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URL: www.technofrolics.com/spin-browser-trademark-and-more.html.
Last updated June 14th, 2010.
The Kinetic Doorway™ video explorer and Spin Browser™ dial
Much more than simply a dial!
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
First, we would like to thank the museum, exhibit design, and event production community for helping our invention find homes within such diverse and interesting venues. We have had the privilege of helping visitors, students, and customers learn about bird flight, automobile assembly, river life, endoscopic procedures, weather , and 1001 other subjects in between.
Ironically, the very popularity of our system is causing TechnoFrolics' "Spin Browser" trademark to sometimes be misused as a generic term for rotary image control, resulting in confusion for clients, design firms, and fabricators.
Compounding the problem is the perception by some that our system is primarily defined by the dial. This is false - the uniquely-fluid visitor experience, and majority of our invention's value and creation effort, lies in the patented application code. (Indeed, our software environment is used in a number of interactive video exhibits that do not even employ a dial.) In consequence, we have recently changed the name of our system to "Kinetic Doorway™" video explorer, with "Spin Browser™" now referring to the (optional) dial element only. We refer to the dynamic duo as "KD+SB" below.
Because of the above, without complete information, choices may be made that result in subpar visitor experiences. This is a particular risk in situations where design specifications are loose and RFP bidders are under intense pressure to cut up-front costs, resulting in "solutions" that may not compare in either user enjoyment, or reliability, to TechnoFrolics' KD+SB system.
We have posted this page to assist the reader in making informed decisions, outline the technology and services we provide, and request your help insuring proper use of our trademark.
Unique features and visitor experience, enabled by sophisticated, patented software
It is beyond the scope of this document to discuss all the benefits the Spin Browser™ explorer provides. For that, please see our Features and Advantages PDF that describes the system in detail, both live capture & pre-produced incarnations, along with many supporting client quotes, installation photos, and continually-updated technical feature list in Appendix B. We also encourage you to check out www.temporalinnovations.com, our offshoot site geared towards research applications of the powerful data filtering features of the Kinetic Doorway system.
Below are just a few highlights:
And for realtime streaming capture:
Quality, reliability, 5 year warranty, and 24x7x365 support
The software
Most problems with all but the simplest interactive video displays lie in the application code, not the hardware. Whether it is a less-than-riveting visitor experience, or repeated crashes (the worst being intermittent), it is by far most frequent that software is the problem. This is particularly true when the installation is a one-off creation where timelines and budgets virtually never allow for adequate development time or testing.
In contrast, TechnoFrolics' Kinetic Doorway software (the magic behind our Spin Browser based systems) has been refined and tested for almost a decade. Equally importantly (given we are always enhancing the system and thus could potentially introduce a new bug), for us it is not a one-off creation, but part of our core business, with development and quality control costs amortized over many clients. Thus, in using our system you are both benefiting from person-years of development work and testing, and assured of immediate responsiveness to any potential bug reports, as our business depends on our system's ultra-reliable functioning and customer satisfaction.
In addition, the system continually monitors itself, stores all information in dated logs, and automatically emails system administrators in the event of a problem.
The hardware
While, as we have said, the predominance of our system's value lies in the software and services, of course the hardware does matter too. Our dial (if that is the interface to our software that you use), whether anodized dome or panel mount version, offers users an extremely smooth and rewarding tactile experience, is visually attractive, and has a size and inertia that experience has proven uniquely satisfying.
The 1/2" precision steel bearings, vibration-isolated rotary encoder, and associated interface electronics are ultra-rugged, coming with an industry-leading five year 100% parts and labor warranty, and where because we stock all items, in the unlikely event that a failure does occur we can typically Fedex replacement parts in 24 hours. (Typically the computer will need replacement well before TechnoFrolics' user interface.)
In addition, we static-ruggedize and test all our interfaces, insuring that visitor-generated sparks cause neither permanent hardware damage, nor (much more likely) intermittent crashes of the software.
The support
We are available virtually 24x7x365 to help with any issues that may arise. We know what it is like at the opening of a new exhibit, be that just before a museum donor tour, or the morning of a big trade show.
All the above combine to insure a positive user experience - in our view, the cost of even one disappointed user is too high, particularly if readily avoidable.
Design assistance throughout the project, and unique, low cost content library.
TechnoFrolics is available and delighted to help wherever needed, from initial project brainstorming to final production, We are experts in content production for our technology, having many years experience seeing what works and what does not (with both stills & video), as well as having ourselves produced pieces for clients ranging from the Singapore Science Centre, to Tufts University, to Bose corporation. Creating engaging content for the KD+SB system requires a different eye than producing for conventional media; should you already have a video producer in place, we are happy to share our expertise.
Over the past decade, we have gradually accumulated a library of stock content specifically geared for KD+SB presentation. Through special arrangements with content producers, and the inclusion of their website in small, unobtrusive, watermarked form, we have negotiated pricing at just a fraction of normal industry rates. Please contact us for more detail.
We also develop custom designs and interfaces on both the hardware and software level, and would be happy to discuss your application at any time.
Flexible pricing to match the project
We have a commitment to make the KD+SB practical and affordable not only for large museums and commercial enterprises, but also for small regional organizations - particularly those focused on art, education, and community.
Because our system is very powerful, many clients use only a fraction of its capabilities. In addition, inexpensive PCs and video editing tools have become commonplace. In response, we have dramatically expanded our purchase and rental options, including where others handle production, configuration, and content archiving. In such cases, our costs are dramatically reduced - please see our orienting PDF document, which includes approximate price ranges for different scenarios. (Once we learn the particulars of your situation, we can promptly provide an exact quote.)
We also offer:
In summary, we have a strong commitment to crafting a features, services, and pricing package that works for everyone.
Trademark and other intellectual property issues
As the inventor of the KD+SB technology and a small, dedicated, hard-working, fun firm, we ask for your understanding and assistance, both in terms of using proper language within RFPs and the like, and "spreading the word" more generally. Specifically:
[Note also that if the software is implemented in a manner that allows fluid motion through arbitrary user-generated frame rates and paths (by dial or other means), one of the primary features that provides TechnoFrolics' system's unique appeal, it is likely infringing on our patent as well. But of course, if you want a system that looks and feels like a genuine KD+SB video explorer, with the benefits and level of smoothness and reliability of our system, then there is every reason to simply work with us!]
The technology
The provider
We very much enjoy our friendly, collaborative relationships with clients and colleagues, and hope as a community you understand our efforts to protect our product's name, explain its benefits, minimize confusion, and maintain the KD+SB's reputation for quality, reliability, innovation, and support.
Many clients and designers we work with communicate with us early on both to discuss design goals/possibilities, and to prepare a detailed quote. In this way, if an RFP is the route the project takes, either our deliverables and pricing become part of it, or if not, at a minimum we are prepared to provide relevant information to requesting parties promptly. We strongly encourage this path, as it leads to both better exhibits, and less confusion.
We welcome questions and comments, and the opportunity for you to experience our system firsthand. In this regard, we encourage you to "test drive" a fully-functional demo unit, which we would be delighted to send you or your clients 100% free of charge or obligation.
We thank you for your time and attention, and look forward to the possibility of working with you. Remember, there is only one genuine Spin Browser™ video explorer!
Sincerely,
David Durlach, Founder and Director
Office 617-441-8870 Cell 617-335-5858 Email david@technofrolics.com Skype TechnoFrolics-DD
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A few client testimonials (many more available upon request):
“[The KD+SB] was a HUGE hit! The evaluators reported that the hold times ... were off the charts! ... apparently they were so big that if you didn't know better, it would seem like a mistake. Success!”
Peggy Monahan, Manager of Exhibit Design and Development, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
“I’m happy to report that your [KD+SB] exhibits are the ONLY kiosks that I have not had to reinstall/rebuild do any maintenance on and I regularly cite them as examples for how things here should work.”
Phillip Manget, Exhibits Department, New York Hall of Science
“TechnoFrolics is a highly reliable production group. David and company are both technically proficient and aesthetically sensitive, a rare combination. They pay attention to fine details and ask the right questions. They deliver on time and on budget.”
Doug Smith, Senior Exhibit Planner, Boston Museum of Science
