TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 'CEATEC AWARD 2013' award selection has been held at CEATEC JAPAN 2013, based on this year's exhibition theme of 'Smart Innovation-Technology for future society and lifestyles’.
First and Semi-Grand Prix have been chosen for each category. In addition, products that earned the strongest commendation from committee members have been awarded a Special Judge's Award.
See details of prize winners in each category and commentary below.
Product
|
Grand Prix |
||
|
• ‘TOUGHPAD 4K’, a new tablet equipped with a 20-inch 4K IPS Alpha LCD panel |
||
|
Panasonic Corporation (Booth number: 5F76) |
||
|
Product |
This product, equipped with our own 20-inch 4K IPS α LCD panel, takes advantage of our newest digital technology to achieve an intuitive operational environment that surpasses the realism of paper or conventional displays. It boasts excellent portability as the world's lightest and thinnest big-screen tablet computer. It is also suitable for business use, being equipped with the latest OS Windows 8.1 Pro, a high-performance third-generation Intel CPU, and NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics processor. | |
| Commentary | We estimate that this will serve as a test case to see how much market share Japan's technology can regain by using 4K technology outside of the television segment to branch out into commercial products. We envision a variety of uses such as medicine and construction, and shows the possibilities of the next generation of tablets. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Lens-style Camera ‘DSC-QX100’, ‘DSC-QX10’ |
||
|
SONY Corporation / SONY Marketing Corporation (Booth number: 4F03) |
||
|
Product |
Simply attaching it to a smartphone to upgrade the camera feature to the equivalent of a high performance compact digital camera. | |
| Commentary | This technology proposes a new form for digital cameras with the potential to become the key to changing the smartphone market. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Portable DNA Analyzer |
||
|
NEC Corporation (Booth number: 5F63) |
||
|
Product |
In recent years there has been growing demand for on-site rapid DNA analysis, after drawing increasingly more attention as a useful means of person identification, such as in criminal investigations and victim identification after the Great East Earthquake disaster.
The portable DNA analyzer is capable of analyzing in 25 to 60 minutes what used to take over a day, and can analyze on-the-spot since there is no need for specialized facilities or specialists. We believe the future will see DNA analysis applied in a wide range of fields, providing this product with opportunities to contribute in a variety of settings. |
|
| Commentary | We can foresee an expanding field of applications for DNA analysis. It also has potential to spread to other, yet unknown applications and markets. | |
Network & Service
|
Grand Prix |
||
|
• Cloud-based Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure |
||
|
NEC Corporation (Booth number: 5F63) |
||
|
Product |
NEC's charging infrastructure service allows different charging operators on different clouds to interconnect to each other via our cloud linking capability, providing a convenient charging service that can benefit anyone, anytime, anywhere. With multiple payment options built in, this opens EV charging to business applications. The cloud service is also able to connect to an array of manufacturer's chargers, allowing cloud service to be delivered even to users with existing battery charger configurations.
We aim to establish an early position in the EV/PHV market, using products centered around our cloud technology in order to establish a position in related businesses globally. |
|
| Commentary | There has been demand for a system that plays a role in organizing hubs. This service has great social significance. With its multiple payment features, we predict that this service will create business opportunities in electric vehicle charging. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Portable headend |
||
|
DX ANTENNA CO.,LTD. (Booth number: 5F74) |
||
|
Product |
This is a cable television emergency use headend specifically for DX antennas makes it possible to inform citizens in a region quickly as a stopgap measure to restore functionality to the station in the event a broadcasting station's headend equipment is damaged. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tohoku region television station's headend was damaged bringing broadcasting to a halt. Witnessing how the local population was not able to access important information inspired the development of the technology. To improve response to disasters and emergencies, we are currently working on improving portability and storability. | |
| Commentary | This is valuable technology required in society - a reliable technology with clear objectives and intended users, and useable as a disaster prevention measure. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Smart Agriculture Network System ~Counteracting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with sixth sector industrialization~ |
||
|
Nichicon Corporation (Booth number: 2A68) |
||
|
Product |
This system consists of a rural rapid-charging station for electric vehicles (EV), and portable charging equipment. Renewable energy found in these agricultural areas -generated by the sun, wind, and micro hydro- is stored. This in turn can be used not only for charging electric vehicles, but also for powering greenhouses and farm tools. Through communication with these stations, battery charge and operational states, maintenance planning, and more can be controlled remotely or through a central management hub. | |
| Commentary | Power charged into electric vehicles can be used to power greenhouses, farm tools, in addition to running the vehicle. This technology contributes to making agriculture 'smart', by using communication to facilitate remote and centrally managed control of battery charge and operational states, maintenance planning, and more. We also noted the significance of an actual track record of operation in the Tohoku region. | |
Key Technology
|
Grand Prix |
||
|
• Thermally Assisted Recording Head |
||
|
TDK Corporation (Booth number: 1A11) |
||
|
Product |
This technology is designed for high-capacity hard disc drives (HDD) like those found in data centers. A magnetic material of high coercivity is used in these mediums to improve recording density, making recording difficult with existing magnetic heads. To overcome this, we developed the world's first laser equipped thermal assist head which uses the energy from laser light to warm the medium in order to momentarily lower the coercivity. We have created a demo which is able to record and play back using an HDD. | |
| Commentary | The value of this technology is highly treasured due its potential to become the foundation of future high-density magnetic recording. This high-profile technology may be indispensable for network companies preparing for the anticipated explosion of data. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Aerial Imaging Plate |
||
|
Asukanet Company, Limited (Booth number: 2B21) |
||
|
Product |
An Aerial Imaging Plate (AI plate) is an optical device that can display three-dimensional objects, videos, and photos in mid-air. It is a plate composed of a fine mirror surface which operates based on the principle of two orthogonal reflectors. There are no screens, half-mirrors, or mist in the space above the display - light rays of the object converge in mid-air. It is designed to reduce eyestrain since it is a real image and can be viewed with the naked eye. Some possibilities for this technology include automobiles, store and office fixtures, signage, or the combination with sensors to create interactive screens. | |
| Commentary | We look forward to a new format for displaying 3D, this technology carries dreams. We are very interested in seeing new interfaces. A wide variety of applications are likely to emerge from this technology. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• TransferJet capable USB adapter |
||
|
TransferJet Consortium Incorporated Association (Booth number: 5F65) |
||
|
Product |
TransferJet is a short-range wireless technology from Japan that facilitates high-speed transfers at the same rate as physical connections (560Mbps). It acquired international standardization in 2012. The development of a TransferJet-capable USB adapter makes it possible to use TransferJet on existing devices, such as smartphones, simply by plugging it in. Some applications include digital content and e-book sales, digital signage, and cloud services. | |
| Commentary | We can imagine the emergence of new information distribution applications, such as effortless download sales of e-book and music content directly from terminals in a store. There is little doubt that this communication technology will continue to be adopted. | |
Core Technologies
|
Grand Prix |
||
|
• Solid hydrogen-source fuel cell chargers |
||
|
Rohm Co., Ltd. (Booth number: 2B40) |
||
|
Product |
Solid hydrogen-source fuel cell chargers are a ground-breaking solution that overcomes the issues of preceding portable energy sources. It makes excellent use of solid hydrogen source technology, hydrogen generation control technology, and power-generation resin molding technology, and is characterized by being able to generate power in proportion to the amount of hydrogen used. This technology has brought to reality, not just compact USB power sources, but also high-output hybrid power sources. We foresee the usage of this unit as emergency power during disasters, backup power during power outages, and as a power source for outdoor leisure activities. | |
| Commentary | This technology is not just for compact USB power sources, but also high-output hybrid power sources and is anticipated to make an impact in numerous categories, including emergency power during disasters, backup power during power outages, and as a power source for outdoor leisure activities. In light of its high safety assessment there is little doubt that this technology is very well positioned in terms of originality and social interest. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• 0.25mm×0.125mm ultra-miniature chip component |
||
|
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Booth number: 2A72) |
||
|
Product |
Accompanying the ever increasing high-functionality of portable devices such as Smartphones, Tablets, and PCs is an ever shrinking availability of interior space due to the increase of interior components needed to support functionality. Our company contributes to reducing the space required for passive devices, including chip multilayer ceramic capacitors/ chip inductors/ chip ferrite beads. We are the first in the industry to develop the world's tiniest components, measuring merely 0.25 mm × 0.125 mm. | |
| Commentary | We anticipate the establishment of new markets through this technology due to the need for miniaturization in consumer electronics. This has been realized through increased precision in a wide range of component technologies, such as printing, sheet lamination, pressing, cutting, and plating. This is the kind of technology we feel is distinctive to Japan. | |
|
Semi-Grand Prix |
||
|
• Sic power module equipped DC/DC converter |
||
|
Alps Electric Co., Ltd. (Booth number: 1A03) / Rohm Co., Ltd. (Booth number: 2B40) [Co-winner] |
||
|
Product |
This is a DC-DC converter (reference model) combines a current sensor and Liqualloy™ reactor developed by Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd., with a SiC device developed by Rohm. Collaborative development by Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd., Rohm Co., Ltd. and Myway Plus Corporation has resulted in a DC/DC converter that has been compacted to 1/10th of the size of equivalent existing converters. Due to this, whether used as an IT/electronic device hub, in power generation and storage systems, in EVs/PHVs/HVs, or a system that passes through an inverter, this development contributes to making xEMS energy management a reality. | |
| Commentary | This holds promise in raising the efficiencies of DC/DC converters. It will become a significant technology in uniting consumer electronics and electric vehicles. | |
“Special Judge’s Recognition Award”
|
• Heat sensation communication system |
||
|
Keio University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of System Design Engineering, Katsura laboratory (Booth number: 5F48) |
||
|
Product |
This 'heat sensation communication system' is the first system anywhere to succeed in achieving the high precision bi-directional control of temperatures and thermal flow needed to communicate thermal sensations in the real world. The system bi-directionally communicates temperature and thermal flow information between two distant system locations, achieving artificial control over temperature synchronization and thermal energy conservation. This technology is expected to further advance ultra-realistic sense communication. | |
| Commentary | Making it possible to sense 'warmth' from people or objects in remote locations gives us foresight into possible revolutionary innovations like remote medical care, such as palpation (examination by touch) or ultra-realistic multimedia communications and broadcasts. Thus, we valued this highly for its originality. It still faces challenges of technological maturity and marketability, but we look forward to the arrival of applications of this technology that surpass our imaginations. | |
CEATEC AWARD 2013 Category Winners award ceremony
During the awards ceremony, committee members will award winners with award certificates, and trophies, as well as introduce videos for each of the Grand Prix winning products.
- Date: October 3, 2013 (Thursday) From 10:00 am
- Venue: Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall, 2nd floor ‘Room 201’
For the latest information and details, see the CEATEC JAPAN official website at:
http://www.ceatec.com