Software allows interactive tabletop displays on Web | R&D Mag

Researchers have developed a new type of software that enables people to use large visual displays and touch screens interactively over the Internet for business and homeland security applications.
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Participants have their own "territorial workspaces," where they may keep certain items hidden for privacy and practical purposes.

"Everyone only sees the things you send to a public domain on the display," Elmqvist said. "This is partly for privacy but also because you don't want to overload everybody with everything you are working on."

The researchers are providing Hugin free to the public and expect to make the software available online in December.

High-performance wireless mesh network technology for battery-powered OEM-embedded apps

High-performance wireless mesh network technology for battery-powered OEM-embedded apps

MeshScape 5 boasts bi-directional data reliability of 99.9% and several years of battery life, which takes advantage of new energy harvesting technologies to extend battery life indefinitely, with packet delivery latency still measured in milliseconds.

Personal flying drones are here: should we be concerned? - SmartPlanet

Personal flying drones are here: should we be concerned? - SmartPlanet: "They’re here. And it was inevitable. Smaller, commercialized versions of the pilotless drones that US forces and agencies deploy over world hot spots can now be purchased and used by used by consumers for $300 and up.
Is this a good thing?
Sure, there are a lot of positives. Deliveries is one potential use of private drones. Equipped with cameras, they may help engineers scope sites, police fight crime, or firefighters save lives. Maybe they could be instrumental in keeping an eye on children or locating those that are lost, or finding lost hikers in the wilderness."

Study: Potential for significant energy savings through user-controlled efficient lighting systems

Media Lab Associate Professor Joseph Paradiso says that “Lighting systems keep getting more complex,” and increasingly use automated controls. But the new system being tested by members of his Responsive Environments Group could put the controls directly on users’ desktops.

Powercast Intros New RF Energy Harvesting Transmitter | Sensors Magazine

Powercast Intros New RF Energy Harvesting Transmitter Sensors Magazine: "PITTSBURGH, PA -- Powercast Corporation, a leader in RF-based wireless power and energy harvesting technology, announced availability of its TX91501 Powercaster Transmitter which uses the 915-MHz ISM band to transmit common radio waves for power and data in commercial, industrial and defense applications. As the power source for Powercast's RF energy-harvesting wireless power solution, the TX91501 broadcasts power and data over 40 ft. to its companion Powerharvester receivers. Embedded into micro-power devices such as wireless sensors, instrumentation and controls, the Powerharvester receivers convert the received RF energy into DC power for battery-free operation or to wirelessly trickle charge batteries. The receivers also output the data broadcast from the TX91501 as well as the received signal strength indication (RSSI)."