CeBIT 2010: Live 3-D TV
The PRIME consortium is developing business models and techniques for cinema, television, and gaming. Experts are exploring ways to reduce costs and improve tools for post-production.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
The new ID card
The new ID card features an RFID chip, cryptography, and a six-digit PIN for secure access to personal data. It enables citizens to validate their identity online and use the eID function for various services like banking and shopping, promoting confidence in digital transactions.
Breakthrough for mobile television
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has developed a breakthrough technology for mobile television using Long Term Evolution (LTE), which offers higher performance capacity than UMTS. This enables seamless adaptive communication without disruptions, ensuring high-quality video streaming on the go.
Positioning with awiloc
awiloc software uses received signal strength data from WLAN transmitters to calculate position without data communications. This technology is integrated into various platforms, including Windows Mobile and Android, with support for iPhone expected by summer.
MWC 2010: FlashFind -- lightning-fast search on mobile devices
The Fraunhofer Institute developed FlashFind to enable swift, intuitive full-text search on mobile devices for large datasets. Users can quickly locate streets, cities, and points of interest without network access or limited keyboards.
Assuring quality in lightweight construction
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute create testing systems using shearography and thermography to detect delaminations in composite materials. The combination of technologies improves quality control and eliminates processing steps.
High tech for bicycles
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a functionally-integrated bicycle seat post made from carbon fiber composite materials, offering noticeable ride comfort and reduced weight. The innovative seat post uses laminated springs to absorb shocks, providing a smoother ride for cyclists.
Learning from insects: The race is on for new 'bio-resources' project group
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is launching a collaborative research program to identify new enzymes and metabolites in domestic insects for medical, pest control, and industrial applications. The program aims to develop new antibiotics and sustainable solutions for food production and quality control.
No frontiers: Ushering in a new era of conferencing technology
The Together Anywhere project aims to simplify group communication via the Internet, creating a sense of presence among distant participants. The Fraunhofer Institute's Audio Communication Engine enhances video and telephone conference call quality with low-delay hi-fi audio.
Ultra-flat loudspeakers with powerful sound reproduction
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT created ultra-flat loudspeakers with resonant properties, enabling improved sound quality. The new design allows for integration into surroundings without sacrificing audio quality.
Find local rideshares quickly via mobile phone
The OpenRide mobile ridesharing service uses intelligent route matching to connect drivers with passengers in real-time, providing a convenient solution for last-minute journeys. The system's use of open interfaces enables integration with additional partners, expanding its potential market reach.
Mini-beamer in a cell phone or PDA
Researchers developed a mini projector that can be integrated into a cellphone or PDA, producing monochrome images with high brightness, and projecting them onto flat surfaces using plastic lenses made of embossed material
Lasers are making solar cells competitive
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology are developing laser technologies to improve the manufacturing of solar cells, increasing their performance and reducing costs. The goal is to achieve grid parity within a few years, making solar energy competitive without subsidies.
Seeing invisible resin
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop a measuring technique to monitor resin distribution during OSB production. The new method uses special optics to record the image of the shavings mat, allowing for continuous measurements during production.
Automated tissue engineering on demand
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a fully automatic production system for two-layer skin models, which can be produced in large quantities with perfect quality. The technique has already proven its use in practice, but was previously too expensive and complicated for mass production.
Optimal trip and load planning
The Efficient Load project aims to harmonize capacity utilization and trip planning in a single step, significantly improving truck use and reducing energy costs. The new system is expected to reduce ton-kilometers by 15-20% and integrate seamlessly with existing software.
Telltale heat
Infrared thermography is a non-destructive testing method that allows researchers to peer several centimeters into the material of wind turbine rotor blades. This technology enables the detection of minor irregularities and delaminated areas that can cause mechanical stresses and lead to premature failure.
Software fits flexible components
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Chalmers and ITWM developed a software program that enables designers to virtually install flexible components in new car models. The tool simulates assembly processes, providing concrete advice on component shape changes and optimal installation paths to minimize damage to the car body.
THESEUS -- tool for Internet services
THESEUS aims to develop an internet-based knowledge infrastructure using semantic technologies that can identify content meaning and classify it. This will enable computers to understand context and draw logical conclusions about data.
Computerized mobile health support systems
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute developed mobile sleep lab for home use, recording vital functions while sleeping. The device provides objective feedback on physical exercise levels, helping patients with heart problems and cardiovascular disease manage their conditions.
iPoint 3-D -- using fingers as a remote control
The iPoint 3D system uses hand and finger recognition to control devices without physical contact, suitable for use in living rooms, offices, hospitals, and more. This innovative technology enables users to interact with displays and appliances using gestures only.
Artificial intelligence -- child's play!
Children can influence and observe an artificially intelligent machine in a simple computer game called 'Gorge', learning about its behavioral patterns. Researchers aim to teach kids what AI is all about using this engaging game.
Electricity from straw
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop biogas plant that generates 30% more electricity from non-edible corn stalks. The new plant reduces storage time by 50-70% and boosts electrical efficiency to 40-55% with fuel cells.
New research program for energy innovations
The partnership aims to explore innovative solutions in transportation using $200,000 annual grants for two years. Researchers from both institutions will work together to achieve commercialization and attract external funding.
Experiencing virtual products
Fraunhofer researchers develop a Functional DMU framework to simulate mechatronic products, enabling the evaluation of safety issues such as power windows. The virtual product can be tested with various software packages, including SimPack, Matlab/Simulink, and Dymola.
Roberta goes to Europe
Roberta, a German robotics project, aims to encourage high school girls to pursue technical trades and university programs. The program has been successful, with 22 regional centers in Germany and plans for European expansion.
Measuring in 3-D
The new LensShape system enables the rapid testing of free-form geometries in aspherical lenses, reducing production time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. This innovative method uses fringe pattern analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify deviations with high accuracy.
As close as possible to reality
The CAROD project aims to create more realistic simulation models by incorporating real-world deviations and variations. This technology has the potential to improve product quality and reduce errors in industries such as automotive and manufacturing.
More safety for cell phone batteries
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a new lithium-ion battery with non-flammable polymer electrolytes, enhancing safety and increasing conductivity. The improved batteries are expected to compete with lead batteries in cars within 3-5 years.
Prices at the push of a button
A networked electronic display system allows store managers to quickly update prices on displays via a central computer, eliminating the need for physical price tag changes. The system uses small data packages transmitted between receivers and transmitters, ensuring fast and reliable price updates.
Nervous system for structures
A new 'Structural Health Monitoring' (SHM) system uses sensors and signal processing devices to detect cracks and defects in aircraft, pipelines, and wind turbines. The system aims to prevent damage and optimize maintenance with real-time data.
Cycling more intelligently
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed intelligent bicycle pedals that track pedaling force and provide real-time feedback to cyclists. The integrated sensors and electronic components enable the system to optimize cycling performance and detect potential issues, such as material fatigue in aircraft parts.