EADS Defence & Security takes part in research project to improve traffic situation using mobile sensors

The concept, which uses city buses that operate in public transport networks and that are equipped with cameras and measuring instruments, was tested in early 2008 under real conditions in Berlin. The cameras can be used to spot vehicles stopping illegally in bus lanes. They also supply newly developed algorithms with the basic information needed to calculate current traffic volumes. That data can then be used by traffic monitoring centres (TMCs) for traffic forecasting and corresponding traffic management. Specially developed sensors measure temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the bus. The driver and other buses nearby automatically receive a warning if conditions are foggy or icy. The data can even be used to limit the spreading of road salt to places where it is really needed. That helps protect the environment. The information collected can be transmitted to TMCs or law enforcement authorities in real time via systems and technologies such as TETRAPOL, WiMAX, WiFi, and UMTS.

DS handled overall project management, system design, and installation of the components. Because the system works with different types of data, each requiring a different bandwidth, DS also developed special software that chooses the most appropriate means of transmission. DS also supplied a TETRAPOL standard system for the project. DS gained the expertise demonstrated during the project through many years as a partner to public transit authorities.

The systems installed during MORYNE can serve as the basis for further applications, for example, CCTV monitoring of the bus interior. Where a violent situation arises, the police can be directly contacted, thereby providing greater safety for both passengers and the driver. That could be implemented during continuation of the project with EU support.