ITS Teknik, a Danish company specializing in traffic safety solutions, has achieved remarkable results through the implementation of Anybus Wireless Bridge by HMS Networks. This successful partnership has fostered significant improvements in traffic flow management and greatly reduced disruptions associated with traditional data transmission methods in traffic signaling systems. The innovations introduced by this collaboration have paved the way for more efficient and cost-effective traffic management solutions, underlining the potential impact of wireless communication technology in the transportation industry.
ITS Teknik is a well-established leader in the market for traffic safety, planning, and registration solutions, with its headquarters in Denmark. The company collaborates with leading global suppliers to offer an extensive range of products, including traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), signal systems, bicycle barometers, green wave technology for cyclists, weigh-in-motion sensors, parking guidance systems, speed indicators, automated traffic controls, number plate scanners, lane signals, and dynamic message signs. The company’s primary focus is on enhancing road safety and improving operational efficiency, which is a testament to their commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions for modern traffic management challenges.
Advanced Traffic Signaling Systems
A particularly advanced product line within the ITS Teknik portfolio is their traffic signaling systems, which employ state-of-the-art radar technology from the German manufacturer smartmicro. These radar systems operate on the 24 GHz frequency range and are capable of detecting the position and speed of up to 256 objects across multiple lanes within their coverage area. The data generated by these radar systems is crucial for real-time traffic management, as it helps optimize signal control and significantly improves road safety.
However, the radar systems provided by smartmicro do not come with an integrated means of communication to transmit data back to the control cabinet, presenting a significant challenge for ITS Teknik. As Vice Director Lars Jakobsen explains, the default communication method involves using cables. For existing intersections, laying new cables is often impractical due to restrictions on excavation or the significant disruption it causes to traffic flow. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of underground conditions can result in increased costs and difficulties in providing accurate estimates to customers, further complicating the implementation process.
Transition to Wireless Solutions
To overcome these challenges, ITS Teknik turned to wireless solutions, identifying the Anybus Wireless Bridge II Serial as an effective and efficient alternative. Wireless technology allows the use of existing infrastructure, such as poles, to install radar sensors and wirelessly connect them to control cabinets. This approach not only proves to be more cost-effective and quicker but also causes significantly less disruption to traffic flow compared to traditional cable installation methods.
Introduced to this innovative solution by HMS Networks, ITS Teknik adopted the Anybus Wireless Bridge II, which is specifically designed for reliable point-to-point wireless connections. The radar sensors used for ITS Teknik’s applications rely on serial communication (RS-422), a simple yet reliable interface that is fully supported by the Anybus Wireless Bridge II. This device connects to the radar through a single serial cable that supplies both power and data transmission. A corresponding bridge is installed within the control cabinet and connected to ITS Teknik’s interface card, with the two bridges paired via Bluetooth, enabling seamless wireless communication between the radar sensors and control cabinet.
Ensuring Reliable Traffic Actuation
Jakobsen emphasizes the importance of having reliable connections for ensuring accurate traffic actuation. Determining a vehicle’s position, speed, proximity to the stop line, and the precise timing for signal changes from green to yellow to red are crucial components of traffic management. Reliable wireless communication is integral to ensuring the accuracy required for these operations, highlighting the significance of the solution provided by the Anybus Wireless Bridge II in improving traffic management systems.
The implementation has been highly successful to date, with Anybus Wireless Bridges installed in 300 intersections and supporting 800 radar units. This widespread adoption and successful integration have significantly streamlined traffic management operations across these intersections, demonstrating the practical benefits and efficiencies brought about by using wireless communication technology in intelligent transportation systems.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Despite this success, the adoption of wireless technology initially presented some challenges, such as disruptions caused by large vehicles passing and affecting the wireless signal. However, through collaborative efforts with engineers from HMS Networks, these issues have been mitigated to an acceptable level, ensuring the continuity and reliability needed for effective traffic management. This iterative process highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in developing robust solutions to real-world problems.
In its pursuit of further improvements, ITS Teknik plans to address the limitations of older control cabinets that still rely on dial-up internet, a technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete. They aim to use HMS Netbiter to remotely access traffic systems over 4G networks, enabling remote programming and monitoring. This solution will eliminate the need for physical site visits, thereby reducing both time and costs associated with on-site interventions and further enhancing operational efficiency.
Future Developments and Innovations
ITS Teknik, a prominent Danish company in traffic safety solutions, has seen exceptional results with the integration of the Anybus Wireless Bridge by HMS Networks. This collaboration has led to significant enhancements in managing traffic flow and minimizing disruptions often caused by traditional data transmission in traffic signaling systems. The advancements resulting from this partnership highlight the efficient and cost-effective possibilities of wireless communication technology in transportation.
Headquartered in Denmark, ITS Teknik is a leader in the field of traffic safety, planning, and registration solutions. They work with top global suppliers to provide a wide array of products. Their offerings include traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems, signal systems, bicycle barometers, green wave technology for cyclists, weigh-in-motion sensors, parking guidance systems, speed indicators, automated traffic controls, number plate scanners, lane signals, and dynamic message signs. With a primary focus on road safety and operational efficiency, ITS Teknik demonstrates its dedication to creating innovative solutions that address contemporary traffic management challenges.
