Business Case Study

Nobuhara Clinic

Utilizing an ePoster at a clinic entrance for treatment information earns a positive evaluation for visibility in bright spaces and superior energy-saving performance.

PDF:1MB

Industry

Medical clinic

Purpose of Implementation

Improve safety, Improved image, Environmental measures

Implemented product

“ePoster” electronic paper display

EP-C251 (25.3-inch model); 1 unit
IPA-25EP pole stand

Implemented in March 2024. At the clinic entrance, displays information for visiting patients, such as the day's examination hours and treatment areas.

Customer

Nobuhara Clinic

Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture
Clinic opened in 2021. Established to solve the issue of the Tango Peninsula being a medically underserved area for otolaryngology. Also handles dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. The clinic treats a broad range of patients, from young children to the elderly, and has earned the trust of the community.

This is what we realized.

Challenges before implementation

At our clinic, informational displays printed on paper were inserted into pouches and posted at the entrance to inform visiting patients about the next reception start times, treatment areas, and so forth. However, we are particular about creating a comfortable space and achieving an aesthetic appearance inside our clinic, and thus wanted to reduce paper notices wherever we could.

Despite the unit saving energy by not using power for the display, it can display color and has superior visibility.
If a content image that has been created is loaded onto a user’s smartphone, the image can be transferred to the main unit using a dedicated app.
A mobile battery can be used as the power source for rewriting the display, eliminating the worry of tripping on a power cord.

Background of implementation

It is necessary to post informational displays for examination times and the like.
However, we want to reduce paper notices as much as possible.

At our clinic, not only do the examination times differ depending on the day of the week, they also differ between otolaryngology and dermatology/cosmetic dermatology. Thus, we had been printing out informational displays, inserting them into pouches, and posting them at the entrance to clearly inform visiting patients about the current examination situation, the next reception start times, and so forth.
However, we aim to create a comfortable space for the patients and are also particular about achieving an aesthetic appearance inside our clinic, and thus wanted to reduce paper notices wherever we could.

Dr. Kenji Nobuhara
Hospital director/otolaryngologist
Nobuhara Clinic

Reasons for selection

A reflective display to achieve favorable visibility in bright spaces.
Not using power to maintain the display was also appealing.

Upon searching for a tool to replace paper, we came upon the ePoster on the internet. We first noted that, differing from our impression of conventional electronic paper, the ePoster had a large screen and was able to display color. We actually tried out the ePoster using a demo unit, and were able to confirm that it displayed images in a clear, clean manner despite not having a backlight, and also had favorable visibility. We were also impressed with the superior energy-saving performance: the ePoster does not use power to maintain the display, other than when rewriting contents.

Information about the next reception start times, etc. at the entrance.

Effect after implementation

Able to transfer images to the main unit using a dedicated smartphone app.
No need for a power cord, eliminating the worry of tripping.

We use a computer to create images of examination information for and then transfer them to the ePoster using a dedicated smartphone app. Since multiple images can be stored in the main unit’s memory as well, we transfer a batch of five or six images—one day’s worth—the day before, and on the actual day, we press a button on the main unit to rewrite the screen to display the desired content for each time period.
Since a mobile battery can be used as the power source when rewriting, another great benefit is that there is no need to run a power cord along the ground, eliminating the worry of patients tripping on the cord.

Favorable visibility when viewed not only from the front, but also diagonally.

Future prospects

The ideal is a space where patients can relax.
We want to move forward with the digitalization of paper posters.

We have taken various measures when planning our clinic’s building design and interior, with the ideal of a space that can contribute to easing the feelings of patients and can help them relax. Naturally there are many paper posters that are necessary, but where possible, we will aim for digitalization and move forward with the creation of an even more comfortable space.

• Sharp Corporation’s trademark registration for “ePoster” is currently pending.

Pressing a button on the rear of the main unit to select the desired display.

Issued May 2024