An International Competitive Edge for 3D made in Germany

Driving forward 3D technology development, making existing prototype fit for real-world applications, producing high quality 3D content and bringing on board new industry sectors like medicine and automotive engineering – these are all goals of the alliance of partners managed by Fraunhofer HHI which brings together major players in the 3D segment.

At this year's IFA, HHI will be launching the 3D Innovation Center, an outstanding alliance that will enhance Germany's standing on international markets as a place for excellence in 3D. At the stand of the 3D Innovation Center partners in the alliance will be giving compelling demonstrations of the sheer potential packed by 3D. At the same time building works on the actual 3D Innovation Center are continuing apace - some 600 square meters of attractively designed space on the banks of the Salzufer in Berlin-Charlottenburg featuring a studio, test lab, show room and communication area where partners from across the whole 3D production chain can come together and pool their know-how.

Development of innovative 3D technologies is one of the core competencies of Fraunhofer HHI.

Broadband Communication from the LED Ceiling Light

With its Visible Light Communication HHI presents a new broadband transmission technology that uses standard off-the-shelf LED lights to transmit broadband data streams in visible light to computers or other communication-enabled end devices. This transmission technology can be used for both distribution of broadband video streaming and for two-way communication – all the way from internet to video conferencing. Transmitting data with visible light has the advantage that data can only be transmitted and accessed within the visible light cone itself.

Broadband speed is 100 Mbit/s, although scientists have already achieved speeds of up to 800 Mbit/s in the lab. This optical wireless technology can be used anywhere where wireless LAN is not acceptable – in hospitals, for instance, or in manufacturing processes. Transmitting data with visible light has the advantage that data can only be transmitted and accessed within the visible light cone itself.

The fundamentals of Visible Light Communication were developed by Fraunhofer HHI in association with its industry partners Siemens and France Telecom Orange Labs in the EU OMEGA project.

The digital shop window interprets human gestures

The Interactive Shop Window enables passers-by to operate a screen mounted behind the shop window by only using simple gestures.

They can view products and select and buy them without touching the screen or any button – at any time of night and day and completely hygienically. The Interactive Shop Window is based on a gesture recognition system developed by HHI. Four small cameras mounted on the window continually record the position of the user’s hands, face and eyes.

Control by gesture is ideal for all kinds of situations in hospitals, kitchens and public spaces where direct touch is unhygienic, unpractical or physically impossible.