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World’s smallest palm vein scanner Fujitsu, a Japanese world leader in the manufacture of computers, servers and storage devices, has now invented the world’s smallest palm vein scanner. This biometric scanner is expected to be widely used in mobile products such as tablet computers because of its accuracy and size, offering excellent security.
Its advantage to users is that it recognises the characteristic structure of their palm veins from a hand held a little distance away, without any physical touch being necessary, as is required in fingerprint recognition biometric devices. This contact-free palm vein authentication system not only recognises the structure of the veins in the palm that is normally invisible to the naked eye, it also includes the structures of the fingers and then identifies the user by developing a composite picture. Since no touch is necessary, it is particulary suitable for hospitals and other public places where high standards of hygiene are needed.
Fujitsu laptops, desktops, servers and storage are manufactured mostly in Germany and in Japan, ensuring the very highest quality. Most other manufacturers (IBM, Dell, Hewlett Packard, etc.) have shifted their manufacturing plants to China and Malaysia and other developing countries. Fujitsu has over 33,000 patents in the field of technology, and is one of the very few IT Firms that manufacture their own motherboards for the computer systems. At the end of last year, Fujitsu also achieved the ranking of having the world’s fastest Supercomputer: (http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/pr/archives/month/2011/20111114-02.html).
Yves Rossy — the flying “Jetman” The Swiss pilot, inventor and aviation acrobat is the first person in history to demonstrate that man can fly like a bird for extended time periods. He achieved sustained human flight with a fixed wing tied to his back powered by jet engines. The carbon fibre wings had a span of about eight feet and were powered by four small jet engines.
His first flight that lasted for about six minutes occurred in November 2006. In September 2008, he successfully flew over the English channel in about nine minutes, reaching a speed of about 186mph. Subsequently he has flown over the Alps, across the Grand Canyon, and flown alongside jet aircraft in amazing feats (see the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4arnATc04U). On May 8, 2012, Rossy flew over the Rio De Janeiro coast. The “Jetman”, as Rossy is called, could attain a speed of 186mph at the push of a throttle, powered by four jet engines each weighing 48 pounds. Amazingly, Rossy can control the flight movements using his body movements, appearing like a giant flying bird.
Rossy is breaking new barriers of technology, showing that it is now possible to fly to office like a bird! The world of tomorrow may have lanes in the air, and the “Star Wars” scenario is gradually becoming a reality.
Round the world — on solar power On May 4, 2012, the first round the world trip was completed by a boat running exclusively on solar power. The 102ft long and 49ft wide boat, named “TÛRANOR PlanetSolar”, took 18 months to complete the trip when it reached Monaco after circumnavigating the planet. The boat is covered with solar panels that have an area of 537 square metres. They provide power to the four electric metres, and allow the boat to run at a speed of 14 knots per hour.
As solar cells become more efficient with advances in technology and as lighter, cheaper and more efficient solar panels are produced, more boats, cars and airplanes will run on solar panels.
Bamboo wind turbines Walking down a dark street alone can be a nerve-racking experience. Now the designer Alberto Vasquez has developed a novel concept in which a vertical bamboo is fitted with air catching bamboo blades that spiral around the central axis of the bamboo.
The blades are fitted with LED bulbs at the tips, and as the bamboo spins in the wind, it creates a spectacular effect of unbroken bands of moving light. The vertical wind turbines installed on road sides not only light up a dark street but also create a magical and exotic effect. The bamboo turbines have been installed in the Colombian city of Cartagena, a city known for sustained high wind speeds.
Private space missions On May 19, 2012, a new space craft will be launched that will open the way for future private space missions. The space craft is the result of a collaboration between SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace (BA) that will allow international customers to experience space travel, specially the near zero gravity experience. The “Dragon” space craft will be able to accommodate seven passengers and carry them to orbit around the earth.
