Digital Stop Signs (single-color)

A digital stop sign is a stop/station sign (hereinafter stop sign) either with a built-in information system containing public transportation vehicle departures or with an independent panel that is a part of the stop sign. Built-in stop sign LED panels are characterized by a small number of lines (1-4) and high LED density – diode spacing 4 – 5 mm. Digital stop signs usually have shorter readability distance (up to 15 m) which corresponds with the script size of about 3 cm. They are produced in two versions:

• emulating large stop panels, i.e. displaying the line, the target stop and the time of departure,
• displaying only the time of departure after a line is designated and this information alternates with information from the dispatching.

Both versions simplify passenger orientation at stops. In the case of a  central dispatching with vehicle position data gathering, LED (LCD) signs can display current departures based on the position of the vehicle on the line. If a seamless active LED surface is used it is also possible for the panel to display any graphic features.

Another possibility is using an installment with an LCD containing  either displays of the TFT type (standard version with a 10,4″  or larger high illumination color display) – see e.g. . our solution in Ostrava Svinovské mosty, or a small number of LCD indicators used separately for each line (some Czech DPs[1] use this solution). When the TFT high-illumination LCD displays are used, our comparison of  LCD/LED systems holds, however, built-in displays can be screened out “somehow”  therefore their consumption is not that different (but the lifespan problem still holds).

If there is no 230V power supply it is possible to prepare a rendition using tractive voltage. Using solar panels is not recommended based on our long-term measurements performed in January 2010 when there were only three sunny days and panels would have to be 10 m2 large.

[1] DP -  transportation company

Built-in graphic LED digital stop signs – the ELP 10x series

Built-in graphic LED digital stop signs of the ELP 1xx series are parts of public transportation stop signs in towns and villages. These signs are installed in such a way that long lifespan and simple installation as well as maintenance are guaranteed. Their conception, high quality, surface rendering and design make it easy for architects and project engineers to incorporate them in town and village housing development. The integrated  information panel allows the user to display comfortably real departure times of the closest lines and other information regarding those lines.

Depending on customer demands, the signs can also be equipped with illuminated schedules and waste bins. These components are optional and are not included in the basic version.

Basic properties of built-in stop sign LED panels:

• Only one ELP-MCU high performance control unit module capable of processing pictures at the frequency of 300 Hz and with data reception control using a GSM/GPRS/UMTS modem.
• Program MP3 player with an acoustic switch board equipped with a D class 15 W amplifier and the possibility of sending dispatching announcements right to the stop speakers.
• Integrated command receiver for the vision impaired including reading out of texts and page turning.
• Illumination regulation controlled by an outer illumination sensor including the possibility of regulating each side separately in the case of the double-sided version.
• Receiving of real time from the dispatching or GPS (resp. DCF).
• LED diode spacing can be 4-5 mm, color on demand (usually red).
• Possibility of reserving the last line for information texts of the JSVV[2].
• Possibility of using independent windows for displaying fullscreen text or graphics.
• Low input power solution given by using regulated power sources (diodes do not overheat).
• Significantly longer lifespan given by internal ventilation depending on internal panel temperatures.

Properties of digital LED stop signs of the ELP 10x series
Active LED surface	20×120 points | 30×120 points | 40×120 points
LED color	Red (R) – other colors depending on an agreement
LED spacing	5mm
LED brightness regulation	YES – illumination sensor
Temperature measuring	YES – measuring of the temperature inside the panel
Communication abilities	GSM/GPRS/UMTS (3G)
Receiving commands from the vision impaired	YES – a built-in EPNEV 2.02 command receiver (resp. 2.12 – a prepared new series)
Connection to the JSVV	YES – equipped with a BIS 55 receiver able to work with the JSVV
Acoustic component	Integrated  15 W speaker – waterproof
Working temperature	from -30°C to +45°C
Relative humidity	10 % to 95 % in 40°C, non-condensation
Power supply voltage	230V AC
Average input power	30 VA (one-sided four line version)
Maximum input power	350 W at full illumination of all diodes of the one-sided four line stop sign version, 750 W at full illumination of all diodes of the double-sided four line stop sign version.

Type labels of stop signs with  LED panels:

Order code	Digital stop sign type (graphic surface)
71411.20A120R5.BWSG	ELP 102A – two line one-sided small panel red
71411.20B120R5.BWSG	ELP 102B – two line double-sided small panel red
71411.20A130R5.BWSG	ELP 103A – three line one-sided small panel red
71411.20B130R5.BWSG	ELP 103B – three line double-sided small panel red
71411.20A140R5.BWSG	ELP 104A – four line one-sided small panel red
71411.20B140R5.BWSG	ELP 104B – four line double-sided small panel red

These panels were supplied to the Dopravní podnik města České Budějovice[3], where:

• B – command receiver for the vision impaired (EPNEV 1.12),
• W – receiver of voice and data from the JSVV belonging to the city crisis committee  (BIS 60),
• S – acoustic announcements equipment,
• G – GSM/GPRS/UMTS (3G) communication.

Stop signs displaying arrival times – the ELP 13x series

The new type of the prepared ELP 13x stop sign with departure time displaying is based on the demands of integrating an information system into the already existing types of stop signs. It is equipped with communication modules allowing communication with the dispatching or vehicles. If requested it is possible to equip it with a public WiFi hotspot to provide passenger internet connection in the vicinity of the stop. The ELP 13x stop signs are equipped with the LED technology and produced in a low input power version.

Properties of the ELP 13x stop sign
Active LED surface	10×80 points – ELP 131 20×80 points – ELP 132
LED color	Red (R) | Yellow (Y) |Green (G) | White (W)
LED spacing	4,2 – 5 mm
LED brightness regulation	YES – illumination sensor
Temperature measuring	YES – measuring of the temperature inside the panel
Communication abilities	data communication – GPRS/UMTS communication with vehicles – 866MHz module Wi-Fi connection of more stop signs in the vicinity Wi-Fi hotspot for the passengers (only with UMTS communication)
Receiving commands from the vision impaired	YES – a built-in EPNEV 2.02 command receiver (resp. 2.12 – a prepared new series)
Acoustic component	Integrated  15 W speaker – waterproof
Backup power supply	YES – accumulator
Working temperature	from -30°C to +45°C
Relative humidity	10 % to 95 % at 40°C, non-condensation
Power supply	230V AC/ 100W

Stop signs supplemented with an information panel  – The ELP 15x series

In this version the information stop panel is produced independently and then attached to the sign column. In the case of regular stops these panels have to respect traffic island width therefore their LED diode spacing is smaller, i.e. 4,2 – 5 mm. The panel is equipped with the ELP CCU 1x control unit designed by our company. The control unit contains an industrial PC. Its conception is similar to the ELP 31x graphic LED stop panels .

We are preparing an independent stop panel rendering and a constellation of panels at a stop rendering  (The main panel with GSM/GPRSUMTS data transfers and the subordinate panels connected to the main stop sign using WiFI).

The panels are compatible with the SPRINTER – ELP ( a dispatching of electronic information panels).

Information panel properties
Anchor type:	stop sign column – right side of the panel stop sign column – left side of the panel stop sign column – the middle of the bottom of the panel stop shelter – top anchor
Active LED surface	30×160 points
LED color	Red (R) – other colors depending on an agreement
LED spacing	4,2mm
LED brightness regulation	YES – illumination sensor
Temperature measuring	YES – measuring of the temperature inside the panel
Communication abilities	GSM/GPRS/UMTS (3G) Ethernet Optics (on demand) Wi-Fi 5,8 GHz – 802.11a/n (other on  demand)
Receiving commands from the vision impaired	YES – a built-in EPNEV 1.22 command receiver
Acoustic component	Integrated  15 W speaker – waterproof
Stop camera	YES – 1,3MPx, night vision (infra LED)
Working temperature	from -30°C to +45°C
Relative humidity	10 % to 95 % at 40°C, non-condensation
Power supply voltage	230V AC
Average input power	50W
Maximum input power	200 W at full diode performance

Properties of the ELP 15x panels:

• High performance LED board control unit module capable of processing pictures at the frequency of 300 Hz.
• Control industrial PC of the panel with user HW. It can contain schedules for autonomous operation (off-line mode).
• MP3 player equipped with an acoustic switchboard (15 W) with the possibility of sending dispatching announcements directly to the speakers.
• Integrated command receiver for the vision impaired including reading out of texts and page turning.
• LED diode illumination regulation based on a sensor, accurate time receiving.
• Wide angle cameras for sending pictures and videos of the number and the behavior of passengers on the stops.
• LED diode spacing is  4,2 mm (the smallest in the Czech Republic for outdoor use).
• Possibility of using independent windows for displaying fullscreen text or graphics.
• Low input power solution – the panels are equipped with LED diode voltage regulation (diodes do not overheat thus lengthening their lifespan).
• Controlled ventilation depending on inside temperature.

Small graphic information stop LED panels – the ELP 16x series

These panels (a concept prepared for realization) are primarily meant as a simple “low  cost” solution of stop panels displaying the current state of transportation or schedules. Thanks to their seamless display surface these panels can display graphic or text information sent from the control center. They are equipped with- GSM/GPRS/UMTS modems for communication with the control center and command receivers for the vision impaired. They can but do not have to be equipped with an independent time indicator. The biggest advantages of the proposed rendering are small measurements and easy installation.

Basic parameters of LED stop panels – the ELP 16x series
Mechanical rendering	Reclinable front area (bonnet)
LED color	red, yellow, orange, green, white – luminosity 1000 mCd / LED
Total panel luminosity	16 000 Cd / m² (when all LED diodes emit light)
Observation angle	Up to 170° (flat LED)
Illumination sensor (for LED brightness regulation)	YES (up to 256 steps)
Panel diagnostics possibilities	light/tremors/ LED power supply/source functionality
Script	Roman script, Cyrillic, others depending on an agreement (double, bold, italics)
On-line displaying of dispatching information	YES
Integrated speaker	waterproof 10W / 8 Ohm
Built-in digital annunciator unit	YES – MP3 files
Measurements (w × h × d)	670 × 220 × 95 mm
Active display surface (w × h)	610 × 110 mm
Resolution	5 mm raster – 60 × 120 points (active surface) + 10 × 40 points (clock)
Data communication	GSM/GPRS Modem, on demand Ethernet or UMTS
Power supply	230 VAC / 50 Hz from backed up distribution 230 VAC
Casing	IP 54 (depends on the way of installation of additional devices)
Total power input	maximum – 200 W, average – 30 W
Weight	From 10 kg to 25 kg depending on the material
Panel rendering	Anti-vandal (glass or polycarbonate depending on an agreement)
Surrounding working temperature	from -30°C to +50°C
Relative humidity	10 % to 95 % at 40°C, non-condensation

ELP 16x panel properties:

• LED panel control unit – ELP MCU 23 of our production. The unit can directly control LED panels and MELP LED diode voltage regulators. The control is based on surrounding light.
• The control unit contains enough memory and communication channels  and also a communication switchboard including a 15W D class amplifier.
• GSM/GPRS/UMTS module – for communicating with the dispatching and accessing the internet.
• LED panels – the final active panel surface is created using smaller boards with high illumination LED diodes (color according to the wish of the customer) which after assembling and anchoring to a mechanic frame create one side of the panel.
• MELP 3x regulated power source for LED diode power supply. This is a special power source developed by our company. Its efficiency is 90 % and there is the possibility of regulation in 256 steps. It also includes a controlled ventilator working based on the temperature of the board. This solution guarantees lengthening of lifespan and low consumption of the panel.
• Possible to add a command receiver for the vision impaired (an independent data input).
• Switched power source designed for panel power supply (230V / 12V / 200W) including all relevant distributions.
• Illumination sensor for regulating panel luminosity.
• Embedded waterproof speaker for announcements at the stop (10 W / 4 Ohm).