Evaluation of detection sensitivity and count performance of advanced vehicle detection technologies at a signalized intersection

This article evaluates the stop-bar detection and count performance of three advanced vehicle detection sensors under various environmental conditions at a signalized intersection. Continuing advancements to vehicle detection technologies and improvements to their detection capabilities to overcome issues from impacting conditions necessitates testing the performance of new and upgraded sensor products to evaluate their performance and identify the most suitable products for various climates and weather conditions. The three evaluated sensors were Autoscope Encore video, Iteris Vantage Edge 2 video, and Wavetronix SmartSensor Matrix microwave sensors. The three sensors performed with high detection sensitivity during ideal environmental conditions with up to 99.9% detection accuracy levels and are suitable for traffic monitoring centers that rely on remote access to the monitored sites and the collected data. However, they were affected by some extreme adverse weather conditions, mainly daytime and nighttime snow, daytime fog, dawn lighting, and strong winds (for high mounted devices). The selection of a sensor product will depend on the type of application and the priority given to the type of traffic data being collected. Overall, the Iteris video sensor performed with the highest detection sensitivity levels, with the Wavetronix Matrix microwave sensor performing similarly under most conditions (14 of 19 evaluated conditions). Autoscope video provided the highest count accuracies and also provides a much broader data collection capability. The results of this study will help transportation agencies in selecting suitable vehicle detection sensor technologies for future installations within their jurisdiction and improved data collection.     

Reflections on transport in the future

Abstract

The first INTRA Seminar, held at the College of Europe, Bruges, in April 1982, was on the theme Transport in the Future: some possibilities and their implications. This theme was chosen to give an opportunity to consider transport requirements and resources in the broadest possible way, and as a prelude to later Seminars on more specific subjects. Throughout, the emphasis was on major trends and possible discontinuities which may have important policy consequences. The seminar also aimed to help participants—who attended by personal invitation—to broaden and deepen their understanding of the role and nature of transport and its internal and external relationships.

These ‘reflections’ are intended for wider circulation, particularly for senior officials in national and international organizations not directly or regularly involved in transport but who may find it helpful in their own activities. They are not intended to be either complete or comprehensive, but deliberately emphasize those aspects which participants identified as requiring more consideration and examination. The opening section, entitled Overall Impressions, is a brief general statement. The fuller account of the Seminar which follows is largely based on the Working Paper circulated before the Seminar, on introductory Statements on particular topics prepared by participants, and on the reports by the Moderators of Study Groups; it has also benefited from advice and suggestions from others who intended to take part but who were prevented from doing so.

Since this account has been prepared by the two INTRA organizers, it naturally reflects their views of these papers, discussions and suggestions. Equally, any views expressed are not necessarily those of all participants—or, indeed, of any individual participant—nor of the organizations or institutions with which they are associated.