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Flexible, Plastic Sheets of Power

Posted by Zonk on from the they-have-the-power dept.

bethr writes "Imagine never having to plug in an electronic device to get power? Researchers at the University of Tokyo have demonstrated prototype plastic sheets with copper coils that wirelessly supply power to any device that touches its surface. You just put down your laptop and the pad sends it power: 'An array of organic transistors that detect the position of the gadget and direct current flow.' Apparently, the researchers had enough time to create a spiffy video of their doll house model, complete with a mini Christmas tree, showing off the technology."

3 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. Wow! by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 3, Funny

    They have reinvented the transformer, except this time there is an open end on it.

    They had better paint it bright red and put warning signs over it, or it will start melting anything placed upon it.

    (I assume I am not the only one to throw my keys and change and the rest of my pocket crap out when I get home)

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
    1. Re:Wow! by EvanED · · Score: 3, Funny
      From TFA:
      The power sheet, says Takao Someya, professor of engineering at the University of Tokyo, relies on the well-known physical principle of electromagnetic induction, used to charge electric toothbrushes and some RFID tags. (Emphasis mine)

      So the device more or less tells the pad that it wants power.
    2. Re:Wow! by Psion · · Score: 3, Funny

      No, no, no. This was an effort at self-deprecating humor by juxtaposing the conclusion that the dentist knows I haven't brushed my teeth through the use of Orwellian technology with the very simple and obvious realization that had I not been brushing my teeth, the dentist should be able to deduce this from a simple observation. The joke relies on inverted parsimony to jab at the intellect of the author.

      Jokes just go so flat when one must explain them. Just ... laugh politely next time and pretend you got it.