Cocoon in the box , by Robert Schwermer, won the Green Tent Competition which asked entrants to design an environmentally sustainable camping shelter for use in the Mojave Desert (Joshua Tree National Park.)

The cocoon makes use of the abandoned homesteader cabins of the Mojave Desert. These constructions would remain the main area to live in, while the coccon, a combination of a sleeping bag, hammock and tent, is for sleeping.

As it is lifted above the ground, it would be out of reach of scorpions. It can also be used as a chair.

Winning entries are being prototyped for use at Ecoshack's green design lab in Joshua Tree, California.

Winners and all other entries will be exhibited at gardenLAb in Pasadena, CA from September 8 to October 16, 2004.

Via Archinect.

Emergency Medical Systems, manufacturer of medical equipment, will launch in September EmergencyMedicalStation-TV, a kiosk-based satellite network, hoped to be of help in case of cardiac arrests.

EMSI's kiosks will screen health-related video content, weather reports, and advertising. They integrate also an automated external defibrillator device and a direct connection to paramedics.

Placed in pharmacies and schools in the USA to act as "EmergencyMedicalStation", the machines will allow for a live connection with paramedics in the event of an emergency.

The paramedic can assess the situation via audiovisual communications and, if needed, provide access to the defibrillator stored within the kiosk. Local EMS sources would be simultaneously alerted.

Advertisers will be able to purchase static slides, 30-second spots, or pretty much whatever they want at the outset.

By, the way, I inserted no picture as the machine are so appalling they might give you a heart attack.

From Adrants < Mediapost.

Japanese food company ItoHam will print QR codes o­n their sausage and ham products beginning in October.

The codes contain information allowing camphone users to access "Overflowing with Happy Faces," the company's cellular phone page, where they will find over 100 recipes and other information useful while shipping, including a message board, and recipe submission corner. Also, video contents will be transmitted depending o­n the products from which the QR code is scanned.

From TechJapan.

SmallPlanet, a Los Angeles-based startup, created three location-based applications for mobile devices they are planning on rolling out sequentially:

1. CrowdSurfer allows users to make the invisible connections that they may have to those around them. They store their own profiles on their phones, and choose to see or be seen by other users who may have similar interests, gone to the same school, worked at the same company, etc. This is accomplished by periodic "pinging" by Bluetooth signal typically in a 30-50 foot radius.
If another user is detected, the phone can search the database at SmallPlanet.net via GPRS connection to discover if they have friends in common. If they are connected by up to 4 degrees contact relations, the profiles of those friends connecting them are displayed.

2. DealSurfer --to be tested this Autumn, allows stores to send out (at up to 100 meters) discount opportunities or coupons via Bluetooth to users who have decided to turn on their CrowdSurfer application.

But the user has to turn the application on when he wants to receive these messages. These are free because they come via Bluetooth. SmallPlanet only allow retailers to send discount opportunities or coupons, not spam-like advertising.

3. LineCutter is still under development. Using Bluetooth or WiFi from your mobile device, you could walk into, say, a fastfood, view the menu on your mobile screen, place an order and pay for it without waiting in line or having to go to the register.

Blueserker < Socal Tech.
Related entry: SmallPlanet's CrowdSurfer.

A survey by Brit supermarket chain Tesco showed that three quarters of parents found shopping with children stressful and almost half had "boredom tantrums" in supermarkets.

So Tesco is teaming up with Wanzlto develop the Tantrum Tamer, a shopping trolley that features an electronic screen that plays DVDs, CDs and educational games for children and that is attached to the handle of the trolley.

From BBC.
Image.

Italian telco Tim and Health Telematic Network, are launching the first Italian sms-based health service, allowing TIM subscribers to get information about blood analysis, medicines, meaning of medical words (and their translation in english if needed), etc. An sms " therapeutic reminder" will also warn the patient when the hour has come to swallow his pills.

Every sms answer will cost 0,31 euro.

From Telefonino.