Video detection methods have had to develop as rapidly as traffic flow to deliver the performance required for current and future applications. They now offer sophisticated capabilities to improve traffic analysis and safety. This article describes some of the systems and equipment developed by Traficom during recent years. Their applications, developed since 1987, include video detection technology for data acquisition, automatic incident detection, and traffic management in urban, tunnel, and motorway applications. In 1992, it began to introduce its CCIDS (Camera and Computer aided Incident Detection Sensor) product line to improve traffic safety. In 1996, its CTRACK (Computer Tracking sensor) line enabled the detection of stopped vehicles outdoors. In 1997, it devoted more attention to data handling as part of traffic management, and developed its Wide Area Traffic Telematics Server (WATTS) Windows NT software to manage traffic data. Other recent products include variable message sign (VMS) panels to indicate queue location and its VIP3 vehicle prescence detector for use with a video camera. Traficom's collaboration with authorities and companies in different European Union (EU) countries has increased the possibility of reaching a shared Intelligent Transport System (ITS) vision for Europe.
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