We are entering an area where it is possible to control electronic devices through hand gestures alone. A example of this in use can be found in an upcoming version of the Android phone OS (http://www.pcworld.com/article/198552/touchless_gesture_control_coming_to_android_devices.html). The Xbox Kinect is another example of this technology being put into practice. The company that developed the hardware for the Xbox Kinect is planning on eventually releasing a version for interacting with a PC.
Once this technology becomes more mainstream there will likely be a flood of ideas for potential uses. However, I would like to take this moment to discuss an idea that I don't think is an immediately obvious application, gesture controlled lighting.
It is important to keep in mind that most new input technology is 'buggy.' Voice control is still iffy at best. Anyone who has called a customer support line that utilizes speech recognition likely knows that there is plenty of room for improvement. It is important to keep this in mind. The best use cases for this technology would involve simple gestures and few commands. To control a light you only need one command, a command that switches the light between on and off.
Ultimately, I would want to be able to turn a light on and off with just a flick of the wrist. Using gesture recognition technology, I should be able to a light on across the room by snapping my fingers at it (using sound recognition and listening for a snap could actually improve the accuracy).
To make such a system a reality all that would be required would be a camera somewhere in the room (possibly attached to a lamp) and a computer system to process the video feed captured by the camera. The price (initially) would likely be high for individual lights. It would likely be more economical if it was installed into a room as part of a home automation system.
Now some people might say that wanting something like this is lazy. I say its wanting convenience. Being able to turn a light on and off (instead of needing to unplug it) is another similar convenience. For that matter, wall mounted light switches so that you do not need to use the lamps switch is similar as well. This is simply an extension of that idea.
People still buy 'clap ons' and touch activated lights. Its obvious that people wish to pursue convenience where it is available, and I think that in the near future that this should be one way in which our lives can be more convenient, even if it's only by a small amount.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Built In Smoke Detectors
In any given home the smoke detectors are in a fixed location. Based on the home layout there are certain places in which a detector is going to be found (such as near the stove). Yet, in most cases, smoke detectors are dinky plastic things screwed to the ceiling. They seem to be built under the assumption that people are going to be wanting to move their smoke detectors around from place to place.
This is a problem. The most common reason smoke detectors fail is because their batteries are low. The reason they have batteries in the first place is because they are non permanent fixtures in the home.
There is an easy fix for this. Smoke detectors can be built into the ceiling of homes and apartments. They can draw power directly from the electrical grid. There would be no need to have batteries. There would never be a question of "is there a smoke detector there?"
The easiest thing would be to install them while the home is being constructed. However, if there were electrical lines in the ceiling installing it after the fact would be no harder than installing a ceiling fan (easier in fact). As far as costs go, such a device would not run much more expensive than a regular smoke detector. However, the companies who manufacture smoke detectors would likely want to jack up the price because they would not sell as many in the lifetime of a home.
Similar systems already exist in commercial establishments. There is no reason they should not exist in homes. They could save lives.
This is a problem. The most common reason smoke detectors fail is because their batteries are low. The reason they have batteries in the first place is because they are non permanent fixtures in the home.
There is an easy fix for this. Smoke detectors can be built into the ceiling of homes and apartments. They can draw power directly from the electrical grid. There would be no need to have batteries. There would never be a question of "is there a smoke detector there?"
The easiest thing would be to install them while the home is being constructed. However, if there were electrical lines in the ceiling installing it after the fact would be no harder than installing a ceiling fan (easier in fact). As far as costs go, such a device would not run much more expensive than a regular smoke detector. However, the companies who manufacture smoke detectors would likely want to jack up the price because they would not sell as many in the lifetime of a home.
Similar systems already exist in commercial establishments. There is no reason they should not exist in homes. They could save lives.
Monday, August 30, 2010
USB Surge Protector
There is a huge plethora of devices that can be charged through USB ports. Enough that when I am at the airport I notice USB outlets for people to use for charging. Despite this, in our homes we still need to use 'bulky' adapters.
For a long time now surge protectors have had a place to plug in phone cords. They had grown with the times and provided a way for people to protect their modems from electrical surges. However, I would like to see them grow with the times again and offer USB ports for people to charge their mobile devices.
I did a Google search after thinking about this and the closest thing I could find was the following: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Mini-Surge-Protector-Charger/dp/B0015DYMVO
I don't really consider that a 'full' surge protector. It was designed with travel in mind so people don't need to take their adapters with them. However, why should I have to worry about the adapters while at home. I would like to seem something like this, but in the form of a full strip surge protector for use at home.
There are two large benefits to this. One, you no longer need to worry about the power adapter for any device that can charge through USB. Two, you no longer need to deal with adapter plugs potentially blocking outlets.
I recently saw an article about how to install USB charging ports into wall outlets. Why in the world are they not part of full feature surge protectors? The convenience should be obvious.
It would increase the cost of the surge protector a bit. The protector would need to convert AC power (the type that comes from the mains) into DC power (the type delivered through USB). However, I think this cost would be well worth the additional functionality and would not be hard to market. Virtually everyone has a cellphone. Virtually every cellphone can charge via USB. People would have a use for this feature.
Ultimately, I think it is only a matter of time before we start seeing this become a standard feature in surge protectors.
Tomorrow's idea is going to directly pick up where this one left off. Personally, there is a lot more I think surge protectors could be doing to make life more convenient. So if you want to play a little game, try to guess what feature I am going to suggest be added into surge protectors tomorrow.
For a long time now surge protectors have had a place to plug in phone cords. They had grown with the times and provided a way for people to protect their modems from electrical surges. However, I would like to see them grow with the times again and offer USB ports for people to charge their mobile devices.
I did a Google search after thinking about this and the closest thing I could find was the following: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Mini-Surge-Protector-Charger/dp/B0015DYMVO
I don't really consider that a 'full' surge protector. It was designed with travel in mind so people don't need to take their adapters with them. However, why should I have to worry about the adapters while at home. I would like to seem something like this, but in the form of a full strip surge protector for use at home.
There are two large benefits to this. One, you no longer need to worry about the power adapter for any device that can charge through USB. Two, you no longer need to deal with adapter plugs potentially blocking outlets.
I recently saw an article about how to install USB charging ports into wall outlets. Why in the world are they not part of full feature surge protectors? The convenience should be obvious.
It would increase the cost of the surge protector a bit. The protector would need to convert AC power (the type that comes from the mains) into DC power (the type delivered through USB). However, I think this cost would be well worth the additional functionality and would not be hard to market. Virtually everyone has a cellphone. Virtually every cellphone can charge via USB. People would have a use for this feature.
Ultimately, I think it is only a matter of time before we start seeing this become a standard feature in surge protectors.
Tomorrow's idea is going to directly pick up where this one left off. Personally, there is a lot more I think surge protectors could be doing to make life more convenient. So if you want to play a little game, try to guess what feature I am going to suggest be added into surge protectors tomorrow.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Snap in Light Bulbs
Screwing in light bulbs generally works just fine. You twist a bit and then the bulb stays in. The process has also given us hundreds if not thousands of "how many blank would it take to screw in a light bulb" jokes. However having to screw in light bulbs is not always ideal.
This thought came to mind while looking at a celling fixture. To change the bulbs I need to stretch out and stand on the tip of my toes. I can certainly accomplish this task. However, it is an uncomfortable pose to maintain while unscrewing the old bulb and screwing in the new one.
It occurred to me, why can't the light bulbs simply snap in? If the sockets were designed with a ridge, the bulb could just latch onto it. The bulb would be constructed with a plastic base (or one of flexible metal if melting is a problem). To remove the bulb a person would just squeeze the base. It would become 'thinner' and be able to move past the sockets ridge. At that point the bulb could slip back out.
People could be concerned that the base of the bulb would become distorted over time causing a bulb to slip out. This is only likely if a person is installing and removing the same bulb multiple times. In the vast majority of cases, light bulbs are installed once and then left until they burn out.
Where this really has potential is in light fixtures in tall ceilings that normally require a poll to change. The poll would still be needed (you have to be able to reach the fixtures after all), but there would be no twisting required.
As mentioned, modern light bulbs are no sort of terrible tragedy, but this seems like a simple redesign that could make changing them a little bit less work.
This thought came to mind while looking at a celling fixture. To change the bulbs I need to stretch out and stand on the tip of my toes. I can certainly accomplish this task. However, it is an uncomfortable pose to maintain while unscrewing the old bulb and screwing in the new one.
It occurred to me, why can't the light bulbs simply snap in? If the sockets were designed with a ridge, the bulb could just latch onto it. The bulb would be constructed with a plastic base (or one of flexible metal if melting is a problem). To remove the bulb a person would just squeeze the base. It would become 'thinner' and be able to move past the sockets ridge. At that point the bulb could slip back out.
People could be concerned that the base of the bulb would become distorted over time causing a bulb to slip out. This is only likely if a person is installing and removing the same bulb multiple times. In the vast majority of cases, light bulbs are installed once and then left until they burn out.
Where this really has potential is in light fixtures in tall ceilings that normally require a poll to change. The poll would still be needed (you have to be able to reach the fixtures after all), but there would be no twisting required.
As mentioned, modern light bulbs are no sort of terrible tragedy, but this seems like a simple redesign that could make changing them a little bit less work.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Double Sided Paper Towel
It would be nice to see a paper towel that was better at scrubbing.
I imagine a towel with two layers. One would be the traditional absorbent material paper towels are usually made with, the other would be a rough material much like that used in the scrubbing side of some sponges. To manufacture them one could even try making rolls of 'ultra-thin' sponge with a rough scrubbing backing.
Each sheet would be thicker so you would get less on a roll. However, it would serve almost as a one time use roll of sponges.
The use application I envision is when some nasty gunk needs to be scrubbed up. The double sided paper towel could be used to scrub it off and then soak up the water. When done a person would just throw the sheet away.
If one were to use a sponge, in many situations they would want to throw it away immediately afterwards even if the sponge is new.
You would not want to use such a product to dry your hands. However, it seems like it could fill a valuable roll amongst cleaning supplies right along side other products such as Clorox wipes and sponges.
I imagine a towel with two layers. One would be the traditional absorbent material paper towels are usually made with, the other would be a rough material much like that used in the scrubbing side of some sponges. To manufacture them one could even try making rolls of 'ultra-thin' sponge with a rough scrubbing backing.
Each sheet would be thicker so you would get less on a roll. However, it would serve almost as a one time use roll of sponges.
The use application I envision is when some nasty gunk needs to be scrubbed up. The double sided paper towel could be used to scrub it off and then soak up the water. When done a person would just throw the sheet away.
If one were to use a sponge, in many situations they would want to throw it away immediately afterwards even if the sponge is new.
You would not want to use such a product to dry your hands. However, it seems like it could fill a valuable roll amongst cleaning supplies right along side other products such as Clorox wipes and sponges.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Window Sensors
How many people with central AC have been in the situation where, after running the AC all day, they realize a window somewhere in their home had been opened the entire day. For me this doesn't happen often, but when it does its like a slap in the face. An open window with the AC running is a great way to waste power.
One of my posts was regarding automated windows in the home that could open or close in coordination with the AC. The large problem for this idea to see a lot of use was cost. This idea is not for a system that would close the windows for you, but for one that would at least tell you if windows are open.
One of my posts was regarding automated windows in the home that could open or close in coordination with the AC. The large problem for this idea to see a lot of use was cost. This idea is not for a system that would close the windows for you, but for one that would at least tell you if windows are open.
A simple sensor on each window could send a signal to the thermostat. If the AC is on and a window is open a warning light would turn on. This could help prevent the occasional screw up and make it so a person would not need to stop and ask "hmm, are all the windows closed?" Perhaps most important in today's economy, it could save money by helping you ensure all your windows are closed.
An interesting thing to realize is, these sensors already exist in many people's homes. Many home security systems are capable of sensing if a window is open. All that would need to be done is to feed this information into the thermostat.
Instillation into existing homes would not be a complicated process. The cost of installing it would also be relatively low. This is especially true when you consider the fact that depending on where an open window is located relative to AC vents and the thermostat, an open window can significantly hurt the ACs efficiency. Adding in this functionality is simply a smart move.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Better Keyrings
Keyrings are another example of something that has been pretty much the same since it was invented. And like many other cases it is not because there is no room for improvement.
Keyrings most certainly work well. For the most part they do their job. But removing or adding an item from a keyring is far more trouble than it should be.
Now there has been some 'recent' innovation with keyrings. The split-ring-key (http://www.amronexperimental.com/Split-Ring-Key.html) merges your house key with your key ring. But the 'ring' part of the keyring is relatively unchanged.
I've put some thought into HOW I would improve upon the keyring. Some ideas I threw out because, although good, they were too different. In order for people to adopt it, a new and improved key ring would need to have some resemblance to what people are comfortable with. That means maintaining the ring shape.
Other ideas where thrown out because they involved changing the keys themselves. In order for this to work we would need to get everyone who makes keys to agree on this.
Ultimately I decided that a key ring inspired by earrings would be best. They do, after all, manage to stay on ears. The keyring would be a metal hoop with a small gap (like an earring). On end of the hoop would end in a segment with grooves in it so it could act similar to a screw. The other end would have a rotatable washer that could lock onto the grooves. To lock it you would simply squeeze it together and twist. The same action could unlock it.
Simple as that.
However, the fact of the matter is there are simply dozens of ways this could be accomplished. We continue to use the type of keyrings we use, not for an inability to craft better ones, but because we settle for something that ''works.' But why settle for mediocrity when something better is so easily obtainable.
Keyrings most certainly work well. For the most part they do their job. But removing or adding an item from a keyring is far more trouble than it should be.
Now there has been some 'recent' innovation with keyrings. The split-ring-key (http://www.amronexperimental.com/Split-Ring-Key.html) merges your house key with your key ring. But the 'ring' part of the keyring is relatively unchanged.
I've put some thought into HOW I would improve upon the keyring. Some ideas I threw out because, although good, they were too different. In order for people to adopt it, a new and improved key ring would need to have some resemblance to what people are comfortable with. That means maintaining the ring shape.
Other ideas where thrown out because they involved changing the keys themselves. In order for this to work we would need to get everyone who makes keys to agree on this.
Ultimately I decided that a key ring inspired by earrings would be best. They do, after all, manage to stay on ears. The keyring would be a metal hoop with a small gap (like an earring). On end of the hoop would end in a segment with grooves in it so it could act similar to a screw. The other end would have a rotatable washer that could lock onto the grooves. To lock it you would simply squeeze it together and twist. The same action could unlock it.
Simple as that.
However, the fact of the matter is there are simply dozens of ways this could be accomplished. We continue to use the type of keyrings we use, not for an inability to craft better ones, but because we settle for something that ''works.' But why settle for mediocrity when something better is so easily obtainable.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Detergent Dispensing Washer
Today's idea is not groundbreaking, but it is still something I would like to see.
It would be mildly convenient if washing machines had a detergent 'tank.' The tank could be filled when empty, and the washer would automatically add the detergent to the wash. Basically it would remove a step from the process of doing the wash. This makes doing the laundry faster (for the person) and easier.
It also means that a container of detergent does not need to be stored somewhere.
The system would need to be designed such that water could run across the tank's surface to prevent the build up of detergent scum. It would also require a method to let an operator know when the detergent was low. A low tech solution to this second requirement is a prominent transparent side to the tank such that the operator could visually see how much detergent was left. There could also conceivably be a more high tech system to actually alert and warn an operator when detergent was low.
As I said above, this would not be groundbreaking. But it would shave some work off of a frequent chore.
It would be mildly convenient if washing machines had a detergent 'tank.' The tank could be filled when empty, and the washer would automatically add the detergent to the wash. Basically it would remove a step from the process of doing the wash. This makes doing the laundry faster (for the person) and easier.
It also means that a container of detergent does not need to be stored somewhere.
The system would need to be designed such that water could run across the tank's surface to prevent the build up of detergent scum. It would also require a method to let an operator know when the detergent was low. A low tech solution to this second requirement is a prominent transparent side to the tank such that the operator could visually see how much detergent was left. There could also conceivably be a more high tech system to actually alert and warn an operator when detergent was low.
As I said above, this would not be groundbreaking. But it would shave some work off of a frequent chore.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Static Dust Pan
I do not mind sweeping the floor. But my least favorite part of the whole task is getting the dirt into the dustpan.
Ultimately it's just rather difficult to get the dust to reliably go into the pan.
Looking at the dust pan it is something that has not really changed much in the time since I have been born. There has to be room for improvement. Below is my take on a possible way to improve this old tool.
Dirt and things like pet hair tends to be attracted to things that are statically charged. It would be possible to create a metal dustpan that could be charged by a device in the handle. The device would be battery powered and would statically charge the metal of the pan (there are a number of ways to create a device), but I will not go into technical details. Hair and dust being pushed into the pan would naturally want to stick in it.
When dumping dirt into the garbage the device could then discharge the pan allowing the refuse to fall into the garbage.
Ultimately there is not much to this idea. Its simply a straight forward take on possibly reforming and improving an old standard of cleaning.
Ultimately it's just rather difficult to get the dust to reliably go into the pan.
Looking at the dust pan it is something that has not really changed much in the time since I have been born. There has to be room for improvement. Below is my take on a possible way to improve this old tool.
Dirt and things like pet hair tends to be attracted to things that are statically charged. It would be possible to create a metal dustpan that could be charged by a device in the handle. The device would be battery powered and would statically charge the metal of the pan (there are a number of ways to create a device), but I will not go into technical details. Hair and dust being pushed into the pan would naturally want to stick in it.
When dumping dirt into the garbage the device could then discharge the pan allowing the refuse to fall into the garbage.
Ultimately there is not much to this idea. Its simply a straight forward take on possibly reforming and improving an old standard of cleaning.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Removable Microwave Panels
Microwaves are great. But inevitably they will get dirty. Over time food will splatter over the interior and eventually coat it in unappetizing crud.
There are covers that one can use for their food to prevent the splatter. These are not necessarily 100% and also require you to actually use the cover. Of course even if you are fastidious in their use, you also need to convince anyone else that uses the microwave that they are a good idea.
Cleaning a microwave is a unpleasant task. Ignoring, for the moment, the unpleasantness of the crud it is difficult. It requires scrubbing surfaces at uncomfortable angles. It can be really quite tiring in fact.
However, it would not be difficult at all to make it such that the interior plastic walls of the microwave were removable. It would be a simple task to design them such that they just snapped into place and came out just as easily.
When they were dirty an owner could remove them and just stick them into their dishwasher. They would want to avoid microwaving until they put the panels back (to avoid dirtying the interior surfaces. But that is a small price to pay to avoid having to clean it by hand.
This would not require people to change their habits (as a cover does), but yet it allows for the microwave to be kept clean. I can think of virtually no drawbacks other than a slight increase in microwave cost. It wouldn't be foolproof of course. If you spilled something in the microwave, it could get between the panels and coat the interior surface (requiring you to clean the thing by hand). But it would keep splatter at bay.
Now many people may not care about the cleanliness of their microwave. However, I suspect those people are not looking too closely when their microwave is dirty.
There are covers that one can use for their food to prevent the splatter. These are not necessarily 100% and also require you to actually use the cover. Of course even if you are fastidious in their use, you also need to convince anyone else that uses the microwave that they are a good idea.
Cleaning a microwave is a unpleasant task. Ignoring, for the moment, the unpleasantness of the crud it is difficult. It requires scrubbing surfaces at uncomfortable angles. It can be really quite tiring in fact.
However, it would not be difficult at all to make it such that the interior plastic walls of the microwave were removable. It would be a simple task to design them such that they just snapped into place and came out just as easily.
When they were dirty an owner could remove them and just stick them into their dishwasher. They would want to avoid microwaving until they put the panels back (to avoid dirtying the interior surfaces. But that is a small price to pay to avoid having to clean it by hand.
This would not require people to change their habits (as a cover does), but yet it allows for the microwave to be kept clean. I can think of virtually no drawbacks other than a slight increase in microwave cost. It wouldn't be foolproof of course. If you spilled something in the microwave, it could get between the panels and coat the interior surface (requiring you to clean the thing by hand). But it would keep splatter at bay.
Now many people may not care about the cleanliness of their microwave. However, I suspect those people are not looking too closely when their microwave is dirty.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Track Fans
Today I continue in contemplating ways to keep homes cooler without simply turning on the AC.
Track lighting can be an attractive, unobtrusive addition to a home. What about 'track fans'?
Its basically what the name says. A track is installed along the ceiling and fan units can move along it.
Clever design could make them visually appealing, and their location saves floor space from standing fans and avoids a tangle of cords.
Essentially these track fan units would be like miniature directional ceiling fans.
Finally, there is no reason that these could also not have the lights still in them. Basically you could have a fan blade spinning around a light bulb. They could server to both light and 'cool' your home.
Track lighting can be an attractive, unobtrusive addition to a home. What about 'track fans'?
Its basically what the name says. A track is installed along the ceiling and fan units can move along it.
Clever design could make them visually appealing, and their location saves floor space from standing fans and avoids a tangle of cords.
Essentially these track fan units would be like miniature directional ceiling fans.
Finally, there is no reason that these could also not have the lights still in them. Basically you could have a fan blade spinning around a light bulb. They could server to both light and 'cool' your home.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Home Automated Windows
I was sure this already existed. However, searches on the major home automation sites did not turn up any hits.
The idea is automated windows.
Whenever we turn our AC on or off, we need to run around our house like headless chickens closing or opening all of the windows.
An automated thermostat control could judge the exterior and humidity and based on user preferences decide if the AC should be on, the AC should be off and the windows closed, or if the AC should be off and the windows open. A signal would then open or close the windows.
Now the first thought I had is, perhaps these aren't sold as a solution because a lot of older windows can be a bit tough to open. Maybe stuck windows makes this too unreliable. But then I realize, if you are going to be dumping money into a home automation solution, it would not that much of an additional cost to replace the window tracks and fix the windows up.
So what are the best ways to go about making a window that could open and close by itself? Ultimately I think you would need to play around with a bunch of different ideas and decide which one has the best mix of reliability, low cost, and ease to install.
However it seems that there are a couple of general categories that would bear investigation:
Hydraulics/pneumatics - They could be attached to the top of the frame and pull the window up, or be embedded in the wall beneath the frame and push the window up.
Cable with motor - A cable or cables would attach to the top of the window and go up to the top of the frame. A motor could wind up the cable and pull the window up. This option seems like the easiest to install in an existing home as it could just be bolted into the top of a window frame.
Teeth and gears - If the side of the window was covered in 'teeth' and there where powered gears in the frame, they could push the window up or down. This seems like perhaps the best option, except for a few problems. One, it requires space on either side of the window to be free for installing the necessary parts. Two, it seems like the one most prone to injury if a finger was caught in the teeth.
Tying this into one of my previous ideas, it seems like if it was combined with Integrated Window Fans it could create the ultimate automated climate controlled home.
Perhaps getting this to work would be expensive. But home automation is already expensive. I am just shocked that the major home automation companies do not offer a solution already.
The idea is automated windows.
Whenever we turn our AC on or off, we need to run around our house like headless chickens closing or opening all of the windows.
An automated thermostat control could judge the exterior and humidity and based on user preferences decide if the AC should be on, the AC should be off and the windows closed, or if the AC should be off and the windows open. A signal would then open or close the windows.
Now the first thought I had is, perhaps these aren't sold as a solution because a lot of older windows can be a bit tough to open. Maybe stuck windows makes this too unreliable. But then I realize, if you are going to be dumping money into a home automation solution, it would not that much of an additional cost to replace the window tracks and fix the windows up.
So what are the best ways to go about making a window that could open and close by itself? Ultimately I think you would need to play around with a bunch of different ideas and decide which one has the best mix of reliability, low cost, and ease to install.
However it seems that there are a couple of general categories that would bear investigation:
Hydraulics/pneumatics - They could be attached to the top of the frame and pull the window up, or be embedded in the wall beneath the frame and push the window up.
Cable with motor - A cable or cables would attach to the top of the window and go up to the top of the frame. A motor could wind up the cable and pull the window up. This option seems like the easiest to install in an existing home as it could just be bolted into the top of a window frame.
Teeth and gears - If the side of the window was covered in 'teeth' and there where powered gears in the frame, they could push the window up or down. This seems like perhaps the best option, except for a few problems. One, it requires space on either side of the window to be free for installing the necessary parts. Two, it seems like the one most prone to injury if a finger was caught in the teeth.
Tying this into one of my previous ideas, it seems like if it was combined with Integrated Window Fans it could create the ultimate automated climate controlled home.
Perhaps getting this to work would be expensive. But home automation is already expensive. I am just shocked that the major home automation companies do not offer a solution already.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Dream Recording Clock
The best way to remember your dreams is to get in the habit of writing them down when you do remember them. Doing this regularly will cause you to remember more of your dreams. But this can be difficult early in the morning, especially if you are groggy.
My idea is for an alarm clock, that after waking you up, automatically starts an audio recording. So instead of having to grab a pen and paper, you can simply dictate your dream. The system will save the recording to an mp3 file that can then be transfered to a computer.
This little push may be all that some people who want to have better dream recall need.
As an added feature the clock could allow a person to record a message on it before going to bed. The message would be a reminder to do something in the morning. Then, when they are done recording their dream, the message will play. This could be a useful feature just by itself for people that tend to be forgetful while still waking up.
Ultimately something like this would be a niche product. However, I think its a niche that a large enough number of people would appreciate.
My idea is for an alarm clock, that after waking you up, automatically starts an audio recording. So instead of having to grab a pen and paper, you can simply dictate your dream. The system will save the recording to an mp3 file that can then be transfered to a computer.
This little push may be all that some people who want to have better dream recall need.
As an added feature the clock could allow a person to record a message on it before going to bed. The message would be a reminder to do something in the morning. Then, when they are done recording their dream, the message will play. This could be a useful feature just by itself for people that tend to be forgetful while still waking up.
Ultimately something like this would be a niche product. However, I think its a niche that a large enough number of people would appreciate.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Electronic Tupperware
Tupperware has not changed much over the years, but it could be a lot better.
For me Tupperware has two problems. One, at times it can be difficult to know/remember what is inside the Tupperware (especially if you were not the one to 'pack' it), and two, it's easy to loose track of how old the contents are.
My idea is to have Tupperware lids with a slot to 'clip on' cheap LCD displays. The displays themselves do not need to be anything fancy. Really they just need to be capable of showing a single line of text.
A consumer would purchase a 'keyboard' when they first invest in the Tupperware. The keyboard/keypad would be magnetic and could stick onto a fridge. There would be a slot where the displays could plug in. When a display is plugged in, the consumer simply needs to enter in the label they would like to be displayed. To make things more convenient the keypad would automatically append the date to the label.
Simply by looking into the fridge a hungry person could know what was in each container and how old the stuff was.
The displays, when not in use, would dock with the keyboard and would likely be magnetic themselves. The keypad would then charge the batteries that power the displays. As for how the keypad gets this power itself? Perhaps it could be charged off of batteries as well, or integrated into high-end fridges and just draw power from the mains.
The amount of engineering to create such a product would be minimal. Ultimately the key would be in marketing it. But to me at least, this product is useful enough that all you would need to do is let people know it exists.
For me Tupperware has two problems. One, at times it can be difficult to know/remember what is inside the Tupperware (especially if you were not the one to 'pack' it), and two, it's easy to loose track of how old the contents are.
My idea is to have Tupperware lids with a slot to 'clip on' cheap LCD displays. The displays themselves do not need to be anything fancy. Really they just need to be capable of showing a single line of text.
A consumer would purchase a 'keyboard' when they first invest in the Tupperware. The keyboard/keypad would be magnetic and could stick onto a fridge. There would be a slot where the displays could plug in. When a display is plugged in, the consumer simply needs to enter in the label they would like to be displayed. To make things more convenient the keypad would automatically append the date to the label.
Simply by looking into the fridge a hungry person could know what was in each container and how old the stuff was.
The displays, when not in use, would dock with the keyboard and would likely be magnetic themselves. The keypad would then charge the batteries that power the displays. As for how the keypad gets this power itself? Perhaps it could be charged off of batteries as well, or integrated into high-end fridges and just draw power from the mains.
The amount of engineering to create such a product would be minimal. Ultimately the key would be in marketing it. But to me at least, this product is useful enough that all you would need to do is let people know it exists.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Streaming Shower Radio
I like to listen to music in the shower.
But after all of my searching come away disappointed in the solutions. The choices available are devices that can play CDs in the radio or play FM/AM radio. Now the moisture eventually ruins the CDs and the radio is inevitably going to get less than ideal reception in many showers. But even if it received decent reception none of them even use digital radio. It' all tuning knob based.
I want a solution that lets me play music from my computer. The best I have seen was a shower radio that came with a low power FM transmitter. So I could listen to my music this way. However, its not a good solution. The transmitter is not very good so the signal is noisy. And to top things off, you have no control over whats playing. And of course, if you forget to start up music and to plug in the transmitter before you get in the shower you are out luck.
I have also seen waterproof IPod cases. Those of course require you to have and IPod and to bring it in.
What I want is a waterproof device that can connect to my home network over wifi. A server program on my PC could then stream music to the 'radio.' Because it is being streamed over wifi the radio can send commands back to the PC server. That means you could have play/pause controls and a method to browser your music collection from the shower.
With an internet connection it could even stream music from online radio services like Pandora.
This is not complicated technology. Devices like this exist in other non-waterproof forms (like fancy alarm clocks). There is nothing standing in the way of a company manufacturing and selling a device like this. It would be significantly more expensive than the low quality shower radios currently on the market, but I can not imagine I am the only person who has a desire for something like this.
But after all of my searching come away disappointed in the solutions. The choices available are devices that can play CDs in the radio or play FM/AM radio. Now the moisture eventually ruins the CDs and the radio is inevitably going to get less than ideal reception in many showers. But even if it received decent reception none of them even use digital radio. It' all tuning knob based.
I want a solution that lets me play music from my computer. The best I have seen was a shower radio that came with a low power FM transmitter. So I could listen to my music this way. However, its not a good solution. The transmitter is not very good so the signal is noisy. And to top things off, you have no control over whats playing. And of course, if you forget to start up music and to plug in the transmitter before you get in the shower you are out luck.
I have also seen waterproof IPod cases. Those of course require you to have and IPod and to bring it in.
What I want is a waterproof device that can connect to my home network over wifi. A server program on my PC could then stream music to the 'radio.' Because it is being streamed over wifi the radio can send commands back to the PC server. That means you could have play/pause controls and a method to browser your music collection from the shower.
With an internet connection it could even stream music from online radio services like Pandora.
This is not complicated technology. Devices like this exist in other non-waterproof forms (like fancy alarm clocks). There is nothing standing in the way of a company manufacturing and selling a device like this. It would be significantly more expensive than the low quality shower radios currently on the market, but I can not imagine I am the only person who has a desire for something like this.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
UV Sponge Holder
This idea is actually inspired by yesterday's post (and a conversation I had a few days ago).
One of the filthiest places in the kitchen is the sponge. Sponges remain damp and cool after use, making them the perfect breeding place for bacteria. Not only do they tend to be filled with bacteria but a lot of the bacteria can be potentially dangerous bacteria.
This idea is for a small tray designed to hold the sponge when not in use. The tray would have a lid, that when closed would make the tray enter into a cleaning sequence. Two things would occur in this sequence.
1) The sponge would be bathed in UV light to try to kill bacteria on the surface of the sponge. While the UV light would not be able to sterilize the core of the sponge the less bacteria on the sponge the better.
2) The holder would heat up and 'bake' the sponge. The temperatures would not increase too high to avoid being a safety hazard, but they would increase enough to allow the sponge to dry out faster. The less time a sponge is sitting around wet, the less time it is serving as a fertile breeding ground.
Now a simpler answer is to throw out your sponges and replace them regularly. However, this tends to happen once the sponge begins to look nasty. Well, by the time it takes on a grimy and filthy appearance it has already been spreading germs for some time.
Once again, rather than trying to change human behavior, it is easier to adapt technology to behavior. If sponges are going to be sitting around, they might as well be getting cleaned.
One of the filthiest places in the kitchen is the sponge. Sponges remain damp and cool after use, making them the perfect breeding place for bacteria. Not only do they tend to be filled with bacteria but a lot of the bacteria can be potentially dangerous bacteria.
This idea is for a small tray designed to hold the sponge when not in use. The tray would have a lid, that when closed would make the tray enter into a cleaning sequence. Two things would occur in this sequence.
1) The sponge would be bathed in UV light to try to kill bacteria on the surface of the sponge. While the UV light would not be able to sterilize the core of the sponge the less bacteria on the sponge the better.
2) The holder would heat up and 'bake' the sponge. The temperatures would not increase too high to avoid being a safety hazard, but they would increase enough to allow the sponge to dry out faster. The less time a sponge is sitting around wet, the less time it is serving as a fertile breeding ground.
Now a simpler answer is to throw out your sponges and replace them regularly. However, this tends to happen once the sponge begins to look nasty. Well, by the time it takes on a grimy and filthy appearance it has already been spreading germs for some time.
Once again, rather than trying to change human behavior, it is easier to adapt technology to behavior. If sponges are going to be sitting around, they might as well be getting cleaned.
Monday, July 12, 2010
UV Dishwasher
I was brushing my teeth when I was reminded of those UV toothbrush cleaners.
Basically they bathe toothbrushes in UV radiation to kill bacteria.
That got me to thinking, why not have dishwashers do the same thing.
Of course you would still want it to go through the traditional wash cycles. Soap and water would still be needed to remove caked on crud. However after the standard cycle is done it could go through a ten minute UV bath. You would know that not only have your dishes been cleaned, they have also been irradiated.
It's not necessary to get a clean dish, but then again it isn't necessary to get a clean tooth brush either. However, it would increase the level of cleanliness.
It would likely require a redesign of the rack layout in order to make sure all of the dishes could be adequately exposed. A design preventing people from placing dishes too close together could likely do the trick. But this would not be a bad idea anyway as it would improve the efficiency of the general wash cycle as well. Certainly the capacity is being reduced, but it simply means people will get into the habit of running loads slightly more frequently.
This also seems like an easily marketable idea.
Not everyone would care about such a design, but there are probably enough people who would to make it worth while.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Integrated Window Fans
Fans are a much more energy efficient way to 'cool' your home than AC. The problem is that fans do not actually cool and only circulate the air. If you have a fair number of fans though you can get a pretty good affect. But then you have fans everywhere.
Now what if each of the windows in your home could act like a full box fan. It could probably do a pretty good job of keeping your home cool without resorting to the AC.
Now if you are not heard of Dyson's new blade-less fans, you may wish to take a minute to check out this link: http://www.dyson.com/fans/. The gist of it is they are fans without blades. Appearance wise they look like just the frame to a traditional fan.
Now imagine one of these in a rectangular shape that could fit in your window. It would be fairly unobtrusive. But lets take it a step further.
Say a house is under construction. Imagine the window frames themselves are built to be the fan frames. The blower motor could be inside the wall and wired directly to the homes electrical system. The system could be designed to engage when the window is opened.
To a casual inspection the window would look like any other window. Closer inspection would reveal groves designed to be aerodynamic and create air flow. Each window would basically be capable of generating its own powerful energy efficient breeze when opened.
Now this type of blade-less design relies on aerodynamics. It may be difficult maintaining the required shape while distorting it to fit into a window and also function as a traditional window frame.
The other issue is that these blade-less fans are absurdly expensive. Now this could just be how they are pricing them, or it could actually cost that much for them to make. At the current price it would likely hamper adoption into all window frames in a home.
However, I could see this becoming a popular trend some years in the future. And if Dyson isn't all ready working on a 'box' fan version at the very least, they should be.
Now what if each of the windows in your home could act like a full box fan. It could probably do a pretty good job of keeping your home cool without resorting to the AC.
Now if you are not heard of Dyson's new blade-less fans, you may wish to take a minute to check out this link: http://www.dyson.com/fans/. The gist of it is they are fans without blades. Appearance wise they look like just the frame to a traditional fan.
Now imagine one of these in a rectangular shape that could fit in your window. It would be fairly unobtrusive. But lets take it a step further.
Say a house is under construction. Imagine the window frames themselves are built to be the fan frames. The blower motor could be inside the wall and wired directly to the homes electrical system. The system could be designed to engage when the window is opened.
To a casual inspection the window would look like any other window. Closer inspection would reveal groves designed to be aerodynamic and create air flow. Each window would basically be capable of generating its own powerful energy efficient breeze when opened.
Now this type of blade-less design relies on aerodynamics. It may be difficult maintaining the required shape while distorting it to fit into a window and also function as a traditional window frame.
The other issue is that these blade-less fans are absurdly expensive. Now this could just be how they are pricing them, or it could actually cost that much for them to make. At the current price it would likely hamper adoption into all window frames in a home.
However, I could see this becoming a popular trend some years in the future. And if Dyson isn't all ready working on a 'box' fan version at the very least, they should be.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Waterbed Sealant
Waterbeds may not be as popular as they once were, but they are still darn comfortable.
Recently I had the sad experience of seeing a waterbed put down after one too many leaks. You can patch them but you are only biding your time.
It occurred to me that there could be a market for some type of waterbed sealant, similar to the sealant you can spray into car tires.
Such a product would be a mixture of two chemicals. One chemical would be heavier than water and the other would need to be lighter. When added to the water in the waterbed, one of the chemicals would separate to the bottom and the other would separate to the top. This way one of the chemicals could deal with leaks in the top half and the other would deal with leaks in the bottom half.
Ultimately you would want a chemical that when exposed to oxygen would begin to polymerize. As long as the chemical was in the bed it would remain in liquid form. But if it began to seep out through a leak it would begin to turn into a plasticy goo. The hope would be that it would allow the bed to self seal.
Of course with larger leaks it might not be able to do the job. However, if the chemical was some other color (but one that could wash out of fabric easy) it might make it easier to spot where the leak is to allow for more traditional patching to be done easier.
Now there may be some difficulties finding or designing a chemical that would have the necessary properties. A market for this product might also not really exist. And even if the market is there, the product would have to work well enough to encourage people to actually buy it. In the end though, waterbeds are nice, but it sucks when the leak.
Recently I had the sad experience of seeing a waterbed put down after one too many leaks. You can patch them but you are only biding your time.
It occurred to me that there could be a market for some type of waterbed sealant, similar to the sealant you can spray into car tires.
Such a product would be a mixture of two chemicals. One chemical would be heavier than water and the other would need to be lighter. When added to the water in the waterbed, one of the chemicals would separate to the bottom and the other would separate to the top. This way one of the chemicals could deal with leaks in the top half and the other would deal with leaks in the bottom half.
Ultimately you would want a chemical that when exposed to oxygen would begin to polymerize. As long as the chemical was in the bed it would remain in liquid form. But if it began to seep out through a leak it would begin to turn into a plasticy goo. The hope would be that it would allow the bed to self seal.
Of course with larger leaks it might not be able to do the job. However, if the chemical was some other color (but one that could wash out of fabric easy) it might make it easier to spot where the leak is to allow for more traditional patching to be done easier.
Now there may be some difficulties finding or designing a chemical that would have the necessary properties. A market for this product might also not really exist. And even if the market is there, the product would have to work well enough to encourage people to actually buy it. In the end though, waterbeds are nice, but it sucks when the leak.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Mosquito Door Guard
If your in an area with mosquitoes you probably don't like them.
In case you haven't seen the commercials, apparently there is some new type of mosquito repellent that you don't spray on. You just clip it on (Link: http://www.off.com/clip-on-mosquito-repellent/).
I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like a pretty good idea if it works. But what about when your not spending a significant amount of time outside? What about when you run out real quick to grab something from the car? Even if you don't get bitten there is a bigger problem. It seems like no matter how short the time, mosquitoes fly in while your door is open. The only thing more annoying that being bitten while outside your house is being bitten while inside your house.
It seems someone could retrofit those OFF clip on spray things such that they could be mounted above a door. A motion sensor would trigger it whenever the door is being used. The idea would be to create a screen of repellent across the door. Perhaps you would still be bitten while outside, but at least they wouldn't get inside.
I suppose it could even be designed to 'mist' repellent on people on their way out the door. This way you wouldn't get bitten if you didn't think about putting on repellent. The mist likely wouldn't be too good of a covering so it would only be helpful for quick trips in and out. I'm not as sure about this feature though, because its not necessarily pleasant being covered in bug repellent (which is I assume part of the reason off is making clip on repellents).
Even if the mister feature where not to be implemented, I still think the basic idea would be pretty nifty. I hate seeing that I have let mosquitoes into the house when I open the door and humans need a little extra defense.
In case you haven't seen the commercials, apparently there is some new type of mosquito repellent that you don't spray on. You just clip it on (Link: http://www.off.com/clip-on-mosquito-repellent/).
I haven't tried it yet, but it seems like a pretty good idea if it works. But what about when your not spending a significant amount of time outside? What about when you run out real quick to grab something from the car? Even if you don't get bitten there is a bigger problem. It seems like no matter how short the time, mosquitoes fly in while your door is open. The only thing more annoying that being bitten while outside your house is being bitten while inside your house.
It seems someone could retrofit those OFF clip on spray things such that they could be mounted above a door. A motion sensor would trigger it whenever the door is being used. The idea would be to create a screen of repellent across the door. Perhaps you would still be bitten while outside, but at least they wouldn't get inside.
I suppose it could even be designed to 'mist' repellent on people on their way out the door. This way you wouldn't get bitten if you didn't think about putting on repellent. The mist likely wouldn't be too good of a covering so it would only be helpful for quick trips in and out. I'm not as sure about this feature though, because its not necessarily pleasant being covered in bug repellent (which is I assume part of the reason off is making clip on repellents).
Even if the mister feature where not to be implemented, I still think the basic idea would be pretty nifty. I hate seeing that I have let mosquitoes into the house when I open the door and humans need a little extra defense.
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