Fujitsu Labs has announced its development of a ring-type wearable device that is designed to provide visual interface input to eyewear type wearable devices.

The concept of using head mounted displays, or at the very least eyewear tech for work related activity has been already discussed and proposed as early as when the devices are still being demonstrated a few years back. However, even though these devices remove the need to use a tablet or another handheld device for data access, the method for manipulating the data visually on these devices are currently limited. Even if there have been a handful of other smart rings that can provide convenient input, the function is usually just in the form of pre-set gestures.

Fujitsu Labs, aiming to solve this inherent problem, developed a new smart ring that can be used to make the user’s fingers ‘interact’ with the wearable device screen. This allows the user to view the information displayed on the device and write data as if it was actually in front of them.

Packed with an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and magnetic sensors, the wearable tracks the user’s hand and finger movements. It then follows a trail, which is promptly analyzed and interpreted as manual input for an eyewear device’s screen. The intuitive controls make the device easy to use, as it does not require special training. It can be especially useful in workplaces where calculations, inventory/item organization and manual number crunching are frequently required.

Additionally, when inputting letters and characters (currently in Japanese), Fujitsu Labs has also developed its own correction algorithm for the device. This would allow the device to properly display inputted letters without the need to worry about visual spacing, a previously common problem with apps having similar functions in tablets and smartphones.

The ring-type wearable device will have NFC tagging functionality, as well as Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) connectivity. Fujitsu Labs plans to test the device early this year, following its eventual implementation later during the same year.

The post Fujitsu Labs Develops ‘Writing’ Smart Ring Wearable appeared first on VR World.

Here is the daily roundup from Japanese consumer tech and tech business websites for Dec. 9, 2014.

NTT makes Japanese tourists more welcome with new app

NTT Docomo (NYSE: DCM), in collaboration with Masugo, a well known food store at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, have developed a simple mobile device-based system that is aimed at enabling proper communication with coming visitors and tourists to Japan.

The app, which is generally described as an optimized version of a translation tool, aids market goers and store owners alike with the use of a multi-lingual interface. Combining phrase lists with a speak-and-translate function, it lists words and phrases that are commonly spoken or asked by foreigners at specific spots around towns and cities. NTT Docomo points out that the primary difference of its newly developed app is its integration with a custom tablet or smartphone, enabling it to be used more efficiently than ordinary translation tool apps.

The app is currently in its testing phase, with proof-of-concept units to be tested at the Nishiki Market until at least mid-January 2015.

Glamo launches iRemocon Wi-Fi version

Glamo unveils the latest updated version of its iRemocon series of universal home electronics remote system, the iRemocon Wi-Fi. The new version will feature outdoor use options, as well as better integrated enhancements to its other already installed functions.

The iRemocon Wi-Fi primarily features an enhancement that allows users to use its remote control functions even when outside home. Unlike most remote home appliance apps, it provides a single device solution, enabling any smartphone or tablet installed with its customized app to efficiently control any connected appliance, electronics, or home device, without having to access its local network.

The new iRemocon Wi-Fi would still retain, most of its older predecessors’ extra features, such as temperature/humidity monitoring, and signal amplification.

Fujitsu develops live radiation monitoring system in Fukushima

Fujitsu FSAS Inc. will introduce a special monitoring service that would provide real time readings of present radiation levels around an area. The service will soon be implemented in the town of Kawamata, in Fukushima Prefecture.

Infamously known as the site of the most recent nuclear disaster in history, the Prefecture of Fukushima and its citizens have always been wary about radiation safety levels near the damaged nuclear power plant. Using ground-installed measuring devices, Fujitsu plans to provide network-connected digital post signs all around the town of Kawamata to help determine radiation levels at any given moment. The readings would not only provide on-the-dot readable digital information, but the measurements will also be sent to a cloud database, where it will be analyzed to generate a map that would display these radiation readings in real time.

The post NTT Translator, iRemocon Wi-Fi, Radiation readers: The Headlines in Tokyo for Dec. 9 appeared first on VR World.

Here is the daily roundup from Japanese consumer tech and tech business websites for November 17, 2014.

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro finally comes to Japan
Lenovo Japan finally announces the release date for the Yoga 3 Pro in Japan, which is scheduled on the 28th of November. It will be available locally with an estimated retail price of $1,800.

Philips unveils new dual screen display
Philips announces its new dual display, the 19DP6QJNS/11, which uses 19-inch screens on both sides. It will be available around mid-December this year, though there are no prices announced yet.

NEC starts development of a new supercomputer
NEC revealed in a recent press release that it would start development of a new supercomputer oriented for business establishments. This new supercomputer is claimed to become at least ten times faster and more efficient than its technical predecessor, the SX-ACE vector supercomputer.

Fujitsu’s info LEDs can ‘mark’ any object with data
Fujitsu Labs introduces a new concept in tech that allows the designation or assignment of ‘label’ data on objects using LEDs. The technology is believed to become useful in instantly identifying items on stores and other similar commercial establishments.

Surface Pro aids farmers at Hokkaido
Microsoft Japan, in a collaborative project with agricultural cooperative JA Taisetsu, has offered assistance to farmers at Asahikawa City, Hokkaido in the form of distributed Surface Pro units. The units will be used to help farmers in field data-entry work, particularly in various technical logs and registries.

Docomo to start roaming TD-LTE service
Docomo will be opening its international roaming TD-LTE service this coming Wednesday, November 19. This will first include China, and with the cooperation of China Mobile, the company will be the very first Japanese operator within the country.

Softbank to initiate wearable tech test project
Softbank plans to initiate a proof of concept test for various wearable technologies today, with the ultimate goal of developing new product and service ideas. The tests are scheduled to start around mid-January next year, and will be held at Katsuyama City, in Fukui Prefecture.

The post Yoga 3 Pro in Japan, Marking LEDs, Surface Pro on Farms: The Headlines in Tokyo for November 17 appeared first on VR World.

Fujitsu’s business analysis machine is now enhanced with a new business intelligence tool.

Fujitsu Limited had just announced its plans to use QlikView starting this mid-August. The business intelligence tool will be embedded to the company’s currently used big data solution, and will be provided as an enhancement data analysis model for future business operations.

For those who are not familiar with QlikView, it is a software tool developed by Pennsylvania-based data virtualization products company Qlik Technologies. The interface of the software provides easily viewable business data, while being visually presented in a way so as not to look too complex to the average user. It is currently used by many business organizations worldwide due to its combination of intuitiveness and ease of use.

Fujitsu’s decision to integrate the business software was a strategy to provide a quicker user interface to non-specialized marketing and sales departments. The company believes that the software can give a level of assistance that would be vital in quicker decision making in regards to major business strategies and operations. Its rapid deployment and use, combined with its ability to enable all-around solutions without the need to rely on professional business analysis solutions, makes it the perfect machine to accelerate Fujitsu’s business further.

For ordinary consumers, this means two things. One, Fujitsu training services will be boosted with QlikView, and will include easy tutorials for interested trainees on how to use the software for business analysis. Second, is that Fujitsu itself would start marketing and selling QlikView as its official distributor. The software may be purchased through the company by interested individuals for their own business analysis.

The post Fujitsu Boosts Business Data Analytics with QlikView appeared first on VR World.