IRIS

Intelligent Roadway Information System


Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)

Select View âž” Message Signs âž” DMS menu item

A dynamic message sign (DMS) is a sign which is capable of changing the message displayed to motorists.

The following features are supported:

Resources

Attribute permissions:

Access Minimal Full
Read Only name, location, msg_current sign_config, sign_detail, geo_loc, msg_sched, status, stuck_pixels
👉 Operate   msg_user
💡 Plan notes device_req
🔧 Configure controller pin

Checks of free-form text are also affected by the access level.

Setup

The DMS properties form has setup information.

Field Description
Hashtags space-separated list of tags for selecting signs
Remote beacon beacon activated automatically when sign deployed
Static graphic image of static sign in which DMS is inset
Device purpose general or dedicated purpose for sign operation
Hidden hide sign when available or deployed styles are selected

A hashtag is the # character, followed by a string of letters and/or numbers. They are used to select signs for:

Internal beacons are controlled through the DMS controller using the NTCIP protocol. Remote beacons are controlled using a separate comm link.

Operating

Each DMS can have a number of styles, depending on its current state. Styles are ordered by precedence, determining which color a map marker is drawn.

Style Description
Available Sign is blank and ready to use
Deployed Displaying an operator-defined message
Schedule Displaying a scheduled message
External Displaying a message from an external system (not IRIS)
Maint. Sign requires maintenance, but might still be functional
Failed Communication failure to sign
Purpose Dedicated-purpose sign (travel time, wayfinding, etc.)
All All signs

Composing Messages

When a DMS is selected, a few things happen:

When an operator chooses a pattern, a series of selectors is populated with message lines, depending on the fillable text rectangles. These selectors may also allow free-form text entry, depending on the permision access level of the user:

The message preview is updated as the user composes the message. When the Send button is pressed, a sign message is created and set as msg_user. The server then performs a validation check ensuring the user has permission for any free-form text.