Imagined in the 2000s

A small prize. A robot that samples the seas of distant moons gathers knowledge, which is valuable but which nobody buys as a product.

Who is paid. The findings cannot be charged for, so a government pays, and the builders that already hold science contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny probe sent to another star brings back knowledge, with nothing to sell from it.

Who is paid. Nobody could be charged for such a mission, so a government pays the probe builders that already hold such contracts.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An aircraft for the skies of a giant planet serves a few expeditions, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it like other working gear, and established aircraft builders could all make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A pedal flyer for sport where things weigh little is a pastime for settlers on the Moon.

Who is paid. Settlers buy it for themselves, and a light pedal machine is something many workshops could make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An assistant that answers any soldier's question would change how an army trains and fights.

Who is paid. The army pays, and once such assistants exist the firms that already hold its supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike other worn computers, a private display in front of the eyes could replace most other screens, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since rivals can copy the design, the firms that already own gadget factories, shops and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Choosing and dismissing staff by software would change the cost of running every large employer.

Who is paid. Employers pay, the software is easy to copy, and firms that already hold companies' staff records collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway, and I judged the folding rather than the pocket computer itself.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A program that manages a shop or restaurant by itself removes the cost of managers across retail and food service.

Who is paid. The shop owners buy it, and management software is assumed easy for many firms to write, so the shops keep the saving.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Moving things on a big screen with gloved hands is a showy way to sort information and no faster than simpler tools.

Who is paid. Police and other offices would buy it, and many firms can make the gloves and screen, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Software that sets shifts so staff never meet is a narrow management tool.

Who is paid. Employers buy it, and any software firm can write a scheduling program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A handheld slate for looking anything up, which I assume draws on a network, is the pocket computer under another name and changes how most people find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A tool that models genes and proteins well would cut the cost and time of finding new medicines.

Who is paid. Drug and farming firms buy it, and I assume the methods spread among those who build such tools, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A wireless slate worked by touch is a networked computer in the hand, which I assume is of broad use, and that changes how most people talk, shop, work and find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A stand-in that speaks for a state saves envoys' travel but serves very few buyers.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and once thinking machines exist such an envoy is easy to set up, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Storing data atom by atom would shrink the cost of keeping records for every firm that holds them.

Who is paid. Firms that store data buy it, the way of making it is assumed to be copied in time, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer its orders is a convenience and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an accessory to machines they already own, and any electronics firm can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. The densest computer that matter allows would change the cost of all computing.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to make such matter in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding or bending is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A mind copied from a crustacean is far short of a person's and is assumed useful only for narrow control jobs.

Who is paid. Firms would buy it for such jobs, and once one nervous system had been copied I assume others could do the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Rebuilding pages from scraps serves a few libraries, archives and investigators.

Who is paid. Those bodies pay, and cameras and matching software are easy to assemble, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that pulls books apart to copy their pages serves libraries and archives, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Libraries and firms that copy books buy it, and it is ordinary cutting and scanning machinery.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to type or point is a convenience, since keyboards and screens already do the job.

Who is paid. Ordinary people get it inside gadgets they buy, and it is easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Legal work done by machine would cut the cost of contracts, disputes and advice across the whole legal trade.

Who is paid. A person in trouble with the law is assumed to buy this one, unlike the firms assumed for other legal machines, and once machines can do legal work many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Copying papers with a pass of the hand is a convenience, and few would have an implant for it.

Who is paid. A few people would buy the implant, and many gadget firms could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer commands is a convenience for most users and a real help for a few.

Who is paid. Ordinary users buy it as an add-on, and many gadget firms can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. These are thieves' tricks for stealing game goods, a hazard to players and not something that may lawfully be sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A simulated world with lifelike touch is an entertainment and training industry of its own, of which raising a pretend infant is one use.

Who is paid. People pay for it as they pay for games and films, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular worlds and stories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hiding one's tracks matters greatly to a few people and little to most, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. The few who want it get it themselves, and such software is freely copied and often given away, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A slate that both takes and shows pictures is a handy camera and album in one.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and it is assumed to be ordinary camera and screen work that many firms can do.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hiding one's tracks matters greatly to a few people and little to most, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. The few who want it get it themselves, and such software is freely copied and often given away, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer for every pupil changes how schools teach and what schooling costs, and the locks are a detail added to it.

Who is paid. Schools pay from public money, and since it is easy to make, the computer firms that already hold school supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike a simple screen on work headgear, glasses that lay information over everything the wearer sees could become an everyday thing for many people.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since the optics can be copied the firms that already own the software and services the glasses show collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it inside their gadgets, and the firms that already make and sell screens and pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A bendable sheet that shows updating news is a nicer way to read what a handheld screen already shows.

Who is paid. Readers buy it, the sheet can be copied, and the display makers with the factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A picture with depth that you can step into, here used for family recordings, would replace flat screens for home viewing.

Who is paid. Households buy it, the design can be copied, and the existing screen makers, who own the factories and brands, collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A worldwide network linking every person and machine changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Ordinary people and firms pay for access; the methods are open, so those who own the cables and exchanges collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike a plain sign, a display that knows each passer-by and pitches to them personally would change what public advertising is worth.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay; the screens are easy to copy, so those who already hold the sites and the records about people collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A throwaway sheet that shows a message is a convenience where paper or a screen would also do.

Who is paid. Unlike a lasting electronic newspaper, this is cheap and disposable by design, so many firms make it and none keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A picture with depth on a cover is decoration, unlike a full display with depth.

Who is paid. Publishers and packagers would buy it to dress up a cover, and once thin electronic paper exists many printers could supply it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A chip that makes a book pitch itself from the shelf is one more way to advertise.

Who is paid. Publishers pay to put the chip in their own books, and since the chip is the thing sold and is cheap and simple to copy, no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny camera that follows and films you is a gadget for hobbyists and people who film themselves.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves and many electronics firms could make small flying cameras, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A phone inside the body that is never lost or left behind would be worth an industry, though surgery would put many people off.

Who is paid. Assuming it is a phone and not only an ear radio, people buy it for themselves, the device can be copied, and the firms that own the phone networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is a creature's nature or a state of mind, not something made and sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A forum where specialists answer questions is a handy service for those with a question, not a need.

Who is paid. People with questions pay or are shown advertisements, and the forum that already has the specialists gathered is hard to copy because the experts go where the askers are.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Every library book in one searchable collection would be worth an industry to readers and researchers.

Who is paid. Assuming readers pay by fee or subscription as for any library of digital books, the paper copies are destroyed in the scanning, so whoever holds the only complete collection has what nobody else can get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Adverts thrown into people's path are one more way to advertise, not a new need.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, the projector is easy to copy and nobody owns the open air it shines into, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Shielding yourself from pestering adverts is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it and many firms could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Keeping a call private matters to a narrow set of users with secrets worth guarding.

Who is paid. Firms with secrets buy it, and since the method of garbling speech is well known and easy to copy, no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A hidden network serves the few who must work out of sight, here criminals and hostile groups, though the law forbids it.

Who is paid. Assuming the groups that use it pay for access, anyone with the know-how can set up a hidden network and the law pursues whoever runs it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A paper-thin pad that stores and shows information is the handheld screen at the centre of personal devices, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, the design can be copied, and the electronics firms with the factories and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Information laid over what you see would change many jobs and daily errands; I judged the promise, which is larger than what has been sold.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it; the glasses can be copied, so the firms that already hold the software and the information shown collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A game of pretend spying in real streets is an amusement for the people who like that sort of play.

Who is paid. Players pay to join, and since the description does not say the game needs a single shared crowd, I assume any organiser could run one like it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Small printed pictures that seem to move are a novelty.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them and any printer could make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A skin patch that swaps information with nearby devices is a convenience next to a card or a phone.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves and thin printed electronics can be made by many firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Calls that reveal any eavesdropping matter greatly to a few callers with secrets and little to everyone else.

Who is paid. Firms and officials with secrets pay extra for it, the method comes from known physics that others could use, and the firms that own the phone networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Flying adverts are a new way to reach passers-by, a niche within advertising.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, and once such fliers exist many firms could breed or build them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A spare body that takes a copy of its owner would let most people be in several places at once for work and errands.

Who is paid. People buy the blanks for themselves, and assuming others could learn to make them the large makers with factories and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A humanlike robot that is also its owner's computer is judged as a companion and helper, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Expert care for children at home would be worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that mixes and serves drinks takes over a single job in the bar trade, a convenience and not a whole premises run with no staff.

Who is paid. Bar owners buy it, and a drink-mixing machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Serving guests with no staff would change the costs of the whole trade.

Who is paid. Hotel operators buy the machinery, and since many could build it the established makers that already equip and service such buildings collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives only the human form, so it is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A conveyor that carries samples between stations saves laboratory staff some time, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Laboratories buy it, and many makers can build such a track, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A made body that a stored person can be loaded into would let people outlive their first body, which changes how most people live; it is assumed the loading works.

Who is paid. People buy bodies for themselves, and since many could grow or build them the firms with factories and trusted names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Powered boots that carry a soldier along are one piece of kit, a help on the march.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the kit makers that already hold their contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An armed machine that crosses land and water with no crew aboard would be worth a class of weapon of its own.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the arms makers that already hold defence contracts would build it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that clears stray cows from streets serves only the towns that have them.

Who is paid. Towns pay, and the firms that already supply their street vehicles would build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting a single operator watch over several robot vehicles would cut the labour cost of haulage and transport.

Who is paid. Transport firms buy the vehicles and their software, and as both can be copied the vehicle makers that already supply those fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A fleet of robot helpers directed by a single person would let small crews do the work of large ones.

Who is paid. Firms buy the fleet, and since the robots and the hand-motion controls can be copied the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A living insect steered from afar is assumed to be a tiny scout for spying and searching, a niche use.

Who is paid. Armies and rescue services are assumed to pay, and the firms that already supply their scouting gear would make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Laying out buildings to slow infection is a helpful feature of design software, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Architects and builders would buy it, and any software firm could write the same thing, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Keeping troops alert through long operations is worth a good deal to any army.

Who is paid. The description names soldiers, so the army pays; wakefulness drugs are widely made, so the firms that already supply military medicine collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Steadying shaking hands helps people with a few conditions.

Who is paid. Wearers would buy it, and it is a simple device many firms could make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. The description gives the creature no use that a buyer would pay for, unlike made creatures bred for work, organs or company, so there is nothing to price.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Removing fatigue itself, not just masking it, is the promise of doing without sleep and would hand nearly every adult many more waking hours; the real medicine of this name does less.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and a medicine that truly did this would be new and protected from copying for a long while, so its maker keeps much of the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping queasiness without medicine is a convenience for travellers and some patients.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and several firms could build such an implant, so established makers of medical devices collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that operates would cut the cost of surgery, but with doctors still on hand it changes only that part of medicine.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and clinics buy it; with the needed machine intelligence widely available several firms could build it, so established medical equipment makers and hospital groups collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Correcting poor sight serves a large share of all people, though the story treats it as old-fashioned.

Who is paid. People buy them for themselves, and lenses are simple to grind and sold everywhere, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A steady supply of organs for transplant would be worth an industry.

Who is paid. Patients pay, with insurers behind them, and since the animals breed, established farms and transplant centres collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A sprayed glove is a small saving of time and fuss in the operating room.

Who is paid. Hospitals would buy it, and many makers of medical supplies could mix such a spray, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Clearing germs and other unwanted matter from inside a person with light would replace many medicines and change how infection is treated.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and border posts buy the equipment; other makers could copy it once it worked, so established medical equipment firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Breathing liquid to bear high pressure serves a few divers and space crews.

Who is paid. Firms would buy it for their crews, and I assumed the liquid is a chemical many firms could make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. The story promises only a little energy from sunlight, which is a curiosity beside ordinary food.

Who is paid. I assumed people buy it for themselves from clinics; the method could be copied, so clinics already offering such treatments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Doing away with sleep would hand nearly every adult many more waking hours, changing how most people live and work.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and a new drug is protected from copying for a long while, so its maker keeps much of the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. It is done to a person without their say, to hurt them, break their mind or override their will or body, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it is outlawed for everyone, governments and employers included, nothing is sold.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Giving sight back to blind people is worth an industry of its own, though most people would never need it.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and once the design was known other device makers could copy it, so established implant makers and eye clinics collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Sleep on demand without drugs would be worth an industry of its own to the many people who sleep badly.

Who is paid. People who sleep badly would buy it for themselves, and the gear is simple enough for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Sending copies of yourself out to do the day's work would change how most people work and live.

Who is paid. People would buy blank bodies again and again, and once the copying was known the factories able to turn out blanks in bulk would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Keeping a copy of a mind so the person can be brought back would take away the finality of death for anyone who could have it.

Who is paid. People would pay for themselves and their families, and once one firm had done it others could, so the hospitals and medical firms people already trust would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Sending a mind between the stars is travel for those with somewhere far to go, not the saving of a life, so it is an industry and not a need of most people.

Who is paid. Travellers would pay for the passage, and whoever already owns the transmitters and the waiting bodies at each end would collect, since the sending could be copied.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer in the head that helps and connects every soldier would change how an army fights.

Who is paid. Unlike the other brain links this one is issued to soldiers, so the government pays, and the firms that already hold army supply contracts would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A therapist who can enter and shape dreams could treat troubles of the mind that talk alone does not reach.

Who is paid. Clinics and therapists would buy the machine, and the makers of medical equipment who already sell to them could copy it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Music sent straight to the brain is a new kind of earphone, a convenience.

Who is paid. Listeners would buy it for themselves, and players are easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Working out what a person is thinking from a scan would change how crimes are solved and secrets are kept, whether or not the person scanned agrees.

Who is paid. The scan is run and read by someone other than the person scanned, so I assumed police, courts and spy services are the main buyers, and since the software could be copied the firms that already supply them would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Screens and sounds already carry information, so feeling it on the skin is a convenience.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and once it existed many makers could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Seeing the web directly in the mind needs a made link between brain and network, and such a link would be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. The description names no device, so I assume a brain link lies behind the sight; people would buy it for themselves, and since the link could be copied the firms that already run the networks and do the surgery would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A hard shell makes an airship tougher, but airships remain a niche for slow heavy loads and sightseeing.

Who is paid. Cargo and tour operators buy it, and a rigid shell is not hard to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A lift to the sea floor serves the few places where people work or holiday under the sea.

Who is paid. Undersea operators buy it, and the marine engineering firms that already build for them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A road that does the driving would give every car on it the gains of driverless travel, but only where such roads are built.

Who is paid. Governments pay for roads, and the control gear is not hard to copy, so the road builders and signalling suppliers that already hold public works contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a whole city on wheels gains its people little beyond the power to move on, at great cost.

Who is paid. I assume the city itself pays, and the large engineering firms that already build for cities collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. A hall where captured towns are broken up is a place in the story and not a thing anyone would buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so there is no buyer and no seller.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A train that lays its own track ahead saves the work of building the line first, which helps on a few new routes.

Who is paid. Railway builders buy it, and the established makers of railway machines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A cab with no driver takes the largest cost out of every taxi ride, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the cab buys it and charges riders, and since several firms could build it, the makers that already build and service such craft collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Punishing drivers who dodge the rules keeps traffic in order, which is a tool for the police.

Who is paid. Governments pay for road enforcement, and the firms that already supply road and police equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping a fleeing car from a distance makes chases safer, which serves police forces alone.

Who is paid. Police forces pay for it, and the firms that already supply police gear and car electronics collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Driving an ordinary car from afar still needs a person for each car, so it saves little and suits a few special jobs.

Who is paid. Fleet owners buy it, and remote controls are easy to fit to any car, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A plate that can change what it shows is a small convenience for lawful owners and mostly a help to those dodging the law.

Who is paid. Car owners buy it, and I assume it is sold freely as in the story, where any maker of small screens could build it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Power from warm and cold sea water is one more way to make electricity in a few warm coastal places.

Who is paid. Power companies buy the plant, and the design is ordinary engineering that many builders can copy so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Clothes that make a little electricity can charge small things, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy them to wear, and any cloth maker can learn to weave them so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Where engines and fuel exist a better working animal is a niche, though in the story's fuel-starved world it would matter far more.

Who is paid. Farms and hauliers buy the animals, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the stock breeders and dealers that already supply working animals collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A spring that stores energy with almost no loss would change what it costs to store and carry power.

Who is paid. Vehicle and machine makers buy it, and since storage designs tend to be copied the firms that already own the big factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Where engines and fuel exist a better working animal is a niche, though in the story's fuel-starved world it would matter far more.

Who is paid. Workshops and mills buy the beasts, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the stock breeders and dealers that already supply working animals collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Crops grown for burning or refining are worth an industry, though the real thing turned out a modest extra fuel.

Who is paid. Fuel sellers and vehicle fleets buy it, and since the processing is easy to copy those who already own the farmland collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Floating land would suit a few while dry land stays cheaper, so I judged it a niche.

Who is paid. Residents pay for a place aboard, and large builders and shipyards who can raise such structures collect, since none can stop the others.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Work clothes that resist gunfire protect people in dangerous jobs, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Employers buy it for their workers, and the fibre and workwear firms that already supply them make it without any one keeping others out.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A far tougher alloy for armoured vehicles would change what an army's machines can survive.

Who is paid. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is armour, so armies pay and the firms that already hold vehicle contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. This is a shift and not a product, so I judged the method behind it: making goods with engineered organisms would change costs across several industries.

Who is paid. Manufacturers pay for the organisms and vats, and living tools can be regrown by others, so firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Very strong thread from farm animals would change the cost of ropes, cables, protective cloth and structures.

Who is paid. Makers of cloth and cable buy it, and the animals breed and spread, so established fibre firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A metal that glows by itself is a decorative and lighting convenience.

Who is paid. Builders and designers buy it, and once understood many metal firms could make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Sports clothes that do not smell are a convenience, and narrower than cloth that never needs washing.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and the treatment can be copied, so sportswear brands with shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. It is only a name for ordinary matter that has not been altered, not a thing made or sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A spray that sets stone-hard is a useful building supply, as sprayed concrete already is.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and many firms can mix such a spray, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Buildings that hold themselves up by active control could use far less material and survive quakes, changing building costs.

Who is paid. Developers buy it, and the method can be copied, so established builders and engineering firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. By the description these machines copy themselves and spread over the whole world unaided, so whatever good they do in the story reaches everyone free and there is nothing anyone would pay for.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold: unlike the make-anything machines, which someone must first buy, these arrive by themselves, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Making and joining parts across a network of many small shops would change the cost of setting up manufacturing.

Who is paid. Firms wanting goods made pay the scattered makers, and since anyone with tools can join, no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A device that holds an arrested person helpless is a niche tool for police, a better handcuff.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and the firms that already supply them would make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A baton that drops a suspect on contact is a modest improvement on gear police already carry.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and such batons are easy to copy, so the firms already supplying police equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. In the story no one at all is allowed to use weapons that reach back through time, so even if they worked nobody could buy one.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A gun driven by magnets throws its shot faster but does the job guns already do.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A hidden poison device serves only spies and assassins, a very small trade.

Who is paid. Assuming the only lawful buyer is a state spy service, governments pay, and such gadgets are made in small workshops with no special hold, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Assuming a soldier carries it, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A car alarm that hurts the thief is an extra on a car, not an industry.

Who is paid. Car owners pay, and since it is easy to copy the carmakers who fit it at the factory collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as if it worked, and assuming a soldier carries it, a beam that shoves or strikes does much the same job as a gun.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and assuming rival makers learn to copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Carried in the hand, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. A device fixed to people to force obedience through pain is a tool of torture, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it counts as a torture device, it is outlawed for everyone, governments included, so nothing is sold.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Striking any point on the ground from orbit would be a major arm of a great power's forces.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and the rocket and arms firms that already launch and build for them would win the work, since the idea itself is simple.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A gun that guards a spot by itself saves some sentries but fills a narrow job within an army's kit.

Who is paid. Armies and border forces pay, and it is easy to copy from known parts, so the arms makers already supplying them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Knowing at once where a shot came from helps police and soldiers but is a niche tool.

Who is paid. Police forces and armies pay, and the listening gear is easy to copy, so the firms that already have their networks installed in cities collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping a crowd through the phones people carry is a narrow tool of control.

Who is paid. The authorities pay, and it only works through the phone networks, so the firms that own those networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Carried in the hand, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that hunts and kills without a person steering it would let armies fight with far fewer soldiers, which changes what war costs.

Who is paid. Assuming lawful sale only to armies and police, governments pay, and since the parts are widely made, the defence suppliers with existing contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Identifying passers-by by their eyes without their knowing gives reliable identity from the body across a whole city.

Who is paid. The state pays, and eye matching can be copied, so the firms already supplying identity systems collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Crawling robots that sweep a building and check who is inside change what police can do in a search.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made it can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A full record of a person's life would be wanted by a great many people as memory, proof and protection, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for it, and since recording is easy to copy the firms that already own the storage networks and devices collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that know faces at a checkpoint change the cost of guarding borders and buildings, enough for an industry.

Who is paid. Governments pay for checkpoints, and face matching is easy to copy, so firms already holding security contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An implant that helps, records and talks for its wearer would replace the personal devices most people carry, though many would refuse surgery.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and it could be copied, so the firms that already own device brands and networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap flying watchers change the cost of policing, border watch and scouting enough to be an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Police forces and armies pay, and since many firms can build such craft the money goes to those already holding security and defence supply contracts.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap flying watchers change the cost of policing, border watch and scouting enough to be an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Police forces and armies pay, and since many firms can build such craft the money goes to those already holding security and defence supply contracts.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Joining many streams of data so that any person can be watched closely changes what a state can know about its people.

Who is paid. The state pays, and the firms that already build and run its computer and records systems collect, since others could build the same.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tool for breaking into cars is useful only to a few agents and investigators.

Who is paid. It is unlawful for the public, so a spy or police service is the buyer, and the firms already supplying such services collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping a fleeing car with sticky material is a narrow police tool.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and it could be copied, so the firms already supplying police equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A shared store of police recordings and evidence saves officers time but is a narrow piece of office software.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and the software is easy to copy, so firms already supplying police systems collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A full record of a person's life would be wanted by a great many people as memory, proof and protection, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for it, and since recording is easy to copy the firms that already own the storage networks and devices collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Assuming it is used for spying, a flying machine too small to notice would change what police and spy services can learn, enough for an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made they can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Drones that follow a person by scent would change what police can do in a search, like the other flying watchers.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made it can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An identity check from the pattern of the tongue promises reliable identity from the body, the same gain as the fingerprint, eye and face readers, and each such reader is judged as if it were the reader that was built.

Who is paid. Assumes a state runs the checks; such readers are easy to copy, so the firms already supplying identity systems collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A handheld test for dangerous germs protects whole populations from outbreaks and attacks.

Who is paid. Health and defence bodies pay, and the firms that already make test instruments for them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Cameras that know people by their walk change the cost of watching streets and stations, enough for an industry.

Who is paid. Governments pay for the camera network, and the matching is easy to copy, so firms already holding security contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A snake-shaped robot that gathers information unseen changes what spy services can learn, like the other small spy machines.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made it can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A package of weather instruments is a tool for a small group of scientists.

Who is paid. I assumed state science bodies buy it, and instruments like these can be made by many firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is a creature in a story and not something anyone could build or sell.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller gains.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Meat from an organism that grows only the edible parts would cut the cost of meat across the whole trade.

Who is paid. Meat producers buy the stock, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the breeders and farm suppliers that already hold stock, sheds and sales channels collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Coffee that ripens all at once for machine picking would change the costs of the coffee trade.

Who is paid. Growers buy the plants, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the seed houses and nurseries that already hold stock, land and sales channels collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Seed that must be bought again every season changes who holds the money in farming, though the gain to growers depends on the crop being better.

Who is paid. Growers pay every season, and because saved seed will not sprout the breeder can stop all copying and keeps the most.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. It is a drug put into meals to make people placid and it is banned, so nobody may buy it.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller gains.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Butterflies that stay with a bouquet are a pretty extra on a gift.

Who is paid. People buy them with their flowers, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the florists and breeders that already hold stock and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A pod to nap in while travelling is a convenience for tired travellers.

Who is paid. Travellers pay by the stay, and since pods are easy to copy those who already hold space in busy transit hubs collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A shelter that pops up quickly is useful camping and expedition gear.

Who is paid. Households and travellers buy it and many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Very cheap mass housing would change what it costs to shelter people, though the cells here are grim.

Who is paid. I assumed a government pays to house people who cannot pay, so the building firms that already hold such contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Waking to a smell is a novelty version of an alarm clock.

Who is paid. Households buy it and any gadget maker can build it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Wall covering that changes colour with mood is decoration; unlike the reshaping house it alters only colour.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and I assumed the covering can be copied by many makers, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A compact tool with many functions is a convenience.

Who is paid. Households buy it and many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Finding the right size without trying clothes on saves shoppers some bother and shops some returns.

Who is paid. Clothes shops buy the scanner, and many equipment makers can build a measuring device.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A bed that floats with nothing under it is a showpiece.

Who is paid. Rich buyers pay for it, and strong magnets are available to any furniture maker.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A field that holds air and warmth would replace space suits, diving gear and much protective clothing.

Who is paid. Employers of people who work in harsh places would buy it, and a worn device could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. It is one fitting inside a ship, a neater way to move cargo down a corridor.

Who is paid. Ship operators would pay for it as part of the vessel, and established shipbuilders would fit it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A fixed link between far stars would carry all trade between them, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Shippers would pay tolls, and whoever holds a wormhole mouth controls the only quick route, which others cannot simply copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Getting the answer to any calculation at once would change the cost of computing for every firm that uses it.

Who is paid. Firms would buy the computing by the job, and the companies that already run large computer centres would install it once others had shown how.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Instant messages between planets matter only to the few people and machines working far from home.

Who is paid. Space operators would pay for the service, and the firms that already run communication networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. The source gives no description, so there is nothing here that could be sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller collects.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Stopping time inside a box would end spoilage and hold the badly hurt until help comes, assuming a container of household or shop size.

Who is paid. Homes, shops and hospitals would buy it like a refrigerator, and since it could be copied the appliance makers with factories and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Game tiles with changing faces are a toy.

Who is paid. Players buy them, and any toy maker could produce them.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Cities hunting one another is a world order, a way a society is arranged, not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Standing in others' eyes used as money is a custom of a society, not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a name for a kind of person, not a thing that can be built or sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A market in people's hours is like the hiring of labour, an industry of its own; I assumed working hours are meant and not years of life.

Who is paid. Firms buy the hours, and anyone can set up as a dealer, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A restraint for convicts is a niche piece of prison gear.

Who is paid. The prison service buys it, and many firms could make one.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new spectator sport is entertainment, a niche.

Who is paid. Fans pay to watch, and since a sport is easy to copy, those who already own teams, grounds and broadcast deals collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.