Saturday, May 24, 2014

Internet-connected clock: The Super clock

Superclock is a proof-of-concept for an Internet-connected clock that does more than simply tell the time. No, it’s not a real-life version of the wizard clock from Harry Potter that always knows where your loved ones are (you must be thinking of Magic Clock). Instead, Superclock always knows when your next train is coming.

The inner dial shows a normal analog clock face, with the expected three hands that move in time with, well...time. What Superclock adds is a pair of concentric dials outside the ring of numbers. Each one rotates automatically to indicate the next train on the route you’ve selected for it. Whenever the extra long minute hand catches up, the dial skips ahead to the next scheduled departure. That makes it easy to see when you need to rush out the door.

There’s also an interactive component. Say you’ll be ready to leave in half an hour. Rotate the appropriate dial forward 30 minutes, and it will automatically adjust to show you the first train leaving after that time.

Smart cooking devices: The Internet of Things application

Smart cooking devices: The Internet of Things application.
The “Kitchen of Tomorrow” is a staple of consumerist kitsch -- from Frigidaire’s eponymous 1950s vision, to The Jetsons’ “Foodarackacycle,” to the replicators on Star Trek, the promise that technology would revolutionize domestic food production is decades old.
 While today’s appliances can’t yet produce a complete meal at the touch of a button, the Internet of Things is making kitchen gadgets smarter and more autonomous. Here are a few examples that might show up in your pantry in the near future.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Elderly Care Sensors: SafeTSense

PointRF is a real-time location services (RTLS) business intelligence solutions provider that has released a new system for long-term and acute healthcare institutions.

Called the NoWander platform the product allow facility staff members to monitor and document a patient activities over time and be alerted to possible injuries or onsets of additional health issues.

Floor pad sensors, Pressure-sensing beds and wheelchair sensors alert staff to a patient taking a fall, needing to have their position shifted, as well as track behavioral patterns that could indicate a potential problem that the staff needs to address like if a patient is getting up more at night from their typical sleeping pattern.

The company recently announced a new embedded sensor diaper product that shifts patient care from typical scheduled changes to notification-driven diaper changes based on the amount of moisture detected. With the goal of increasing resident satisfaction, improving on staff productivity as well as saving money on supplies.