LED DISPLAY FOR VMS

» Application requirements
Reliable DMS products built to ITS industry standards Since 1988, Daktronics has been a leader in DMS product development. Vanguard® products are suitable for any ITS application and provide industry-leading reliability, readability and serviceability.

Front Access
Daktronics designed the front access DMS for simple maintenance, durability and impressive versatility.

Walk-Ins
This popular walk-in face mask design displays superior legibility and safer maintenance.

Rear Access
This full-featured rear access DMS features a faceplate and sliding rear door for easy access to internal components.

Retrofit
Cost-effective solution to extend the life of your display and also an opportunity to upgrade your display.

" Proposed Solutions

• Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Daktronics recommends LED displays used in ITS applications use high-quality AlInGaP (aluminum, indium, gallium, phosphide) technology to maximize visibility. AlInGaP LEDs ensure the display consumes less power while still producing brighter light than fiber optic lights, incandescent bulbs, and reflective disc displays.
For maximum brightness for the life of the LED, Daktronics recommends that the LED manufacturer's specifications are always followed when determining the display drive current, which in most cases is 30 milliamps.

• Pixels 
Daktronics DMS provides full pixel monitoring. Operators will always know if a pixel is faulty, and they can adjust the text accordingly or dispatch a maintenance team immediately.

• Modules          
DMS modules are easy to install and remove thanks to convenient DMS features such as walk-in cabinets, front and rear access doors, and front access doors. Daktronics designs its DMS modules with reliability and durability in mind.

• Resolution      
Resolution means the number of pixels in the physical area of the DMS. The greater the number of pixels per square foot, the greater the amount of detail displayed.
Factoring in viewing distance, DMS used in road applications typically do not require resolution below 20 mm. The three examples below show MUTCD-approved graphics as if they were displayed on a five-foot tall DMS.

• Graphics             
Graphics significantly improve the readability of DMS messages. A recent study by the University of Rhode Island found that drivers responded on average 35% faster when text messages included the standard MUTCD graphic symbol. The human brain decodes symbols or symbols much faster than text. Other benefits of graphics:
- 94% of study subjects preferred graphical DMS over text-only DMS.
- Improved recognition among non-native English speakers.
- Drastically reduce the time it takes older drivers to understand messages.

•  Character height
ITS displays use a standard 18-inch character height, although deviations may occur depending on the resolution of the display. Some Daktronics DMS are available in character sizes such as 12 inches, 9 inches or 6 inches. Any character, however, can be doubled (or more) in size.
For example, 9-inch characters can be doubled in height to create 18-inch characters; that character will contain more pixels and therefore be clearer than a standard 18-inch character.

• Viewing angle      
DMS signals have different viewing angles to provide the best balance between form and function; These angles can meet the needs of many drivers in diverse driving situations. The graphic shows all three perspectives as they can be applied to a highway system. This graphic is not to scale, but it can be used to estimate the viewing angle your highway or road needs.

• Viewing distance

The maximum distance a traveler can identify a message on the DMS is called the readability distance. There is no indication in the MUTCD as to the brightness of the LEDs on the DMS, but Daktronics strongly recommends a minimum screen brightness of 9,200 cd/m2. All DMSs should have intensity adjustment to optimize legibility at all ambient light levels.

• The media

Daktronics Vanguard® DMS uses several communication methods to control the content and internal systems of the DMS network, including  Vanguard® Central Control Software .
Contact Daktronics to learn more about which communication method may work best for your project, including dial-up, cellular, fiber, Ethernet, direct, or radio.
NTCIP stands for National Transport for ITS Protocol. It enables interoperability between different manufacturers of ITS products such as DMS, cameras, signals and communication methods such as fiber optic cable, radio, Ethernet, etc.