Programmable, Robust and Customizable Variable Message Signs Are the Signs of the Future

When you think of lighting that catches attention, you think of Las Vegas. However, lighted displays are now becoming more widespread with the accent on functionality. Almost all such displays one comes across at railway stations, airports, bus terminals, in stock exchanges and in public places comprise of scrolling LED displays capable of being programmed through a strong ITS integration. It is this mix of designing LED matrix in any size with custom pixel pitches and resolution combined with programming that has made them so flexible and adaptable to a variety of situations and purposes.

One can see ITS powered variable message signs used in:

• Parking displays: These parking displays stationed on roads leading to city approaches display availability of parking lots in the vicinity and vacancy in each lot, guiding drivers and saving them the inconvenience of running around.
• Road and Highway informational VMS signs: Placed on roads at strategic points such as bends or tunnels or even portable temporary VMS types, these LED based programmable signage can display custom messages such as “hairpin bend ahead”, “tunnel ahead”, “landslide ahead” or even give motorists information about weather conditions in large characters visible from a distance in bright sunlight.

A VMS comprises of LED's arranged in a matrix in custom pixel pitches. What makes them so flexible and highly functional is the programmable features. Integrated with a CPU unit, these static LED turn dynamic. The matrix can display a fixed message. It can be programmed to scroll the message if the message length exceeds the width of the matrix. There are possibilities such as flashing LED to act as warning signs for motorists, for instance. One can just as easily mix a number of messages, overlaying one with another one as is found in stock ticker displays that scroll stock prices while also displaying other information.

Programming is at the heart of variable message displays and adds to their flexibility and functionality. Cost is another feature. Today’s requirement dictate sophisticated software programs to run the display through an easy to use interface and control either through wired or wireless networks along with data aggregation. Software programming adds to the cost but a manufacturer with in-house software capabilities and expertise in embedded systems would be able to deliver much more by way of customization and give best returns on money at a far lower investment.