Siemens VDO has developed a traffic recognition system that alerts drivers when they are driving faster than the speeding limit. A front-mounted camera constantly scans the roads ahead, looking for posted speed limits on traffic signs, then relaying the data via a head-up display and warning drivers to slow down if they are speeding.
Many new vehicles are already equipped with active cruise control, which can sense and slow down the car or hit the brakes to avoid collisions. The Traffic Sign Recognition system will also be able to dynamically adjust speed in relation to the information it sees, if the driver wishes. The danger of such a system, though, is it doesn't take into account situations where speeding may be necessary.
The product is currently in pre-pilot mode. Siemens VDO plans to start production on the new system as early as 2008. Other companies and educational institutions have been working on similar systems, but Siemens' close ties to the automotive industry makes them the most likely candidate of getting a product to market.
Jen "Weird Hunter" DeLeo and Blogging Molly recently went to the Wired NextFest in NYC where we were able to see the cool-looking Fogscreen in action. Now we've got more information about how the thing actually works.
The Fogscreen basically creates a screen out of thin air, well water, that is able to display projected images. Using a combination of water and ultrasonic waves, the machine creates a fog that feels dry and cool to the touch (so don't worry you won't get wet if you walk through it.) It's still spooky though.
The company recommends using a projector with at least 3000 ANSI lumens, from a distance of about 6 feet or so. The darker the room the better, but the FogScreen does work well in daylight too.
There is also an interactive add-on that lets you write and draw on the "screen" using your fingers. You can also create firework images. Check out the video--it's really cool! (Click on "video, interactivity" on the right side of the page.)
The FogScreen has been used in public events, advertising, in malls, art productions (as in the image at left), events and as interactive exhibits in museums. (SEE MORE IMAGES.) You have a choice of the Inia and One models. The original, Inia has a fixed screen size of about 6.5 by 5 feet, while the FogScreen One is about 3 feet square, but you can link several "Ones" together creating a seamless FogScreen of limitless width.
Looks like a great element to have in a haunted house, albeit an expensive one. (We don't have pricing info yet, but we imagine this technology runs steep.)
I've seen commercials on TLC advertising the TV show "Miami Ink", but have yet to check it out. Apparently, Ami James, one of the tattoo artists featured on the show, has etched tattoo designs for the MOTORAZR V3, offered by T-Mobile. The phone will be part of a Miami Ink Collection.
"From cool new materials to vibrant bursts of color, these new tattoo-etched phones let consumers express their individual style," said Jim Wicks, vice president and director, Consumer Experience Design, Motorola. "With Ami's unique and eye-catching designs, we are able to offer a device that truly is a lifestyle accessory."
Ami's designs include the MOTORAZR V3 in a dark pearl gray color with a dragon tattoo; the other MOTORAZR V3 model is set in magenta with a cherry blossom tattoo. Each design is laser-etched.
Getting a tattoo can take guts. I got a small tattoo my freshman year of college and it wasn't too bad. Would I go through the experience again? Probably not. At least this way, if you don't want to go through the whole tattooing experience, you can make your phone go through it instead!
The MOTORAZR V3: Miami Ink Collection phone includes a VGA camera with 4x digital zoom and MPEG 4 video clips. It will be available for purchase on October 30, 2006 at T-Mobile stores and online at T-mobile.com.
"Miami Ink" airs on Tuesdays at 10 PM ET/PT on TLC.
Thanks to PCMag News Editor Mark Hachman for the tip!
Siemens VDO has come up with a dandy idea that is sure to make you shout--but it won't be because you're in a car crash. The technology scans ahead for road signs and alerts you to them before you can say, "Dangerous curves ahead!"
The premise may be simple, but the technology surrounding the idea is far from simple. A camera will sit toward the front of your car and scan the road for any signs or information that may be useful to the driver. Once it finds a sign, the system lets you know it's there; it can then either do nothing more than that or make the correct driving move according to the sign's directions. In other words, let's say you're riding down A-1-A in cruise-control mode, listening to Jimmy Buffett and enjoying the Florida breeze, and the system recognizes a speed-reduction sign ahead of you. If you choose to set the system up in such a way, the technology will automatically reduce your speed to stay in accord with the limit, and you can continue to cruise as you sing along with "He Went to Paris." The system comes with a convenient head-up display, which shows the aforementioned warning signals and important information (like roadwork) that may be ahead.
Siemens VDO expects this recognition system to go into production in 2008.
This is why I wait awhile before buying a product when it first comes out!
Have you noticed Apple's support page lately? Well, it seems that less than 1% of video-capable iPods available for purchase after September 12, 2006 are infected with a Windows virus called RavMonE.exe. Yikes!
Apple has received less than 25 reports regarding this problem.
The company would like to reassure iPod users that the "iPod nano, iPod shuffle and Mac OS X are not affected, and all Video iPods now shipping are virus free. As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it." Ouch! Microsoft is going to need a band-aid after that comment!
If you own a video-capable iPod and are experiencing this problem, you can remove the virus through these programs: Microsoft Live OneCare Safety Scanner, Microsoft Live OneCare, McAfee, or Symantec Norton Anti-Virus.
Sure, this just looks like a creepy hand, right? Well try touching the Creepy Crawling Hand or making some loud noise and you'll get more than you bargained for, when you see it crawl across your table, floor, or any other flat surface. I'd definitely love one for my desk. Only $11.99 from Smart Home.
If animals are more your thing, then grab some Remote-Controlled Snakes! Whether you liked the movie Snakes on a Plane or not, these loveable creatures will melt your heart. Rather, fill your heart with venom! The snake's eyes light up, and you also get a "Jungle Challenge" obstacle course in the set. Best Halloween Ever!
Your choice of two snakes: Banana Boa and Green Mamba, both pictured below. (CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE.) $29.99 gets you a 20-inch snake, a 4-way snake-egg shaped remote, and the 3-piece obstacle course, from the aptly named Perpetual Kid. (Snake requires 3 "AAA" batteries. Remote requires 2 "AA" batteries.)
Some random Halloween trivia which may or may not be true:
Think your new boyfriend is really a werewolf? Check for these telltale signs: a unibrow, hairy palms, tattoos, and a long middle finger. Supposedly if you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a dearly departed loved one. Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday following Christmas.
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