To get a feel for the solutions you can expect from us, please find below an overview. You can find more customer examples in the pages of the different parts of our organization.
Table of contents
Intelligent light tiles (I-Tiles)
MiPlaza
Summary
LEDs are transforming lighting with “never before possible” effects. Intelligent lighting tiles are a perfect example. These tiles can show static or dynamic designs, even moving images. And they can be produced as single or double-sided modular units, which click together to make walls or blocks of light.
The display effects are easily programmed and there is almost no cabling, so end-users can quickly create their own designs. Imagine such tiles in a store. In just a few moments, the retailer can generate a completely new look to highlight a new collection or match the time of day, or the season of the year.
How we helped
MiPlaza developed a prototype modular lighting system based on intelligent LED-based lighting tiles, including jointly defining the Intelligent Light Tiles (“I-Tiles”) system with the customer.
- Creating a brand-new hardware design
Developing this new form of LED-based lighting system calls for innovative design skills, combining know-how in lighting with expertise in semiconductor-based applications. MiPlaza was able to bring this breadth of knowledge. In particular, we were responsible for the design and realization of the analog and digital electronic hard- and firmware. Our responsibilities also included PCB design and assembly, and the design and construction of the I-Tile housing.
- Putting together the system and user interface
Unlike traditional lighting, LED-based lighting systems are often programmable. For the I-Tiles, MiPlaza developed a user interface design using graphical programming (LabVIEW).
Once all the elements were ready, we also carried out the system integration and testing. In addition, we provided the necessary technical descriptions for patentable systems features. - Demonstrating the system
MiPlaza provided support during demonstrations of the system targeted at new customers.
Project highlight
Developed all major hardware and software for an innovative, user-programmable LED-based modular lighting system that can display dynamic effects and moving images.
Helping with independent living
MiPlaza
Summary
As populations age in countries around the world, substantial numbers of seniors are living alone at home. And they want to enjoy an independent life without relatives or friends fussing over them. At the same time, family members want to be sure that their loved ones are safe.
The Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service is designed to support seniors in their ability to remain independent and in the homes that they love. Subscribers to the service wear a pendant or wrist strap with a built-in alarm button. If they need help, they push the button and are immediately connected to a trained Response Associate who can arrange the appropriate assistance.
When Philips Lifeline wanted to extend this service with an automatic alert in case of a fall, it turned to MiPlaza. The aim of its new “AutoAlert” service is to enable the device to automatically place a call for help if it detects a fall and no recovery by the wearer happens within 30 seconds.
How we helped
MiPlaza supported Philips Lifeline in the design of the AutoAlert pendant as well as developing a dedicated “Fall Lab” for system development.
- Ensuring dependable detection of falls needing assistance
For users to adopt the device, it needs to offer reliable fall detection without false alarms. Consequently an intelligent alarm feature needed to be developed ensuring that if the wearer falls but recovers, the device does not call for help unnecessarily. - Developing a reliable, energy-saving system
An alert device like this should be functional at all times, so long battery life is important for the user’s safety as well as their convenience. MiPlaza applied its system design know-how to develop a solution with patented energy saving functionality. - Speeding product development
To help Philips Lifeline accelerate its product development, MiPlaza helped with rapid prototyping and technical support throughout the project. In addition, MiPlaza designed and built a Fall Lab where developers could conduct product-related experiments. We also assisted with component and technology selection, focusing on optimal re-use of selected existing technologies.
Project highlight
Designed and developed a reliable, long-life pendant that can detect a serious fall and automatically contact professional response assistants for help.
AutoAlert is not available for sale in Europe.
IntelliCap - personalizable drug delivery
MiPlaza
Summary
Speeding assessment of personalizable drug delivery
Personalizable oral drug delivery has the potential to improve the therapeutic effects of existing drugs and to reduce side effects. It could even enable new types of drugs that can be delivered exactly to the required place in the body.
But developing such drugs takes time. IntelliCap is a novel drug delivery platform designed for targeted delivery in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Minimally invasive, IntelliCap is a unique R&D tool to shorten the development period. It requires no dedicated imaging systems or lengthy procedures.
The compact, easy to swallow capsule has built-in intelligence, pH and temperature sensors, and wireless connectivity, as well as the drug delivery system. Researchers can monitor its progress through the GI tract ‘on the fly’ via a PC, allowing for direct repeatable assessments of candidate drugs or functional foods.
How we helped
IntelliCap’s developers turned to MiPlaza for support from idea to initial small scale production in several areas: design and development of the capsule, the portable unit worn by the trial subject and the PC-based control center.
1. Designing the capsule and its onboard software
The IntelliCap requires the drug delivery system, sensors, and RF connectivity to be fitted into a small capsule (11 x 26 mm) with onboard intelligence and power. MiPlaza was responsible for development of the electronic hardware and the embedded software for the first series of products. We provided expertise in miniaturized systems including microfluidics for the medicine reservoir and fluid in the medication container, know-how in micromechanics, as well as RF antenna circuitry and low power electronic system design.
2. Enabling wireless communication with the control units
Real-time wireless communication is key to the IntelliCap concept, feeding back data in real-time to both the portable unit worn by the patient and the PC-based control center. MiPlaza contributed know-how to ensure the wireless link works reliably throughout the IntelliCap`s transit in the GI tract. We also helped ensure the two receiving units function optimally and are easy to use, with support in electronic system design and embedded software for the portable unit, and application software for the control center.
3. Preparing for commercialization
Medical devices must meet rigorous standards and be affordable. MiPlaza`s experience helped with both of these. Through our know-how in process engineering and industrialization, we helped enable small-scale production of samples that conform with ISO 13485, the key standard for medical devices. And we ensured design for manufacturability, so the capsule can be produced easily and cost-effectively in larger volumes.
Throughout the project, MiPlaza assisted IntelliCap`s makers in generating commercially valuable Intellectual Property.
Project highlight
Production of bio-medically authorized samples of the unique IntelliCap personalized oral drug delivery R&D tool, with the possibility to manufacture larger quantities on demand.
Micro-electronics assembly
New Product Introducion Services
Customer
- Any player in the electronics or micro-electronics assembly industry that requires high quality prototyping and small series production of small or high-density products.
Challenge
- Enable rapid prototyping for micro-electronics products
- Manufacture products with demanding manufacturability versus specifications requirements.
Solution
- An ‘all under one roof ’ approach to micro-electronics assembly supported by specialists in a wide range of disciplines.
Benefits
- One-stop shop
- Fast, efficient development
- Increased problem solving power
Competences / technologies applied
- Wafer handling / dicing
- Bumping
- Die bonding
- Wire bonding
- Flip chip
- Thermal bonding
- Glob-top
By bringing together all the skills, knowledge and infrastructure needed for low-volume assembly, the Philips Applied Technologies Greenhouse ensures the perfect growing conditions for new electronic products.
Wireless coexistence in hospitals
New Product Introducion Services
Customer
- Philips Healthcare - Imaging Systems.
Challenge
- Ensure robust wireless connections in medical environments.
- Manage the risk to medical imaging systems utilizing wireless technology such as UWB, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and RFID in the free 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz bands, from various types of electromagnetic interference coming from medical equipment such as surgical knives.
- Map interference in the low frequency range (20 MHz – 1 GHz) impacting on medical imaging systems.
- Develop means for characterizing and mitigating interference risks in the development phase by reproducing the medical electromagnetic environment in the laboratory.
Solution
State of the art measurement system for characterizing the electromagnetic environment up to 5.25 GHz.- Characterization of the electromagnetic environment in five different hospitals in The Netherlands, Denmark and USA.
- “Medical Environment Equivalent Source” to enable laboratory simulation of complex medical electromagnetic interference environments.
Benefits
- Unique, in depth insight into the electromagnetic characteristics of medical environments.
- Tool to generate representative medical electromagnetic interference environments in the laboratory.
- Means to analyze and mitigate risks from wireless interference already in the development phase.
- New development opportunities for strongly differentiated wireless-integrated medical systems and products.
Competences / technologies applied
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurements
- EMC equipment development
- Statistical analysis of complex EMC signals
Modern hospitals are full of complex equipment, much of it electronic. In these medical environments, it is vital to ensure robust wireless connections so equipment operates correctly, unaffected by electromagnetic emissions from other equipment.
Improved development productivity
Industry Consulting
Challenge
- Enable a European furniture manufacturer to reduce time to market by applying lean principles in product development.
Where we helped
- Value stream mapping; introduction of lean and creation of “kaizen” teams.
- Re-structuring of the product development process
- Creation of a new, predictable “assembly instruction process” that reduces overall project throughput.
Result
- Shorter design cycles saving up to 15 man-weeks per product, reducing supplier quotations by 50%, and halving planned testing facilities.
Cost-effective industrialization
Industry Consulting
Challenge
- Support a specialist in healthcare devices in the costeffective industrialization of a new devices platform.
Where we helped
- Creation of a multi-parameter cost system (Activity Based Costing) for the product
- “Make or buy” decisions
- Selection of approved suppliers
Result
- Pre-pilot production established: 50% cost reduction, key suppliers identified.
Lean supply chain for greater flexibility & lower costs
Industry Consulting
Challenge
- Help a major international manufacturer to define and implement a comprehensive outsourcing strategy with a selected partner, based on agreed way of working.
Where we helped
- Identification of value-add per activity
- Assessment of labor suppliers, and trade-offs between component and activity outsourcing
- Development of seamless, integrated way of working
- Cultural change and transformation from purchasing to supply management
Result
- 10% cost reduction and higher customer satisfaction.
