correct extension.
The same may be possible the other way round. A voip enabled house phone would call an extension to create a skype outbound call. The bluetooth connection will establish the skype connection and the audio will be created using the speaker output on the server.
Of course a more sophisticated process would simulate a bluetooth hands free kit and do away with the cables to the mobile phone. Another interesting potential to use some data over voip such as file upload via skype.
my phone company has given me my old phone with a free SIM card when I extended my contract with them. Recently I noticed that I have free skype inbound calling on this SIM card.
Currently, a skype gateway requires some siptosit software to bridge skype and open voip. Using a sound card with some custom cables to simulate a hands free kit I realised that it may be possible simulate a mobile phone to skype gateway. The bluetooth messaging system may even be helpful in identifying calls and callers. Arguably the actual implementation may well be more complex than a siptosit gateway - but this method does not require a fixed internet access.
A caller who wants to get in touch calls my skype ID. The call will be handled by the mobile phone provider inbound and causes a connection request on the phone. The phone will message this via bluetooth to the server on the other side of the audio connection. The voice will be sampled via the soundcard and forwarded (possibly using some asterisk server) to the correct extension.
The same may be possible the other way round. A voip enabled house phone would call an extension to create a skype outbound call. The bluetooth connection will establish the skype connection and the audio will be created using the speaker output on the server.
Of course a more sophisticated process would simulate a bluetooth hands free kit and do away with the cables to the mobile phone. Another interesting potential to use some data over voip such as file upload via skype.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
TRIAL: using cling-film to avoid clearing ice and snow from the car
Hi,last night, anticipating a hefty snow fall, I applied cheap cling film to the windscreen of my car. The idea is that I can simply remove the cling film with the layer of ice and snow ontop and discard it. For this trial I only tried it on two spots.
The pictures show the before and after images. There was not enough frost to freeze the water under the cling film and hence the peeling was very easy.
Verdict: useful, plausible
Pro: time saver in the morning
Con: wasteful for cling film and somewhat fiddly to apply.
More trials to be done.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
BUSINESS IDEA: shopping tracking
Hi,
I have been repeatedly playing around with optical character recognition in order to manage my shopping habits better. Ideally, I would like to scan in my receipts and process the receipt using OCR to extract the line items. This has to be template based as receipts are notoriously different.
Using this data a variety of different options are possible. For example one could start planning the shopping further ahead knowing the typical items that are needed and when they are needed. Given online shops it may be possible to submit shopping lists to the shops and identify the best shops for various items.
Other options are to keep stock in order to avoid the 'do I have enough toilet paper?' thinking when in the shop itself. Whilst using the web browser on the mobile phone the available amount for various perishables and consumables can be tracked. Given the shopping list it is possible to identify when more consumables are needed.
If the items are reviewed frequently then perishable items can be sourced better by looking at how much of bread was wasted as it bad before it was used up.
I have been repeatedly playing around with optical character recognition in order to manage my shopping habits better. Ideally, I would like to scan in my receipts and process the receipt using OCR to extract the line items. This has to be template based as receipts are notoriously different.
Using this data a variety of different options are possible. For example one could start planning the shopping further ahead knowing the typical items that are needed and when they are needed. Given online shops it may be possible to submit shopping lists to the shops and identify the best shops for various items.
Other options are to keep stock in order to avoid the 'do I have enough toilet paper?' thinking when in the shop itself. Whilst using the web browser on the mobile phone the available amount for various perishables and consumables can be tracked. Given the shopping list it is possible to identify when more consumables are needed.
If the items are reviewed frequently then perishable items can be sourced better by looking at how much of bread was wasted as it bad before it was used up.
IDEA: Improve tv online program guide using labelling
Hi,
over the last view months I have grown to like "labelling" as a technique to organise bookmarks, mails, documents .. anything. Labelling does create your own dictionary of your world. After some trial and error an intuitive style of categorising items develops that can improve access to related data significantly.
Hence i wish that this facility would be available on my BBC, Virgin, Tiscali, Sky or other programming guide. Rather than being stuck with Sci-fi, Drama and News I am really keen on my own qualification. Such as science, local news, entertainment or even specific shows.
Hopefully, there will be many new programs available in the future. Hence an automatic labelling and learning may be needed as companion that evaluates perhaps the producer, actors or titles to add chosen labels automatically.
over the last view months I have grown to like "labelling" as a technique to organise bookmarks, mails, documents .. anything. Labelling does create your own dictionary of your world. After some trial and error an intuitive style of categorising items develops that can improve access to related data significantly.
Hence i wish that this facility would be available on my BBC, Virgin, Tiscali, Sky or other programming guide. Rather than being stuck with Sci-fi, Drama and News I am really keen on my own qualification. Such as science, local news, entertainment or even specific shows.
Hopefully, there will be many new programs available in the future. Hence an automatic labelling and learning may be needed as companion that evaluates perhaps the producer, actors or titles to add chosen labels automatically.
Monday, January 4, 2010
IDEA: energy saving adaptive illumination
Hi,
currently the interior lighting design aims to provide suitable illumination in a space for all purposes. Typically and depending on the size of the space one or more light sources are distributed in a room providing somewhere between minimal and maximal tolerable ambient lighting.
This can be very wasteful for sparingly used rooms and areas where most of the illumination is not used at all. A more economical approach adapts the light to the task and usage at each part of the room. Open floor space, audio visual equipment and comfort chairs do typically require not as much light as a work table or reading chair. Statically by using multiple light sources spread evenly accross the work area requiring good illumination and spread sparingly for ambient illumination the light is more usage directed.
However, most of the work area is not in use all the time. Hence the exposure is not as resourceful as one might want. Also, light fixtures and fittings tend to be embedded in the building or room. Hence, adaptation to a new layout or function of a room is sometimes difficult. Optionally, mobile light sources such as desk lamps are used. Manual attention is required to ensure that the desk light is only switched on when used.
A more useful approach for the illumination is to combine a dimmer controlled light source with a motion sensor. Unlike motion sensitive lighting used for security purposes around properties our motion sensor adapts the lighting level on the amount of movement and the length of time it takes place. Hence, a person sitting statically in a chair will be exposed to little light. Heavy activity, such as playing, working or cleaning result in more motion and thus get granted more illumination.
Sufficient light sources can therefore be distributed in the room for all activities. However, given the self dimming effect combined with the motion sensor only a fraction of the total output is required at any time. Hence, a suitable and sizeable power saving can be achieved.
Unfortunately, motion sensor cannot give sufficient information to detect if someone is reading or knitting for example as opposed to using the remote to switch the TV channel. Some manual adjustment of each light sources should be possible to tune the sensitivity locally to a task. A simple laser pointer could be sufficient to signal to a suitable sensor at the light source that a change of brightness is required.
currently the interior lighting design aims to provide suitable illumination in a space for all purposes. Typically and depending on the size of the space one or more light sources are distributed in a room providing somewhere between minimal and maximal tolerable ambient lighting.
This can be very wasteful for sparingly used rooms and areas where most of the illumination is not used at all. A more economical approach adapts the light to the task and usage at each part of the room. Open floor space, audio visual equipment and comfort chairs do typically require not as much light as a work table or reading chair. Statically by using multiple light sources spread evenly accross the work area requiring good illumination and spread sparingly for ambient illumination the light is more usage directed.
However, most of the work area is not in use all the time. Hence the exposure is not as resourceful as one might want. Also, light fixtures and fittings tend to be embedded in the building or room. Hence, adaptation to a new layout or function of a room is sometimes difficult. Optionally, mobile light sources such as desk lamps are used. Manual attention is required to ensure that the desk light is only switched on when used.
A more useful approach for the illumination is to combine a dimmer controlled light source with a motion sensor. Unlike motion sensitive lighting used for security purposes around properties our motion sensor adapts the lighting level on the amount of movement and the length of time it takes place. Hence, a person sitting statically in a chair will be exposed to little light. Heavy activity, such as playing, working or cleaning result in more motion and thus get granted more illumination.
Sufficient light sources can therefore be distributed in the room for all activities. However, given the self dimming effect combined with the motion sensor only a fraction of the total output is required at any time. Hence, a suitable and sizeable power saving can be achieved.
Unfortunately, motion sensor cannot give sufficient information to detect if someone is reading or knitting for example as opposed to using the remote to switch the TV channel. Some manual adjustment of each light sources should be possible to tune the sensitivity locally to a task. A simple laser pointer could be sufficient to signal to a suitable sensor at the light source that a change of brightness is required.
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