Introduction
The management of traffic flow and congestion is a vital feature of modern society. Consequently complex transport infrastuctures demand an array of systems to be integrated. This is the challenge Tyco Integrated Systems meets.
With all-round integration capability in providing traffic systems and solutions, Tyco is a leading partner in designing, building and maintaining integrated traffic projects. Key to these solutions is the need to operate within the UTMC common database standards to ensure the systems can integrate with other control systems that operate within the modern traffic control centre. From adding single functions to established infrastructures, to masterminding the design and installation of complex networks, Tyco seeks the optimal solution to any challenge.
UTMC
The UTMC (Urban Traffic Management & Control) programme was set up by the DfT in 1997 to develop a more open approach to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in urban areas. During the first three years, a number of research projects were undertaken to establish and validate an approach based on modular systems and open standards. These have resulted in the published UTMC Technical Specifications, which define the UTMC standards. These standards specify the structure of a Common Database and an integration framework for functions such as traffic signals, travel information services, car-park management, CCTV, etc.
Mosaic
Tyco's Mosaic IP Control system has been interfaced to a number of UTMC schemes across the country and is compatible with the open structure database that forms the backbone of UTMC operational needs. As the roads and other public transport routes get more congested, there is a growing need to manage the demand and congestion more effectively. It is much cheaper to manage the use of the existing road network than to build new roads.
Over the years, a number of different strategies and policies have evolved:
• Manage demand and congestion more effectively;
• Influence decisions of how and when to travel, and by which route;
• Improve priority for buses and other public service vehicles;
• Provide better and safer facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users;
• Minimise delays for pedestrians and bus passengers;
• Reduce vehicle emissions and noise;
• Restrain traffic in sensitive areas;
• Improve safety.
The national Urban Traffic Management & Control (UTMC) programme provides standards-based interconnection between traffic management components from different manufacturers. This gives operators a wider choice of interchangeable products and a common database and control system for integrated traffic management.
There are two aspects to CCTV functionality within a UTMC systems; providing data in the format specified by the CCTV Data Object for inclusion in the UTMC Common Database (CDB) and exposing functions that can be used to view and control cameras within the UTMC management system. Mosaic provides dynamic CCTV data for inclusion in the CDB, including the identity and location of each camera and a continuously updated snapshot image from the camera.
Mosaic also exposes interfaces that can be used to select and control cameras by UTMC-compliant management systems.
The use of CCTV greatly enhances the ability of a traffic control centre to deliver the above, bringing benefits to all road users by ensuring consistent journey times, improving the reliability of public transport and making the best use of the resources available. The integration of Mosaic into the UTMC systems has simplified the operational demands of the control centres, allowing events to trigger camera selection for example.
Further developments of Mosaic are planned to increase the functionality of the UTMC integration, bringing additional benefits and flexibility to the system.
