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printed with numbers and letters and located behind the <br />display panel. Each of the scrolls could be turned to <br />reveal the number or letter desired to spell out the <br />message. At first, these signs were changed <br />mechanically, but today they are often controlled <br />electronically. A prime example of this type of sign is <br />the typical price board located inside and outside of <br />nearly all fast food restaurants. This type of sign was <br />the first flawless electronic copy changer. <br />Other early systems included the use of banks of <br />incandescent tight bulbs connected with permanent <br />wiring to form a few predetermined messages, with <br />electrical controllers switching between those messages. <br />This lamp technology initially evolved into standardized <br />sign cabinets that presented time and temperature <br />displays. The units accomplished copy changes through <br />electromechanical means, using motor - driven banks of <br />cam - operated contacts. Time and temperature units, <br />developed in the 1950s and '60s, were a major technical <br />innovation in electronic signs, however, due to radio <br />interference and vibration problems, a full range of copy <br />changes was still impossible. <br />By the mid- 1970s, energy consumption had become a <br />concern, and manufacturers began to focus their research <br />on the development of energy efficient products. <br />Incandescent bulb units were equipped with electric eyes <br />(light sensors) that regulated dimming at night. Another <br />new product was developed, the electronic flip disc or <br />panel display, which used an electronically controlled <br />matrix of reflective dots or panels, actuated by <br />electromagnetic means, to form letters and numbers. <br />These reflective surfaces were illuminated by hidden <br />fluorescent lamps, ancl were very energy efficient. Their <br />limited readability and conspicuity, however, propelled <br />researchers onward in their efforts to develop functional <br />low energy products. <br />Meanwhile, taking advantage of advances in electronics <br />technology, several companies developed and began <br />selling electronic variable message signs, known as <br />electronic message centers (EMCs). Eventually these <br />efforts came to fruition, and solid state electronics <br />technology enabled the creation of a sign that was <br />durable, reliable, effective, and versatile, allowing copy <br />changes beyond time and temperature display. Electric <br />change panels had become electronic change panels; <br />mechanical controls had become computer controls; and <br />light sources grew increasingly sophisticated. <br />Manufacturers have continued to focus on improving <br />the light source of their displays, with the goal of <br />Like electronic message centers, mechanical variable message signs provide for <br />Their messages can be timely and relevant, conveying announcements of sales or <br />opinions, words of wisdom, or humorous sayings. The provide the business owner <br />to reach the people most likely to patronize the business - those passing the site in <br />easy flexibility in communication. <br />community events, or expressing <br />with a valuable communication tool <br />a vehicle. <br />4 WEEKS <br />WHOLE HONEY <br />HAM f '1.9 L�I? <br />CAULIFLOWER /9 Er <br />ASPA AGUE E 8 ALB <br />NEVER LICK <br />A <br />STEAK KNIFE <br />COYOTE ' <br />DRYCLEANERS' <br />DRIVE <br />THRU <br />AYE TREaLwi, <br />GOD BLESS THE USA <br />SALE ON ;RECLINERS,' <br />AND NH _SETS_ <br />2 <br />signiine 40.pmtl <br />2 <br />3/13/2003, 12:45 PM <br />