Traficon - Video Detection Solutions for Traffic Data Acquisition, Automatic Incident Detection and Intersection Presence Detection

Based on technology developed by the University of Louvain in 1982, Traficon's continuous research has resulted in powerful solutions for traffic applications.

Today, Traficon is the leading reference in traffic detection based on video image processing. Traffic managers all over the world use our technology for vehicle detection, traffic data acquisition, automatic incident detection, and intersection control and management in motorway, tunnel, bridge and urban applications.

As an ISO9001:2000 certified company, Traficon strives to meet its customers' requirements by delivering reliable high quality products, tailor-made solutions and experienced project support.

Multi-application video detection systems

The Traficon video detection system is fast, flexible and reliable. Its multi-functionality makes it the perfect traffic measurement system for a wide range of traffic applications, including ramp metering, travel time calculation, dynamic speed indication, queue tail monitoring, congestion monitoring, tunnel access control, ventilation control, rerouting, VMS-control, dynamic queue indication during road works, and dynamic lane opening or closing.

Video image processing for traffic monitoring

The key factor in a Traficon detection system is the video image processor (VIP), a standard detector board on which several types of detection software can be run. The video signal from the camera monitoring the traffic is used as input for the detection unit.

Detection zones are superposed onto the video image. Vehicles crossing these zones are detected. The VIP analyses the video images to generate traffic data and alarms. Communication interfaces link the Traficon video detection product range with different types of communication networks: direct line, telephone lines, fibre networks and wireless communication. On the host computer at the control centre, the Traficon management system (TMS PC software) monitors the video detection systems, handling TCP/IP communication and database storage of data, alarms and images.

Traffic sensors for motorway applications

Traficon detectors provide standard traffic data to be used for statistical purposes.

Automatic incident detection: fast detection of stopped vehicles, wrong-way drivers or queues speeds up intervention and thus saves lives.

Flow monitoring: congestion in large metropolitan areas continues to increase and limit mobility. Accurately monitoring the average flow speed helps to distinguish different levels of service. Other applications are queue monitoring during road works and calculating travel time, based on flow information from the VIP detectors.

Incident detection for tunnel safety applications

Effective tunnel incident management completely depends on fast incident detection and verification. Through real-time analysis of camera images, Traficon's tunnel incident detection module can detect all major incidents within seconds including stopped vehicles, wrong way drivers, queues, pedestrians, smoke, slow moving vehicles and fallen objects. This short detection time and fast incident verification reduces the impact of the incident and prevents secondary accidents.

Urban applications: presence detection and flow monitoring

The VIP provides information on the presence of vehicles approaching or waiting at the intersection and provides all standard traffic data.

One of the main advantages of using video detection to monitor heavily travelled intersections is the possibility of remote control. From their desks, traffic managers can monitor traffic data and alarm events, execute a complete set-up or modify detection zones via a standard web browser or PC client software.

Integrated video sensors for intelligent pedestrian detection

Traficon also provides intelligent pedestrian detection sensors to better protect the most vulnerable road users – both for pedestrian waiting and pedestrian crossing detection. These pedestrian presence detectors focus on more efficient and safer crossings at intersections and better protection of mid-block crossings e.g. near schools, shopping centres and hospitals.

Also, by detecting waiting and crossing pedestrians and, at the same time, managing and controlling traffic lights more dynamically, they reduce unnecessary delays to both pedestrians and motorists.

Traffic monitoring experience

• Traficon has more than 25 years' experience in the field of traffic vehicle detection
• 20% of sales are re-invested in development, the core R&D being image detection
• Traficon has more than 75,000 detectors operational worldwide
• More than 25,000 TrafiCam vehicle presence sensors operational in over 60 countries
• Traficon has installations in over 400 tunnels
• More than 600km of tunnels worldwide are equipped with a Traficon AID system
• Traficon has more than 70 highly qualified and dynamic employees

Video detection references

• Implementation of 1,400 automatic incident detection modules in 22 tunnels in the Paris region
• The longest European tunnel (Fréjus Tunnel, France) dealing with heavy traffic
• The longest and widest tunnel in the Middle East (Beirut Airport Tunnel, Dubai, UAE)
• ITIS project: 850 VIP detectors for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• More than 1,500 vehicle presence detection modules in Colorado Springs (USA)
• Olympic Games contract for automatic incident detection in Athens (Greece)