nir-vana innovation network

For proper vehicle guidance in auto navigation, optics, visibility, identification, and precise location information are of primary importance. In this process, information is provided from surfaces to the sensors.

A Belgian SME has developed products and systems to treat with ease various surfaces helping to optimize the sensor identification performance by remarkably increasing visibility. It can help identifying location coordinates, and if needed, it can be made smart by embedding information that can provide additional details of the treated area to be read at a distance.

The treated surfaces can be used to virtually illuminate tunnel walls without additional energy consumption or to enhance building contours by refracting back the projected light of vehicles. Therefore, it can improve safety and it can help guiding visually impaired people.

Decoratively, the treatment adds another dimension: charm and richness of unique glittering multi chromatic brilliance are to be found on the treated architectural components. Those can vary from facades, walk over tiles, concrete barriers, to pedestrian areas at sea shores. The process can also be applied in a way to create virtual images and billboards.

The treatment process creates a combination of multi refractive and reflective layers. A step further from the current system of drop down glass beads, 'Cubes corner' or reflective sheeting, as it combines the advantages of each. It is flexible in its application, it shows higher durability and it is cost effective.

It can be incorporated to InBuilt into mass production using existing architectural manufacturing units without the need of specialized equipment.

The SME is looking for institutions responsible for mobility, municipalities, parking building owners or manufacturers of adhesive, glass beads, construction chemicals, building materials, sidewalk tiles, architectural component manufacturers precast, to conclude long term commercial agreements with technical assistance. They are also open to discuss license agreements.

Advantages & innovations

Currently, background of light refractive surfaces is done by dropping glass beads on top of wet opaque white paints. This results in partial control of their light refractivity exposure, limited formation and durability. This system addresses these limitations by proposing mass produced pre shaped panels using specific designs that are rigidly attached to surfaces, with limited flexibility. Specifications: The top surface is made from clear bubble free micro crystal, silica, pure melt, polished to ≥ 90% roundness, with refractive index 1.5 to ≥ 1.9. The yield is: 600-1300 mcd/m²/lx, having high abrasion resistance, Mohs hardness of 5.5, with wide ranging temperature stability, 200-230°C with short term exposure up to 400°C. Micro crystals are chemically inert and resistant to Acids, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Sulfide, and Water. The micro crystals are encapsulated using high gloss, clear Tie-Bond(s) into a super reflective structured mineral subsurface. The high gloss Tie-Bond is used between the top micro crystals' layer and structured mineral subsurface. In addition the Tie-Bond fills the voids between the micro crystals (top layer) and the surface of the mineral subsurface for added durability and improved refractivity. The subsurface is made to further enhance the desired blistering refractive effects as well as to place into optimum refractive position the micro crystals and also to improve durability. This structured subsurface is of mineral origin, light refractive, whose particle size distribution and orientation is selected and tightly controlled. The mineral material used for this substrate is ultraviolet, weather resistant, chemically inert, inherently physically stable, flexible, insulating, lightweight, with high exceptional 'Brilliance' luster, reflective, refractive, moisture resistant and performs in extreme temperatures of up to 500°C. The combination is exceptionally robust, durable

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

Manufacturers of auto navigation equipment that need the technology to improve their sensor performance and to create smart surfaces. Manufacturers (or traders) of glass beads used in traffic paints or of resin adhesives who want to improve their products performance or to use the know how for expanding their business in new sectors such as architectural component manufacturers, decoration, auto navigation, ground, aerial identification of buildings structures, locations (by drones helicopters), road or building identification, road safety, architectural components, advertising, wall linings. Concrete chemical building material manufacturers supplier. The technology can be used to differentiate their products with a distinctive functional look and with decorative concrete units. Architectural component manufacturer, tile, interlock, facade manufacturer, interior designer. The technology can be used to make highly functional decorative exclusive units. Companies such as interior decorators carpenters, joinery, precast, concrete tile… Municipalities wishing to improve the road traffic safety, for kerbstones, walkways, sidewalks, to create bicycle paths, pedestrian paths for visually impaired, add charm richness, improve looks of the streets or buildings. Public transport ministries or transport companies willing to improve safety by improving visibility in diminished light conditions, emphasise safety areas, auto navigation, boarding areas, under bridges, kerbstones, location identification, boarding areas tunnel wall lining, road barriers, concrete safety barriers, adding side visibility of trucks, dangerous cargo tankers, dangerous cargo areas, gas stations, improve visibility, visually emphasise, with charm and richness. The company is looking for commercial agreement with technical support or licence agreement.