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...

The bicycle GPS tracker will sound an alert if the bike is stolen, and then help you track it down and recover it. The bike GPS will mount inconspicuously inside the headset of the bike and will be secured by a special wrench. When the bike is parked, the user will active the GPS unit with an electronic key, which will turn on the vibration sensor. If the unit senses vibrations when it has not been turned off, such as in the case of being stolen, it will sent an alert through SMS...

People suffering from sensory and motor-skills disabilities may one day walk a bit smoother with an assisted walking device that will fit inside any shoe and signal the brain when the foot touches the ground. The system will consist of a conductive foam insole embedded with pressure sensors, an ankle-strapped transmitter, and a receiver that will slip over the ear. When the heel or toe hits the ground, the transmitter will send signals to the earpiece that will cause it to vibrate...

The fish finder sonar orb will pair with a smart phone to scan beneath the water, letting you know the best place to sink a hook. The fish finder will be able to withstand depths up to 120 feet and have a Bluetooth range of 150 feet. Once tied to a line and submerged, the waterproof orb will use sonar waves to gather information about temperature, depth, and the locations of the fish. The information will then be sent to the phone in the form of a depth chart image, with...

Why not throw out your wires and charging mats and charge your phone wirelessly, just by setting it near the laptop? The laptop will charge the user's mobile device through a pair of transmitters, one each built into the laptop and phone. Placing the phone next to the laptop will trigger the charging function, with an audible "ping" and on-screen notification when charging begins.

Why not turn the average cellphone into a medical diagnosis tool, potentially cutting back on trips to the doctor? The otoscope attachment will be needed. The device will capture an image of the inside of the ear magnified up to 10 times, which will then be uploaded to the website with a list of other symptoms. The images and symptom notes will be examined by a doctor, who will provide enough information for a prescription to be called in.

The new application will make a smartphone child-friendly, creating a controlled environment and allowing the parent to monitor activities and contacts. The application will be downloaded and installed with password that only the parents will control. Features will include a tracking system that will report the location of the phone every 15 minutes by pinpointing the location on a map. The interface will be designed to be child-friendly and easy to use, and the child will only be...

Touchscreens will get more tactile with the microfluidic technology which will allow real buttons to rise from the surface the screen and recede when not needed. Debuting as the world's first tactile system able to create dynamic, physical buttons, the Tactile Layer panel will replace the already existing display stack of standard touchscreen displays, adding no extra thickness. When the device is triggered, the layer will deform to create shapes or buttons of specific heights,...

The solar powered mouse will charge itself from the glow of the computer screen. The wireless optical mouse will feature a top-mounted panel and rechargeable battery as well as space for a regular AAA battery backup. A DPI button on top of the mouse will allow the user to switch the AVAGO high speed laser optics between the standard1000 DPI or 1600 DPI for more precision. While the solar-powered computer mouse is not a new idea, this one will differ in that it will be powered...