Future Technology » Search Results » fingers

Touch Color Helps Blind People to Draw

TheFuture — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:41:58 +0000

The Touch Color concept has been specially designed to make blind people able to draw and admire colorful digital pictures. This innovative device comprises a Rainbow Picker in a form of a scroll wheel, which contains Braille dots that allows blind people to select a color from 24 available. After selecting a color, this device differentiates the colors by generating varied temperatures through LED bulbs. Then the user can paint on a thermal art board by using their fingers and the thermal-color display technology keeps the track of the lines and colors the blind artist is using.

Designer : Yun Li, Guopeng Liang, Ke Zhao & Xin Liu

Chukka : Kinetic Music Player That Can Produce Electric Energy by Any Kind of Movement

TheFuture — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:20:06 +0000

Chukka is a patent pending concept device that intrigues the user to interact. This concept device is consists of several freely movable beads tied with cable, allowing hitting together for an enjoyable motion or enable two balanced sections to energetically swing between the fingers.

This concept device can be held in ways that is comfortable by the user and enables the utilization of the index finger and thumb. Most amazingly, this device can produce electrical energy by any kind of movement, even slight vibration persuades electricity, which is used to charge this device. More energetic interactions, such as, swinging the device repetitively between and around the index finger and thumb, gives a greater charge. The user can learn, develop and combine varieties of techniques for not only powering the device, but also increase the hand dexterity and coordination.

The track control section includes an electromagnetic inducer that generates an electric charge for the device from any kind of vibration or motion. The volume control segment includes all the major electronic modules of the device, including phono input, headphone output, memory storage unit and logic board. The volume control contains basic controls only and no screen, allows less energy requirement. The soft exterior casing of both main parts and beads provide easy grip and tactility, and is consists of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is an energy efficient material to manufacture and consequently, can be effectively recycled. The inner casing is made of stainless steel and provides protection to the electrical equipments and offers a tactile weight to the device. Aside from giving the device a unique form, the cable connects the two sections and transfer energy to all other components from the power supply.

Revealing the cable detach screws can be done by pulling out the soft outer casing. Unscrewing these will separate the entire device into different components that will let the user customize, repair and replace the components. Adjusting volume and track selection can be controlled by turning the end beads within the consequent end sections. The power and play or pause is controlled by clicking the beads into the sections.

Designer : Thomas Mascall

No More Messy Toothpaste Tubes with Chube Automated Toothpaste Dispenser

TheFuture — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:05:43 +0000

Are you tired of dealing with messy toothpaste tubes? If yes, then try out automatic toothpaste dispenser. It helps to conserve toothpaste with even flow dispensing and draws the complete volume of toothpaste from the tube eliminating any waste. When you put your toothbrush under the nozzle, a motion detector triggers an internal motor that pumps a pre-set amount of toothpaste directly onto the brush. Standard toothpaste is contained in Chube-specific cartridges that are sold at grocery, department and drug stores. You simply insert a new cartridge into the dispenser and prime the pump and Chube is ready to go. Once empty, Chube cartridges can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling. In return, consumers receive rebates or coupons for discounts on future purchases. The reusable cartridge caps are dishwasher safe and are available in an assortment of decorator styles. This device can be mounted to any smooth surface and comes in different colors and shapes.

Text from designer :

The loop at the top of the one tube design is not for hanging but had two purposes:
1. It allows people who lack dexterity, such as those with arthritis, to easily grasp the tube and pull it out of the dispenser when it’s empty and needs to be replaced. The loop can be easily grabbed with any one or several fingers.

2. It’s a visual target for the visually impaired.

Designer : Michael Gamstetter

Farrer Road in Singapore by Zaha Hadid Architects

TheFuture — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:44:38 +0000

The new building concept designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in Farrer Road in Singapore would be an architectural wonder if one looks at the designs. The overall design wishes to communicate the florid vegetation in the Singapore’s climate. The overall project is organized into 7 towers growing from sunken private gardens in the landscape to the sky above. The lower floor highlight the point of buildings meeting the ground, yet providing private space for gardens and vegetation which is unique given the kind of construction involved. The overall look and feel of the tower is like petals blossoming and it sure will not just be an architectural marvel but a revolutionary one too.

Here is some info from Zaha Hadid Architects:

–

Site Analysis

The Farrer Court site is located in a strategic position within the residential area of Singapore, close to the amenities of Holland Road and the future MRT station. The absence of high rise buildings in the near surroundings and direct connection to the main traffic route of Farrer Road make this a prestigious and highly visible site across the whole city.

Site Proposal

ZHA’s Proposal for the Farrer Court site is generated by the study of the existing alignments and the main axis surrounding the site, which are brought in and connected to generate a series of construction lines highly connected to the neighbourhood. The ground landscape level is visualized as a very green layer, which wants to emphasize the presence of florid vegetation in the Singapore’s climate.

The site levels are re-organized into a series of terraced plateaus to maximise the area dedicated to communal site amenities. The orientation and placement of the buildings is optimized in relation to the local environment as well as to maximize views out towards the surrounding city and landscape.

Building Proposal

The program is organized into 7 towers, which grow from sunken private gardens within the site landscape. The lower floors kink in to highlight the point where buildings meet the ground, enabling yet a greater open area and the creation of highly private gardens which are quite unique given the scale and density of the development. The towers are subdivided into petals according to the number of residential units per floor, with a common principle a series of diverse and unique towers can be generated.

The petals are expressed in three dimensions thanks to vertical cuts which give definition to the building’s façades and, at the same time, allow for cross ventilation of most of the flats. The buildings culminate at the top with a series of fingers stepped at different heights, which blend the transition between the architectural fabric and the sky. Through rotating the buildings across the site, and the careful use of balconies and façade panelling a combination of self similar towers produce an incredible amount of diversity across the development.

PROGRAM: 7 high-end residential towers and landscape deck

CLIENT: CapitaLand, Singapore

ARCHITECT: Design Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher

Project Architects Michele Pasca di Magliano, Viviana Muscettola
Project Manager Charles Walker
Project Team Effie Kuan, Bozana Komljenovic, Sophie Le Bienvenu, Helen Lee, Kelly Lee, Evan Erlebacher, Ludovico Lombardi, Annarita Pape schi, Hoon Lee, Clara Martins, Dominiki Dadatsi, Eleni Pavlido Federico Dunkelberg, Gorka Blas, Loreto Flores, Hee Seung Lee, Feng Lin, Jose M. Monfa, Sandra Riess, Selahattin Tuysuz, Zhong Tian, Ta-Kang Hsu, Emily Chang

CONSULTANTS: M&E Engineering (Concept) Max Fordham, London

Landscape Architect (Concept) GROSSMAX, Edinburgh
Local Architect RSP, Singapore
Structural Engineering Maunsell, Singapore
M&E Engineering BECA, Singapore
Landscape Architect ICN, Singapore
Quantity Surveyor DLS, Singapore

SIZE: Gross Floor Area 220.000 sqm towers + 70.000 sqm basement

Height of towers 150m

Designer : Zaha Hadid Architects via Dezeen

The Sound From The Wind

TheFuture — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:35:09 +0000

Riding a bicycle can fun with the music in your ear. Don’t have the mp3 player? No problem, THE SOUND FROM WIND designed by Joseph Kim can help you with that, this gadget makes a melody through wind by using principles of the instruments such as the Flute or the Ocarina. To create difference melodies, you can use the buttons on the handle. Sound and volume can be controlled by your fingers and speed of bicycle. Now, you can ride your bike and be a musician at the same time. I guess I have to agree with all the voters in “Power To The Pedal” competition, this gadget is really cool.

Designer : Joseph Kim

BMW M1 Homage Car Concept Revealed !

TheFuture — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:28:31 +0000

The new BMW M1 car is very similar to the BMW range. The sporty look of the car is described by slatted alloy wheels; twin BMW badges on the top of the taillights a louvered bonnet and a rear mirror. This car is designed for all those who want to make a mark in the society and want to be on the fingers of the people around them. This car looks the best in red as it gives the fantastic car a blazy and a fiery look. Looking from the back, the view is absolutely thrilling; blade like extension of the back glass says it all. The wheels get a steel finish and make the car look ever better.

The shape of the rear-view mirror is extra ordinary with sharp edges giving a fiery and a dazzling look. The black glass of the windows is extended back wards giving the car a feeling that it is moving at a high speed. The turbo wheels support the mid-engine. The BMW M1 is the first mid engined car by BMW.

Source : Jalopnik, photo credit : BMW

e-Sullivan, Portable Communicator for Deaf-Blind People

TheFuture — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:30:52 +0000

e-Sullivan will help deaf-blind people to communicate by converting all types of printed materials into Braille. e-Sullivan is a handheld portable communicator for hearing and vision impaired, not only it can convert into Braille, but also provide assistance with such computer-related tasks, such as instant messaging and web browsing.

This device is very slim, you can carry it anywhere, protected by a sturdy outer shell composed of a rubber and plastic resin, no worries when you accidentally drop it. Hearing and vision impaired people can get help from e-Sullivan for reading store product information and prices without any assistance. Its simple surfaces and minimal number of buttons emphasize tactile interaction for straightforward usability. The middle, ring and little fingers operate Braille input buttons, and the thumbs are used for the scrolling wheel and the mode button. Index fingers operate the scanning button. Taeho Wang, the genius designer, has created e-Sullivan concept with hope to be able to lower the wall between deaf-blind people and the world.

Designer : Taeho Wang and Seungho Chung

Capsule Style MP3 Players for Apple iPod

TheFuture — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:05:34 +0000

Will this capsule style be our next iPod MP3 players ? Who knows, but take a look at this concept mp3 players, it’s pretty tiny, people with big fingers might not like it. There’s just one button on it called ‘Home’ where users can use touch it and browse the same way as iPhone. Once this capsule is docked to the mini speaker cradle, data in the iPod capsule can be sent and received from the cradle at the same time. Moreover the speaker cradle has function as iPod docking speakers and charger as well. Do you think small gadget can be “the next big thing”?

Designer : Peter Hwang

Microsoft Touchscreen Surface is Coming

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:05:57 +0000

Rumors says Microsoft Surface is coming to AT&T store (New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio or San Francisco) this month, 17th April. Let me remind you again about this Microsoft Surface, this is basically a table-size computer with 30inch touchscreen where you can interact with the computer through your fingers, such as arrange your pictures, download pictures from phones and put on top of it, draw with your fingers. Awesome, but let’s hear your thought after you actually see and play with them.

Source : DVICE

Palette-Digital Artist for Visual Art

TheFuture — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:01:45 +0000

Paint goes into digital is nothing new, but this palette-digital will give a new standard in digitally painting. Use your fingers, no more mouse and keyboard, feel and touch your digital canvas and palette the same way as you use ordinary canvas and palette, but this time the result will automatically sync with your PC.

The basic idea of the design background is the passion of human activities in visualizing graphic and colors trough basic painting activity. How the conservative ways and behavior are blended with digital-modern tools and people are brought into the basic feeling and sensing their old-fashion style in producing visual onto a media in term of digital life style.

Palette is a hardware system design concept that designated for digital artist, painter, design visualizer and people with passion in visual arts. The system were designed based on the background of basic painting behavior and its physiology activities. Palette is designed to have connectivity with other devices such main PC system, Main monitor or other wireless peripherals. connectivity between them are wireless and the user interface screen surface of the palette is using photo-optic visual sensor with color recognition as its main advantage.

The innovative value of palette is its capability to recognize analog color into digital format and the concept of special computer which in the way of hardware and software structure are made specially for graphic-visual work.

Palette’s physical form analogy is taken from wooden palette and reflect the concept of mix-figuratives form between ‘digital’ and ‘analog’; classic meets modernity. The whole design are surfaced with black reflection glass-illuminating looks which combined with wooden coloring and texture in minor parts. The present and mix of black reflection and wooden fixtures emerge classy-modern status which based on the aesthetical concept of “conservative meets digital”. Hm…the words “conservative meets digital”, I couldn’t agree more.

Source : GizmoWatch via Next-Gen PC