Sensing for Safety

Traffic Sensor Technology

Traffic Sensor Technology from FLIR Systems, Inc combines video and thermal cameras with intelligent video analytics, radars, and V2X communication technology with traffic management and data analytics software, FLIR ITS has the field-proven solutions to keep all transport modes safe and running at peak efficiency.

Real-time analysis of video or thermal camera images allows for more efficient traffic management in tunnels, on highways, and in urban areas. Traffic lights can be adapted in real-time, according to current traffic flows. When incidents occur, early detection enables faster intervention by rescue teams, preventing secondary accidents. The combination of numerical data and visual images sets video detection apart from all other detection systems. The immediate visual feedback from a monitor is invaluable for traffic managers or operators to know exactly what is occurring and what appropriate actions to be taken.

FLIR has delivered more than 80,000 video-based traffic sensors world over for Intersection Control and has over 600 tunnel references for Automatic Incident Detection (AID). In India, FLIR has AID references for the prestigious 9.2km bi-directional single bore ‘Chenani- Nashri’ Road Tunnel (128 AID locations, under execution), Yamuna Expressway (25 locations), Himalaya Expressway (7 locations) and Noida Expressways (14 locations). FLIR has over 2000 vehicle presence detectors installed across various Indian city traffic management projects like Indore BRTS, Surat BRTS, Hyderabad (HTRIMS), Chennai, Mumbai ATCS, Jaipur ATCS, Patna ATCS and Ahmedabad (ITS).

Michael Deruytter, Direct or Innovation, FLIR Intelligent Transportation Systems, said “Over the past decades, FLIR has maintained close relationships with end customers, consultants, traffic authorities, and system integrators. FLIR ITS is making it as easy as possible for system integrators to build its camera systems into larger architectures. It uses standard protocols, so it is possible to integrate any FLIR product. Our products are designed with built-in connectivity according to various standard protocols: network technology, contact closures, etc.”

Above ground detection is an economical alternative to traditional inductive loop systems and they are easier to install. A sensor is installed on existing infrastructure and covers multiple lanes from a single point of view. The detection sensors are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and have a high MTBF resulting in lower maintenance costs. Cabling of traffic sensors is a part of the cost for installation. Therefore, the company has developed a broadbandover- powerline communication technology. Installing a sensor does not require additional cabling as any existing cables can be re-used thanks to BPL technology incorporated in the sensor. BPL superimposes the TCP/ IP network communication on to the power cable, similar as the home-plug system architecture.

Deruytter explained, “The ITS market is a rather traditional market, although traffic authorities have expressed an increasingly greater interest in innovative technologies over the past decade. For example, many city authorities today are looking into multi-functional technologies, like smart cameras, which are able to combine traffic detection with video surveillance.”

Traffic management and sensoring

The Kistler Group offers two new advisory services for WIM applications. Prior to implementation of a new WIM system, Kistler’s road analysis determines the ideal position for the sensors. This is key since the reliability of measurements and the sensors’ lifespan depend on the road quality. This process also helps estimate measurement accuracy. Furthermore, a calibration service from experienced engineers is available remotely (online or via telephone) from experienced engineers as well as on-site, ensuring accurate measurements throughout the WIM system’s life cycle.

Damage to road surfaces increases rapidly with higher axle loads, which means road owners and operators need to monitor usage carefully. Kistler’s advanced and durable WIM solutions automatically gather traffic and load data without intervening in traffic flow. They provide a reliable basis for weight enforcement for overloaded vehicles , calculation of toll fees, and determination of maintenance intervals.

David Sucki, Divisional Marketing Manager, Kistler Instrumente AG explained, “KiTraffic Plus is a new WIM solution for automated road monitoring. Its applications include weight enforcement and toll-by-weight. With its Lineas quartz sensors, the solution can measure vehicle loads at different speeds and on a virtually infinite number of lanes. The open and scalable system now operates using two to eight sensors per lane. KiTraffic Plus is a flexible and expandable solution, which can be combined with camera systems for vehicle identification, among other applications. The data is processed in a protected roadside cabinet. The results and analyses are available in real-time via web-based HMI or API interface transfers.”

While digital technologies are transforming vehicles and how we interact with them, they are also reshaping city transport infrastructure. Smart traffic infrastructure is embedded in traffic lights, car parks, toll-booths, roads and bridges, enabling them to communicate with each other and the vehicles that use them.

Preeti Swaminathan