The idea is to create a sign language translator able to read sign language gestures and translate them into audible words for the hearing. The device will include a microphone, speaker, soundboard, video camera, and monitor. When set upon a stable surface, the device's system will read the hand gestures of the deaf speaker and process them into sounds that the hearing person can understand. It could also translate a spoken message into sign language displayed on the monitor,...

The idea is to create a device that will attach to existing earbuds to allow the user to hear ambient sounds, such as traffic and car horns, while still listening to their music. The attachments will include an air channel that will allow external sounds to be heard through the music, without distortion. They will fit on 70 percent of earbuds on the market today.

The idea is to develop carbon-negative bricks made from coal and sewage waste, materials that normally end up in landfills. To make the bricks, the recovered waste material will be mixed with vegetable oil containing glyceride and triglyceride molecules. The bricks will then be heated to break up the glycerides and attach them to the triglycerides, which will form chains of carbon atoms that will surround the particles and bond them to the brick. The manufacturing of the new...

A newly developed liquid in conjunction with bacteria-killing gas will use viruses to help break down the resistance of antibiotic resistant bacteria, rendering them vulnerable to conventional cleaning products. The liquid will take advantage of virus infecting bacteria called bacteriophages. The bacteriophages have been engineered to restore a gene in the bacteria that they have lost in the process of becoming resistant. The liquid should cost only a few dollars per liter.

The smart pedometer is able to detect when the wearer is moving through a variety of physical actions, and can also be set to measure the distance traveled against famous landmarks. The device can also detect the difference between climbing stairs and walking. It can re-interpret the data into personal goals such as climbing the Eiffel Tower. The pedometer is supposed to allow the user to link up to their friends through the social networking feature.

Why not create an application which will use camera equipped dashboard mounted mobile devices to let drivers know the best speed to maintain in order to avoid traffic lights? The application will collect traffic signal data as the car moves about and then will feed it back to a central system, which will allow a larger image of the traffic flow to be created. This information could then be used to tell the driver how quickly they are approaching the traffic signal as well as where...

The idea is to create a motorcycle helmet that can be removed without moving the patient's head. Such a helmet could help to reduce the risk of exacerbating spinal cord injuries. It will be possible to remove the helmet by releasing one pin and two clips, which will allow the front of the helmet to be slipped off. The helmet will be also put on by opening the back and tightening the side ladder clip, which will eliminate the need for a chin strap and provide a better fit.

The idea is to develop an animated sign language translation system that will automatically convert words into gestures for deaf viewers, which could help improve the spread of information during disasters. Subtitles are not always enough for people who use sign language as their main form of communication. The new system will be able to convert the text into sign language delivered by a suit-wearing avatar in a virtual newsroom. The system will also able to use synonyms to replace...

The idea is to create a new ring mouse. It will be worn on the hand and controlled by the thumb, using a new optical touch technology. The Ring mouse will weigh less than half an ounce and will have a wireless range of about 30 feet. The ring will be worn on the index finger, with the left and right click and touch control tracking arranged around the top of the ring and controlled by the thumb. Primarily intended for presentation controls, the new mouse will also be useful...

I would like to have a new bike lock system which will be strong, sleek, and long enough to pass through both wheels and secure the bike to a stationary object. The system will consist of a steel, pick resistant lock and a flexible titanium bow that will be able withstand a saw and a 48-inch bolt cutter. The largest size will weigh less than 5oz, which will be one third the weight of a conventional U-lock. The flexible bow will be large enough to wrap around objects as large as 5.5...