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Technology 195
The opposite is also true--the potential amount of information needed is increased the further
from the airport passengers are located. Obviously, it is not practical to install massive numbers of
displays at these remote locations. To address this issue, there are a number of options available as
shown in the paragraphs below.
7.2.27 Flight Information Kiosks
To resolve the ever-increasing need to provide passengers with information on demand,
some airports have elected to implement "passenger information kiosks" to help provide
timely, needed information. These kiosks typically have a touch-screen interface providing a
convenient opportunity for passengers to obtain pertinent information from the MUFIDS. In
addition to flight information, the kiosks can provide additional information about hotels,
rental cars, tourist attractions, restaurants, airport services, wayfinding, etc. The flight informa-
tion presented at these kiosks can be obtained from on-line services or the Airport's website (via
internet) or through a network connection with the Airport's MUFIDS (requires local network
connection).
There are a number of sources for such kiosks. These units can leverage upon existing commu-
nications infrastructure or operate in a wireless environment, if available.
7.3 Design Elements
7.3.1 Regulatory Requirements--ADA and Display Systems
The flexible software of a modern MUFIDS and/or wayfinding signage controller system enables
the user to display data to disadvantaged passengers and to comply with any ADA requirements
which may in the future be mandated by local or Federal laws. An example is displaying visual pag-
ing messages on designated monitors.
Because MUFIDS displays are dynamic in nature, they normally are considered temporary signs
and, therefore, are not specifically addressed under ADA. It is in the public interest, however, that
any new wayfinding and signing system accommodate and anticipate ADA-type display features
during the design phase. Each display bank should consider the inclusion of provisions for the
future addition of TDD phones.
7.3.2 Sign Lighting Controllers (Dimming, Groups of Signs)
Controls for sign lighting typically is provided as part of the wayfinding and signing system soft-
ware. The control of the lighting can be set by individual sign or by groups of signs either manu-
ally and/or via an automatic time program. Sign lighting may also be automatically controlled
locally at each sign with photoelectric cells.
7.4 Open System Architecture
System architecture constitutes the framework that describes how system components interact
and work together to achieve total system goals. It describes the system operation, what each com-
ponent of the system does, and what information is exchanged among the components. System
architecture may be either "open" or "closed."
System equipment should be installed that support "open" system architecture standards and
protocols to allow the use of several different manufacturers' systems and devices that support an
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196 Wayfinding and Signing Guidelines for Airport Terminals and Landside
"open" system architecture to provide interoperability, compatibility and interchangeability within
the wayfinding and signing system. This allows a facility to establish multi-source, "common-off-
the-shelf" (COTS), and industry standards for all components and network devices.
7.4.1 System Testing
Establish test beds to support full testing of any new software, firmware and hardware. Test beds
shall support the full testing of components in actual and simulated environments to identify and
eliminate problems that may cause system instability prior to its actual implementation.
