A simulated sky scene ceiling, complete with passing clouds and varying luminescence could help to create a more comfortable office environment. The dynamic ceiling will consist of an array of tiles, each with 288 LEDs. The system of tiles will be covered with a diffuser which will blur the individual lights, and a combination of LEDs in blue, green and white will ensure the full light spectrum is produced. The virtual sky LEDs will be carefully configured to create a...

The idea is to develop a kit that will harness solar energy to power their shades. The kit will include a photovoltaic panel, harness connector, Ni-MH battery, and battery tube. The solar panel will be a foot long by an inch and a half wide, will be mounted inside the window, and will harvest enough energy to power the shades even in low-sun locations.

Why not take advantage of the natural sweetener xylitol to create a shoe that will convert sweat to cool air. The cycling shoe will include an insole, which will help to keep heat from building up within the shoe. The insole will be infused with xylitol, an alcohol based sugar. The fibers in the insole will be able to moderate both moisture and temperature, absorbing body heat and converting it to a 'refrigerant'.

Why not create a rechargeable UV water purifier able to render up to 16 oz of water safe enough to drink in under a minute. The device will consist of a UV light able to be recharged through a computer's USB port, AC outlet, or any compatible solar charger. Battery life is estimated to up to 8000 uses, and it will also function as a flashlight.

The idea is to develop a Bluetooth communications system for bicyclists which will make coordinating on the trail much easier. The device will be made up of an arm mounted voice module and a control module that will mount on the wrist or handlebar. The earphones and microphone will be hard wired into the voice module, and the bikers will communicate by speaking into the helmet mounted ear pieces.

The solar heated clothes dryer will use solar heated water to heat and dry the clothes. To create the heat, roof top solar-thermal collectors will gather the solar energy and transfer the heat to water in a stratified storage tank. Four pipes will lead from the tank to the dryer, which will move the hot water to a tumbler, which will heat it, and move the cooled water back out. A cold internal surface will cause condensation and extract the moisture from the clothes.

The idea is to have a material able to regulate heat above a certain temperature, which could reduce the costs of heating and cooling buildings. The non-deformed storage phase change material will able to absorb heat above a pre-determined temperature and release it when the temperature drops below a certain point. The material will be applied as a microscopic film to the surfaces of buildings, and can be formed into an array of shapes and sizes. The material could reduce...

The idea is to create new luminous panels embedded with adjustable LED's allowing the panels to glow in a variety of colors. The LED's will be installed in acoustic panels that can be hung on the wall or used as wallpaper, creating a gentle glow that can fill the room. The user will be able to choose the color of the LED's to match their mood, or it will be possible to program the panels to respond to a variety of sounds.

Why not create a cane which will do more than help you walk? The cane will monitor your pulse, blood pressure and body temperature. It will have a built-in navigator to lead you to any destination. A small display on the wrist will show you the data.

Why not create a system that will allow the blind to "see" their surroundings through the use of sound. The system will use sunglasses with built-in micro video cameras, a computer, and a pair of headphones. The cameras will analyze the space in front of them and create a 3D model in which various surfaces will be assigned sounds to be played back through the headphones. Blind users will be able to decipher the sounds and "hear" the space around them, which their brains will turn...