Glamdring: The magic night light

Kids love technology and think science is cool, but they are also full of wonder from unknowns while they learn about the world. As our houses become smarter why shouldn't they include some of the subtle magic shared among families? As young people grow the devices of their childhood can also be valuable learning tools.

====== What does our device do? ======

Glamdring starts as a magic nightlight. A combination of modern technology and ancient master-wizard approved enchantments. Using a programmable RGB LCD it’s able to glow different colors based on either the “detection” of nearby magical creatures like goblins hiding in the closet, fairies under pillows, flying reindeer on the roof, or through an app on a parent’s smartphone. As time goes on Glamdring can evolve towards a hackable learning tool.

====== How is the device used? ======

There are 3 basic parts to Glamdring. The first is the physical nightlight, which includes RGB LCD so it can change to be many colors, a direct plug into any regular wall outlet, and bluetooth capability. Each light also includes a short alphanumeric identifier code on it. The default color is a gentle red hue, proven to help people sleep. This can be used to prove to kids that there are no goblins, orcs, or monsters in the area hiding, or that some other mystical creature has recently visited the home.

The second is a smartphone app which can control the nightlight. After connecting to the light, simply click an already made creature tab to make it the light’s last “detection”. Or use the “New Creature” button, name it, and choose a color. An adult can also choose what time they want a detection to occur.

The last part is a web portal where families can easily enter the identifier code. The website will show recent detections from their nightlight. This also includes statistics like number days without monsters under the bed or time of next expected reindeer landing. This portal also includes access to simple programming tools to teach the basics of logic and code through interaction with the light. This will allow the device to be used in a meaningful way, even after a child has outgrown the need for a nightlight.

====== Why is it called Glamdring? ======

A better name that portrays what the device is should be used in commercial settings. Otherwise, Glamdring will be used. Glamdring is the name of the sword which Gandalf finds in the troll cave during The Hobbit. It was forged by elves for Turgon, the King of Gondolin during the First Age. As such it has the special properties to glow blue when dangerous Orcs are nearby. This was partially the inspiration for this product.

The other inspiration came from working as an overnight camp counselor. One of my 9-year-old campers was a victim child abuse years earlier and needed to sleep with a nightlight. He would often wake me up in the middle of the night and ask if everything was okay and safe in the cabin. He just needed simple reassurance. I feel if he had some kind of sign he could see from his bed, the color of a nightlight for example, it would make his nights easier.