Communication networks are essential for life today. The conventional communication technology is of two types as follows; one-dimensional communication where information is transmitted through wires, like a cable, and three-dimensional communication where information is transmitted through space, such as wireless or infrared communication. However, the former has complicated wiring problems, whereas the latter poses an information leakage risk and interference with surrounding devices because signals are transmitted through spaces.

Teijin Fibers Limited has developed a two-dimensional communication sheet, the “CELL FORM,” which allows a laptop computer equipped with a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) to connect to the internet just by placing it on the special sheet with less risk of information leakage than normal wireless LAN, thus promoting business which relies on the technology. CELL FORM has been developed using a two-dimensional communication technology called @CELL developed by CELLCROSS Co., Ltd., a spin-off venture company from the University of Tokyo and 10% owned by Teijin Fibers, and Teijin Fibers’ sheet manufactuiring technology. Signals are sealed in the two-dimentionalsheet with communication being conducted using electromagnetic waves (evanescent waves) occurred at the surface of the sheet. This kind of wave is not dispersed, and the connection is not available when the computeris kept away from the sheet (the distance between the computer and the sheet can be varied), so it allows wireless LAN information leakage to reduce significantly. Within a few dozen meters, the transmitting efficiency of this technology is better than that of wireless communication, and it can achieve stable communication performance with lower energy use, contributing to energy efficiency and office space saving.

CELL FORM was commercialized and launched as a LAN sheet by ITOKI Corporation, an office furniture manufacturer in the summer of 2008. Teijin Fibers continues to develop the application of the sheet using the two-dimensional communication technology in cooperation with CELLCROSS, and is aiming for the practical useof communication devices in combination with RFID* automatic recognition technology.

With this system, a sensor placed on a display shelf - on which a two-dimensional communication sheet is laid - detects products being removed from the shelf. By applying this technology to products with RFID tags, it is possible to identify what kind of products are on the sheet, which makes it effective for anti-theft and as a real time inventory. The antenna sheet for RFID using CELL FORM is very thin (about 2mm), allowing it to be placed on existing shelves easily. CELL FORM can stably detect and manage objects, even in places where there are metal objects near the display shelf which may cause radio disturbance, and in places which may affect the radio wave environment. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, including the management of products in shops, as well as medicines and books.

In addition to the potential uses for RFID, Teijin Fibers is planning to develop the use of CELL FORM in other areas including alternatives to wiring harnesses for vehicles and signal cables and artificial skins for robots.

*RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

A kind of automatic recognition technology using radio transmissions. A small electronic tip in which ID information is saved identifies and controls people and objects. Unlike barcodes, it does not read information directly, but communicates information by wireless and using non-contact means.

Click to enlarge