Smart alarm clock lets you lie in (UK INVENTION ALERT)

BBC News ^ | September 20, 2002 | BBC News

[MadIvan]

A smart alarm clock that will allow you a lie-in or wake you up early depending on traffic conditions has been invented by researchers at Brunel University in southern England.

The Rise alarm clock has in-built internet access and can be connected to the web via a normal telephone line.

The clock retrieves relevant traffic information from across the web based on data the users have given it, such as where they live, where they need to travel to and what time they need to arrive.

The alarm clock will then work out what time you need to be woken.

More punctual

"As well as the basic function of waking people up at the right time depending on what traffic conditions are like, the Rise clock could also be further developed," said inventor David Hunt.

"It could provide people with faster alternative routes, inform colleagues of an expected delay and provide rail, air and bus related alerts."

In tests he was impressed with the clock's accuracy.

"I was so punctual it was scary," he said.

Business interest

Brunel University researchers see the clock as a step towards making technology a bit more useful to users.

"Technology has an enormous potential to enhance people's lives but it many cases it simply adds a further level of complexity," said head of Brunel's design department Dr David Wright.

Since finishing the prototype in May, Mr Hunt has had some commercial interest in his clock.

He is hoping to strike a deal with a motoring organisation like the AA, which has an extensive traffic database.

[MadIvan]

For us city folks, this is a god send. I'm getting one ASAP. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[LibKill]

Sounds useful for commuters.

[Fresh Wind]

How about a clock that will call in sick for me?

[tictoc]

What I need is something loud enough to make me sit bolt upright and sturdy enough to withstand abuse with feet and fists.

And a heat-seeking water cannon to punish me after I invariably sneak back under the covers.

[jjm2111]

I've been to London. The traffic there makes New York look sane.

[Happygal]

I want a clock that will go to work for me, do my job and send me home the pay cheque ;-)

[MadIvan]

I want a clock that will go to work for me, do my job and send me home the pay cheque ;-)

If you find one of those before I do, let me know. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[vollmond]

I can see it now:

Clock: "Traffic all clear - sleep til 7"
Everyone wakes up at 7, and gets stuck in traffic.

[schmelvin]

Uh Oh! You may have just hit on a major potential glitch in the system. Now, they'll have to come up with a program that wakes people in the same commute area at different intervals and in a rotating fashion: eg. you got to sleep in yesterday so I get to sleep in today. Then there's the additional complication of who takes 45 minutes just to apply their lipstick, and who takes a 1 minute shower, dresses then walks out the door, etc. Then again, this latter aspect could be what might make the system work after all.