Back in 2009, I was driving up to my buddy's place in North Texas. The sun was shining brightly and I had my smartphone/gps device plugged into the cigarette/power outlet. It worked fine, but there were these wires hanging about, constantly getting in the way and that got me thinking of why not produce a replacement back for cell phones that are embedded with a flexible solar cell technology and plug directly into the battery interface contacts. This leaves the mini (or micro) USB port available still (does anyone really know the difference ? and if we do, haven't we pretty much quit caring what the heck it's called!)
Anyways, I used a piece of napkin to sketch out my plans, but then had to train up a Army unit for deployment to Iraq and put this idea on the back burner. My buddy thought it was a heck of a good idea....I mean, when your not using your phone, turn it upside down and it charges. A little heat-sink grease and there should be no issues with overheating batteries etc. Well, I found a similar item while I was in Iraq, so that idea was mute forever more. I did buy stock in Ascent Solar Technologies (ASTI) who produces quite a few items using a flexible solar cell technology. Smart stuff. Kudos for them, if they can ever get out of the cellar and into the mainstream.
After returning from Iraq in 2011, I started thinking about another 'spectacular' idea, this one involving Bluetooth technology. Assuming that many folks now own smartphones (or other devices enabled with Bluetooth) I decided that there must be a way to automatically recognize and join devices (I think BT 3.0 and 4.0 allows this)- so here's this idea: When walking into a big-box store (think Lowes, Home Depot, Sam's Club, or Costco) where locations of all items in the store are tracked using software - why can't they have a connected Bluetooth system that welcomes you, as you walk into the store, and then becomes interactive, asking you what you are shopping for today, and then directing you towards the proper aisle. Since BT technology is generally limited to about 30 feet, an additional antenna device could welcome the consumer to 'housewares' and then offer both the location and alternative ideas - the automated supply and stockage systems make this possible. The beauty of this entire idea is that it does not get rid of folks on the floor - you will always need human interface with some level of expertise in that section.
I'm working on my next idea....not sure what it is going to be though. I think I'd like to get away from automation stuff and work on building something.
Oh what goes through ones mind while driving across country.
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