ABI eyes real-time traffic data collection

March 16, 2006
Radar, video, and reader-based RFID technologies are all vying to replace conventional embedded loop sensors as a primary means of collecting real-time traffic data.

Radar, video and reader-based RFID technologies are all vying to replace conventional embedded loop sensors as a primary means of collecting real-time traffic data. Dan Benjamin, principal analyst in ABI Research’s transportation research practice, said in a new report (Real Time Traffic Information) that the market may be shifting toward reader-based RFID. That despite the fact that radar has been the leader in recent deployments, and video has been playing an important role.

Benjamin noted that traditional traffic sensors collect vehicle speed and incident data without relying on vehicle-mounted tags. An advanced, radar-based sensor infrastructure can count cars and provide speed information for each vehicle.

“While inexpensive compared to digital video-sensing systems, (radar-based sensors are) costly compared with tag readers,” Benjamin said. “The newest video systems aim to provide data similar to that delivered by radar. While they are not yet as accurate and are more costly, they have the added benefit of being useful for tracking vehicles and incidents through more conventional means.”

Reader systems are relatively inexpensive but are effective only in proportion to the number of cars equipped with tags, i.e., where reader-based toll collection systems are already popular.

"Traffic infrastructure, for a number of reasons, is a market we expect to grow over the course of the decade," Benjamin said. "Companies with radar-based technology such as Wavetronix, EIS and Speedinfo seem poised to prosper. But there could also be a burgeoning market here for automotive identification RFID players such as TransCore, Mark IV and Sirit."

The ABI Research study evaluates the use of cellular, satellite, RDS-TMC, VICS, DSRC and digital radio technologies for real-time traffic systems, as well as the use of embedded roadway sensors, acoustic sensors, video, radar, microwave, RFID and DSRC for collection of traffic information.

Sponsored Recommendations

Board-Mount DC/DC Converters in Medical Applications

March 27, 2024
AC/DC or board-mount DC/DC converters provide power for medical devices. This article explains why isolation might be needed and which safety standards apply.

Use Rugged Multiband Antennas to Solve the Mobile Connectivity Challenge

March 27, 2024
Selecting and using antennas for mobile applications requires attention to electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics: TE modules can help.

Out-of-the-box Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity with AWS IoT ExpressLink

March 27, 2024
This demo shows how to enroll LTE-M and Wi-Fi evaluation boards with AWS IoT Core, set up a Connected Health Solution as well as AWS AT commands and AWS IoT ExpressLink security...

How to Quickly Leverage Bluetooth AoA and AoD for Indoor Logistics Tracking

March 27, 2024
Real-time asset tracking is an important aspect of Industry 4.0. Various technologies are available for deploying Real-Time Location.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!