15 May 2008
EADS Defence & Security (DS) has helped to devise a concept for bettering overall traffic situations. The idea involves a network of sensors mounted on public transportation. The results of the EU-funded research project, dubbed MORYNE (enhanceMent of public transpORt efficiencY through the use of mobile seNsor nEtworks) were recently announced by the members of the consortium. A total of eleven companies and organisations from Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain collaborated on the project.
The concept, which uses city buses that operate in public transport networks and that are equipped with cameras and measuring instruments, was tested in early 2008 under real conditions in Berlin. The cameras can be used to spot vehicles stopping illegally in bus lanes. They also supply newly developed algorithms with the basic information needed to calculate current traffic volumes. That data can then be used by traffic monitoring centres (TMCs) for traffic forecasting and corresponding traffic management. Specially developed sensors measure temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the bus. The driver and other buses nearby automatically receive a warning if conditions are foggy or icy. The data can even be used to limit the spreading of road salt to places where it is really needed. That helps protect the environment. The information collected can be transmitted to TMCs or law enforcement authorities in real time via systems and technologies such as TETRAPOL, WiMAX, WiFi, and UMTS.
DS handled overall project management, system design, and installation of the components. Because the system works with different types of data, each requiring a different bandwidth, DS also developed special software that chooses the most appropriate means of transmission. DS also supplied a TETRAPOL standard system for the project. DS gained the expertise demonstrated during the project through many years as a partner to public transit authorities.
The systems installed during MORYNE can serve as the basis for further applications, for example, CCTV monitoring of the bus interior. Where a violent situation arises, the police can be directly contacted, thereby providing greater safety for both passengers and the driver. That could be implemented during continuation of the project with EU support.
DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of €5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.
Contact:
| Susanne Hartwein |
Tel.: +49 (0)731 392-1757 mailto: susanne.hartwein@eads.com |
