Based on our work in Phase 1, we can provide following elements of ACMC product range that goes beyond the state of art:
- Ease of use and user-friendliness: ACMC switch in this implementation is activated by a simple wave of a hand in front of switch’s surface. Management of the unit is easy and does not require precise hand swing, only approximate sweep in the right direction, making it suitable for people with limited mobility or vision because sensing range of the ACMC is large. This allows even individuals with physical disabilities to operate it. This quality makes it ideal for installation in facilities where users could have limited motor abilities, such as in nursing homes, hospitals as well as in kindergarten, etc.
- Design: Aesthetic possibilities of ACMC sensors are limitless. The visible part does not require any holes, groves or openings. Switch plate can also be made in any shape and material and can thus truly fit into any design environment. Having countless discussions with Architects, Interior designers and other similar experts as well as deducting from our own experience from contacts with end users we have strongly confirmed that clean, aesthetically complete lines, consistent with other elements of spaces’ internal design are most appealing to most people. ACMCs’ proprietary screw-less means of attaching decorative/protective plate delivers on this design and facilitates simple disconnect which allows for frequent, thorough cleaning and even sterilization. Furthermore, the ACMC technology enables replacement of several switches with a single control unit. This further improves interior wall design and reduces wall clutter with multiple mechanical switches by replacing them with a single elegant control.
- Placing of ACMC - Retrofit: Our products for the HC market are designed to fit into a standard single or double wallbox. This eases market penetration since rebuilding / rewiring is not necessary or minimal, reducing the installation costs for users. We found out that reducing the cost/time needed for installation is one of the most important factors influencing homeowner’s decision to buy the product. When installing the ACMC (or replacing the old mechanical switch for this matter), one uses existing wires, wall-boxes, etc. We have tested complexity of installation with many test users to establish optimal ways of mounting including all documentation. Although it is a bit more complex to install ACMC unit as a regular mechanical switch we found that majority of test users managed to install the unit with no or minimal support from our side.
- Price: There is a constant need for less expensive solutions. Reduced price in exchange for higher quality and usability is the driver for our endeavor. It is important to emphasize that our innovation, ACMC - without any additional effort, will be suitable for high price and low price range because the same unit can be offered to low cost markets (large store chains) and high-value, exclusive market. Innovative and unique features of ACMC will enable price/value differentiation based on design (decorative tiles) and functionality (different functionality can be programmed into the same device) characteristics, both for the same production cost. Controls with simple, inexpensive decorative tiles can be sold at a lower, more affordable price; on the other hand, exclusive, designer tile can reach high prices for specific customers. Devices that detect just simple, rudimentary control gestures can be sold at lower prices, but same unit can be programmed to detect gestures that are more complex and sold at higher prices. ACMC can be, although a new breakthrough technology, a low-cost unit, especially when comparing to current “button” or “touchscreen” solutions. Prices in North America start under $1 and in Europe under €2. The highest priced light switches retail for $30-40 and €20-30 respectively. They are technically the same. They achieve high price through design and brand name, such as Maestro (Lutron), Acenti (Leviton) and BTicino (Legrand). Prices of dimmers start at $4 in North America and under €10 in Europe. The prices of those which dim only incandescent light bulbs reach $120 because of modern design and brand name such as Vierti (Lutron). Prices of magnetic transformer dimmers and electronic transformer dimmers are higher and reach $180. None of these switches can be made nearly-invisible. According to our research a better price range of our portfolio corresponds to competitor offerings in a 30EUR – 70EUR price range.
- Futuristic feel: Because the control is operated by natural gestures (not required to be highly accurate) and without any visible control, communicating with computers in such way seems almost magical.
- Wide range of usability: Even in complex systems - each gesture represents another command for the system – from simple gestures controlling basic functions, to more complex gestures operating complex devices or advanced functions (such as inputting a password into a home alarm).
- Elimination of physical contact: As there is no need to touch the unit this makes it ideal for all those locations and applications where there is a need for control of spread of germs, pathogenic microorganisms, etc The switch can easily be environmentally sealed, which is ideal for locations with hazardous materials thus making it suitable for use in industries such as Cleaning & Sterilization-in-place, Bio-tech, Pharma, Medical, etc.
- Resistance to harsh environments: Because the switch can be completely sealed and has no moving parts that can produce sparks, it can be used in any harsh environment, such as environments with corrosive, flammable or toxic atmospheres. Furthermore it is completely resistant to dust or other deposits that can accumulate on the surface of the sensor since it can operate through the dirt unlike IR, touch screens and other input devices that require optical clear path to operate and are unsuitable for such environments.
- Wireless connectivity: With Wireless connectivity the unit can be connected to existing wireless networks, Internet-Of-Things, Smart-Home and other solutions.
- Invisibility: The unit can be installed in such a way that it is invisible to the operator. Therefore it can function as a security device, presence sensor, etc. We have tested a solution where the unit acts as an invisible security lock.
Please see more also in Feasibility study itself.
