Smart Solutions

Visual indicators change color to signal a change in state or condition. These changes can be reversible, where the color returns to its original state once the condition reverses, or irreversible, where the color remains altered to indicate that a change occurred at some point. Whether it’s a chemical, electrochemical, or electronic indicator that notifies the user, visual indicators can be cost-effective tools used in a variety of contexts, including athletic performance/sports monitoring, UV or x-ray exposure, the presence of gases (ie Carbon Monoxide), chemicals, biosensing alerts, sterilization, temperature monitoring, the presence of moisture or dehydration, or even food spoilage and other kinds of notifications.

The visual indicators, data loggers, and cloud-connected devices we help to develop, manufacture, and bring to market enable novel detection and remote identification of crucial biomarkers, including real-time vital sign sensing. Our design of visual indicators can incorporate colorimetric labels, reversible or irreversible features, LED lighting, audible alarm options, and other features that ensure the safety of patients and consumers while emphasizing comfort and flexibility, including for skin-compatible labels.

Leveraging R2R Flexible Electronics manufacturing technology and years of experience in the healthcare and life sciences industries, we work with you as an invested partner through each phase of the design and manufacturing process – from materials selection to printing, custom converting, and final production in our ISO 13485-certified and FDA-registered facility.

Data loggers provide even more detailed information than a visual indicator, but serve as a dynamic and low-cost solution for capturing and recording detailed data. While visual indicators can be useful for monitoring binary conditions (the presence of carbon monoxide vs. its absence) or providing a visual indication of declining usability (the need to apply more sunscreen for protection from UV light), data loggers can provide more extensive and regular information about a host of conditions.

For example, consider a paint product that must be kept from freezing to maintain its quality. An irreversible visual indicator on the product's container could change color if exposed to freezing temperatures. This alerts the retailer or consumer that the product's quality may be compromised. In contrast, a data logger can provide detailed information about the exposure, such as the exact temperature reached, the duration of exposure, and the specific date and time it occurred.

Beyond temperature monitoring, data loggers serve various purposes, such as providing tamper evidence. They can detect whether a package was opened or dropped before it reached the recipient, recording the exact time and impact severity. Data loggers are also invaluable in remote locations lacking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LoRa, or other real-time connectivity options. They store data during use, which can be retrieved once the device returns to the owner or user.

With cloud-connected devices, you gain access to real-time sensing that enables uninterrupted data collection. This enables users who have access to the data to initiate preventative decision making. More sophisticated than data loggers, cloud-connected devices provide continuous monitoring and App-based alerts based on customizable parameters. Cloud-connected devices can be invaluable when used for remotely monitoring patients.

Monitoring the health of recently discharged patients, such as detecting a fever or elevated temperatures at surgical sites, allows caregivers to quickly intervene. They can contact the patient or their family to adjust post-surgical care or request further medical evaluation. This proactive approach helps address minor issues before they escalate.

Using a cloud-connected device, an individual with diabetes can track glucose levels throughout their day, or an elderly individual can benefit from post-surgery cardiac monitoring that provides real-time data about heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and related cardiac parameters. The insights gained from cloud-connected devices provide comprehensive data to healthcare professionals, support positive lifestyle changes, and offer increased safety to patients during short or long periods of in-home monitoring.