Detection, Monitoring & Machine Vision

NDI Recognition Systems has released the latest version of its SpeedPlate mobile ANPR software, designed specifically for all in-vehicle, mobile or portable operations. The company says the new release includes several enhancements to functionality including customisable coloured alarms and sounds which can be prioritised, dynamic searches and the optional selection of hotlists to be used for specific operations. All hotlists can be now set up to match the seven colours of the BOF hotlists palette, providin

Iteris has introduced Abacus 2.0, its next-generation traffic incident detection and data collection product. It provides traffic engineers and departments of transportation a software-based 'force multiplier' that leverages existing camera systems to collect real-time traffic data, rapidly identify incidents, and gain enhanced traffic flow information in a ready-to-use graphical user interface format.

Stemmer Imaging has announced the VTR3, a compact, integrated enclosure for traffic monitoring applications, complete with camera, lens and high brightness infrared or white LED lighting technology. The unit's high-brightness strobed LED illumination source from Gardasoft Vision is designed for ANPR applications such as car park entry/exit or average speed installations spanning many lanes. The lights can strobe in sync with a free running camera, or they can accept an external trigger signal to synchronise

Sony Europe's Image Sensing Solutions division has extended its XCG range of GigE machine vision cameras with the launch of the XCG-H280E. According to the company, its resolution, high frame rate and ability to work in low light conditions make the camera module ideally suited to ITS applications, where image quality, sensitivity and speed are paramount. The camera module implements the ICX-674 full HD resolution CCD sensor, capable of running at up to 50fps and is the first sensor to benefit from Sony's n

Sensys Networks has announced a major upgrade to TrafficDOT that includes a redesigned graphical user interface which greatly simplifies all aspects of VDS240 wireless vehicle detection system configuration, monitoring and diagnostics. Hardware iconography for sensors, access points, repeaters and contact closure cards enable 'drag and drop' design capabilities, autoconfiguration of time slots and double-click functionality to instantly configure components and RF paths. Sensys Networks says that improved s

One of the biggest problems facing US ITS professionals, says Georgia DOT's Hugh Colton, is the constrained thinking which is sometimes forced upon those making procurement decisions. It is time, he says, to look again at how we do things. In the November/December 2010 edition of this journal, Pete Goldin interviewed Joseph Sussman, chairman of the US's ITS Program Advisory Committee. Amongst other observations that Sussman made was that, technologically, ITS in the US is 10 years behind that in the world-l

Austria-headquartered Efkon has announced its latest innovation - the Image to Information (I-to-I) Reader, an innovative product which builds on established technology. Although the new device weighs a mere 1.0kg, it incorporates two cameras, a flash, computer, communications unit and power supply in a package small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Moreover, the I-to-I Reader requires only a standard cable for data and power connection. Despite its compact appearance, Efkon says there is no compromise

David Crawford detects a market for European experience. Well-established now in at least three European countries, Hard Shoulder Running (HSR) on motorways is exciting growing interest in the US. A November 2010 Report to Congress by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on the Efficient Use of Highway Capacity, notes the role of HSR in the European-style Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies now being recommended for implementation in the US where, until recently, they were virtually unknown.

Guillaume Ponsar, tunnel safety engineer with Egis Road Operation, writes about the advantages to be gained from the use of tunnel simulators. Major tunnel disasters over the last decade and more have shown how swiftly and badly a simple crash or fire may evolve should the wrong actions be taken by control room operators or traffic managers. Global safety issues and the reactions of operations staff have now become the principal concerns for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) service providers. As a result, n

The new Hindhead Tunnel is the first in the UK to use radar-based incident detection. Paul Arnold, project manager with the Highways Agency, talks about the project. The comparatively remote location of the A3 Hindhead Tunnel has resulted in it becoming one of the most sophisticated in the UK in terms of monitoring and control systems, according to Paul Arnold, project manager for the Highways Agency (HA), which manages strategic roads in England and Wales. It is the first tunnel in the UK to use radar for