Wrist-worn PC; comeback of watches

The Zypad WL1000 is a wrist-worn PC developed by the Eurotech Group. The new device was announced in March 2006 and was subsequently introduced on U.S. soils at a military conference in June 2006 by Eurotech's american arm, Pavus.

It is a standard computer weighing 290 grams that you can simply shape around your wrist. The device allows the user hands-free operation, thanks to its 3.5-inch QVGA (240 x 320) touch-screen technology and the convenience of its wearable properties. The high level of circuit miniaturization makes it possible for the Zypad WL1000 to run on standard harware and software architectures and is powered by universal operating systems like Window CE and Linux. It also includes technologies such as GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi which insure continuous and reliable connectivity. In addition to common funtions, the device provides advanced features that are highly valued by the military segment targeted by the product. Examples of such special functions are emergency search-and-rescue, homeland security, logistics and defense applications.

References:

Eurotech Group, Zypad WL1000, available at http://www.eurotech.com/EN/products.aspx?pg=Zypad%20WL1000&pp=Wearable%20Computers&pc=75&pid=260

LinuxDevices.com, Wrist-worn Linux PC demoed at military tech conference, available at http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3769720650.html

Mixed reality: How to safely use a chainsaw?

Workplace accidents happen everyday due to unsafe practices, unadequate training and misuse of dangerous tools. In order to provide appropriate and safe training environment to workers who have to manipulate complex instruments, German researchers have come up with a virtual chainsaw, a simulation tool introducing the concept of "mixed reality". The latter technology combines virtual reality and the real world, which in this particular case comprises a photorealistic projection of a farm environment, a chainsaw modified with sensors and vibration motors, and a computerized vision software in a camera attached to a perspex tree trunk.

Here is a complete explanation of the technology. The user, in a farm like virtual environment, starts the chainsaw by pulling the starter. He then applies the roaming engine, more precisely applies the real cutting bar, to the perspex tree trunk which in fact is no more than a thermoplastic and transparent plastic tube. The movable perspex tube offers the resistance wood would usually offer the saw in a real situation. The camera plays a role in determining the saw's precision and position on the log as well as projecting the virtual action on the screen. The user can actually see chips of wood flying around while cutting through the virtual log. After completing the experience, the resulting slize and weight are shown on the screen.

Due to the success of the Cybersaw, researchers are now working on taking the technology to medical simulation environments.

References:

Roland Piquepaille's Technology Trends, A virtual chainsaw to train lumberjacks, available at http://www.primidi.com/2007/08/16.html

Fraunhofer IGD, A Mixed Reality Chainsaw simulation, available at
http://a4www.igd.fraunhofer.de/projects/45/

Gizmag.com, Mixed reality chainsaw simulator provides safe, effective training platform, available at http://www.gizmag.com/go/7732/

Charge your cell phone battery on a plastic sheet!

University of Tokyo - A team of 7 Japanese researchers have designed a new wireless power-transmission plastic sheet that can deliver up to 40 watts of energy, enough power for small electronic devices such as cell phones and maybe some laptops. At this stage of development, the 4-layer sheet is one millimeter thick and 21 centimeters square, but it could eventually be extended to the size of desk tops, walls and even entire rooms.

The wireless power-transmission device integrates the technology of "organic electronics" as well as inkjet printing and screen printing. In fact, it is built of films of printed plastic MEMS-switching matrix and power-transmission coil array, which constitutes a low-cost and ecologically friendly power system. Objects, equiped with compatible receiver coils, are contactlessly sensed and fed power by the electromagnetic field permitted by the system explained previously.

For example, the new device - embedded in walls, floors or ceilings - can deliver power to miniature electronic objects, such as cell phones, wall-hung televisions or even small Christmas trees decorated of 21 light-emitting diodes! If you wish to learn more about the technical aspects of the wireless power-transmission sheet, please refer to the links included.

References:

Roland Piquepaille's Technology Trends, A wireless power transmission plastic sheet, available at http://www.primidi.com/2007/04/30.html

Physorg.com, Flat, Flexible, Wireless Power Source Can Go Anywhere, available at http://www.physorg.com/news99145812.html

The University of Tokyo, A large-area flexible wireless power transmission sheetic
using printed plastic MEMS switches and organic field-effect transistors, available at
http://icdesign.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/2006_22a.pdf