The smart plug will monitor the energy consumption of individual appliances and allow the user more control over their utility costs. The system will consist of a smart plug with an embedded GSM unit, and sits between the wall outlet and the appliance. The collected power usage information will be transmitted via SMS to a cloud-based data storage site which can be accessed by the consumer. The information will allow the homeowner to choose the best times to run their appliances,...

The idea is to create a raincoat that will not only protect the wearer from the rain but also purify the water with charcoal and chemical filters. The water filters and storage containers will be hidden in the coat while the tubes will be left visible to enhance the aesthetics. The collar of the raincoat will collect the rainwater, which will then be passed through the filters at the back of the coat and stored in the hip.

Portable air quality sensors could help people suffering from chronic conditions like asthma and COPD breathe a bit easier by allowing them to check the air condition in their immediate with their smartphones. The system will consist of small air quality sensors that could be carried by the individual or deployed around a particular area. The sensors will be able to measure local concentrations of pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and ozone, and transmit the data wirelessly to...

A new touchscreen able to identify users by their fingerprints could bring a new level of security to computers used in public places. The screen will consist of a glass screen embedded with millions of optical fibers bundled together. The fibers will emit light rays from an image projector mounted below the glass while infrared light from an adjacent projector will bounce off the fingerprints to an infrared camera.

A new method of manufacturing a hybrid wing design could lead aircraft that use half the fuel a conventional airplane. While it has long been known that replacing the current tubular aircraft design with a "manta ray-type design" would significantly reduce fuel consumption, manufacturing the craft has been problematic because of difficulties in maintaining cabin pressure. It is easier to build a sturdy tube than the flatter shape required for the hybrid wing design. The idea...

The idea is to have a recycling bin that will separates materials based on sound. The bin will feature a swing top that will be able to pivot in two different directions, depending upon the sound an object makes when it hits the lid. Objects that make a 'ping' sound, such as cans and bottles, will drop into one side of the bin while plastics and cups that create a 'thud' sound will be dropped into the other side.

The new wrap-around sunglasses will be separated into two parts, making them more compact and easier to carry in a pants pocket. The frames of the sports sunglasses will be made from a flexible thermoplastic and include impact- and scratch resistant lenses made with polarized cores and 100 percent UV protection. They will stand out from conventional glasses with their rail system that will allow the lenses to be separated so one lens can fit inside the other. The earpieces will...

The idea is to develop an interface able to convey an impressive sense of touch from an array of locations on a prosthetic hand. The technology will feature a custom interface, which will contain and gently flatten three nerve bundles in the arm to maximize surface area. Three cuffs implanted inside the arm will deliver electrical signals from the prosthetic to nerve fibers to simulate the sense of touch. The interface will be able to convey tactile information from 20 spots on a...

I usually use a credit card while purchasing something. The main disadvantage of using credits cards is that it is difficult to monitor spent money. I want to have a wallet which will inform me about all changes with my bank account and will adjust to the sum of money available: * It will vibrate / beep each time a transaction take place; * When there isn't much money in bank account the wallet will resist its opening; * It will swell and shrink to reflect...

Bike computers are becoming more popular. The idea is to create a remote control to make them more accessible as well. The remote will be designed to work with a bike computer. It will mount to either side of the handlebars and feature three buttons and six functions easily accessed by a thumb, allowing the user to keep their hands safely on the handlebars.