Highway Road Traffic Information and Monitoring System Mihai Cădariu
Monica Sabina Crainic
SC AEM SA, RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TIMIŞOARA, ROMANIA
[email protected]
SC AEM SA, RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TIMIŞOARA, ROMANIA
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Abstract— Road traffic, by dimensions, weights and speeds of vehicles which is moving is a danger that requires precise deployment rules, advanced technical systems for safe movement, an appropriate infrastructure etc. Road safety is an issue of interest to all citizens, each of which can contribute to improving safety on public roads. Although the measures taken in this area have proven, road accidents remain unacceptably high. One of the main causes of serious accidents is the failure of its speed and road weather conditions. For this reason in this paper we present an electronic road traffic information and monitoring system. The system consists of a traffic information system and detection equipment and weather monitoring, video imaging to speeding vehicles and the weight permitted for movement on public roads. Keywords- road safety; road traffi; monitoring system
I.
INTRODUCTION
The road traffic, given the sizes, weights and high speeds of the moving vehicles, represents in itself a danger requiring some specific performance rules, advanced technical systems for the safety in movement, an adequate infrastructure, etc. The road safety is an important aspect for all citizens, each of them being able to contribute to the increase of safety on the public roads. Although the measures taken in this field proved efficient, the number of road accidents continues to be unacceptably high. As a result the European authorities presented an action plan gathering a series of measures to be applied by the year 2014 meant to accelerate the introduction of new technologies in the road transport reunited in the general name of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems). For this reason in this paper we present electronic road traffic information and monitoring system. The highway road traffic information and monitoring system (see Fig. 1) consists of following functional blocks or module: road traffic information system; system for monitoring weather events; the video recording module; the traffic analyzer; the radar; software. II.
ROAD TRAFFIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Traffic information system consists of following functional blocks: graphical display module; alphanumerical display module; radar module; teletransmission system; video surveillance system; console (portal) support; electrical network.
Fig. 1 The highway road traffic information and monitoring system
A.
The Graphical Display Module The graphical display module (see Fig. 2) is composed of: metallic cases, accessories, electronic circuits for control of the color display, LEDs to achieve color graphic display. They are mounted on a portal or console above each lane in the middle of it. The module can display all the traffic signs. It can be programmed by the user. The graphical display module is provided with its own memory which can memorize up to 80 road traffic signs. Forms, symbols and colors, road signs of the variable colored graphic messages panel are in accordance with regulations SR 1848-1, 2, 3: 2008 and EN 12966-1, 2, 3:
2005 [1-6]. Bright area of the display can be 1120 x 1120mm or 1344 x 1344mm (40x40 or 48x48 light individual elements). B.
The Alphanumerical Display Module The alphanumerical display (see Fig. 3) is composed of: one, two or three sets of 4 metallic cases, accessories, electronic circuits for control of the monochrome alphanumerical, LEDs for realizing the monochrome alphanumerical display. Can be written messages of one, two or three rows. Each message is composed of 20 characters/row. Each character (letters, numbers and special character) consists of 5 x 7 light individual elements. Messages written on the display may be red, orange or yellow. Around the graphical and alphanumeric display modules are mounted black boxes to improve contrast. Both module are equipped with own memory which can memorize up to 80 road signs.
the alphanumerical display module displays the warning message. The maximum admissible speed and the warning message can be programmed. The information concerning the exceeding of the admissible speed is a priority display as compared to any other information displayed at that very moment. After 7 seconds, the message and the graphical information revert to the previous display. D. Visual Performance The information displayed can be read by traffic participants at a minimum distance of 200 m both day and night. Two variable message boards were made for changes in light intensity by day, night or adverse weather conditions. Parameters corresponding color according to the class C2 [4], the light will correspond c1ass L2, R2 [4], and lumen width will be under maximum c1ass B3 [4]. E.
Fig. 2 Some traffic sign
Forms, symbols and colors, road signs of the variable colored graphic messages panel are in accordance with regulations SR1848-1, 2, 3: 2008 and EN12966-1, 2, 3: 2005 [1-6].
Teletransmission Systems Teletransmission system meets all requirements of the area, compatible with operators on the market in Romania. Communication module for variable message panels shall be composed of a 3G or GPRS modem. Communication module for each weather station consists of a GPRS modem. By teletransmission the system can be programmed at the maintenance and coordination center using GPRS and 3G and also may be transferring images from cameras. F. The Control and Programming Module The road traffic information system can be programmed by means of a local calculator or remotely through, GPRS and internet connection. G.
Fig. 3 The graphical and alphanumerical display modules
The brightness of the traffic signs and messages is programmable (day/night/fog) by the operator, so that to ensure the visibility in good conditions. The sequence and frequency for the display of the signs and messages can be programmed by the operator. When the messages are memorized and the display frequency is set, the presence of the operator and of the computer is no longer required, except when making changes. Systems located in different locations, are programmed and operate independently of each other. C. The Radar Module The radar monitors the vehicles displacement speed, by signaling out by graphical information and text the exceeding of the maximum admissible speed on the road sector where it is mounted. The graphical module displays the speed as km/h and
Video Surveillance System Video surveillance system is composed of color cameras whose technical characteristics are presented in Table 2, a data transmission system and video system. Camera that provides a stream of images at least 20 frames per second and transmit information in a timely maintenance and control center will be located in the middle of the roadway entering the highway and the vehicles will be targeted at least 20 m before the console support. Recording capacity of the system is at least 72 hours. Images can be viewed on a monitor located in the center and coordinating maintenance or laptop. Video camera and data transmission system are housed fitted with thermostatic tight to allow proper functioning. H. Console (Portal) Support To support variable message boards will be used consoles and portals. The portal will be positioned so the entire width of the highway, support posts being posed about safety zone, 1.5 m from the platform and between the 2-way highway traffic (or the entire width of the highway, support pillars are laid out in the safety zone). Bracket arm is positioned over the width of a brace of highway, the pillar of support being posed about safety zone [8].
I.
Electrical Network Electricity supply is via a local source, the network of 230 V, 50 Hz, and the system has very low energy consumption. Supply module is composed of switching sources, a differential circuit breaker type 1 + N-pole connection terminal, the voltage distribution wires connecting the terminals, pipeline for source switching, the connection conductors to achieve land protection switching of both sources and the product of metal enclosures. Supply the required electrical connections are made with conductors of different colors. Conductor protection is easily identifiable, being bicolor yellow / green [8]. If degraded operation, monitoring and information system with variable message traffic will automatically switch to standby (it will interrupt power supply), pending and could be done separately for each module graphic or alphanumeric display. Protects the network to avoid electric shock to persons who come into contact with components. T3 class modules are completed under the temperature range that will operate properly and under class and D2 on pollution in the area of protection class P2 [4]. III.
weather station are transmitted automatically to the central server through GPRS connections, where are stored. Data can be viewed in tabular or graphical format (the last, minimum, maximum, average values read; curves for readings). Data are saved in HTML, Excel format. The operator is automatically warned of bad weather. IV.
THE VIDEO RECORDING MODULE
The video recording module can be achieved in three versions, namely: video camera recording system; video system with traffic analyzer or combination of both (video system with radar and traffic analyzer (see Fig. 5).
THE WEATHER MONITORING MODULE
The weather monitoring module detects phenomena occurring on the surface of carriage way and in the atmosphere. It is an ensemble formed of the base station (see Fig. 4 a) and a set of sensors [7-8] (see Fig. 4 b-f) for measurement of sizerelated weather phenomena (wind, speed and direction, the temperature of the road and in the atmosphere, the quantity of precipitation, visibility, freezing point of the solution found on the road surface, state (dry/wet) and the presence of snow).
(a)
Fig. 5 The video recording module with radar and traffic analyzer (SIV-RAT)
The video recording module with radar (SIV-R) is equipped with a process computer which receives speed information from the radar and images from the video camera; when the data received indicates that the admissible speed was exceeded, the image sent by the video camera is stored, together with the speed value, date and time, vehicle license plate and location. The data is stored in a SSD storage environment, which has a capacity of minimum 1000 with the speed value, date and time, vehicle license plate and location. The data is stored in a SSD storage environment, which has a capacity of minimum 1000 images. The computer is connected to the internet through a USB HSDPA stick and the pictures are automatically downloaded to the central server for data storage and processing. The video recording module with radar and traffic analyzer (SIV-RAT) can function by using the same industrial calculator, video camera and data storage environment. The transmission of the date is made by using the same USB HSDPA stick, and the information can be accessed in real time on the internet.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Fig. 4 The components of weather monitoring system (a) base station and sensors (b) visibility, (c) rain, (d) the road surface condition, (e) wind speed, (f) wind direction
Different warning messages can be displayed by the display modules, depending on the weather conditions detect (a certain programmed limit is over passed). Data measured by sensors at
The server can be accessed by an operator in order to view and use the data. The traffic analyzer detecting vehicles traveling on highway, with total weight and on axle weight bigger than a certain established limit. Simultaneously, this may also count the number of vehicles passing on a band and it can classify them by distance between axles and number of axles, also providing information on the total mass and on each axle, instantaneous speed, and lane. The module is equipped with a process computer which receives speed information from the radar, weight-related information from the traffic analyzer and images from the video camera.
When the maximum speed limit was exceeded, the image from the video camera is stored together with the speed value, date/hour and the location. When the maximum weight limit was exceeded, the image from the video camera is stored together with the value of the weight, date/hour and the location. Central server will receive and store a database of information transmitted (speed, class of vehicle, license plate, axle weight, total weight, location, date and time). On a mobile device, equipped with laptop connected to the Internet, you can automatically receive, in real time from the central server, picture, license plate, axle weight, total weight of the vehicle offense so that it can to stop and check the contravention with approved devices. V.
SOFTWARE SYSTEM
Software system [11-12] provides: programming of modules alphanumeric and graphic display; read the information programmed in the display modules; acquisition of the measurements values of sensors from weather station; acquisition and archiving of information from video systems with radar and traffic analyzer. At a central point which requires a central server to monitor information received from the traffic information systems (SITR), including weather monitoring system and to store and process information received from video systems and radar analyzer traffic. From a central server monitor can track multiple information systems and traffic monitoring (SMITR). Central server comprises: central unit (which is installed Windows-compatible software for managing electronic information and signal modules for monitoring weather and information from radar systems and video traffic analyzer); color monitor; annex (keyboard, mouse pad, printer, UPS ); GSM / GPRS modem for transmissionreception. Can be programmed by the operator: any traffic signs in color, the color graphics display module; text messages on alphanumeric display module; alternation and frequency display of signs and messages; light intensity (day/night/fog), road signs and messages so as to ensure optimum visibility; current date; 3 speed thresholds and related text messages, radar. Successful programming operation result, storing programmed files with names consisting of the date and time scheduling and placement location of the system. Data can then be viewed by loading the desired file. Systems located in different locations are scheduled and operated independently of each other. VI.
CONCLUSIONS
Road risk is influenced by significant differences in the dynamics of the factors which contribute to road safety: road-
vehicle-man-environment. Severity of accidents places Romania on the last place in Europe as traffic safety, with an average of a deceased person seriously injured three people, well above the European average of 1 / 40. Road safety is an issue of interest to all citizens, each of which can contribute to safer road. Although the measures taken in this area have proven road accidents continues to be unacceptably high. European authorities have taken a series of measures to accelerate the introduction of new technologies in road transport, united under the generic name of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems - Intelligent Transport Systems). The European Commission point, intelligent transport systems can contribute significantly to reducing pollution increase road safety and efficiency. In this context highway road information and monitoring system made by the company SC AEM SA Timisoara from Romania within the efforts for the promotion and implementation of intelligent transport systems, systems that allow: to improve road safety; increased mobility of participants; minimizing the environmental consequences; ensures interoperability and integration into European transport networks; efficient management of the entire transport process. REFERENCES [1]
*** SR 1842-1 “Indicators and means of signaling traffic: Classification, symbols and location.” [2] *** SR 1842-2 “Indicators and means of signaling traffic: Technical specifications.” [3] *** SR 1842-3 “Indicators and means of signaling traffic: Writing method of composition.” [4] *** SR EN 12966-1 “Variable message road signs. Part 1: Product standard.” [5] *** SR EN 12699-2 “Variable message road signs. Part 2: Initial type test.” [6] *** SR EN 12699-3 “Variable message road signs. Part 3: Factory production control.” [7] Mihai Cădariu, Monica Sabina Crainic, Mircea Poiană, "Electronic Monitoring and Information System for Road Traffic” Roads Bridges Magazine no. 72 (141), pp.6-14, June 2009. [8] Mihai Cădariu, Mircea Poiană, Monica Sabina Crainic, "SMITR Road Traffic Monitoring and for Highways and National Roads Part I” Roads Bridges Magazine no. 79 (148), pp. 18-22, January 2010. [9] Mihai Cădariu, Mircea Poiană, Monica Sabina Crainic, "SMITR ad Traffic Monitoring and for Highways and National Roads Part II” Roads Bridges Magazine no. 80 (149), pp. 6-9, February 2010. [10] *** SR-EN 12767 “Passive safety systems to support road equipment. Requirements and test methods” [11] *** "Display Program Manual 3710" [12] *** "Manual RoadMeteoComm communication software for system monitoring weather phenomena"
