Development of Solar-Powered Emergency Strobe Lights for Enhanced Visual Conspicuity as a Dynamic Wayfinding Guide for Fire Exits

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Computer and Software Technology, and Robotics (CSR)

School Name

National University - MOA

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Balili, Jun P. & Marticio, Jordan Austin O.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/94569671692?pwd=Fj3c3ELOebE6QbqbJOOH9wMuildoEc.1 Meeting ID: 945 6967 1692 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

Fire incidents in the Philippines claimed 341 lives in 2024, with many fatalities indirectly caused by poor visibility and ineffective exit guidance during emergencies. Conventional exit signage often go unnoticed in stress-filled situations, which causes building occupants to rely on familiar routes rather than fire exits. This study developed a Solar-Powered Emergency Strobe Light (SPESL) prototype to enhance visual conspicuity and improve wayfinding performance. An experimental design was utilized for this study, with the goal of measuring illuminance (E_v), visual conspicuity (ΔE), and the visibility catchment area of both the SPESL and conventional exit signage. The signage were tested under normal and smoke-filled lighting conditions to simulate emergencies. Statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U test evaluated significant performance differences. Results showed that SPESL produced significantly higher illuminance of 40,140 lx and visual conspicuity at 40,100 lx than conventional signage (E = 222 lx, ΔE = 183.10 lx) in normal lighting. The Mann-Whitney U t-test was able to attain p-values of 0.008–0.012 and an effect size of -1.00, certifying that SPESL had a significant difference from the results of the performance indicators of the conventional signage. In the VCA test, SPESL consistently maintained its lead across all increments from 0.00m to 1.25m. Overall, the results of the SPESL consistently came out higher than the measures of conventional signage across all tests and lighting conditions. These findings show that the SPESL is a reliable supplement to conventional exit signage with its enhanced visual conspicuity and higher illuminance.

Keywords

solar-powered emergency exit strobe light, fire safety, visual conspicuity, wayfinding guide, dynamic signage

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Development of Solar-Powered Emergency Strobe Lights for Enhanced Visual Conspicuity as a Dynamic Wayfinding Guide for Fire Exits

Fire incidents in the Philippines claimed 341 lives in 2024, with many fatalities indirectly caused by poor visibility and ineffective exit guidance during emergencies. Conventional exit signage often go unnoticed in stress-filled situations, which causes building occupants to rely on familiar routes rather than fire exits. This study developed a Solar-Powered Emergency Strobe Light (SPESL) prototype to enhance visual conspicuity and improve wayfinding performance. An experimental design was utilized for this study, with the goal of measuring illuminance (E_v), visual conspicuity (ΔE), and the visibility catchment area of both the SPESL and conventional exit signage. The signage were tested under normal and smoke-filled lighting conditions to simulate emergencies. Statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U test evaluated significant performance differences. Results showed that SPESL produced significantly higher illuminance of 40,140 lx and visual conspicuity at 40,100 lx than conventional signage (E = 222 lx, ΔE = 183.10 lx) in normal lighting. The Mann-Whitney U t-test was able to attain p-values of 0.008–0.012 and an effect size of -1.00, certifying that SPESL had a significant difference from the results of the performance indicators of the conventional signage. In the VCA test, SPESL consistently maintained its lead across all increments from 0.00m to 1.25m. Overall, the results of the SPESL consistently came out higher than the measures of conventional signage across all tests and lighting conditions. These findings show that the SPESL is a reliable supplement to conventional exit signage with its enhanced visual conspicuity and higher illuminance.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_CSR/10