Our Portfolio

University of Aberdeen

Photocatalytic Fuel Cell Technology

The University of Aberdeen have developed a novel photocatalytic polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell that has a number of advantages over the state-of-the-art including efficiency gains, lower system costs and future fuel flexibility. One application for this technology is for an off-grid power supply for portable electronic devices such as smart phones, ipods, GPS units and hand tools.

Working with university scientists, we applied our optical design tools to explore and optimise the design of the transmissive fuel cell elements. We then went on to design and source prototype parts for system testing in collaboration with the industrial partner.

Additionally, the university asked us to provide concept illustrations and CGI of the technology in an end-use scenario; to help them explore commercial opportunities and to provide potential investors and strategic partners with a future vision for the technology. The technology is now being developed by the University of Aberdeen spinout company Enocell.

Compostella

Real time 6 axis measurement system

Compostella asked Wideblue to assist with the creation of a technology demonstrator for their novel 6 degrees of freedom measurement system. Using a proprietary laser projection system and a CMOS sensor the device can carry out continuous measurements of real time displacements and alignments with a precision of just a few nano meters.

With their clear understanding of laser optics and mechanical mounting systems the Wideblue team were able to create a number of fully functional prototypes allowing Compostella to explore the limits of their technology and to develop potential market applications.

The resulting prototype is a combination of precision optics and mechanical mounting systems incorporating a fully articulated light tight bellows system allowing the prototype to be attached to a variety of different lab and field equipment for evaluation purposes.

SKF

High precision shaft alignment system

SKF's Centre of Excellence for handheld instrumentation asked Wideblue to assist them design a rugged, shaft mounted, fully integrated wireless laser alignment system for the high precision alignment of machines and machine components.

Working with the in-house SKF engineering design team we used our photonics and system integration skills to design and develop the laser imaging measurement heads and shaft clamping system, integrating both these elements with the SKF designed hand held controller and application software.

Critical challenges involved the design and integration of the hardware and firmware for a high accuracy imaging system into a small, rugged shaft mounted enclosure with an industrial design executed in line with SKF corporate requirements.

The resulting product is a combination of precision optics and imaging components engineered to perform to high levels of accuracy in a challenging application.

Heriot Watt University

Roadside Drug Detection

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have developed an innovative method for the presumptive detection of narcotics in saliva, using ultra-violet fluorescence.

Based around the Heriot-Watt method, Wideblue designed and manufactured a prototype device which can be used at the roadside to detect low concentrations of narcotics present in driver’s saliva. The device also has potential applications in occupational health, sport and environmental testing.

Wideblue also developed a bespoke image processing algorithm to interpret the fluorescence signals.

CENTEO BIOSCIENCES

TG200 Hotel

The TG200 Hotel System enables simplified control of five of Centeo Biosciences' portable thermally controlled microplates from a single computer interface.

Each microplate can be independently controlled to a different temperature programme, and the software supports multiple user accounts.

Wideblue worked with Centeo to design the hotel system and develop the associated PC software application.

Polaroid Contact Lens Solutions

Contact Lens Case

The Polaroid Contact Lens Solutions ContactsPod is the world's first hermetically sealed, pre-filled, disposable, contact lens case. It provides the contact lens wearer with an option for storing their contact lenses in a hygienic state until the wearer can resume their normal lens care regime.

Wideblue have designed a stylish lens case suited to low-cost high-volume manufacture and have engineered the functional elements to allow PCLS to fully exploit their patent portfolio. Additionally our start-up mentoring service has guided PCLS through the process of preparing an investment ready business plan.

PCLS have secured a global licensing deal and are planning to launch ContactsPod in the second half of 2011. For more information see Polaroid Contact Lens Solutions website.

View contact lens case animation on Vimeo

University of Aberdeen

Photocatalytic Water Purification

The University of Aberdeen have developed a water cleaning technology that cleans dirty water by using it as the fuel in a photocatalytic fuel cell. Supported by the Design Council’s Innovate for Universities programme, they identified a need for a design and manufacturing partner to provide concept illustrations of the technology in an end-use scenario.

The University chose to work with Wideblue because we combine a unique expertise in photonic and optical systems with product design skills to deliver integrated solutions.

We created a storyboard for the technology in a swimming pool water treatment product, illustrating how the water would flow through the device and how the fuel cell could be illuminated. The illustrations will be used to help the university explore commercial opportunities for the technology.

Read the Design Council case study

University of Aberdeen website

Scottish Enterprise

Synthetic Biology Assembly System

As part of the Scottish Enterprise Genome Segment Assembly (GSA) programme Wideblue has been selected to create an advanced prototype to demonstrate the automated multi-part assembly of small DNA segments into larger and more complex structures such as biosynthetic pathways.

Working with Heriot-Watt University and Boston based Ginkgo BioWorks, Wideblue are working to scale up a series of novel microfluidic assembly techniques into a fully automated combinatorial assembly system matched to the programme commercialisation objectives.

The GSA advanced prototype combines microfluidics technology with high precision fluid management, complex electro pneumatic control systems and custom software, to create an integrated system for precise and high speed DNA segment assembly.

The multi technology skills within the Wideblue team plus the ability to work from technology development to commercial implementation are key to the successful outcome of this type of complex project.

BIOCULE

2D Electrophoresis System

Biocule's highly innovative two-dimensional electrophoresis system analyses complex nucleic acid samples by using electric fields to separate molecular components.

Wideblue developed a consumable, "microgel" cassette for use in the system. The microgel, which is pre-filled with electrophoresis gel, allows the user to quickly and conveniently load test samples and carry out the analysis.

Challenging design requirements for the microgel included:

• Optical compatibility of cassette materials with fluorescent marker dyes
• Selection of cassette materials with low autofluorescence
• Allow effective gel and electrode cooling during analysis
• Design for ease of use and cost-effectiveness in small-batch manufacture

We also designed and built a prototype instrument which controls the gel temperature and connects the microgel to an electrophoresis power supply.

Read more at the Biocule web-site.

PWB HEALTH

Breastlight

The internationally award winning Breastlight is a hand-held device to assist women with breast self-examination. It uses high-power LED technology to illuminate the breast tissue and help the user detect the early signs of breast cancer.

Wideblue were responsible for all aspects of the product design and engineering, including electronics and software. Our observational research inspired a patented touch sensor technology, creating valuable IP for our client. We performed optical design analysis to maximise light transmission and engineered the product for high reliability and low cost volume production.

Additionally we built and tested product demonstrators for clinical trials and coordinated the regulatory approval process for European and US markets. We also audited and set up a global supply chain, and managed the design transfer to volume production.

BROADCOM

Image Signal Processing (ISP) for mobile imaging products

Broadcom engaged Wideblue to provide Image Signal Processing (ISP) tuning services for their new BCM2727 Mobile Multimedia Processor. We were involved in the creation of camera drivers and image tuning within a complex chain of digital still imaging processing features.

Wideblue participated in supplier training with key Broadcom application engineers and helped develop processes and software tools for technical and subjective image optimisation.

Working closely with the development team at Broadcom’s Mobile Multimedia Business Unit in Cambridge Wideblue created a sensor tuning guide to be used as a process document for future tuning work.

SHIL

Multifocal Retinal Imager 3^GEN

SHIL selected Wideblue to assist them with the design and development of this third generation, retinal imaging device. Utilising complex software, the system interprets electronic signals sent from the retina. These signals are used to create a detailed retinal map to help diagnose and monitor retinal problems.

Wideblue created electronic hardware solutions to address inherent problems with the original design and added firmware (embedded software) features that optimise signal filtration and minimise the loss of test data.

Product demonstrators were built for marketing samples and clinical testing. Additionally, we applied design for manufacture principles, set up a supply chain and instigated manufacture.

This Class IIa medical device is now being manufactured by Wideblue in compliance with ISO13485.

TULLIS RUSSELL

Fibreloc Anti Counterfeiting System

Tullis Russell's patented Fibreloc technology uses fluorescent fibre inclusions to create documents with a unique fingerprint. Wideblue designed a prototype and a system development kit for this hand-held anti counterfeiting system.

Our team developed a prototype that combines images from different light sources, creating a unique algorithm that enables documents to be enrolled and verified at a later stage. We created a system architecture for hardware and software as well as conducting extensive testing to verify system performance.

Wideblue built system demonstrators for marketing development and created an initial supply chain for major components.

CENTEO BIOSCIENCES

TG40 System

Centeo Biosciences conceived the TG40 System, a portable unit that allows scientists to control the temperature of protein crystallisation samples during experimental procedures.

Wideblue used thermal and airflow simulation to optimise temperature management of the system. We integrated the mechanical enclosures, thermal control system, PCB electronics and power management in a compact package, producing robust prototypes for subsequent field evaluation.

Wideblue then developed the market-ready version of TG40, establishing an international component supply chain and setting up an in-house assembly line for pilot manufacturing.

DIMENSIONAL IMAGING

3D Camera Mount/Alignment System

Dimensional Imaging offers a range of 3D-surface image capture products, based upon the Company's world-leading DI3D^TM passive stereo photogrammetry technology.

Wideblue designed the camera alignment module, created custom electronics for simultaneous image capture and established system integration. Additionally, we provide an ongoing procurement, manufacture and test service.

DI3D^TM systems are now used worldwide for a range of applications such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, burns treatment and facial recognition. Sales have increased 5 fold over the past two years.

BIOPTA

Tissue Based Preclinical Drug Trial System

Biopta's PM1 instrument provides real-time information on drug potency by measuring changes in the shape and form of isolated blood vessels during a pre-programmed perfusion schedule.

We used our skills in product design and engineering to develop a complex system combining fluid handling with digital image capture and analysis. The resulting product embodies Biopta's patented technology in a self-automated system supported by our custom PC application software.

The product is now being sold for use in preclinical drug development programmes.

BLAZE VENTURE TECHNOLOGIES

Pathogen Detection System

The Blaze system was created as a platform for rapid, automated, multiple pathogen detection. It comprises a configurable sensor unit and a pathogen specific, consumable test card.

Wideblue designed the electronics and created a Windows CE based software architecture for the sensor unit, configurable for multiple pathogens. A photonic detection system was developed for the sensor, incorporating custom firmware for very low light levels.

A full system prototype and a consumable test card have now been developed and plans are in place to trial them in a number of UK hospitals.

POLAROID

Digital Mini Portrait System (DMP)

Polaroid needed to replace their high end silver halide document photography systems with a digital system. Wideblue created and implemented DMP, the world's first fully integrated digital capture and printing system for ID photography.

Wideblue analysed business and technical needs across a number of markets and conducted extensive qualitative research to develop a detailed specification. Partnerships were established with Far East and UK based technology suppliers.

In 18 months, Wideblue delivered a complex system to market and 6000 units were sold in the first year.

SCALAR TECHNOLOGIES

Measurement of Lacquer Coatings

Scalar Technologies developed an innovative technique for measuring lacquer coating on beverage cans and approached Wideblue to design their product for manufacture.

The main challenge was to engineer an accurate, repeatable means of aligning beverage cans, so that a controlled internal surface scan could be completed. We created a simple, innovative can alignment mechanism and re-engineered the product using design for manufacture and assembly principles.

Design, development and a working prototype of the rotational table were completed in 6 weeks, and the first saleable products manufactured in 8 weeks.

LAB 901

Bio-analysis Platform for Molecular Separation of DNA Fragments

Wideblue helped Lab901 develop an improved image capture module that met the company's requirements for full DNA analysis. We designed and built a custom image capture module based on a UV illuminated CCD device.

In 4 weeks, Wideblue created a proof of principle model showing full functionality.

DREAMMOVER

Baby Rocker

Dream Technology had the concept for a moving platform that gently rocks baby to sleep and commissioned Wideblue to produce a detailed design suited to a potential manufacturing volume of 2 million units per year.

Wideblue developed an industrial design language and used this to generate a number of product concepts.

A mathematical model of the rocking system was created and a prototype was built and tested for reliability and safety.

Wideblue created full manufacturing databases and supported Dream Technology's manufacturing.

The product is now in mass retail channels.

FLEXIBLE DUCTING

Flexible Hose Trimming System

Flexible Ducting required an automated trimming method for vacuum cleaner hose manufacturing. Wideblue developed a four station automated system which has trimmed millions of hoses since it was successfully installed in the production line.