1. technology and computing

CHARM PCP Project
Publishable summaries
10 April 2015
Lot 1: Advanced Distributed Network
Management
Technolution B.V.
Title
Lot 1: Advanced distributed traffic management(Autopilot) - Lead partner
Summary
Traffic management is a complex task with multiple activities and operations happening
all at once. High levels of operator skill are required. This proposal introduces an
Autopilot into the traffic management centre, which will automate repeatable and
predictable elements of traffic management. It will result in operators having more time
for tactical / strategic direction and tactical / strategic operations by automating many of
the day-to-day routine activities. This should enable integrated network management in
a large-scale (nationwide) road network, thereby reducing operator stress, improving the
accuracy and reliability of decisions and speeding up responses to incidents and events.
The improved speed and accuracy of decision-making will have a positive impact on the
quality of performance of the road network, on the levels of unnecessary delays and on
the emissions and economic disruption caused by delays. The Autopilot is a module that
can be fitted into new and existing national, regional, urban and rural traffic management
centres.
Mott MacDonald Limited
Title
Distributed Network Optimisation using Models and In-Vehicle Devices
Summary
In the project “Distributed Network Optimisation using Models and In-Vehicle Devices”,
Mott MacDonald Limited with Fileradar BV will research and develop a module for
Advanced Distributed Network Management, addressing Lot 1 of CHARM PCP.
Our module combines a set of complementary innovations in order to meet the Challenge
Brief. Each innovation is aimed at improving the overall utility of advice given to
motorists. Ultimately this will support total travel time, emissions and safety targets as
drivers use the best advice to reduce wasted time and emissions, and avoid hazards.
Where traffic management systems have been constrained by fixed infrastructure such
as VMS, our module will consider each part of the network and provide the appropriate
advice for use in in-vehicle devices at that location. The accuracy of the advice will be
ensured through the module integrating the Fileradar dynamic traffic model to compute
the effect of potential responses. The module is designed to operate in a distributed
environment – it will support multiple concurrent instances for different traffic
management jurisdictions, collaborating to meet the goals of the managing authorities.
The module combines algorithms, models and a rules engine in a practical blend to deal
with network problems on multiple layers.
PSI Production GmbH
Title
1051-2013-0036 Highway Agency PCP-CHARM-Lot_1
Summary
The PSI Group develops and integrates software solutions and complete systems for
utilities, manufacturers and infrastructure providers. PSI Mines&Roads GmbH as part of
the PSI Group offered a multi-criteria decision supporting software for advanced
distributed traffic network management.
During a Feasibility Study (Phase 1) the requirements on decision support for traffic
operators and engineers in complex traffic situations has been analysed. Based on this
analysis a multi-layered model of the road infrastructure based on of PSI’s multi-criteria
decision support engine Qualicision® has been established. The model uses input
parameters like real-time traffic and environment data. As an output indications for the
application of the best matching traffic management means are given. Besides graphical
user interfaces and import functions supervised self-learning facilities are provided to
build, configure and adjust the model.
The task in the project is to implement the decision support model for traffic
management by adaptation of existing solutions from other markets. The decision
support engine should be easy to integrate into exisiting ATMS solutions.
Lot 2: Detection and Prediction of Incidents
Fileradar BV
Title
ADAPT: Advanced Data Patrolling
Summary
ADAPT (Advanced Data Patrolling) is a system developed by Fileradar in cooperation with
Be-Mobile that automatically identifies, classifies and predicts traffic related events. A
series of advanced algorithms fuses a large number of data sources including floating car
data, CCTV, Twitter, apps, rainfall radars and emergency services reports, resulting in
superior quality. With ADAPT’s unique user interface, traffic controllers can easily
monitor, prioritize and anticipate on incidents throughout the road network, on
motorways as well as on urban roads, all via a standard web browser.
Goudappel Coffeng
Title
Identification and prediction of incidents by learning algorithms
Summary
Goudappel Coffeng and Mott MacDonald will develop and demonstrate a module to:
Predict and detect congestion
Detect incidents as car breakdowns and accidents.
This module is based on four key features: data fusion, real-time estimation of the
fundamental diagram, fuzzy traffic state estimation and artificial neural networks.
The module will be demonstrated on real traffic data, from highways, in the regions
Eindhoven and the West Midlands (i.e. around Birmingham). As input data for the
development and implementation of the module, we will use loop detector data, floating
car data (TomTom) and Can bus data (if available). By using data fusion the reliance on
loop detector data will be minimalized. We will demonstrate the performance of the
module if no loop detector data are available. We will also show that the module can
actually be used in a traffic management centre.
For the validation of the module we will use incident logging data as available in the
traffic management centres. We will be able to show the actual results and performance
of the module. Both in latency and in quality.
The final result will be a demonstration version of a module to be used for virtual
patrolling, using floating car data (which is available worldwide), enriched with, if
available, loop detector data and other data. This module can, after the complete
implementation, be used in traffic management centres, by road authorities, service
providers, et cetera.
Lot 3: Support of Cooperative ITS Functions
Imtech Traffic & Infra UK Limited
Title
Lot 3: Charm Cooperative Systems (ChaCoSy), leadpartner
Summary
ChaCoSY is a central ITS station (C-ITS-S) providing a gateway to cooperative vehicles
and, based on enriched data from these vehicles, delivers added-value intelligence to
Traffic Management Centres (TMCs). Traffic managers can inform road users about traffic
and road conditions and incidents - quickly and accurately by providing in-vehicle
information creating a new dimension in traffic management. It is the missing link
between TMCs and cooperative vehicles, enabling customer focussed, smarter and more
cost effective road traffic systems.
ChaCoSy can be integrated into new or existing Traffic Management Systems and coexist with legacy systems supporting a gradual migration and cost effective technology
transition. It is modular and part of an end to end approach for delivering cooperative
traffic management services through the use of cooperative systems, using standardised
wireless communication technologies between vehicles and road side systems.
Beijer Automotive B.V.
Title
Wi-Fi connected CAN In-Car; connecting cars for autonomous traffic flow management
Summary
Combined in-car sensor data such as speed, use of brakes, use of lights, use of wipers,
steering wheel position and headway to the next vehicle gives valuable information about
traffic situations, especially if the information of individual vehicles can be combined and
analysed as a basis for tailored advice to drivers.
A generic in-car module allowing wireless communication from vehicle to vehicle through
WiFi-P technology combined with a generic CAN-bus device for data coupling and a (Head
Up) Display as interface with the driver will be developed. This module will exchange
detailed in-car sensor-data and its fusion with other cars in a wide perimeter to make
sure all drivers are aware of the traffic situation. By using highly sophisticated and
advanced algorithms each On-Board module will be capable of advising the driver
regarding for example speed, headway or insertion. TMC’s may receive event data or
send traffic guiding information to the vehicle displays.
By using a combination of proven in-car technologies, independent from road-side
systems, TMC's, vehicle brand or -type a scalable and place independent transmissible
solution is offered. Through the cooperative wireless information exchange of in-car
CAN-sensor-data between a cooperative network of vehicles its drivers will receive
personalised advice aimed at improved traffic control, a lower impact of incidents by i.e.
E-Call and B-Call, improved road safety, lower emissions and less investments in road (side) infrastructure.
Through its generic and cooperative use of in-car sensor data the consortium’s concept
offers the future’s road to the:
“ONLY fully GENERIC basic ITS infrastructure suitable to connect with >95% of vehicles
to be suited for future FULLY CONTROLLED TRAFFIC with the opportunity to be developed
into a COOPERATIVE ROAD TRAIN of vehicles”.
Cubic Transportation Systems (ITMS) Limited
Title
CHARM PCP Challenge 3
Summary
As mobile and in-vehicle computing becomes more widespread, new opportunities to
achieve strategic views of the road network and influence individual journeys are
becoming a possibility.
Through in-vehicle equipment, extended via a Smart Phone mobile application, this
module will implement a cost effective intelligent interface between a Traffic Management
Centre (TMC) and road users that will provide the TMC with:
•
classification and aggregation of individual vehicle data
•
Notification of vehicle event data
•
Virtual information dissemination and collection sites, to supplement physical
roadside infrastructure
And allow the TMC to provide the road user:
•
High quality, targeted information that can be tailored to specific journeys
The Smart Phone technology will expedite the deployment of these services, whilst the
core functionality remains compatible with the roll-out of conventional C-ITS On-board
Units and Roadside Units.