Slashdot Mirror


User: Geoff+McCabe

Geoff+McCabe's activity in the archive.

Stories
0
Comments
1
First seen
Last seen
Profile
(view on slashdot.org)

Comments · 1

  1. I've figured out what IT is... on What is 'IT'? · · Score: 1

    The device is a type of personal transportation scooter, but it's not as simple as the patent describes. There are two key parts that are purposely left out of the patent application, but it doesn't matter because the patent covers the invention anyway. The "scooter" uses a BALL for movement, and is powered by two small motors that work in tandem to rotate the ball any direction. Like the iBot, a computer keeps the ball rolling so that the scooter can't fall down once it's turned on. The second part of this device is that it HOPS like a pogo-stick. The user stands on a platform several feet above the ball, with compressible pistons and springs between the ball and the platform. The hopping motion allows the device to go up and down stairs, over rough ground, or over just about any small obstacle. (Notice that one of the traits of the device described in the patent is that it has a detector to keep the user from hitting his or her head on an overhead obstacle. This is because the user is quite a large distance above the pavement, so this is an issue.) The third part of the invention is that the computer also controls the piston to keep the level of the platform uniform. So while the device is hopping, the user stays level above the ground, or moves very little. The revolutionary part of this is that ir FEELS AMAZING to ride. It feels like it's hovering, like a snowboard on a steep slope in deep powder. It can easily jump up and down stairs. Perhaps it can even leap off a ten-foot drop because the piston will compress to absorb the shock of the landing. The hopping motion conserves energy as well. I think the feeling of riding it is so great that everyone will have to have one, and when everyone has one, then everyone will demand that cities be redesigned to make it the standard mode of transportation. I believe my description above is possible using current technology and matches to all the clues given in the article. I'm very curious to see if anyone else can find a flaw in my description.