Glucose measuring wristband means non-stop monitoring

At this year’s CES, Quantum Operation will showcase what it claims is the world’s first glucose measuring wristband which enables non-stop monitoring.

The Tokyo-based healthcare IoT start-up explains that the non-invasive glucose monitor uses patented spectrum sensing technology which enables the monitoring sensor to accurately measure glucose in a person’s bloodstream through the skin while being worn around the wrist. The monitor eliminates the need for daily needle uses for diabetic patients, making it more convenient – and pain-free – for users.

The company will also highlight its oxygen saturation (SpO2) measuring sensor that can be worn around the wrist.

The non-invasive 24/7 monitoring relies on Quantum Operation’s core technologies that include spectrometer materials. One of which is designed to emit an optimal spectrum, and another that is highly responsive to target spectra. The wristbands also employ firmware that efficiently extracts targeted data by cancelling noise.

Quantum Operation explains that these technologies can be used to measure all types of vital signs, ranging from heart rate to electrocardiography (ECG). Patients’ conditions can be monitored remotely for convenience and enabling them to continue their normal daily activity as much as possible.

“Until now, sticking a need into your finger or arm has been the only available method for accurately measuring your glucose level,” said CEO Kazuma Kato. “Our wristband will change that, making the painful daily routine unnecessary for all diabetic patients.”

He added: “Our core technologies also enable healthcare businesses to compile accurate big data and provide better solutions for disease control and management. We are very excited to introduce these technologies at CES 2021.”

Quantum Operation is a Tokyo-based, healthcare IoT start up focused on making vital sign measurement as easy and painless as possible. It says its mission is to help people enjoy a healthier and longer lives. Its proprietary technologies are used to provide solutions for both patients and healthcare providers.

https://quantum-op.co.jp

> Read More

Intel RealSense ID processes images locally and encrypts for privacy

Privacy was a top priority in the design of the Intel RealSense ID facial authentication, explains the company at its launch.

Intel RealSense ID combines an active depth sensor with a specialised neural network designed to deliver secure, accurate and user-aware facial authentication. It was designed and built specifically for user protection and processes all facial images locally and encrypts all user data, explains the company.

Intel RealSense ID works with various access systems, including smart locks, access control, point of sale sites, ATMs and kiosks.

“Intel RealSense ID combines purpose-built hardware and software with a dedicated neural network designed to deliver a secure facial authentication platform that users can trust,” explained Sagi Ben Moshe, Intel corporate vice president and general manager of Emerging Growth and Incubation.

No network set up is required and enrolment is simple, says Intel, for accurate, natural facial authentication to simplify secure entry. Using only a glance, users are able to quickly unlock what’s important to them. Intel RealSense ID combines active depth with a specialised neural network, a dedicated SoC and embedded secure element to encrypt and process user data quickly and safely.

To ensure continued ease of use, Intel RealSense ID also adapts to users over time as they change physical features, such as facial hair and glasses. The system works in various lighting conditions for people with a wide range of heights or complexions, reassures Intel.

It has been developed because traditional authentication methods leave users vulnerable to ID theft and security breaches. Companies and individuals are turning to facial authentication technology to meet the highest levels of security and privacy.

Suitable for use in finance, healthcare and smart access control, Intel RealSense ID has built-in anti-spoofing technology to protect against false entry attempts using photographs, videos or masks. It also provides a one-in-1-million false acceptance rate.

To protect user’s privacy, Intel RealSense ID processes all facial images locally and encrypts all user data. It is also only activated through user awareness and will not authenticate unless prompted by a pre-registered user.

http://www.intel.com

> Read More

P9418 is industry’s first 60W wireless power receiver IC, says Renesas

The single chip P9418 IC combines WattShare technology for high power density smartphone and mobile device charging. The 60W wireless power receiver is claimed to deliver faster wireless charging experiences for smartphones, laptops and notebook devices and in the industry’s highest power density. The WattShare technology enables quick and convenient charging on the go beyond smartphones, including device charging for a variety of portable computing devices, says Renesas.

The P9418 is an integrated wireless power transmitter/receiver IC (TRx) that can be configured to transmit or receive an AC power signal through magnetic induction. The P9418 provides an upgrade path for the P9415 and also delivers advanced telemetry and proprietary charging protocols required for high power applications.

It delivers up to 60W as a receiver and in WattShare (TRx) mode has up to 10W Tx capability. It has an embedded 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0 processor and Renesas claims it has best-in-class IOUT current sensing accuracy for foreign object detection. There is also a non-volatile memory for firmware and device function updates.

Bi-directional communications support proprietary authentication with encryption and the P9418 is WPC 1.2.4-compliant and various proprietary charging modes. It supports I2C 400kHz standard interface and general purpose I/Os.

Designers can also combine the P9418 wireless charging receiver with Renesas’ power management portfolio, including its USB Type-C power delivery and battery charging to accelerate development.

The P9418 60W wireless power receiver is available now.

http://www.renesas.com

> Read More

Microchip unveils power control reference design to simplify AC/DC design

When used in smart home devices, offline AC/DC power relies on programmability and adaptive control to offer the flexibility and intelligence required to interface with the device’s power systems. In these systems, a secondary side microcontroller is typically not capable of starting a system without the use of a separate bias power supply. Microchip addresses this with a reference design which uses the MCP1012 high voltage auxiliary AC/DC controller. As a result, says Microchip, the independent bias power supply can be removed in many applications. The MCP1012 offline auxiliary device enables the system to transfer control of the power and duty cycle to a secondary microcontroller. The control between the system and the load can be more precise and purposefully coupled, through a design that can be simplified. This reduces size and cost, adds Microchip.

The reference design uses a patented isolation technique for isolated feedback. This patented Inde-Flux transformer technology is being licensed to Würth Elektronik eiSos. It is used in the Inde-Flux transformer (Part Number 750318659), which is sold as part of 15W MCP1012 offline reference design. The transformer combines the signal power and signal communication, eliminating the need for optical feedback or an independent signal transformer. The option is also available to use more traditional approaches with a planar pulse transformer on the reference design, as well as the ability of the design to work with more traditional optocouplers and signal transformers. The secondary side control is then enabled through a combination of the transformer and Microchip’s  MCP1012 AC/DC controller along with the SAM D20 series 32-bit microcontroller.

The MPC1012 primary side auxiliary controller provides for system start up, gating and protecting an offline flyback converter for the secondary microcontroller. The device enables a range of benefits such as direct measurement and active regulation of voltage and/or current, high loop bandwidth by direct loop closure and simplified communication for load-referenced systems.

The MCP1012 offline reference design provides the principal working elements for a 15W offline power design with the necessary firmware to enable the elimination of the auxiliary power supply on the primary side, Microchip explains. This can reduce the complexity of the system including eliminating the need for optocouplers in many applications such as appliances and smart speakers.

Inde-Flux transformer technology, in cooperation with Würth Elektronik eiSos, can be scaled to standard and custom transformer designs for different voltages and power levels as needed.

The 15W MCP1012 offline reference design includes a user guide and comes with schematics and bill of materials, design files, firmware, and a demonstration unit. Microchip also offers a fundamental 1W evaluation board, the DT100118, for the MCP1012 AC-DC controller.

http://www.microchip.com

> Read More

About Smart Cities

This news story is brought to you by smartcitieselectronics.com, the specialist site dedicated to delivering information about what’s new in the Smart City Electronics industry, with daily news updates, new products and industry news. To stay up-to-date, register to receive our weekly newsletters and keep yourself informed on the latest technology news and new products from around the globe. Simply click this link to register here: Smart Cities Registration