Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Rolltop Laptop


The evolution of computers have really come a long way from when it first dawned to its current stage. First there were the desktop forms that lead into the era of portability, which is laptops. The innovation of touch screen devices soon followed, as what we know, and commonly use such as tablet pc’s and smart phones. If one noted the evolutionary stages that computers took, it is clear to see that we focused much on portability and the decrease in size and weight of the machines. But this concept still stands today with only one aspect of change made, which is the need to incorporate different attributes from all generations into one unique device. 

Let me introduce you to an intriguing and really awesome concept called the Rolltop Laptop. This portable computer, although in its development stage, would be an ideal gadget for practically anyone that would appreciate its originality and complex design.

This concept was fashioned by Orkin Design, a German company with the inspiration of a fold-able laptop. The screen consists of an OLED multi-touch display that’s flexible and allows the laptop to enclose around a cylinder shape, movable power source/supply stand.  Embedded within the stand is a webcam, loud speaker, USB ports, power cord and a detachable power supply cable that holds on both sides of the cylinder like shoulder straps of a side bag.


This laptop has three main transformation modes:





1. When folded at 110 degrees, it looks like a standard laptop with a 13” display and virtual touch screen QWERTY keyboard.



    2. 
    Rolled out flat, it transforms into a 17” graphic tablet with its easy reach stylus stored on the device’s side.


3. And finally; standing upright, it can be used as a slick flat screen monitor with a support attached to the back, perfect for your favorite movies and shows.





Indeed this concept is great step forward in terms of design and innovative usage of technology. With enough of our support and contributions, the Rolltop Laptop may just be in our near future. 



Invisible/Cloaking Technology



By the power of one's imagination for generations, impossible abilities have been created much like super humans. We all at a point in our lives thought of being invisible to evade detection by an unwanted force; but such ability does not exist... or does it?
Since the year 2003, scientists figured out the gateway for being invisible, and who knew it was as simple as light. The way we see is through light being reflected off objects, so by manipulating that light and bending it around an object, it makes it seemingly invisible.

But wait, such technology didn't just stop there; what if much larger things could become invisible? Well leave it up to the military to do just that.

BAE Systems, a British defense, security and aerospace company, recently tested their new innovative camouflage system called ADAPTIV. Imagine cloaking an entire vehicle effectively making it undetectable by an enemy's sight, well that's just what it does. The ADAPTIV technology allows vehicles to copy the temperature of it's surroundings and practically become invisible.

The system uses hexagonal plates (pixels) made out of a type of lightweight metal which is able to rapidly change temperature individually (hot and cold), which in turn, creates thermal patterns that optimally blend with its surroundings. The patterns are determined by an on-board computer which constantly receives information from built in thermal cameras as to the temperature of the tank's surroundings. This is then projected onto the plates which make it almost impossible to spot, even if the tank is on the move.
The system works well in the infra-red spectrum, which can hide vehicles from threats of heat-seeking missiles, drones and heat sensitive goggles. However, BAE Systems have embedded other technologies into their plates which provide over-all stealth towards other forms of electro-magnetic spectrums.


BAE Systems also created a library which contains the heat signatures of other vehicles such as: civilian cars, living things such as a cow or deer, and even inanimate objects like huge rocks, while the rest of the vehicle blends into the background. The ADAPTIV technology has surpassed previous attempts of similar cloaking devices due to expenses and power usage; rather, the ADAPTIV plates add to the armor of the vehicle and use very little energy. BAE Systems clams that in a few more years, they would be able to cloak other thing such as air crafts, battleships and even buildings.  

Presently, other countries such as Israel and the U.S are also developing similar types of technologies to aid on the battle field. In the near future, victory in combat may be the result of the one wielding the ultimate cloaking technology.


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Scan and draw pen design

On a bright and beautiful day, it is quite clear to see things rich and vividly. The outdoor becomes alive, and the colors around shows crisp and sharp. It is days like these that inspire, and challenge artists to bring to life nature’s wonders on paper with the aid of a good old fashion brush, marker or pen; but here is a fresh innovative idea that incorporates technology  and art. Let me introduce you to the SCAN AND DRAW PEN DESIGN.

This design was created by Jin Sun Park; and the concept behind it is quite simple. The pen has four main parts to it - the scanner, ink cartridges, color display and ball tip.
Here is how it all comes together:
1.       The color sensor/scanner at the top of the pen scans and registers the color of the object.
2.       After processing, the color is displayed digitally on the side of the pen for verification by the user.
3.       Red, Blue and Green inks are then mixed to crate the desired color. This procedure relates to those found in colored printers.
4.       And finally, the finished product flows out through the ball point in a burst of rich color.
Indeed this is a brilliant idea and could one day be an essential tool/gadget used by artists and designers worldwide to get the exact shade they are looking for.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The electric car era




A few years back, the idea of electric vehicles came to the minds of many as little remote control toy cars. The thought of such was considered pathetic and although promoting a cleaner environment, just didn't meet the standards of a car to the public. In cars today, we go for style,reliability, safety,comfort and most of all the horsepower. It just seemed like electric cars just didn't meet much of those perks. Years have passed since the first models of electric cars and like everything else they have defiantly evolved into incredible works of art, visually,physically and in the category of performance.
Many dealerships have introduced cars in their line but none have grasped my attention like those released from Tesla Motors. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my personal Favorite, The Tesla Model S.


This sweet ride has defiantly revolutionized the way I thought about electric vehicles and indeed excites me of their future. This car is not just electric, but also comes equipped with technological features that would have a computer nerd feeling right at home. 


One of my favorite features in its interior is the beautiful 17” touch screen interface embedded in its dash.
It comes integrated with media, navigation, communications, cabin controls and vehicle data all at your finger tips. And if by chance you're wondering about performance and reliability, don't sweat it; Tesla surely did this car justice. With its three phase, four pole AC induction motor, this work of art gives your 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with top speeds of 130 mph and 300 miles on a full charge of its 40 kWh microprocessor controlled, lithium-ion battery.

This car has much more awesome features to brag about, but it doesn't take much to find out. Truly, this is the era of the electric car and at this rate; it won't be surprising if the conventional motors become a thing of the past.