There are plenty of devices on the market that will help you see what tomorrow’s weather will be, but not that many that allow you to feel what tomorrow’s weather will be like. Now, a new concept is being developed called the Cryoscope that has been designed to enable you to feel tomorrow’s weather with your fingertips.
The new Cryoscope Haptic Weathervane has been created by Robb Godshaw, an industrial design student at Rochester Institute of Technology. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
The Cryoscope is equipped with a heat sink, a thermoelectric-cooling Peltier element, and a cooling fan, all combined and operated by an Arduino controller that receives forecast data from a Web-based app, all neatly enclosed in an aluminum cube ready to be touched.
How the Cryoscope Works
The Cryoscope Haptic Weathervane operates by translating weather forecast data into tangible temperature changes that you can feel. The device uses a Peltier element, which is a solid-state active heat pump that transfers heat from one side of the device to the other. This allows the Cryoscope to simulate the temperature of the next day’s weather. For instance, if the forecast predicts a cold day, the aluminum surface of the Cryoscope will become cold to the touch. Conversely, if a warm day is forecasted, the surface will heat up accordingly.
The integration of an Arduino controller is crucial for the Cryoscope’s functionality. The Arduino receives real-time weather data from a web-based application and adjusts the temperature of the Peltier element accordingly. This seamless integration of hardware and software ensures that the user gets an accurate representation of the next day’s weather through the sense of touch.
Potential Applications and Future Prospects
While the Cryoscope Haptic Weathervane is currently just a concept, its potential applications are vast and varied. Imagine having a Cryoscope on your desk at work or at home, giving you a tactile preview of the next day’s weather. This could be particularly useful for individuals who are visually impaired, providing them with an alternative way to understand weather forecasts.
Moreover, the Cryoscope could be used in educational settings to teach students about weather patterns and the technology behind weather forecasting. By physically feeling the temperature changes, students could gain a more intuitive understanding of meteorological concepts.
Unfortunately, the Cryoscope Haptic Weathervane is just a concept at the moment, and there’s no indication from its developer that it will make the jump to production any time soon. However, the interest it has generated could potentially lead to further development and eventual commercialization. As always, if any more news comes to light, we will keep you updated.
Source: Gizmag
The Cryoscope Haptic Weathervane represents an innovative leap in how we interact with weather forecasts. By transforming abstract data into a physical experience, it opens up new possibilities for accessibility and education. While it remains a concept for now, the Cryoscope has the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive and prepare for the weather.
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