A new security system will take its cue from the way satellites process ground images, and will be able to scan and identify a fingerprint from almost 20 feet away. The scanner will use edge detection and image sharpening to increase the resolution of a distant fingerprint into an indefinable image. When coupled with additional security will measure such as facial recognition, the biometrics system could be strong enough to control access to a building or room. The use of...

The app will use both auditory and visual cues to help the blind, deaf, or average tourist navigate their way by bus. To use the app, the traveler will first choose their preferred route. The app will then guide the user to the closest bus stop and let them know how long until the bus arrives. Once the user has boarded the bus, the app will keep them informed as to how many stops remain and send an alert when it's time to ring the bell. Once the user has left the bus, the system...

A new paint able to show areas of strain could help alert engineers to areas of compression and stress. The "strain paint" is made up of nanotubes that, when damaged, will glow under near-IR light. The paint can map stress in any direction across a large area, allowing an inspector on the ground to create a strain map of an aircraft wing simply by using a handheld IR spectrometer. The coating could also be used on spacecraft, allowing astronauts and automated systems to check...

An integrated chemical chip able to regulate the delivery of neurotransmitters could be implanted in the body to help control muscles chemically. The chip will be built upon previously developed ion transistors able to transport both positive and negative ions as well as biomolecules. By combining two transistor types into complementary circuits similar to traditional silicon-based electronics it is possible to create an integrated chip able to work with common signaling substances...

Weed killing will go high-tech and less toxic with smart lasers able to recognize, and destroy, unwanted weeds. The method will use cameras and a computer algorithm to distinguish the weeds from more desirable plants. Once the weeds are recognized the CO2 lasers will deliver a carefully measured beam directly to the weakest point of the weed. The energy levels of the beams will be exact, because a beam that is too weak will actually encourage the weed to grow.

The new ski poles will allow the user to take calls on the slopes without fumbling to remove a glove or fish out the phone. The poles will be equipped with a waterproof grip imbedded with a microprocessor and OLED screen. The grip will communicate via Bluetooth with the user's smartphone, allowing the user to receive calls by swiping a finger across the optical sensor. Other features will include the ability to receive short text messages, check location information, or access...

The new headphones are designed to prevent tangles by wrapping the cords in a compact, protective sleeve. The headphones include an elastic sleeve that allows the cord length to be customized from 16 inches to 3.5 feet. A simple pull stretches the sleeve to cover the cords after use, and can even be wrapped around the wrist or neck for easy access.

The idea is to create a backpack mounted rainwater catchment systems that will be portable enough to harvest and clean rainwater, as the weather permits. The rainwater catchment and filtration system will be built using off the shelf components from a standard store. An expandable bag will collect and hold the water, while the built in filtration layers will render it clean enough to drink. It will be worn on the back or stand alone, and will also be used in conjunction with...

The Survivor Split snowboard incorporates a survival kit into its build, complete with shovel and saw. Based upon the idea of the splitboard, the snowboard is designed with a triple split. The two outside edges become skis, while the center uses the natural curve of the board to function as a shovel. The Survivor Split also includes a retractable saw blade suitable for cutting firewood, side mounted flint, and a built in compass.

The idea is to create a new body fluid testing device, made of paper and designed with the medical needs of developing nations in mind. The paper will be based around the idea of using origami properties to create a three-dimensional microfluidic biosensor that can be shipped flat and easily put together. A printer will be used to deposit a hydrophobic material into tiny canyons on the paper, which will guide the fluid samples to reagents. The reagents will then react by changing...