What is the Windcursor?
The Windcursor is a mast (2.5 to 6 meters high) on top of which is hung a banner, containing colored segments on the one hand and a pattern on the other hand. This second part is fully customizable. " It is an innovative windsock, flagged with a flag that can take any color or pattern you want. In the presentation, we find the Breton flag, but it is adaptable" explains Alain Daoulas.
Two uses are possible. " This project exists in windcursor version or flash flag version."
On the one hand, the colored segments on the top of the flag indicate the wind strength and direction, in a mechanical and playful way, thanks to a needle. The legend is indicated at the bottom of the flagpole. On the other hand, the Windcursor flash flag is interactive and can be recognized or "flashed" remotely by a smartphone. Thus, one can access hyperlocalized and targeted information.
"To start, we decided to launch the windcursor, a windsock of another generation. Little by little, we started working with 3 start-ups from Finistère, specialized in technologies and the maritime industry on the visual recognition of the project, boosting it with augmented reality. This new technology allows the object to "speak". Information will be given to the object and it will send it back. The information is multiplied tenfold. There are no electronics, no GPS beacon. The augmented reality allows to give information without it being carried by computer. It's a new, cutting-edge technology that is very innovative."
By flashing the flag, the boater accesses a free mobile application, Windcursor, which allows him to find all the practical information. This application is fully customizable. " Each flag will be unique and defined according to the needs of the municipality."
Boosting the activity of the ports
"In ports, installing a Windcursor flash flag version allows you to give the necessary information in the marina: available berths, open shops, harbor master's office opening, weather forecast, wind readings, tides, eventsâeuros¦ just by flashing the flag."
Indicating the available places in a port allows us to encourage the number of calls on the one hand and to propose adapted and innovative solutions to the managers. This will limit the number of boats remaining at anchor, thus promoting economic and tourist activity. Giving local information to tourists and boaters allows to create a direct link between boaters and local economic actors.
"Our project has the vocation to boost the businesses of the ports, but also the local economy. We will also try to associate the surf shops to give the interest of a stretch of water for example."
A first installation in Brest
The Windcursor was tested in Crozon-Morgat last summer and will be installed this spring, for the first time, on the Moulin Blanc marina in Brest. " The first Windcursor app will show wind speed as well as weather in the Rade de Brest."
Present at the Paris Boat Show, Alain Daoulas and his associates presented their project to the major French ports and the least we can say is that they like it. " We already have contacts with major ports."
This equipment is intended for ports, marine protected areas, water bodies, sports contexts or even SEVESO sites. " The advantage is that it is a clean sign. Signs are not allowed in Natura 2000 areas while a flag is allowed." It can also be used in advertising, commerce, securityâ?¦
