Eye-Com Corporation develops eye-tracking technology that improves and save lives, supports research, and changes human-technology interaction. Over the past decade, through diligent research and product development by management and diverse engineering teams, Eye-Com technology has evolved from primitive blink detection to a powerful eye-tracking platform.
The eye-tracking technology uses frame-mounted micro cameras that record eyelid and pupil activity as well as head tracking. This technology has many research and practical applications such as driving fatigue detection, assistive communication for handicapped or disabled people, military training, medical use and video games.
The engineering teams began developing the next generation version of the EC7T eyeglasses to include additional tracking hardware and an improved appearance. Hardware expert, Eliot Drake, was tasked with creating the wearable eye-tracking systems that needed to contain extremely complex parts including micro-cameras, a CMOS chip, LED lights and more. “We needed one-off prototypes at mid-production quantities as quickly as possible to evaluate each step of the design process,” said Drake.
The increased complexity of the design created more potential for manufacturing problems. With a focus on aesthetics and ergonomics, the engineers knew Quickparts would meet the strict requirements needed for their custom designs in a timely manner.
The engineers had used Quickparts many times for their SLA needs and had come to rely on the company’s speed and design validation. As part of the prototype evaluation, changes to the complex parts occurred often and needed to be produced quickly. The online instant quoting engine, QuickQuote®, was used to determine the best quantities and price breaks as well as save time and confusion. “Instant quoting and quick turnaround allowed us to make several attempts at the new version without wasting time,” Eliot said.
“The parts we received were almost 100% true to design,” stated Drake. “The superb quality and finish allowed us to show these parts as more than just prototypes. Also, the communication I received from the Quickparts team was top notch!”
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