I have two things (so far) on my list of “Super Awesome Duper Killer Computer Imagination” products.
1. Bicycle Powermeter. A powermeter is comprised of two parts: one is a torque sensor that attaches to the bicycle somehow, and a computer. The computer takes a reading of the torque data and does some magic on the data to provide the rider with a display of their instantaneous power output. If you’ve ridden a bicycle around Bloomington, ever, you know that your speed will vary dramatically as you go up and down hills. However, if you are riding with a powermeter, you can keep your power output constant, and do the same amount of work regardless of the terrain, wind, or other factors. This allows the cyclist to pedal more efficiently.
The powermeter has completely revolutionized the way that cyclists both train and race. It gives the cyclists a readout of exactly how hard they are working at a given moment, which can be used to judge progress in training sessions, determine the intensity of specific training intervals, or to control one’s pace during a long race. Before the invention of the powermeter, people only had their heart rate and their “Rate of Perceived Exertion” against which to measure themselves.
In short, the “computer imagination” of measuring the power output of a cyclist has transformed the way bicycles are ridden at the competitive level.
2. Instantaneous Gas Mileage Display. Many modern cars, most noticeably the Toyota Prius, now come with computer devices that display a car’s instantaneous gas mileage. In the past, even the most environmentally well-minded driver had no idea if her slow acceleration was really saving her gas, or if his coasting the last mile to the stop sign was actually doing anything for his performance. Now, drivers of the Prius and other cars can know exactly and instantaneously what drving habits result in good gas mileage, and what habits result in bad mileage.
It’s no coincidence that many so-called “hypermilers” drive cars that offer instantaneous mileage displays like the Prius (though many of these “hypermilers” are hippies like me and are bent on saving the earth regardless of what car they drive). It’s also no coincidence that Prius drivers almost always improve their fuel economy after driving their car for just a few weeks, due to their ability to instantaneously recognize their good and bad driving habits. Before instantaneous mileage displays, this process would often take months or even years of filling up the tank, checking the MPG, calculating the percentage of city/highway miles, remembering the one crazy-fast drive to the store that ate 1/8 of a tank, etc.
In short, the “computer imagination” of the instantaneous gas mileage display has not only profoundly effected our driving habits, but it has also undoubtedly improved fuel efficiency, the environment, and reduced our dependence on foreign oil as well.
