In 1990s, when VMS switched from using a light bulb to an LED light source, insufficient brightness was always a problem. Before the advent of new materials, amber light sources were always mixed with light bulbs and fiber or red and green two-color LED.
In carrying out this tender, HP cooperated with Formolight to propose an LED made of a new material called "AlInGaP", which can achieve an ultra-high brightness and a solid amber color light source. This type of LED is a major breakthrough in the history of LED lighting source development, and it has also become the most important LED die for transportation equipment.
During the decision-making process, the customer hesitated about whether to they should use the bulb light source to display through the optical fiber or to via use the LED as the display light source. Therefore they decided to invest first by via paying to Formolight and another Canadian company to make a prototype and place it in the suburb.They invited nearly 300 local traffic policemen, scholars and experts from Hong Kong to judge and evaluate the display result.
The amber light LED, which was made by HP and Formolight succeeded finally. Furthermore, the traffic display board using AlInGaP LED was excellent. Under thick fog or bad weather conditions, it can effectively improve the clarity of traffic signs and ensure the safety of the pedestrians. Therefore the world's first Variable Message Signage System using AlInGaP amber LED came out.
Formolight, with the innovation and the importance of quality in mind, offered this Variable Message Signage System which has been used in the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok airport since 1996. It has been working for more than 20 years, and it is still operating in the Hong Kong Airport.
The operation time of Variable Message Signage is over the 10 years, and it meets quality requirements of public construction in Hong Kong. Regarding this successful project reference, Formolight has gained great recognition and appreciation in Hong Kong, and it leads to Formolight to have more than 80% of market share in the display market.
