Ted Morris | University of Minnesota (original) (raw)

Papers by Ted Morris

Intelligent Transportation: Realizing the Future. Abstracts of the Third World Congress on Intelligent Transport SystemsITS America, 1996

Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-c... more Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-critical functions. There is an accelerating trend toward drive-by-wire actuation of engines, transmissions, and even brakes. We may even see drive-by-wire steering in systems that, for example, take over control of the vehicle if the driver falls asleep, becomes incapacitated or cannot react fast enough to avoid collisions. Vehicles depend increasingly on computer-controlled subsystems that are much more complex than their mechanically-linked predecessors. As complexity increases, so does the chance for catastrophic failure, and usually without the warning signs (vibration, unusual noises, etc.) of impending mechanical failure. The goal of the Minnesota Department of Transportation sponsored SAFETRUCK Program is to investigate how reductions in accidents (e.g., road departure) can be achieved by integrating emerging sensing and control technologies into heavy vehicles. In this paper, the authors discuss the watchdog subsystems used for detecting and handling potential subsystem failures on the SAFETRUCK semi tractor-trailer experimental testbed, which is equipped with electronically controlled throttle, steering, and brake subsystems. A watchdog system uses a combination of parallel distributed hardware and software modules to allow safety-critical subsystems to detect the failure of centralized controllers. When failures are detected, the subsystems can take a default action to safely bring a vehicle to stop (or otherwise terminate a potentially hazardous operation). The authors present the theory and structure of the system used by the SAFETRUCK and compare it to alternative methods for designing fault-tolerant vehicle systems.

Commercial heavy vehicle (CHV) drivers are required under federal Hours of Services (HOS) rules t... more Commercial heavy vehicle (CHV) drivers are required under federal Hours of Services (HOS) rules to rest and take breaks to reduce driving while fatigued. CHV drivers and operators must balance compliance to the HOS rules against on-time delivery requirements as well as shorter lead times to plan their trips, thereby making location and parking availability of rest area facilities more critical. Without timely, accurate parking availability information, drivers are left with the dilemma of continuing to drive fatigued, drive beyond HOS CHV operation limits, or park illegally on highway shoulders or ramps-all potential safety hazards. In this study, a multi-view camera system was designed and evaluated to detect truck parking space occupancy in real-time through extensive field operational testing. A system architecture was then developed to disseminate up-to-the-minute truck parking information through three separate information delivery systems: 1) Roadside Changeable Message Signs (CMS), 2) Internet/Website information portal, and 3) an onboard geolocation application. The latter application informs the driver of parking availability of one or more parking facilities that are downstream from their current direction of travel. All three notification mechanisms were evaluated during the field test. Survey studies were conducted to provide feedback from commercial heavy vehicle drivers and operators to better understand their perceptions of parking shortages and utility of the parking information delivery mechanisms. Overall, the system has proven to provide 24/7 around-the-clock per-space parking status with no need for manual interventions to correct detection errors, with per parking space accuracy typically equal to or exceeding 95 percent. The concept of operations field tests demonstrated the feasibility of the technical approach and the potential to alter freight borne trip behaviors by allowing drivers and carriers to plan stops and improve trip efficiency.

The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have ... more The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have become more common in urban areas since all types of road users can take advantage of the lane either as a highoccupancy vehicle or opting in to pay a congestion adjusted free. However, to maintain working integrity of the lanes for all users, stepped enforcement to discourage cheating has been needed as more lanes are added. This study evaluated the capability of a novel image sensor device to automate detection of in-vehicle occupants to flag law enforcement of HOV/HOT lane violators. The sensor device synchronously captures three co-registered images, one in the visible spectrum and two others in the infrared bands. The key idea is that the infrared bands can enhance correct occupancy detection through known phenomenological spectral properties of objects and humans residing inside the vehicle. Several experiments were conducted to determine this capability across varied conditions and scenarios to assess detection segmentation algorithms of vehicle passengers and drivers. Although occupancy detection through vehicle glass could be achieved in many cases, improvements must be made to such a detection system to increase robustness and reliability as a law enforcement tool. These improvements were guided by the experimental results, as well as suggested methods for deployment if this or similar technologies were to be deployed in the future. 17. Document Analysis/Descriptors 18. Availability Statement vehicle occupancy, high occupancy vehicle lanes, high occupancy toll lanes, sensors, intelligent transportation systems, real time information No restrictions.

Journal of Biomechanics, 1993

... Using a relatively straight forward GIS error model [1], we hope to 'overlay' the v... more ... Using a relatively straight forward GIS error model [1], we hope to 'overlay' the vehicle ... The entireGIS referenced 3D environment can be converted to OSG binary format and ... ITS and transportation planning courses for practitioners; for example, as offered through North Central ...

This report summarizes the work performed during the 18-month period ending in December 1997. Res... more This report summarizes the work performed during the 18-month period ending in December 1997. Researchers investigated the use of differential global positioning system (GPS), inertial measurement, and other sensing technologies as the basis of a system that would prevent crashes. Such a system attempts to control the vehicle if it leaves the lane because the driver is incapacitated. The report includes in its appendices related work on driver fatigue and a bibliography on the effect of drugs and alcohol on driving behavior. The long-term goal of this research involves development of a "driver-centered" vehicle control system capable of providing lane-keeping feedback to the driver, and, if necessary, of imposing aggressive intervention strategies to take over control of the vehicle, steer it to a safe position on the shoulder, and stop it. This research also targets the development of "driver assistive" technologies--such as Heads Up Display and torque feedback ...

The objectives of this project were to (a) produce historic estimates of travel times on Twin-Cit... more The objectives of this project were to (a) produce historic estimates of travel times on Twin-Cities arterials for 1995 and 2005, and (b) develop an initial architecture and database that could, in the future, produce timely estimates of arterial traffic volumes and travel times. Our Phase I field study indicated that on arterial links where both the demand traffic volume and the signal timing are known, model-based estimates of travel time that are on average within 10% of measured values can be obtained. Phase II of this project then focused on applying this approach to the entire Twin Cities arterial system. The Phase II effort divided into three main subtasks: (1) updating estimates of demand traffic volume obtained from a transportation planning model to make them consistent with available volume measurements, (2) collecting information on traffic signal locations in the Twin Cities and compiling this into a geographic database, and (3) combining the updated traffic volumes and...

Historically, traffic on the Denali Park Road has been limited in order to protect wildlife and i... more Historically, traffic on the Denali Park Road has been limited in order to protect wildlife and improve visitor experience. The Denali Park Road is one example of a park roadway facing increasing visitation and pressure to change or defend the current limits on traffic. To respond to such pressures, park and protected area managers need a greater understanding of the impacts of traffic volume and traffic patterns on the physical, biological, and social environment. This study developed a traffic simulation model of the Denali Park Road that predicts visitor experience and impacts on Dall’s sheep for hypothesized road usage scenarios. The model incorporated crowding indicators at prescribed scenic areas and at wildlife stops along the road, as well as traffic levels at critical wildlife crossing locations. Violations of set standards for each of the indicators were then assessed for several scenarios that encompassed road usage beginning from a below-average condition to a condition ...

Many traffic simulation software packages are available to help traffic engineers and researchers... more Many traffic simulation software packages are available to help traffic engineers and researchers study and evaluate the potential impact of proposed traffic management strategy and policy. However, existing tools require a significant investment in time for learning how to create models, perform calibrations and finally analyze the results. This substantial learning curve severely restricts their application and makes it difficult for engineering students, the general public and policy makers to take advantage of these tools. An Internet-based traffic simulation framework was developed to enhance the learning experience for transportation students and engineers. Pre-generated traffic scenarios were first implemented as part of a Civil Engineering undergraduate class. Based on feedback, an interactive simulation tool was developed to allow users to make changes to the model and examine the traffic impacts. This now allows students to for example, minimize the queue length by changin...

The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have ... more The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have become more common in urban areas since all types of road users can take advantage of the lane either as a highoccupancy vehicle or opting in to pay a congestion adjusted free. However, to maintain working integrity of the lanes for all users, stepped enforcement to discourage cheating has been needed as more lanes are added. This study evaluated the capability of a novel image sensor device to automate detection of in-vehicle occupants to flag law enforcement of HOV/HOT lane violators. The sensor device synchronously captures three co-registered images, one in the visible spectrum and two others in the infrared bands. The key idea is that the infrared bands can enhance correct occupancy detection through known phenomenological spectral properties of objects and humans residing inside the vehicle. Several experiments were conducted to determine this capability across varied conditions and scenarios to assess detection segmentation algorithms of vehicle passengers and drivers. Although occupancy detection through vehicle glass could be achieved in many cases, improvements must be made to such a detection system to increase robustness and reliability as a law enforcement tool. These improvements were guided by the experimental results, as well as suggested methods for deployment if this or similar technologies were to be deployed in the future. 17. Document Analysis/Descriptors 18. Availability Statement vehicle occupancy, high occupancy vehicle lanes, high occupancy toll lanes, sensors, intelligent transportation systems, real time information No restrictions.

A well-established technique for studying pedestrian safety is based on reducing data from video-... more A well-established technique for studying pedestrian safety is based on reducing data from video-based in-situ observation. The extraction and cataloging from recorded video of pedestrian crossing events has largely been achieved manually. Although the manual methods are generally reliable, they are extremely time-consuming. As a result, more detailed, encompassing site studies are not practical unless the mining for these events can be automated. The study investigated such a tool based on utilizing a novel image processing algorithm recently developed for the extraction of human activities in complex scenes. No human intervention other than defining regions of interest for approaching vehicles and the pedestrian crossing areas was required. The output quantified general event indicators—such as pedestrian wait time, and crossing time and vehicle-pedestrian yield behaviors. Such data can then be used to guide more detailed analyses of the events to study potential vehicle-pedestria...

Real-time information on traffic conditions is vital in construction, ATMS, ATIS and other operat... more Real-time information on traffic conditions is vital in construction, ATMS, ATIS and other operational or design activities. Traditionally, at most permanent installations such information is captured by in-pavement sensors and transmitted through land based communications. However, as an alternative to the permanent sensor and camera systems, temporary detection and surveillance is often needed at construction sites, special events, or during communication/sensor failures. In such cases, there is a need for temporary, reliable, low-cost detection and surveillance. Recent advances in wireless technologies enabled development of portable detection and surveillance systems. Such systems need to detect traffic, collect measurements, capture live video and transmit this information back to the supervising station wirelessly to facilitate rapid, inexpensive and efficient deployment. However, robustness, ease of use and functionality need further improvements while cost needs to be reduce...

Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-c... more Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-critical functions. There is an accelerating trend toward drive-by-wire actuation of engines, transmissions, and even brakes. We may even see drive-by-wire steering in systems that, for example, take over control of the vehicle if the driver falls asleep, becomes incapacitated or cannot react fast enough to avoid collisions. Vehicles depend increasingly on computer-controlled subsystems that are much more complex than their mechanically-linked predecessors. As complexity increases, so does the chance for catastrophic failure, and usually without the warning signs (vibration, unusual noises, etc.) of impending mechanical failure. The goal of the Minnesota Department of Transportation sponsored SAFETRUCK Program is to investigate how reductions in accidents (e.g., road departure) can be achieved by integrating emerging sensing and control technologies into heavy vehicles. In this paper, the...

Highway work-zone safety is a major concern for government agencies, the legislature, and the tra... more Highway work-zone safety is a major concern for government agencies, the legislature, and the traveling public. Several work zone intelligent transportation systems (WZITS) have been developed as a safety countermeasure to warn drivers of dangerous traffic conditions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of a WZITS is diminished if the actual traffic flow conditions do not correspond with the sensor information leading to false warnings; these confuse drivers and reduce the credibility of the system, which is often ignored. This can lead to situations where drivers crash into work-zone areas because they are unprepared to stop. The national cost of crashes due to this was estimated to be nearly $2.5 billion. Such “dangerous” traffic conditions are typically characterized by unpredictable queue formations that propagate rapidly into higher speed traffic immediately upstream from the active work zone. False positives or missed warnings could be reduced if the location of queue tails in ad...

The authors of this project designed, assembled, and deployed a temporary detection and surveilla... more The authors of this project designed, assembled, and deployed a temporary detection and surveillance system to collect real-time data on traffic conditions. This information is critical in construction, Advanced Traffic Management Systems, Advanced Traffic Information Systems, and other design and operational activities. Because traditional, permanent systems collect data by sensors in the pavement and transmit it through land-based communications, this equipment is subject to failure in construction areas. Through advancements in wireless technology, the developed system integrates machine vision sensors to collect data, compress digital video for surveillance, and use wireless communications for information retrieval and remote control. This new system can be added to current installations or used to create temporary traffic monitoring systems.

Intelligent Transportation: Realizing the Future. Abstracts of the Third World Congress on Intelligent Transport SystemsITS America, 1996

Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-c... more Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-critical functions. There is an accelerating trend toward drive-by-wire actuation of engines, transmissions, and even brakes. We may even see drive-by-wire steering in systems that, for example, take over control of the vehicle if the driver falls asleep, becomes incapacitated or cannot react fast enough to avoid collisions. Vehicles depend increasingly on computer-controlled subsystems that are much more complex than their mechanically-linked predecessors. As complexity increases, so does the chance for catastrophic failure, and usually without the warning signs (vibration, unusual noises, etc.) of impending mechanical failure. The goal of the Minnesota Department of Transportation sponsored SAFETRUCK Program is to investigate how reductions in accidents (e.g., road departure) can be achieved by integrating emerging sensing and control technologies into heavy vehicles. In this paper, the authors discuss the watchdog subsystems used for detecting and handling potential subsystem failures on the SAFETRUCK semi tractor-trailer experimental testbed, which is equipped with electronically controlled throttle, steering, and brake subsystems. A watchdog system uses a combination of parallel distributed hardware and software modules to allow safety-critical subsystems to detect the failure of centralized controllers. When failures are detected, the subsystems can take a default action to safely bring a vehicle to stop (or otherwise terminate a potentially hazardous operation). The authors present the theory and structure of the system used by the SAFETRUCK and compare it to alternative methods for designing fault-tolerant vehicle systems.

Commercial heavy vehicle (CHV) drivers are required under federal Hours of Services (HOS) rules t... more Commercial heavy vehicle (CHV) drivers are required under federal Hours of Services (HOS) rules to rest and take breaks to reduce driving while fatigued. CHV drivers and operators must balance compliance to the HOS rules against on-time delivery requirements as well as shorter lead times to plan their trips, thereby making location and parking availability of rest area facilities more critical. Without timely, accurate parking availability information, drivers are left with the dilemma of continuing to drive fatigued, drive beyond HOS CHV operation limits, or park illegally on highway shoulders or ramps-all potential safety hazards. In this study, a multi-view camera system was designed and evaluated to detect truck parking space occupancy in real-time through extensive field operational testing. A system architecture was then developed to disseminate up-to-the-minute truck parking information through three separate information delivery systems: 1) Roadside Changeable Message Signs (CMS), 2) Internet/Website information portal, and 3) an onboard geolocation application. The latter application informs the driver of parking availability of one or more parking facilities that are downstream from their current direction of travel. All three notification mechanisms were evaluated during the field test. Survey studies were conducted to provide feedback from commercial heavy vehicle drivers and operators to better understand their perceptions of parking shortages and utility of the parking information delivery mechanisms. Overall, the system has proven to provide 24/7 around-the-clock per-space parking status with no need for manual interventions to correct detection errors, with per parking space accuracy typically equal to or exceeding 95 percent. The concept of operations field tests demonstrated the feasibility of the technical approach and the potential to alter freight borne trip behaviors by allowing drivers and carriers to plan stops and improve trip efficiency.

The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have ... more The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have become more common in urban areas since all types of road users can take advantage of the lane either as a highoccupancy vehicle or opting in to pay a congestion adjusted free. However, to maintain working integrity of the lanes for all users, stepped enforcement to discourage cheating has been needed as more lanes are added. This study evaluated the capability of a novel image sensor device to automate detection of in-vehicle occupants to flag law enforcement of HOV/HOT lane violators. The sensor device synchronously captures three co-registered images, one in the visible spectrum and two others in the infrared bands. The key idea is that the infrared bands can enhance correct occupancy detection through known phenomenological spectral properties of objects and humans residing inside the vehicle. Several experiments were conducted to determine this capability across varied conditions and scenarios to assess detection segmentation algorithms of vehicle passengers and drivers. Although occupancy detection through vehicle glass could be achieved in many cases, improvements must be made to such a detection system to increase robustness and reliability as a law enforcement tool. These improvements were guided by the experimental results, as well as suggested methods for deployment if this or similar technologies were to be deployed in the future. 17. Document Analysis/Descriptors 18. Availability Statement vehicle occupancy, high occupancy vehicle lanes, high occupancy toll lanes, sensors, intelligent transportation systems, real time information No restrictions.

Journal of Biomechanics, 1993

... Using a relatively straight forward GIS error model [1], we hope to 'overlay' the v... more ... Using a relatively straight forward GIS error model [1], we hope to 'overlay' the vehicle ... The entireGIS referenced 3D environment can be converted to OSG binary format and ... ITS and transportation planning courses for practitioners; for example, as offered through North Central ...

This report summarizes the work performed during the 18-month period ending in December 1997. Res... more This report summarizes the work performed during the 18-month period ending in December 1997. Researchers investigated the use of differential global positioning system (GPS), inertial measurement, and other sensing technologies as the basis of a system that would prevent crashes. Such a system attempts to control the vehicle if it leaves the lane because the driver is incapacitated. The report includes in its appendices related work on driver fatigue and a bibliography on the effect of drugs and alcohol on driving behavior. The long-term goal of this research involves development of a "driver-centered" vehicle control system capable of providing lane-keeping feedback to the driver, and, if necessary, of imposing aggressive intervention strategies to take over control of the vehicle, steer it to a safe position on the shoulder, and stop it. This research also targets the development of "driver assistive" technologies--such as Heads Up Display and torque feedback ...

The objectives of this project were to (a) produce historic estimates of travel times on Twin-Cit... more The objectives of this project were to (a) produce historic estimates of travel times on Twin-Cities arterials for 1995 and 2005, and (b) develop an initial architecture and database that could, in the future, produce timely estimates of arterial traffic volumes and travel times. Our Phase I field study indicated that on arterial links where both the demand traffic volume and the signal timing are known, model-based estimates of travel time that are on average within 10% of measured values can be obtained. Phase II of this project then focused on applying this approach to the entire Twin Cities arterial system. The Phase II effort divided into three main subtasks: (1) updating estimates of demand traffic volume obtained from a transportation planning model to make them consistent with available volume measurements, (2) collecting information on traffic signal locations in the Twin Cities and compiling this into a geographic database, and (3) combining the updated traffic volumes and...

Historically, traffic on the Denali Park Road has been limited in order to protect wildlife and i... more Historically, traffic on the Denali Park Road has been limited in order to protect wildlife and improve visitor experience. The Denali Park Road is one example of a park roadway facing increasing visitation and pressure to change or defend the current limits on traffic. To respond to such pressures, park and protected area managers need a greater understanding of the impacts of traffic volume and traffic patterns on the physical, biological, and social environment. This study developed a traffic simulation model of the Denali Park Road that predicts visitor experience and impacts on Dall’s sheep for hypothesized road usage scenarios. The model incorporated crowding indicators at prescribed scenic areas and at wildlife stops along the road, as well as traffic levels at critical wildlife crossing locations. Violations of set standards for each of the indicators were then assessed for several scenarios that encompassed road usage beginning from a below-average condition to a condition ...

Many traffic simulation software packages are available to help traffic engineers and researchers... more Many traffic simulation software packages are available to help traffic engineers and researchers study and evaluate the potential impact of proposed traffic management strategy and policy. However, existing tools require a significant investment in time for learning how to create models, perform calibrations and finally analyze the results. This substantial learning curve severely restricts their application and makes it difficult for engineering students, the general public and policy makers to take advantage of these tools. An Internet-based traffic simulation framework was developed to enhance the learning experience for transportation students and engineers. Pre-generated traffic scenarios were first implemented as part of a Civil Engineering undergraduate class. Based on feedback, an interactive simulation tool was developed to allow users to make changes to the model and examine the traffic impacts. This now allows students to for example, minimize the queue length by changin...

The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have ... more The use and creation of combined high-occupancy vehicle/high-occupancy toll (HOV/HOT Lanes) have become more common in urban areas since all types of road users can take advantage of the lane either as a highoccupancy vehicle or opting in to pay a congestion adjusted free. However, to maintain working integrity of the lanes for all users, stepped enforcement to discourage cheating has been needed as more lanes are added. This study evaluated the capability of a novel image sensor device to automate detection of in-vehicle occupants to flag law enforcement of HOV/HOT lane violators. The sensor device synchronously captures three co-registered images, one in the visible spectrum and two others in the infrared bands. The key idea is that the infrared bands can enhance correct occupancy detection through known phenomenological spectral properties of objects and humans residing inside the vehicle. Several experiments were conducted to determine this capability across varied conditions and scenarios to assess detection segmentation algorithms of vehicle passengers and drivers. Although occupancy detection through vehicle glass could be achieved in many cases, improvements must be made to such a detection system to increase robustness and reliability as a law enforcement tool. These improvements were guided by the experimental results, as well as suggested methods for deployment if this or similar technologies were to be deployed in the future. 17. Document Analysis/Descriptors 18. Availability Statement vehicle occupancy, high occupancy vehicle lanes, high occupancy toll lanes, sensors, intelligent transportation systems, real time information No restrictions.

A well-established technique for studying pedestrian safety is based on reducing data from video-... more A well-established technique for studying pedestrian safety is based on reducing data from video-based in-situ observation. The extraction and cataloging from recorded video of pedestrian crossing events has largely been achieved manually. Although the manual methods are generally reliable, they are extremely time-consuming. As a result, more detailed, encompassing site studies are not practical unless the mining for these events can be automated. The study investigated such a tool based on utilizing a novel image processing algorithm recently developed for the extraction of human activities in complex scenes. No human intervention other than defining regions of interest for approaching vehicles and the pedestrian crossing areas was required. The output quantified general event indicators—such as pedestrian wait time, and crossing time and vehicle-pedestrian yield behaviors. Such data can then be used to guide more detailed analyses of the events to study potential vehicle-pedestria...

Real-time information on traffic conditions is vital in construction, ATMS, ATIS and other operat... more Real-time information on traffic conditions is vital in construction, ATMS, ATIS and other operational or design activities. Traditionally, at most permanent installations such information is captured by in-pavement sensors and transmitted through land based communications. However, as an alternative to the permanent sensor and camera systems, temporary detection and surveillance is often needed at construction sites, special events, or during communication/sensor failures. In such cases, there is a need for temporary, reliable, low-cost detection and surveillance. Recent advances in wireless technologies enabled development of portable detection and surveillance systems. Such systems need to detect traffic, collect measurements, capture live video and transmit this information back to the supervising station wirelessly to facilitate rapid, inexpensive and efficient deployment. However, robustness, ease of use and functionality need further improvements while cost needs to be reduce...

Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-c... more Vehicle electronic systems are becoming more complex and are assuming greater control of safety-critical functions. There is an accelerating trend toward drive-by-wire actuation of engines, transmissions, and even brakes. We may even see drive-by-wire steering in systems that, for example, take over control of the vehicle if the driver falls asleep, becomes incapacitated or cannot react fast enough to avoid collisions. Vehicles depend increasingly on computer-controlled subsystems that are much more complex than their mechanically-linked predecessors. As complexity increases, so does the chance for catastrophic failure, and usually without the warning signs (vibration, unusual noises, etc.) of impending mechanical failure. The goal of the Minnesota Department of Transportation sponsored SAFETRUCK Program is to investigate how reductions in accidents (e.g., road departure) can be achieved by integrating emerging sensing and control technologies into heavy vehicles. In this paper, the...

Highway work-zone safety is a major concern for government agencies, the legislature, and the tra... more Highway work-zone safety is a major concern for government agencies, the legislature, and the traveling public. Several work zone intelligent transportation systems (WZITS) have been developed as a safety countermeasure to warn drivers of dangerous traffic conditions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of a WZITS is diminished if the actual traffic flow conditions do not correspond with the sensor information leading to false warnings; these confuse drivers and reduce the credibility of the system, which is often ignored. This can lead to situations where drivers crash into work-zone areas because they are unprepared to stop. The national cost of crashes due to this was estimated to be nearly $2.5 billion. Such “dangerous” traffic conditions are typically characterized by unpredictable queue formations that propagate rapidly into higher speed traffic immediately upstream from the active work zone. False positives or missed warnings could be reduced if the location of queue tails in ad...

The authors of this project designed, assembled, and deployed a temporary detection and surveilla... more The authors of this project designed, assembled, and deployed a temporary detection and surveillance system to collect real-time data on traffic conditions. This information is critical in construction, Advanced Traffic Management Systems, Advanced Traffic Information Systems, and other design and operational activities. Because traditional, permanent systems collect data by sensors in the pavement and transmit it through land-based communications, this equipment is subject to failure in construction areas. Through advancements in wireless technology, the developed system integrates machine vision sensors to collect data, compress digital video for surveillance, and use wireless communications for information retrieval and remote control. This new system can be added to current installations or used to create temporary traffic monitoring systems.