We love the Internet, but we are definitely guilty of losing track of the time we spend traipsing around our virtual haunts. This project will not only remind you to get out and exercise, it will cripple your digital experience if you don’t heed its colorful warning.
[Janko Hofmann] calls it the Personal Energy Orb. It’s really just an Arduino and an RGB LED. But as with most creations, the idea is what makes it great. The orb has a dock next to your computer. It tracks how much time you spend online, changing colors as you rack up the hours. If you don’t heed the warning signs of overuse it will even start to slow down your mouse cursor. But never fear. Full functionality can be restored by topping off your personal energy. As you can see above, there’s also a docking station on [Janko’s] bicycle. The orb monitors your mileage, moving out of the red zone so that your computer will be unencumbered the next time you sit down for a long session of flash games. Don’t miss his video presentation embedded after the break.
I like the idea, but I don’t have the courage and will to not disable the system :)
Likewise.
Also, I hope when you dock it to the bike it will pull the records then and there. I wouldn’t want that thing hanging off the bike as I rode it.
Yeah, I’d just get super lazy and start using the terminal or keyboard shortcuts for everything (such as: Win-R, taskkill /im python.exe , Win-R, control , turn up mouse speed :) ). Cool idea though. I agree with draeath – for a real product, I’d want something like a small key fob that stays in my pocket while I ride.
This won’t work because you’ll seek a way to disable/bypass it. If motivation to get things done doesn’t come from yourself no device will help you.
I already have something resembling an orb at my midrift that reminds me I’m not exercising enough.
…but does it emit photons? :D
Through the backside probably.
Now that I saw your comments, I thought I’d stop by to share that “PEO” (probable acronym for Personal Energy Orb) is a Spanish conjugation for farting.
Anyone else reminded of this ?
“Risk is our business. That’s what this starship is all about. That’s why we’re aboard her.”
No thanks, I have a wife. She definitely reminds me when I’ve been sitting around too long. She turns red as well, but also comes with sound effects.
The dock and the wiring both look as fragile as a snowball in summer. If you tie this to blood sugar you got something.
Nice, but just an aesthetic quibble, not an LED orb but an old fashioned voltmeter, now that would be cool.
I love the idea. Sounds like a great way to remind yourself its time to get out. Doesn’t everyone get distracted online? Between facebook, hackaday and… other pursuits. I hope this ends up on kickstarter.
For me i think this doesnt work, not pratical, etc.. But some kind of physical device or even a program that reminds you of breaking for 5-10min after 2h of continuous computing would be nice.. It could have some flashing light or whatever that draws your attention without the need of keeping an eye on the watch and checking how long you are sitting there.. The possibility to drift 5min would be a plus..