RFID comes from Radio-Frequency Identification method which uses RFID small devices called tags integrated into objects, animals or persons to become easier to identify from several meters away via radio waves.
These tags consist of an integrated circuit which stores and processes the data and n antenna that acts as a receiver/transmitter for the signal.

There is also the chipless RFID version that is more advanced and is used for identification purposes with tags, but that doesn’t need an integrated circuit.
In this case, the tags are printed directly onto assets and the costs are lower compared with the first type.
People use this RFID technology in the enterprise supply chain management for efficient inventory tracking.

The same technology based on radio waves is adopted by Cuppa, a smart PC concept designed to connect the user in his home to the other devices around, like for example a TV.
It integrates a short range and a long range RFID adapter which allows it to extend the TV display into Cuppa’s screen so the user can scan the information while multi tasking.



The PC concept is optimized for socializing and is a good replacement for your mobile phone and other portable devices with small screens and keyboards, or your desktop PC which can’t be moved around your house.

Focused only on portability and social networking concepts, the designer wanted to free its computer from operating systems or complicated hardware that require updates and a good knowledge base for learning how to use them, and so he kept the basic elements of a device meant to link the person in front of it to the rest of the social communities’ members: an ergonomic keyboard with function keys showing names to be easier to use, with the possibility to contract into the Cuppa’s body for better portability, and a high-definition display capable to interface with multiple monitors.

The entire computer would measure 266 mm wide, 111 mm deep with 20 mm thickness, while the home server can be built into the existing Windows Home servers.
All the information would be stored on the Windows Live service and this would allow for it to be organized easier, while the user could stay in touch with friends, upload pictures and post to Life Blogs.

As you can see in the pictures, in the left of the keyboard, Cuppa has he RFID reader, and on the right it integrates an OLED display which shows friends updates and gives access to Instant Messenger.



On the scheme you can see the general view of the network: first is the Cuppa computer, then come the sensors that connect to the home server, and this makes the link to the online social space.
A Cuppa sensor can be in the form of a sticker, hidden on any device, from which some would need an extra connector for streaming data.

If you would have a Cuppa, you could for example get fliers with embedded Cuppa Chips that can be read by the computer to show you the information on it on the TV in the living room.
Sometimes you could take pictures in your trips and capture some great funny moments, and when you get back home you place the digital camera onto the Cuppa sensor to automatically upload the data on it, from the Wi-Fi SD card.

Another capability is to detect automatically when another Cuppa is around, and you would know it by seeing a very limited striped interface in the right of this computer.



If we take a look at the manufacturing and use aspects, we can distinguish several facts that suggest environmentally awareness.
For example, storing the information in external data houses would make only the right resources to be utilized, as there are places with renewable energy, while the other devices can be switched On/Off as Cuppa can be set to turn them to hibernate if the user leaves room.

It requires little thermal cooling because it doesn’t use much processing, and it integrates a Solid State Drive storage option to eliminate noise.

Well, this is it! Check back later or "Get email delivery" (from the side bar) to read about the next PC design concept that will be even more spectacular, but don’t forget to leave us a line with your impression about Cuppa concept.