Grant for multimedia surveillance camera

31/08/01
State Development Minister Clive Brown has announced a $50,000 grant to a Perth company to develop a world-first multimedia video surveillance camera.
Mr Brown said the camera, being developed by Melix Ltd, would be able to capture images either manually or by automatic triggering.
"These images can be sent to a monitoring device by wireless radio communication," he said.
The grant was awarded under the Western Australian Innovation Support Scheme (WAISS) administered by the Department of Industry and Technology.
The scheme encourages companies to undertake research and development leading to internationally competitive commercial products or processes. It is a competitive scheme which provides project grants to help offset the risks involved.
Mr Brown said the latest round of grants reflected the tremendous scope of research and development being undertaken by Western Australian firms.
"Like all the projects in the latest round of funding this camera has the potential to tap into overseas markets," he said.
"It is an important part of our industry development strategy to recognise clever ideas and cutting edge technology and to support it."
Melix's chief executive officer, Hiep Nguyen, said the camera would be suited to a wide range of uses.
"For instance, it would be an ideal monitoring device in aged care homes, where an elderly resident may fall down while getting out of bed," Mr Nguyen said.
"This camera will capture that and alert remote healthcare staff.
"It could also be fitted in front door bells or fridges, allowing better communication within home and from home to work or anywhere through the Internet and mobile phone networks.
"In other applications, it could be used as surveillance, watching in case anyone was trying to break in houses or equipment such as ticketing and vending machines."
Mr Nguyen said there had already been interest from potential buyers in the USA and Europe. He hoped to have the camera ready by early next year.
The grant to Melix was one of 10 awarded by the Department of Industry and Technology to help Western Australian businesses develop new technologies.
Media contacts:
Minister's office - Bev East 9222 9699
Commerce and Trade - Bob Charteris 9327 5933
Melix: - Hiep Nguyen 9480 1116 or hiep.nguyen@melix.com.au