Abstract: Embodiments of a modular sign system with a wireless backplane and related methods are generally described herein. Many embodiments include a sign system. In some embodiments, the sign system can comprise a plurality of units, a wireless communication system configured to transfer information between the plurality of units, and a control device configured to transmit information to at least one unit of the plurality of units. In many embodiments, each unit of the plurality of units comprises a display of a plurality displays, a controller of a plurality of controllers, and a transceiver of a plurality of transceivers. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for price optimization for a product or service at a store using machine learning is disclosed. The method includes determining a price through a reaction model, positioning model, and a forecast model. The reaction model includes determining the probabilities of a competitors' pricing reaction due to the store's price changes. The positioning model includes determining conditional probabilities for attaining an objective and/or sub-objective based on store and competitor's data. The conditional probabilities are used for generating a price proposal for achieving the objective and/or sub-objective. The forecast model provides a forecast for factors such as volume sale using machine learning.

Abstract: Multiple retail fuel stores are optimized using system having a computer in communication with a database. Remote computing devices are connected to the first computer by a communication system. Electronic signs receive an instruction over the communication system. The system creates a correlation matrix having fuel prices for the retail fuel stores, a reward discount, and competitor fuel prices, a profit for the fuel prices for each of the retail fuel stores, and a volume. It also creates an economic model that receives a number of correlation coefficients from the correlation matrix at the first computer. A multi-store optimization process configures the economic model to determine optimal fuel prices for retail fuel stores based on a total multi-store profit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multiple sign controller are generally described herein. Many embodiments include a multiple sign controller system. In some embodiments, the multiple sign controller can comprise a computer, a single instance of an operating system configured to run on the computer, two or more virtual sign controller instances, one or more physical communication ports coupled to the computer, and two or more virtual ports configured to run on the single instance of the operating system. In many embodiments, a first virtual port of the two or more virtual ports can be associated with a first virtual sign controller instance of the two or more virtual sign controller instances. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Multiple retail fuel stores are optimized using system having a computer in communication with a database. Remote computing devices are connected to the first computer by a communication system. Electronic signs receive an instruction over the communication system. The system creates a correlation matrix having fuel prices for the retail fuel stores, a reward discount, and competitor fuel prices, a profit for the fuel prices for each of the retail fuel stores, and a volume. It also creates an economic model that receives a number of correlation coefficients from the correlation matrix at the first computer. A multi-store optimization process configures the economic model to determine optimal fuel prices for retail fuel stores based on a total multi-store profit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular sign system with a wireless backplane and related methods are generally described herein. Many embodiments include a sign system. In some embodiments, the sign system can comprise a plurality of units, a wireless communication system configured to transfer information between the plurality of units, and a control device configured to transmit information to at least one unit of the plurality of units. In many embodiments, each unit of the plurality of units comprises a display of a plurality displays, a controller of a plurality of controllers, and a transceiver of a plurality of transceivers. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.

Abstract: A fine pitch full color variable message sign has a housing with a front face. A number of printed circuit boards are arranged along the front face of the housing. A number of LEDs are attached to each of the printed circuit boards. The LEDs are grouped into a number of pixels, each pixel has three LEDs arranged in a line. A mask covers the printed circuit boards. The mask has a number of elliptical apertures. A glazing may cover the printed circuit boards and is between the printed circuit boards and the mask. Each pixel has three LEDs; red, blue, and green. The LEDs that form a pixel are arranged in a line. The elliptical apertures are aligned with each pixel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a highway variable message sign with apertures are generally described herein. Various embodiments of a highway message sign comprise a housing and one or more circuit boards. In many embodiments, each of the one or more circuit boards have a plurality of pixels, and each pixel of the plurality of pixels can include one or more lighting elements. The highway message sign can further comprise a glazing adjacent to the lighting elements and a mask attached to the housing and adjacent to the glazing. The mask can have a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of pixels at an offset, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels is aligned at a different one of the plurality of apertures such that the one or more lighting elements of any pixel of the plurality of pixels are aligned to the same aperture. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An outdoor display sign has a display enclosure. The display enclosure has a number shades that reduce the solar loading on the display enclosure. The outdoor display sign has shades covering the top, back, sides and parts of the front of the sign. The shades are offset from the display enclosure to allow natural airflow between the shade and the display enclosure.

Abstract: A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.

Abstract: A display and messaging sign includes a number of pixels and a hooded face plate. The hooded face plate includes a number of hooded apertures, with a hood over each of the pixels. Each pixel is aligned with an aperture.

Abstract: An automated filter changing device (20) includes a filter reel system (22). A motor (24) is connected to the filter reel system (22). An airflow sensor (26) is in an airflow of the filter reel system (22). A controller (28) is connected to the motor (24) and the airflow sensor (26). The airflow sensor (26) determines when the airflow is below an acceptable threshold. When the airflow is below an acceptable threshold, the controller (28) tells the motor (24) to index the filter reel system (22).

Abstract: A scroll apparatus formed as a box-like framework with a front view area which houses a pair of rollers upon which a message web is wound in a scroll manner such that an exposed portion of the web extends between the rollers along the view area. A drive strap has each of its opposite ends fixed to a respective roller with its respective end portions each wrapped about itself in a circumferential direction opposite the direction that the message web is wound about the associated roller. The drive strap and web thus form a loop drive assembly for the rollers. Tensioning structure is provided for the drive assembly to keep the web taut and to remove slack due to variations in winding diameters. A color panel is positioned adjacent the message web on a side thereof opposite the view area, and the apparatus is internally lit so that the message web is illuminated by light passing through the color panel. Several apparatus, in modular form, may be used to construct a larger display sign.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a display including a novel shuttering assembly and drive mechanism therefor. The shuttering assembly alternately presents first and second shutter panels to a window forming an element of the display. The panels are connected to cams on a rotatable axle positioned in spaced relation to the opening and alternately mask the opening on reciprocal rotation of the axle. A drive rod is connected at a first end to a dog on the axle to rotate the axle. The drive mechanism moves the drive rod which has its second end connected to a movable drive member. Preferably a plurality of shutter assemblies are provided, and a reciprocally rotatable drive disc carries solenoids having plungers to selectively engage the drive members. A single cycle motor rotates the drive disc, and logic circuitry permits selected activation of the solenoids. The method includes the step of moving all shutter assemblies into a no display mode at mid-cycle during the reciprocal movement of the drive disc.