SMS (Short Message Service), a.k.a. “texting,” means sending a text message from a one to a phone number.

Texting isn’t just for use between people; it can also be used to send information like keywords or short codes to websites, database applications… or to digital signs. Think of all the ads and other displays you’ve seen or heard, on the radio or television that say something like “Text 12356 to 1-555-555-1212” for more information, to vote or add your opinion. etc.

For example, SMS messages can be used to:

• send a text message to the sign, where others can see it
• select content on the sign (change what’s displayed)
• control content; e.g. move a game piece
• respond to promotion/marketing, e.g., to receive a coupon.

SMS messages have the advantage that they can be sent from any cell phone (or even a land-line), or from a computer.

The downside of SMS includes you’ll need a target phone number for people to call, and they’ll have to do it when the information scrolls by on the sign, or write it down or remember it…and finger in the number and message. Depending on the display’s “dwell” time — how long an image is displayed and how long the person has available to look at it, and act — that may not be feasible.

QR Codes: Have Camera, Will Snap

For reaching people who have camera-equipped smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices, and the appropriate apps, bar codes offer an easy, quick way to deliver a lot of data,

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