Intelligent Transportation Systems

Arterial Management

Arterial management systems use remote sensors, real-time data sending and receiving, traffic signals and various other technologies to optimize and manage traffic flow on arterial roads. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal will often include-

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

  • Traffic Control: Traffic control systems work towards optimizing speeds along a certain route in order to smooth the flow of traffic and optimize for new weather conditions and hazards as well as providing traffic signal priority for emergency service vehicles.

  • Lane Management Systems: The use of technology in the organizing of vehicles into the most efficient use of available road capacity during such circumstances as evacuations, large events, or road traffic accidents.

  • Parking Management: Parking management systems gather data on parking availability and regularly disseminate the collected information to travelers with the hopes of reducing congestion caused by drivers on the hunt for parking spaces.

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

  • Enforcement: Automated enforcement systems, such as those used to catch speeding motorists, improve road safety, cut down the numbers of aggressive drivers on the roads and help improve traffic signal enforcement.

Freeway Management

Freeway management systems use remote sensors, real-time data sending and receiving, traffic signals and various other technologies to optimize and manage traffic flow along freeways as well as ease congestion and manage an event or seasonal traffic. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal will, in most cases, include-

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

     

  • Ramp Control: Using remote sensors on the entrance and exit ramps, freeway management systems can optimize vehicle speeds to accommodate for entrance ramp wait times.

  • Lane Management: The use of technology in the organizing of vehicles into the most efficient use of available road capacity during such circumstances as evacuations, large events, or road traffic accidents.

     

  • Special Event Transportation Management: When managing traffic from special or seasonal events, portable remote-signage can be used to provide alternate routes or display traffic updates and weather and road conditions.

     

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

     

  • Enforcement: Automated enforcement systems, such as those used to catch speeding motorists, improve road safety, cut down the numbers of aggressive drivers on the roads and help improve traffic signal enforcement.

Transit Management

Transit management involves the improvement of security, surveillance,  safety, and communications in transportation systems. These systems are capable of integrating with automated vehicle location systems, computer-aided dispatch, and remote vehicle or infrastructure surveillance. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal mostly include-

  • Operations and Fleet Management: Fleet management and operations systems aim to reduce the wait times experienced by passengers as well as assist in vehicle repair and maintenance using remote and onboard sensors to feedback performance or operational data about a particular vehicle.

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

  • Transportation Demand Management: Transportation demand management attempts to improve the accessibility of transit resources to the public via the use of techniques such as lift-sharing, dynamic scheduling and service coordination.

  • Security: Security software with regular updates is used to keep centralized systems safe from external cyber threats in order to protect passengers and increase safety levels across the board. Surveillance and anti-theft systems are also used to protect facilities and infrastructure.

Information Management

Information management involves the archiving, retrieval, analysis and actionable planning around data collected from ITS sensors, equipment or computers. This data can then be used to improve the operational and functional aspects of an intelligent transportation system. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal usually include-

  • Data Archiving: The data collected from any of the various remote sensors, surveillance systems or industrial computers can be stored for future analysis then used to further improve information storage systems, operational functionality, safety analyses, and distributional efficiency.

Traffic Incident Management

Traffic incident management systems are designed to increase the efficiency of responses to traffic incidents while also assisting those responding to such incidents by directing and rerouting traffic away from the scene of an incident. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal include-

  • Surveillance & Detection: Surveillance and detection systems are used to detect traffic incidents and help alert the appropriate authorities in a timely and efficient manner. Cameras, remote sensors, acoustic roadway detectors, and automated collision notification systems are all used to detect incidents quickly.

     

  • Mobilization & Response: Mobilization and response systems will be made up of automated vehicle location systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, and response routing systems in order to identify incident locations and enable emergency responders to arrive on the scene as quickly as possible.

     

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

     

  • Clearance & Recovery: Clearance and recovery efforts are aided by traffic control systems that are able to reduce or completely stop traffic flow through an affected area. Digital signage can also be used to divert traffic away from the scene of an incident.

Emergency Management

Emergency management responses would include the use of traffic signal priority systems once emergency vehicles had been deployed as well as during hazardous material management scenarios. First response operations would also be supported by traffic control and automated vehicle location systems. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Hazardous Materials Management: Remote and in-vehicle sensors can be used to track and monitor the transportation of hazardous materials while traffic control systems and route planning enable swift travel through each intersection. Identifying technology can also be used to confirm authority in instances of sensitive or scheduled substances.

  • Emergency Medical Services: Emergency medical services involve the use of both automated collision notification and telemedicine to identify when a collision has taken place and notify the relevant first responders and authorities with location and crash data.

  • Response & Recovery: Response and recovery systems are made up of automated vehicle location, computer-aided dispatch and response routing systems in order to identify incident locations, enabling emergency responders to arrive on the scene as quickly as possible. Traffic control systems are also able to reduce or completely stop traffic flow through an affected area.

Road Weather Management

Road weather management systems comprise of remote and in-vehicle sensors to monitor and report road and weather conditions such as temperature, moisture levels, and wind speed and direction. These systems also use real-time data sharing to disseminate road weather-related information. Techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal include-

  • Surveillance, Monitoring & Prediction: Using IoT surveillance techniques including visual and audio recording and data sharing, remote sensors allow systems to predict and adjust to suit optimal conditions for specific future weather conditions.

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

  • Traffic Control: Traffic control systems work towards optimizing speeds along a certain route in order to smooth the flow of traffic and optimize for new weather conditions and hazards as well as providing traffic signal priority for emergency service vehicles.

  • Response & Treatment Strategies: Road weather response and treatment systems include using environmental data collected from sensors to monitor and record weather conditions and automate location-specific treatment, such as road de-icer.

Crash Prevention & Safety

Crash prevention and safety systems aim to detect and prevent crashes by using both remote and in-vehicle sensors to recognize dangerous situations and relay warnings to travelers advising them to take action in order to avoid crashes. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this objective are-

  • Road Geometry Warning: These warning systems advise travelers of potentially dangerous road conditions using sensors and environmental monitoring systems to prevent crashes and rollovers on-ramps, hills, sharp turns or steep inclines.

  • Rail Crossing Warning Systems: Rail crossing warning systems take advantage of digital signage, vehicle detectors, and automated enforcement technologies to advise road users of oncoming rail traffic and prevent rail crossing violations.

     

  • Intersection Collision Warning: Intersection collision warning systems aim to prevent collisions at dangerous intersections by using remote and in-vehicle sensors to monitor traffic and warn of incoming vehicles via the use of digital signage or in-vehicle messaging.

     

  • Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrian safety systems use sensors to detect pedestrians and automatically activate lighting or other safety measures such as pedestrian traffic signals.

  • Cyclist Warning: Cyclist safety systems use sensors and electronic warnings to detect cyclists and automatically warn drivers of cyclists in incoming traffic.

     

  • Animal Warning: Animal warning systems use infrared sensors as well as in-vehicle and electronic warning systems to alert drivers to the presence of animals in areas of high wildlife populations.

Commercial Vehicle Operations

Electronic payment and pricing systems enable communication and monetary exchanges between transport network users and transit and transportation providers, most often for the purpose of paying tolls and fares. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Toll Collection: Toll collection systems often provide means to pay for the use of toll roads while also taking advantage of automated collection systems such as smart cards for convenience.

  • Transit Fare Payment: Transit fare payment systems often provide means to pay transit fares while also taking advantage of automated collection systems such as magnetic swipe or smart cards to further increase convenience.

  • Parking Fee Payment: Parking fee payment systems often provide means to pay parking fees while also taking advantage of automated collection systems such as magnetic swipe or smart cards to further increase convenience and ease congestion at parking entrance and exits.

  • Multi-Use Payment: Multi-use payment systems incorporate both automated systems and convenience with the use of multi-use transit fare payment cards that can be used at kiosks or travel terminals.

  • Pricing: Value pricing systems use technology to adjust the cost of using transport networks depending on both route demand and peak times. Different pricing strategies can be incorporated to accommodate different scenarios.

Electronic Payment & Pricing

Crash prevention and safety systems aim to detect and prevent crashes by using both remote and in-vehicle sensors to recognize dangerous situations and relay warnings to travelers advising them to take action in order to avoid crashes. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this objective are-

  • Road Geometry Warning: These warning systems advise travelers of potentially dangerous road conditions using sensors and environmental monitoring systems to prevent crashes and rollovers on-ramps, hills, sharp turns or steep inclines.

  • Rail Crossing Warning Systems: Rail crossing warning systems take advantage of digital signage, vehicle detectors, and automated enforcement technologies to advise road users of oncoming rail traffic and prevent rail crossing violations.

  • Intersection Collision Warning: Intersection collision warning systems aim to prevent collisions at dangerous intersections by using remote and in-vehicle sensors to monitor traffic and warn of incoming vehicles via the use of digital signage or in-vehicle messaging.

  • Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrian safety systems use sensors to detect pedestrians and automatically activate lighting or other safety measures such as pedestrian traffic signals.

  • Cyclist Warning: Cyclist safety systems use sensors and electronic warnings to detect cyclists and automatically warn drivers of cyclists in incoming traffic.

  • Animal Warning: Animal warning systems use infrared sensors as well as in-vehicle and electronic warning systems to alert drivers to the presence of animals in areas of high wildlife populations.

Intermodal Freight

Intermodal freight solutions are provided by remote sensors and tracking systems to gather actionable data that can then be used to optimize the movement of freight across various mediums. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Freight Tracking: There are various ways in which freight can be tracked using intelligent transportation system solutions. Remote sensors are able to monitor and report on the status of freight throughout its journey.

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

  • Freight Terminal Processes: Freight terminal processes enable tracking and monitoring of friend transfers and storage by using remote transponders to track containers that are still within the terminal or about to be sealed and processed for storage or transferal.

  • Drayage Operations: Drayage operations can be optimized via the use of automated robotics for enhancing the use of limited port or docking space.

  • International Border Crossing Process: Using electronic screening systems as part of international border crossing processes can streamline cargo verification and documentation checks, reducing delays at international border crossings.

Intermodal freight solutions are provided by remote sensors and tracking systems to gather actionable data that can then be used to optimize the movement of freight across various mediums. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Freight Tracking: There are various ways in which freight can be tracked using intelligent transportation system solutions. Remote sensors are able to monitor and report on the status of freight throughout its journey.

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

  • Freight Terminal Processes: Freight terminal processes enable tracking and monitoring of friend transfers and storage by using remote transponders to track containers that are still within the terminal or about to be sealed and processed for storage or transferal.

  • Drayage Operations: Drayage operations can be optimized via the use of automated robotics for enhancing the use of limited port or docking space.

  • International Border Crossing Process: Using electronic screening systems as part of international border crossing processes can streamline cargo verification and documentation checks, reducing delays at international border crossings.

Intermodal freight solutions are provided by remote sensors and tracking systems to gather actionable data that can then be used to optimize the movement of freight across various mediums. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Freight Tracking: There are various ways in which freight can be tracked using intelligent transportation system solutions. Remote sensors are able to monitor and report on the status of freight throughout its journey.

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

  • Freight Terminal Processes: Freight terminal processes enable tracking and monitoring of friend transfers and storage by using remote transponders to track containers that are still within the terminal or about to be sealed and processed for storage or transferal.

  • Drayage Operations: Drayage operations can be optimized via the use of automated robotics for enhancing the use of limited port or docking space.

  • International Border Crossing Process: Using electronic screening systems as part of international border crossing processes can streamline cargo verification and documentation checks, reducing delays at international border crossings.

Traveler Information

Providing travel and transport information to travelers can be done through the use of various different methods including real-time digital signage, in-vehicle notifications, and messaging and dynamic messaging signs. This enables travelers to make informed decisions about their method of transportation and promotes more efficient use of transportation networks. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Pre-Trip Information: Pre-trip information can be inseminated to travelers in a number of ways including digital signage, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals via smartphone or tablet.

  • En-route Information: En-route information can be provided to travelers in various ways including in-vehicle signing and targeted information transmitted to select individuals via in-vehicle communication devices such as a train’s tannoy.

  • Tourism & Events: Information regarding special or seasonal events can be inseminated among travelers via the use of real-time digital signage and dynamic message signs that inform travelers of events information and transport scheduling.

Roadway Operations & Maintenance

Applications for IoT solutions in roadway operations and maintenance are designed to integrate and manage fleets and service vehicles, hazardous road conditions, and work zone safety and mobility through the combined use of traffic and incident management. The techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal will often include-

  • Information Dissemination: The dissemination of relevant, location-specific information via the use of systems such as digital signage, in-vehicle signing, dynamic message signs or specifically targeted information transmitted to select individuals.

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

  • Work Zone Management: Work zone management includes the combined use of traffic management and incident management systems in order to direct traffic away from work zones in order to keep work areas safe. This then allows for speedier repair or maintenance work to be carried out uninterrupted by traffic.

Collision Avoidance

Collision avoidance systems use a vehicle mounted collision warning systems to advice drivers of potential collisions with other drivers or their surroundings. Sensors monitor environmental and road conditions and recognize when a situation turns hazardous, swiftly alerting the driver to adjust course or modify their driving. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal are-

  • Intersection Collision Warning: Intersection collision warning systems aim to prevent collisions at dangerous intersections by using remote and in-vehicle sensors to monitor traffic and warn of incoming vehicles via the use of digital signage or in-vehicle messaging.

  • Obstacle Detection: Obstacle detection systems take advantage of remote or vehicle-mounted sensors to detect obstacles obstructing a vehicle’s path and then alerting the driver to their presence.

  • Lane Change Assistance: Lane change assistance systems use on-board sensors to detector road conditions and alert drivers to the presence of obstacles or other vehicles during the process of changing lanes.

  • Lane Departure Warning: Lane departure warning systems use on-board and remote sensors to alert the driver when their vehicle begins to inadvertently deviate out of the lane.

  • Rollover Warning: Rollover warning systems use on-board and remote sensors to detect potentially hazardous road geometry and advise the driver to regulate their speed or driving style to become compliant with safe operational limits.

  • Road Departure Warning: Road departure warning systems use on-board and remote sensors to alert the driver when their vehicle begins to inadvertently deviate from the road.

  • Forward Collision Warning: Forward collision warning systems often rely on in-vehicle and remote sensors as well as microwave radar and machine vision technology to detect oncoming vehicles and alert the driver to the potential for frontward impacts.

  • Rear Impact Warning: Rear impact warning systems often rely on in-vehicle and remote sensors as well as microwave radar and machine vision technology to detect oncoming vehicles and alert the driver to the potential for rear impacts.

Driver Assistance

Driver assistance systems incorporate in-vehicle sensors to gather real-time data about road, traffic or weather conditions and inform the vehicle’s driver of notable information regarding their route, driving style or incoming weather conditions. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this objective are-

  • Navigation/Route Guidance: Using onboard navigation systems such as GPS and SatNav can cut down on journey time, increase the driver’s knowledge of unfamiliar areas of road networks and save money on fuel expenditure.

  • Driver Communication: Integrated communications systems for dispatchers and vehicles in-transit enables live journey updates and rerouting decisions to be made in real-time and with minimal impact on schedule adherence.

  • Vision Enhancement: Optimizing lighting conditions during transit is essential, vision enhancement systems aim to reduce the effect low lighting conditions have on driver’s vision using remote sensors to monitor and adjust to changing light levels.

  • Obstacle Detection: Obstacle detection systems take advantage of remote or vehicle-mounted sensors to detect obstacles obstructing a vehicle’s path and then alerting the driver to their presence.

  • Intelligent Speed Control: Using onboard transponders to send and receive signals from transport infrastructure, intelligent speed control systems look to limit a vehicle’s top speed to save fuel and optimize transportation network use.

  • Lane Keeping Assistance: Lane-keeping assistance systems use on-board and remote sensors to detect and autocorrect minor steering deviations if lane departure without the driver’s use of turn signals is imminent.

  • Roll Stability Control: Roll stability control systems allow for autonomous corrective action to be taken when in-vehicle sensors detect the potential for a vehicle rollover scenario.

  • Drowsiness Warnings: Drowsiness warning systems use data collected from in-vehicle sensors to monitor journey times and vehicle usage in order to determine driver fatigue levels. If the systems calculate fatigue levels to be unacceptable, the driver is alerted through warning notifications.

  • Precision Docking: Precision docking systems take advantage of both remote and in-vehicle sensors to accurately position vehicles in loading/unloading scenarios.

  • Coupling/Decoupling: Coupling and decoupling systems, used for attaching train carriages, as well as speed and cruise control, and steering guidance systems, together all assist transit operators in routine, day-to-day operations.

  • Surveillance: The use of sensors or cameras to monitor traffic flow, weather conditions, congestion, vehicle performance, as well as providing video security for infrastructure and recording other observational data.

Collision Notification

Collision notification systems are implemented to improve the ability of emergency services to detect and respond to traffic collisions. Real-time data transferal between in-vehicle sensors and infrastructure can relay vital information to the appropriate authorities including incident details, vehicle condition, passenger numbers and the likelihood of severe injury. Some of the techniques and technologies used to achieve this goal include-

  • Mayday ACN: Mayday automated collision notification systems take advantage of automated vehicle location technology, real-time communication, and centralized response centers.

  • Advanced ACN: Advanced automated collision notification systems use on-board sensors, automated vehicle location technology, and real-time data transferal in order to provide local call centers with crash details including vehicle condition, passenger numbers and the likelihood of severe injury.