Apple's iBeacon sensor technology gets another vote of confidence for use in location-based services

Apple's iBeacon technology will be used by Zebra Technologies to enable customized location-based advertising within retail stores and other venues.

At the National Retail Federation's annual convention, which begins today, Zebra is demonstrating how Zatar, its cloud-based Internet of things (IoT) platform, can work with iBeacons to deliver customized messaging and deals to shoppers. Specifically, the demo will show how iBeacon can communicate with Zatar by sharing a consumer's location with a third-party sensor display application.

Though it didn't get a lot of attention when it was announced at the company's WorldWide Developer Conference during summer 2013, Apple's iBeacon technology is already making waves in the micro-location market. The technology extends location services by recognizing the presence of iOS and other devices via the use of Bluetooth Low Energy (also called Bluetooth Smart), which reduces power consumption via a low pulsing method but also works with the previous "Classic Bluetooth" versions.


Zebra cited Ben Bajarin, analyst at Creative Strategies, who has estimated that up to 190 million Apple iOS devices, as well as a growing number of Google Android devices, support Bluetooth Smart and iBeacon.

"As iBeacon technology becomes more widely deployed, retailers will have an immediate opportunity to transform consumer shopping experiences by integrating location services and display messaging in their stores with minimal investment," said Phil Gerskovich, Zebra's senior vice president of new growth platforms.

Apple's iBeacon is not the only gas sensor game in town, however. For example, Qualcomm last month announced the commercial release of its Gimbal-brand proximity beacons, which also employ Bluetooth Smart technology. And Estimote, which is also targeting the retail market for its wireless beacons, recently raised a $3.1 million seed round from numerous venture firms and angel investors.

In addition to Bluetooth Smart, other micro-location approaches are based on technologies such as Wi-Fi, electromagnetic signals, sound waves, impulse radio ultra wideband and more.

Zebra noted that growing use of cloud computing and the ubiquity of wireless networks have made connecting devices and pressure sensors more cost-efficient, fueling the rapid growth of the Internet of Things.

In a recent blog entry, Creative Strategies' Bajarin forecast that 6 billion connected devices will ship in 2016. "In 2015 alone connected devices will generate over 8 billion zetabytes of data. By 2020 there will be over 200 billion connected devices in use," he said.

Bajarin added that by 2025, he expects there will be 1 trillion connected objects in use.
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Lightower plans aggressive fiber expansion in Chicago

Chicago is about to get a big fiber boost.

Lightower Fiber Networks, which bought the commercial broadband network formerly operated by RCN Telecom Services, is laying down 40 miles of new optical fiber cable in the area over the next 12 months. It plans to connect more than 30 new buildings to its network that runs from the Loop to the suburbs.

Total buildout throughout the market is likely to cost tens of millions of dollars. "It's a pretty big investment," CEO Rob Shanahan says. "It's expensive to build in Chicago."

It's one of the first significant new fiber buildouts since the massive construction during the dot-com boom that produced a glut of optical fibers capacity that lasted more than decade. Now, though, networks are straining from an explosion of social media networks, smartphone and tablet usage, streaming of movies and TV shows, and the push to computerize medical records and make them accessible across vast health care networks.

Lightower, based in Boxborough, Mass., plans to connect buildings in the Loop as well as major data centers in the suburbs.

The company already has fiber connecting major data center hubs, such as CME Group Inc.'s facility in Aurora and 350 E. Cermak Road, which is home to many of the city's trading firms, markets, as well as major telecommunications carriers and Internet service providers. It also leases a fiber connection to the East Coast financial markets.

"We're going to reinforce the fiber downtown to Cermak and build another fiber ring in the Loop," Mr. Shanahan says. "We're going to add fiber from downtown out to Elk Grove Village, then ring in Elmhurst, pick up Oak Park and connect to Aurora."

Making an aggressive bet on demand, Mr. Shanahan plans to extend connections into as many as 20 buildings on speculation.

"We have fiber in about 200 buildings," he says. "But we're missing key buildings on Wacker Drive. That's where we're starting."

Lightower is expanding in just two markets — Chicago and northern Virginia, another major Internet hub. "Chicago is where we're doing the most expansion," Mr. Shanahan says. "Given the size of the market, we think we'll get the most bang for our buck."

The move underscores the importance of Chicago as one of the world's main fiber-optical fiber manufacturer. Lightower moved into the Chicago market in 2013, acquiring nearly 350 miles of fiber when it merged with Sidera Networks, which is the former RCN commercial business.
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IST will also be demonstrating under the “UVLED Ready” banner the world’s first “cross over” conventional UV systems

On Stand 9F34, ITL introduces to the label industry for the first time the all new LEDZero Solidcure 2 range while offering visitors a special preview of its new led bulb manufacturer air-cooled system, which is making its world debut at the show.

Initially launched in July this year, the all new LEDZero Solidcure 2 (above) offers class-leading dose and linearity of output that surpasses other water-cooled units of this type and is also available in a HD (high dose) version which delivers twice the dose of the standard model to match even the most demanding of high speed curing applications.

The slim, ultra-compact architecture of the LEDZero Solidcure 2 enables easy integration while water-cooling provides precision high output. Benefitting from the latest in semi-conductor development, the Solidcure 2 also offers a highly efficient UV LED solution that further reduces energy and cooling input.

Fully scalable in length, it can also be tailored to meet the widest of UV LED requirements in a variety of different machines and applications.

The high speed curing capability of this ground-breaking technology will be demonstrated on a 2 colour flexo-press onthe stand (5D45) of ITL’s technology and marketing partner IST.

IST will also be demonstrating under the “UVLED Ready” banner the world’s first “cross over” conventional UV systems, whereby the standard MBS®-6 UV lamp cassettes can be exchanged for UV LED cassettes utilising the same housings and interconnecting services - a technology that successfully marks the company’s sustained development of energy-efficient UV label printing.

Further working examples of Solidcure 2 and other models from the extensive range of ITL UV LED solutions can be found at the show on a range of both digital and flexo label presses. A full list of these working demonstrations can be obtained from either the ITL or IST stands.

Soon-to-be released, ITL’s VZero LED system is an elegant, compact and modular solution that utilises all of the proven features and benefits of its sister arc product and incorporates them into an LED alternative, unrivalled by any other product in the market.

VZero LED joins an already impressive line-up of new air-cooled UV LED solutions unveiled by ITL during 2013 as the ‘top of the range’ model, and thanks to advanced semi-conductor technology and cooling design offers a high intensity and high dose output that previously was only possible with water-cooled models.

The flexible architecture allows long versions to be produced in scale increments of 90mm and options include 4 different wavelengths of LED’s to be selected to give a perfect match to any chosen ink or coating chemistry.

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Most of the major LED players are present in the list of the top patent assignees

Phosphor related intellectual property has been and remains a major driving force with strong impact on the shape of the led tube light manufacturer industry.

The first commercial GaN-based blue LED Garden Lamp were produced in Japan in the mid 90’s after researchers Shuji Nakamura at Nichia and Professor Akasaki at Nagoya University (IP assigned to Toyoda Gosei) succeeded in removing some of the major remaining roadblocks associated with this technology (p-doping, epitaxy quality…).

Quickly leveraging on this success, some fundamental patents describing the use of a blue LED combined with a phosphor to produce white par58 led lamp were filed by Nichia, Osram, ATMI and others.

Those fundamental patents were rapidly followed by a fast growing number of applications through 2005 as an increasing number of companies started to compete in the LED market and new applications in cell phone, laptop and LCD TV display, and general lighting were being addressed.

Phosphor IP is a major force in the LED industry. With more than 40 litigation cases, it is also used as leverage by companies which have negotiated close to 70 licensing and supply agreements to date.

It can also be argued that in the first half of the 2000 decade, the strict enforcement and lack of license grants for some fundamental IP related to the design and manufacturing of white LEDs might also have slowed down the progress of the industry by preventing more efficient competition that would allow prices to decrease.

Hundreds of companies are involved in LED phosphor IP. Most of the major LED players are present in the list of the top patent assignees. But independent phosphor manufacturers like Intematix or Mitsubishi that are offering their phosphors on the open market are also emerging as major forces in the IP landscape.

Leading Taiwan based packagers are notably absent from Yole's ranking. This weak position explains the large number of litigations and one way, royalty or supply based license agreements involving those companies.

Based on this portfolio analysis as well as on their litigation and licensing history, Yole identified 15 major players that are profiled in this report.

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Off-road versions are available with speeds of 30+ mph as a special upgrade

Falco eMotors, a leading North American manufacturer and a pioneer of electric bike hub motors and propulsion systems, announces the First 3 component Universal e-Bike kit in the industry at Interbike.

According to Bonita Dhawan, V.P. of Sales and Marketing; “This is revolutionary and in line with our philosophy to keep a bicycle, abicycle. Three components are all you need to electrify a bicycle – a Falco motor with built in controller, a Falco battery and a Falco throttle. Anybody can electrify a bicycle in minutes. The basic system consists of our 750W, 5-Phase motor with 6.5kg weight and 60Nm torque, 36V, 11.6Ah battery weighing 2.5kg and a thumb or a twist throttle. A number of accessories are available such as the ANT+™ wireless console, a heart rate sensor manufacturer, a pedal assist sensor etc. The road legal system is limited to a speed of 20mph. Off-road versions are available with speeds of 30+ mph as a special upgrade.”

Falco’s electric bike hub motors range from 250W to 1500W inpower, 3.5kg to 7.5kg in weight, and 40 to 80Nm in toque, with batteryvoltage compatibility from 24V to 55V. All motors include integratedelectronics, controls and sensors thereby simplifying installation into a conventional bicycle. Cassette and freehub™ compatibility are available on several motor models. Motors can be configured to run with a variety of sensors such as crank sensors, pedal assist sensors, analog throttles, brake sensors, thun® and BEAMts® torque sensors directly or wirelessly. Motors can also be configured for different communication protocols such as ANT+™, 1-Wire, CANbus, RS-485, and Bluetooth LE.

Customers often describe Falco’s motors as “indestructible,” “ultra fast,” “feather light,” “astonishing torque,” “highly efficient,” and “precise power.”

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As Metrigraphics proceeds at a peak rate of 100,000-plus units per week

Completing the production and delivery of 15 million micro flex circuits over the course of a six-year relationship underscores the many advantages offered by Metrigraphics LLC, according to company President and CEO Randolph J. Sablich.

"Achieving this milestone is proof positive in our ability to support high-volume production of sensor manufacturer components and other micro flex circuits," Sablich said. "Metrigraphics prides itself on its world-class R&D capabilities, but we go well beyond that. We're not just a development house."

"Our success manufacturing this sensor component clearly illustrates Metrigraphics' production capabilities," he said. "While these are single metal layer circuits, they embody the processes we utilize to make our Micro Flex Multilayer circuits: photolithography, thin film sputtering (metal traces) and the use of very thin layers of spun polyimide dielectric layers."

Metrigraphics continued progress toward ISO 13485 Certification strengthens its capabilities to build to their customer's designs, manufacture high volume components and deliver high quality micro flex circuits to major medical device manufacturers.

"Our participation in the MassMEDIC/Mass MEP ISO 13485 Collaborative allowed us to prepare for the FDA's eventual requirement for ISO13485 compliance at the supplier level, and to stay ahead of the curve," Sablich said. "Our customers appreciate the edge that our dedication to quality provides."

As Metrigraphics proceeds at a peak rate of 100,000-plus units per week, the next milestone of 16 million - and more - sensor components is closer than we think. Sablich is confident in his company's ability to meet customer demand.

"Our perfect track record of meeting customer-required deliveries with virtually zero returns is a testament to dedication and perseverance of our staff," he said.

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The new Cree lighting system includes Cree 304 Series™ recessed soffit luminaires

Cree LED Lighting Delivers Savings and Rapid Payback at New South Lake Tahoe Location

DURHAM, NC -- As part of its commitment to sustainable operations, Raley's® Family of Fine Stores selected energy-efficient sensor manufacturer by Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) to illuminate its new petroleum station, car wash and convenience store in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Featuring advanced LED technology paired with an integrated dimming system, Cree® lighting delivers improved light quality combined with reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs for the store, with payback in less than one year.*

Sixty Cree led bulb manufacturer illuminate the South Lake Tahoe store, generating significant energy savings compared to the fluorescent, metal halide and halogen fixtures used at Raley's existing Fair Oaks, Calif. location. Cree's interior and exterior fixtures deliver exceptional color rendering, light quality and distribution and allow the use of fewer fixtures than required with traditional lighting.

The new Cree lighting system includes Cree 304 Series™ recessed soffit luminaires and Cree CR24™ troffers in the convenience store along withCree 304 Series recessed canopy luminaires installed over the fuel canopy deck and Cree 227 Series™ recessed soffit luminaires in the car wash bay. Cree Edge™ wall-mount security luminaires, as well as post-top and arm-mounted luminaires provide further exterior lighting in the parking lot.

"Implementing energy-efficient led display manufacturer supports our goal of reducing overall energy consumption at new stores and in upgrades to our 128 locations," said Randy Walthers, energy and utility manager, Raley's. "We found a valued partner in Hi-Def Lighting & Electrical, Inc. [formerly Fillner Construction, Inc., dba Filner Electric] who met our needs with high-quality Cree LED lighting equipped with a sophisticated control system for remarkable savings and light quality."

Featuring an optional integrated sensor, Cree luminaires help Raley's conserve energy and meet California's daylight control requirement at the South Lake Tahoe store. Cree luminaries in the car wash, for example, operate at 20 percent power until the occupancy sensor brings them to full power and then dims them when not in use.

An additional benefit of the Cree lighting installation is the universal drivers that provide continuous illumination during periodic brownouts that are common to the area. "In South Lake Tahoe, the voltage will drop as much as 30 percent during hot afternoons creating multiple problems with electrical systems," said Walthers. "Cree luminaires are unaffected by these erratic voltage drops and continue performing at peak efficiency due to dependable drivers that include AC input protection."

"Raley's is fast becoming a model of energy efficiency in the petroleum and convenience store industry," said Mike Bauer, vice president sales, lighting at Cree. "Cree offers a full suite of energy-efficient lighting for 24/7 operations, helping Raley's continue its mission toward environmental stewardship, while supporting their bottom line."

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