Image (above) showing the basic concept of the circuitry
involved in the Intellbox project
Image (above) showing rough sketches ofthe box and lamp units
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rough Sketches of the Intellbox
Image (above) showing the basic concept of the circuitry
involved in the Intellbox project
Image (above) showing rough sketches ofthe box and lamp units
Slight Dilemma, Simple Solution (part 2, week 4)
Directly after our contact sessions, our group set out to reinvent our approach. Initially, due to the feedback we received about our original idea, we thought It may be better to take a completely different approach altogether. After a few hours we decided against that. Instead we took the approach of cramming the feedback we received into the concept, thus expanding it into what we have now.
Here I have included a summary of how the new version of the Intellbox works (this will make more sense if you read last weeks post). I will expand on these points later in the post.
- The process is sparked off by a letter of sorts being dropped through the mail slot of the box.
- This drop triggers the infra-red sensors.
- The sensors then initiate the transmission of a signal (possibly blue tooth based, yet to decide on specifics)
- The signal is received by an “ambient lamp” unit within the user’s house.
- The lamp turns on.
- In order to turn off the lamp, the mail must be collected, thus clearing the IR sensor.
The Intellbox is still going to be solar powered. The rechargeable lithium (or equivalent) battery idea will be used in conjunction with the solar panels in order to power the unit. The lamp will also be battery powered. Apart from the initial charging of the batteries in the box itself, and the occasional replacement of the lamp batteries or other components, this unit can be said to be sustainable. In terms of the technology used, the components can be easily scavenged from existing units, the solar panel(s) being the only likely exception to this.
A new list of components:
- Mailbox (hand built to custom specifications)
- IR sensor
- Reflective surface (mirror or foil etc)
- Blue tooth chip and receiver (or Arduino)
- L.E.D (for lamp construction, various colours)
- Material for lamp shade/cover (undecided at present)
- Rechargeable lithium batteries
- Solar panel(s)
- Copper wires and other basic circuitry needs
Functionality:
This section expands on the summary above.
Firstly, the lithium battery is charged by hooking it up directly to the mains electricity or the solar panels on the Intellbox. Once the system is operational, the IR sensor will pick up on any mail that is dropped through the box’s slot. This is due to the sensor being unable to detect light from the reflective surface as the mail will block it out. The Iintellbox will then transmit a signal via blue tooth or arduino to the receiver located within the L.E.D lamp within the user’s house.
This lamp is to be constructed with a series of different coloured L.E.D circles on a hardwood/plate base. These L.E.D rings are connected to the receiver and will light once the IR sensor is tripped. A decorative cover (chosen from a range by the user) sits over base. The light will shine through the cover, creating an ambient pattern dependant on the style of the cover chosen. The lamp will only turn off once the mail is removed from the Intellbox and the IR can once again detect the light reflection for the reflective surface. Alternatively the lamp will turn off if the batteries run out.
The lamp, in terms of the prototype, will be a small, wireless unit, thus making it easy to carry to different locations around the house so that detection of the mail is more noticeable.
How the Intellbox Ties in with the Studio Themes:
The themes, as explored in earlier posts, are those of sustainability and physical computing. The original version of the Intellbox had very little interaction associated with it and as a result did not satisfy the physical computing aspect of the theme. However, with the additions made to the design, both aspects of the theme can be said to be satisfied.
Sustainability:
This theme is picked up in a few ways. Firstly, the fact that many of the components can be scavenged from existing items of technology makes this unit rather environmentally friendly. For example, if blue tooth is used in construction; the chips/receivers can easily be obtained through the recycling of old mobile phones. The wires required for the circuitry could be easily obtained form old devices such as televisions, radios and lighting, whereas the material for the construction of the box and lamp can also come from recycled sources. Ok, there is a lot of potential recycling of components.
Secondly, the circuits within the unit (both the sensors and the lamp) are run on rechargeable batteries that can be charged via the solar panels on the roof of the box itself. This makes the unit close to being self sufficient in terms of its power source.
With both of these things in mind, it can be said that the complete unit easily satisfies the theme of sustainability.
Interactivity:
As mentioned earlier, I was at cross purposes to what this theme meant in context with the studio program. Originally I perceived interactivity as operating the item in question directly. However, after talking about the meaning in class, I have learned that a different approach can be derived from the theme. Interactivity can be said to also exist indirectly through provocation of feelings, thoughts and actions in a person. These feelings, thoughts or actions can then lead to more interactivity, either physical or indirect. And so it goes on. So with this in mind, it can be said that interactivity is alive and well within this new design.
Let me elaborate…
Apart from the obvious (but limited) interactivity between the postman and the letterbox via the mail drop and the initial set up of the circuits (installing the batteries etc) it can be said that forms of indirect interactivity exist. The lamp forms the basis of these claims. When the lamp does light due to the sensor being obscured by mail, a number of thoughts or feelings may be invoked within the user once they notice. Feelings of excitement, pain, love etc could be played upon, which in turn will lead to an action. Depending on how the user feels, they may simply stare at the lamp or collect the mail straight away. Either way, the interactivity between the user and the lamp is apparent.
This is also backed up by the physical interaction of collecting the mail from the box.
With all this said, the two themes of interactivity and sustainability seem rightly justified within the design concept.
Expansion:
There is plenty of room for expansion within the Intellbox idea. One idea that has been discussed on a series of occasions is the inclusion of an RFID system for identifying mail. Each source of mail (ie: junk, bank statements, bills etc) would contain a different coded tag. A tag reader within the box will pick up on this and a separate signal, depending on the tag, will be sent to the lamp. As mentioned earlier, different couloured L.E.D rings are used for the lamp. These come into play now as depending on the type of tag detected, different colours will light up.
This is all for now. I will add some sketches shortly.
Here I have included a summary of how the new version of the Intellbox works (this will make more sense if you read last weeks post). I will expand on these points later in the post.
- The process is sparked off by a letter of sorts being dropped through the mail slot of the box.
- This drop triggers the infra-red sensors.
- The sensors then initiate the transmission of a signal (possibly blue tooth based, yet to decide on specifics)
- The signal is received by an “ambient lamp” unit within the user’s house.
- The lamp turns on.
- In order to turn off the lamp, the mail must be collected, thus clearing the IR sensor.
The Intellbox is still going to be solar powered. The rechargeable lithium (or equivalent) battery idea will be used in conjunction with the solar panels in order to power the unit. The lamp will also be battery powered. Apart from the initial charging of the batteries in the box itself, and the occasional replacement of the lamp batteries or other components, this unit can be said to be sustainable. In terms of the technology used, the components can be easily scavenged from existing units, the solar panel(s) being the only likely exception to this.
A new list of components:
- Mailbox (hand built to custom specifications)
- IR sensor
- Reflective surface (mirror or foil etc)
- Blue tooth chip and receiver (or Arduino)
- L.E.D (for lamp construction, various colours)
- Material for lamp shade/cover (undecided at present)
- Rechargeable lithium batteries
- Solar panel(s)
- Copper wires and other basic circuitry needs
Functionality:
This section expands on the summary above.
Firstly, the lithium battery is charged by hooking it up directly to the mains electricity or the solar panels on the Intellbox. Once the system is operational, the IR sensor will pick up on any mail that is dropped through the box’s slot. This is due to the sensor being unable to detect light from the reflective surface as the mail will block it out. The Iintellbox will then transmit a signal via blue tooth or arduino to the receiver located within the L.E.D lamp within the user’s house.
This lamp is to be constructed with a series of different coloured L.E.D circles on a hardwood/plate base. These L.E.D rings are connected to the receiver and will light once the IR sensor is tripped. A decorative cover (chosen from a range by the user) sits over base. The light will shine through the cover, creating an ambient pattern dependant on the style of the cover chosen. The lamp will only turn off once the mail is removed from the Intellbox and the IR can once again detect the light reflection for the reflective surface. Alternatively the lamp will turn off if the batteries run out.
The lamp, in terms of the prototype, will be a small, wireless unit, thus making it easy to carry to different locations around the house so that detection of the mail is more noticeable.
How the Intellbox Ties in with the Studio Themes:
The themes, as explored in earlier posts, are those of sustainability and physical computing. The original version of the Intellbox had very little interaction associated with it and as a result did not satisfy the physical computing aspect of the theme. However, with the additions made to the design, both aspects of the theme can be said to be satisfied.
Sustainability:
This theme is picked up in a few ways. Firstly, the fact that many of the components can be scavenged from existing items of technology makes this unit rather environmentally friendly. For example, if blue tooth is used in construction; the chips/receivers can easily be obtained through the recycling of old mobile phones. The wires required for the circuitry could be easily obtained form old devices such as televisions, radios and lighting, whereas the material for the construction of the box and lamp can also come from recycled sources. Ok, there is a lot of potential recycling of components.
Secondly, the circuits within the unit (both the sensors and the lamp) are run on rechargeable batteries that can be charged via the solar panels on the roof of the box itself. This makes the unit close to being self sufficient in terms of its power source.
With both of these things in mind, it can be said that the complete unit easily satisfies the theme of sustainability.
Interactivity:
As mentioned earlier, I was at cross purposes to what this theme meant in context with the studio program. Originally I perceived interactivity as operating the item in question directly. However, after talking about the meaning in class, I have learned that a different approach can be derived from the theme. Interactivity can be said to also exist indirectly through provocation of feelings, thoughts and actions in a person. These feelings, thoughts or actions can then lead to more interactivity, either physical or indirect. And so it goes on. So with this in mind, it can be said that interactivity is alive and well within this new design.
Let me elaborate…
Apart from the obvious (but limited) interactivity between the postman and the letterbox via the mail drop and the initial set up of the circuits (installing the batteries etc) it can be said that forms of indirect interactivity exist. The lamp forms the basis of these claims. When the lamp does light due to the sensor being obscured by mail, a number of thoughts or feelings may be invoked within the user once they notice. Feelings of excitement, pain, love etc could be played upon, which in turn will lead to an action. Depending on how the user feels, they may simply stare at the lamp or collect the mail straight away. Either way, the interactivity between the user and the lamp is apparent.
This is also backed up by the physical interaction of collecting the mail from the box.
With all this said, the two themes of interactivity and sustainability seem rightly justified within the design concept.
Expansion:
There is plenty of room for expansion within the Intellbox idea. One idea that has been discussed on a series of occasions is the inclusion of an RFID system for identifying mail. Each source of mail (ie: junk, bank statements, bills etc) would contain a different coded tag. A tag reader within the box will pick up on this and a separate signal, depending on the tag, will be sent to the lamp. As mentioned earlier, different couloured L.E.D rings are used for the lamp. These come into play now as depending on the type of tag detected, different colours will light up.
This is all for now. I will add some sketches shortly.
Slight Dilemma, Simple Solution (week 4)
I would be lying if I said this morning’s class of studio didn’t throw me completely off the scent of a successful project. Being told that interactivity has a very different meaning to what I always thought (in terms of this course) flipped my world on end and all but gutted our Intellbox idea. Is it all over? I think not! With some drastic refinement, our idea flies once again (or at least it continues to hover slightly above the ground). We decided to stick with our initial idea as nothing new was coming to us in our group discussions. Well at least not quickly enough for a presentation on the morrow.
After taking a lot of staff feedback on board, we came up with an improved version of the Intellbox that now incorporates improved aspects of interaction and as a result can be said to be more of a physical computing approach to the concept then what was originally thought out.
The posts following this will dive into greater detail. For now however I say hoooooooooooraaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Creative Juices Start to Flow (week 3)
After a rather intensive week of presentations, gossip and group work it looks as though a new league of villains has emerged… Lochan , Anton, Sam H, Sam M and myself have banded together and so a new reign of terror has begun. Muhahahahahahahahaaaaaa *cough*
You get the idea.
Initially all the ideas we seemed to come up with were very extravagant, normally revolving around energy flow controlled by chairs, kitchen appliances and utensils that create strobe effects, hydraulics and even implanting self containing ID microchips under peoples skin in order to replace the need for key cards, house keys, car keys and the like… As you can see, these ideas aren’t exactly under the theme of sustainable technology and are far form the budget that a team of students can muster.
After a brief group meeting, it was decided that we should all go forth and explore some ideas on our own before meeting up once more for a debrief. This approach worked really well, and an idea was selected from amongst the babble.
The idea selected was none other then the “Intelligent Mailbox”. Ok the name is lacking at the moment… work in progress don’t forget. Basically the idea came forth from the age old problem of checking an empty mailbox. What if your mailbox could tell you that it contains a letter? The potential with this idea became apparent through discussion.
Right, a simple deconstruction is needed at this point as I sense a lot of you are some-what lost.
The Intelligent Mailbox
Tech used:
- small solar panels (possibly obtained from calculators)
- a communicative device (ie: pager, mobile phone)
- Light Emitting Diodes (as a visual alert system but not seen in this prototype design)
- Sensors (this part is still in the brainstorming process. Do we use motion, IR or pressure etc)
- Mail box (preferably hand built by us so that it is exactly as we want it!)
How it works:
- As mail is dropped into the box through the front slot, a sort of sensor picks up on it.
- The communicative device is then alerted and a message is sent out to the owner of the box.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well yes and no. the entire system, first and foremost, is powered by a collection of solar cells attached to the top of the box itself. The sensors may be placed either side of the mail slot on the inside of the box (if motion) or on the floor/ceiling of the box if infra red. The motion was basically ruled out in group discussion as anything could set off, whether it is a stray leaf blowing into the box by shear fluke or even a wandering and oh-so-curious ladybeetle dancing across the sensor unit. IR was discussed as a safer bet. The receiver for the sensor would bounce a signal off an opposing reflective surface. This means that if an envelope is covering the surface, the signal is broken and the communicative device will be alerted.
Now as stated above, the communicative device may take on the form of a mobile phone or a pager unit. In terms of the phone, it will need to have its function altered slightly. When the sensor is tripped by incoming mail, the device is alerted and sends out a pre-programmed message to a desired, external mobile phone. The owner receives the message and instantly knows that they have mail waiting for them.
Basically this takes the idea of the online E-mail inbox and moves it into the physical world.
We, as a group have already expanded on the idea slightly in terms of the power source. In case of overcast weather, the solar power may cut out. That is how the idea of rechargeable batteries has come into play. If the sun cuts out (that sounds odd), the batteries will cut in. Now, in order to save power, a timer system can be implemented that will kick start the sensors at pre-designated times. This means that in the long run, very little power is required to run a rather useful system.
Applications:
Apart from domestic use, the Intelligent Mailbox (referred to as the IntellBox from now on) has potential to be used on a business level. For example, say the device was implemented into the mail runs of Australia Post. Each postbox could be fitted with the IntellBox system in a refined form. An aggregated feed of information could be taken from groups of post boxes within a certain area (eg: all the boxes from a particular city block) and used to alert postmen to the size of the loads they are to pick up. If nothing is in a certain box, fuel and time would be saved as the trip to that particular box could be avoided.
A functional prototype of the IntellBox, in my opinion, is more then achievable in the time that we have. If we do manage to get it working ahead of time, then we can concentrate on adding more features and improving on the existing concept.
Right, well that is roughly where the idea stands at this point in time. Below I have included some sketches of the IntellBox system.
Obviously this concept needs some refinement. The updates will be posted as they happen.
You get the idea.
Initially all the ideas we seemed to come up with were very extravagant, normally revolving around energy flow controlled by chairs, kitchen appliances and utensils that create strobe effects, hydraulics and even implanting self containing ID microchips under peoples skin in order to replace the need for key cards, house keys, car keys and the like… As you can see, these ideas aren’t exactly under the theme of sustainable technology and are far form the budget that a team of students can muster.
After a brief group meeting, it was decided that we should all go forth and explore some ideas on our own before meeting up once more for a debrief. This approach worked really well, and an idea was selected from amongst the babble.
The idea selected was none other then the “Intelligent Mailbox”. Ok the name is lacking at the moment… work in progress don’t forget. Basically the idea came forth from the age old problem of checking an empty mailbox. What if your mailbox could tell you that it contains a letter? The potential with this idea became apparent through discussion.
Right, a simple deconstruction is needed at this point as I sense a lot of you are some-what lost.
The Intelligent Mailbox
Tech used:
- small solar panels (possibly obtained from calculators)
- a communicative device (ie: pager, mobile phone)
- Light Emitting Diodes (as a visual alert system but not seen in this prototype design)
- Sensors (this part is still in the brainstorming process. Do we use motion, IR or pressure etc)
- Mail box (preferably hand built by us so that it is exactly as we want it!)
How it works:
- As mail is dropped into the box through the front slot, a sort of sensor picks up on it.
- The communicative device is then alerted and a message is sent out to the owner of the box.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well yes and no. the entire system, first and foremost, is powered by a collection of solar cells attached to the top of the box itself. The sensors may be placed either side of the mail slot on the inside of the box (if motion) or on the floor/ceiling of the box if infra red. The motion was basically ruled out in group discussion as anything could set off, whether it is a stray leaf blowing into the box by shear fluke or even a wandering and oh-so-curious ladybeetle dancing across the sensor unit. IR was discussed as a safer bet. The receiver for the sensor would bounce a signal off an opposing reflective surface. This means that if an envelope is covering the surface, the signal is broken and the communicative device will be alerted.
Now as stated above, the communicative device may take on the form of a mobile phone or a pager unit. In terms of the phone, it will need to have its function altered slightly. When the sensor is tripped by incoming mail, the device is alerted and sends out a pre-programmed message to a desired, external mobile phone. The owner receives the message and instantly knows that they have mail waiting for them.
Basically this takes the idea of the online E-mail inbox and moves it into the physical world.
We, as a group have already expanded on the idea slightly in terms of the power source. In case of overcast weather, the solar power may cut out. That is how the idea of rechargeable batteries has come into play. If the sun cuts out (that sounds odd), the batteries will cut in. Now, in order to save power, a timer system can be implemented that will kick start the sensors at pre-designated times. This means that in the long run, very little power is required to run a rather useful system.
Applications:
Apart from domestic use, the Intelligent Mailbox (referred to as the IntellBox from now on) has potential to be used on a business level. For example, say the device was implemented into the mail runs of Australia Post. Each postbox could be fitted with the IntellBox system in a refined form. An aggregated feed of information could be taken from groups of post boxes within a certain area (eg: all the boxes from a particular city block) and used to alert postmen to the size of the loads they are to pick up. If nothing is in a certain box, fuel and time would be saved as the trip to that particular box could be avoided.
A functional prototype of the IntellBox, in my opinion, is more then achievable in the time that we have. If we do manage to get it working ahead of time, then we can concentrate on adding more features and improving on the existing concept.
Right, well that is roughly where the idea stands at this point in time. Below I have included some sketches of the IntellBox system.
Obviously this concept needs some refinement. The updates will be posted as they happen.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Review for the First Assessment
A manifestation of curiosity
As the first piece of assessment for this course, we have been asked to look into a design idea, wether it has come to fruition or is simply a concept. As vague as this task is, we have also been asked to relate this idea to the learning objectives of the course.
Easy, yes… in terms of assessment at least, though selecting a concept was rather difficult. It has to be interesting, it must have potential, possibly have environmentally friendly traits and most importantly have some form of sustainability. This sparked my curiosity… which gave me my idea; curiosity. What would the human race be without this marvellous feeling? Curiosity manifests itself in a number of ways, yet I believe I have found a device that harnesses it beautifully.
The device that creates the centrepiece of this review is known as “The Local Barometer” (hereafter referred to as the LB). This contraption is a brain child of the amazing folk at Equator (http://www.equator.ac.uk) so before I continue, I will say that I am simply exploring their concept. By no means am I adopting this idea as my own.
The LB has been designed to play heavily on the human trait of curiosity yet it explores it in a very ambiguous manner. By harnessing technology around itself, the device pulls together information from the user’s neighbouring communities and displays it on a series of miniature monitors. These monitors have been designed in such a way that they can be used around the home in an unobtrusive manner which allows them to be concealed among everyday objects. 
Various concepts for monitor forms (image form http://www.equator.ac.uk/index.php/articles/1015#planetracker)
This is a brilliant example of ambiguous computing, the user can become so used to the device being around them that it can simply be overlooked, yet it remains working in the background.
How the LB works is really quite simple. A wind vane is mounted on the user’s house in order to measure the direction of any incoming breeze. This data is then interpreted by an onboard computer system to supply information to each of the monitor displays in the house. This information may take the form of classified advertisements, news reports or even exerts of published stories gathered from the surrounding areas via the internet. The area chosen is determined by what suburb or community is down wind at the time the data is to be collected. This means that each and every user may experience different results if they live even a slight distance apart. The information displayed on the monitors has all direct data (ie: times, places, contact details) removed from it. This introduces a sense of interest as not enough is known about the content of the text to do anything with it which may, in turn, spark the imagination of the user. The formatting of the text is also changed around slightly, only displaying key words mixed together with elements of poetry. This subtle approach to introducing the user to their surrounding community has the intention of generating not only curiosity, but also a sense of voyeurism. 
A display showing the poetry engine ( from http://www.equator.ac.uk/index.php/articles/1015#planetracker)
Now, exploring the LB even further it can be said that sustainability has a lot of potential within the project. Let us first look at the obvious. The project relies on wind direction and existing technology in order to gather and display its information. It acts more as a “physical plug-in” to existing computer systems rather then a stand alone technological device. This means that very little new material is required to make the concept work.
Yes, each display monitor requires a power source as well as its own materials for construction, but this doesn’t have to be harmful to the environment. The physical materials and components used could be of a more biodegradable nature. This concept is already being used by companies such as Apple (www.apple.com) in construction of their new personal computers and laptops. Simply put, this will limit the amount of landfill from discarded components.
A system such as the LB however, can be said to have a low impact due to the fact that the system components, unless genuinely faulty, will probably never need replacing. This is based on the fact that upgrades are not exactly necessary due to the low demand on technology and/or existing system requirements. A simple screen display, minimal power usage, an existing internet connection and wind are all that the LB utilises.
Combine this device with alternate, greener forms of energy generation and you have one very environmentally friendly product.
I must say, that such a concept really got me thinking. Before I attended this studio course, my view on sustainability was somewhat limited to energy and food production. By looking into various projects over the past weeks, the meaning behind sustainable technology has really begun to sink in. The Local Barometer project in particular has allowed me to grasp how sustainability and technology can be mixed in such a way to reach a fun and exciting outcome for consumers.
An Understanding... (week 2)
I was a little worried at first about all these new and scary concepts being thrown in my direction by the studio staff, but know i believe its all sinking in. even if it is doing so rather slowly.
Throughought this second week, I, as well as my fellow studioites have been subjected to numerous group working sessions. Using methods such as World Cafe have allowed me to grasp onto the concpet of sustainability within the wonderful world of technology.
It did take a while for the creative juices to start flowing but in the end, flow they did. Being introduced to so many different people threw me off slightly, im not really good with confrontation at the best of times, let alone with pepole i don't really know. All that aside, the approaches taken this past week have really aided in opening up my mind....
Throughought this second week, I, as well as my fellow studioites have been subjected to numerous group working sessions. Using methods such as World Cafe have allowed me to grasp onto the concpet of sustainability within the wonderful world of technology.
It did take a while for the creative juices to start flowing but in the end, flow they did. Being introduced to so many different people threw me off slightly, im not really good with confrontation at the best of times, let alone with pepole i don't really know. All that aside, the approaches taken this past week have really aided in opening up my mind....
Monday, March 2, 2009
First steps towards enlightenment (week 1)
After picking myself up from a long and mentally degrading holiday period, I have managed to gain a simple yet comprehensive understanding of what this studio topic is all about. Numerous in class descussions about the core topic of sustainability and how it fits in with today's technology and society have left my brain buzzing with ideas. Most of our topics of dicussion seemed to gravitate towards the excess waste that this two minute noodle populace known as the human race actually generates. This, in turn, lead us to exploring ideas that will help to limit this overwhelming consumption of raw material and energy.
It was also raised that if an item of technology (ie: a mobile phone) was to be infinately upgradeable throughout its entire lifespan (the time in which it actually takes for the item to break) then there would be a real drop in waste levels. Why replace when you can upgrade? If the companies are afraid of losing money they can simply charge for the upgrade downloads. No longer will any given individual own four mobile phones and only use one.
Better yet, is it possible to harness our own energy output to power or charge our appliances??? I say yes! For instance, why not convert the body heat that a person exerts in conjunction with the pressure placed upon thier chair to power/operate their terminal? If they leave the chair the device goes into a countdown where it will shut itself off to conserve energy. Yes, there are many problems apparent with this idea but with refinement it may become a practical solution to the issue.
Right, well watch this space if you must as more drivel shall follow in the coming weeks.
Ta ta for now
It was also raised that if an item of technology (ie: a mobile phone) was to be infinately upgradeable throughout its entire lifespan (the time in which it actually takes for the item to break) then there would be a real drop in waste levels. Why replace when you can upgrade? If the companies are afraid of losing money they can simply charge for the upgrade downloads. No longer will any given individual own four mobile phones and only use one.
Better yet, is it possible to harness our own energy output to power or charge our appliances??? I say yes! For instance, why not convert the body heat that a person exerts in conjunction with the pressure placed upon thier chair to power/operate their terminal? If they leave the chair the device goes into a countdown where it will shut itself off to conserve energy. Yes, there are many problems apparent with this idea but with refinement it may become a practical solution to the issue.
Right, well watch this space if you must as more drivel shall follow in the coming weeks.
Ta ta for now
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