MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Genesis of the SmartSign

• High cost of active beacon technology

• Significant installation and maintenance costs

• Need for a business case

• A new paradigm

• Ability to deliver fine granularity at low cost

• Opportunities for cross marketing

• European and US patents applied for

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

The I-AIM Project

• EPSRC EQUAL programme

• Joint Civil Engineering, Child Health project

• Navigation assistance for wheelchair users

• 75 SmartSign nodes, contractor installed

• Total deployment cost £1400

• Notebook PC prototype

• User tests completed

Improving Accessibility for those with Impaired Mobility

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

The I-AIM SmartSign

ISO14443Contactlesssmart card

GemEasy 8000 smart card

3mm acrylic sheet

Laser printed sign

SmartSign NCLU/0008

www.smartsign.co.uk

Acrylic adhesive bonded 3mm acrylic top sheet

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Destination Cards

ComputingCentre

StudentUnion

Refectory

PhysicsDepartment

GeomaticsDepartment

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Some SmartSign Implementations

The I-AIM SmartSign presentation is in the form of a 130mm x 150mm acrylic encapsulation using high contrast colours.

Installation identical to the process for conventional signage.

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Some SmartSign Implementations

The SmartSign can be fixed using normal wall fixing components. Typical installation time is around five minutes.

Replacement time for maintenance of damaged signs is similar.

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Some SmartSign Implementations

SmartSigns can be incorporated into customised street furniture items.

This example is of a bolt down wood bollard using standard polyester resin grout fixings. Similar buried post implementations are also used.

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

Some SmartSign Implementations

SmartSigns can also be retrofitted to existing street furniture items.

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

SmartSigns in Action

A SmartSign user reading directions from a sign mounted onto a buried post

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

SmartSign in the Firing Line

In the real world, life can be hard.

This SmartSign appears to have been the loser in an argument with a vehicle.

It would seem that the wall didn't come off very well either!!

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

SmartSign in the Firing Line

Smiling in the face of adversityhowever, this SmartSign stillfunctions perfectly!

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

The Future?

With a larger sign format, there are advertising opportunities and a potential revenue stream that could subsidise installation and maintenance.

MARIA Healthcare Networks Group, Transport Operations Research Group, University of Newcastle

www.smartsign.co.uk

I-AIM Project Members

Professor Kim Bartlett, Mr Neil D Hamilton, Dr Jennifer Soutter, Mr Peter Russell, Mr Chris Russell

Maria Healthcare Networks Group

Mr Phil Blythe, Mr Simon EdwardsTransport Operations Research Group

Ms Siobhan Walsh, Mr Graham Jordan, Mr Mick RileyNewcastle City Council

Mr Alan LeibertCard Europe