The Quebec City based electronic design company, Enuvo Electronic Design, along with a group of students and professors from Laval University’s Génie Logiciel (Software Engineering) Department, worked on a project to develop a digital signage system that will help to further expand the way we utilize technology, as well as potentially establishing a positive environmental impact within the advertising world.
The purpose of the project was to develop the embedded software that is used in what can basically be described as a “rugged” flat screen monitor. Wireless technology, the staple of today’s technological world, makes it possible to upload content remotely enabling the monitor to be placed anywhere, and be updated at any time. While it is clear that this technology can be used in a multitude of functions, currently it will be used for publicity purposes such as in-store advertisements, information mediums in hotel lobbies or even semi-interactive displays in office waiting rooms.
This product significantly separates itself from the competition via its easy installation, smooth content management through the use of web interface, its rugged design, auto-remote system and anti-vandalism features. This product is mobile, durable and secure; three features with which every wireless product should be equipped.
However, what may be even more impressive is that Laval University Engineering students were given the opportunity to collaborate on the project, and they came through with flying colors. Along with Engineering professor Danny Pageau and Director Luc Lamontagne, engineering juniors Jean-Phillipe Barbeau, Pascal Hamel, Eric-Andre Leclerc and Mathieu Simard made up the team of students from the Génie Logiciel Department who collaborated with Enuvo for this unique and highly successful endeavor. The student team developed a complex, custom operating system capable of delivering quality software performance that is the niche of the software engineering discipline. Using modern project management methodologies and software design techniques, Enuvo and Laval worked together to establish new ways of implementing complex processing on an embedded system.
What’s more is the green factor that comes into play: In keeping with Enuvo’s Environmental Statement, this digital signage system consumes less than five watts of energy; about the equivalent of the energy consumed by two to three cellphones. Not to mention the product offers a modern, green solution to print advertising; any paper ad or poster could potentially be replaced with digital signage. While the initial investment may be somewhat expensive, when compared to the long-term costs associated with printing, delivering, installing and managing a large network of print advertising, there’s no question of the potential monetary and environmental advantages to be gained.
On a didactic note, as an institution that understands the importance of preparing students for life after graduation, Laval University works tirelessly to promote hands-on opportunities such as this one. When students are given opportunities to partake in “real life” work projects the outcome can often go above and beyond the expected results, which is more than encouraging when we’re talking about the up-and-coming minds of tomorrow. So it’s no surprise that the school jumped at the chance to have students within its Génie Logiciel Department collaborate with a reputable electronic design company, such as Enuvo, on this project; and Enuvo couldn’t be more pleased with the results. There’s no question there is a lot to be gained when fresh minds and experience come together.
Overall, the project was a huge success: Work was done on schedule and under budget, and the results were outstanding. Enuvo has a product with which to provide a new platform investors can get excited about, and Laval University has yet another successful student work venture to add to its impressive repertoire. There is no doubt more notable things are yet to come, but for the time being, all signs point to a job well done.
