Automated Traffic Stopped Delay Data Acquisition

The traffic stopped delay algorithm rapidly determines the stopped delay of the traffic (which is the time each vehicle is stopped in the queue of a lighted intersection) from the video feed provided by intersection cameras. This information is traditionally gathered manually and used for operational analyses of the intersection and to obtain the level-of-service ranking. Traffic control software is used to optimize the delay times at an intersection through indirect measurements such as vehicle-presence detection and volumetric flow rates. This technology can obtain delay data in real-time thus allowing it to be incorporated into traffic control software and allowing delay times to be optimized directly.

General Information

Stopped-delay is used for operational and environmental analysis of an intersection. It determines the level-of-service of an intersection which is a determining factor in decisions to adjust or improve an intersection. Stopped delay is also what is being dynamically optimized by control systems at an intersection through signal actuation. This data is traditionally gathered by two engineers counting cars every 15 seconds for 15 minutes which is labor intensive making multiple observations not practical.

By using video images of an intersection provided by a traditional camera, this algorithm is able to determine how many vehicles are in the approach of the intersection and for how long each individual vehicle is stopped, which allows the stopped-delay times to be quickly obtained for the intersection. This method does not use simulation and therefore is actual empirical data, rather then a simulation that relies on assumptions and national averages that may not adequately model the driving conditions of the area.

Three methods to determine the delay times have been developed and incorporated into the algorithm, with each type excelling at different camera orientations—allowing for a wide range of orientations to be accommodated.

The Market

By using the existing cameras at an intersection and our technology, manual data-gathering can be eliminated. This simplifies the Highway Capacity Analysis Method and will provide more accurate results with less man-hours. This type of data also inherently reflects all the variables affecting the drivers, making it much more thorough.

This program can obtain stopped-delay information in real time which then could be used in dynamic optimization of an intersection. Signal control programs used for dynamic optimization can only use indirect methods, such as vehicle detection and flow rates, to optimize delay times. However, by adding stopped delay data to the control program, the delay time could be then optimized directly, making it more efficient which would help alleviate traffic congestion.

Inventor(s): Dr. Mitsuru Saito, Dr. Alan Zundel, William R. Hereth

Type of Offer: Licensing



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