The Functions and Classification of Public Transport Station Signage and Guidance Systems

The so-called public transportation signs, including the airport, railway station and subway sign guidance systems, have the function of identification and indication. This function has two layers of meaning: one is the actual indication meaning, which points out the location, direction, road and behavioral momentum, such as the entrance of the place, the restroom, the parking lot, etc.; the other is the psychological identification of the wayfinder, that is, the form, shape, texture and placement of the guidance system design should reflect the cultural or regional context.
According to the first meaning of the communication function, the design of the subway sign guidance system can be divided into five major types: identification, direction, space, explanation and restriction.
Identification of wayfinding system design.
The identification wayfinding system design refers to the design that indicates where one is or what something is, mainly including designs aimed at distinction. For instance, landmark buildings, murals, sculptures, restrooms, and parking lots, etc.
2. Directional signage system design.
Directional signage system design mainly refers to the design of route signs that guide to specific places and facilities through indicators such as arrows. This type of design aims to guide the direction of passage and is suitable for situations where direct guidance to the destination is needed. For example: road signs, billboards and arrows, etc.
3. Spatial wayfinding system design.
The design of spatial wayfinding systems refers to the design that visually or tactilely represents positional relationships through maps or graphics. It is based on the principle of comprehensive guidance, allowing users to grasp the overall structure and selectively utilize spatial position information to guide them to their destinations.
4. Explain the design of the wayfinding system.
Wayfinding systems are typically found in environments prone to ambiguity or designed to explain situations, serving the functions of conveying the intentions of managers and the content of facilities. To more accurately explain ambiguity or situations, such wayfinding systems are often designed in the form of articles.
5. Management of wayfinding system design.
Management wayfinding system design refers to the design aimed at indicating legal and administrative regulations. Generally, it mainly represents items that require attention, and performs the function of urging people to pay attention to safety and abide by the order.

Robotics technology improves manufacturing by enhancing efficiency, precision and safety, while also reducing labor costs and minimizing repetitive work.
The robotics and signage industries are two distinct fields, but both have significant applications in modern industry. The following is a brief introduction to these two industries:
The robotics industry involves the design, manufacture, and application of robotic technology. Robots can be used in various fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, services, agriculture, and logistics. The development of robotic technology has greatly enhanced production efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
#### Main Application Areas:
1. **Industrial Robots**: Used for tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, and material handling on production lines.
2. **Service Robots**: Including household cleaning robots, medical care robots, and educational robots, etc.
3. **Specialized Robots**: Applied in hazardous environments, such as nuclear power plants, deep-sea exploration, and space exploration.
4. **Collaborative Robots (Cobots)**: Work alongside human workers to enhance production flexibility and safety.
#### Technology Trends:
– **Artificial Intelligence (AI)**: Endows robots with the ability to learn, make decisions, and adapt.
– **Internet of Things (IoT)**: Facilitates interconnection and data sharing among robots.
– **Machine Vision**: Enhances robots’ perception and recognition capabilities.
– **Soft Robotics**: Enables robots to handle more complex and delicate tasks.
The sign industry mainly involves the design, manufacture and installation of various signs for indication, guidance, advertising and information transmission. Signs are widely used in public places, commercial buildings, transportation systems, educational institutions, etc.
#### Main Types:
1. **Outdoor Signs**: Such as road signs, billboards, building signs, etc.
2. **Indoor Signs**: Such as office signs, shopping mall directional signs, exhibition display signs, etc.
3. **Traffic Signs**: Such as road direction signs, parking signs, traffic lights, etc.
4. **Electronic Signs**: Such as LED displays, digital billboards, etc.
#### Technology Trends:
– **Digitalization and Intelligence**: The widespread adoption of electronic signage and digital display technologies.
– **Eco-friendly Materials**: The use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in sign production.
– **Personalized Design**: Meeting the diverse needs of customers through customized design.
– **Interactive Technologies**: Such as touch screens, AR/VR technologies, to enhance user experience.
### Points of Convergence
In certain applications, the robotics and signage industries can converge. For instance:
– **Intelligent Tour Guide Robots**: By integrating robotics technology with electronic signage, they offer interactive tour guide services.
– **Automated Signage Installation**: Utilizing robots for the installation and maintenance of signage enhances efficiency and safety.
Both of these industries are constantly evolving and innovating, and there may be more cross-application and technological integration in the future.

There are generally two forms of artistic manhole covers.
The first type is the colored manhole cover.
The second type is the copper-faced manhole cover.

Let’s start with the first type, the colored manhole cover. Colored manhole covers are usually made by applying outdoor wear-resistant resin, fluorocarbon and other materials on the surface of cast iron manhole covers. Generally, the way manhole covers are made in Japan falls into this category.

Let’s talk about the second type, the copper-faced manhole cover.
There are four methods to make copper surface manhole covers with the effects of bronze, brass or red copper.
1. Casting bronze or red copper requires a large amount of copper and is relatively expensive, but it is suitable for long-term use.
2. Using cast iron as the load-bearing base and placing an 8-millimeter thick embossed copper plate in the surface grooves, the two materials are physically combined to form a complete finished manhole cover. This method is suitable for small batches and can be used for a long time.
3. Casting patterns and characters with cast iron and covering the surface with a 0.5 – 1-millimeter thick layer of bronze, brass or red copper by laser. This can reduce production costs. It can be used for 6-8 years without wearing out, and even if it wears out, it still looks good, making it suitable for long-term use.
4. Casting patterns and characters with cast iron and electroplating a 0.1-millimeter thick layer of bronze, brass or red copper on the surface to reduce production costs. It can be used for one year before wearing out, but it is very cheap and not suitable for long-term use.

The industry principles and charging standards for custom sign products vary depending on factors such as application scenarios, materials, processes, and design complexity. The following is an overview of the general principles and charging standards in the custom sign industry:
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### Industry Principles
1. **Customer Needs First**
– Customized sign production prioritizes meeting customer needs, including functionality, aesthetics, and brand consistency.
– Designers must communicate thoroughly with customers to ensure that the design solutions meet their expectations.
2. **Quality Assurance**
– Sign production must comply with industry standards to ensure durability, clarity, and safety.
– Material selection, production processes, and installation procedures should all be strictly controlled.
3. **Environmental Protection and Sustainability**
– Prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials to minimize environmental impact.
– Consider energy conservation and recyclability in the design and production processes.
4. **Combining Innovation with Practicality**
– Integrate innovative elements into the design while ensuring the practicality and readability of the signs.
– Design appropriate signs for different scenarios (such as indoor, outdoor, and traffic).
5. **Compliance**
– Signage design must comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. For instance, traffic signs should conform to the national standard (GB/T 18833-2012).
– Signs used in public places should take into account barrier-free design to ensure that they are accessible to everyone.
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### **Charging Standards**
The charging standards for customizing signs are usually based on the following factors:
#### 1. **Material Costs**
– The prices of different materials vary significantly. Common materials include:
– **Metals**: Stainless steel, aluminum sheets, copper, etc.
– **Plastics**: Acrylic, PVC, etc.
– **Wood**: Solid wood, density board, etc.
– **Glass**: Tempered glass, laminated glass, etc.
– **Electronic Materials**: LED displays, touch screens, etc.
– The choice of materials directly affects the cost. For instance, high-end metals or electronic materials are usually more expensive.
#### 2. **Design Costs**
– **Complexity of Design**: Simple text sign design costs less, while complex graphics, 3D effects, or customized designs cost more.
– **Designer’s Experience**: Senior designers usually charge more than junior designers.
– **Design Tools**: If high-end design software or special techniques (such as AR/VR design) are required, the cost may increase.
#### 3. **Manufacturing Process**
– **Printing Techniques**: Screen printing, UV printing, digital printing, etc.
– **Engraving Techniques**: Laser engraving, mechanical engraving, etc.
– **Surface Treatment**: Spray painting, electroplating, polishing, etc.
– **Assembly and Installation**: Complex structure signs may require additional assembly and installation fees.
#### 4. **Size and Quantity**
– **Size**: The larger the size of the sign, the more material is used and the higher the production cost.
– **Quantity**: Mass production usually reduces the unit price because fixed costs (such as design fees and mold fees) can be spread out.
#### 5. **Installation and Maintenance**
– **Installation Difficulty**: Installation at heights or in complex environments (such as underwater or high-temperature conditions) may increase costs.
– **Maintenance Services**: If regular maintenance or remote monitoring (such as for electronic signs) is required, additional fees may apply.
#### 6. **Additional Features**
– **Intelligent Functions**: Such as embedded sensors, LED lights, touch screens, etc., will increase costs.
– **Special Requirements**: Such as waterproof, fireproof, anti-corrosion and other special performance requirements.
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### **Charging Model**
1. **Project-based Pricing**
– This is suitable for large or complex custom sign projects. Designers and manufacturers will provide an overall quote based on project requirements.
2. **Charging by Area**
– Applicable to flat signs, such as billboards and wall signs, etc., the cost is usually calculated per square meter.
3. **Per-piece Pricing**
– Applicable to small signs or batch production, such as doorplates, direction signs, etc.
4. **Design Fee + Production Fee**
– The design fee and production fee are calculated separately. The design fee is usually charged by the hour or per project, while the production fee is calculated based on materials and craftsmanship.
5. **Additional Service Fees**
– These include installation fees, transportation fees, maintenance fees, etc., and are usually quoted separately based on actual needs.
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### **Examples of Price Ranges**
The following are the approximate price ranges for some common custom signboards (for reference only; actual prices may vary by region and supplier):
1. **Simple Door Signs**: 50 – 200 yuan per piece (Materials: Acrylic, Metal).
2. **Outdoor Advertising Boards**: 500 – 2000 yuan per square meter (Materials: Printed fabric, LED).
3. **Electronic Signboards**: 1000 – 5000 yuan per square meter (Material: LED display).
4. **High-End Custom Signboards**: Over 5000 yuan (Materials: Stainless steel, Copper; Processes: Engraving, Electroplating).
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### **Summary**
The charging standards and principles in the custom sign industry vary depending on project requirements. When choosing a supplier, customers should comprehensively consider factors such as design, materials, craftsmanship, and installation. At the same time, selecting an experienced supplier can ensure the quality and compliance of the signs and prevent potential issues in the future.

Industry 4.0, a revolution in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, aims to comprehensively upgrade the production process through intelligent, digital and automated technologies. As an important part of both industry and service sectors, the sign and plaque industry has also undergone significant changes under the impetus of Industry 4.0. The following are the convergence points and impacts of Industry 4.0 on the sign and plaque industry, with Beijing Shengyilong Signage gradually moving forward:
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### Core Characteristics of Industry 4.0
The core technologies of Industry 4.0 include:
1. **Internet of Things (IoT)**: Interconnection among devices, machines, and systems.
2. **Big Data Analytics**: Optimizing production processes and decision-making through data.
3. **Artificial Intelligence (AI)**: Enabling intelligent control and predictive maintenance.
4. **Automation and Robotics**: Enhancing production efficiency and precision.
5. **Digital Twin**: Real-time synchronization between virtual models and physical entities.
6. **Cloud Computing and Edge Computing**: Enabling distributed capabilities for data storage and processing.
These technologies have not only transformed traditional manufacturing industries but also had a profound impact on the sign and plaque industry.
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The Impact of Industry 4.0 on the Signage Industry
#### 1. **Intelligent Production**
– **Automated Production Lines**: Industry 4.0 has driven the automation of sign production, such as using robots for cutting, engraving, printing, and assembly, reducing manual intervention and enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
– **Customized Production**: Through digital technology, signs can be produced in small batches and customized to meet diverse customer needs.
#### 2. **Digital Design and Manufacturing**
– **Digital Twin Technology**: During the design phase, the actual effect of the sign can be simulated through digital twin technology to optimize the design plan.
– **3D Printing**: It is used to manufacture signs with complex shapes or special materials, shortening the production cycle.
#### 3. **Integration of Smart Signage and Internet of Things**
– **Digital Signage**: The advent of Industry 4.0 has led to the widespread adoption of digital signage, such as LED displays and touch screens, which can update information in real time and interact with users.
– **IoT Signage**: Signage can be embedded with sensors and communication modules to enable remote monitoring and management. For instance, traffic signs can adjust their display content based on real-time traffic conditions.
#### 4. **Data-Driven and Intelligent Management**
– **Big Data Analysis**: By analyzing the usage data of signs (such as foot traffic and user interaction data), the design and layout of signs can be optimized.
– **Predictive Maintenance**: Real-time monitoring of electronic signs to predict faults and perform maintenance in advance, reducing downtime.
#### 5. **Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development**
– **Smart Materials**: Industry 4.0 has promoted the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as recyclable materials or low-energy electronic components.
– **Energy-saving Design**: Through intelligent control, electronic signs can automatically adjust their brightness based on ambient light or foot traffic, reducing energy consumption.
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Applications of Signage and Signboards in Industry 4.0
#### 1. **Smart Factory**
– **Equipment Identification**: By using QR codes, RFID tags or electronic nameplates, intelligent management of equipment is achieved, such as tracking equipment status, maintenance records, etc.
– **Production Line Guidance**: Dynamic electronic nameplates are used to display production progress, fault information or operation instructions in real time.
#### 2. **Smart City**
– **Intelligent Traffic Signs**: Dynamically adjust display content based on real-time traffic data to optimize traffic flow.
– **Public Information Signs**: Provide real-time weather, news, emergency notifications, and other information.
#### 3. **Retail and Commerce**
– **Interactive Billboards**: Offer immersive shopping experiences through touch screens or AR technology.
– **Smart Navigation**: Provide navigation services in shopping malls or exhibition halls using electronic signs or robots.
#### 4. **Logistics and Warehousing**
– **Smart Warehouse Signage**: Utilizing electronic signage to display inventory information, goods locations, etc., to enhance warehouse management efficiency.
– **Automated Sorting**: Combining identification technology and robots to achieve automated sorting and transportation of goods.
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### Future Trends
1. **Wider Intelligence**: Signage will become more intelligent, capable of real-time interaction with users, the environment, and other devices.
2. **Cross-Border Integration**: The signage industry will deeply integrate with technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and AR/VR, creating more innovative applications.
3. **Green and Environmentally Friendly**: With the popularization of sustainable development concepts, the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-saving designs will become important development directions for the signage industry.
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In conclusion, Industry 4.0 has brought significant opportunities and challenges to the sign and plaque industry. By embracing new technologies, the sign and plaque industry can achieve a transformation and upgrade from traditional manufacturing to intelligent and digital manufacturing, providing users with more efficient and intelligent services.