Bluetooth-based traffic detection

Traffax has launched BluFax, based on the globally ubiquitous Bluetooth digital communications protocol, which operates by detecting the MAC addresses of Bluetooth signals from passing cars.
February 6, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A BluFax freeway installation in Indiana
2262 Traffax has launched BluFax, based on the globally ubiquitous 1835 Bluetooth digital communications protocol, which operates by detecting the MAC addresses of Bluetooth signals from passing cars. By positioning two units at distances of between 1-3km, vehicle travel times are calculated from the relative detection times recorded by the two units. Traffax has licensed the patent-pending technology from the University of the Maryland, where the concept originated under the support of the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Traffax says Bluetooth address matching can be used for a number of applications including measurement of travel times on both freeway and arterial roadways, measurement of origin-destination patterns, and tracking of pedestrian flows. Since it directly measures travel times and space-mean speeds, Traffax claims BluFax is one of the few technologies that offers the ability to accurately measure arterial travel times. The company says that demonstrated detection rates exceeding five per cent of the total traffic stream, yield sample sizes adequate for reliable measurement of arterial flows.

There are two versions of the Traffax BluFax unit. An off-line version is offered that stores its measurements on removable storage media for subsequent processing. This device is typically used for traffic studies, performance measurement and validation of other data collection techniques. It is self-powered and requires no communications.

A real-time version is also offered that continuously transmits the MAC addresses and detection times of passing vehicles to a collection site for continuous processing. The real-time unit is used for such applications as display of travel times on variable message signs, and data inputs to 511 telephone systems.
Detection, Monitoring & Machine Vision

Related Content

  • November 2, 2016
    Prevention is better than cure says Antaira’s David Zaveski
    Antaira’s David Zaveski looks at how to improve the resilience of Ethernet systems. Detection and monitoring, and the subsequent management of transport systems, is becoming ever more sophisticated and also integrated as ITS spreads wider across cities and along highways and rail corridors.
    Read More
  • April 6, 2018
    The importance of going with the flow
    Ensuring worker safety and up-to-date driver information is crucial to ensure that roadworks are not a source of danger and delay. Andrew Williams looks at a scheme on the A14 in Cambridgeshire, UK. In recent years, portable workzone ITS solutions have emerged as important tools in the management of major roadworks and system upgrade projects - and are viewed as an increasingly vital means of ensuring any ongoing traffic flow disruption is kept to a minimum. The technology forms a central component of an
    Read More
  • January 24, 2012
    Mini-BlueToad released
    Mini-BlueToad from TrafficCast is an advanced traffic monitoring technology in a small form factor that uses anonymous detection of Bluetooth signals from passing vehicles. The compact device attaches to virtually any existing roadside infrastructure and its battery powers continuous data collection for up to two weeks without a recharge. An optional mini solar panel can recharge the battery for longer studies. Data is stored on a Micro SD card, and downloaded through a simple client interface for analysis
    Read More
  • June 2, 2014
    Machine vision makes progress in traffic applications
    Machine Vision technology is easing the burden on hard-pressed control room staff and overloaded communications networks.
    Read More

Highlighted Content