SMART MOBILITY |
Big-data analytics for traffic centres
By providing operators with complete, integrated data, advanced software makes traffic management simpler, safer and more effective
Rafal@stock_adobe.com
Words | Dave Hude, Telegra, Croatia
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very city, agency, operator, or concessionaire has its own traffic management use case. There is no off-the-shelf, ready-to use software solution that fits all of them. Yet, there are solutions with versatile functional modules that can easily be configured and customised to serve each of them optimally. Telegra’s topXview, for example, is a versatile, comprehensive, and open software solution designed specifically for the traffic industry. Thanks to its modular architecture, it supports the implementation and delivery of an extensive number of use cases depending on integrated equipment/subsystems and/or customer requirements. A virtually unlimited number of use cases can be supported by combining different modules, configuring the software for specific projects, and, if necessary, through the development of new, specialised, modules. Two examples of challenges
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Above: Telegra’s topXview software solution can help traffic managers decide when to open highway shoulder lanes to buses
Intertraffic World | Annual Showcase 2022
that are being managed by topXview currently are described here
Prioritisation of public transport
Agencies aim to optimise the utilisation of public transport by opening a shoulder lane for buses (utilising a free shoulder lane in congested traffic). This improves travel time for buses and consequently encourages people to use public transport to reach their destination. Since the shoulder lane is generally used by vehicles in case of emergency, it is important that there are no incidents present on the road while buses are permitted to travel through the shoulder lane. The lane also needs to be clear of people and other potential obstacles, such as stopped vehicles, pedestrians, debris, wildlife and similar. The above challenge is addressed by the topXview software solution, with the combination of a customised Decision Support System (DSS) and proven AI-based video analytics – X-AID. Roads under observation are
segmented into sub-sections in topXview where each sub-section can open the shoulder lane for public transportation. The system has many parameters, which inform the operator’s decision on whether to open the shoulder lane, or whether or the bus lane is opened automatically. These include speed threshold, presence of incidents, time within a day, and similar. However, the core idea behind the bus lane management can be summarised in following four principles: 1) If the current time of day is within expected rush hour periods, then congestion can be expected. Rush hours are configurable by the user. 2) If the speed of traffic flow through the main lanes is between configurable thresholds, then utilising the shoulder lane as a bus lane is expected to reduce travel time for public transportation.
