Ollie Jones

[oliverj777]

Is It Viable - Component List

I need to conduct research on the parts required in order to make this product complete, and working. This excludes the physical metal frame of the box. I am solely looking at the technical components needed:

SafeBox

GPS Module

Thumb Scanner

CPU

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Cellular Communicator

Pebble (x4)

Bluetooth Communicator

Motion Sensor

Rechargeable Button Battery

After looking around on component websites, there was a huge range of prices for the same item.

GPS Module - £15 / £40

Thumb Scanner - £19 / £42

CPU - £40 / £50

Rechargeable Battery Pack - £10 / £15

Cellular Communicator (GSM) - £17 / £50

Bluetooth - £3 / £20 (x4)

Motion Sensor (Accel) - £4 / £16 (x4)

Rechargeable Button Battery - £2 / £8 (x4)

That comes to a range total of ~£137 and ~£373. Now firstly, this does not include any bulk discount. If I were to order the components in bulk, it would hugely decrease the overall cost.

Also, these are modules. Which means they're what you add on top of an already built computer system / micro system. In other words, these are 'mock/draft' components which are used for when building a prototype system. Once the prototype is complete, you send it off for the computer circuit to be mass produced. Again, hugely decreasing the cost of components. Although, prototyping is going to be the first step in developing this product, so I will need to take these costs into account.

[oliverj777]

Branding - Defining My Brand

In order to progress on my brand and branding, I've highlighted keywords that I've used within my SWOT analysis within my Strengths:

Modern

Security

SafeBox

Innovative / Intuitive

Protection

Smart

Intelligent

I want to somehow use these keywords within my branding in order to help highlight the values within this product, in order to activity promote through a marketing and corporate identity.

A brand is a set of perceptions and associations in peoples minds. Branding is an attempt to harness, generate, influence and control these associations to help a business perform better.

Defining My Brand

The Big Idea

Through the use of modern technology and innovative research and development, to be able to take out of date products, such as the Safe, and to modernise it for 21st Century compatibility.

Values

The importance of protecting everyday people's personal belongings in a modern, intelligent way, through a high quality, innovative and sophisticated, unique way. The company itself will stride for fairness, passion and teamwork throughout ever individual member of the company.

Vision

Hope to grow and expand for the addition of newer models, and an increased product range. To be able to expand internationally.

Personality

Modern, sleek new look to highlight the fact that we're 'recreating' upon an already developed concept. We're simply remastering it for 21st Century people.

[oliverj777]

Company & The Mission

Technology is changing all around us, all the time. In order to continue to thrive as a business over the years, we must look ahead, and understand the trends, forces and research development that will shape our business in the future and to quickly react to what's to come.

We must get ready for tomorrow today. That's what our future vision is all about. It creates a long-term destination for our business and provides us with a successful direction.

Our Mission

To take modern technology, and build upon it to transform an 'out-dated' product into a new intelligent, 21st Century product.

This starts with security, and the development of the SafeBox.

This in turn, is to inspire other movements across the company in order to ensure maximum intelligent modernisation for 21st Century product compatibility.

To modernise and revolutionise unfashionable and near obsolete products, starting with the Safe/Secure Box.

Our Customers & Location (Unfinished)

[oliverj777]

Summary of Business Idea

SafeBox is an intelligent, modern security lock box that is both portable and secure. The box uses advanced technologies in order to modernise the current '17th century' lockbox/safe that it currently being manufactured today for consumers.

The SafeBox uses a biometric thumb scanner to open and gain access to the items within. The box is light, and small enough to carry around in suitcases, bags, and any other types of personal carriers when on foot.

When the user is stationary (in an office, or workplace), the user can then store the SafeBox somewhere, with full satisfaction that their items are protected. The SafeBox has a built in GPS module for tracking, and a direct connection to the users SmartPhone via the App. The user has the ability to check upon the status of the SafeBox when out, view on map, and even open up a two way communication between the App, and SafeBox.

When the SafeBox detects movement, or unauthorised access, the user is instantly notified via the App. The user is then given a few choices from call the Police, to trace, to sound alarm (deterrent system) that is built within the SafeBox.

The SafeBox also contains 4 rechargeable, wireless motion sensors, called a 'Pebble'. These allow the user to add additional protection, and monitoring by placing a Pebble on other personal items, such as a bag that has been left in the office too.

As soon as the Pebble's detect movement, it will alert the SafeBox, which will in turn alert the users App, again prompting the user a choice of action.

The SafeBox has a reclinable secure wire that allows users to tie the box around a solid structure (same idea behind the Laptop lock-n-key cable), for added protection against thieves. 

The SafeBox also has a mantle bracket which allows the user to store and lock the box onto in a secure manor when not in use. This will also charge the SafeBox ready for portable usage again.

Customers can range from travelling businessmen who are continuously on foot, moving with vulnerable items always being carried around with them such as travel money, documents and business NDAs, all the way to people who simple want to lock their goods away in the corner of their room.

[oliverj777]

SWOT Analysis

Below is the SWOT analysis I have conducted on my SafeBox product. My weaknesses and threats worry me about my product idea.

Detailed SWOT Description

Strengths:

After conducting market research, it has become quite apparent that no other product like the SafeBox actually exists, meaning that there is an existing gap within the current market in which I can potentially release this product into.

The reason for this maybe because the product is innovative, as it's turning a 17th century product, into a modern one by using today's technology advancements, and turning it into a Smart SafeBox. With this, we are increasing general protection of personal items through a sophisticated, yet simple-to-use system.

Weaknesses:

In order to get to a finished product, a lot of technical research and development will be required in order for a successful product. It's using a lot of complex technologies such as biometric scanners, cellular communication systems as well as GPS modules and rechargeable wireless motion sensors, let alone the actual physical strongbox unit itself. With that in mind, product time and costs will also be fairly high.

The Pebbles does not/can not have a GPS module, meaning that it will only notify the user that their personal items are being moved, and theres no way for the user to track it, or do anything about it. Only the box itself has a GPS module - if that gets taken, user can possibly track.

The entire system also runs on rechargeable batteries, which means at some point during its usage, it will need a recharge. If the box is locked, and the batteries die, there is no way to 'manually' open the box (battery is not accessible from the outside) unless the box is sent back to our HQ where we can conduct a manual override.

Opportunities:

As technology is always advancing, this can lead to increased innovative, and enhancing technologies to use within the SafeBox. This can also lead to GPS modules being used within the Pebbles.

If product is successful, this could lead to more models of the SafeBox being made. Currently, the box is designed to be carried around and be portable. We could manufacture different sizes of the Safe, also have a more sophisticated system put in place for higher range, more expensive models.

Threats:

As the SafeBox heavily utilises technology, there will always be away for someone to find a vulnerability within the system, which can lead to hacks, and breaches. This is something that will always exist, no matter how complex the system is. Vulnerabilities will always exist within technology.

If the SafeBox is not marketed correctly, or competition markets against the SafeBox, it can be seen as a gimmick. Something that could crush the product if not done correctly. 

[oliverj777]

Safe Box Example

Below is an example how the Safe Box will work. Okay so let's say you just walked into your office. You pull the Safe Box out of your bag, and place in all your important documents. You also take out a pebble from the box, and place it on top of your bag within the corner of the room, you might also place another pebble on your office door. And now you leave the room, and building for lunch.

If anyone even opens your door, the pebble sensor will pick it up, and will notify the user's smartphone, same for the bag you left in the corner.

Once you've been notified on the app, you have a choice of four:

Call the police (and give GPS tracker coms).

Activate deterrent alarm on SafeBox.

Open up a 2-way communication between the app and box.

Ignore.

The user can even go into the app and see real time GPS location of the box, and the status of each Pebble, and the Safe Box.

[oliverj777]

Safe Box

[oliverj777]

Safe Box

[oliverj777]

Safe Box + Pebble

After much consideration and change of mind, I've finally thought of a pretty solid product idea for my pitch.

I'm calling it 'Safe Box - Secure and monitor your values'. It's basically a secure lock box that uses a biometric scanner to gain access. It's light and portable, so the Safe Box can be carried around, and placed anywhere.

The box is synced to the users smartphone and will notify the user when the box has been moved or compromised. It has a built in GPS and cellular system for tracking and communication. It also has a built in deterrent and communication system for a 2-way call to and from the users smart phone, to the box. The box itself is solid steel, and has a 2 way slot and lock mechanism.

The box also contains 4 'Pebble' rechargeable sensors. These are motion sensors that will detect movement. It will then communicate back to the Safe Box, which will in turn, notify the user's smartphone. The pebbles are stored within the Safe Box in a charging unit when not being used.

More to come regarding the 'Peddle'...

[oliverj777]

Belbin's Test Type

After conducting a Belbin's Team Test on myself, it concluded that I am a 'Plant'.

Plant

The plant is concerned with putting forward ideas and strategies for achieving the objectives adopted by the group. Performance of this role requires creativity, imagination and innovation. 

[oliverj777]

Final Year Project Proposal

 For my final year project, I hope to work with virtual reality technology in order to establish an interface between the user and the virtual world environment, as well as monitor the user’s input and output for which the virtual world will be affected/have influence on.

 Technologies that will be used include:

Oculus Rift

Arduino

Unity3D

Game Technology

Gesture Control

By using the Arduino, I am able to get input and output values from the real world, and have it communicating to Unity3D, which will in turn; change something running within the Unity application.

 The Oculus Rift maybe used so the user will get the experience of feeling as if he or she is within the actual game/application.

 Outside, physical sensors will affect the running application within Unity, making the game/application feel more genuine and authentic, allowing the users experience feel less synthetic. These sensors may be placed on the user themselves. This allows me to tap into biometric values, such as the heart rate, which again could affect the overall experience of the application/game.

 Gesture control from the user will also be of value to my project, again most likely using the Arduino as the interface platform. Gesture control meaning that the user will have the opportunity to interact with something virtual through the illusion of transcendence.

 Objects within the physical environment will also be affected or used for simulation. For example, lights, or a fan maybe used in order to give the user a higher sense of depth within the virtual world.

 As I am monitoring the users input, I can take this information and have it change/affect something not only within the virtual world, but also change/affect something within the physical world in which the user is present in.

 Maybe I can take this a step further, and have it communicate to another mediums, such as cyberspace. This includes such platforms as the Internet. This could include multiple communications to and from social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. This system could also be used vise versa, maybe a tweet could affect the users physical world within my project environment, which in-turn will affect the virtual world the user is currently experiencing.

[oliverj777]

Final Year Project Ideas

For my course, I have to produce a Final Year Project (BSc) to reflect on all my modules. The aim is to develop a significant creative and experimental interface multimedia project, within a critical, theoretical, cultural, industrial and business-oriented context.

With that in mind, my area of interest is based around:

Virtual reality

Augmented reality

Game technology,

User input and output.

Ideally, it has to be closely related to dissertation which is fine for me as my dissertation is based around the digital interface between the physical and virtual. Or maybe the communication and interface between people and technology.

[oliverj777]

Idea 1 - Refined

Okay, so I still like the idea of 'Security', or for that matter 'Personal Security' that is still controlled and monitored by your smartphone.

Maybe some kind of safe that sends you notifications if it's been compromised, and a 24/7 monitoring system, no matter where you are in the world.

It could be a small, personal safe that you can carry about the, maybe leave in your office draw, and you don't have to worry about it again. It will monitor any activity when you're out of the room and will notify you.

More research to come.

[oliverj777]

Venture Culture - Idea 1

I want to do something with security and home automation all combined in a smart app for a phone.

I was thinking an app that pretty much controls your house, from activating the security system, to turning on the heating, no matter where you are in the world.

Some systems are already in place for each subcategory, such as Yale the security firm have an app that allows users to view their CCTV cameras anywhere in the world, and activate/deactivate their alarm systems.

A couple of gas companies have a system that allows the user to control the heating via a smart controller within the house, you can get adaptations that allow you to control it via a smartphone.

Big companies like Google and Luceant are becoming the big leaders in home automation systems which are controlled by smartphones.

My idea was to take all these systems and combine them into one app. So a user can control his or her heating, security, smart lights, etc all through this app.

The only issue I'm worried about is accessing already made appliances installed within someones house. Eg, if someone has a Smart Yale CCTV security system installed, how would my app intercept the security feed of that? I'm pretty sure that Yale will have a counter system that will prevent 3rd parties from gaining access to there security systems. Also, it wouldn't be very feasible or practice for the users to change their system(s) completely to benefit from my app compatibility.

Some systems do allow 3rd parties to gain access, such as the HUE light from Philiphs, that allows users to control the light colour/brightness via their smartphone. They have a developer portal which allow other developers to control these lights.

[oliverj777]

Venture Culture - Business Pitch

For venture culture, we were told to present a solo business pitch with a USP (Unique Selling Point). We only have 2 minutes to present, and within that time we're suppose to demonstrate what the product/service is, why it's unique and what is required for the product/service to start-up.

Time to start jotting down ideas!

[oliverj777]

Game - Mockup Scene [Update]

I've been messing around further with my mock up game scene, and I think I've almost established our game art.

It looks very 'dreamy' and bright, not sure if thats good or bad for the game yet. I would like to put some more contrast within, and maybe some abstract textures within the models (maybe like brush strokes to make it less artificial).

[oliverj777]

Game - Mockup Scene

Okay, so I built a quick mockup scene within Maya, and exported it into Unity. I've been messing around with post rendering effects for the camera, and a colour scheme, as well as the scene layout itself. Here is what I came up with:

So as you can see, this is running at real time, without any frame rate drops. It's looking almost majestic (which is the point). Although I might add more dark contrast into the factor. (Also need to fix the sun flickering every time I move).