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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Evaluating the Performance of Traffic Detection Devices - Continuation of Task 1559

Efficiently managing and operating California’s highway system requires round-the-clock reliable and accurate information on traffic speed and flow. This information is derived from data collected throughout the state by vehicle detection devices, which California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) obtains from various vendors. However, the devices do not always perform exactly as advertised. Testing often reveals that vendors’ accuracy claims are overstated or based on ideal conditions measured during the middle of the day when the devices are easiest to check manually. Under less ideal conditions, such as twilight, fog, poor weather, and traffic congestion, they might have problems with accuracy. For example, the detector might “see” vehicles that are not actually present—false positives—or not see vehicles that are—false negatives. Caltrans designs traffic facilities based on 24/7 operations, so it needs the capability to evaluate the performance of roadside vehicle detection devices in all sorts of situations to ensure that they are accurate at all times and recalibrate them as needed. For the best results, this testing should take place in the field under real-world conditions for at least a 24-hour, 7-day period of time. The VideoSync system consists of both hardware and software, each of which can be used independently. The software syncs loop, radar, and other detector data with video and provides graphical and statistical tools for "ground truthing" the detector.The associated hardware aids in collecting field data and can be used as a stand-alone surveillance system C1 Reader is the hardware device that plugs into log 170 or 2070 controller and reads data, acting as a server to client software Videosync. Videosync is a data collection client, reporting tool and data validation tool. The deployment of this tool makes more sense on a large scale with a central or multiple large nodes serving a data collection points (mysql db servers) with multiple c1 reader devices. The main uses of the hardware and software package could be used like the portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) database but inside the cities like at intersections in support of connected vehicle or smart infrastructure. The other use is of course to help in troubleshooting and testing of current and future detecting technologies. This tool could be used in the field right when ready after the construction of intersections or troubleshooting intersections since when ready it can provide real time detections with reasonable small delays of a few seconds