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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

Garmin GPSMap 640 Product Review

TheFuture — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:32:54 +0000

How does it feel when you are new to a place and cannot find a destination easily? This is definitely an embarrassing situation and the GPS systems were invented to solve these sorts of problems. GPS or Global Positioning systems are used to map the location of the vehicles and it also directs the vehicles to find the correct locations. It uses the signals sent by the satellites revolving around the earth in specific orbit and the inbuilt GPS receiver catches the signal and transforms it into understandable directions. The GPS satellite generally transmits two different types of signals- L1 and L2.

Garmin has always been as the most important name among the GPS manufacturers because they pioneered the technology. There are quite a number of systems manufactured by Garmin and the latest launch is known as one of the most efficient products available in the worldwide market of GPS gadgets. This is called GPSMAP 640. The product can perfectly fit in the requirements of any user. You can easily install it in your vehicle to achieve extremely convenient rides. The system is compact and portable. It can capture the signals easily to aid the driver and the navigation system is quite easy to handle. The universal remote control increases the efficiency of handling the system.The system is very much hardy and it is absolutely water-resistant. So there is no chance of the system getting damaged in case of water-logging or heavy shower. The 5.2 inches broad display acts as a touch screen navigation system that implies the WVGA technology. There are numerous maps featuring the streets, charts of destinations and location descriptions that allow the driver get an overall idea about the area to be explored. GPSMAP 640 is a complete and self-explanatory device that allows you to browse the various options with ease. The integrated GPS receiver is efficient enough to work in all locations.

If you wish to get more features and facilities then go for the GXM 40 antennas that are compatible with the system and area available separately with Garmin. This will include the visual display with the options to feature the weather reports and speed of the wind. If there is any chance of natural calamity you will be informed with the GPS system. Two of the other important features of this GPSMAP 640 system are network media player and online backup services that keeps this system working always.

The navigator offers an extensive collection of street maps and charts to help with navigation, and the unit features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that will work in many locations other similar solutions will not. Browsing through the unit’s menus is intuitive, and the GPSMAP 640 responds via tap or drag operations. An optional GXM 40 antenna is also available (sold separately) that provides a graphical display of XM WX Satellite Weather data, including NEXRAD, wind speeds, visibility, severe weather storm tracks, etc. The system is targeted for both United States and worldwide markets. The Garmin GPSMAP 640 will soon be available for $1,199.99.

From : Gadget Advisor

Electric Dauphin is Designed to Run Almost Noiselessly For As Far As 300 Kilometers

TheFuture — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:43:54 +0000

Electric Dauphin is a pure electric vehicle. The best part is that one can charge it at home as one does to a cellular phone. For full charge a little over six hours is needed and can run almost 300 km in one charge. The vehicle was created as a smart vehicle which is cost efficient and environment friendly. It is designed in a manner that the electric motors are housed just inside the rear wheels of the vehicle. Touching a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour the vehicle is built with composite materials which guarantee high performances and safety standards. The car can communicate with the home computer wirelessly through the internet server, and users can receive information when needed, be it basics like maps, directions etc. This one is surely a class apart.

Designer : Ricardo Baiao