Cork innovators win prestigious award at the Geneva Inventions Show

The inventors of Telltail Emergency Messaging returned to Cork last week as the proud winners of the silver award at the 38th Geneva Inventions Fair, beating over 100 inventions in the auto category.

Although numbers were down because of the volcanic crisis, it did not thwart the enthusiasm of over 600 inventors from 45 countries who took part in the show or the 60,000 visitors who attended the event. Michael O’Flynn, John O’Flynn, Michael Fleming and Anthony Foley, the innovators of Telltail, had to make a quick change of plan and drive to Geneva in order to make it to the show, but it was well worthwhile.

 “We had a very good response at the show,” said Mike, “There was tremendous interest in Telltail and we were featured on several TV news shows, including Chinese News, Swiss news and United Arab Emirates TV. Notably one lady, who is a nurse, spotted our invention on the Swiss News Channel and came in specially to visit our stand. Her father had died of a heart attack while driving and if he had been found sooner he might have survived - Telltail could have saved his life.” Mike went on the note, “We were approached by a number of manufacturers interested in going into production with the product. We are currently concentrating on finding a partner to work with at home as we would really like to be able to manufacture the unit here in Cork.”

The ‘Telltail’ device, which was showcased at the fair, is an emergency messaging mechanism that is located behind the rear number plate of a vehicle. When activated, the number plate moves down it delivers a message to motorists travelling behind. There are two versions of the prototype, the ‘Telltail Classic’ and the ‘Telltail Pro’. The Classic model comes with a choice of four preset messages which are activated by a remote control key fob. Once triggered, the number plate on the rear will move down and display the appropriate message. Telltail classic is of particular benefit to those suffering from medical disabilities, such as heart ailments or asthma. Along with the features of  Telltail classic, the Telltail Pro version offers unrivalled security of all vehicles as it  also incorporates GPS and GSM  technologies. This allows remote messaging and immobilisation of the vehicle. 

Cork innovators to represent Ireland at the world’s most prestigious Inventions Show  

TELLtail Emergency Messaging – a brand new innovation for safer motoring

A group of Cork businessmen have developed the prototype for the new device, branded as ‘Telltail’, which brings innovative technology and safer motoring to the car industry. The developers of ‘Telltail’ will proudly represent Ireland at Inventions Geneva the world’s largest market place for inventions on the 21st – 25th April.  With Ireland’s responsibility for research, innovation and science within the European Union Commission, this new product is sure to prove a success.  

The device is a messaging mechanism that is attached behind the rear number plate of a vehicle. Concealed until activated, ‘Telltail’ delivers a message of choice to motorists travelling behind the vehicle, or to anyone within view. There are two versions of the prototype, the ‘Telltail Classic’ and the ‘Telltail Pro’. The Classic model comes with a choice of four preset messages which are activated by a remote control key fob. Once triggered, the number plate on the rear will move down and display the appropriate message. ‘Telltail Classic’ is of particular benefit to those suffering from medical disabilities, such as heart ailments or asthma. Michael Fleming, Director of Telltail noted, “We have spoken to various associations, such as the Disabled Drivers Association and the Garda Traffic Corps and we are delighted with their response,” said Michael, “In the retail sector, Michael O’Connor, who runs Motor Factors in Glanmire says that he can’t wait to get it on his shelves and will be the first to stock it.” Other groups who will find ‘Telltail Classic’ indispensible include taxi drivers and medical staff on call.

The second version, ‘Telltail Pro’, is the optimum device for the unrivalled security of all vehicles. Not alone does it have the full capabilities of the ‘Telltail Classic,’ but it also incorporates GPS (Global Positioning System) and GSM (Groupe Spécial Mobile) technologies. This allows remote messaging and immobilisation of the vehicle. The anti theft procedure means that the owner can remotely activate the unit by using their mobile phone and a personal a pin code. This innovative technology starts a sequence of events, commencing with the display of a message stating that the vehicle is stolen and tracked. Secondly, the vehicle will be immobilised when it comes to its first stop. Finally, the unit will transmit a map reference grid, allowing the owner to check its location online and report it to the authorities. Through the GPS and GSM system, ‘Telltail Pro’ has additional features of great benefit to professional drivers and motorists with underlying medical conditions. In a situation, such as a medical emergency, ‘Telltail Pro’ will display the emergency message, and in addition, will send a message to the driver’s programmed recipient notifying them of the crisis.

This development of ‘Telltail’ was the brain child of Michael Fleming, who has over 20 years experience in motor sales. “The concept stemmed from an evening at the movies watching the 2004 film, Collateral,” said Michael. “This tells the story of a cab driver who finds himself the hostage of an assassin as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in LA. The driver must find a way to save both himself and one last victim.” Micheal went on to note. “In a threatening situation in real life, such as a hijack, a device such as Telltail would save the day.”

The other Cork innovators behind this venture are Michael O’Flynn, John O’Flynn and Anthony Foley. Both Michael and John have over 35 years experience in engineering. They have a vast knowledge in the fabrication and design business, working on both small and large engineering projects. There expertise, keen eye and attention to detail was imperative to the project, especially at prototype stage. There expertise was vital in sourcing the correct materials and keeping the costing of the unit as low as possible, whilst also attaining maximum quality.  Anthony Foley has almost 40 years experience within the automotive industry, firstly as a qualified motor mechanic and more recently in motor sales. It is his knowledge in this area that was called upon for the positioning and fitting of the unit.

There are a number of extra features that ensure the smooth operation of the Telltail units.  If, for example, the GPS is lost, you will receive an immediate warning message with the last known location of your vehicle. In addition, there is an anti tamper mechanism that will send you a warning message and immobilise the vehicle if the unit is removed. The preset messages can also be easily changed with the key fob or your mobile phone.
Further details can be found on www.telltail.ie   or call +353 21 4524445