Publication date: 02 March 2010
Custom Interconnect (CIL), the Andover-based electronics manufacturing and design company, has used its considerable experience and proven track record in LED design and manufacture to produce a bespoke, high power, uniform, infra-red light-source for Mindstorm Technologies. CIL’s LED solution provides massive advantages over previous light sources used in the system.
Mindstorm, a company at the forefront of innovative, multi-touch, interactive display technology approached CIL for assistance to design and build high power, IR illumination products for Mindstorm’s new range of interactive, multi-touch display systems.
CIL produced a series of theoretical models and simulations that eliminated the limitations and compromises of previous designs and, following a full technical review and assessment, prototypes were delivered within a few days.
In parallel with finalising the electronics design, CIL also worked on product packaging, installation and commissioning aspects of the project producing a fully engineered product in less than eight weeks. A full production programme is now underway at CIL.
Les Wells a member of the Mindstorm design and engineering group said: “The new design by CIL offers us massive advantages over the previous light source used in the product.. The MTBF figure has been increased from 1,000 to 50,000 hours, it has provided 400% increase in illumination intensity with improved control and greater precision and the lower power consumption significantly reduces cooling requirements allowing us to produce a much quieter and more stylish product. In addition, the use of a 12VDC supply makes it a safer product and internationally more versatile. We are delighted with the design and with the speed that the design was implemented and production units made.”
Chris Heal, CIL sales manager said of the project: “We were very pleased to be involved with Mindstorm on this development programme and look forward to working on other products in the future. It was an exciting and fast moving project and it was a real challenge working with such a forward-thinking organisation, As designers, their imagination has no boundaries and we know that the challenge for CIL to further develop and apply our expertise in LED design and manufacture will always be interesting and challenging.”
Mindstorm was founded in 2006 by two Danish entrepreneurs who created and installed the world’s first multi-touch, interactive bar, the iBar®, and has since developed several further products such as the Eclipse®, Aurora, Vortex, and Supercell.
Mindstorm has also created a number of bespoke solutions for clients and the main driving force for the company is to see creative ideas installed in real-world venues and watching them make a real impact on the business of its customers.
iBar® customers can dare to be different. Its multi-touch, interactive platform can bring any surface to life; from an exhibition stand or hotel reception desk to a bar counter or retail point-of-sale.
Eclipse® uses front projection technology and innovative display software to bring surfaces, spaces and information to life. Shop floors and walls can become an interactive fashion display, restaurant walls can become menus, exhibition stands can become product catalogues and bar ceilings can become part of the entertainment.
Aurora’s interactive surface can be used to transform any customer environment. A corporate reception area can become a product showcase, an airport lounge can become an advertising marketplace and a hotel lobby can become a travel guide.
A table will no longer be a blank canvas but an interactive tool for inspiring, informing and influencing your customers. Holiday destinations can be brought alive, car models can be demonstrated and restaurant menus can be viewed and orders placed.
Vortex is the latest product, a captivating interactive surface that enables real-time collaboration with customers. Practical, playful and personal, Vortex is designed and styled for comfortable use and has stunning looks, for use in a corporate reception area, hotel information guide, a catalogue in a fashion store or a delegate survey on an exhibition stand. Using the multi-touch surface users can have access to dynamic information and manipulate virtual objects, place product orders, search maps and directories and select music from playlists: all without the involvement of a receptionist or sales assistant.
Supercell heralds a new dimension in interactivity, transforming static walls into powerful sales, marketing and collaboration portals. Walls can become a point-of-sale, a source of entertainment or a service delivery channel. The Supercell’s modular design means you can bring to life as much or as little of your wall space as you need.
