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Leading-edge smart card technology meets sophisticated watch technology
Rüschlikon/Switzerland, July 2000 — IBM,
Philips Semiconductors and
Junghans have created an exciting new type of watch, worn exactly
like a standard wristwatch, but one which provides far greater functionality
than just time measurement. The Junghans radio-controlled, solar
ceramic watch uses an integrated contactless OpenPlatform/JavaCard™-enabled
smart card controller IC to extend functionality into the area of
open, multi-application IT use with convenient contactless operation
for users. Applications that may be loaded on demand to the watch
are electronic tickets, door keys, electronic purses, and ID information.
Philips' MIFARE® PRO dual interface smart card controller
IC bearing the IBM OpenPlatform/JavaCard™ implementation makes the
functionality of such a device possible, while the Junghans ceramic
radio-controlled watch provides the highly attractive and convenient
carrier for this technology.
The world's first dual-interface OpenPlatform/JavaCard™, based on
Philips' MIFARE® PRO smart card controller IC, was exhibited
by Philips Semiconductors and IBM Research - Zurich at
the Cartes '99 trade fair in Paris. The card uses Java virtual machine
technology developed by IBM for 8-bit smart card controllers. Together
with the implementation of the OpenPlatform specification for dynamic
application load, the card provides a high degree of security and
flexibility, opening up a whole new range of applications for smart
cards in the future.
A new and promising use of this technology arises from its integration
into Junghans' exclusive radio-controlled ceramic watch. The radio-control
technology makes it extremely precise-to within one second in a
million years-as well as extraordinarily convenient, as time and
date are set automatically. A solar cell provides the energy required
for operation of the watch. Even in complete darkness the watch
has enough power reserve to run for up to 6 months.
The case is made of ceramic, a material that is extremely scratch-resistant,
harder than stainless steel, absolutely hypoallergenic, and will
not affect the electromagnetic field necessary for the operation
of the embedded contactless smart card chip. Moreover, the material
gives the watch its uniquely modern and exclusive look. This watch
incorporates state-of-the-art technology and will provide a greatly
enhanced service to users.
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