System architecture for variable message signs

Traffic control and information systems are used in modern traffic technology for information propagation from a higher order control unit to the traffic participant. In up to date systems, the user interface for the traffic participant is provided via programmable signs displaying traffic jam warnings, speed limits or route diversion. These signs can be switched on or off and fed with arbitrary data corresponding to the present traffic situation. However, signs are manifold in size, functionality and means to communicate with them. This paper proposes a component based software architecture that allows a rapid integration of such (and future) signs into existing traffic management systems.