3 Ideas = ubiquitous computing

Idea 1: Ultrasonic area mapper

My first idea is an ultrasonic area mapper which would be attached to a remote vehicle either a drone or a remote control car either automated or human controlled. This device would map out an area by bouncing off the ultrasonic signal released from the sensors and would allow for real time mapping of an area this would ideally consist of 3 to 4 ultrasonic signals placed in varying areas of he device to allow for maximum accuracy and efficiency and would have a program written to allow the display of the data, this would require the device that is wished to be attached to, the board and 3 to 4 sensors, there are limitations to this device as it may need a high powered antenna and receiver in order to cover difficult terrain but if this was reached the device could have numerous uses such as cave mapping as it would be able to reach areas that humans could not. It could also be used in a disaster relief effort as it may be able to reach areas inside rubble which human counterparts could not. These would be the reasons behind the stronger antenna as if the device would be deposited into caves or a disaster zone then it would need to be strong enough to relay the signal out to the viewers.

This method of ultrasonic mapping could have numerous uses that could improve safety measures both private usage and commercially as its mapping capabilities could mean not having to send in humans into not ideal situations that could prove dangerous to life, the device also extends to other areas such as being used in sewage pipes to find and map out blockages this does however come with the problem that it could be possibly used to map out areas where people shouldn't be accessing such as restricted areas or private property his means that the ethics of usage fall upon the user as it cannot be helped what the device would be used for without severely limiting the devices capabilities.

Above is a rough sketch of the kind of device it would be feasibly possible to create with the largest cost coming into forms of the antenna. The kind of data transmitted would be sufficiently less than what it would take to transmit video footage so this kind of device would be more ideal than sending down a camera attached to a similar device.

Idea 2: Weather station

My second idea is to Implement a stationary weather system that manures temperature, humidity, rain, wind speed and wind direction and then alerts the user through their phone. This would be an ideal way to measure real time weather changes and pick up on rapid changes, This would have numerous benefits both personal and professional as personal usage can be used to determine weather and for somebody to plan on their days, The temp and rain sensors would also help those with asthma work out how bad the day would be for them when it comes to needing an inhaler.

Professionally this could work as a way to detect rapid weather changes in areas at risk of tornados, hurricanes and other aspects of severe weather and if stationed at differing points could act as an early warning system.

This would be created using a Temperature gauge, A Barometer and humidity gauge, a Hydreon rain gauge and a wind anemometer the titles are mostly self explanatory as the wind anemometer would be used to detect the wind speed and direction, the temperature gauge would measure the temp outside, the humidity sensor would measure humidity and water level sensor would get water level if it is heavy rain. There would also need to be a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module on to send the data directly to a phone via an app so the data gathered could actually be accessed and read.

Idea 3: Ultrasonic distance monitor as wearable tech:

This is an idea stemming 2 real life examples I can personally see this technology being useful, the idea being an ultrasonic sensor that will alert the user and potentially somebody else through an app of movement within an area, this could be through wearable tech so that the sensor could pick up on an object in front of it or even placed to alert the users of movement in a certain room.

I could see this having an impact in wearable tech in the life of somebody partially sighted as it could be set a small distance in front of a baseball cap say approximately 8cm so that it would beep if they are about to bump into something at head height, this is because canes generally provided only cover a small area in front of the user but does not extend high enough to stop the user potentially bumping their head.

Another use would be for nightclub security having the sensors facing behind them so that they would be alerted to somebody coming up towards them from behind and act accordingly. As for remote usage this could be linked to an app to notify the user if the sensor is triggered and in a room they should not be. This will be done primarily by using an ultrasonic sensor with a attachable power source so that the item could be worn and set to a distance where it would aid the user but not go off constantly by people walking past as it could eventually get annoying for the user and those around them.

This is a rough sketch of the design implemented onto a baseball cap that could be worn by somebody possibly partially sighted to allow them comfort and safety at head height combined with a cane they might already use to keep them safe and more confident when out and about.