Sunday, November 22, 2009

Assignment 14

Question One a:
I didn't get to see the actually Leonid shower, but I did google them and watched them on video. Here is what I have found on the Leonid Shower that happened on November 17, 2009: http://stardate.org/movies/mediacenter/stardate-leonids-1920x1080.mov. Its not the actually shower but a re-done one. Meteor showers to me are crazy to think about. I mean most meteor showers that happen the meteor usually never hits the earths surface. It also blows my mind when doing research on Meteor Showers that they know when this showers are going to happen that is just mind boggling to me. I really don't know how to descried them but as that they look like flaming rocks of some sort traveling at high speeds toward the earths surface, but never hit 9 times out of 10.

Question One b:
According to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization_of_the_Moon. They state that "The colonization of the Moon is the proposed establishment of permanent human communities on the Moon. Advocates of space exploration have seen settlement of the Moon as a logical step in the expansion of humanity beyond the Earth. Polar colonies would be ideal for avoiding long cold nights and to take full advantage of the sun." They have also said that with the future of the earth and they way things are going that the moon has been seen as the first candidate for the location of humanity's first permanently. They have also just recently found water on the moon. Looking at wikipedia there are several advantages and disadvantages in colonization on the moon.

Question Two:
I am still working on my slides for the final presentation, and hopeing that I am finished in time. :)

Tara

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Homework 13

Question One:
I do believe that at one time there were guinea worm disease. It is said to say that many people died from this I am sure. As far as do I do think that I might have them. I don't think I have them, but that is not saying that we can't get them. We can only try to protect ourselves from any disease, which is not saying that we will be 100 percent successful in stopping them.

Question Two:
I have started to make the slides for my project since I have not added anything new. Once I make my slides if it needs to be long then I will then add additional information.

Tara

Friday, November 13, 2009

Homework 12

If I had a coupon for a free robot I think that I would want the robot that could function. In theory the robot can not do ANYTHING with out it being able to function first, so therefore you would have to have your robot that can be functionally. If the robot's already can function then I would want my robot to be able to clean the house for me, so that would be one less thing that I would have to do in my not so much FREE TIME........

Additions to my project:
Section 6: Crime and Lighting

When you think about crime and lighting they kind of go together. If there were no lights then there would be more crime. For example, if lighting got to the point that it was so expensive that not many people could afford it then lighting would be scarcer. More people would be able to do crimes because during the dark of the night no one would be able to see anything because you can’t afford to keep lights on or even have lighting when walking down the road. Since it would be dark along the streets you would have people doing crimes left and right because they are going to believe that they can get by with it and not get into trouble.
Another way to think about crime and lighting is that what if lighting became, so much cheaper and they found a way that it would not cost an arm and leg to have lighting. Example could be that they have figured out the most efficient light bulb or lighting fixture that would put money back into the consumer’s pocket. In theory there would be less crime because the site and buildings would be light up and you could see what was going on. Also, another point to think about is that if there were more lighting then maybe people would not be so scared to go outside in the dark.

Thanks,
Tara

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Assignment 11

Question 1:
What is the butterfly effect? According to Wikipedia it is "is a phrase that encapsulates the more technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory. It is a common subject in fiction when presenting scenarios involving time travel and with "what if" scenarios where one storyline diverges at the moment of a seemingly minor event resulting in two significantly different outcomes." In planner terms it means that tiny changes in complex systems leads to results that are impossible to predict. So what does that have to do with light bulbs? Well, a tiny change would be to change out all the incandescent light bulbs and replace them with compacted fluorescent light bulbs. All that was predicted was that it might save on someones energy bill. Now it is know that they will last 5 times longer than conventional bulbs. Save $30 in energy costs per bulb and help save the planet.

Question 2:
What is existentialism angst? According to Wikipedia it is "is a term that has been applied to the work of a number of nineteenth and twentieth century philosophers who, despite profound doctrinal differences." So what does this have to do with light bulbs and more energy efficient homes and buildings. The only thing that I can think of is where will lighting be in the future? We already know that a lot of people are changing to compacted fluorescent light bulbs, because it will be cheaper in your pocket. What does this do for the future maybe we can use this extra money to stimulate the economy!!!!!! Also, they are already looking a head of compacted fluorescent and moving LED lighting. Which LED will last longer in homes and cost much more less in the energy bill part. YAYAYAY more money to stimulate the economy :)

Question 3:
Here is the part that I have added to my final project:

Thinking of specific lighting technologies there are a lot. They include Incandescent Lights, Compact Fluorescents, LED Lights, Night Vision Technology. Changing theses will improve energy efficient and put money back into our pockets.
Incandescent lights are what we are using right now. They work just fine except why not try and make the light bulbs last long, use less energy, and become more compact. Here is a picture of the following incandescent light bulb,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb (PICTURE)

The next step up from incandescent lights are compact fluorescents. According to Wikipedia compact fluorescents are “also known as a compact fluorescent light or energy saving light (or less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube [CFT]), is a type of fluorescent lamp. Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit into most existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescent.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp (PICTURE)

The next step will be to convert everyone to LED lighting. LED lighting will be longer lasting, brighter, and save us more money. The LED light might cost more up front, but in the long run it will end up saving customers money. LED will be brighter at first, but over time they will dim out. The only thing to think about is in house’s these days you have the dimmer on lights. How do you think that will turn out? (still need info).

Now that we have thought of these types of light what about night vision? If we had night vision there would be no need for lighting in houses. I mean we have night vision goggles, but what if we all had night vision imbedded in us? When doing research about this topic I didn’t find much besides that BMW is now having night vision in the vehicles and they can detect people that are walking on the side of the road that don’t have any type of safety measures with them. They run a video and the site is: http://www.gizmosforgeeks.com/2009/01/09/ces09-flir-introduces-pedestrian-detection-into-auto-night-vision-product/3973 . Just think how it would be if we were designed this way……


Tara

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Homework Ten

My thoughts on "scientific proof" is that you can not proof science. Like what was mentioned in class you can proof mathematics. Science is just theory's that are tested and for example like a hypotheses. "That is, it is always allowed that some valid experiment could show that the hypotheses is incorrect, either wholly or in part (referred to as falsifiability), so that it must be rejected or modified. So in science, absolute proof is usually impossible. "(quoted from this site: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/36328). I do agree with this statement because a person can make a hypotheses and then run test, and they hypotheses was wrong, so therefor this person would have proven his hypotheses to be wrong, but it is not a proof. Also, with scientific experiments you are never certain of actually values of results which is a good explanation of why there is no scientific proof. "The more times an observation is repeated and the greater number of different observations and theories that it ties into and agrees with, the more confident we are about how well we actually understand something." (I found this on the site: http://www.holycross.edu/departments/biology/kprestwi/behavior/e&be_notes/E&BE_04_Sci_Meth&Philo.pdf ) Which I agree with, and feel that this is what I was trying to say........

Part 2:
Here is what I have so far on my report, which is differently longer then 250 words.

Section 1:
What is Energy Efficient?
When you think about efficient energy most people think of using less energy. For example, turning off lights when you’re not in that room, or hang drying clothes instead of using the dryer, and ECT. These are ways to save/use less energy, but what about change your lighting in the house? What do I mean, for example instead of using the incandescent lights lets change them all out for compact fluorescents. According to Wikipedia it states that, “Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency, is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve the same temperature. Another example would be installing fluorescent lights and/or skylights instead of incandescent lights to attain the same level of illumination. A 13 watt fluorescent light bulb outputs the same amount of visible light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb, so you are getting more light for less energy. Efficient energy use is achieved primarily by means of a more efficient technology or process rather than by changes in individual behavior.”


Section 2:
Why do we need to be more energy efficient?
Most of us don’t think about how much money we spend on energy, or how much toxin’s are released in the air from our homes and office buildings. Becoming more energy efficient will put money back into our wallets, and also help the environment because there will not be as much oil, coal and electricity into the air and water. This will help slow down global warming if we can reduce and change to more efficient habits. “There are many benefits to building energy efficient new homes that include:
 Reduced Costs: An energy efficient new home is constructed to keep heat from escaping so you are not running the furnace 24 hours a day. Many mortgage companies offer incentives to people building energy efficient new homes. There are also federal tax incentives for building energy efficient new homes.
 Sound Investment: Each year more people are looking for energy efficient homes. Building an energy efficient new home now will increase the future value of the home.
 Peace of Mind: Building an energy efficient new home allows homeowners to enjoy their home knowing they are meeting energy efficiency guidelines.
 Fewer Pollutants: It is estimated that 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. When you use less energy, you decrease the amount of pollutants being released in the environment. This will lead to less of an impact on global warming.
 Improved Air Quality: Cold drafts blowing through the home can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of sickness. An energy efficient new home ensures air tightness keeping the home cozy. These new homes also protect against cold, heat, drafts, and moisture. Not only does an energy-efficient new home improve indoor air quality, it keeps temperatures consistent.
This information is according to the Free Online Library.”

Section 3:
What are some ways to be more energy efficient?
Also from the Free Online Library they state that: “General features of an energy efficient new home include:
 Engineered Lumber: Build a new home using lumber from trees that are identified as a renewable species because they grow fast and help protect the environment. Roofing: Selecting durable roofing materials such as cement reduces the amount of regular roofing waste entering landfills.
 Improved Insulation: Better quality insulation that is properly installed in attics, walls, ceilings, and floors, will decrease energy use and reduce energy costs.
 Energy-Efficient Windows: Manufactured and installed windows using new technologies that include protective coatings and improved frames. These windows ensure that heat stays outside during the summer and inside during the winter. Energy efficient windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight.
 Energy Efficient Doors: Installing improved seals around doors and patio doors will stop cold air flowing into homes or warm air escaping.
 Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling systems: Furnaces, heat pumps, and thermostats that are energy efficient allow new homes to use less energy and save money. Energy efficient heating and cooling systems are quieter and reduce indoor humidity.
Solar Heat: A number of new energy efficient homes are designed to benefit from solar heat coming through larger windows
 Ducts: Sealing the heating and cooling duct systems reduces drafts, moisture, and dust. Tight ducts will ensure that the proper amount of warm or cool air is reaching every room.
 Energy Efficient appliances: Modern and energy efficient appliances allow you to save money while using less energy. Appliances include ovens, dish washers, washer and dryer machines, and refrigerators, etc.
 Low-Flow Faucets, Shower Heads, and Toilets: Decreases water use and reduces hydro fees
 Air Filtration Systems: Installing energy efficient air filtration systems is healthy for the family and saves money.
Whether your home energy comes from oil, gas, or coal, it has a direct impact on the environment and your wallet. These energy sources contribute to global warming, habitat loss, and increases toxins in our air and water. By building an energy efficient new home, you can do your part to help the planet while lowering your energy costs.”


Section 4:
Class examples of energy efficiency
During class we talked about several different ways you can use to either gather information or ways to look at how to change and make lighting more energy efficient. The three main items that I will talk about will be the Dephi Method, Predictions for Lighting (add ons), and Triz Method.
First I will show the findings that I found while using the Dephi Method in class. In a blog I had posted the following, “How long till we (U.S.) are more energy efficient in our homes and offices?" was the question I asked in class on Wednesday? We used the Delphi method to discuss how long it would take before this would happen. Before the discussing was done we took a poll and hear is the results: 50, 55, 60, 60, 100, 200, 200-250, infinity, infinity, infinity, don't know. So when finding the median range of this set of numbers it would be 200 years before we would be more energy efficient. Then there was a pole taken after the discussion which were: 60, 60, 65, 100, 100, 100,100,110-150,150,200-250, infinity. So then taking the median range would now be 100 years before we become more energy efficient.” With this finding just with our class it will take about 100 years before we have become energy efficient in our homes and office buildings.

Next we used predictions for lighting (add ons) which were neat ways to add on to the lighting with it still being energy efficient. Some of the examples are as followed:
 illumination of dark
 programmable color (mood detection, example if I am sad the light is blue)
 programmable direction
 can display information
 heat less bulb
These are a couple of ideas that the class has come up with that could be add ons to and efficient light.
The last topic is the Triz Method. Triz is where you get ideas about the feature technologies. I have picked some of the Triz topics and applied them to ways to make lighting more energy efficient:
 Segmentation: Lights, Applications, installation
 Taking out: remove the heat, but keep the light
 Local Quality: make it where there is a dimmer and directionality
 Assymetry: 3-way lighting---- 1 click turns on 2 lights, 2 clicks turns on 3 lights then 3 clicks turns on all 5
 Universality: Lights can light up a room and not heat a room
 Preliminary action: while making energy efficient bulbs make them smaller at the same time
 Continuity of useful action: have the lights have a sensor on them so they can detect when someone is in the room or not( will eliminate people not Turing off lights when they are done)
 Color changes: Lights change to your mood........Blue for sad, yellow for happy, etc.
 Turn Lemons into Lemonade: make a recyclable light bulb
 The other way round: have the light bulb click in instead of screw

Monday, October 19, 2009

Assignment Nine

After working on my Final project I have come up with a different outline which will contain the following (The new items are posted in red):
1 What is energy efficient?
When you think about efficient energy most people think of using less energy. For example, turning off lights when you’re not in that room, or hang drying clothes instead of using the dryer, and ect. These are ways to save/use less energy, but what about change your lighting in the house? What do I mean, for example instead of using the incandescent lights lets change them all out for compact fluorescent. This would be a way to save on energy and money. Another example would be look into changing out old appliances to the new and energy star appliances. “Energy efficient means changing or moving the MOST matter with the LEAST amount of energy” (nvenergy).

2 Why do we need to be more energy efficient?

3 What are some ways to be more energy efficient?
-Change appliances
-Change light bulbs


4 Explanations on energy efficiency lighting?
-Delphi Method
How long till we (U.S.) are more energy efficient in our homes and offices?" was the question I asked in class on Wednesday. We used the Delphi method to discuss how long it would take before this would happen. Before the discussing was done we took a pole and hear is the results: 50,55,60,60,100,200,200-250,infinity,infinity,infinity, don't know. So when finding the median range of this set of numbers it would be 200 years before we would be more energy efficient. Then there was a pole taken after the discussion which were: 60,60,65,100,100,100,100,110-150,150,200-250,infinity. So then taking the median range would now be 100 years before we become more energy efficient.
- Predication of lighting (add ons)
illumination of dark
programmable color (mood detection, example if I am sad the light is blue)
programmable direction
can display information
heat less bulb

- Triz method
Segmentation: Lights, Applications, installation
Taking out: remove the heat, but keep the light
Local Quality: make it where there is a dimmer and directionality
Assymetry: 3-way lighting---- 1 click turns on 2 lights, 2 clicks turns on 3 lights then 3 clicks turns on all 5
Universality: Lights can light up a room and not heat a room
Preliminary action: while making energy efficient bulbs make them smaller at the same time
Continuity of useful action: have the lights have a sensor on them so they can detect when someone is in the room or not( will eliminate people not Turing off lights when they are done)
Color changes: Lights change to your mood........Blue for sad, yellow for happy, etc.
Turn Lemons into Lemonade: make a recyclable light bulb
The other way round: have the light bulb click in instead of screw


5 Specific Lighting Technologies
-Incandescent Lights
-Compact Fluorescent
-LED Lights
-Night Vision Technology?


6 Crime and Lighting
-More light, less crime
-Lighting to expensive, more scarcer, more crime

7 Microwave sulfur in a glass globe


As a part of the cyborgs, mind Hacking, ghosts, ect I am going to use the specific Technologies and have several parts like listed above. I have also started to type the report and now am almost done with Section 1. The red underneath section 1 is the part of the report. I am going to be continuing my research and writing as we go through the rest of the semester.

Tara

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Homework Eight

What is Minority Report really about......Well, from what I have gather (now I have only watched the first hour of the movie) you have a special unit from the police department called PreCrime. PreCrime uses three psychics which tell the police what murder is about to happen and they are to figure out where and when. Anderson started working in PreCrime when he son passed away. Then Anderson discovers that he will be the one to murder someone that he has never meet.

What methods and tricks does the movie use to make the audience like it? I think that Minority Report captures an audience once they have figured out what the purpose behind PreCrime is. Just like above PreCrime is a department that predicts when murders are going to happen. They have the technology and the power to make it happen. An audience just falls right in because you start to think what if it did really happen and we could have something like PreCrime?

What if they found genes that make it more likely for someone to commit a crime - what should they do? Ummmmm..I think they should find a way to take the gene out. Just think of how the world would be with no crime. It would be such a better place. If they did find a why to take the gene out there would be a lot of people with out jobs. Well they would have to make the police into something else. I can't really say if I believe that something like this would really happen. I am going to say that yes i believe that some of the technology will be there, but not necessarily the psychics predicting murders and the police catching them before they actually do the crime.


Tara