VicRoads VMS

Axent's Variable Message Signs have been used by many companies before but nothing like this! Axent has designed, manufactured and implemented a VMS system for metropolitan Melbourne. The multi-million dollar contract will have Axent create web based software to communicate to the signs via GPRS/Broadband communications. These signs will be seen on arterial roads and freeways across the state of Victoria including the municipalities of Moonee Valley, Melbourne, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Stonnington, Boroondara, Port Phillip, Geelong and the Docklands. As part of this contract Axent will also be maintaining and managing the system for 5 years.

Project Photos

Variable Message Displays
By the time the managed service is over, there will be over 40 new displays that have been implemented. The displays range in size, depending on road conditions. The three types of displays and dimensions are:
• Type A: 2.2m x 0.6m
• Type B: 3.6m x 0.9m
• Type C: 5.0m x 1.6m

All types of the display use Amber LEDs. Some of the main features consistent with all of the signs include:
• Backup battery power
• Automatic dimming
• Run off 240v power
• Contain GPS controllers
• A mixture of 1,2,3 line messages as well as icons and images
• A thermal controller for switching fans on and off at preset temperature limits

Server Side Details
The heart of the system is a server which resides in an environmentally controlled room which contains the three servers required to run the system. The operators workstations connect to a Linux web server which is situated within the Axent firewall. The Linux server works as a bridge and connects to either Windows server depending on which is the primary windows web server. If the primary server is busy or down for maintenance, the secondary kicks in automatically. The systems architecture is represented below.

Operator Interface - axentvms.com.au
Using wireless mobile technology, the website will be directly linked to the signs. This will allow the operators of the system to receive a real time status on each of the signs as well as a graphical representation of where each site is situated within Melbourne. Being a web based system; all of this functionality can be performed on any computer within the clients' intranet with a web browser, making it as accessible to the operators as humanely possible.

Click here for more information on our Variable Message Signs in our 'Product Catalogue'