Cisco is famous for its venture capital interests. (The company says it currently has more than $2 billion in venture capital 
Cosmic ray communicationSet up a network of transmitters and receivers that communicate via cosmic rays directed through the Earth itself rather than around its perimeter. “This may be much more economic way of communication compared with cables, satellites or other means of telecommunication.”Driveway sensor
A weight activated sensor connected to a home network could photograph vehicles that come into the driveway, trigger e-mail alerts, draw the blinds or lock the doors. “So that criminals cannot invade your home – or maybe just people you don’t want to visit.”
Man-machine input metrics – adapting technology to humansThis project proposes gloves with fingertip sensors and switches that interpret tapping on any object as if it is input from a keyboard. “Each key acts as a shift key to create 100 combinations with only one or two presses. The 26 letter alphabet is produced with one press of each key for the first ten letters. Hold the right thumb down for the next eight letters and the left thumb down for the last eight letters.” IP video glassesThese would capture what the person wearing them sees and either store it or project it real-time at a remote location. A paramedic at an emergency could get expert help from afar. “What the paramedic sees the doctor sees. They can collaborate and potentially deal with a life threatening issue faster.”Barbershop idea
This calls for LED ads on barbershop mirrors for those sitting getting haircuts. “We sit there looking at the mirror, and unfortunately there is nothing else we can do. So if an advertisement is placed on the mirror, every customer will see it. Every customer will have to look at it for 15 minutes, and the penetration is very high.”
Storytellers
Would-be writers collaborate writing stories on a Web site. “Finally when a story is complete, or rather when the webmaster deems it complete, the website takes it to press and gets it published. All contributors get discounted rates on the published book.”
Thermoelectric devices in switches and routers
This calls for capturing heat generated by networking gear, converting the energy and storing it in batteries. “This electricity can charge a battery which provides an alternate source of power for routers and switches.”
IAmVerified.comPeople pay to have themselves vetted and verified as trustworthy so others who want to hire them from online sites can avoid phonies. “I’ve had a couple of bad experiences picking someone off craigslist, etc – one very scary person I hired for housework and a few narrow escapes on other business transactions (scam artists).”Rock your paceThis MP3 player with motion detector plays tunes faster the faster it moves. Attaching one to a fussy baby being rocked could help lull it to sleep. “Faster for the screaming baby….slower for the calm baby….finally you have a sleeping baby!!! Who wouldn’t like this?”Cisco i-Prize modification
Apparently this entrant doesn’t like the current i-Prize contest. “A less specific more general program with less constraint to find, develop, and market innovation.”
More from Cisco Subnet:Cisco, others create organization to protect against patent suits
Cisco, Nivis demo 6LoWPAN IPv6 network
Real deal or PR move? Cisco, IBM, Intel, Juniper and Microsoft form new security consortium
Go to Cisco Subnetfor more Cisco news, blogs, discussion forums, security alerts, book giveaways, and more.
