Veeam Software, the leader in Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery, today announced it is integrating Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 with newly launched Microsoft 365 Backup via their backup APIs to bring customers and partners new capabilities for backup, recovery, ransomware protection and business continuity. Veeam plans to utilize this integration to deliver new innovations and experiences to Microsoft customers that need the very best data protection and ransomware recovery to keep their businesses running."Today, every business is a digital business," said Danny Allan, CTO at Veeam. "That means fast, reliable access and availability of data is critical to keep businesses running. Veeam is the leading provider of backup and recovery for Microsoft 365, with over 15 million users protected. We're delighted to extend our advanced capabilities to customers and partners using Microsoft 365 Backup. We plan to deliver innovative new features and capabilities taking advantage of the power and reliability of the Veeam Data Platform which keeps businesses running.""We're excited to work with Veeam, and look forward to the unprecedented speed and scale of backup and restore experiences they can bring to customers with our new Microsoft 365 Backup solution," said Jeff Teper, President, Collaboration Apps and Platforms, Microsoft.Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365Today, Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 is the leader in Microsoft 365 backup and is being used to protect more than 15 million users. This adoption reflects customers' shared responsibility to own and protect their critical Microsoft 365 data, eliminating the risk of losing Microsoft 365 data, including Microsoft Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business and Microsoft Teams. Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 provides the lowest recovery point objectives (RPO), the broadest set of recovery options, and the flexibility to back up Microsoft 365 data to any location. The addition of support for Microsoft 365 Backup will expand those industry-leading capabilities and will be available to all Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 customers when it's available.For more information about Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365, visit https://www.veeam.com/backup-microsoft-office-365.html.AvailabilityWork on the integration between Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Backup via their backup APIs is underway, with general availability of our updated offering expected within 90 days of the Microsoft 365 Backup service being available.Veeam Partners with Microsoft to Bring New Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery Capabilities to Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365

In March 2023, Google again announced that it had discontinued Google Glass, raising doubts about the future development of smart glasses in the market. However, Dr. Shao-Yi Chien, founder and CEO of Ganzin Technology, is pushing back against these naysayers, pointing out that even before this announcement, most people thought Google Glass had been discontinued long ago. It is not widely known that Google had been quietly developing the technology for a decade. This shows that the company has been holding on to smart glasses for many years. A closer look at the market shows that smart glasses are not only technologically advanced enough to be commercialized but that they have also begun to be used in certain fields over the last two years. Ganzin Technology's eye-tracking technology has been integrated into smart glasses, leading to a variety of applications.In its early days, eye-tracking technology was initially used for military purposes, allowing fighter pilots to control the direction of their weapons using their eyeballs. Later, it was used to help physically disabled people communicate with others. The most famous example is Dr. Stephen Hawking. The brilliant physicist suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which caused his limbs to gradually atrophy at a young age, leaving him unable to speak or write. Intel developed a custom device for him that integrated eye-tracking, predictive input, and speech synthesis technologies, allowing him to use his eyes to select letters of the alphabet, spell individual words or sentences, and talk through a speech synthesizer. However, eye-tracking systems of the past had two major weaknesses: a complex structure and limited accuracy, which hindered their dissemination and development. Ganzin Technology, on the other hand, uses AI and machine learning technologies to develop an efficient, accurate, and cost-effective eye-tracking solution to open new possibilities for eye-tracking technology.Most eye-tracking devices currently on the market use corneal reflection technology, in which lots of LEDs are placed in the glasses as the anchors to locate the movement of the pupil. The comparatively complex structure of such devices leads to higher overall costs as well as production and maintenance difficulties. It also affects the flexibility and feasibility for compact glasses. Ganzin Technology, on the other hand, uses only one sensor and LED in conjunction with an AI algorithm to accurately track eye movements. Dr. Chien pointed out that tracking eye movements with this method is very difficult because there are no reference points for positioning in the internal structure of the glasses. Nonetheless, the company's database built over many years and proofs-of-concept have resulted in a simple yet precise technology for tracking eye movements in real time.Diverse Applications of Eye-Tracking Technology in Smart GlassesGanzin Technology's main business model is to offer micro embedded eye-tracking modules that can be integrated into VR/AR glasses and smart glasses to create a new generation of human-computer interaction devices. For example, Jorjin, a Taiwanese manufacturer of smart glasses, has adopted Ganzin's products. In addition to the modules, Ganzin Technology has further strengthened its product value and application reach, starting with its proprietary eye-tracking chip. The company has also launched lightweight eye-tracking glasses. This device can track eye movements and record videos that can be used in various teaching and training environments, such as sports, smart factories, and medicine. Finally, Ganzin Technology's eye movement analysis software can create heat maps and gaze fixation sequence plots for business and behavioral analysis.Eye tracking can also be combined with AR technology to develop a variety of smart applications. During surgical operations, for example, the AR images displayed by the glasses can show the paths of incisions to help surgeons perform them accurately and reduce the risk of medical errors. In large areas such as manufacturing plants, water reservoirs, or oil refineries, the visual data from the AR glasses can greatly improve the efficiency of equipment inspections. When a problem occurs during maintenance, the communication module in the glasses can send images to a back-end system. The system will then display the screen of the smart glasses and the view of the maintenance personnel. This allows experts to provide voice assistance remotely, while on-site maintenance personnel can follow instructions via the miniature microphone in the glasses to get the job done.As for the consumer sector, Ganzin Technology's eye-tracking solution could become the best control mechanism for smart glasses. The wearer could command the system by navigating the AR screen of the smart glasses based on how their line of sight moves or stops. Combined with an AI assistant, this type of control system could make users' lives a lot easier. For example, when interested in a nearby item, users could simply direct their gaze to the item and ask the AI assistant for product information via voice command. Dr. Chien pointed out that with the rapid development of AI technology, this type of interaction commonly seen in movies, such as that between Iron Man and his AI assistant Jarvis, is not far from actual implementation and will serve as a killer application for smart glasses.Ganzin Technology's eye-tracking technology has been in the industry spotlight since its introduction because it is precise, responds superbly in real time, and integrates easily with smart glasses. Ganzin Technology won the first prize at the National Science and Technology Council's inaugural TIE Awards in 2022. Dr. Chien believes that in addition to the team's hard work, the government's efforts in recent years to create a new environment for start-ups have also contributed greatly to this success. He pointed out that the company incubated from National Taiwan University and became an independent company with the help of the Value Creation Program. Later, it participated in major overseas trade shows with the assistance of Taiwan Tech Arena. This support was crucial in showcasing the company's technology and marketing. Dr. Chien also noted that since Ganzin Technology's founding in 2018, Taiwan's start-up environment has taken on the feel of Silicon Valley in the U.S., exhibiting an increasingly vibrant industry atmosphere. He also believes that with the support of government policies, the industry and academia will become increasingly active in start-ups, giving new impetus to Taiwan's industry and triggering another wave of economic development.Taiwan's leading smart glasses manufacturer, Jorjin, has integrated Ganzin Technology's eye-tracking module to introduce the world's first smart glasses controlled primarily by eye movements (Top). The eye-tracking glasses developed by Ganzin Technology. Combined with Ganzin Technology's eye movement analysis software, the glasses can be used in a variety of fields including medicine, design, commerce, sports science, and education (Bottom).Photo: Ganzin Technology

The 2002 Electronic Signatures Act was originally designed to encourage electronic transactions and develop e-government and e-commerce. However, rapid technological advancements in the last twenty years have expanded the use of digital signatures beyond mere transactions, now finding widespread use in diverse sectors of healthcare, finance, government, education, and real estate, among others, prompting the need to modernize the law for the digital age. A recent report by Mordor Intelligence revealed that the global e-signature platform market reached a valuation of US$2.28 million in 2021, and it is projected to further soar to US$10.94 million by 2027.Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) is spearheading the update of the two-decades-old Electronic Signature Act. In March, MODA specified the required algorithms and technical standards for digital signatures to ensure their legal effect. On June 27th, the draft amendments to the Act were made public, inviting feedback through the Public Policy Participation Platform until August 25th. As public hearings and discussions on the changes have begun, officials and industry representatives have expressed support for the modernization, while raising concerns over potential oversights.The proposed amendments to the Electronic Signature Act entail six key changes aimed at modernizing and updating regulations for electronic signatures.1. Specifying the principle of equal functionality between electronic and paper formatsThe revised legislation makes it explicit that e-documents and signatures carry the same legal validity as their physical counterparts, emphasizing the principle of functional equivalence. This recognition ensures that electronic signatures and documents are legally binding and accepted at the same level as traditional paper-based ones.This revision enables individuals and organizations to confidently use electronic signatures and documents for various purposes, including signing contracts, transaction authorizations, and official forms, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and elimination of physical paperwork and face-to-face interactions.2. Clarifying the relationship between electronic signatures and digital signaturesAn electronic signature is a mark attached to an e-document, confirming the identity, qualifications, and authenticity of the person signing the document.A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that converts an e-document into unique digital data using mathematical algorithms or other methods. This data is encrypted using the signatory's private key (PKI), creating a distinctive digital signature that can be verified with the public key. Additionally, a digital signature requires a certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA), either public or private.The law change follows the principle of technological neutrality, embracing future innovations like dynamic biometric signatures based on biotechnology, in line with international recommendations from the United Nations and the European Union.3. Distinguishing the legal effect of electronic signatures and digital signaturesTo enhance the legal credibility of digital signatures, they are granted a "presumption" of being personally signed by the individual, treated as if personally signed, placing the burden of proof on the challenging party in disputes over their authenticity. Although electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as physical ones, disputes over their authenticity necessitate evidence from the party claiming their genuineness.4. Adjusting the requirements for the use of electronic documents and signatures with the consent of the parties involvedThe revision expands the use of e-documents and signatures beyond legal transactions with counterparties. It clarifies that obtaining consent from counterparties is not mandatory for e-documents. However, while consent from counterparties is not necessary, the revision acknowledges potential digital gaps and grants them the choice to refuse or seek alternative options when using e-documents or signatures.5. Reducing the possibility of administrative institutions excluding the application of the Electronic Signature Act through public announcementsThe revised law prohibits administrative agencies from exempting the Electronic Signature Act through commands or announcements. However, they can establish separate regulations for technical and procedural aspects of e-documents and signatures. Agencies are granted three years to transition smoothly, and after this period, previous exemptions become invalid. If they still wish to exclude this law, proper legislative procedures or amendments must be followed.6. To consider the opportunities for international interoperability of electronic signaturesForeign companies can now serve as digital signature certification authorities in the country. The approval process evaluates international reciprocity, equivalent security standards, and potential technical collaboration. Earlier this year, the National Institute for Cyber Security collaborated with Lithuania, using the "miXed organization Certification Authority" (XCA) issued by MODA for online signing, which was officially recognized and legally valid in Lithuania. This mutual recognition establishes a precedent and foundation for the legislation amendment.As Taiwan takes steps to embrace cutting-edge technologies, these amendments signal the nation's commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital era.

As technology advances apace, the modern demand for high-quality A/V experience has also continued to rise. From mobile phones, computers, and televisions, the demand has even extended to vehicle cabins. Major auto makers, looking to generate revenue, have also been quite keen to introduce new technologies to raise the added value of products. The smart cabin market is gradually taking shape alongside the development of the supply and demand sides. Mindtronic AI's eye-tracking AI system for vehicles, which can instantly track precise movements of the driver's eyes, is finding use in a variety of applications, and has been seen favorably by the industry since its release. More recently, Mindtronic has cooperated with Taiwan panel factories to enter the smart car market.The auto industry has recently ushered in a new industrial revolution, one in which autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and smartification are the three key trends. According to analysis by Mike Huang, CTO of Mindtronic AI, the development of self-driving (autonomous) cars has not been as fast as expected, due to the need for highly integrated peripheral systems and innovative business models. With the simple structure of electric vehicle chassis, however, the technical threshold is relatively low compared with fuel vehicles, resulting in a large number of investors and major competitive pressures to existing car manufacturers. In such a scenario, introducing forward-looking technology to provide a high-quality ride, and at the same time creating a smart cabin with a range of value, has become an essential strategy for auto makers.Huang also pointed out that the panel plays an important role in the smart cabin system. Most high-end vehicles on the current market come with customized touch panels. These panels incorporate the appearance and shape of next-gen cabin design and extend from the driver's seat to the front passenger seat. They also provide various functions in response to user needs, from driving assistance to high-resolution audio-visual applications. The smart cabin system requires a new type of human-machine interface (HMI) that includes not just touch technology, but also eye tracking as one of its main features.Eye tracking, a technology that has been under development for many years, has found wide use in on-board vehicle systems. Its main purpose is to determine the mental state of the driver and issue alerts when the driver is tired or not paying attention. Mindtronic AI has further integrated with AI by making AI the "copilot". In situations not favorable to driving, such as when the driver is not mentally capable of driving, the ADAS of the in-vehicle system will temporarily "take the wheel." In addition to assisted driving, Mindtronic AI's systems also combine eye-tracking technology with intention inference algorithms. Driver can make use of the eye-sight manipulated control panel and the head-up display (HUD) screen function on the windshield, and the system also has the function to actively infer the user's intention and learn their preference or target of interest (TOI). Combined with the recommendation engine to actively provide information, entertainment, and driving service functions, this function can also become a commercial mechanism that can generate operating income for car dealers or platform operators.Huang says that the current business model for auto makers is basically new car sales with follow-up maintenance. But with electric vehicles becoming a key policy in governments of various countries, the depreciation rate for electric vehicles off the lot is much lower than that for gas-driven vehicles, and the maintenance rate is thus also greatly reduced, so car manufacturers will need to find another source of revenue. Smart cabins may just be one source for new business opportunities. Huang further pointed out that there are two types of the software business service mechanism of the smart car cabin: in-cabin and out-cabin. The in-cabin service mechanism focuses on driving safety functions provided by auto makers, while out-cabin services are similar to smartphones. Consumers can download software products from app makers and use them on the smart cabin platform. From a functional point of view, the out-cabin service mechanism offers more functions and more business opportunities. Nevertheless, this mechanism is built on a complete ecosystem, like a smart phone, so it requires all those involved to work together for promotion.Eye tracking will be an important control technology for both in-cabin and out-cabin systems. Huang mentioned that current control technologies for the HMI include touch, voice, and eye movement, each performing its respective function in the smart cabin. When the driver is parked or other passengers who there are those who are not in charge of driving, the operating system function mainly uses touch mode, while voice control is mainly used for inputting commands to the navigation system. Eye tracking technology also has its own use here: it is used for selecting functions and reading information during driving. However, Huang also pointed out that for eye tracking control to be practical in the smart cabin system, the two key objectives, i.e., accuracy and immediacy, must be met to create a high-quality experience for users. The technology developed by Mindtronic AI is not affected by ambient lights inside the cabin. With its fast and precise tracking of eye movement, the technology has won wide acceptance in the market, not only winning the US CES Innovation Award for 4 consecutive years, but also being used in cooperation with panel manufacturers and large auto makers.While unique and practical, Mindtronic AI's eye-tracking AI system for vehicles is favored by the industry due to the innovation-friendly environment created by the government in recent years, argues Huang. He pointed out that the National Science and Technology Council's value creation program and the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) have been providing massive supports for startups, especially when taking a startup team to the United States to participate in CES, an excellent opportunity to gain exposure. Huang pointed out that startup teams are certainly aware of the importance of big overseas exhibitions, but that most teams are unable to participate in exhibitions due to limited resources. Also, small booth area limits the final exposure. So, the TTA brought together a large number of Taiwanese start-up teams and set up the TTA Pavilion to magnify the exposure for exhibitors. This expanded exposure has benefited Mindtronic AI in the past. That is why Huang suggests that startups can make good use of the support offered by government policy to expand product exposure while enhancing their own technological capabilities.Mindtronic AI product developmentPhoto: Company

Owing to consistent advancements in chip computing and AI algorithms, the scope of AI applications has grown exponentially across multiple sectors. The early years saw a primary focus on image recognition, followed by gradual yet impactful inroads into speech and text applications. A notable breakthrough was the introduction of ChatGPT, a major achievement in AI speech technology that gained widespread acclaim since 2022.At present, AI applications in the speech sector fall into three distinct categories. Foremost, chatbots that engage with consumers via text or speech, have become integral components in customer service frameworks. Second, voice-to-text applications translate recorded files or user speech into corresponding text, thereby reducing manual processing time considerably - an optimal solution for tasks like recording meeting minutes or for media professionals.DeepWave's Chief Operating Officer, Sung-tsan Yeh, cites noise reduction and the separation of human voices from background noise as the third noteworthy application of AI in the speech sector. Traditional methods to enhance speech quality required meticulous professional input, making it a time-intensive and expensive process only affordable for high-budget video projects. In contrast, individual content creators such as YouTubers or online instructors with limited budgets could only rely on pre-production noise-canceling equipment as they could not afford professional post-production services. Given the rising popularity of YouTube and online teaching, a significant number of companies are investing in AI technology to address the need for noise reduction and voice-background noise separation.DeepWave Revolutionizes Noise Reduction with AI Acoustic Recognition TechnologyFounded in September 2019 by Professor Roger Jang of National Taiwan University's Computer Science & Information Engineering Department, CTO Ken Yeh, and CEO Henry Lin, DeepWave is a startup created under the aegis of Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council's Germination Program. This pioneering company is committed to offering cost-effective AI acoustic recognition technology, aiming to streamline manpower requirements, elevate productivity, and augment industrial value across numerous sectors requiring speech recognition. The startup offers over 20 varieties of API services for acoustic AI recognition and processing, closely collaborating with sectors such as music post-production, education, corporate interviews, and anomaly detection in mechanical noises.A key product from DeepWave, the Noise Eraser, exemplifies intelligent AI noise reduction. Trained on approximately 10,000 human voice and noise files, it mimics professional sound effects engineers' noise-reduction techniques. This enables users to effortlessly achieve professional-grade noise reduction and enhance voice clarity in their videos. The user-friendly tool requires only three steps and an average minute to process five-minute footage, significantly alleviating disruptions from environmental noises for content creators and educators, thereby enhancing video quality.COO Sung-tsan Yeh notes that conventional noise-removal methods often render audio signals unauthentic, a common issue with most free tools. DeepWave's approach, built on foundational AI technology and backed by extensive experimentation and user testing, allows optimal application ratios for a broad spectrum of use-cases. Users can fine-tune the voice-to-noise ratio based on their preferences. With over two decades of presence and numerous victories in international speech and music analysis contests, DeepWave seeks to translate promising technologies into steppingstones to expedite businesses' digital transformation, thereby contributing to Taiwan's digital revolution.DeepWave's Noise Eraser: A Global Success Story and a Glimpse into the FutureDeepWave operates its flagship product, Noise Eraser, under a freemium model where users can process up to five-minute videos for free, while unlimited access is provided to subscribers of the paid version. The product's superior noise reduction capabilities, coupled with affordable subscription pricing, have attracted a significant international user base, contributing to 70% of the company's revenue. Testament to its robust technological prowess, DeepWave has received numerous accolades, including the "2021 GO NEXT DIGITAL" award under the Bureau of Industry's "Demo: Pitch Talent Cultivation Program", "Purpose Demo Show" by Startup Taipei, Chang Gung University and United Innovation, and the AIGO AI Talent Training Program award by the Administration for Digital Industries, Ministry of Digital Affairs.CEO Henry Lin acknowledges the support DeepWave has received from various legal entities and government agencies during its growth phase. Apart from the National Science and Technology Council's Taiwan Germination Program, the company has participated in multiple events facilitated by the TTA. Lin notes that these engagements have not only amplified brand and product exposure but also provided opportunities to connect with overseas investors and clients, bolstering the company's long-term growth prospects.In light of Noise Eraser's market success, DeepWave has ambitious plans for 2023, including the launch of new services like meeting minutes management. Their meeting minutes service, capable of discerning different human voices and organizing all spoken content during meetings, has emerged as a promising tool. Several government agencies currently trialing this service have lauded its efficacy and potential.Henry Lin, CEO of DeepWavePhoto: CompanySung-Tsan Yeh, Chief Operating Officer of DeepWavePhoto: CompanyNoise Eraser AI Noise-reduction Service Rolled Out by DeepWavePhoto: Company

STMicroelectronics has introduced the ST-ONEHP integrated digital controller, the world's first IC certified by USB-IF according to the USB Power Delivery Extended Power Range (USB PD 3.1 EPR) specification.As the third controller in the ST-ONE family, the ST-ONEHP has 28V output capability to simplify building chargers and power adapters rated up to 140W. Sharing the ST-ONE architecture, the converter is a non-complementary active-clamp-flyback zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) topology that ensures superior efficiency at high power output and switching frequency. Essential features including secondary regulation and the USB PD communication interface are integrated, saving bill-of-materials costs as well as PCB size and complexity. Built-in synchronous rectification helps maximize efficiency and reinforced galvanic isolation permits a solution that is both compact and safe.Inside the ST-ONEHP, an Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller maintains overall control. The MCU is supplied pre-loaded with certified USB PD firmware, which eases end-product approval to qualify for the USB logo. With 64KByte of flash storage, the MCU provides room for customizing the power-conversion firmware.The ST-ONEHP is well suited to use with ST's MasterGaN single chip, integrating the Company's third-generation gallium nitride (GaN) power transistors and optimized gate drivers. The SiP ease the adoption of GaN technology in energy-conscious applications to realize benefits including superior thermal performance and switching efficiency compared to conventional silicon transistors.Complementing the properties of the ST-ONE converter, MasterGaN helps maximize performance and allows high switching frequencies that permit smaller passive components. By combining the ST-ONEHP controller and a 9mm x 9mm MasterGaN1 half-bridge device, ST has produced the EVLONE140W reference design smaller than a standard 65W laptop charger.Its volume of 90cm^3 equates to industry-leading power density of 25W/in^3, while the peak efficiency reaches beyond 94%. From an environmental perspective, the charger can use just a quarter of the plastics and is 2% more efficient than average chargers. Using these products in all chargers produced worldwide would save 3.5 million tons of CO2 emissions. Samples of the ST-ONEHP are already available for selected customers in a SSOP36 leaded package.For further information please go to www.st.com/st-onehp.STMicroelectronics grows ST-ONE controller family for USB Power Delivery applications up to 140W

STMicroelectronics has released a toolchain and accompanying software package for programming the intelligent sensor processing unit (ISPU) embedded in the latest-generation intelligent MEMS IMUs, ISM330IS and LSM6DSO16IS.The toolchain and software help employ the ISPU to handle motion-related workloads such as activity recognition and anomaly detection directly in the sensor. This permits reducing system power and latency, offloading the local microcontroller, and uniquely specializing the behavior of the sensor to the application.Using the ISPU toolchain, developers can program the sensor's intelligent processing unit using the familiar and widespread C programming language. They can choose to work from a command line interface (CLI) or an Eclipse-based environment like STM32CubeIDE, and to use a graphical user interface (GUI) such as AlgoBuilder and Unicleo.The X-CUBE-ISPU software package contains templates and example projects as well as ready-to-use libraries that help developers quickly understand how to use and program the sensors' ISPU and can be used as a starting point to implement custom algorithms. Pre-built files are also available, which lets users load the X-CUBE-ISPU examples directly into the sensor using one of the GUIs, with no coding required. In addition, a GitHub repository is available providing more examples, tutorials, and other development resources.Using these resources helps make short work of developing applications such as personal electronics including wearable devices for activity recognition and health monitoring, as well as industrial devices such as asset trackers, equipment-condition monitors, robots, and machine controllers.ST's ISM330IS and LSM6DSO16IS inertial modules contain an always-on 3D accelerometer and 3D gyroscope with the embedded ISPU. They feature low power consumption, drawing as little as 0.46mA in low-power mode, and low noise at 70μg/√Hz in high-performance mode. Sensor hub functionality allows them to collect data from up to four additional external sensors. An embedded temperature sensor is also included, and each device is housed in a compact 2.5mm x 3mm x 0.83mm plastic land grid array (LGA) package.SPM Instrument (https://www.spminstrument.com/), a Strängnäs, Sweden, based innovator in condition monitoring and process optimization, relied on ST's ISPU toolchain and the X-CUBE-ISPU to tailor, in a short time, the ISPU behavior in their new products for vibration-severity analysis that contain the ISM330IS sensor.SPM's sensing solution is ideal for remote condition monitoring of standard production equipment such as pumps and fans, as well as inaccessible machines and equipment placed in hostile or risky environments. The ISM330IS enabled designers to meet a tight power budget, also overcoming the limited processing capabilities available in the local microcontroller.The ISPU-toolchain, X-CUBE-ISPU and GitHub model zoo are ready now to download, free of charge, at st.com. The ISM330IS and LSM6DSO16IS intelligent MEMS sensors are in production now and available.Please visit www.st.com/ispu for more information.New toolchain and software package from STMicroelectronics ease development of edge processing with intelligent inertial sensors.

iCatch Technology and Prophesee have jointly announced the launch of the iEVCam, powered by iCatch Technology's V57 AI Imaging SoC and Prophesee's Event-Based Metavision® Technology. The iEVCam is a smart camera reference system designed for developers to deploy innovative event-based edge AI solutions across various industries. With the accompanying edge AI SDK, it significantly simplifies the integration of event-based algorithms onto the camera device, accelerating time-to-market of event-based products. This makes the iEVCam an ideal platform for scaling event-based technology solutions in the rapidly growing edge AI market. Prophesee will be showing the live demonstration of the iEVCam at Vision China 2023, from July 11 to July 13.iEVCam Developer Kit. Photo: iCatch Technology The iEVCam utilizes the IMX646 Event-based Vision Sensor (EVS) realized in collaboration between Sony Semiconductor Solutions and Prophesee. It offers high privacy data, high dynamic range, extreme low light performance, and low data rate. The AI Imaging processor used inside is iCatch Technology's V57 SoC, the world's first ASIC that can directly support EVS with edge AI. V57 AI Imaging SoC features event-based processing accelerators such as event decoder and event optical flow engine, along with computer vision Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and AI SDK for edge AI processing. These features enable developers to migrate their event-based algorithms from PC to camera device, allowing real-time processing and decision-making at the edge. The iEVCam is a perfect platform for product prototyping to reduce time-to-market for applications such as Driver Monitoring System (DMS), elderly care, home security camera, traffic monitoring, and much more.Elderly Care Scenario: RGB (Left) and Event (Right) Figures. Photo: iCatch Technology"We are thrilled to be working with Prophesee, the pioneer and market leader in event-based vision, to launch the iEVCam. Our partnership will expedite the adoption of this highly efficient vision sensing approach in a range of industries, especially in those where low power consumption is critical," said Weber Hsu, CEO of iCatch Technology. Luca Verre, CEO of Prophesee, noted, "As an established leader in key sectors such as automotive, security, and consumer/IoT, iCatch Technology has a proven and innovative vision solution that is well suited to the needs of many Edge AI IoT applications. With iEVCam, product developers now have a very useful way to evaluate how the sensor performs for multiple use cases and market-specific machine vision systems, which will advance the penetration of event sensor technology into new markets."The iEVCam is now available for purchase from iCatch Technology. For more information about the iEVCam, please visit this link. If you have any inquiries, please contact https://www.icatchtek.com/Requests .

In 2020, the escalation of the pandemic severely impacted the global retail and food service industries. In order to survive, most businesses have adopted digital technology to enhance consumer experience and attempted new business models to address labor shortage issues. To date, although the pandemic has officially ended and in-store shopping has gradually resumed, the wave of smartization and self-service in retail equipment, along with the rising AI boom, remains a prominent trend in the industry's future development. DataVan (stock code: 3521), which has worked to take root in the point-of-sale (POS) industry for many years, markets its products worldwide under proprietary brands. At COMPUTEX this year, which was held for the first time after the pandemic, DataVan showcased a variety of smart retail, catering, and service equipment integrated with AI technology under the theme of "Smart Airport." The exhibition managed to attract many domestic and overseas buyers.Big Business Potential for GPT-integrated KiosksThe first thing one would see upon entering the "Smart Airport" exhibition area was DataVan's newly-launched slim kiosk "Genius," which incorporates the DataVanGPT AI intelligent recommendation system. The kiosk will assume the role of an information hotspot for domestic and international travelers, offering smart recommendations of travel information through its text and image interface and built-in generative AI voice. Travelers can input their needs by text, or allow DataVanGPT to identify their gender and age with the camera on the kiosk to provide the best travel recommendations based on the results. For the management, DataVanGPT can also provide statistics and big data on passenger inquiries for subsequent analysis and application. In terms of commercial application value, according to DataVan, the kiosks can also be used by venue operators in collaboration with travel agencies, museums, handicraft stores, restaurants, as well as in other tourist attraction spots. Apart from providing information, they can serve as a one-stop service operator to enhance the travel experience, because coupons can be printed and scanned using the printer and 2D barcode scanner on the kiosks.AI Helps Retailers in Precision MarketingThe on-site airport scenario also included a duty-free shop, which used a duty-free store rack display to demonstrate the "AI Vision Intelligent Visual Service System" as the core solution of smart retail. AI Vision mainly consists of the eye-tracking analysis technology and AI Vision Snapshot, the real-time rack management system, which can help retailers determine the age and gender of customers standing in front of the racks, and record the position and duration of their visual focus. Analysis of the data will help determine hot zones in a store for more effective product placement, or make personalized recommendations during special holidays and promotional events, thereby realizing precision marketing and optimizing sales per unit area. In addition, the AI Vision Snapshot system will update the quantity of products on the racks in real time and notify store personnel to restock immediately after customers remove items from the racks. It can also be integrated with the inventory management system and the AI Robot Arm (an intelligent robot arm developed by DataVan that can be installed on racks to attract customers). Moreover, it can be applied in unmanned stores to enhance the convenience of self-checkout, thereby saving labor costs.New Multi-Functional POS, Highly Efficient and Light WeightAnother DataVan's featured product is a new POS device with the latest platform. It offers not only high performance to duty-free shops, but also has extremely flexible expansion features, providing consumers with a thoughtful design, such as a second display to confirm purchase items and amount. Meanwhile, DataVan has also developed a conceptual model with a multi-functional slim tablet design. It can be placed vertically as a mini-kiosk or horizontally as a regular POS. If officially commercialized in the future, the model could be used in the food service industry, serving as a digital signage placed in a commercial space. Alternatively, it could be combined with a Box PC for medical use or automated production lines. The operation status of POS and kiosk terminal devices can be remotely monitored and their fault alerted through the DataVan Central management platform to optimize efficiency. In addition to comprehensive POS product lines comprising desktops and mobile devices, DataVan also has its own production and excellent research and development capabilities, which allow it to provide customers with more customized designs and OEM services options.Smart Ordering System Opens Up New Opportunities in Food Service IndustryIn the meantime, DataVan also simulated an airport lounge, primarily to demonstrate its AI Waiter, an intelligent ordering service system. The system has an intuitive interface, and offers voice ordering function to help the elderly or people with mobility issues to verbally place orders and check out. Those still unaccustomed to the voice ordering system can fill out a paper order form, which will then be scanned by DataVan's MenuSync menu recognition device. The front-end intelligent ordering system will also incorporate the KDS (Kitchen Display System), allowing kitchen staff to receive and prepare the orders as soon as possible. This can reduce customer waiting time and increase the restaurant's table turnover rate.In the lounge, DataVan's smart beer dispenser system was also on display. Through the touch screen, it can dispense beer automatically and adjust the amount of beer dispensed according to the volumes of different glasses and maintain the best liquid-foam ratio. The beer tap at the top of the machine and the refrigerator below can be customized so that the dispenser can be aligned with the decoration of the store. Meanwhile, its software can be integrated with the membership system to allow businesses to analyze member information and personalize marketing.DataVan Targets Smart Retail with Hardware and Software PlanningFrom DataVan's exhibition this year, it is evident that AI is playing an increasingly important role in the retail and food service systems. DataVan pointed out that all AI-driven solutions and software-hardware integration have been developed by its teams. In the future, DataVan will continue to explore more potential solutions for AI and smart retail applications, and make more diverse planning for potential industrial applications and customers. At the same time, DataVan will work to provide more comprehensive smart software and hardware integration solutions to help customers improve management efficiency and reduce operating costs, thereby creating a quality experience for consumers.DataVan flexed its muscle at this year's COMPUTEX, showcasing its software-hardware integration capabilities by demonstrating a variety of smart retail solutions under the theme of "Smart Airport."

Skymizer, a leading AI system software provider, today announced that it had achieved top-tier performance in the MLPerf Tiny v1.1 benchmarks. Skymizer's submissions used both hardware/software co-optimization and pure compiler optimization, and both approaches achieved impressive results.In the hardware/software co-optimization case, Skymizer worked with hardware vendor Nuvoton to develop a custom microcontroller that was optimized for AI inference. This microcontroller, the M467HJHAN, operates at a frequency of 200MHz and has only 512KB of SRAM. Despite these limitations, Skymizer was able to achieve top-tier performance on the MLPerf Tiny v1.1 benchmarks in the entire ARM Cortex-M4 segment.In the pure compiler optimization case, Skymizer used its ONNC compiler to optimize the performance of AI models on typical microcontrollers. ONNC achieved a 1.24x speed-up on average compared with the open-source compiler. ONNC's performance gains were particularly impressive on the IC (Image Classification) benchmark, where it achieved a 1.31x speed-up. This was due to ONNC's ability to split large tensors into smaller sizes that fit within the memory constraints of the microcontroller. ONNC also achieved a significant speed-up on the VWW (Visual Wake Word) benchmark, where it achieved a 1.52x speed-up. This was due to ONNC's ability to handle sparse tensors. ONNC's unique optimization algorithm can remove sparsity in the tensor and keep the precision of the neural network at the same time.Skymizer's results demonstrate the company's leadership in AI system software. Skymizer's software stack is re-targetable to a wide range of hardware platforms, and it can achieve high performance on even the most resource-constrained devices. ONNC has been applied in many neural network accelerators, including recommendation systems for data centers, general accelerators for data centers, smart phones, surveillance systems, and microcontrollers. Skymizer is committed to providing its customers with the best possible tools and services, and ONNC is a crucial part of that commitment.For more information, please visit https://skymizer.com/ and request a demonstration.For the best ARM Cortex-M4 MCU solution, please visit https://www.nuvoton.com/.