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Relaxation Bath Provides A Form of Relaxation During Taking A Bath

TheFuture — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:35:09 +0000

Relaxation Bath is an active rehabilitation bath concept that features variable volume of water to provide an enjoyable form of relaxation during taking a bath. This concept has been designed to smoothly and continually change its shape accordingly to the user’s body shape and movements. In this bath the user can experience an exclusive feeling of bathing on a waving floor, while gets comfortable massage from the soft and gentle surface. The concept features a series of hydraulic posts that goes down when they gets pressure from a particular part of the user’s body and goes up when the pressure releases through his or her movements.

Explanation from Petr:
The exhibit is an active relaxation and rehabilitation bath with special features that permit the changeability of water volume (0-410 L) and provides a pleasant form of relaxation due to its continual and smooth changes to the ergonomical shape of the structure. The bottom contour of the bath adjusts in order to conform to the required position and height of the user. The various geometrical changes to the shape enables the bath to be “shortened” for example, creating a backing for the legs in order to maximize on comfort.

For the purpose of saving on water consumption, one can simply change the depth of the bath so it becomes shallow or select a shape that is most suitable for the user. The changes to the shape of the bath floor can be modified & readjusted anytime. Another wonderful trait of the bath is that it is equally convenient for bathing children, because one can adjust a safe depth of bath, reducing risk of drowning as well as being equipped with soft finish of the base. In addition to creating minimal dimensions, the bath itself can be used as a baby changing table. Getting in and out of the bath tub is simple and effortless. There’s no need to climb over edges of the bath. This way, it is beneficial for people with physical disability or those completely immobile.

Uniquely, in this bath we can experience an unmissable feeling of soft, rippling of the bath floor during bathing or when having a massage. This is a new form of relaxation which we can daringly refer to as “kinetic therapy”. The type of technology used forms system of 10 pneumatic pistons (compressed air powering pistons) and includes inclinable segments covered with soft upholstery. This lining creates a pleasant feeling without causing pressure on the body even in the case when the bath is low filled or during the filling or draining of the bath tub. The movable segments are covered by special, highly elastic, hygienic and strong foil (used in the concept of BMW Gina. The geometric shape of the head rest can be partially changed and is also made from movable structures, covered in flexible foil. The type of material`s used are synthetic rock (e.g. ceramics, plastic shroud), glass, elastic foil.

Other systems used are classic hydro/air massaging jets capable of being rotated and powered by electric motor. The connection to mains water supply, water outlet, air and hydro massage jet is through flexible hosing. The bottom of the tub is sealed and the whole base can be raised or lowered over a flat surface of the inner side-panels of the bath. That is how water tightness is ensured.

Everything is controlled electronically with a remote control. As a result, it is possible to select filling/draining of the bath, change water temperature, adjust hydro/air massage settings (duration, intensity, cycle program) and change the shape of the bath floor whit comfortably resting in the bath tub. This is done with the help of sensor button on the display of a remote control. The geometry of the bath can be altered simply by means of accessing touch display screen on the remote control. Naturally, the program remembers previous settings and if the conditions allow, the bath immediately fulfills the command of the user. Simultaneously however, whilst making the change, the height of the water surface, its volume and temperature as well as the total water consumption is electronically monitored.

The filling of the bath is possible through water inlets positioned right beneath the head rest, whilst draining is carried out through the segment located in the middle of the bath tub. If we were to come back to the principle of shaping the bath floor, an alternative method exists, which replaces pneumatic pistons and electrically tilted segments with air pouch system (ballonet). In addition, the foil covering the surface of various segments can also be replaced with a variety of other materials available on the market, that have similar properties.

Designer : Petr Kubik

Poseidon Yacht with Integrated Solar Panels on The Sail

TheFuture — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:03:18 +0000

The Poseidon Yacht concept with its 12m overall length and 3.7m beam was aimed to provide recreation and comfort, which can be unveiled through the unique, Chaise-lounge shaped relaxation spot on the bow. This eco-friendly yacht is empowered with solar energy through the integrated solar panels with Nano-Panels technology on the sail. These thin and flexible Nano panels are integrated in the materials of the sail which can effectively produce enough energy to run the engine of the yacht and its apparels such as electric stove, etc. The interior has been classified into two portions with all possible luxury, economy area with a capacity of 8 passengers and premium zone that can house 4 passengers.

Designer : Demetrius Tanase

Blu Wave : Blu Ray Player with Built-In Projector

TheFuture — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:30:14 +0000

Blu Wave is an innovative concept device that features a Blu-Ray player along with a built-in projector. The wave shaped compact design of this device allows better space management and comprises a flexible touch screen on the surface which makes a unique and interesting communication between the user and the device. The disk compartment is located on top of the upper surface and the powerful projection has been envisioned to come from the thicker edge of the device. The hallucinating print on the surface reminds that of a tiger which will really be appreciated by the users.

Designer : Omer Sagiv

Futuristic RollTop Foldable Notebook with 17-inch OLED Display and Full Fledged Keyboard

TheFuture — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:30:15 +0000

The RollTop is a flexible notebook concept that can be folded like a roll of paper allowing the user ultimate convenience of carrying and storing it even in a congested place. It features a 17” flat-screen OLED display when fully rolled out with the multi-touch facility that will offer the ease and functionality of that of an iPhone. Also, when required, it can be folded into a 13” smart tablet pc. Aside from the touch-screen controlling, it features full fledged keyboard like conventional notebooks with which convenient typing can be performed. When folded, this compact notebook takes the size of a water carrier and can easily be hanged over the shoulder with a hanging belt.

Designer : Evgeny Orkin

Helio DAB Radio Concept with Gratzel Panels Technology

TheFuture — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:51:52 +0000

Helio is an innovative DAB Radio concept from Bold that features eco-friendly solar panels to produce the required energy from sunlight. It comprises functional Grätzel panels that works inside better than outside and their textures are envisioned to be transparent, giving an alluring appearance. Hello gives back radio its traditional captivating ability in the current age of miniaturization for electronic items. Evoking the esthetic of tube amplifiers, Hello showcases cells with complementing color and directions to capture most of the spectrum of light. This project will be able to give radio back an appearance as it used to in a more efficient and functional manner.

Here’s short description about Grätzel panel :

“There’s a revolution going on in solar energy, which is about to become part of our daily lives in unexpected ways – appearing with multiple forms, richly coloured and with multiple functions. A new generation of solar cells has been born : thin, coloured, translucent and even flexible. The source of this revolution is EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), where Professor Michael Graetzel, inspired by plant photosynthesis, began to use molecules from colorants to transform the sun’s light into electricity. His work drew heavy praise from the scientific community, resulting in a World Technology Award. While many other technological developments have followed, designers need to take advantage of the extraordinary potential of these “dye-sensitized” solar cells. It will ultimately be up to them to fully explore the possibilities of this form of solar energy – to render us conscious of the significance of this major change.”

Designer : Léa Longis, Photographic credits to Véronique Huyghe.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with 8.1 Megapixel Camera is Lighter Than X1

TheFuture — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:18:05 +0000

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 with its 3.2” touchscreen has been officially unveiled after its sleek-looking predecessor X1. If you consider dimensions, the latest X2 is close to its previous version; however, it’s lighter than the X1. The X2 features a redesigned keypad just like that of a netbook and reveals by sliding out the upper portion. The 8.1 megapixel camera is one of the major upgrades of X2. The custom panel interfaces have been enriched with fourteen preloaded and sixteen more downloadable ones. Besides, it is the debut of Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system as default on a Sony Ericsson handset.

[Press Release]

Live life in the fast lane with the XPERIA™ X2 from Sony Ericsson. Designed for those who always need to be connected, whether it’s for business or personal life, the XPERIA™ X2 blurs the boundary between work and play.

London, UK – September 2, 2009 – Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2 a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp. “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.
XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

Live life without boundaries

* Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
* Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet
* Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®
* Slide view – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
* Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
* Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
* Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
* 8.1 mega pixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
* Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100. XPERIA™ X2 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

Designer : Sony Ericsson

E-Ink Display Technology Implementation by Continuum

TheFuture — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:05:32 +0000

E-Ink is a concept display technology with very thin, durable, flexible and low power attributes, which is also referred to as an electronic paper sometimes. This project is a continuum challenge for the designers to create innovative applications for this unique technology. Among many, we think that one compelling solution was to evolve the E-Ink film into the top exterior of a snowboard, since the riders of snowboards often require information about the mountain they are surfing and don’t want to take the hassle of pulling a compass, maps or other supplies. The E-Ink technology, with the stability and low power attributes, has made it an ideal fit for this application.

Text from Continuum :

Snowboard graphics powered by Piezo generator

The top surface of a snowboard is a perfect place for a changing graphic display. This concept suggests several graphic functions for a snowboard, including a compass, a reminder, directions display, altimeter, and a graphic proximity alarm that can be set by the owner of the board that activates a large “STOLEN” sign that flashes when the board is too far from its owner. The graphics are powered by a Piezo generator embedded inside the board that is activated when the board is flexed.

Pill bottle labels that can display changing information about contents

The Pill Bottle concept seamlessly integrates E-Ink display technology into a common package design. Using E-Ink technology in a prescription bottle label allows the bottle to be reused by recoding the label, thus reducing waste. The clear text also improves prescription legibility and is therefore safer.

The bottle cap serves as the “brains” of the bottle. It contains a tiny battery as well as the microchip where the label information is stored The label in the bottle contains a contact that engages with the bottle cap to activate the graphic. A smaller E-Ink display on the top of the cap is magnified by a clear lens, and helps to quickly identify the contents from above.

Flipping the bottle upside down activates the scale function of the bottle and tells the user how many pills are inside. The ability to weigh the contents helps eliminate mistakes (or theft) by pharmacists. When flipped around the display can also inform the user when they took their last dose as well as how far they are from needing another refill.

Designer : Continuum

Polygon Resort : A New Level of Floating Shelter Unit

TheFuture — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:07:56 +0000

Polygon Resort is a floating resort concept that can make room for up to 6 people using the minimum area. The concept focuses on exploring the shelter and approaching the contrast between the structure and a flexible roof formed of flexible canvas. This concept has the ability to collect solar energy through embedded flexible solar panels on the canvas and reusing the natural flow of rain water over the cover by collecting them in strategic holes on the ground. It comprises modular furniture that allows basic living for the user, while the space usage compatibility was inspired by usual tent, allowing people enjoy the space freely. Moreover, it offers a double bed and additional 4 more beds stored on the kitchen.

Designer : Pedro Gomes

IN Electronic Newspaper Concept with Embedded Alarm Will Wake You Up to An Updated Feed of News

TheFuture — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:47:36 +0000

IN is an innovative newspaper concept that is based on a flexible display and comprises Wi-Fi technology for its operational efficiency. The screen is attached with a frame that shows current time and other related information into a LED display. The frame can be fitted in front of your bed with embedded, and the device will wake you up alarm at your desired time with an updated feed of news on its large, crystal clear LCD display. This IN Newspaper design has won Bronze award from IDEA

Designer : Seonkeun Park and Byungmin Woo

Exocar for Future Personal Transportation : Run, Walk, Roll, or Just Drive

TheFuture — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:31:02 +0000

Exocar is a concept transportation unit that enhances the user’s capability to travel through his or her environment in a more flexible and natural way as opposed to traditional means of transport. Whether you want to run, walk, roll or drive, this transportation unit will let you to move the mode you want to move. The vehicle has four wheels and, can fit and adapt the body of the rider easily in an effective way. When the user decides to drive it vertically, it will stand on its rear wheels and can run keeping you standing. The vehicle features a removable windshield for the driver to protect from wind and rain.

Designer : Joshua Saling