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

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • BlueTOAD discovers new data from undiscoverable devices
    June 1, 2015
    Building on its existing Dynaflow real-time data analysis and predictive traffic information system, TrafficCast is at ITS America to introduce the fourth version of its BlueTOAD spectra Bluetooth signal sensor technology.
    Read More
  • Coded exchanges
    July 24, 2012
    For many, Ethernet- and IP-based networks are the cast-iron solution to ITS's communications needs. However, there remain issues from manufacturer to manufacturer with interpretation of what are supposed to be common standards The 'promise' of Ethernet was that different devices such as IP video cameras and traffic signals could be easily integrated into communications networks, simplifying the process of transporting data over copper, fibre or wirelessly. However, although Ethernet devices have come to pre
    Read More
  • Real time GPS tracking on school buses drives efficiencies
    January 25, 2012
    Application of real time GPS tracking to school buses is driving operational efficiencies and allowing parents to follow their childern's movements, report Jason Barnes
    Read More
  • Wireless bridges widen options for ITS upgrades
    December 9, 2014
    Antaira Technologies’ marketing engineer Brian Roth explains why the increasing capacity of wireless bridges is reducing the cost of expanding and upgrading ITS networks. With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, the need for efficient transportation of both people and goods has never been greater and that pressure is unlikely to ease any time soon. Indeed in many regions of the world the rate of urbanisation is still increasing as the demand for rural workers continues to decline.
    Read More

Highlighted Content