In the spring of 2001, Omron Corp. starts sales of Bluetooth modems compatible with H" service provided by DDI POCKET, Inc. DDI POCKET will sell the product in collaboration with Omron.

Example of using Bluetooth modem

Bluetooth is a high-speed wireless communications technology for connecting information equipment (such as personal computers) with mobile communications terminals or with peripherals including printers. Bluetooth, the global next-generation wireless communications standard adopted by more than 2,000 companies worldwide, is expected to be introduced in communications devices and information equipment.

Omron, collaborating with Vivid Technology Pte Ltd. (established in 1995) headquartered in Singapore, is developing devices embedding the Bluetooth technology. The company is going to release sequentially PC peripherals employing the Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is attracting attention as the next-generation networking technology due to its capacity to enable wireless communications with Bluetooth embedded in various equipment. Omron will also provide peripherals employing the Bluetooth-based technology possessed by Vivid Technology, to other companies on an OEM basis.

DDI POCKET provides services utilizing high-speed communications characteristics of the H". As mobile computing being introduced, demands for 64-kbit/s data communications are increasing. Currently, the number of subscribers only using data communications services has surpassed 10% of all subscribers to DDI POCKET. Especially among the business purpose subscribers, the ratio has doubled from a year ago. In order to cope with such market trends, Omron and DDI POCKET will further develop equipment employing the Bluetooth high-speed wireless technology as a tool for connecting PHS and information terminals in wide-ranging areas.

Bluetooth PC card and Bluetooth adapter (prototype)

The Bluetooth modem, slated to be released soon, will be sold as a set with an adapter to be connected to the PHS personal station and PC card to be inserted into a personal computer's PCMCIA card slot. To date, subscribers have been conducting data communications by connecting PHS terminals and PCs via dedicated cables. At the release of this device, PHS terminals are wirelessly connected with PCs, and users can conduct data communications at a high speed while putting the PHS terminals inside bags or pockets. Thus, the device further enhances convenience of wireless communications.

The technology has following advantages:

• The technology enables to curtail cables, connectors, etc., and to connect peripherals such as PCs, printers or telephone equipment based on a standard.
• The technology enables not only to be applied to LANs but also to construct simple networks.
• The technology facilitates development of products in terms of interconnection.
• With the technology, it becomes easier to add value to mobile terminals.

Fig. Bluetooth Configuration