Working with scientists at Warwick University, Optical Antenna Solutions (OAS) in the UK has developed what is claimed to be the world's most advanced optical lens and antenna. This groundbreaking OAS antenna can capture information signals more efficiently, over far greater distances and at far greater capacities than ever before, according to the company. Intended to help reduce the massive global problem of credit card fraud, the new lens brings credit card-free 'point and pay' technology - the ability to make secure purchases using devices like mobile telephones - closer than ever before.
Using the example of a shop-bought purchase, the procedure of the 'point and pay' financial transaction is fundamentally the same as that of credit card payment procedures. That is, until you reach the point where the credit card would normally be handed over for swiping. At this point, the antenna, inserted in the mobile phone to read as part of the infra-red port, will be pointed towards the till where a similar infra-red port can be found.
A personal security code is then entered into the phone at which point the OAS antenna captures a light signal, which carries the data required to authorise the transaction and exchanges it with the till. The typical data exchanged between the two ports will include: is the telephone authorised for use (ie has it been stolen?); has the purchaser adequate financial resource to make the transaction; and is the purchaser a member of any loyalty scheme? Once this information has been confirmed the mobile phone and the infra-red reader on the till give a virtual 'handshake', via the two infra-red ports and the transaction is complete.
The antenna would also vastly enhance the functional capability of other current technologies, including PDAs, laptops and portable computers and printers says the company. The concentration and gain capabilities of the optical antenna is achieved by a complex series of mathematical curves that can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the customer and their application. It is said to be so precise that it can search for a signal on just one wavelength of light and is 100 times more efficient in gathering that signal than any other optical sensor of its kind.
The main benefits of this optical antenna are; significantly increased distance of light ray capture; increased and faster optical gain of data delivered by light signals; less noise intercepted due to bigger ratio between signal and noise caused by light's natural movement; and data throughput well beyond current levels.
For more information contact Optical Antenna Solutions, +44 247 632 3240, [email protected]
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