Freelance Jobs

The Design blog

The Design blog


Latest sat nav system uses Neutron stars to coast spacecrafts through the galaxy

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:57 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Soon those unheard of spaces in the galaxy will not be a mystery anymore. Till now, manned satellites were bound to their limits as satellite navigation systems were unable to operate in outer space. Thus, satellites only orbited the earth and were incapable of hovering in interplanatary zones. However, this cosmic impediment will soon be a thing of the past. Scientists have embarked upon a breakthrough that will help satellites cross their barriers and cruise into deep space. To help satellites navigate through the stars, scientists will formulate a guidance system using pulsars as beacons.

sat nav
sat nav

Unraveling exactly how this feat will become a reality. Well, to plot a course through the intergalactic spaces, neutron stars will be used henceforth. Neutron stars are the remains from the explosion of a dying supernova star that has reached the end of its life. These neutrons rotate rapidly, have strong magnetic fields and emit stark beams. When these beams point towards the earth, they can be spotted as radiation pulses. The X ray light from these pulse radiations or pulsars will be used to chart the route of a satellite through the intergalactic space.

sat nav
sat nav

What adds to the good news is that these pulses are emitted at a gap of regular time periods. Thus, they can be harnessed easily to man a spaceship in far flung areas throughout the galaxy. The advent of these pulses will be gauged on the space bound craft and also on a reference location. Thus, it will be possible to monitor the path of the space craft where ever it goes in the solar system or galaxy. This pioneering technology is in development at the Germany based Max Planck institute.

Via: Dailymail


Curved LCD Display bends in both concave and convex directions

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:57 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

TRADIM or The Technology Research Association for Advanced Display Materials has developed an LCD panel that can be flexibly twisted in a convex as well as a concave way. The curved LCD Display has been crafted by making good use of a R2R or roll to roll method on a film substrate. It is thin and light in weight, with a 30 cm curvature radius. Bending of the LCD panel will not play foul with the display performance in any sense, which is commendable.

Flexible LCD Display
Flexible LCD Display

The 3.5 inch LCD panel has a resolution of 114ppi. The 0.44mm thick product weighs as less as 7 grams, which makes it easy to shift from one place to the other. TRADIM found out that a panel fashioned out of a film substrate broke when they tried bending it because of the lack of suppleness. But in this case, the entire panel was softened by bringing down the coefficients of elasticity of various materials used, like sealants as well as adhesives, which in turn perked up the much needed flexibility.

Flexible LCD Display
Flexible LCD Display

The use of R2R method made it possible to combine a film substrate with a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal resistance, backlight component, color filter component, TFT component plus polarizing and phase difference film components. The curved LCD display has managed to pass two tests, which were carried out for 1000 hours each at a temperature of 80°C and 35°C, with an 85 percent relative humidity.

Via: Techon


World's first dog stairlift offers a comfy ride to your spoiled pooch

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:55 AM PDT

Sahil Khurana:

If your cute little pooch is all fluffed up, then it's probably not because of the excessive love he is used to, but the amount of food he's being fed. Watching your dog doodle around may be a very cute sight to check out sometimes, but not always. Rolling dogs may not be a very fancy thing to view, especially for the dog's master. The extra flab will take ages to vanish from your best friend's waistline. So basing the idea around this concept, the world's first dog stairlift has been devised. Given the predictions that half of the nation's dogs will be overweight by the next decade or so, it's best to make things happier for the little furry cuties.

World's first dog stairlift
World’s first dog stairlift

Picture Gallery
World's first dog stairlift
World’s first dog stairlift

The extra fat which accumulates on the dog's back can actually add a lot of pressure to the pooch's back, leaving them all bent and dawdling. To ensure that this does not happen, the StairLift has a push down button which can be accessed by your dog itself. Your little pet needs to coyly rest his backside in the plastic bucket, push the button and he would go zooming down. This will save him a lot of traveling pressure and also ensure that it's convenient for everyone around.

The design of the lift is still a prototype and is expected to cost £5,000. But, the designer is definitely open to investors who may be ready to take on this project on a larger scale. You never know, the price of the StairLift may also go swirling down.

Via: Dvice


Make home cooking safer with the Gauge Meat Thermometer

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:53 AM PDT

Asmita Prasad:

Bacteria present in uncooked or undercooked meat is one of the major cases of food poisoning and most cases of food related health emergencies are caused due to Campylobacter and Salmonella that are left behind when the meat is improperly cooked or undercooked. However, a very simple way to ensure that home cooked meals do not pose such risks is to use a meat thermometer every time. Since most meat thermometers currently available in the market are not as easy to use for the average home cook, health risks due to these bacteria can never be ruled out. However, the Gauge Meat Thermometer makes meat cooking at home very simple and intuitive even for the most inexperienced cook.

Gauge Meat Thermometer
Gauge Meat Thermometer

Picture Gallery
Gauge meat thermometer
Gauge meat thermometer by Scott Thorne

The Gauge thermometer by designer Scott Thorne comes with an aluminum casing and does not feature any wiring that can melt while checking cooking meat. The thermometer has a 12pt print that is easy to read and even features a backlight so users do not need to strain their eyes trying to read the temperature on the display. The Gauge makes it simpler to view and remember temperatures which can be highly educational for amateur home cooks. The special octagonal and angled design of the thermometer is non-rolling and users do not have to worry about losing it in a pot of hot food over the stove.

Thanks to a flat blade, the thermometer can be easily cleaned after use which further reduces the risk of contamination. The sharp point thin spade tip of the thermometer does not tear the meat even after repeated use during a single cooking session and the cook can use it several times without ruining a cut of meat. Made with quick read predictive filter technology, the Gauge Meat Thermometer is perfect for people who would like to cook meat at home without risking food poisoning.

Source: Purdue


USB Wireless Air Mouse lets you operate without touch

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Christina Pinto:

Remember the science fiction movies wherein the scientist controls the computer by moving his hand in the air. You can fill the scientist’s shoes with the USB wireless Air Mouse. Computer mouses are constantly updated as new technology is discovered. This new one takes the form of a glove that you slip onto your hand and subsequently, your hand in motion controls the directional cursor on the computer screen.

USB Wireless Air Mouse
USB Wireless Air Mouse

The glove weighs about 52g as the materials from which it is made is very light. Neoprene and silicone materials ensure that the glove maintains a small mass to avoid being a hindrance or cause you to exert your hand muscles more than necessary as you use the mouse.

Picture Gallery
USB Wireless Air Mouse
USB Wireless Air Mouse is a new generation wireless mouse

It is designed to function like a traditional mouse with three buttons: the left, the right and the pause button. These three buttons are located on the finger rings that are attached to the main power source via a wire. A circular silver saucer on the glove contains the on/off switch, a USB charger and a row of LEDs. Also built into the saucer is a rechargeable battery and the entire saucer is fitted securely into the glove.

If you are thinking of purchasing the USB Wireless Air Mouse, you need to know its specifications. It is compatible with Mac OS, Window 7 / Vista / XP and Linux, in addition to a connection capability of 2.4GHz. USB Wireless Air Mouse Glove has been made available in two neon colors: red and green. The red glove has a silver saucer while the green has a black one.

With the purchase of the glove, you also receive a USB Receiver and a USB Charging Cable. Price is set at $42.00. The USB Wireless Air Mouse Glove is amazing and you will be awestruck at the way it helps you operate on your computer without any physical interaction.

Via: Usb


Turbo electric bicycle touted to be the fastest ebike ever

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:29 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Speed lovers don't really fancy riding a bicycle, which as per them doesn't give them the necessary adrenaline rush. Putting all such claims to rest is Specialized with Turbo, an electric bike that is touted to be the fastest design all across the globe. The bike was unveiled after it was developed in the design lab for a good three years.

Specialized Turbo
Specialized Turbo

Picture Gallery
Specialized Turbo
Specialized Turbo, the ‘world’s fastest’ electric bike

The Turbo electric bike looks like an everyday ride, but claims to touch a top speed of 45 km/h or 28 mph, which is just amazing. Though such a speed will mean breaking all laws as the maximum speed allowed for e-bikes in US and UK is 20 mph and 15.6 mph, respectively. Turbo will come fitted with a 250-watt Turbo Direct Drive rear hub motor that will fetch power from a 432Wh lithium ion battery, which has been fitted in the down tube or the chassis. The battery takes a good two hours to get fully charged. Apart from this, the presence of Magura MT series disc brakes will also juice up the battery using regenerative charging.

A wireless control unit has been wedged on the handlebar, which makes it easy for the user to take control over the LED tail and head lights. This also puts on show the amount of battery left, which makes it easy to charge the bike so that it doesn't stop suddenly. The speedy ride vows to keep going nonstop for one hour that too when someone cruises on it at top speed.

Specialized TurboSpecialized Turbo, the ‘world’s fastest’ electric bike

Via: Bysykling


Movie screening in the middle of a lagoon

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:27 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Watching a movie while drifting on water is not an experience many have savored. Don't think such a notion has even crossed anyone's mind before. But the artistry and profound imagination of Ole Scheeren has turned this whim into actuality. Shown above is a magnificent auditorium floating on a raft. The breathtaking assembly stages a rather rare movie going experience. The amazing design, dubbed as Archipelago Cinema, is the mutual effort of Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Foundation and Ole Scheeren. The structure was built for the ongoing film festival in Thailand.

Archipelago Cinema
Archipelago Cinema

Picture Gallery
Archipelago Cinema
Archipelago Cinema, a large raft built out of recycled materials

Instead of tight walls, sleek ambiance and murmur of a crowd, oceanic air and rippling waves greet you. The film in here was broadcasted in the middle of rocky walls and a beachy backdrop. The setting pieces in a circular porous enclosure, small rocks and moving images across the water. A boat takes you to the water bound movie theater. The theater is actually located on a serene lagoon. The calm stillness around definitely adds to the ambiance of this unique theater. The structure takes inspiration from the design of a floating lobster farm and becomes a floating island that houses a theater.

Not only is this a rare and exclusive idea, the structure is also sustainable. The entire layout was built with modular parts and recycled materials. As the structure was temporary, it was dismantled after the screening. Moreover, all the pieces used to build the structure were shipped to the community instead of being discarded. Thus, they can be used for construction of other structures, which only adds to the green quotient of the building.

Via: Fastcodesign / Buro-os


Google's self driving car allows safe mobility to the visually impaired

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:24 AM PDT

Sahil Khurana:

Google, the internet giant is back to amaze people with yet another fantastic creation. This time, they have developed a technique for the blind to drive safely, without ever bumping into anyone else. The self driving car boasts of expert guidance in terms of driving and steering the car on the roads.

Google's self-driving car
Google’s self-driving car

Picture Gallery
Google's self-driving car
Google’s self-driving car allows the blind to drive

Unveiling the concept in October 2010, Google brought great power to the visually challenged people. The car is ideal for blind people who don't have a companion to accompany them or drive them around. The car expertly makes use of cameras, radars and lasers in order to maneuver their way through the ongoing traffic.

The conceptual car was tested when Mr. Mahan, who is 95 percent blind, had an outing to purchase tacos and other things by driving down to the grocery store on his own. He literally joked around saying, “Look Ma, no hands!” The idea behind the futuristic concept is very simple and Google likes to keep it in wraps till the time they are not sure of its true worth. But nevertheless, it’s a brilliant concept, given the conglomerate’s past track record to always stay abreast of technology.

Well it's definitely funny, but a great idea for those who really will be benefited by this amazing concept. Steve Mahan's major challenge now is not to drive the car but to avail of a driving license. The Self-Driving car for the blind promises to be breath of fresh air in the oncoming years. Though, Google is yet to test the car for further enhancements and up gradations.

Google’s self-driving carGoogle’s self-driving car allows the blind to drive

Via: FoxNews


Lamp that works using hydroelectricity generated within the home

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:16 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

Applying hydroelectricity principles on a small scale to lighten up a home is truly a clever idea. Furthermore, when a system uses an on hand setup in the house to generate hydroelectricity, the breakthrough is even more noteworthy. All homes have water and electric supply. A comprehensive infrastructure of pipes, wires and cables is needed in every abode. Using this existing infrastructure, a pioneering lighting system has been crafted.

Hydroelectric Lamp
Hydroelectric Lamp

Picture Gallery
Hydroelectric Lamp
Hydroelectric Lamp consists of a glass molding which connects the pre-existing system of water pipes

In this new system, a glass molding links the water pipes running through a house. Now, every time water moves in these pipes, the turbines get activated. Water will move inside the pipes every time residents of the house use a tap, a shower, a washing machine or any other device connected to water supply. The micro turbines slotted in will move every time water gushes through the pipe. This movement of the turbine will then generate electric voltage. The electricity generated will be channeled into the lamp and stored in the battery installed inside its wall. The light bulb that stays put in the vertical position will be illuminated using electricity from the battery.

This low cost method of generating renewable power is definitely praiseworthy. Moreover, the power generated by this system is clean and green. Absolutely no hazardous carbon emissions are let out into the atmosphere. The arrangement allows households to become independent for their energy needs, thereby reducing dependence on the grid network. Additionally, no extra resources will be required to generate this hydroelectricity. Once the installation has been fitted in your house, it will generate electricity solely from the movement of water in the pipes.

Source: Hierve


Apple's iPhone gets a new docking base in old Minolta cameras

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 06:14 AM PDT

Sahil Khurana:

This gadget is bound to please all iDevice lovers and old camera connoisseurs. Giving a new lease on life to old, unusable Minolta and Pentax cameras, designer Roberto Altieri, the shop owner of LaboratorioAltieri, in Santa Barbara, California, has spruced up the classy system of up scaling.

iPhone charger dock
iPhone charger dock

Picture Gallery
iPhone charger dock
iPhone charger dock- made from a vintage camera- upcycled

He has fixed an iPhone jack into the shutter of the camera, thereby converting it into a stylishly, hip iPhone holder. The holder comes equipped with a 3 feet cord that connects into a USB Port. The whole contraption is pretty neat and lets you really keep everything you value pretty much close to you.

Altieri has indeed gone way ahead when it comes to utilizing the SLR's true worth. Often, it's very difficult to find films for these cameras, which prompted the designer to refurbish the gadget into a useful docking device. The stability of the iPhone is a bit of a problem in the camera dock, though, it comes with no promises to keep it safe and sound. The idea is a simple concept, yet it's very innovative use will keep the idea fresh for years and years to come.

The vintage camera dock is available for a price of $39 each. Bring home the device with a subtle panache and you'd never have to thing about looks again. You're actually getting two hip things for the price of one. It's a good deal, isn't it?

Via: Gizmodo


No comments:

Post a Comment

Feedbox Advertising