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Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

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Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#61

Post by wlesieutre »

maxerickson wrote: post #53
wlesieutre wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My hometown had one of those "cross-traffic" lights a few blocks from my house at an intersection that I had to cross to reach one of the major bike paths. Naturally, it didn't register bikes. So if you wanted the light to ever change, you had to cross over to the left side of the street, go up on the sidewalk, and push the pedestrian button (no crosswalk on the right side of the intersection). Not much of a fan. I'm…

If the sensor there is an induction loop you might be able to figure out where it is and line a wheel up well enough that the metal rim triggers it.

I was never able to, but I didn't do a careful search for it. If only every city used that same bike icon to show you where the sensor is.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#62

Post by theoutlander »

Reading all the suggestions here sparks my interest in an idea I was tinkering with last year after I moved into a big house and I wanted to monitor and control everything through the web / phone app. In addition, I wanted useful stats about everything (a lot were mentioned in this thread). The main problem I was trying to address was building a centralized system that would communicate with devices built on different protocols (Zigbee, ZWave, Bluetooth, etc.) and allow them to communicate with each other via the central controller.I started to work on it, but got caught up deciphering various protocols and have been trying to validate the idea before venturing further into it. I hate the idea of owning several independent systems and want something that's unified - at least as far as monitoring goes. It sounds like there is a need for smarter homes. I would love such a unified system at home. I've also considered creating hardware to facilitate certain use-cases.

If anyone wants to collaborate on this, it would be fantastic! I was planning on making it open-source and free for home use. It wouldn't be a bad idea to simply solve some of the use-cases for folks on HN.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#63

Post by nb4hnp »

JoeAltmaier wrote: post #56
freehunter wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Every time you think or hear "it would be nice to make this more efficient, but it would put people out of work", think of discussions surrounding universal basic income. If the only reason for having humans behind the wheel is because those people have no other way to make money, maybe it's time to face the fact that we don't need them to make money. Take their job but keep paying them the same, and the benefits fro…

I'm reminded of my friend Ben, who has a PhD in Physics and drives a bus. Please, please put Ben out of the bus-driving business, if it means a basic income so he can do physics, or teach physics. This current economy is a waste, that demands smart people do stupid work so they can eat, instead of doing smart work that would enhance us all.

If you guys are interested (and aren't already aware) there is a subreddit that houses all of the discussion on basic income with lots of good material pertinent to this subject. http://www.reddit.com/r/BasicIncome

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#64

Post by nb4hnp »

Fjrjcjsiwbfcnde wrote: post #46

Oh boy! Now I can live out my 1984 fantasies where not only am I carrying a tracking device at all times, but literally everything around me is bugged with sensors! People being able to assassinate me with a software update to my car is also a major plus.

This is my stance on this question as well. Maybe it's okay to stop at dedicated computer + cell phone. At least when those get cracked into, they won't cause any physical harm (mental grief yes). If someone cracked into my fridge and messed with the settings, I would then be missing a lot of money and have the huge chore of cleaning a fridge full of spoiled food. Also, please never put door locks on the internet. Please.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#65

Post by fredophile »

maxerickson wrote: post #60
fredophile wrote: post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Probably not. From my experience bicycles and small motorcycles will not trigger the sensor on the induction loop.

I looked around some before I posted that. This article seems respectable enough and at least supports the idea that bikes are intended to be able to trigger some of them: http://bikeportland.org/2010/09/27/bike-science-making-sense...

It looks like those are specifically designed to be triggered by bikes. I've been at intersections with a 50-100cc motorcycle that would not trigger the light.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#66

Post by jack-r-abbit »

byoung2 wrote: post #4

Technology is getting so cheap that eventually we'll have everything connected and wonder why it wasn't always that way. First, I'd like my sprinkler system connected so I can see and adjust the schedule, check current soil moisture levels, etc. Better yet, let the system adjust itself based on current conditions, forecasts, etc. I would use this mainly for my vegetable garden, not so much fo Second, I'd like my refr…

> a sensor on every water fixture

I would love that! They make things like that for electrical outlets so you can see how much power things (lamps, clocks, etc) consume. It would be awesome to see the same thing for water. California is in a major drought right now and I'm very curious what in my house uses the most water.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#67

Post by jack-r-abbit »

jo_ wrote: post #12

My front door, the buzzer, and maybe the door to my room and the lights. It would be nice if UPS ringing my doorbell sent an SMS to my phone so I could remotely unlock it. That way they can put the package inside my gate or front door, and I'll relock both after departure (which I can verify via webcam). No more arriving at 7:00 AM so I can leave at 3:00 PM to pick up a package.

That would be cool. But I've never had a UPS or FedEx driver actually wait for someone to answer the door. They place the package in front of the door, put a tag on the door that says they delivered it (which seems useless since the box is right there) and leave. When I am home, I usually get to the door as they are getting in their truck. They wave and drive off.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#69

Post by shervinshaikh »

theoutlander wrote: post #62

Reading all the suggestions here sparks my interest in an idea I was tinkering with last year after I moved into a big house and I wanted to monitor and control everything through the web / phone app. In addition, I wanted useful stats about everything (a lot were mentioned in this thread). The main problem I was trying to address was building a centralized system that would communicate with devices built on differen…

I think the AllSeen Alliance is trying to do something similar with AllJoyn (https://allseenalliance.org/developer-resources/alljoyn-open...). They want to create a standard communication protocol across a variety of devices and operating systems. Currently they only support mobile devices and computers, but I think their overall goal is to support everything.

Re: Ask HN: Object you'd like to see connected to the internet?

#70

Post by joezydeco »

cdcox wrote: post #58

I don't know about connected to the internet, but it would nice to have more built in sensors in an oven/stove. They have digital thermometers, but it would be nice to get a total IR/temperature profile of what's inside. Maybe some basic computer vision programs. Something like 'looks like your bread is done and its temperature is correct, we'll turn the over down automatically unless you issue an override'. Perhaps…

I think a lot of people would love something simple that just let you know that all the burners are off on the stove. Ever get that nagging feeling when you're 10 minutes away from home? Same for the iron.
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