|
Operations & Intelligent Transportation Systems Research> Enabling Technologies | Travel Management > Publications
Enabling Technologies Team
The Enabling Technologies Team researches, tests, evaluates, develops, improves, and integrates fundamental technologies that will enable the deployment of advanced ITS and operations systems, such as vehicle-infrastructure collision avoidance systems. For example, traffic sensors are an enabling technology because without them advanced traffic control systems would not have adequate traffic data to make accurate adjustments in traffic control logic. Global positioning systems (GPS) are another enabling technology. Without GPS interfaces, vehicles would not have a positioning reference (that is, know where they are on the roadway), which would affect collision avoidance systems and their accuracy. Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), an enabling communications technology, will be the foundation for the next generation of vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems.
Enabling Technology Team members and responsibilities
Related research publications
Some recent research products and programs are summarized in the table below. A more detailed listing of the research projects can be found in the RD&T FY 2006-2007 Performance Plan.
| Products and Programs |
More Information |
Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance Systems (CICAS)
Design, develop, and test prototype collision avoidance systems that support the USDOT ITS CICAS initiative. Partnerships with automobile manufacturers and State DOTs are being used to meet the goals of the program. Following testing of prototype systems, field operational testing of CICAS systems will be conducted. |
Contact:
Gregory Davis
CICAS Web site |
Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC)
These standards will provide a reliable and flexible communications system between vehicles and the infrastructure to support current travel management applications, as well as the next generation of vehicle infrastructure cooperative systems. |
Contact:
James Arnold |
Intelligent Intersection Traffic Control Laboratory (IITCL)
An outdoor facility that supports various FHWA and USDOT research programs, such as CICAS and VII initiatives. The lab serves as a testing ground for intersection-related research projects and as a place to integrate and demonstrate advanced technologies. |
Contact:
Peter Huang
IITCL Web site |
Mobility Applications for Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII)
This project will identify promising mobility applications that will be enabled by the anticipated VII infrastructure. Candidate applications will include innovations of current services and technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, and new concepts that use vehicle control technologies to achieve significant mobility improvements. |
Contact:
Bob Ferlis
VII site
|
Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS)
Provides accurate positioning and location information to travelers with 1- to 2-meter accuracy (and possibly better in the future). This will enable improved collision notification systems, cooperative vehicle-highway collision avoidance systems, and more accurate in-vehicle route guidance systems. |
Contact:
James Arnold
NDGPS Web site
Publications |
Real-Time Linux® Operating System for Advanced Traffic Controllers
Portable Linux real-time operating system to advanced transportation controllers to support the faster detector polling and information processing required for CICAS and VII research. |
Contact:
David Gibson |
Rural ITS and Weather
Cities and rural areas have different traffic and safety issues to handle. While cities deal with rush hour almost every day, rural areas may have only occasional periods of congestion. Nevertheless, rural traffic operations centers with video surveillance cameras, variable message signs, roadway weather information systems, sensors, and automated weigh-in detection can improve safety, incident detection and response, and the efficiency of highway operations.
The team is working to enhance weather information systems for traveler information and to develop a Maintenance Decision Support System for improved winter weather system operation. |
Contact:
Rudy Persaud
Publications:
Collaborative Research on Road Weather Observations and Predictions by Universities, State DOTs and National Weather Service Forecast Offices, September 2004, FHWA-HRT-04-109
Road Weather Management Summary |
Traffic Detector Handbook
A comprehensive reference document to aid the practicing traffic engineer, planner, or technician in selecting, designing, installing, and maintaining traffic sensors (in-roadway and over-roadway) for signalized intersections and freeways. Topics covered include sensor technologies, sensor applications, in-roadway sensor designs, sensor installation techniques, and sensor maintenance practices. |
Contact:
David Gibson |
Work Zone ITS for Crash Avoidance
Develop an operational concept for work zone crash avoidance and test the concept using a driving simulator. Develop and test hardware requirements for several types of sensor applications in the field. Develop prototype sensors and systems and conduct a demonstration at the DaimlerChrysler Corporation’s proving grounds. The final report for this research project and the video of the demonstration are available upon request. |
Contact:
Peter Huang |
|
