Intelligent transportation system (ITS) specialist Traffic and Parking Control Co. (TAPCO) is partnering Bosch to integrate its AI-driven video-as-a-sensor technology into ITS applications.

Through the partnership, TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert Systems have been updated with Bosch technology featuring edge-enabled video analytics for roadway incident detection.

The integration of Bosch intelligent ITS cameras provides real-time triggers to activate TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert Systems when a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction is detected. Engineered to fit any ramp configuration, TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert Systems flash warning alerts to capture the wrong-way driver’s attention and encourage self-correction. These flashing alerts can be LED-enhanced BlinkerSigns, beacons or LegendViz internally-illuminated signs. If the driver does not self-correct and continues down the ramp, a second layer of alert communications can be triggered via TAPCO’s BlinkLink smart city software platform. 

“Wrong-way driving collisions aren’t the most frequent, but these collisions are often fatal, so we have made it a focus to constantly push the boundaries of technology used in our Wrong-Way Alert Systems to help stem the tide of these events,” remarks TAPCO’s Vice President of Innovation, Morgan Marks.

Previous generation Wrong-Way Alert Systems have relied on thermal technology. According to TAPCO, Bosch AI-powered wrong-way vehicle detection is more accurate. The cameras deliver high-level accuracy, while ignoring disturbances caused by headlights, extreme weather, sun glare or vibration. These disturbances are nearly eliminated to provide the precision detection necessary for ITS safety applications, such as alerting drivers of vehicles traveling against the flow of traffic. The analytics processing is at the edge, in the camera, with no central server required, providing high reliability and the lowest possible latency for detection alerts.

“When a wrong way driving event is detected, immediate action is needed to stop the driver and avoid accidents,” said Lewis Stallworth, Business Development Manager – Smart Cities, Bosch. “The instant detection provided by Bosch cameras enables fast and accurate responses to these incidents to enhance safety for roadway users.”

BlinkLink is able to capture images and video of each wrong-way event and provides the functionality to stream live video on the ramp. BlinkLink can send real-time wrong-way event notifications, including image capture, to a traffic management centre and/or enforcement agencies via cellular modem or fiber networks. The system can also be configured to trigger overhead message boards or send in-vehicle alerts to connected vehicles, warning right-way drivers of the danger ahead.