A research study of the potential of

Mobile Portable Informational Display Systems

The objective of the research project is to ascertain the market potential of mobile portable informational display systems primarily in the North American market with a cursory look at the top six countries in Western Europe.

Specific to this task is to gain a better understanding regarding key issues that may influence either positively or negatively the potential acceptability and use of this technology.

The study will focus on two main end-user markets or applications. Firstly, the deployment on public sector roadways for emergency situations. Secondly, derive at any opportunities of deployment of these types of displays within the context of special events.

The study will attempt to understand how many of the industry disciplines are directly transferable from the established fixed display market to the portable/mobile market applications in the case of roadway and other applications to include special events.

In the case of usage at special events, the study will explore the opportunities that may be available. The area of ADA requirements will be reviewed to ascertain if portable displays' use as an alternative communication method for the hearing impaired, will fill these mandates.

The study will look into the legal issues regarding deployment of portable displays on the roadside for emergency or non-emergency situations. Specifically, as an example, can a county sheriff deputy deploy a display on the interstate and if something goes awry, who is legally responsible? Since the individual states now control this via very strict guidelines.

It will be important to ascertain if the technical performance characteristics or requirements for these displays can be waived under certain circumstances thus enabling companies more latitude in developing a product with a unique competitive advantage.

Additionally the study will address ways in which the systems can be sold. For example, where would the funding for purchasing these systems come from on the municipal level? What grants may be available to help?

Information from the study will also be used to lobby for either funding or diminished performance mandates or waivers as they now apply to other systems.

Scope of report - USA, Canada, Western Europe - focus on implementation and issues relating to deployment on Roadway use in the following: UK, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway

            I.      What are Main Markets?

a.     Emergency and Security and Enforcement situations

b.    Special events

         II.      Size

a.     North America

                                    i.      Existing size of established portable displays

                                  ii.      Growth

                                 iii.      Projected market

     III.      Physical Characteristic issues

a.     Minimum size

b.    Maximum size

c.     Brightness

d.    Types of technology permitted

e.     Contrast ratio requirements

f.      Wind load requirements

g.     Operational timeframe (battery)

h.     Weight

      IV.      Deployment issues

a.     How do they deploy now

b.    Customers' design preferences

c.     Any modification to operating vehicle

d.    Miscellaneous costs

e.     Who could deploy

f.        Under what circumstances

         V.      Jurisdictional Approvals

a.     Federal

b.    State

c.     County

d.    City

      VI.      Who are customers

a.     Federal

b.    State

c.     County

d.    Metro/municipal

e.     City

f.      Special events

                                    i.      Cost of using existing portables

                                   ii.      Rental potential

                                  iii.      Why should they buy?

                                   iv.      American with Disabilities Act ( ADA)

 VII.      Operational issues

a.     Who would be operating them

                                         i.      Roadway

                                       ii.      Special events

VIII.      Communication

a.     Compliancy for roadway use

b.    From remote location

      IX.      Obstacles and barriers to sales

a.     Where would money come from?

b.    Are there requirements or funding at different levels to support purchases

c.     Any other issues

         X.      Legal issues

a.     Zoning

b.    Road

c.     Special event

      XI.      Liability Issues

  XII.      Obstacles and barriers relating to testing and performance

a.     Time frame for testing to the approval stage

b.    Possibility of mandated beta test sites/programs

c.     Any other issues

XIII.      Competition

a.     Similar Products

b.    Usage

c.     Cost

d.    Distribution

XIV.      What is market for non-transportation/emergency response

a.     Special events

b.    Current display products in use if applicable

c.     Purchase or rental opportunities

d.    Ad potential in applications such as at a racing event for use by vendors

   XV.      European Market (roadway and emergency security situations)

a.     Implementation and related issues

b.    Deployment and related issues

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