Zakład Automatyki I Urządzeń Pomiarowych AREX Sp. z o.o.

DIMaC-EK

DIMaC-EOR

DIMaC-SO

DIMaC-SOT

CESTER

ASTRUD

catalogue card in PDF

In recent years the rapid development of the motor industry marked by a huge increase in the number of cars has resulted in the deterioration of urban traffic conditions. Traffic systems in many cities are on the verge of exhausting their capacity. One of the ways to improve the situation is to use an urban traffic control system which may activate the existing capacity reserves.

Capability

The automatic tuning of traffic lights is performed by traffic lights controllers. The functions of the Urban Traffic Control Centre are limited to the monitoring, supervision and modification of the system's operating parameters. This positively reduces the system's sensitivity to failures of single elements or data transmission networks.

Structure

The Centre

The centre is equipped with computerised control stands (as many as necessary). In order to enable communication with the signalling controllers, one of the computers performs communicational functions securing data transmission to and from the controllers. The Centre can be equipped with LCD monitors or projection screens, e.g. BARCO (as required).

Data Transmission

Communication between the Centre and the zone under monitoring is carried out with the help of:

- GPRS/EDGE/UMTS modems,
- fixed copper cable or optical fiber,
- radio links.

In GPRS all the subscriber stations (modems installed in devices) remain online and are always active. Every modem has its own IP number, i.e. address in the data transmission network. The modems work in a separate radio network similar to the Intranet. Computers from the Control Centre and the authorised computers of other service units are also connected to the network. The computers have simultaneous access to all the devices. The transmission system is compatible with the transmission protocol used by AREX in other traffic control and management devices.

The ASC-42 Controller

The ASC-42 controller is designed to work in an urban traffic control system. In its basic form, it is intended for work in a simple monitoring system. The controller is equipped with two processors - one for the execution of the signalling program and the other for supervision. The basic processor services vehicle and pedestrian detectors, calculates traffic volume, collects data for databases and transmits it to the Centre when required. The control processor checks whether there are any collision states in the "green" directions, controls preservation of the minimum intervals between the green lights, and supervises the work of the basic processor.

For reasons of safety, it is not possible to remotely change the software of the processor executing direct signalling operations.

Monitoring

The program makes it possible to use archive databases from controllers.
The bases contain information on:

  - failures,

  - events,

  - traffic volume..

WizAr is able to filter the failure database in order to generate detailed reports, e.g. on failures of inductive loops. The traffic flow values are presented in practical charts as well as in tables. They can also be stored on a disc file to be processed with the help of another program, e.g. MS Excel.
Operators from the Traffic Control Centre can perform remote control of the signalling controller. The following operations are permitted:

- selecting another program among the ones stored in the controller,
- switching on the "General Red" signal,
- switching on the "Flashing Yellow" signal,
- selecting one of the solid phases stored in the controller.

In order to make traffic lights management easier, operators can:

- define time parameters for vehicle detectors,
- define frequency of traffic flow measurement, e.g. every 15 min or every hour,
- correct the controller's date and time,
- remotely modilfy or add the GSM phone number of the traffic lights maintenance technician.

This number will be used to send text messages about failures to this number.

Car Park Guidance System

A variety of accompanying systems, including the car park guidance system, can be connected to ASTRUD. The car park guidance system uses car park controllers communicating with the Centre via cable or GSM. The following vehicle detectors can be used:

     - inductive loops,
     - PIR detectors,
     - entry gates.

Information on the number of places available in car parks is shown on display signs. The communication with the signs located within one urban area is performed via the GSM network. The computer installed in the Centre controls the information displayed on the signs, making it easier for drivers to select a car park.

Arex 1989 - 2008