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sobriqueOK, I've had a few thoughts on things I think should exist, but don't seem to.
Two mainly.
First, modular home entertainment system.
Basically, you get a 'base unit', which is essentially a PC. It has ways to connect other things to it, via USB or WLAN.
The base unit is your 'media store' and has ways of feeding it media. You might have a DVD player attached. Or perhaps a DvD jukebox. Maybe a CD player. Maybe a broadband link. Maybe a TV arial, or a VCR. Perhaps a sky box.
Then you have modular 'output nodes'. Think speakers, TFT screens, TVs, Projectors.
You have 'control nodes' where you can make twiddles remotely to your media centre. Adjust what's on where. As an extension maybe some smart logic so the DVD you were watching follows you into the kitchen, that kind of thing.
Possibly even additional storage nodes, for expansion of capacity.
All connects 'plug and play' mode integration, with a published spec/API. Via WLAN where possible, but might need 'bandwidth expansions' (e.g. wires) for intensive stuff.
Your central media centre is server, DHCP and 'master control'. Your control nodes are basically terminals. Probably Unix based embeded OS in each device, but with a 'moron proof' layer on top. Of course, allowing ultra-hardcore geeks to 'get into' it, and mess around, because it's cool.
Idea 2:
In Car HUD.
We're starting to see satnavs used widely. But they're mostly little lookdown boxes. So the idea is: Radar, Thermographic camera, + processing to show a HUD in your car. Other vehicles are tagged at 'best guess' at rate of closure, relative velocity etc. Lookdown radar at road surface warns you of adverse conditions, e.g. how wet it is, whether there is ice, road 'granularity' etc.
For bonus points, integrate with normal dashboard, showing speed, revs, temperature and radio controls.
Now, have I missed it entirely, and do these things already exist? Or is there some glaringly obvious technical constraint as to why they don't?
Two mainly.
First, modular home entertainment system.
Basically, you get a 'base unit', which is essentially a PC. It has ways to connect other things to it, via USB or WLAN.
The base unit is your 'media store' and has ways of feeding it media. You might have a DVD player attached. Or perhaps a DvD jukebox. Maybe a CD player. Maybe a broadband link. Maybe a TV arial, or a VCR. Perhaps a sky box.
Then you have modular 'output nodes'. Think speakers, TFT screens, TVs, Projectors.
You have 'control nodes' where you can make twiddles remotely to your media centre. Adjust what's on where. As an extension maybe some smart logic so the DVD you were watching follows you into the kitchen, that kind of thing.
Possibly even additional storage nodes, for expansion of capacity.
All connects 'plug and play' mode integration, with a published spec/API. Via WLAN where possible, but might need 'bandwidth expansions' (e.g. wires) for intensive stuff.
Your central media centre is server, DHCP and 'master control'. Your control nodes are basically terminals. Probably Unix based embeded OS in each device, but with a 'moron proof' layer on top. Of course, allowing ultra-hardcore geeks to 'get into' it, and mess around, because it's cool.
Idea 2:
In Car HUD.
We're starting to see satnavs used widely. But they're mostly little lookdown boxes. So the idea is: Radar, Thermographic camera, + processing to show a HUD in your car. Other vehicles are tagged at 'best guess' at rate of closure, relative velocity etc. Lookdown radar at road surface warns you of adverse conditions, e.g. how wet it is, whether there is ice, road 'granularity' etc.
For bonus points, integrate with normal dashboard, showing speed, revs, temperature and radio controls.
Now, have I missed it entirely, and do these things already exist? Or is there some glaringly obvious technical constraint as to why they don't?
