This article reports tests of the Remote Traffic Microwave Sensor (RTMS) with encouraging results. RTMS is a low-cost, general purpose, all-weather traffic sensor, which detects presence, and measures traffic parameters in multiple independent zones. It provides information on presence, volume, occupancy, and speed in up to eight discrete user-defined detection zones up to 60m away. It is a miniature radar, operating in either of two microwave bands, using the Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) principle. It can be mounted on existing roadside poles, is easy to install and remove, and can be programmed to support various operations. The following examples of its applications are described: (1) side-fired actuated intersection control; (2) forward-looking actuated intersection control; (3) side-fired automatic incident detection; and (4) forward-looking highway monitoring. The results of the following RTMS tests are outlined: (1) test of a permanent counting station with RTMS and loops on the Don Valley Parkway, Toronto, Canada, by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario; (2) motorway test near Aachen, Germany, by Heusch Bosefeldt; (3) comprehensive test by New York City Department of Transportation; and (4) full test by Hughes/FHWA of the performance of twelve off-road sensors of various technologies.
Abstract