Flexpoint's Bend Sensor Likely to be Used in Theaters

By Nitya Prashant

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc. has announced that it’s working closely with a cinema theater management firm to place Bend Sensors in every seat in a movie theatre to monitor customers' paid attendance.

 

The Bend Sensor is a patented new flexible sensor manufactured by Flexpoint. The single layer Bend Sensor product allows for the measurement of mechanical movement, air flow, water flow, and even vibration.

 

The theater management firm has been working with Flexpoint since early this year to develop and test a series of prototypes for this application, company sources said. The two companies have agreed upon a working prototype that is now in the final testing and quality assurance phase. Flexpoint has recently provided pricing information to the customer, sources said.

 

"This is a very interesting application for Flexpoint and demonstrates the versatility of our sensor technology," stated Clark Mower, CEO of Flexpoint. "The demand for this technology is extensive. This system can be applied to new theater construction and can also be retrofitted into existing movie theater complexes."

 

According to company sources, the Bend Sensor product consists of a coated substrate, such as plastic, that changes in electrical conductivity as it is bent. Electronic systems connect to the sensor and measure in detail the amount of bending or movement that occurs. According to official sources, the Bend Sensor can be used as a range of motion sensor or as a switch, and is suitable for harsh environments.

 

Flexpoint officials also added that the single layer design of the Bend Sensor removes many of the problems associated with conventional sensors such as dust, dirt, liquids, and heat and pressure affects. Over-laminates or over-molding may also be applied to the standard design sensors for added environmental protection, company sources said.

 

Mower added that Flexpoint continued to diversify their product offerings to create new potential revenue streams and a number of their applications were nearing completion.

 

Flexpoint Sensor Systems, located in Draper, Utah, was founded in 1995 to develop thick film sensing technology for the automotive industry. In 1995, Flexpoint was a Sensitron company and became part of the operations of Micropoint, Inc. through a merger in April 1998. The Bend Sensor is used in the automobile industry in "smart" airbag development.

 

Flexpoint management feels that the Bend Sensor product has revenue generating possibilities in the medical, industrial controls and consumer products sectors as well.