The idea is to create a way to make foam from paper mill waste, simultaneously reducing waste and creating a useful product. Some of the finer waste fibers from paper making are excellent feed-stock for nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC). Why not develop a method of processing the NCC into composite foams by adding a furan resin to the unprocessed foam. Paper mills create millions of tons of waste product annually, much of which could be re-used in this new method of foam...

Why not create a canoe which can be folded to fit in a backpack and weighs a little. The single passenger canoe will be made of a carbon fiber frame and a hull made of the same material as that used in racing sails. Locking mechanisms will secure the telescoping framework poles at bow and stern and a center folding mechanism will hold the boat firm in the middle. Such a canoe could be useful for forestry workers and hikers.

The idea is to create a fingerprint scanner able to tell the difference between living and dead tissue, preventing the use of a severed digit being used to foil fingerprint scanning devices. Fingerprint scanner able to identify dead tissue The scanner will work by reading the difference in the amount of light absorbed by living tissue versus dead tissue. The amount of light absorbed by a living finger will vary, changing from 550 nanometers when it is first placed on the sensor...

I have one more idea of creating a new streetlight system in order to save money and reduce energy waste. The system will use motion sensors to dim its lights to 20 percent power when no moving vehicles or people are nearby. The system will reportedly cut energy consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent. The streetlights will use LED bulbs that will be wirelessly linked. This will allow the lights to create a 'pool of light' that will follow the pedestrians and eliminate...

The idea is to develop a pair of glasses able to decipher facial expressions and transmit the meaning to the wearer. This might help people suffering from Autism to better relate to others. The glasses will be made up of a tiny camera which will interface with a computer the size of a deck of playing cards. The camera will be able to track and transmit information about 24 points on the face, then send the information to the computer for comparison with a set of well-defined...

Why not create an automatic streetlight which will be able to switch off and on as cars go by, potentially saving energy and reducing costs? The streetlight will consist of an automatic lighting system, PC, lamp, and camera able to capture an image of any passing car. The image will be processed by the computer, which then will instruct the light to switch on.

The idea is to develop a new way to enable computers to recognize three-dimensional objects by using heat diffusion. The two methods, heat mapping and heat diffusion, will scan the surface of an object and then use algorithms to estimate the diffusion of heat across the object. Heat diffusion patterns are predictable, so the shape of the object could be determined regardless of orientation. The heat mapping method will use a simulated mesh of triangles to determine the heat flow...

The idea is to create a new LED bulb able to be controlled by any Android device. It will set the precedent for a new generation of energy efficient home systems. The bulb will include a built in radio to interface with Google's open source wireless protocol. Besides the bulbs, the protocol will also be used to control thermostats and appliances, leading to a new type of self-adjusting systems.

Why not develop wearable solar and thermoelectric power systems for soldiers to reduce the loads they typically carry? My idea is to use solar cells to generate power during the day, while at night thermoelectric devices would harness the difference in temperature between body heat and night air. The systems could be woven into the soldiers' uniforms, and the electricity stored an advanced form of storage device.

Isn't it great to have a temporary refuge that allows visitors to enjoy the wilderness while preserving the pristine environment? The self-supporting solar powered cabin will designed to be transported by helicopter to the desired area and set up on pipe piers, with minimal impact to the site. The water will be delivered by snow melted by the solar system; appliances will be powered by the solar electric system. There will be a supply of bioethanol available for emergency needs,...