CircuitWare

ECOTAG Smart Labels

CircuitWare engineered the ECOTAG Smart Labels from concept to launch. A groundbreaking, energy-efficient smart display for the hospitality industry.

Smart Display for Hospitality

A client in the hospitality tech sector tasked CircuitWare with developing a compact, wireless E-Paper display system. The goal was to improve guest experience and operational efficiency while ensuring ultra-low power consumption and real-world reliability. As no off-the-shelf solution met the requirements, we partnered with the client to create a custom embedded platform from the ground up.

Project Description

ECO-TAG Hardware

The ECO-TAG Screen project is a testament to CircuitWare's holistic approach to product development. Our engagement spanned the entire lifecycle, from initial hardware architecture selection to low-level firmware development and optimization for the hospitality sector.

Our engineers designed the custom hardware, integrating the E-Paper display, NFC communication module, and the core microcontroller. On the firmware front, we developed a sophisticated, custom NFC protocol to achieve industry-leading data transfer speeds. We also meticulously crafted the display rendering engine, the persistent image storage solution, and the dynamic template system. CircuitWare managed the entire development, ensuring a low-power system with efficient deep sleep capabilities, seamless content updates, and a highly customizable interface, making the ECO-TAG Screen a versatile and energy-efficient smart display solution.

Key Features Developed for ECO-TAG Screen

Smart Engineering
High-Definition E-Paper Display System
Crystal-clear presentation of information and optimal performance for text, images, and graphics.
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Ultra-Rapid NFC Data Transfer
Custom NFC protocol protocols for lightning-fast NFC transfers to ensure data integrity in a constrained environment.
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Instant Image Rendering Engine
Display controller and firmware render content within 800ms for immediate, visually appealing updates.
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Persistent Image Storage & Retrieval
On-device storage for essential images/messages, allowing quick retrieval and display without repeated transfers.
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Dynamic Template System Integration
Modular template system for effortless customization and personalization of content.
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Energy-Efficient Deep Sleep Mode
Low-power system with deep sleep and NFC wake-up, maximizing battery life for sustainable operation.
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Optimized Microcontroller Management
Seamless management of all functions: robust data processing, precise display control, and power management.
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Comprehensive Firmware Development
Embedded software integrates all hardware, manages rapid data transfers, and ensures smooth, reliable operation.

Challenges Faced & Overcome

Strategic Hardware Cost Reduction
Balanced performance with affordability by optimizing the Bill of Materials and sourcing efficient components.
Custom NFC Protocol for Speed
Overcame traditional NFC speed limitations with a proprietary protocol, achieving 2-second transfers and broad compatibility.
Custom Fonts & Multilingual Support
Integrated custom fonts and multilingual support in memory-constrained systems, optimizing for smooth text display in various languages.
Deep Sleep Wake-up Reliability
Ensured flawless wake-up from deep sleep upon NFC message, critical for energy efficiency and responsiveness.

Partner with CircuitWare

Transform your next innovative idea into a market-leading product. From initial concept and custom hardware design to intricate firmware development and seamless system integration, our Montreal-based team has the expertise to turn your vision into a successful reality—just like we did with the revolutionary ECO-TAG Screen.

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