Interactive Products Division, Numonics Corporation

Since 1969, Numonics Corporation of Montgomeryville, PA has been designing, manufacturing and marketing precision measurement devices. In 1972, Numonics developed and began marketing computer-input devices called digitizing tablets.  These tablets were accepted as accurate data input solutions and Numonics became a leader in solving data input problems in the CAD/CAM, Medical Imaging, Construction, Textile and Garment, G.I.S. and Teleconferencing markets.

Identifying new applications and market opportunities for its core patented measurement technology, Numonics began development of interactive products that modernized the communications paradigm for group meetings, presentations and training sessions.  The Interactive Products Division (IPD) was formed in 1994 to formalize the development effort for innovative collaborative communications and presentation tools.

Both the core technology and the new products have been recognized by industry experts for their innovative design and as productivity tools for professionals in several vertical markets.  The Ben Franklin Technology Center acknowledged the core electromagnetic technology, which is used in all of the interactive products, with the "Innovation Award for 1997."  Media & Methods magazine, which is well-known and respected within the professional education market, recognized the Interactive Presentation Manager (IPM) in 1997, "for commitment and creativity in the production of education materials and services for educators nationwide."  This recognition award was also bestowed upon the Interactive WhiteBoard (IWB) in 1998 and Presentation Tools software in 1999.  The training and support professionals and the interactive technology developers attending the Interactive '96 Conference and Expo selected the Interactive FlipChart (IFC) as the "Best of Show."  In addition, the design and engineering community was so impressed with both the time saving features and the easy use of the Interactive FlipChart (IFC) that they named it "The Computer Productivity Tool of the Year."

Numonics entered new markets with an innovative product designed to revolutionize interactive computer generated presentations.  The Interactive Presentation Manager (IPM) was introduced at the CeBIT '95 fair in Hannover, Germany by several multinational companies including Polaroid Corporation and InFocus.  The reviews were excellent!   IPM is the ultimate collaborative tool that will meet today's requirements for "high-tech" meeting rooms and classrooms.  Designed to work interactively between user and computer, the IPM will become the platform for presentations, training and collaborative planning sessions.  IPM is also suitable for use as a traditional in-room projector screen and white board.

At CeBIT '96, Numonics introduced a second exciting new collaborative product.  The Interactive FlipChart (IFC) was developed to enhance the dialogue amongst participants in collaborative meetings where the exchange of ideas and brainstorming is important.  Flip charts are used in these sessions so ideas can be recorded on paper and saved for later use.  As professionals integrate PC's into their work environment, the ability to save these meeting notes on a computer for retrieval and disbursement has become important.  This feature saves both time and money.  IFC permits the group leader or meeting facilitator to easily record ideas on the computer while writing them on the IFC with a standard marker and an electronic pen.  Writing on paper and capturing the writing electronically on a PC is a new idea that may revolutionize the way work groups operate in the future.  A patent is pending on the Interactive FlipChart (IFC).

The Interactive WhiteBoard (IWB) is the third product introduced since the creation of the Interactive Products Division.  IWB was developed to assist problem solving, product design or training sessions.  Everyone from mechanical design engineers to educators can save their ideas and concepts while creating them in a natural and easy manner.  In addition, the entire meeting can be reviewed using the unique "playback" feature that is an integral part of the product.  Distribution of ideas, notes or designs during the meeting or later is easy using a standard PC and IWB.

Presentation Tools

T software provides 27 varied icon selectable presentation tools for the presenter to integrate with any windows' software. Color annotation, spotlighting or launching a video clip are easily accomplished by touching the appropriate icon.  This award winning software is a standard feature of both IPM and the new Podium Pro T product.

We believe large venue presentations will be revolutionized by our latest interactive product- The Podium ProT. Introduced at the INFOCOMM exhibition in June 1999, the Podium ProT was one of the highlights of this global presentation exhibition.  Many of the features of the IPM product are incorporated into this small format, digital presentation device giving presenters the power of the PC right at the podium. 

The ongoing industry validation of the interactive products and core technology provides encouragement for Numonics to continue to lead the market with innovative designs and productivity enhancements.  The company continues to develop unique vertical market solutions to overcome presentation and communication challenges, bringing people and their ideas closer together.

Product Development

The patented core technology is flexible and can be integrated with other technologies to create unique and profitable new products.  Numonics has participated in the development and commercialization of several innovative products in conjunction with OEMs and system integrators.  In addition to offering a selection of standard models, Numonics can assist OEMs and systems integrators in developing innovative data input solutions to meet unique requirements by providing technical expertise in such areas as:

• Digital-analog circuitry

• Microprocessing programming for data capture

• Firmware modification

• Custom one-, two- and three-dimensional measurement systems

• System integration counseling

• Low-level signal processing

• Embedded microprocessor systems

• Development of customized collaborative products

International Support Service

The company, having achieved ISO 9001 certification in 1998, is highly motivated to provide consistent quality in both product designs and manufacturing process.  Numonics recognized the need to repair products quickly in the field and developed easy to use "on-board diagnostics" for all products.  This permits efficient on-site trouble shooting by the customer and serves as the first line of support.

Supporting customers worldwide is made easy by aggressively utilizing Internet technology.  A comprehensive website provides quick and easy access to information about Numonics' products and services.  The website includes a Service page and a Frequently Asked Questions page, allowing customers to obtain useful information, make inquiries and/or solve problems in just a few clicks. Telephone and Fax support continues to be available for customers who do not have Internet access. 

Numonics products are available through an international network of systems integrators, OEMs, resellers and distributors throughout the United States, North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Far East.  European sales are supported by a full range of capabilities from offices in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. 

For additional information, contact the Vice President of Marketing, Interactive Products Division, Numonics Corporation, 101 Commerce Drive, PO Box 1005, Montgomeryville, PA 18936, telephone at (215) 362-2766, email at numonics@numonics.com or visit our website at http://www.interactivewhiteboards.com/.