May 27 2015
Mexican researcher Paulino Vacas Jacques invented a "motherboard" able to turn textiles smart. For example, this technology included in bed sheets can measure the hours slept by a person.
Card containing sensors embedded in textiles
The specialist in infrared physics found a way for the technology to reach the majority of the population, and found that textiles are most used, so he decided to turn them intelligent.
The entrepreneur exemplifies that he can "integrate" in the sheets or bedspreads a card with sensors capable of measuring sleep cycles. "In particular, the technology would be aimed at people who suffer from depression and are under medical treatment because it will be an effective tool to know how many hours of sleep the patient is getting."
Vacas Jacques designed the card for this type of textile (linen). The technology also includes a module, which via radio frequency sends "monitoring or results" to the doctor or specialist.
He adds that as innovation is non-invasive, the patient won’t be told to have to use this device because it will be implemented in the bedding.
"The technology-based invention is for individual use, and allows to develop a series of products based on the development, in this case the mother card is the base to form different kinds of products therefore can various textiles smart and not only one ".
Vacas Jacques, who worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)- details that development was achieved with the support of the Innovation Park De La Salle in Guanajuato, center state in Mexico. And it can be applied in areas of health, commercial and sports, among others.
The entrepreneur already has a dozen products that have the technology installed and has been supported during the marketing process by the De La Salle park.
"Interested companies will acquire a package of technological base for developing a series of products to operate commercially. For example, if a company is interested in the system it can be particularized specifically to the area where it is desired to be used."
The researcher approached the Social Innovation Park De La Salle to know the tools (state and federal) for technology transfer.
"Being accepted into the park came a call for technology transfer. The project applied for and was granted half a million dollars for development and validation of prototypes. "
As the park has great business structuring and contacts of potential customers, it was a key support for the project of the entrepreneur, who now has an office of intellectual property protection of technology to structure contracts and reach the marketing stage. (Agencia ID)