Dec 1 2009
SpeedInfo, a leading innovator of real-time traffic data network technology, announced today that it has received a U.S. patent for its market-leading innovations in developing solar-powered Doppler radar sensors, and the systems to process and share the information, in near real-time.
More than 950 SpeedInfo sensors have been deployed to date by over 10 state departments of transportation and municipal planning organizations, covering 2,000 miles of roadway. These organizations typically incorporate SpeedInfo sensors into their comprehensive area traffic management systems. Sensors are typically attached to interstate or arterial light or signage poles, but can be installed on almost any available infrastructure.
SpeedInfo sensors measure vehicles on both sides of the highway from a single device, sampling data to conserve power, and relay data via GPRS wireless enabling the sensors to operate with very modest energy needs supplied entirely by batteries and very small solar panels. This low profile and lightweight design approach minimizes wind loading and enables transportation agencies to utilize existing infrastructure, dramatically reducing costs, complexities and time to coverage.
“Awarding this patent recognizes the breakthrough SpeedInfo has developed in traffic management technology. In addition to providing a “green” solution, our sensor and server technologies enable our customers to provide accurate travel times and real-time road speeds using the lowest cost option for high quality, verifiable and directly measured traffic speed data. Because of this recognized innovation, our customers deliver better information to travelers while improving their financial efficiency , flexibility and road safety,” said Charlie Armiger, SpeedInfo’s Vice President of Program Development. “High quality information helps to minimize congestion around construction areas, at bottlenecks, such as bridges and tunnels, and during peak travel times. Less congestion translates to less energy consumed and pollution emitted by vehicles, not to mention less stress and strain on travelers.”
How SpeedInfo’s Technology Works
SpeedInfo’s Doppler radar sensors are located approximately every mile and collect traffic speed information continuously. Sensors forward data to the SpeedInfo Traffic Data Server via the AT&T™ Wireless data network with virtually no latency. SpeedInfo servers format the data for delivery to customers via the Internet. The data is available from SpeedInfo servers in a standard XML format, or if required, specialized formats. Unlike other solutions that are expensive, difficult to deploy and provide inaccurate data, SpeedInfo’s sensors install easily on existing infrastructure. Highway crews can cover as many as 15 miles of highway a day with no lane closures or disruptions to traffic.