Sony may get into the fray

polo_pro · 01-02-2007, 12:13 PM

http://www.newscientisttech.com/arti...ts-segway.html

Sal · 01-02-2007, 01:39 PM

The description of how the device works doesn't really bode for any sort of stability. This is a device that is essentially a non tandem skateboard, which is purely recreational.

According to the description, if the sensors measure the pressure reading to tell the motors to be idle, then this beast is obviously not stabilizing the rider.

Fun, maybe...

-Sal

Desert_Seg · 01-02-2007, 02:38 PM

Interesting concept but if the Segway is "hard" to drive and "unsafe" what will a skateboard version be?

Steven

BillPaxton · 01-02-2007, 02:42 PM

my firewall is preventing my from looking at the pictures of it - any chance one of you can screen cap it and post it?

Cody2526 · 01-02-2007, 06:33 PM

Doesn't look stable.

Whats a skateboards with 2 wheels that you put pressure on pads to use going to be called if most places consider the Segway as a sor tof out of control scooter that'll topple and go insane any second?

Doesn't seem very stable, balance is already a major issue, with nothing to lean or grab onto, it's not going to work very well.

Tarkus · 01-02-2007, 08:09 PM

Looks cool, fits the Ipod era and Sony would know how to market it to the young crowd at a sell-able price point.

It could be a big seller with the X-TREEM crowd.

But now we are talking apples and oranges, the two products have nothing in common.

It would sell great, remember those that will buy one wouldn't care about being thrown off the streets, they are already used to that treatment.

Be Big,
Alan

Timezkware Tim · 01-02-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillPaxton

my firewall is preventing my from looking at the pictures of it - any chance one of you can screen cap it and post it?

Invention: Skateboard meets Segway

15:46 02 January 2007
NewScientist.com news service
Barry Fox

Tools

Enlarge image
Each wheel of the skateboards in Sony's patent have their own motor

Web Links

<LI class=rhspacer>Sony <LI class=rhspacer>Rafael Armament
US Government Department of Energy

http://adserver.adtech.de/?adserv|2....43024;loc=300;

Patents reveal that Sony hopes to compete with the Segway Human Transporter. Whether Sony’s new motor-powered, balance-steered skateboard will be easier to ride remains to be seen.
The new board has two large wheels, one at either side of a flat platform. Each wheel is powered by a separate electric motor.
The platform has four pressure sensors, one at each corner. When the rider stands upright in the middle of the board, all four sensors return the same reading and both motors are idle. When the rider leans forward slightly the front sensors start both motors running forward at the same speed; leaning to one side makes one wheel run faster to steer round a corner; leaning back runs the contraption backwards.
Learners or sissies can use a modified board with three or four wheels for more stability. Braver folk can use two separate boards – one for each foot, like powered roller skates.
Read Sony's full skateboard patent application.

BillPaxton · 01-02-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timezkware Tim

Invention: Skateboard meets Segway

15:46 02 January 2007
NewScientist.com news service
Barry Fox

Tools

Enlarge image
Each wheel of the skateboards in Sony's patent have their own motor

Web Links

<LI class=rhspacer>Sony <LI class=rhspacer>Rafael Armament
US Government Department of Energy

http://adserver.adtech.de/?adserv|2....43024;loc=300;

Patents reveal that Sony hopes to compete with the Segway Human Transporter. Whether Sony’s new motor-powered, balance-steered skateboard will be easier to ride remains to be seen.
The new board has two large wheels, one at either side of a flat platform. Each wheel is powered by a separate electric motor.
The platform has four pressure sensors, one at each corner. When the rider stands upright in the middle of the board, all four sensors return the same reading and both motors are idle. When the rider leans forward slightly the front sensors start both motors running forward at the same speed; leaning to one side makes one wheel run faster to steer round a corner; leaning back runs the contraption backwards.
Learners or sissies can use a modified board with three or four wheels for more stability. Braver folk can use two separate boards – one for each foot, like powered roller skates.
Read Sony's full skateboard patent application.

That was awesome - thanks Tim. Tried to give you creds but apparently I need to spread the love before I can do that again! I appreciate it - damned corporate laptop!

Happy New Year
+B

sombody · 01-03-2007, 08:37 AM

Well for everyone itching for more speed - here it is. I think DEKA knew the non tandem set up just cant safely go faster than 12 +

I expect even faster stuff will come eventually.
Not talking on your cell would be advised and drinking your Starbucks out of the question

I think Segway will even eventually develop somthing with out the Cs (called the sissy stick by the street luge riders) It might not even be called Segway

rick

Timezkware Tim · 01-03-2007, 03:55 PM

Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product.

I wonder how it will work going uphill?

I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol.

Tim

01-02-2007, 12:13 PM	#1
polo_pro Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA. Posts: 2,608	Sony may get into the fray http://www.newscientisttech.com/arti...ts-segway.html

01-02-2007, 02:42 PM	#4
BillPaxton Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 581	my firewall is preventing my from looking at the pictures of it - any chance one of you can screen cap it and post it? __________________ Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. ~Ernest Hemingway

01-02-2007, 06:33 PM	#5
Cody2526 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 91	Doesn't look stable. Whats a skateboards with 2 wheels that you put pressure on pads to use going to be called if most places consider the Segway as a sor tof out of control scooter that'll topple and go insane any second? Doesn't seem very stable, balance is already a major issue, with nothing to lean or grab onto, it's not going to work very well. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-02-2007, 08:09 PM	#6
Tarkus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL/ Mantoloking NJ Posts: 2,081	Looks Great..... Looks cool, fits the Ipod era and Sony would know how to market it to the young crowd at a sell-able price point. It could be a big seller with the X-TREEM crowd. But now we are talking apples and oranges, the two products have nothing in common. It would sell great, remember those that will buy one wouldn't care about being thrown off the streets, they are already used to that treatment. Be Big, Alan __________________ *************************************** Messages from Alan Maccini and are produced utilizing voice recognition software. We apologize for any errors . To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-03-2007, 08:37 AM	#9
sombody Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif, USA. Posts: 202	Speed freaks Well for everyone itching for more speed - here it is. I think DEKA knew the non tandem set up just cant safely go faster than 12 + I expect even faster stuff will come eventually. Not talking on your cell would be advised and drinking your Starbucks out of the question I think Segway will even eventually develop somthing with out the Cs (called the sissy stick by the street luge riders) It might not even be called Segway rick

01-02-2007, 01:39 PM	#2
Sal Enjoys a well balanced glide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,422	The description of how the device works doesn't really bode for any sort of stability. This is a device that is essentially a non tandem skateboard, which is purely recreational. According to the description, if the sensors measure the pressure reading to tell the motors to be idle, then this beast is obviously not stabilizing the rider. Fun, maybe... -Sal

01-02-2007, 02:38 PM	#3
Desert_Seg Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Posts: 2,533	Interesting concept but if the Segway is "hard" to drive and "unsafe" what will a skateboard version be? Steven

01-03-2007, 03:55 PM	#10
Timezkware Tim Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 941	Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product. I wonder how it will work going uphill? I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol. Tim

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