by Brianna Crandall — September 2, 2019 — Japan-based multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric Corporation just announced that it will conduct a formal trial of its new “dynamic sign” technology that allows the projection of animated images such as directions and alerts onto the floors of public facilities and other buildings.
The new “dynamic sign” technology allows the projection of animated images such as directions and alerts onto the floors of public facilities and other buildings. Image courtesy Mitsubishi Electric
The venue for the trial, which aims to advance the international standardization of symbols used in dynamic signs as well as their application, will be the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza in Chofu City, Tokyo. The trial will be conducted during the men’s international wheelchair basketball competition, the Mitsubishi Electric World Challenge Cup 2019, being hosted there from August 29 to September 1, 2019.
The trial will be conducted as part of the International Standardization of Dynamic Sign initiative, a joint effort by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Mitsubishi Electric, part of a project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to the Japanese Standards Association.
The trial and deployment of “dynamic sign” technology, part of an international standardization initiative, aims to make it easier for visitors to find their way around large facilities. Image courtesy Mitsubishi Electric
The deployment of dynamic sign technology is intended to make it easier and more convenient for visitors to find their way around large facilities. Mitsubishi Electric aims to thereby contribute to the realization of a society affording everyone equal ease of access, as well as to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.
Background
Although animated dynamic sign technology has already been deployed in Japan and in other countries, there are currently no agreed-upon standards governing visibility or the symbols used. This trial, a Japan-led global initiative, constitutes the first attempt to standardize its application and usage.
Towards international standardization
Mitsubishi Electric has already conducted trials of dynamic signage at public facilities such as railway stations and at sporting events. The company’s analysis of the data yielded by these trials reportedly confirmed that it provides an effective solution to the problems of visibility and lack of convenience faced in such facilities, significantly enhancing their ease-of-use.
Using the collected data, Mitsubishi Electric has defined criteria including visibility and the design of specific symbols, and in collaboration with the AIST is proposing globally standardized formats for these to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As part of the requirements for this standardization, the company will conduct trials of dynamic sign offering guidance to venue seats and to elevators, using content conforming to the proposed standards.
By means of these trials and related activities, Mitsubishi Electric says it aims to contribute to the creation of facilities that allow easy access to all people, hoping to more broadly promote the benefits of dynamic sign technology to society at large.
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the core companies of Mitsubishi.
