Outdoor Display Panel for Bus and Vessel Fleet Management
02 October 2006
Elmacom have recently launched a new product designed by their Civil Application Division.
It consists of a high-brightness LED matrix of W=60cm x H=12cm (i.e. 5 characters on 2 rows minimum configuration) which can be expanded to as large as required size to cover a variety of applications. Although Elmacom products buy price is higher than equivalent solutions, this equipment allows to save money throughout its operational lifetime thanks to the following features:
- LED’s are not driven by a multiplexer but by means of a static system (patented by Elmacom). This means a low input current (lower heating = higher reliability) although LED’s still deliver their maximum brightness. This display is a "hot-spots-free" one unlike other displays in the market
- Each Module is monitored (built-in BITE) and a failure signal is sent to the Central Control Room as soon as a proper number of LED’s are broken to allow for a timely repair
- The repair is quick and cheap for a mechanical system (another patent by Elmacom) allows for a slow drop of the panel down at the operator’s height who can easily replace the failed Module, Control Board, Power Supply or whatever necessary. The display is promptly re-positioned once repaired
- The Power Supply (patented) is small and cheap thanks to the LED’s driving low input power
The display can be used for graphic or alphanumeric either static or dynamic messages. A sensor sets the level of each LED’s brightness i.e. to save energy at night or for specific lighting’s requirements. This adjustment can be also manual at the time of the installation or remotely controlled by the Central Control Room. This is another cost-saving feature hard to achieve in a multiplexed driven display.
A BITE system monitors all Modules to call for repair if necessary. A TV camera (or Webcam) can be installed on the top of the tower to help passengers’ protection or for other surveillance purposes. Messages are refreshed in real time via Wi-fi, radio or cable. The cable connection allows to send data also via the internet.
