How Do Variable Message Signs Work? A Simple Guide

are a common sight on highways, roads, and expressways, providing drivers with important information about traffic conditions, road closures, and safety alerts. These electronic signs are crucial tools in modern traffic management, helping to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and enhance communication between transportation authorities and drivers. In this simple guide, we'll explore how Variable Message Signs work, their components, and their significance in traffic management.

1. Components of Variable Message Signs

Before delving into how Variable Message Signs work, it's essential to understand their basic components:
- Display Panel: This is the most visible part of a Variable Message Sign. It typically consists of a matrix of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that form characters, symbols, or graphics to convey information to drivers.
- Support Structure: The display panel is mounted on a support structure, often a gantry or a roadside pole. The support structure ensures the sign is visible to drivers at the appropriate distance.
- Control System: A central control system manages the display panel. This system receives data and instructions from various sources, allowing it to update the information on the sign as needed.
- Power Supply: VMS require a reliable power source, often connected to the electrical grid. Backup power sources like batteries or generators may be employed to ensure functionality during power outages.
- Communication Links: VMS receive data from various sources, including traffic management centers, weather monitoring systems, and incident reporting platforms, through communication links such as fiber optic cables, wireless networks, or cellular connections.

2. Data Sources

rely on data from various sources to display accurate and up-to-date information to drivers. These sources include:
- Traffic Management Centers: These centers monitor traffic flow, incidents, and congestion. They can update VMS with real-time information to help drivers make informed decisions.
- Weather Monitoring Systems: Weather conditions can significantly impact road safety. Data from weather monitoring systems can be used to alert drivers about adverse conditions like heavy rain, snow, or fog.
- Incident Reporting Systems: These systems collect data on accidents, road closures, and other incidents. VMS can display messages warning drivers of such situations and suggesting alternative routes.
- Traffic Sensors: In some cases, traffic sensors embedded in the road surface can provide real-time data on traffic density and speed. VMS can use this information to inform drivers about upcoming congestion.
- Preprogrammed Messages: VMS can display preprogrammed messages such as speed limit reminders, safety alerts, or construction zone warnings. These messages are typically scheduled and can be changed as needed.

3. How VMS Work

The operation of Variable Message Signs can be summarized in a few key steps:
Data Collection: Information from various sources, as mentioned above, is collected and sent to the control system of the VMS. This data includes real-time traffic conditions, weather updates, incident reports, and preprogrammed messages.
Data Processing: The control system processes the received data and determines which message to display on the VMS. For example, in the case of heavy traffic ahead, the system may choose to display a message advising drivers to consider an alternate route.
Message Display: The control system sends the chosen message to the display panel of the VMS. The panel uses LED lights to form characters, symbols, or graphics, which are easily readable by drivers, even at a distance.
Update Frequency: VMS continuously update information as new data becomes available. This ensures that drivers are provided with the most current and relevant information to make informed decisions while on the road.

4. Significance in Traffic Management

Variable Message Signs play a crucial role in traffic management and road safety for several reasons:
Real-Time Traffic Information: VMS provide drivers with real-time information about traffic conditions, helping them avoid congestion, reduce travel time, and make safer driving decisions.
Emergency Alerts: In the event of accidents, road closures, extreme weather, or other emergencies, VMS can quickly disseminate information to drivers, allowing them to take appropriate actions to stay safe and find alternative routes.
Promoting Safe Driving: VMS can display messages about speed limits, lane closures, or warnings about adverse weather conditions, all of which contribute to safer driving habits.
Reducing Congestion: By providing drivers with information about traffic conditions ahead, VMS can help prevent congestion and traffic jams, improving overall traffic flow.
Alternative Route Suggestions: VMS can suggest alternative routes when traffic conditions are unfavorable, which can help distribute traffic more evenly and reduce the strain on overloaded roadways.
Improved Communication: Transportation authorities can use VMS to communicate with drivers on a large scale, ensuring that important information reaches a broad audience quickly.

conclusion

Variable Message Signs are valuable tools in modern traffic management. They work by collecting data from various sources, processing it, and displaying relevant information to drivers using LED displays. Their significance lies in their ability to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and improve communication between transportation authorities and drivers. As technology continues to advance, we can expect Variable Message Signs to play an even more prominent role in our efforts to manage and optimize traffic on our roadways.

What Is a Safety VMS?

Have you ever seen such signs on highways? Large LED screens display various traffic instructions and warnings like &#;Slow down&#;, &#;Stop&#;, &#;Speed limit 60&#;, and more. Electronic LED tools like these used to display information about special events are called variable message signs.

VMS is a type of electronic equipment used to convey critical messages and information, which typically consists of a large LED screen that displays graphics, text, and symbols mounted on a portable trailer, pole, or vehicle, allowing it to be easily deployed and moved to different locations as needed.

The VMS has been deployed on New Jersey toll roads since at least the s. Back then, variable message signs included static signs with illuminated text (often using neon tubes) indicating the type of event occurring, or signs using rotating prisms (tri-prisms) to change the displayed information. Since the late s, the latest LED display screen technology has been applied to VMS. This article primarily focuses on electronic VMS.

Types of VMS

There are three main types of VMS that are suitable for different situations and scenarios.

Fixed VMS: Fixed VMS, also known as permanent VMS, is typically installed on telegraph poles or gantries on highways, roads, or urban areas to provide continuous traffic updates and control.

Vehicle-Mounted VMS: Vehicle-mounted variable message signs are installed on vehicles like trucks or vans, which are portable and can be effortlessly transported to various locations as required.

VMS Trailer: VMS trailers are portable signs mounted on trailers that can be towed by vehicles. They serve a variety of purposes and can be swiftly deployed in various locations.

Based on the characteristics and usage scenarios, variable message signs manufactured by OPTRAFFIC are divided into the following six types.

Portable Traffic Message Signs

Mobile Commercial VMS

VMS Truck Signs

TMA Traffic Signs

EU Variable Message Signs

LED Traffic Display

Color and Pattern of VMS

LED screens are often able to display information in a variety of colors and modes. The color, pattern & text are customizable based on user preferences.

Color: VMS can use different colors to convey diverse meanings or urgency levels. Variable message signs of OPTRAFFIC are manufactured in three color variants: monochrome, multicolor, and full-color.

Pattern: Bright and clear patterns and text can attract attention or emphasize urgent information. In OPTRAFFIC&#;s WEB system, there are 200+ preset patterns and texts available, and users can also customize as needed.

Overall, the colors and patterns of VMS are carefully selected to ensure clear communication of information to drivers, while maximizing visibility and effectiveness, especially in adverse weather.

Solar Power and Battery of VMS

VMS primarily utilizes solar energy as its primary power source. Equipped with solar panels on its top, the VMS captures sunlight and transforms it into electricity, which is stored in batteries for uninterrupted operation, even during low light conditions like nighttime or cloudy days.

Solar power allows VMS to operate uninterruptedly, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and minimizing environmental impact. There are many benefits of this sustainable energy, including low cost, high effectiveness, low carbon emissions, and high installation adaptability.

Years of experience and customer feedback have proven that OPTRAFFIC solar power VMS can operate continuously in high latitude and low light areas without the need for charging, relying on solar-converted electricity.

How Do Variable Message Signs Work?

Variable message signs are strategically placed in different locations, such as highways, urban areas, and construction sites. After positioning, the operator selects suitable patterns on the controller and inputs relevant information such as traffic advice, road conditions, or safety instructions. Then, the data is transmitted to VMS, processed there, and finally displayed on the LED screen. The real-time information on VMS provides drivers and pedestrians with timely updates and guidance for traffic and flow management. Real-time monitoring and adjustment can ensure the effectiveness of VMS in optimizing traffic management and enhancing road safety.

VMS Boards Used for Multiple Industries

VMS is widely used in various industries due to its effectiveness in conveying important messages and information. Here are the industries that use VMS.

Traffic safety: In order to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents, VMS boards are extensively used to display crucial road information like traffic congestion, lane closures, and others to drivers and pedestrians.

Public safety: VMS boards can display emergency alerts, evacuation instructions, and other important information in natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other emergency situations to maintain order.

Emergency service: The fire department and rescue team are also buyers of VMS boards, as they can convey safety instructions to the public in the event of a fire or other incident.

Law enforcement: Law enforcement agencies, such as traffic police, use VMS boards to display traffic laws, checkpoints, and other related information to prevent illegal behavior and promote public compliance with regulations.

Transportation and logistics: VMS boards help transportation and logistics companies manage traffic flow, guide trucks to loading terminals, and display real-time transportation schedules.

Construction: Construction sites often use VMS boards to remind drivers of road closures, detours, and construction areas to improve the safety of workers and drivers.

Municipal services: The municipal authorities use VMS boards to inform residents of community activities, road maintenance plans, utility work, and other municipal services to increase public participation and awareness.

Health department: Health departments can deploy VMS boards to communicate public health advisories, vaccination clinics, disease outbreaks, and other health-related information.

Competition & activities: VMS boards are used for sports events, festivals, concerts, and other events, providing attendees with activity schedules, parking instructions, and safety reminders.

Business: Enterprises can use VMS boards for advertising, promotions, store guidance, and other marketing purposes to attract customers and increase brand visibility.

In short, VMS boards play an important role in various industries.

Are you interested in learning more about vms led display? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

What Are the Benefits of VMS?

The widespread use of VMS in various industries is due to its outstanding functions and advantages. Below are 6 major benefits of VMS.

Improve Safety

Protecting pedestrians and drivers: VMS helps drivers make informed decisions and drive safely by providing real-time information about road conditions, hazards, and other traffic events. In addition, VMS can also display safety information to pedestrians, reminding them to walk on pedestrian crossings, pay attention to oncoming vehicles, or remain vigilant in busy areas.

Protecting law enforcement officers: VMS assists manage traffic flow, control speed, and enforce traffic regulations without requiring police to stand on the road, thereby reducing the relationship between law enforcement officers and potential hazards and protecting their lives.

Improve Efficiency

The VMS minimizes delays and improves overall road safety by providing real-time information, promoting communication with drivers, and optimizing traffic flow, greatly improving work efficiency and traffic management efficiency.

Cost Saving

Reduce labor costs: VMS can automatically perform tasks, such as directing traffic or updating information. A person can manage multiple devices simultaneously and solve multiple situations through OPTRAFFIC&#;s WEB system. VMS significantly reduces labor costs related to traffic management.

Lower infrastructure costs: Compared to traditional static signs, portable VMS requires less infrastructure investment. It can be easily installed and moved to different locations as needed, eliminating the need for expensive permanent installation.

Solar energy and low energy consumption: VMS are generally equipped with solar panels to reduce reliance on traditional power sources. In addition, VMS adopts energy-saving LED technology to minimize energy costs.

Portable

VMS was designed with portability and flexibility in mind, vehicle-mounted VMS and VMS trailer can be easily transported and deployed in different locations.

Portable VMS is typically used for temporary activities or emergencies, such as road construction, accident sites, or building areas, as it can be easily towed to a location, quickly installed, and adjusted as needed for quick response. Portable VMS can also be deployed in remote areas where permanent infrastructure may be impractical.

Actual usage data proves that VMS manufactured by OPTRAFFIC can be deployed by a single person within five minutes.

Remote Control

The remote control function allows users to manage VMS from any location, typically through a software interface or mobile application

Users can access the OPTRAFFIC WEB system by computers, tablets, or smartphones connected to the Internet, or handheld controllers, and set text, symbols, and patterns to display on the LED screen, without having to arrive at the VMS location. Real-time updates of information help users timely release important information, such as traffic warnings, road closures, emergency notices, and event announcements. In addition, users can remotely monitor VMS, and view its location, performance, and status, including power, connectivity, and display functions.

The VMS remote control function provides users with convenient and efficient management.

Customizable

VMS is customizable and offers a range of options that can be customized according to specific needs. OPTRAFFIC provides the following customization options, if you have other needs, please feel free to contact us.

Size & color: The size of the LED screen and the color of the trailer can be changed according to user needs

Solar Kit: Additional solar panels are available

Tilting System: The tilted frame structure of solar panels for better collection of solar energy

Speed Radar: High-precision speed detection system

Onsite Tablet: Handheld controller with WEB system for more convenient control of equipment

Mast Lock: Mechanical safety device

What Do VMS Boards Stand for?

ISO- certified factory

ATSSA Association endorsement

NTCIP compliant

CE certified

IP65 compliant

Meets MUTCD

What Are the Other Names of VMS?

Variable Message Sign (VMS) is also known as:

Dynamic Message Sign

Changeable Message Sign

Variable Message Display

Electronic Message Board

Digital Message Sign

Portable Changeable Message Sign

Traffic Message Board

Roadside Message Board

Traffic Information Board

Traffic Management Display

How Much Does a VMS Cost?

There are two main options for acquiring VMS:

Although the initial investment may be high, in the long run, especially for organizations that require frequent use of this equipment, purchasing VMS directly may be more cost-effective. OPTRAFFIC offers electronic equipment at prices that are typically 30% lower than those found in the U.S. market.

For organizations or institutions that do not require frequent use of VMS, leasing can be a viable option.

For over a decade, OPTRAFFIC has been committed to providing electronic devices to various industries, including traffic, public safety, law enforcement, equipment rental, construction, and municipal services. As a trusted global leading electronic device manufacturer, OPTRAFFIC will continue to focus on innovation and quality. Thank you for your attention and support!

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