Cover Story
With Sensors for the Five Senses, Devices Will Come Closer to Human Beings
Intuitive user interfaces are growing in significance.The key here is to develop sensors that replicate the five human senses.Incorporating “five-sense sensors” makes devices much easier to use and paves the way for application in a much broader field. Devices of the future may very well be able to recognize human emotions, a feat that would alter the way we relate to our devices.
An Evolutionary Wave
Devices with similar perceptions to humans
Every new sensor brings forth new products
People are readily acknowledging the success of “intuitive user interfaces” found in iPhones and Wii consoles.Intuitive sensing is made possible with “five-sense sensors.” Five-sense sensor technological development has been remarkable, producing sensors that replicate human senses, and even some that sense a whole lot more than humans do.Knowledge of five-sense sensor development trends allows us to predict the future of home appliances and other electronic devices.
On the Development Frontline
The body guides sensor development
Some sensors are outperform humans
Of the five senses, touch, smell and taste have been dealt with the least in sensor development.But the number of new sensing devices being developed is rising rapidly.How closely can the sensor development be aligned with the body’s sensory organs? The body is a model not only for sensing devices, but also for wiring and data processing.If human senses can be replicated, then development of a human-like device will come that much closer to reality.Some sensors already perform far better than human senses.
Special Feature
Japanese Air Conditioners Win Over the European Market with Low Energy Usage
The sweltering summer of 2003 triggered rapid growth in the European air conditioning systems market, which is now approximately 2.3 times larger than it was five years ago.Japanese manufacturers are the ones benefiting most from this growth.Energy-saving technology refined under the Top Runner Program and affluent demand in Europe spurred by climatic changes appear, at first glimpse, to be a fortunate coincidence.However, credit should go to the frameworks now in place for continually identifying regional needs, through after-sales networks established over the last 10 years, and the ability to incorporate those needs into products.
By Controlling Color, Color Sensors Differentiate Devices
Color sensors are parts that are able to distinguish between the various colors around us and have broad-ranging applications. They are used in industrial applications and in consumer electronics, as well as in toys. There are probably many more potential applications for color sensors that are yet to be considered. By unearthing new methods for use, device manufacturers would be able to differentiate their products.
Guest Paper
Using Lithium Titanate Anodes to Create Safe Li-ion Secondary Batteries for Hybrid Cars
Development of lithium ion rechargeable batteries for high-power applications, such as in hybrid cars, is intensifying.One type of battery under development that is gaining more and more attention is a highly safe and long-lasting battery that employs lithium titanate as an anode material.Competition to commercialize a battery using lithium titanate has begun.Toshiba Corp., for example, declared in December 2007 that it would mass-produce such a battery from March 2008.In the United States, EnerDel Inc. is pushing ahead eagerly with development of a battery for application in hybrid vehicles.EnerDel’s battery is highly regarded, clearing target specifications laid down by the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), participated in by the United States Department of Energy and US automakers.We had EnerDel provide insight into the battery they are developing for hybrid vehicles using lithium titanate.
Low Cost Micro Fuel Cells Made through the Si Wafer Manufacturing Process Aim for Commercialization by the End of 2009
STMicroelectronics is currently developing a fuel cell for low-cost mass production using silicon wafer processes.The company expects to commercialize the product at the end of 2009 or early 2010, by which point they hope to realize a 2.5W-output device with dimensions under 5cm3.
Documentary
The Singing Voice Synthesis Software “Hatsune Miku” (Part 2):“I Wouldn’t Venture to Aim for Heavy Users”
Academy 2
Part 5: Making an Architecture Design Model (Second Half)
High-speed interface technology, currently found in servers and routers, allowing transmission at several Gbits/s, or even more than 10 Gbits/s, is likely to find its way into audio-visual equipment and other devices. This series explains the key points and evaluation methods for incorporating high-speed transmission into such devices. The first installment provides an overview of high-speed transmission technology.
Tutorial
How Engineers Can Utilize Patent Information (Part 1): Use the Keyword Search to Understand Technology Trends from Patents
This series introduces methods for examining technological developments using patent information. For engineers, it is vital that they are aware of the latest technological developments in their field, but they often cannot get their hands on the information they need. With the right keywords, you too can search patent information for technological trends according to your particular needs.
Introduction to CMOS RF Circuitry Design (Part 3): Image Suppression Mixer and Sampling Type Mixer
This installment looks at two frequency conversion technologies that utilize CMOS technology to permit single-chip integration. One deals with the design of mixers used to control image interference and the complex signals that create it. The other is advanced sampling technology that can now be applied due to progress in miniaturization.
Watcher: Samsung
As Samsung Grows in the Chinese TV Market, How Are They Different from Sony?
Keyword
Model Based Development
Key Person
Anderson International, David M. Uze: “I Want to Make Consumer Electronics which Are Better than the Mac”
NE Interview
NICT, New Generation Wireless Communications Research Center, Program Director, Shuzo Kato: “In Competition, There’s No Point Unless You Win”
At the end of 2007, an important report was issued concerning IEEE 802.15.3c, the millimeter-wave transmission standard being formulated by the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee.It revealed that a system proposed by a consortium of mainly Japanese corporations had been adopted as the standard’s underlying technology.European, American and Korean manufacturers exert by far the most influence within the committee, and it is rare for a Japanese corporate syndicate to gain the initiative, particularly when it involves determining core transmission technology and evaluation methods.Shuzo Kato of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) was the one who initiated the consortium and coordinated its successful standardization program.Kato’s program provides clues on how to succeed in the standardization game.
News
- Tearing Down the MacBook Air
- As “Green IT” Moves in both the US and Japan, Dealing with Power Problems Is Imperative
- Continuous Time 12 Bit ΔΣ Analog to Digital Converters Finally Move to Practical Use
- PMA 08: The Next Point for Competition is the Auto Shutter
